Living in Newport means salt air, gorgeous overlooks of Narragansett Bay, and plenty of old school charm -- the house across the street from us was built in 1730 and our road is cobblestone! The greatest part about having your wedding in any historical city is being able to embrace and showcase the past!
And that's where the Newport J-House comes in! Originally a deck house aboard the America's Cup yacht Shamrock V, this antique has been beautifully repurposed as a mobile club house! The original Shamrock V was a project commissioned by Sir Lipton Thomas, yeah, that would be the owner of Lipton Tea, in 1929 and made her sailing debut in 1930. It was the first J-Class yacht, hence the name Newport J-House, to be commissioned and built in the UK.
The Newport J-House's website boasts, "it is a mobile land yacht without the sails." How FUN and perfectly "Rhode Island" would it be to have part of a J-Class yacht as a lounge, a service bar, or even just a great place for pictures?! Sailing is a special part of Newport's history and being able to incorporate this piece of nautical history into a wedding is memorable by any means!
All pictures are curtousey of Newport J-House's Facebook page. All booking contact information is found on the Newport J-House website.
Showing posts with label wedding planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding planning. Show all posts
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Thankful For Bridesmaids
Choosing bridesmaids is an
important and fun part of the wedding expereince. They will be so helpful during the planning process. From picking the right colors to keeping you sane, your bridesmaids are your support system!
What better way to say thank you, than with a special gift. After all it wouldn’t be your perfect day without them!
Give something your bridesmaids can use again. Every time they accessorize with it
they’ll be sure to think of you and the amazing time they had on your wedding day!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Breast Cancer Awareness Inspiration
Here at Couture Parties we love anything pink and this month
we have an amazing reason to promote everything pink! October is National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is a time to bring attention to the
many organizations working to find a cure and to stop and think about what we
can do to help. To kick off National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month we have created a wedding inspired by this
important cause. From décor to favors to the bride and groom’s attire we’ve got
it all!
Pink flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding and these escort cards are perfect! The escort cards are picked up by each guest and the pink ribbon is a nice reminder for guests and a great way to incorporate awareness into the event.
Bright colored shoes under a wedding dress is a fun new trend that can easily be tied into Breast Cancer Awareness by throwing on some fun pink shoes! Other pink accessories, maybe some jewelry or a headband, can contribute to the theme.
This bow tie from Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont is perfect for the groom and his groomsmen. There are other pink options on the website if you want the guys to have a variety of bow ties (they also come in neckties) for the cause! There are many variations of the pink ribbon pins and they can be used in a bunch of different ways. One really nice way of using this symbol is pinning it onto the bride's bouquet. It could also be worn by the men in the bridal party instead of boutonnieres. Any way you use it will look excellent, so get creative!
A dessert table is the perfect spot to create a Breast Cancer Awareness display. There are tons of great ideas for sweets and treats that use the pink ribbon, pink frosting, and slogans to promote awareness for this cause! For more information on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month head over to their website!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Father-Daughter Dance
With Fathers Day coming up this weekend (hint: you have just enough time to get Dad something if you have not already), it was only fitting to write about some ideas and songs for your Father/Daughter dance, and how to make your dance with Dad, memorable!
Slow things down, keep it simple. Some brides are not the biggest fan of being center of attention so making the Father/Daughter dance an easy, slow song helps take off the pressure. Plus, you don't need much coordination to make a slow song work beautifully! Photo courtesy of Karen Wise Photography
You don't have to be 100% serious during your dance! Funny can be heartfelt! It all depends on the relationship you have with your father, grandfather, brother, or whoever is sharing this dance with you. Photo courtesy of Wesleyann Photography The most important part is that you enjoy those few minutes with your dance partner.
One of the biggest concerns is choosing a song. Try asking Dad what he likes, if he has any preference at all! Maybe he has a song picked out, or he knows a song that you used to listen to with him when you were younger. If you want it to be a surprise, look through his music collection and get some ideas that way! Looking up songs on the internet is a great way to get ideas, but it seems everyone has the same list of "unique" songs. Different is great, but meaningful is even better!
