Hey Rhody Weddings February 2023

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Historic Inn with Colonial Cha

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Have your wedding at The General Stanton Inn in Charlestown, one of the oldest Colonial inns in America. The inn sits on 6 acres with stone walls and manicured gardens. Each of the 14 beautiful bedrooms feature private baths and bedding with fine linens and sumptuous comforters.

Five dining rooms and a tavern serve exceptional, fresh farm-to-table cuisine. We host indoor and outdoor weddings. The garden gazebo will make a most memorable wedding picture.

KEY WEDDING FEATU ES

1740 Colonial Inn

Private 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house for the bride to prepare for her day

14 guest rooms for the wedding party and family

Indoor seating capacity for 100

Outdoor seating capacity for 300

Parking on-site for all guests

Photo by Derek Hogan, courtesy of Jackie Paiva

News & Life

Advice & Style

Food & Drink

46 Confections perfect for party favors and sweethearts

48 RECIPE: An East Side restaurant-inspired sous vide steak dinner pour deux

50 EXPERIENCE: Lavish breakfast in a snug Watch Hill setting

Goods & Gifts

58 SHOP: Heart-shaped gifts made for Galentines

60 FASHION: Stunning jewelry designed expressly for men

62 RHODY READS: Books with local ties for the reader in your life

64 CALENDAR: Your “I do” must-do’s

65 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A colorful mosaic from local Instagrammers

On the Cover: The Newport engagement session of Zack Chelo and Paige Zuckerman. Photography by Nicholas DelGiudice.

Photo by Lucio Andreozzi Foto, courtesy of Bevi e Vivi

Photo by Katie Karlberg Photography

Photo by Kayla Aucoin

TIME FOR LOVE!

CONTRIBUTORS

CALLIE BISSET

Permanent jewelry and mobile flower trucks are two trends we knew would be interesting to anyone planning a wedding. Writer Callie Bisset reports her findings on each in “Forever Linked” (page 28) and “Petal Power” (32). Bisset lives in Smithfield with her husband and kitten and by day handles social media for Brown & Hopkins Country Store in Chepachet.

MEAGHAN D’ABROSCA

As the owner and lead photographer of Rhode Tripper Photography, an alternative wedding and elopement photography company, Meaghan D’Abrosca was the perfect person to tap for info on unexpected event venues, which she shares in “Beyond Ballrooms” on page 14. She lives in West Warwick with her husband (and second photographer) Evan, and their rescue pups.

HUGH MINOR

For over two years Hugh Minor has been curating and writing Rhody Reads. This month’s picks revolve around the theme of love and include some justreleased novels and a poetry book, all with local links (page 62). When his nose isn’t in a book, Minor enjoys checking out coffee shops around the state – as pictured at Rise ‘n Shine Coffee Bar, Providence.

MEGAN SCHMIT

Who better to assign a cover story about planning the big day than our own former managing editor, the engaged Megan Schmit. In “Wedding Season” (page 34), find four distinct events, each planned to showcase the beauty and bounty of RI in the time of year in which it was held. When not planning her own nuptials, find Schmit sampling new restaurants with her fiance.

Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief

Elyse Major

Editor

Ken Abrams

Digital Media Manager

Sascha Roberts

Advertising Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

February

General Manager & Creative Director

Nick DelGiudice

Managing Editor

Abbie Lahmers

Senior Editorial Designer

Abigail Brown

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Lisa Watson

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Photographers

Brittany Adams

Photography

Lucio Andreozzi Foto

Derek Hogan

Katie Karlberg

Photography

Molly Lo Photography

M Studios RI

Move Mountains Co.

Contributing Writers

Kayla Aucoin

Callie Bisset

Meaghan D’Abrosca

Patty J

Karen Kalunian

Interns

Hannah Goldman

Looking for an internship?

Theresa Oliver

Crystal Papino

Rhode Tripper

Photography

Stacey Smith Photography

Whitney & Matsaya

Willow Photo Co.

Andrea E. McHugh

Hugh Minor

Liz Murray

Megan Schmit

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

Distribution

STOCKING: Rue De Seine, Louvienne, Lovers Society, SAINT, Rime Arodaky, Dany Tabet, Alyssa Kristin, Alyne by Rita Vinieris

Photographer: This Modern Romance

Photo by Whitney & Matsaya, courtesy of Lovely Bride Providence

All Dressed Up

The cake’s been ordered, menu sampled, and “it” band booked – but what to wear?

By Andrea E. McHugh

Once upon a time, shopping for a wedding dress was a special, if not subdued happening – perhaps a mother-and-daughter afternoon excursion. Over the past 15 years or so, however, it’s turned into a ritual, often with an entourage of bridesmaids in tow, hoisting numbered paddles to rate the looks and “I said yes to the dress!” signs that are an Etsy lover’s dream.

Why all the hoopla? Well, it’s a once-in-alifetime happening (ideally) that, for many, has been on hiatus. “After being remote for the past two years, experiences are coming back,” explains Angela Greene, store manager at recently opened Lovely Bride in downtown Providence. It’s the 20th location of the national franchise, which was created to meet a middle space between luxury bridal boutiques and bridal store chains with mass-produced products. “We like to say we’re an inclusive, but exclusive, indie bridal shop,” explains Greene.

Wedding dresses there range from $2,000$6,000, with the majority falling between $2,500 and $4,500, and unlike many bridal boutiques, Lovely Bride offers inclusive sizing to make gorgeous gowns accessible to a range of brides. “The truth is, the average American woman is a size 16, not model thin, and the average-sized bride in New England is between a 16 and a 22,” explains Greene. “Traditionally, when you go to a regular bridal shop, their sample sizes are usually a size 6 or 8. We wanted to get away from that because not everybody’s a model walking down the runway in Paris or New York. Real women are getting married, and they want to feel special, and they want to go to their appointments and feel seen and included.”

Greene lived in New York for a decade before moving back to Southern New England, and says there is a definite aesthetic predominant in the region. “It’s the clean classic look that we specialize in,” says Greene, without the frills and lace. Rhode Island coasts also influence the predominant looks: “We’re seeing a lot of that boho chic vibe – a bohemian modern playful look.”

Christina Melfi, an assistant buyer and floor

manager at Alexandra’s Boutique in Fall River, Massachusetts agrees that “clean” – meaning unfussy dresses without lace, sequin, and other details – is one of the leading trends in bridal fashion today. “Fabrics can include a mikado, chiffon, silk, or crepe – anything that’s just clean. It can be classic or boho; it just depends on what material it is.”

Alexandra’s is one of the largest full-service wedding dress boutiques in New England and sells 3,000-4,000 wedding dresses

annually, according to Melfi. When buying from designers and attending fashion shows, they look for dresses that will align with their local customer demand.

“We need to have an emotional reaction to it,” explains Melfi.

In addition to a clean look, Melfi says she’s seeing some of the trends of the ‘90s and early aughts coming back into fashion, pointing to puffy sleeves and “pick ups,” a style that creates a gathered or cascading look designed

A range of gown styles at Alexandra’s Boutique

Photo courtesy of Alexandra’s Boutique

to flatter the bride’s torso and waistline. “A lot of designers are creating their own modernized version of it, because a lot of brides just don’t like a lot of volume,” says Melfi.

Designer and boutique owner Andi Burr opened her first Love Bird Bridal Shop location in Newport more than a decade ago. Today, she has locations in Mystic and Branford, Connecticut, and a reopened shop in Newport, while her gowns and veils are carried in a handful of boutiques in the US and Canada. She describes the blend of her designs and other like-minded designers she carries as a thoughtfully curated collection for the modern romantic. “Our gowns are a touch of timeless with a hint of boho,” she says, adding that every piece she carries is handmade in North America.

Burr’s dress collection, made from Spanish stretch crepe lined in stretch silk charmeuse, features clean lines, romantic touches, and flattering cuts. “The entire collection is modular. Each bodice style has a first name, and each skirt style has a middle name. Brides have the ability to choose their bodice, their skirt, and their details like lace, buttons, and train length.”

Newport-based wedding and event planner Sherri Klein advises brides to have their venue confirmed before starting their dress search. “I recommend the bride’s wedding gown have the same vibe and the same cohesive look that coincides with the venue,” explains Klein. She also advises brides to order their dress anywhere from eight months to a year from their wedding date as one shouldn’t risk material shortages or shipping delays, plus, a bride needs to allow ample time for alterations.

