Yellow and white daisies dotted the dune fence making for an unconventional yet charming aisle along the sands of Gooseberry Beach one August evening, setting the tone for seaside nuptials with festive flair. Jennifer Cicilline, daughter of J. Clement (Bud) and Kathleen Cicilline of Newport, had known her groom, Kirk Vidotto, from their days at Rogers High School. ?He was the surfer guy. I was the runner jock type,? she explains. ?The two worlds never collided.? Not until years later, when a night on the town reunited the once-casual friends. One dance led to another, and as local favorites The Ravers crooned out tunes, the two became inseparable.


Kirk, son of the late Carol Romaine of Newport and Guiseppe Vidotto of Italy, gave Jennifer even more cause to celebrate when he asked her to be his wife on her birthday. Nearly one year later, the couple exchanged vows at the Atlantic?s edge at the private beach club. Both outdoor enthusiasts, Jennifer and Kirk knew marrying with the sand between their toes was befitting to their lifestyle. ?We have always loved the ocean and never considered any other spot.?


As a light drizzle dissipated, the clouds parted and the intimate ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, unfolded. Jennifer, radiant in an apropos tea-length gown with a draped champagne sash at the waist, carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas which grew as her many nieces and nephews handed her more florals along the way. It was a celebration of family as the bride?s twin sister, Amy, served as maid of honor and their uncle, John H. Rollins, officiated the ceremony.


Following the ?I do?s,? guests retired to Gooseberry?s event facility and found their way to the assigned tables, each aptly named for some of Kirk?s favorite surf spots. Traditional New England clam chowder was the perfect answer to the unseasonably chilly summer day, followed by a buffet from the sea including mussels, little necks and lobster. Yellow roses adorned the sweetheart table in gracious memory of Kirk?s mother Carol, as yellow was her favorite color.


Though a light rain began to fall outside, it was of no worry to the guests dancing indoors or the newlyweds. Says the bride, ?I?m a superstitious girl. And I like the old saying ?You can?t untie a wet knot.??


A December honeymoon took Jennifer and Kirk to Italy, and included two special stops. The first to Kirk?s father?s home for some time spent with family; and the second, a Catholic blessing of the marriage by Kirk?s uncle, a priest in Venice. Following their globetrotting, Jennifer, an RN, and Kirk, a Spanish teacher at All Saints Academy, settled into their home in Middletown.?AM

• Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids? Gowns: David?s Bridal, Warwick
• Photographer: Christopher Parker, Newport
• Rings: Belden Jewelers, Warwick
• Hair, Nails and Make-up: Ki-Ra Salon, Newport
• Desserts: Fatulli?s Bakery, Middletown
• Caterer: McGrath Clambakes, Newport
• Flowers: The Water?s Edge Flowers, Newport
• Reception: Gooseberry Beach, Newport
• Wedding Night Stay: OceanCliff, Newport
• Ceremony Music: Chelley Smith and Bill Cote
• Reception Music: Rhythm Productions, Newport

Its here! The 2007 Newport Wedding Magazine will be released at our Newport Bridal Show. Whether you are recently engaged or just need a few final details to complete your wedding planning, The Newport Bridal Show is the bridal event you won't want to miss. We have over 80 vendors this year, two locations, transportation provided between Rosecliff and OceanCliff from Viking Trolly and Rockstar Limo. Get your 2-for-1 tickets now when you preregister online.

After choosing your nearest and dearest to be your bridesmaids, remember to keep their comfort level in mind so they can happily support you on the big day. Thanks to Jim Hjelm, Bill Levkoff, Watters & Watters and more, gone are days of poofy taffeta prom-style dress and high fashion frocks abound. Before recklessly choosing a dress that looks fabu on the model in the magazine, think about the varying body types in your bridal party and what will flatter them most. If half of your galpals will be self-conscious in strapless dresses, defer to a style that will have them walking down the aisle in confidence. Consider your locale when it comes to color. Many Newport brides celebrate our island?s greatest attribute- the sea, by choosing bridesmaids dresses in cool blues and seafoam greens. Hydrangeas bloom throughout in Newport, making for inspiring color palates that can be accentuated in your wedding?s floral design. Once a decision is made, bring your floral designer fabric swatches from both the bridesmaids? dresses and your gown so they can work with coordinating shades and make your wedding a stunning event to be remembered.