If you do need some ideas, you can check out the list the Huffington Post put out in December of 2012 here! While listening to Pandora radio on shuffle I heard some great songs such as:
George Strait "Love Without End, Amen"
Ray Lamontagne "Let it be Me"
I found this to be the best way to choose a song you wouldn't find suggested on any internet list!
True, Dad may not be your dancing partner, but the same guidelines apply to any special dance. Whether you're dancing with a brother, cousin, grandparent, mother, sister, etc., try to keep in mind what they will be comfortable with!
Slow things down, keep it simple. Some brides are not the biggest fan of being center of attention so making the Father/Daughter dance an easy, slow song helps take off the pressure. Plus, you don't need much coordination to make a slow song work beautifully! Photo courtesy of Karen Wise Photography
You don't have to be 100% serious during your dance! Funny can be heartfelt! It all depends on the relationship you have with your father, grandfather, brother, or whoever is sharing this dance with you. Photo courtesy of Wesleyann Photography The most important part is that you enjoy those few minutes with your dance partner.
One of the biggest concerns is choosing a song. Try asking Dad what he likes, if he has any preference at all! Maybe he has a song picked out, or he knows a song that you used to listen to with him when you were younger. If you want it to be a surprise, look through his music collection and get some ideas that way! Looking up songs on the internet is a great way to get ideas, but it seems everyone has the same list of "unique" songs. Different is great, but meaningful is even better!
If you do need some ideas, you can check out the list the Huffington Post put out in December of 2012 here! While listening to Pandora radio on shuffle I heard some great songs such as:
George Strait "Love Without End, Amen"
Ray Lamontagne "Let it be Me"
I found this to be the best way to choose a song you wouldn't find suggested on any internet list!
True, Dad may not be your dancing partner, but the same guidelines apply to any special dance. Whether you're dancing with a brother, cousin, grandparent, mother, sister, etc., try to keep in mind what they will be comfortable with!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wedding Cake Trends 2013
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| Button Cake |
Tropical cake flavors have been showing up everywhere! Coconut and pineapple are the favorites that I have seen.
Love this look! The ombre has been showing up in fashion, hair styles, and now cakes. What a delicious way to bring pops of bold color to your reception!
I've noticed ruffles have become a popular way to dress up a cake and give it texture without making it look messy. I love both ruffle styles, the white ruffled cake on the left is from Confectionary Designs in Newport, RI and shows a bit more elegance, while the right is playful and fun with its pink stacked ruffles!
Cupcake tower? Don't mind if I do! The only issue that arises from this set up is because the cupcakes are smaller than cake slices, guests tend to take more than one. Not that I would blame them!
Chocolate is a great cake flavor, and an even better canvas. Not all cakes have to be white to give a traditional feel! The dark and light contrast give these cakes an even richer feel.
Left Mocha Chocolate Right Chocolate with Sugar Flowers
Color dosen't have to be bright to be bold! Statement flowers and soft pastels are back this year and are dressing up smaller cakes to look bigger, and possibly more delicious?
Left Mint Color Cake Right Pink Peony Cake
You don't have to have a cake at your wedding. Martha Stewart is known for showing couples how to pick a cake-alternative dessert. Just look at the grand dessert buffet on the left holding everything from French macaroons to a fruit topped cheesecake or her layered cake-shaped chocolate truffle tower! Both are delicious ways to have dessert without having the traditional cake.
Cake trends for 2013 weddings don't end here, but I'll let you search them out for yourselves, and possibly taste-test a few, too!