As for what styles are already trending in 2023, Burr says she’s seeing a ton of dresses with intricate but detachable sleeves, removable overskirts, and dramatic veils, in addition to high slits and bridal pantsuits. “I have been seeing a resurgence of brides who are opting for a two-style look, rather than two dresses… something that differentiates their ceremony look from their reception look is key. I love a good reception reveal!”

Pampered Paws

Show your pooch love by getting groomed at a Charlestown business with a legacy of care

By Belinda Jones

RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: WENDY

By Karen Kalunian

Wendy recently had puppies and now she’s ready to move in with a loving family of her own. This fun-loving “wiggle butt” is a five-year-old mixed breed with a shiny black-and-white coat and sparkling brown eyes. She likes walks on a leash, sits pretty for treats, and craves companionship. If canine love is what you’re seeking this February, a visit with Wendy is sure to steal your heart! Contact Heart of RI Animal Rescue League at 401-467-3670 or visit their website at HeartOfRI.org for more adoption information.

If you have been thinking of adopting or know of an animal in need please contact Karen directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com

A few years ago David O’Connor would have dismissed dog grooming as a “boujie” indulgence. This booming industry only caught his eye when a single mother posted in a neighborhood group urgently needing a space to continue her work.

“I studied public community service at Providence College, so I was keen to help,” says O’Connor. “In my research I found Charlestown’s PAWS Pet Grooming was going to close after 13 years – I didn’t want their community legacy to end, so I became the new owner.”

Thirty-year-old O’Connor’s dedication to running a socially conscious business kept him off the payroll for three years; only last year

did he begin to draw a salary. “During the pandemic I became aware of people being forced to choose between grooming their pet and feeding themselves, or skipping coat maintenance appointments resulting in painful matting for their dog,” he says. “We launched a pay-whatyou-can program and one woman broke down crying in relief, while another chose to pay it forward, covering the full price of her dog’s grooming, and then contributing $20 to help the next person in need. I believe people are inherently generous, given the opportunity.”

Not only does PAWS help clients and offer free grooming to local animal rescues, but the groomers also benefit from the process.

“Many of the people drawn to this profession have overcome great challenges. Even an entry-level position as a bather has therapeutic properties. I also endeavor to create a calm, kind, inclusive work culture. People have enough stress in their own lives,” shares O’Connor, who wants to ensure their work environment isn’t a source of that stress.

O’Connor now has newfound respect for the industry and the dog-human bond. “For the past six years, my sister and I have been co-fostering a Pit Bull mix named Sidney,” he says. “She has her own fears and anxieties, but last winter when I was running an emergency homeless shelter, she offered great comfort to

Photo courtesy of PAWS Pet Grooming

A pup gets the spa treatment at PAWS Pet Grooming

Planning on walking down the aisle with your four-legged friend? Make sure Fido looks fetching, too, by booking an appointment at PAWS Grooming for a bath and trim!

the people there – so much so that now two of them walk her on a daily basis.”

O’Connor’s goal is to open a series of grooming salons across Rhode Island, and he’s looking for dog-savvy partners, as well as local farmers or environmental groups interested in utilizing dog hair for composting.

“I understand how much love people pour into their pets. I want to extend that love into our whole community so that we can all feel more connected.”

PAWS Pet Grooming

3810 Old Post Road, Charlestown 213-6525 • PawsGrooming.org

Photo courtesy of Rhode Home Rescue

Beyond Ballrooms

The owner of Rhode Tripper Photography shares her top picks for unexpected wedding venues brimming with atmosphere

By Meaghan D’Abrosca

For the couple that wants to exchange their vows in a less traditional setting that celebrates their shared interests or state love, Rhode Island has plenty of unexpected venues ready to host your special day in style. Here’s six of my favorite quirky, historic, and downright beautifully unique places to say “I do.”

BOTANICAL OASIS

Plant parents – this one is for you! There’s a good chance you’ve visited the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park but may not have realized you can get hitched among the lush flora. With four greenhouses, including the massive glass and steel conservatory, this venue delivers on botanical vibes year-round. There are options to host up to 170 guests in their indoor and outdoor spaces. The best part? You can totally go minimalist with your decor and let the space speak for itself, or go big with the greenery theme incorporating floral and patterned linens, or even throw in some disco balls. Pro v idence, RogerWilliamsParkEvents.com

The Botanical Gardens at Roger Williams Park

P hotos (top) by M Studios RI, (bottom) by Rhode Tripper Photography

Hope Events on Main

COASTAL CHARM

Looking for coastal views with private-home feels? Dragonline Studios is a historic site on the coast of Jamestown – right next to Fort Wetherill State Park – that comes complete with panoramic ocean views and private beach access. With a recently refurbished artist’s studio building and about four acres of land for a larger tented reception, you can take in the view of Aquidneck Island across the bay soaking up the ocean breezes. This blank-slate property requires rentals for four nights, so you’ll have private access to create your dream wedding weekend for you and your guests. Jamestown, Rental.DuncanLaurie.com

ARTSY INDUSTRIAL

Inside the converted mill building housing Pawtucket’s popular Hope Artiste Village, the arts space doubles as the Hope Events on Main venue, with features both fanciful and fun. The ceremony occurs right in the halls of the artist studios, and then the reception unfolds in a spacious open room with red brick walls, tall ceilings, and tons of natural light. But the best part is cocktail hour, which you can host on the third floor in – drum roll, please – a restored 1920s duckpin bowling alley and bar! Talk about a fun and nontraditional way to entertain your guests. Pawtucket, HopeEventsOnMain.com

RUSTIC FARMLAND

This destination is for the couples who love the country vibe but are looking for something a little more elevated than the traditional barn venue. While Bristol’s Mount Hope Farm does have a beautiful barn – boasting a gray-shingled exterior and wooden interior – the difference is in the region’s signature farmcoast features. Whether electing use of the Cove Cabin for more intimate weddings or a ceremony and tented reception (with the option of chandelier lighting in the evening) on the water, distinctly Rhode Island scenery will backdrop your vows in a stunning way. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org/weddings

BOOKISH APPEAL

Built at the turn of the century, the event space at the Providence Public Library comes with all the exquisite historic touches you could hope for: original marble and hardwood flooring, glass cabinetry with old books and artifacts, a huge open atrium with ornate detailed arches, and an enchanting staircase to make your grand entrance or have a first look with your betrothed. It’s perfect

for book lovers, antiquarians, or even couples who want to express their home city love into their big day, right in the heart of downtown Providence. Morins.com/Pro v idence-Public-Library/

PASTORAL VINEYARD

A newcomer to the wedding scene in South County, Shepherd’s Run is the definition of bucolic elegance. This estate winery, inn, and wedding venue sits on a renovated historic manor in South Kingstown. With options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions, you and your guests can sip wine and congregate in rooms that exude

New England charm, on the terrace surrounded by manicured lawns, in a vast event hall with high vaulted wood ceilings, or under a sailcloth tent decorated to your heart’s desire. Think early 1900s luxury with understated modern touches and amenities. South Kingstown, Shepherds.run

Looking for advice on how to customize your special day or a photographer to capture it in creative or alternative ways? Make an appointment with Rhode Tripper Photography at RhodeTripperPhotography.com

P hoto (top) by M Studios RI, (left) by Katie Karlberg Photography, (right) by Molly Lo Photography

Mount Hope Farm

Providence Public Library

Shepherd’s Run

Five Truths of Dating After Loss

We all enter marriage with a forever mindset. Many relationships end because of either divorce or loss of a spouse through death. We are all made for relationship and our physical and mental health improve dramatically when we share our life with a special someone. Isolation and loneliness come with health risks that affect your immune system, depression and stress.

1. Admit to yourself that you are prepared to start dating again. Give yourself time to grieve the loss of a spouse, but also know when it is the right time for you to take the first step forward.

2. This is a time to reacquaint yourself with fun activities you used to enjoy and the opportunity to try something new.

3. Be prepared to bring someone new into your life. Think about

introducing the new person to your children, family and friends. Make sure you have a strong support system that will encourage you and lend an ear when needed.

4. Continue to take time for yourself. Practice self care such as exercise, meditation and a healthy diet.

5. You can enjoy your life and grieve the loss of a loved one simultaneously. Give yourself permission to do this. Realize that moving forward will include times when you move both forward and backwards. Be kind to yourself and take adequate time to heal.

