"When I was a child summering in Newport, I used to say how much I loved Johnny's, and how when I grew up, I wanted to get married there," says newlywed Catherine Whelan Fallon. Residing in New Jersey, Catherine and Danny hit the road to see if the old Johnny's was as Catherine remembered, "and it was! I was going to have the wedding I had always imagined." Now dubbed Atlantic Beach Club, the restaurant still is affectionately called "Johnny's" by a host of Newport locals. Catherine, daughter of Patricia Shea Whelan, formerly of Newport, and Stephen J. Whelan (the couple presently resides in New Jersey as well), spent a little more than a year planning a seaside affair that would radiate simple elegance. Decisions were made from afar, with multiple trips back and forth from the Garden State to the City-by-the-Sea, but perhaps the easiest decision of all was the Italian satin ballgown Catherine fell in love with. "It was the gown I had pictured as a child," gushes the bride. "As a teen I used to draw how I wanted the gown to look, and this one was almost an exact match." On an early spring afternoon, family and friends gathered at Channing Memorial Church to witness Catherine and Danny exchange vows. When the church doors flung open, the newlyweds made their debut amidst a sea of celebratory bubbles. Soon after, guests converged on the ballroom of the beach club festooned with red and ivory accents. The party went well into the night, and revelers left with a bit of Newport know-how. "Part of our favors included the history of Atlantic Beach Club," Catherine says. "Our guests were excited to read the fascinating story."-AM

• Photographer: Perspectives Photography, Bellingham, MA
• Transportation: Touch of Class Limo, North Attleboro, MA
• Make-up and Hair: Wave Lengths Salon & Spa, Newport
• Cake: Katrina's Bakery, Newport
• Caterer: The Atlantic Beach Club, Newport
• Flowers: Broadway Florist, Newport
• Rehearsal Dinner: LaForge Casino Restaurant, Newport
• Bride and Groom Wedding Accommodations: Spring Seasons Inn, Newport
• Out-of-town Guest Accommodations: Comfort Inn, Middletown
• Best Western Mainstay, Newport

Tommy Bahama shirts and home-style barbecue were two of Erin O'Gara and John Dollard's nuptial must-haves. The couple first met in the Big Apple and eventually, ended the distance between them. "It was the luck of the Irish," Erin says, "for the two of us to end up coincidentally at an Irish sports bar in the city!" Only four months after their first date at O'Brien's Pub, John made the permanent move to Newport. Both worked in the hospitality industry; John at The White Horse Tavern, and Erin as the dining room manager at the Atlantic Beach Club before she took on her current position as development director for Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol Counties in Portsmouth. Following their wedding at Acoaxet Chapel in Westport, Massachusetts, the newlyweds joined friends and family at the nearby Westport Yacht Club. The reception showcased the couple's shared passion for both elegance and simplicity. "We wanted a quaint and quiet location," Erin says, "a wedding where everyone would be comfortable." And the couple did not disappoint. "Our invitations stated: 'casual, comfortable, summer attire - flip flops encouraged.' People called us and actually asked us if it were a joke that they didn't have to 'dress up'!" The reception was a relaxed one as people sat out on the boat docks, listened to music and enjoyed the views of the water. The newlyweds' most cherished moment? When "Never Alone," by Sara Evans and Jim Brickman was sung by the bride's sister, Patricia Micili, in memory of their parents, Ray and Judy O'Gara. Following a restful honeymoon, the couple returned to their home in Newport.-DC

• Bridal gown and bridesmaids' dresses: Alfred Sung, Weddingbelle NYC, Warren
• Rings: Fall River Pawn Shop, Newport
• Invitations: Paper Packaging & Panache, Bristol
• Flowers: Stop & Shop
• Hair: Creative Edge, Riverside
• Hair: Creative Edge, Riverside
• Caterer: Becky's BBQ, Middletown
• Cake: Carol's Cakes, Tiverton
• Officiant: Rev. Robert Hollis
• Ceremony music: The Wedding Package, Colchester, CT
• Reception entertainment: Louie Lehman & Cheap Sneakers

This is the original Newport Bridal Show back again to help Newport Brides like you plan the wedding of your dreams! Anyone can host a bridal show, just like anyone can plan wedding--but you are not just anyone! You are a Newport Bride and that's special, so we have Newport's leading wedding professionals to guide you through the intricacies our island home can offer. On February 9, 2008, Newport Life Magazine will present its 6th annual "Newport Wedding Bridal Show" at the equally stunning Rosecliff and Oceancliff mansions. Fashion shows will feature the latest in fine bridal wear, including gowns, bridesmaids attire and formalwear in both traditional and contemporary styles. If you already have your countdown rolling and need to tweak a few extra details for the final day, or if you're newly engaged and just excited to begin the party planning, this show's for you! Come and join us between 11 and 4 p.m. for complementary hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and an abounding number of bridal exhibitors. For advance tickets and more information, call (401) 841-0200.

Looking for a quick and easy way to keep your wedding budget at bay? Don't eat too many candy canes in the next few weeks! Seriously speaking, alterations are a cost many brides forget to account for in their budget. Taking up a hem and creating a simple bustle are expected expenditures, but letting out a dress, especially after it is close to complete, can run into some serious dollars. Your bridal salon associate will be able to guide you when it comes to which designers run true to size, and which ones notoriously run smaller than average street sizes. Listen to their advice, even if you have to order a size much larger than normal. After the dress comes in, depending on the fit, you might have to have a series of fittings. Most seamstresses will schedule a final fitting 2-3 weeks before the big day. That's no time to start turning to food as a stress-buster. Make exercise a priority in your schedule, and stick to it- even a mini- workout on the morning of your wedding, if you squeeze it in, will start the day off on the right foot!

Looking for more motivation to keep off the holiday pounds? We found great tips that even our staff here at Newport Wedding Magazine is willing to try this month.

8- Steps to Surviving Holiday Weight Gain
How and why we gain weight

Good Luck!