Stylish elegance fused with playful artistic sensibility for the wedding of Christy Amlicke and Justin Tarducci. The couple first braved a blind date their junior year at the Rhode Island School of Design, and on November 24, 2004, the day before Christy's birthday, Justin proposed. Christy, daughter of Thomas and Susan Amlicke of Larchmont, New York, and Justin, son of Vincent and Sarah Tarducci of Newport, exchanged personal vows on the ocean-side lawn of the Eisenhower House. A traditional New England clambake followed the ceremony, and guests enjoyed lobsters, cocktails, and jazz under the sunset of the late summer evening. A shared flair for design led the couple to plan a white and green themed celebration with an additional eclectic accent: orange Mokara orchids. "The effect of the bursts of orange was gorgeous," Christy says. "It made the tent glow!" The vibrant orchids speckled each table and heightened the already rich appearance of the cake, a decadent hazelnut cappuccino confection finished with chocolate ganache frosting. Orange place cards, menus, and sentimental photo cubes created by the bride also adorned the table settings. The bride appeared in a champagne-colored silk faille gown, a creation by renowned Parisian designer Catherine Puget, and was complemented by the rest of the artistically inspired décor. "It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It made me feel fabulous." Following the wedding, the newlyweds ventured on a quiet honeymoon to New Hampshire. Christy, an interior decorator and graphic designer, and Justin, glassblower and co-owner of Anchor Bend Glassworks, currently reside in Middletown.-JS

• Photographer: Ludwig Photography, Saunderstown--CLICK ON IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS
• Bridal Gown: Catherine Puget, L'Elite Bridal Boutique, Boston, MA
• Tuxedos: Robert's Tuxedo, Middletown
• Rings: Portobello Jewelers, Newport
• Transportation: Moonlight Limousine, Middletown
• Nails: Star Nails, Middletown
• Makeup and Hair: Revive Hair Salon, Portsmouth
• Cake: Confectionery Designs, Rehoboth, MA
• Caterer: McGrath Clambakes, Newport
• Flowers: Clements Market--Terri Pantini, Portsmouth & Kaipu Designs, Little Compton
• Ceremony Music: The Island Players, Newport
• Entertainment: Sound Waves, Newport
• Officiant: Rev. Charles and Rev. Cheryl Cavalconte, Bristol
• Rehearsal Dinner: Kempenaar's Clambake Club, Middletown
• Bachelor and Bachelorette Party: Skydive Newport

Soaking in a perfect summer day aboard the Free Spirit, a 41' Tartan party boat, Jamie Martel and Michael Healy, then strangers, spent the afternoon stealing glances from across the schooner. Months later, while dining with a friend at Café Zelda, Jamie ran into Michael, living in Newport by way of County Cork, Ireland. "This is when I say we officially met," says Jamie. "We drank beers and things progressed from there." Pursuing a master's degree took Jamie to Melbourne, Australia, but the couple reunited and years later, were engaged. Following an afternoon wedding at Emmanuel Church, friends and family of the newlyweds gathered at the Newport Yachting Center for a waterfront reception. "It was right on the harbor, with marina and water views in the foreground and the Newport Bridge in the background," Jamie recalls, adding that the couple also anticipated an exceptional sunset to cast over the harbor at dusk. The reception was nothing but smooth sailing after the couple surprised guests by arriving via boat. Global jetsetters from Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, England, Poland and Australia flew in for the occasion; while the domestic contingent, from Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and areas of Delaware, California, Colorado, New York and Vermont, did not disappoint. "We were delighted that people traveled from near and far," says Jamie of their well-traveled guests. The couple spent their honeymoon taking in Nantucket and Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and are planning a European getaway this year. They both live and work in Newport.- AM

• Photographer: Suzanne Manchester, Newport--CLICK ON IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS
• Bridal Gown: Pronovias, Bridal & Gift, Attleboro, MA
• Tuxedos: Mr. Tux, Providence
• Transportation: Newport Wedding Trolley and Old Port Launch Service
• Nails: Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Newport
• Makeup and Hair: Ki-Ra Salon, Newport
• Cake: Cappuccinos, Middletown
• Caterer: Blackstone Caterers, Middletown
• Flowers: Laurie Marshall Designs, Narragansett
• Invitations: Signatures of Newport, Middletown
• Rehearsal Dinner: Café Zelda, Newport
• Bachelor Party: Schooner Madeleine and Busker's Pub, Newport
• Accommodations: A Viewpoint, Newport