Get Ready To Date introduces clients over 40 who are looking for a second chance for love. This is an easy, effective way to meet relationship minded, financially stable single adults. Debra offers a complimentary consultation to her clients. Services

include relationship coaching, an image consultation as well as matchmaking. Clients meet the first time at a high end restaurant and spend time getting to know each other. As a boutique matchmaker Debra takes time to learn what each client is looking for in their next relationship.

Rosie and Jay are two such clients, both in their 70’s. Their first date was at Pizzico on the East Side of Providence. They were as nervous as high school kids on a first date. After a three hour dinner they started dating and seven months later are deliriously in love. They celebrate every 28th of the month, the date of their first meeting. They take time to surprise and delight each other with dining at an exotic eatery, enjoying a Broadway show, or a horse drawn carriage through Central Park. Both were ready to let love enter their lives again and are experiencing a new level of joy and happiness.

Reach out to Get Ready To Date at 401-289-0900 and let 2023 be your year to find love again.

Crafters to the Rafters

Craftland celebrates 20 years as a home for art and handmade crafts

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By James Baumgartner, Luis Hernandez

For 20 years, Craftland has featured the work of artists and craftspeople in its small shop on Westminster street in Providence. It started as a temporary holiday art show and store, before the term pop-up shop was even popular. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Margaret Carleton, one of the store’s founders, and Deb Dormody, who has been involved with the store since its earliest days.

LUIS HERNANDEZ: I wanted to start by asking you: how would you describe to anybody who’s never been there, what is Craftland? What is it today?

MARGARET CARLETON: This is Margaret. It’s a lot. It’s a lot of color. It’s a lot of craft. It’s a lot of art on the walls, all merchandise together. And it’s the work of 120 artists. Most of them are local. We have a really wide range of things. We have a lot of ceramics, beautiful, beautiful ceramics, handmade jewelry. We do have T-shirts that are silk-screened by artists. We have a lot of letterpress paper goods or printed paper goods, letterpress cards, housewares. It’s a pretty special way to get a connection to the community that we come from, and the community and Rhode Island and Providence in general.

DEB DORMODY: This is Deb. As Margaret and the Craftland team describe it: it’s “crafters to the rafters.” It is floor to ceiling filled with crafts, lots of bright colors. And, you know, I think what makes it special is that most everything in there is handmade. That’s pretty unusual for any store these days. And you know, and I think previously, in its newer days, especially as a year round store, people when they’re getting a sense of it would say oh, like a brick and mortar Etsy. And we, you know, would kind of be a little bit indignant about that, because we started three years before Etsy existed. So, you know, we’re originals in that way.

HERNANDEZ: You are the OGs.

DORMODY: That’s right.

JAMES BAUMGARTNER: Craftland was a pop-up

store before that was even really a thing. What was the inspiration to create the first Craftland show?

CARLETON: I was talking with a good friend of mine, Johanna Fisher. And we were very inspired by all the artwork that just craft and DIY stuff that we were seeing in Providence. The printmaking scene was really exploding. There was Fort Thunder, the Dirt Palace, just collectives making art and individuals making really interesting art. So we were really inspired by it and wanted to create a place to share it with the wider community.

DORMODY: The punk, do it yourself scene was kind of a way to help spread the word of what was happening kind of in a national way for what was going on. Because there wasn’t a way to access that information through other channels in, you know, in other mediums. And so Craftland, was sort of at the beginning of this burgeoning movement of like a new wave of craft. There wasn’t even a phrase called pop-up at that time. You know, I think that kind of came on a couple years later. And so that also meant that when we were popping up, that we are creating everything from scratch, we created the – we made the furniture, Margaret really made a lot of ridiculous furniture every single year. But even just like the plug-and-play services that exist today of building a website, or running a credit card machine, we would learn lessons like oh, crap, it’s two days before the store is opening, and we need a landline so we can run the credit card. And so we have to call on our flip phones or run home to our landline to get the phone company to come out to install a landline so we can run their credit cards, you know. So, things like that. So those are the kinds of lessons that we’re learning every year when creating a pop up like that.

HERNANDEZ: So then when was it? When did you decide instead of being seasonal? Let’s go year round? What was that decision? Like? Or when did you do it?

CARLETON: That was 2009. It had been suggested to us. And we always thought that was a terrible idea. We didn’t really start with a business plan. None of us are really business people. Our

business model was possibly the most ridiculous of any in existence. But we got offered a space. And there was very little going on downtown.

DORMODY: This is post-market crash 2008. So in 2009, because we had a precedent for, you know, running this shop successfully every year, we worked with a local developer who said, we see you doing this, what if you made this year round?

CARLETON: Yes.

DORMODY: And we said that sounds ridiculous.

BAUMGARTNER: Is there sort of an overriding aesthetic or something in particular about what you’re trying to put together in terms of who the artists are or what they’re presenting or the different types of work?

CARLETON: There is an overall aesthetic and we do choose work that will fit in with what Craftland is and what Craftland does. There’s definitely a bias toward things we haven’t seen, things that seem new to us. And again, definitely things that are colorful.

HERNANDEZ: Almost everything that’s sold in the store, I believe is without sales tax. Right?

CARLETON: Yes. Because there was legislation

Craftland’s current shop on Westminster Street in Providence

introduced that art made by artists in Providence should be able to be sold tax free.

BAUMGARTNER: And that’s for all of Rhode Island, or is it just Providence?

CARLETON: It is all of Rhode Island now. There are a few things that are taxed. But mostly prints, ceramics, jewelry – all sold without sales tax.

BAUMGARTNER: Craftland is celebrating 20 years in business this year, how have things changed in that time?

DORMODY: I think the evolution of how people receive crafts and understand them and appreciate crafts has evolved over time where it’s certainly not going away. But I think that different economic changes, change how people receive it, right. So with the market crash, people had a real hunger for, or an appreciation for the handmade. I think with the pandemic, people, you know, got a little bit tired, even though there’s a great access with technology and what that brought you, I think, really looking for that connection, having a connection to what is handmade, making things by hand themselves. And then also having an opportunity to be able to, you know, potentially meet the person who made the thing that you just bought right or

see them on the street. Whether or not they do but knowing that that is a thing that exists is so different from something that’s mass-produced.

CARLETON: Definitely, when we started, we really had to explain to people why handmade was important. And what that meant about the local economy, and how it related to, you know, helping artists survive in this, in Providence, mostly, all all over the – New England. But we have to do that less now. It seems like there’s more appreciation for things that are handmade and sort of a warmer embrace of the art that’s still being made in Providence.

HERNANDEZ: Well, congratulations on 20 years.

CARLETON: Thank you.

DORMODY: Thank you.

HERNANDEZ: And to the best for the next 20 years.

The article originally posted on December 8, 2022. Craftland is a business supporter of The Public’s Radio. Co v erage decisions are made independent of business support. James Baumgartner and Luis Hernandez may be reached at James@ThePublicsRadio.org, LHernandez@ThePublicsRadio.org

Craftland's 20th Anniversary Party

Gallery Belleau

Glass Shop

What it is:

Along with owner Christopher Belleau’s own whimsical pieces, this 20-year-old gallery is a showcase of glass work by local and nationally known artists, offering a range of unique gifts and decor.

Where to find it:

Catty-corner to Vartan Gregorian Elementary, this Fox Point shop is a stone’s throw away from Three Wheel Studio and other artsy retail along Wickenden Street.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Fanciful bouquets and colorful blossoms greet you when you step inside, but you haven’t taken a wrong turn and ended up in a florist shop – these intricate glass flowers are Gallery Belleau’s specialty. With a motto of “for those who seek the unique,” Belleau displays the work of more than 30 artists, most of it made just across the river in East Providence at his Belleau Art Glass studio. Find a range of vases, fish, waves, ornaments, paperweights, and other glass sculptures interspersed with metalwork, pottery, handmade wooden boxes, and jewelry. Friendly staff will even help you make a custom bouquet of glass flowers to influse a feeling of spring that will never wilt.

Gallery Belleau

424 Wickenden Street 456-0011 • GalleryBelleau.org

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

Photo courtesy of Gallery Belleau

Sea The P fect Event Se ing

The Anchor Room is a stunning setting. Perfect for bridal showers, cocktail parties, engagement, celebration of life, and rehearsal dinners!

