Valentine's Specials that Pamper

Are you ready to be pampered? Newport area businesses are offering some Valentine’s weekend specials, including facials and makeovers. Time to relax and de-stress from all the wedding planning. This is also a great opportunity to talk with potential makeup artists and hairstylists for your wedding while experiencing their talents firsthand.

Tip from the pros:
Maura Hession, Makeup Artist, recommends a consultation for hair and makeup at least one month prior to the wedding.

Check out these Valentine’s specials:

Friday, February 12, 2 to 7 PM
Enjoy a free half hour mini-facial with Murad skincare expert Vicky Nawoichyk and/or a free bareMinerals application from a professional bareMinerals team member at The Apothecary Newport Skincare & Makeup, 6 Broadway, Newport, RI. Call 401-324-6253 to make a reservation.

Saturday, February 13, and
Saturday, February 20, 10 AM to 4 PM
Maura Hession is partnering with Maureen Gomes at Salon Nuvo, 1151 Aquidneck Rd., Middletown, RI, to offer bridal hair and makeup consultation for $99.00. Call 401-847-6886 to make an appointment.

Receive a complimentary makeover with $30 purchase at Cosmetic Cosmos, 387 Thames Street, Newport, RI. Contact store for details.

Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Maura Hession.

Natural Look -- Makeup Trends for 2010 Newport Brides

So how many magazines have you gone through to find the right hairstyle and makeup for your wedding day? When I was planning my organic wedding a couple of years ago, I remember going through dozens of magazines and browsing websites trying to find a natural look. Imagine my surprise when I learned the natural look is popular in 2010.

I contacted some local makeup artists to get some information about trends they are seeing among Newport area brides. Here’s what they have to share.

“The trends in hair and makeup seem to be soft waves, unfussy updos and almost bare skin with a hint of color,” says Maura Hession, Makeup Artist. “Hair extensions have become very popular too.”

“I have found more and more brides requesting a fresh, natural look with perfect, glowing skin, minimal make-up and false eyelashes for accent," says Sherry Brice of Cosmetic Cosmos. “The colors are being kept very soft with paler pinks and corals.”

Look for my next blog that will list some Valentine’s specials for those who want to get pampered.

Photo courtesy of Maura Hession.

Romantic Inn

Looking for accommodations for out-of-town wedding guests, morning-after breakfast or a honeymoon?

When I first read about the Cliffside Inn in Newport, I was excited to learn they serve an afternoon tea – I love afternoon tea. Their tea is named one of the 20 best afternoon teas in America according to the book The Great Tea Rooms of America. However, you have to be a guest to get the tea service. I also love that most rooms have a whirlpool tub and all rooms have a fireplace. This was enough to convince us to book a night. We went last weekend.

Each room has its own unique look with antique furniture and paintings by Beatrice Turner. You can learn more about Beatrice on the website. We stayed in Adele's room. The room features a two-person whirlpool tub, queen size, hand-carved bed and wood burning fireplace.

In addition to a delicious, complimentary afternoon tea and breakfast, morning coffee/tea room service, bottled water, tea, fire logs and DVD library are included! Plus, the staff provided excellent customer service. Needless to say, we will go back again.

Another great aspect of this inn is that the famous Newport Cliff Walk is a block away. We enjoyed a nice early evening walk along the ocean. Downtown Newport and the beaches are just minutes away as well.

I could see this inn being a great place for out-of-town wedding guests with a morning-after breakfast or honeymoon.

Know of any other romantic inns in the area? Please share.

Chocolate!

One of my favorite things to do when I’m in Newport is to buy chocolate! Not just any chocolate but a passion fruit dark chocolate from Laurent Vals Handcrafted Chocolates located at Newport Chocolates. Known as passionata, the website describes it as dark chocolate covertures enhanced with actual gold leaf and filled with a tropical burst of passion fruit infused ganache. It tastes as great as it sounds.

What I love about these chocolates, in addition to the incredible flavor, is their artistic design. They almost look too good to eat. They are elegant and make great wedding favors. Being a supporter of local businesses, I highly recommend locally made chocolates for wedding favors.

I first sampled passionata in May 2009 at a chocolate and wine tasting at Ferns and Flowers in Warwick, RI. I was hooked. I bought a chef’s selection box of chocolates for my mom for Mother’s Day. She loved them too.

If you get a chance to try a passionata or any other chocolates from Laurent Vals, please let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Passionata photo courtesy of Luarent Vals Handcrafted Chocolates.

2010 Bridal Shows

Happy New Year! So how many of you became engaged in December 2009? December is the most popular month for engagements. Congratulations!

I’m starting a list of upcoming bridal and wedding shows in Newport County and Bristol County. I plan to add any bridal trunk shows as well. Enjoy!

Sunday, January 10
Newport Wedding Showcase
Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
11 AM to 5 PM

Saturday, February 13
Bride on a Budget
Jacky's Galaxie Restaurant & Wedding Banquet, 383 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI
11 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, February 20
Newport Bridal Show
Rosecliff and OceanCliff Mansions, Newport, RI
11:30 to 4:30 PM

If you learn of any other local wedding shows, please share.

Southern New England Bridal Expo

If you are going to be in the area on Sunday, January 3, 2010, stop by the Rhode Island Convention Center for the 16th annual Southern New England Bridal Expo. According to their website, there will be over 140 wedding professionals and two fashion shows plus giveaways.

Several Newport area wedding professionals will be attending, including the following:

• Newport Wedding Trolley
• Rockstar Limo
• Jennifer Neves Photography
• Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa
• Newport Yachting Club

The expo runs from 10:15 AM to 5 PM. Download a $3 off coupon from Southern New England Bridal Expo.

Please stop by to visit me, AffordableGreenWeddings.com, at booth 119A.

If you do attend the expo, please share your experience with us.

Happy New Year!

Non-Traditional Wedding Venues

I’m really excited to be working with a couple who is planning a non-traditional, green wedding. They want an outdoor ceremony and reception on a farm.

Non-traditional wedding venues are the current trend for today’s bride. A farm is among the many locations you can choose from including, vineyards, museums, oceanfront rentals, historic buildings, parks and more.

In doing my research, I discovered that Newport and surrounding areas have a variety of wedding venues to cater to the non-traditional couple, including the following:

• Colt State Park Chapel by the Sea, Bristol, RI
  
• Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth, RI
  
• International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, Newport, RI
  
• Sakonnet Vineyards and Winery, Little Compton, RI
  
• Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown, RI
  
• The Meeting House, Tiverton, RI
  
• Wetherledge, (described as an elegant summer estate built in 1889 with views of Narragansett Bay) Jamestown, RI

The above list is just a sampling of all the great wedding venues in the area.

Where are you getting married?

photo courtesy of Greenvale Vineyards