If inspiration and genius are one and the same, as French poet Victor Hugo suggested, then Julie Rodrigues struck gold when she walked through the doors of The Platinum House jewelry store on Thames Street. Months earlier, Rob Rodrigues, son of Richard and Brenda Rodrigues of Portsmouth, had asked for Julie?s hand in marriage during a routine coffee-and- Ocean-Drive outing, one of their favorite pastimes. Not until a visit to The Platinum House, in search of necklaces for her eight bridesmaids, did Julie see the vision for the wedding. ?I wanted [the necklaces] to be the perfect mix of classy yet trendy,? says Julie, ?something they would keep forever.? Designer Angel Gonzalez found the perfect pearls in Arizona, and the two created double- strand, green coin pearl necklaces for the attendants. ?Everything was planned around these necklaces, from the ties, to the table linens,? says Julie. ?I had the flower girl?s dress and ring bearer?s tie specially made from sage green silk fabric to match. Those necklaces were the start of the focus for the entire wedding.? Sage green became the pièce de résistance throughout, seen on all the stationery, cake detail and boutonnieres, made from green cymbidium orchids. A second-generation Newporter, Julie, daughter of Nadine and Michael J. Costa, Sr., ensured every out-of- towner received a taste of the couple?s hometown. Welcome bags filled with Julie and Rob?s favorite ?Newport things,? including chips and salsa from Tito?s Cantina, a bottle of Newport Vineyards wine, Newport Chocolates, and salt-water taffy, were delivered to guest rooms at area hotels. On the eve of the big day, loved ones gathered for a rehearsal dinner at Sardella?s Restaurant, an appropriate choice as the couple?s first date transpired at the Italian eatery nine years prior. ?The night would not have been complete without topping it off with passed espresso martinis,? says Julie, ?to toast the very special people in our life, at a very special place, with a very special drink.? The next day, nerves were quelled as both bride and groom surrounded themselves with their nearest and dearest. ?It was so fun and relaxing being with the ones you love and who love you,? reflects the bride, recalling the time spent with the mix of family and friends. On the arm of her father, Julie sauntered down the aisle at St. Joseph?s Church; the church she?s attended since childhood. After the ?I do?s,? the newlyweds were ready to celebrate at Eisenhower House, where a 5,000-square-foot tent awaited. Guests sipped apropos green apple martinis on the lawn and migrated to the tent, festooned with more than 100 rice paper lanterns, for dinner. The festivities continued throughout the night, and well wishers enjoyed a dessert buffet with coffee and after dinner drinks, plated cake, chocolate fountain and boxed cake, appropriately labeled ?Sweet Dreams.??AM

• Bridal Gown: Cinderella?s Bridal Boutique, Warwick
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Alexandra's Bridal Boutique, Fall River
• Tuxedos: Viking Tuxedo, Middletown
• Rings & Bridesmaid Gifts: The Platinum House, Newport
• Wedding Planner: Normandin Event Professionals, Boston
• Rehearsal Dinner: Sardella?s, Newport
• Flowers: Sayles Livingston, Little Compton
• Hair: Jessica LaGrandeur, Providence
• Makeup: Meredith LeBlanc, Newport
• Nails: Star Nails, Middletown
• Ceremony/Officiant: St. Joseph's Church / Fr. John Lavin, Newport
• Caterer: Blackstone Caterers, Middletown
• Cake: Selena?s Sweets, Narragansett
• Transportation: Viking Tours Wedding Trolley, Newport
• Tent: Newport Tent Company, Portsmouth
• Tent Décor: Exquisite Events, Newport
• Entertainment: Studio C Band, Boston
• Videographer: Bellevue Productions, Newport
• Photography: Krista Handfield, Providence
• Wedding Night Stay: OceanCliff, Newport
• Out-of-Town Guest Accommodations: OceanCliff, Newport
• Honeymoon: Secrets Resort, Mexican Riviera

The champagne has been popped, dinner served and- gasp! Who?s hands have been all over the cake?!?! Parents can only be so many places at once, and whether or not you choose to invite children to your wedding, consider the overall experience for you, parents and your invited guests as well. ?Unexpected guests? sharing the floor during your first dance might be adorable to the mommy and daddy at table five, but may not be quite as romantic as you envisioned; and your work buddies that got seated next to a table of unattended tikes might not be inclined to stay much past dinner. Hiring a professional babysitter to either be at the reception or to keep the kids entertained back at a hotel can be one of the best laid plans to ensure a smoothly-run wedding day. Newport is home to 2 premiere babysitting services dedicated to providing enriching, fun-filled professional care while you and your new hubby dance the night away stress-free. Newport Babysitting Services and Newport Nannies offer activities for children including games, arts and crafts, and educational programs. Newport Babysitting Services delights in creating themed children?s events including Sea Shells By The Sea Shore, Beach Buddies (with a live sea creature touch tank), Princess and Princes, Bring In The Clowns, Insects with Eric Carle, and Pirate Treasure Hunts. Just think- the kiddies might walk away with the best wedding weekend memories without even having a piece of cake!