The new elevated oceanfront room seats 35-100 guests.

Available October to May with many packages to choose from.

ADVICE & STYLE

Photo courtesy of Buttercup the Flower Truck

Set the Mood

Create a romantic Valentine’s Day with goods from local women-owned businesses

By Kayla Aucoin

Ready to pop the question or simply want to orchestrate a romantic atmosphere? Rhode Island makers, bakers, flower farmers, and other creative women-owned businesses have everything you need to create a special Valentine’s Day. Taking a cue from the color red (with hints of mint green), here’s some inspo sure to set hearts aflutter.

THE SERVEWARE

Skip the everyday and set a scene with glassware and unique ceramic from Little Chateau. The Newport shop owned by mother and daughter Jackie and Christiane Harrington offers upscale home decor and stylish bar cart essentials.

While you’re there, you can even pick out an elegant outfit or book an overnight at their cottage Airbnb rental – just miles from Second Beach.

THE TREATS

Chelsea Martin of Woonsocket assembles beautiful compositions of meats and cheeses for her business Chelcuterie by Chelsea LLC. Find limited-edition charcuterie boards in the shape of hearts, perfect for February 14. With savory covered, balance things out with something sweet. Trade out the standard box of chocolates for a box of French macarons from Providence’s own slice of Paris, Ellie’s. The bite-sized confections are available for purchase and can also be gifted in packages of six and 12.

Above: Use a single color (like red) to create drama in displays

Photo by Kayla Aucoin

Rhody Resources

AUCOIN

Designer, Photographer + Stylist

Featured Product: Bar accessories

North Kingstown | @aucoindesigns

Lucky Clover Farm

Featured Product: Floral arrangement

North Scituate | @lucky_clo v er_farm

Chelcuterie by Chelsea, LLC

Featured Product: Charcuterie platter

Woonsocket | @chelcuterie

Ellie’s

Featured Product: Macarons

Pro v idence | @elliespro v

Kristi’s Kraftails

Featured Product: Drink mixers

Warren | @kristiskrafrails

Little Chateau

Featured Product: Wine glasses, candles, matches, and accessories

Newport | @littlechateau

THE DRINK

For the perfect red libation, a seasonally crafted cocktail or mocktail from Kristi’s Kraftails of Warren fits the bill. The Marg My Words strawberry-basil margarita looks and tastes scrumptious, especially when adorned with an embellished skewer by AUCOIN stacked with fresh berries. Hosting a party? Book Kristi’s Maui the Mocktail Kart. Hot tip: visit Instagram for details on the I Lo v e Warren Valentine’s Giveaway: @KristisKraftails

THE FLOWERS

No Valentine’s Day is complete without flowers. No matter if it’s a single rose, dozen, or a bushy bouquet, Scituate’s Lucky Clover Farm can accommodate with arrangements overflowing with shape and texture. For gifts that give all year, consider purchasing their flower subscription.

THE WORK

Based in North Kingstown, AUCOIN is happy to bring the soiree to you. Services include styling a romantic tablescape in the comfort of your home. Whether it’s an intimate date night for two or fun for the whole family, AUCOIN provides everything, including table linens, serving ware, glassware, and decor.

Local love on display

Bite-sized nibbles keep entertaining easy

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Permanent jewelry” might conjure images of tattooed wedding bands or body modifications, but forever or infinity pieces aren’t actually as permanent as you may think. All terms refer to jewelry fitted to your body and soldered together on the spot to create a custom claspless piece. Easily zapped together, the process is entirely painless. The pieces are often used for commemorating significant life moments, such as a wedding, graduation, or milestone. The jewelry experience invites conversation and storytelling.

“It’s the tangible idea of a memory,” explains Erin Myles, owner and founder of Brave Daughters. With a flagship location in Providence, the Rhode Island-based jewelry studio focuses on small-batch, ethically sourced oneof-a-kind pieces, and specializes in Forever Jewelry. Brave Daughters has been offering permanent jewelry for almost four years now but has seen a rise in popularity thanks to social media buzz over the past few months.

Perfect for almost all lifestyles, forever jewelry invites a new relationship to accessories. The

Linked

By Callie Bisset

upkeep depends on the chosen metal, but most pieces require little to no maintenance. A chainlink bracelet with 14K gold fill is the most popular choice. You never have to worry about losing your jewelry or forgetting to put it on, and the clasp-free pieces tangle far less. The custom fit is also a major pull, as traditional jewelry pieces take a one-size-fits-all approach, which might lead to gapping or the need for an extender. With permanent jewelry, the piece is sized to your body, guaranteeing a perfect fit. Costs fluctuate depending on choice of metal and addition of gemstones or

Welded jewelry ensures a custom fit and forges memories

P hotos courtesy of Flaunt Boutique

FINDING FOREVER JEWELRY IN RHODE ISLAND

Baxter’s Jewelers

Warwick, BaxtersJewelry.com

Brave Daughters

Pro v idence, BraveDaughtersPVD.com

Flaunt Boutique at Ephraim Doumato Jewelers

Smithfield, DoumatoJewelers.com

Linked Permanent Jewelry, LLC

Johnston, Facebook

MarMar Boutique

Wakefield, MarMarBoutique.com

charms – and there can be options for bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and even rings.

Responding to the rising trend, traditional jewelers like Flaunt Boutique at Ephraim Doumato Jewelers in Smithfield, are adding the bespoke service to their menu. “It’s kind of the perfect storm,” explains Amanda Doumato. The dainty pieces are popular amongst all age groups due to their low entry cost and hassle-free maintenance. Doumato affirms she has soldered bracelets on mother and daughters, friends, and people ages five to 75. Many customers opt for private parties; not only do they walk away with a new bracelet, but also a memory.

A forever jewelry party can be a perfect bridal shower or bachelorette activity, “like adult friendship bracelets,” says Myles. Plus, the timeless piece isn’t likely to snag on your dress on the big day. Tired of your piece or ready to add on as you enter a new phase of life? A simple snip can remove it, or have it rewelded or turned into a “whenever” piece with the addition of a clasp.

Chains in sterling silver and gold

Meet Damaris Messina

Whether officiating a wedding or making a city hotel the place to be, this busy North Smithfield mom does it all with style

By Elyse Major

As director of sales at Aloft Providence Downtown, you seem to be making your signature “never boring” imprint on the place. Tell us about your efforts to make the hotel a nightlife destination. My goal is to create a destination with a vibrant hotel social scene and an innovative music scene through our LIVE@ Aloft performances. I want to create a community of followers that’s always on the lookout of what’s next at Aloft because the unexpected happens here!

And you’re a wedding officiant?

I’m ordained through the American Marriage Ministries and can perform ceremonies in any state. My best friend was having a small ceremony and asked me to perform their ceremony. I was honored and humbled and took the job very seriously. It was by far one of the coolest and most humbling things I’ve done so far.

What is your biggest piece of advice for couples who want to be married by a wedding officiant? What should they know or do?

Do your research and be sure to meet them in person. Interview them as if it were for a job. They should be able to align with your personality and vision for your special day. Be sure to review your goals for the tone for the ceremony and day. They should be open and willing to help and guide you through the process, able to customize the ceremony to your needs, and be open to answering any questions you have. They should be familiar with the state marriage laws and have the marriage license completed, signed, and mailed/dropped off post the ceremony in a timely manner. When in doubt, ask a special person in your life to get ordained to perform your ceremony. It’s always a memorable moment for both the couple and the person getting ordained.

A peek at your Instagram @fabulouslydamaris shows that not only are you a fashionista, but also a down-toearth mom and wife ready to go camping or hop on a plane at a moment’s notice. How do you balance it all? I have an amazing support system and an incredible husband who cheers me on every step of the way.

When you’re not working, where are your favorite independently owned places to shop, dine, and hang out in Providence?

Providence is so quaint; I love finding trendy pieces at NAVA on Wickenden Street and local home accessories and gifting ideas at Homestyle on Westminster. I enjoy discovering new bars and restaurants with friends or learning a new skill with my husband like taking a class with New Harvest Coffee Roasters on the art of espresso. My favorite restaurant without a doubt is Red Stripe – their Portuguese Mussels & Frites are obnoxiously delicious and always consistent. I love the lively atmosphere, service, and sourdough bread – simply delish!