Labels:
favorite things,
Newport Wedding,
wedding planning
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Modern Belle Mer Wedding
M & S are seriously in love! This couple was so beautiful inside and out. Their August Belle Mer wedding was a bit of modern with tradition added to the day. The food, music, decor planned with so much thought and heart for their guests. Take a look at this beautiful day!
isn't this dress to die for! Oscar De La Renta beauty.
these kids loved their job, so cute!
just as seagulls were flying over!
Vendor Credits:
Wedding Planner/Designer Couture Parties
Venue/Catering Belle Mer
Photographer/Videographer Armor & Martel
Florist Stoneblossom
Band Rare Form
Linens Rentals Unlimited
Ceremony Music Shilakowsky
Cocktail Hour Music Jason Roseman
Lighting Ormonde Productions
Officiant Mike Egan
Cake Newport Sweet Shoppe
Transportation Viking Tours
Makeup Jennie Kay
Hair Wavelengths
Friday, November 30, 2012
Newport, RI Dog Friendly Hotels
Photograph by Kristin Spencer
Your dogs are an important part of your life, so why wouldn't you want to include them in your big day. We love helping you welcome your four legged friends into your wedding. Luckily, Newport, RI has an abundance of dog-friendly hotels that will accommodate you and your dog while you enjoy your time here. We have researched around the area and found some great hotels and bed & breakfast's that you and your dog will love! *of course please check with each hotel for guidelines, as they vary.
Americas Cup Inn
Beach Tree Inn and Cottage
Cooney Cottage
Forty 1º North
Hyatt Regency
Inn on Bellevue
Mill Street Inn
Murray House Bed & Breakfast
Pelham Court Hotel
Poplar House
The Inn at Washington Square
Vanderbilt Grace
The Victorian Ladies Inn
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Clambakes at Castle Hill
We all dream about having our wedding at Castle Hill in Newport. The views, the food, the service, the accommodations...did I mention the views?! New to Castle Hill this year is a traditional clambake pit! In Newport, it is very tough to have a traditional clambake on the beach, unless it is a private beach. It may not be an actual beach, but Castle Hill is bringing the traditional lobster bake to their lawn!
They are hosting three traditional clambakes at Castle Hill that are open to the public on July 19th, August 23rd, and September 20th. The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvre at 6:30pm near the new clambake pit, 7:15pm unveiling with a brief presentation from Chef Karsten Hart, followed by a “family style” service clambake in the tent. The cost of the clambake is $95.00 pp plus service charge and tax.
Can't make it to these events? Perhaps you could consider this new traditional lobster bake for your Rehearsal dinner for your Newport Wedding? It is a great way to incorporate that Newport charm for your guests.
They are hosting three traditional clambakes at Castle Hill that are open to the public on July 19th, August 23rd, and September 20th. The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvre at 6:30pm near the new clambake pit, 7:15pm unveiling with a brief presentation from Chef Karsten Hart, followed by a “family style” service clambake in the tent. The cost of the clambake is $95.00 pp plus service charge and tax.
Can't make it to these events? Perhaps you could consider this new traditional lobster bake for your Rehearsal dinner for your Newport Wedding? It is a great way to incorporate that Newport charm for your guests.
Please direct all reservations to Anthony Boi aboi@castlehillinn.com & Rebecca Campagna rcampagna@castlehillinn.com 401.849.3800
Labels:
Newport Wedding,
rehearsal dinner,
wedding planning
Monday, January 30, 2012
2012 Wedding Trends
The Knot has posted their predictions for the 2012 wedding season. What do you think? Are you planning on having any of these be a part of your wedding day?
Here’s a look at the top 10 wedding trends for 2012:
- “Snow White” Wedding Dresses: Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.
- Enchanting Flowers: The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy filmThe Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.
- Watercolor Designs: On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!
- The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties: Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.
- The Bombshell Bride: Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.
- The Panoramic Wedding Portrait: Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.
- Ritzy Ranch Weddings: The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.
- When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers: When it comes to wedding videos, it’s not something brides are watchingafter the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.
- Long Sleeves & Lace: Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.
- Mega-Moons: Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot.
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