P hoto courtesy of Damaris Messina

Petal to the Metal

Little Rhody’s growing flower truck scene brings the bouquet-making to you

By Callie Bisset

If you attended an outdoor fair during the warmer months, you may have caught a sighting of a vintage Volkswagen modified to display and sell bucketfuls of flowers. Mobile floral trucks like Saunderstown-based Buttercup the Flower Truck and The Wildflower Truck pop up at festivals and in popular downtown areas offering build-your-own bouquets from their custom flower bars, along with single stems, and Insta-worthy photo backdrops to showcase your masterpiece. These vehicles are not only eye-catching, but also offer a new take on buying flowers – and just might be perfect for your shower, rehearsal dinner, or wedding!

Touted as the first mobile floral truck in Rhode Island, The Wildflower Truck has grown quite a following since its conception in 2017 by husband and wife Krystal and Nick Furney. In the spring and summertime, the white VW outfitted with a canopy reminiscent of a covered wagon can be found at events such as the Providence Flea, offering a wide selection of varieties and arrangements, plus trinket trays made of pressed petals and leaves in resin.

“The truck catches customers’ eyes first,” explains Lauren Scowcroft, owner of Buttercup the Flower Truck, who first began brainstorming the concept while she was out of work during the pandemic. As the options for indoor business were limited, the idea of a shop on wheels made the most sense. Scowcroft and her husband spent a year and a half searching for the perfect vessel, a 1974 Volkswagen van they relocated from Florida. Today Buttercup rolls onto the scene with a bright blue exterior and wood paneled sides.

The primary seasons for floral trucks coincides with what’s blooming. This year due to the warmer temps, Buttercup was mobile until December, which allowed Scowcroft to offer a selection of holiday greens before the truck was carefully stored away; the nature of a restored van requires careful maintenance and upkeep during the colder months. Scowcroft

aims to source locally when possible and currently partners with wholesaler RJ Carbone Floral Distributors in Cranston. She hopes in the future to team up with a farm and offer exclusively local-grown flowers.

The mobile format helps each business gather a following and connect with new customers. The location dictates foot traffic, especially when parked in a bustling downtown. Visitors may be stopping just to pick up a coffee and notice the buzz-worthy setup. According to Scowcroft, Buttercup – often found in downtown Wakefield or South Kingstown – draws visitors of all ages; many love snapping photos with the van and the vibrant cargo. Older folks love to stop and

reminisce on their memories of the old-school VW vans. Even those not going with intent to buy flowers often end up picking out a bunch.

The trucks can also be rented out for private events such as bridal showers, offering a memory-making experience. Buttercup recently received an inquiry regarding popping up at a wedding and inviting guests to create a custom bouquet as their thank you gift. The Wildflower Truck is currently expanding to offer floral delivery. Both trucks can be found popping up throughout Rhode Island starting in spring. Learn more at Buttercup the Flower Truck: ButtercupFlowerTruck.com, @buttercup_theflowertruck; The Wildflower Truck: WildflowerTruck.com, @thewildflowertruck

Wildflower Truck

Buttercup the Flower Truck

Photos courtesy of (top) The Wildflower Truck, (bottom) Buttercup the Flower Truck

Wedding SEASON

Four local couples share how the time of year inspired their special day

BY Meg Schmit

One of the first decisions the newly engaged must make is when to tie the knot. Whether you pick the sun-soaked days of summer or snow-covered serenity of winter, chances are the time of year finds its way into every aspect of your plans. Meet four local couples who found ways to seamlessly incorporate the season into their colors, flowers, menus, and more – and the Rhode Island vendors who helped it all come together.

THE Spring

RHODY RESOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER:

Move Mountains Co. | Pawtucket

CATERER:

Blackstone Caterers | Middletown

FLORIST:

Flowerthyme | Wakefield

HAIR & MAKEUP:

Jaclynn Kate Hair & Makeup

Artistry Salon | Cranston

Wedding

“We believe the season symbolizes beginnings and positive changes, with warmer weather, blooming flowers, birds chirping, and a palpable buzz for the year to come,” begins Brenda Maher of her and husband Dan’s late-April wedding. “We viewed it as a great time of the year to celebrate the beginning of our marriage with friends and family.”

Brenda and Dan both hail from Connecticut, spent summers in Rhode Island, and attended UConn – but their paths never crossed until one fateful January night at a bar in Hartford in 2016. As Brenda puts it, “we literally danced the night away and our lives were changed forever.” Four years later on a much-needed family getaway, Dan popped the question as the sun set over Narragansett Town Beach. “We ate, we laughed, we drank. It was a very special night.”

After soaking in their engagement, Brenda and Dan began to plan their springtime nuptials with the season in mind, inspired by beautiful blooms and a palette of peachy pastels that enhanced the historic beauty of their venue, Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown.

THE Colors

“We chose neutral, airy, light colors featuring peach, blush, and off-white tones,” Brenda explains. These choices appeared in the floral-embroidered table linens, invitation suite, and flowers.

THE Venue

Brenda and Dan set their sights on the Ocean State, a place near and dear to both of them, and stumbled across Shepherd’s Run, a winery that was scheduled to open later that year. They were charmed by the sprawling field of grapevines, gleaming stone mansion, and, of course, the delicious wines. But what made it extra special were the estate’s gardens, which would serve as the perfect, flower-filled ceremony space.

THEDr s

THE Flowers

Late April offered plenty of options, including ranunculus, parrot tulips, hydrangeas, roses, baby’s breath, and white O’Haras, which were carefully curated by Wakefield-based floral studio Flowerthyme.

“Have fun with it!

When you book the venue, go out for a nice dinner. When you book the band, break out in your b t dance move. It can be easy to get str sed by the details, but celebrating the ‘chec ’ off your list will keep it fun and memorable!”

Even Brenda’s dress featured floral lace, a purposeful touch to complement the season.

RHODY RESOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER:

Brittany Adams Photography | Bristol

CATERER:

Blackstone Caterers | Middletown

FLORIST:

Golden Gate Studios | Cranston

MUSIC: Music Mixers Entertainment | Narragansett

TRANSPORTATION: Viking Tours of Newport

THESpecial Touch

Painted oyster shells with their guests’ names added a personalized seaside touch to the place settings (and was one of Nicole’s favorite details).

The Ocean State holds a special place in the hearts of Nicole and Kristen, who are originally from New York and Massachusetts respectively. It’s where they first met their freshman year at college, and where their friendship flourished into something more. So, after the couple got engaged in 2019, it was a no-brainer to pick Rhode Island as the setting for their wedding.

“Kristen and I love the summer,” shares Nicole, reminiscing on warm-weather days and trips to the beach. They originally picked a date in June of 2021, but like so many couples, made the difficult decision to postpone it by a year due to pandemic and vaccine rollout concerns.

“Choose a season you love so the incorporation happens naturally,” says Nicole. “If you love summer, you can incorporate things you love about it into your wedding like fruity cocktails, ice cream, color choices, and decor.”

THE Menu

From an abundance of seafood, to fruity signature cocktails, to a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bar, Kristen and Nicole’s wedding didn’t just feel like summer – it tasted like it, too!

THE Flowers

Designed by Cranston-based Golden Gate Studios, the centerpieces and bouquets starred blue and green hydrangeas punctuated by white roses. “What is more summer?” insists Nicole.

THE Colors

“Our colors were dusty sage, dusty blue, and gold,” says Nicole, who drew inspiration from Blithewold’s natural beauty. “We chose a dusty palette so the vibe felt light, airy, and summery.”

THE Venue

“Kristen and I knew we wanted a venue on the water,” Nicole explains, and they immediately fell for Blithewold’s harbor views. The beautiful mansion, manicured gardens, and outdoor tent sealed the deal, granting the couple’s wish for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour.

“Remember: your wedding is to celebrate your love and commitment to each other so do things that you both want and don’t sweat the small stuff!”

RHODY RESOURCES

BAKER: Ellie’s Bakery | Pro v idence

THE Fall Wedding

“Fall is by far my favorite season,” says Lisa MacGregor, who could never imagine getting married any other time of year. “To me, it is the season of romance.”

Lisa met her husband Billy on a blind date in 2016, and two years later – in the fall, of course – the couple got engaged. “It’s a pretty funny story,” Lisa shares of the proposal, which was carefully pulled off by Billy despite the fact Lisa woke up with a horrible cold that day. “I was so grumpy with him.” She now laughs about the ruse of

being coerced to go to downtown Boston for a friend’s fake work presentation. But once Billy got down on one knee at the same spot they first kissed, it quickly turned into one of the happiest nights of her life.

When it came to planning their November wedding, Lisa let the time of year as well as the Gilded Age vibe of their venue lead the way. “Little touches and accents here and there are more than enough,” Lisa explains. “The season will also speak for itself.”

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: Willow Photo Co.

CEREMONY: The Pavilion at Grace Church | Pro v idence

THE Colors

Lisa and Billy’s color scheme featured burgundy and blush with lots of shimmering gold accents that Lisa felt meshed with the ornateness of their venue as well as the warmth of autumn. These appeared in the florals and decor elements, many of which Lisa savvily sourced from Facebook Marketplace and Etsy.

THE

Dsert

Instead of cake, the couple took dessert in a new direction with the help of Providence’s popular French bakery, Ellie’s. “We did a macaron tower along with mini tiered cakes, including a carrot cake with salted caramel buttercream and apple cider tartlets.”

THE Venue

After living in Rhode Island after college, Lisa fell in love with Providence and often grabbed dinner and drinks at The Dorrance. The “old-world charm, ornate beauty of its marble floors, original stained-glass windows, and dramatic high ceilings” made it a rich, romantic venue for their big day.

THE Flowers

The couple worked with New Englandbased Leslie Lee Floral Design to make Lisa’s Pinterest board come to life with a gorgeous selection of palette-pleasing blooms, particularly red roses.

“Whatever season you choose to get married in, there are so many ways to incorporate it into your theme – you don’t need to overdo it. ”

THE WinterWedding

RHODY RESOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER:

Stacey Smith Photography | North Pro v idence

SUITS:

Simply Dainty | Cranston

CEREMONY:

Historic Saint Joseph’s Church | Cumberland

For Tara Vieira, it was never a question that she wanted to get married in winter. For starters, it’s when she and husband Kevin got engaged on Valentine’s Day of 2020. It’s also when she gave birth to their son a year later. With visions of a sparkling blue and silver wedding, they decided to hold their special day in February of 2022.

“I’ll admit, I was a little nervous having a

winter wedding because you never know what you will get with the weather, especially here in New England,” Tara admits. But when the day came, it was a surprisingly balmy 60 degrees and what Tara describes as “a magical night.”

Guided by her pre-determined palette, Tara worked with Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln to create the winter wedding of her dreams.

THE Venue

Tara shares that Kirkbrae Country Club was the only venue the couple visited, and it was perfect. With its recent renovations – including silvertone walls and a blue patterned carpet – it fit their theme to a tee.

THE Decor

Everything was satin, glass, or silver, so every surface shimmered. Tara describes their centerpieces as nothing short of magical: tall white floral arrangements with white branches and hanging gems that glittered when they caught the light.

THE Colors

“I wanted our wedding in the winter specifically for this color scheme,” Tara explains of their navy blue, white, and silver theme. This winter-perfect palette was infused into every last detail, including the flowers, table linens, centerpieces, and even the cake.

THE Cake

The couple’s cake was certainly a show-stopper, with four tiers of navy blue and white buttercream, accented by navy blue roses, shimmery silver sprinkles, and a matching silver topper with the newlyweds’ names. The custom creation was designed by the talented Silver Spoon Bakery in East Greenwich.

THESpecial Touch

As Tara and Kevin embraced for their first dance, a rolling white mist at their feet gave the illusion that they were dancing on clouds.

could not have been happier!"

“There are certain color schem that go b t depending on the season, so typically if you have a color scheme in mind, you likely have a season as well!”

FOOD & DRINK

Photo by Elyse Major

Sweet Somethings

Rhody-made confections to thrill your Valentine or level up a wedding reception

By Patty J

Wedding favors are an ageold tradition, from 16th century French aristocracy gifting their guests perfume and tiny boxes of bonbons to the dipped chocolates, peppermint patties, and even hot cocoa bombs following today’s nuptials. Send your guests off on a sweet note or treat your loved ones to favors with local flavor from these eight Rhode Island makers.

A Piece of Cake

Situated on Post Road, this dessert studio is a destination for custom cakes, but their smaller treats aren’t to be trifled with. Cookie dough is offered by the cup, with five flavors and over a dozen toppings. Order batches of the classics like bonbons and chocolate bars or contemporary bites like cake pops as parting gifts for your wedding attendees. Warwick, APieceOfCakeRI.com

Andre’z Dipped And Drizzled

Open since 2015, this chocolate cafe is the perfect stop for spoiling your significant other on Valentine’s Day. Opt for their signature large and loaded (with toppings) apples, or for wedding favors, choose from white chocolate-covered strawberries, mini bride and groom dipped pretzels, and Oreos are always after-dinner winners. North Pro v idence, AndrezDippedAndDrizzled.com

Awesome Sweets

You’ll be happy to hear that this nut-free bakery carries allergen-friendly hot cocoa bombs, in small and large sizes, with mini marshmallows. Nothing proclaims your fondness for someone like a box of chocolates, and here you’ll find a nice variety of morsels to consider, with fillings of lemon, peppermint cream, caramel, and beyond. Pawtucket, AwesomeSweetsBakery.com

Chocolate Delicacy

For small-batch sweets that are thoughtfully made, Chocolate Delicacy is a must. Wedding favors are the perfect way of expressing Ocean State love on your big day, and they make it so easy with lighthouse, lobster, and quahog

P hoto (top) by Theresa Oliver, courtesy of Hauser, (bottom) courtesy of Seacoast Sweets

Peppermint patties from Seacoast Sweets

Hauser Chocolatier

shapes, along with an entire sea-themed tray of sugary delights. You’re sure to fall for their anchor chocolate pops hook, line, and sinker! Warwick, ChocolateDelicacy.com

Hauser Chocolatier

These second-generation family chocolatiers have over 20 different types of truffles, including vodka martini, key lime, burning passion (with chili peppers), and more specialty flavors. Treat your guests to a tiny silver, gold, or white box with truffles of your choice or containing the likes of Cranberry Mousse confections or Dark Orange Hearts. Westerly, HauserChocolates.com

Jennifer’s Chocolates

These South County makers have specialized in artisanal chocolates for well over 15 years, using only the highest quality ingredients. Their two-piece box of truffles, also known as The Scoop, is the perfect present for your guests. Thought goes into every detail of this beautifully presented package, which is wrapped with ribbon and finished with Jennifer’s waxed seal. Wakefield, JensChocolates.com

Seacoast Sweets

Inspired by their grandpa’s hand-made delicious peppermint patties, this family-run business has expanded to a flavor selection that now includes peanut butter, coconut, and s’mores. Special order boxes of these small-batch sweets to woo your honey or make a wedding reception all the more memorable with these chocolate medallions. Cranston, SeacoastSweets.com

Sweenor’s Chocolates

While any Rhode Islander is already familiar with Sweenor’s scrumptious chocolates, you may not know you can special order a truly classic wedding candy from here: yes, I’m talking about Jordan Almonds. These candy-coated almonds (in white or pastel) have a long and storied history as commemorative goodies at receptions all over the world. Wakefield & Cranston, SweenorsChocolates.com

Romantic Sous Vide Steak Dinner

A recipe inspired by a Providence restaurant perfect for a culinary adventure for two

By Liz Murray

My husband and I recently ate at Persimmon on Hope Street in Providence for the first time. He ordered the steak and immediately offered me a bite – which is rare for a man who loves his meat. This steak was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The texture was like nothing I had ever experienced before, so I had to ask the server about it, who explained it was prepared sous vide for 24 hours – a method of cooking meat or fish by vacuumsealing it and immersing it in warm water. The meat can never get over-cooked because its internal temperature never rises above the temperature of the water. With my own sous vide maker at home (a wedding gift that was until then collecting dust, unused), I was instantly inspired to give it a try.

For the couple into experimenting in the kitchen, the gift of a sous vide maker (try Gray Goose Cookery in Westerly) and a date night cooking the perfect steak may be in the cards for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Or, if you aren’t feeling adventurous, make a reservation at Persimmon and leave it to the professionals! PersimmonRI.com

Sous Vide Steak with Wild Mushrooms and Chimichurri Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large, thick-cut steaks, the higher quality the better

• 4 garlic cloves, divided

• 8 oz wild mushrooms

• A few pinches of coarse salt

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves

• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ tsp table salt

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

• 7 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 Tbsp butter

STEPS

EQUIPMENT

• Sous vide cooker

• Large pot

• Large silicone stasher bag or a large ziplock bag

• Food processor (can also chop by hand)

1. Attach the sous vide cooker to the side of a large pot. Fill the pot with water up to the max line on the cooker. Turn it on and set the cooker to the desired temperature: 135-144ºF for medium, 129-135ºF for medium-rare, or 120-129ºF for very rare (though note that it shouldn’t be cooked for longer than two hours at this setting due to food safety concerns). I set it to 135ºF.

2. Season the steak with a generous pinch of salt on both sides and the edges. Place the steak in your sealable bag of choice. Cut two garlic cloves in half and place them on the steaks for flavor. You can also add thyme sprigs or other aromatics if you wish. Seal the bag, pushing as much air out as you can (it should look vacuum sealed). Make sure it is sealed well so no water can enter.

3. Once the water is at the proper temperature, place the bag of steak into the water, and make sure the meat is fully submerged.

4. Cook the steak for at least 1 hour to ensure the water temperature fully penetrates the steak, though longer is better – I cooked mine for 3 hours.

5. While the steak is cooking, prepare the chimichurri. Place the mint leaves, parsley leaves, red wine vinegar, table salt, red pepper flakes, and 6 tablespoons of olive oil into a food processor and process until chopped.

6. Just before the steaks are done, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stainless steel skillet. Once the oil is hot, toss in the mushrooms and cook for 4-7 minutes until slightly golden. Season with salt, remove from the pan, and set aside.

7. Remove the steaks from the water bath and discard the aromatics. Add butter to the hot pan, and then the steaks. Cook at a high temperature for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they have a nice crust on the outside. Be careful not to overcook.

8. Place the seared steaks on a plate and top with mushrooms. Drizzle with chimichurri sauce and serve immediately. Enjoy! For more tips and recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com

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Delicious Journey

It doesn’t

get cozier than breakfast inside a luxe ski gondola by

the Atlantic

By Elyse Major

When I told a friend I was having breakfast in a gondola, she immediately responded with, “the forecast looks good; the waters should be calm.” She mistook my reservation for the Venetian variety of a narrow boat rowed along a river by a gondolier in a straw hat and stripes. My vessel would be stationary, Veuve Clicquot-yellow, and part of a cluster of retired ski lift cabins refurbished into private outdoor dining spaces for parties up to four. The location: the North Lawn of the Ocean House, the radiant resort overlooking the Atlantic in Watch Hill at their seasonal installation dubbed Gondola Village.

Fun fact: my husband and I were the very first patrons of the season, and being long-enamored and curious about what dining inside the

gondola would be like, I was excited. I’d first learned of this unique set-up when it launched in 2017 as Fondue Village; today the menu is sans communal pot, instead with three courses kicked off via a cup of velvety Valrhona hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and chocolate jimmies. Snug inside the gondola, with pillows and a heated blanket, sipping my drink was the perfect time to take in the surroundings, seemingly styled with the care of a film set designer. The cabin itself is like a study on small space decorating. Inside, wood-paneled walls and shelves display petite objets d’art. Our table was set with linens and boasts serveware handmade in France by Le Creuset in Marseille blue. Overhead was a rustic chandelier, and the tall window opposite the gondola entrance had its curtain panels opened wide, keeping the

colorful property, outdoor firepits, skis, and tall signpost in view. Adding to the tagline’s promise of evoking the French Alps, traditional bal-musette accordion music was piped in, and strands of bistro lights suspended from poles outline the area.

Next a pot of hot coffee (from Rhode Island-brand Dave’s) arrived, followed by appealing parfaits of yogurt and granola, and fresh fruit salad with tarragon syrup for each of us – all housed in large goblets. Our welcoming host Eduardo and server were both at the ready for any request, encouraging us to take photos between bites, and having us pose for a souvenir Polaroid picture.

For the plat principal , the choice was ours from a menu of six crepes. I couldn’t resist the Warm Berry Compote, served with whipped cream and fresh berries; when it arrived on the deep blue

Gondola Village at Ocean House

Must-Try Items

SALADE DE FRUIT:

Goblets of sliced melon, pineapple, and berries, with a tarragon syrup

VALRHONA HOT CHOCOLATE:

A hot drink made with world-renowned chocolate

WARM BEIGNETS:

Sugared fritters served with three dipping sauces: caramel pecan, coffee mocha, and strawberry basil

Cuisine: Sweet and savory crepes and beignets

Prices: $300 for up to four people

Atmosphere: Rustic-chic, French Alpsinspired indulgence

A portion of proceeds from Gondola Village will benefit the Ocean House Fund for Charitable Giving. Reservations are required and pre-payment must be made at booking, open through March. Valet parking.

stoneware plate covered in a flurry of powdered sugar, I was enchanted by the entirety of the curated moment. My husband ordered the crepe with ham, gruyère, dijon mustard cream, and sunny egg. Both of us, already full from the first course, still managed to enjoy most every scrumptious and delectable bite.

The final troisième plat of warm beignets was my favorite course of all. Swaddled in a tea towel, the sugary fritters arrived on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces; purist that I am, I skipped them, but my husband enjoyed sampling each one multiple times. In hindsight, I

should have selected a savory main course as a palate pause from all the sweetness (I’m looking at you smoked salmon crepe with scrambled egg, crème fraîce, and red onion).

Frankly, a visit to Gondola Village costs more than a few francs, but it’s a wonderful experience for the senses if you can make it work. For the newly engaged or bridal party, it’s certainly a worthy indulgence.

Gondola Village - Ocean House 1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill OceanHouseRI.com/GondolaVillage

A basket of warm beignets

Buono Bevis

Mobile beverage service turns New England venues into old-world Italy

By Abbie Lahmers

Just the sight of Bevi e Vivi motoring onto the scene sets the tone for an old-world European soiree. Its name meaning “drink and live” in Italian and outfitted with five taps pouring beverages for all tastes, the 1991 three-wheel ivory Piaggio Ape is the culmination of owner Alessandra Pallozzi’s three passions: “my love for Italian hospitality, appreciation for my family’s roots, and passion for mixing up the perfect cocktail.”

“My father was born and raised in Italy, and my summers growing up were spent exploring the Italian coastline with my parents and brother,” continues Pallozzi, who fondly remembers spotting Piaggio Apes – compact vehicles that double as mobile market stalls – filling the narrow cobblestone streets, driven by kindly old men selling everything from fresh fruit and flowers to loaves of bread. “My brother and I always joked that we’d have one someday, and last year, my husband and I decided to make that dream a reality. Bevi e Vivi brings everyone along for the ride to experience Pescara, Italy the way we did growing up.” Another nod to family, “Vivi” is short for Viviana, the name of the Pallozzi’s daughter.

The Piaggio Ape beverage bar is outfitted with five taps

Alessandra Pallozzi

Photos by Lucio Andreozzi Foto, courtesy of Bevi e Vivi

With Pallozzi and husband Andrew at the helm – and her brother Lucio Andreozzi capturing dreamy images and compiling old family photos of their jaunts in a transportive mood board of all things Italy on their Instagram page – Bevi e Vivi adds luxury and intrigue to cocktail parties and wedding receptions. Their coverage area spans Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and most venues are fair game: “Our truck is small

For a winter wedding or gathering, Pallozzi shares a few signature drink ideas sure to add a little dazzle to the menu.

SPRITZ THYME: A spin on the Italian classic Aperol Spritz

• Ice

• 4 oz prosecco

• 1 oz Aperol

• 2 oz cranberry juice

• Top with a splash of soda water

• Garnish with cranberries and thyme

BUZZ:

Nitro Espresso Martini

• 1 oz vanilla vodka

• 1 oz Kahlúa

• 1 oz Miscela d’Oro (Gusto Ricco) espresso

• 2 oz nitro cold brew coffee

• Garnish with 3 espresso beans

PAZZO PER TÈ:

Kombucha Mocktail

• Ice

• ½ oz pomegranate juice

• ½ oz cranberry juice

• ½ oz orange juice

• 1 oz soda water

• 3 oz pomegranate kombucha

• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary

Photos by Lucio Andreozzi Foto, courtesy of Bevi e Vivi

Spritz Thyme

Buzz

MIX IT UP

You’ve got your catering spread finalized, but what about cocktails? Don’t let your beverage menu fall to the wayside. Pallozzi offers tips for concocting a personalized drink list. Follow @bevievivi for more inspo, and visit BeviEVivi.com to book the Piaggio Ape.

All About You

“We think it’s important to choose cocktails that most guests will enjoy but also showcase your personality as a couple,” explains Pallozzi. With five taps to mix and match, you can make sure there’s a little bit of everything: spiked and booze-free, sweet and dry, bubbly and smooth.

Ask the Experts

Not sure if the red will complement your passed hors d’oeuvres? “We offer as much or as little input as clients like, including personalized menu planning, beverage consultation and ordering, and pick-up and delivery of alcohol on event day.”

Find Your Focus

“In the planning phase, I like to work with clients to find a focus, like a theme, color, or detail you’ve always imagined. We take that focus to help guide you through decisions to create a seamless, cohesive, and unforgettable experience for your guests.”

enough to fit into any space with double doors – and it’s a great photo op!”

Whether you’re into sipping prosecco, beer, seltzers, cocktails, coffee, or any bevvy in between, what’s on tap is totally up to you. “If it can be kegged, it can be served!” says Pallozzi, though she’s always happy to bring her bartending wisdom to menu design. “I thrive on a good theme. Just give me a few details about your event and I’ll be sure to come up with a fun and creative cocktail or mocktail.”

Photo by Crystal Papino, courtesy of The Perfect Parcel

Have a Heart

By Elyse Major

This February, why not wear your heart on your sleeve, yourself, or even inside your home? We sent Cupid around the state – from Bristol to Wakefield – to find items perfect for celebrating all things love! So whether you’re cooking up a storm or heading out for a special night, Rhody shops and makers have their hearts in the right places.

1.

8.

3. ANCHOR LARIAT Style Newport, Newport

4. HEART SPATULA Beehive Handmade, Warren

5. STICKER BY DARRIEN SEGAL Craftland, Pro v idence

6. EARRINGS BY DESIGN WHAT YOUR HAVE Pro v idence, Craftland

7. STAINED GLASS HEART Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio, Wakefield

8. CARD E. Frances, stockists statewide EFrancesPaper.com

3.

Luxe for Life

Providence designer aims to fill void in men’s jewelry

By Ken Abrams

James Felix Jewelry occupies a distinct place in the men’s jewelry market. “I felt like there was a niche in men’s jewelry; between costume and luxury, there was a gap,” says founder James Paolucci. So the Providence-based designer decided to create his own brand, featuring gender-neutral designs with price points from $300-$800, aimed “to be used as gifts for themselves, partners, friends, or colleagues.”

Paolucci has spent much of his career in the jewelry industry, beginning with his family business, Scorpio Accessories, which he joined after graduating from college. “I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years. The family business was costume jewelry… fashionable, trendy products, and we sold to stores like

Target, Walmart, Forever 21, mass merchants, and specialty retailers,” he explains.

“I decided to pursue a life-long dream of creating my own lifestyle brand focusing on men’s luxury jewelry and accessories,” says Paolucci, who, while vice president at Scorpio, was responsible for developing relationships with overseas suppliers, design, and sales. “That allowed for frequent travel to both Europe and Asia on a regular basis. I would seek out the latest jewelry trends and overseas suppliers to manufacture the product. My experience working with suppliers has taught me a lot about sourcing the product, design, price negotiations, and production,” he adds.

Paolucci is currently a one-man show, designing bracelets and other products in his Providence home. His designs are classic with a modern flair,

intended to accessorize any wardrobe, formal or casual. His goal is to develop a lifestyle brand that will appeal to various consumers. “I’ve always had a passion for jewelry and accessories and saw a lack of options for luxury men’s jewelry at moderate pricing,” says Paolucci. “All of my designs include genuine black diamonds set in sterling silver. My goal is to bring wearers a sense of confidence and empowerment along with the feeling of luxury through jewelry.”

As he builds the brand, Paolucci is focused on networking, social media, fashion events, and pop-up shops to market and sell the product; his experience in the industry allows him to respond rapidly to developing fashion trends. “The target market is 25-to-60-year-olds whose lifestyle embraces jewelry as a form of self-expression. With

Photos courtesy of James Felix Co.

unique and distinguishable designs, excellent quality, and comfortable fit, I see each piece as a conversation starter. I made every style to be worn anywhere – to the office, to a wedding, out to dinner. Fit is very important and I’ve been doing a lot of custom sizing.”

Currently, Paolucci’s products consist of silver and gold vermeil bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all accented with black diamond gemstones. All products are available on the website, designed in Providence, and responsibly sourced and manufactured in Thailand. Given the start-up nature of his business, some items are in stock, but most are made to order, with delivery taking approximately four to six weeks. Look for James Felix Jewelry in retail stores soon. Learn more at JamesFelixCo.Com

DJS • GAME SHOWS

KARAOKE • PHOTO BOOTHS

MUSIC BINGO • TRIVIA

Love languages spoken in these six picks with local ties

By Hugh Minor

Rhody Reads W

ho wrote the book of love? Well, the authors of the six charming titles in this month’s Rhody Reads each tackle the well-worn subject in their own way. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these selections will inspire you to open your heart and let Cupid into your life. Remember –chocolates and a good book make the perfect gift for your sweetheart, especially when purchased locally.

Built in 1922, Providence’s Biltmore Hotel – now The Graduate – has been the go-to place for weddings and affairs for over a century. Relive the rich history of this iconic downtown landmark in Amanda Quay Blount’s Meet Me at the Biltmore: 100 Years at Pro v idence’s Most Storied Hotel . Enjoy the meticulously researched stories featuring local and international celebrities, along with a gorgeous collection of photographs that capture the hotel’s role as a witness to the capital city’s fascinating history.

A little further south, the seaside resort of Newport makes another splendid wedding location, particularly for high-society types. In her new book out this month, Wedding of the Season: A No v el , Laura Edmondson explores the sometimes hilarious consequences that occur when two families with rich histories (who are notoriously uncivil to one another) are joined together in holy matrimony. Follow the story through the eyes of Cass Coventry, sister of the bride, as she returns home for the summer’s main event that will have the whole town talking.

Love is not always what it seems as we learn along the journey with pediatrician Anna Drury in the latest from prolific writer Martha Reynolds, I Wish I Had a River: A Year in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France to Process Grief and Find Peace . Before his death, Anna’s husband Nick makes her promise to travel through Europe once he’s gone. She reluctantly agrees and is blindsided when she discovers troubling secrets about the deceased and his family. Will she be able to reconcile her conflicted feelings without him there to explain the choices that were made?

In Heal , Westerly-born Briana Elizabeth explores the connection between love, trauma, and loss as we endeavor to recover from the past. With her gentle and serene words, Elizabeth seeks to break through divisions of culture and experience, gathering people together to share their common feelings. Even while addressing difficult issues, her poems will soothe and comfort readers, allowing them to ultimately find a place of healing.

Daughters of Nantucket is the first novel from Barrington-based author Julie Gerstenblatt. With the men they love out at sea, the women of the island remain to face their own challenges including the Great Fire of 1846, which threatens to destroy all that they hold dear. Can they rally together and discover the courage and strength to save what means the most to each of them? Find a series of book launch events at Barrington Books, Curiosity & Co., and Ink Fish Books in March at JulieGerstenblatt.com.

Dog lovers are their own special breed and Traer Scott’s Forever Home: The Inspiring Tales of Rescue Dogs tugs at their heartstrings with photos and stories of rescue dogs being adopted by their new families. The Providence author of Finding Home: Shelter Dogs and Their Stories brings us 27 heartwarming and inspiring tales (with tails) that highlight the magical bond between humans and canines. As always with these touching examples of love and adoption, you’ll find yourself asking, “Who rescued who?”

Send your Rhody book recommendations to Hugh at RhodyReads@gmail.com

SHOP INDIE

A statewide listing of Rhode Island booksellers: Arc{hive} Book + Snackery: Warren, ArchiveBookSnackery.com

Barrington Books: BarringtonBooks.com

Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook Books on the Square: Providence, BookSq.com

Charter Books: Newport, CharterBookStore.com

Curiosity & Co.: Jamestown, CuriosityAnd.Company/store

Heartleaf Books: Providence, HeartleafBooks.com

Inkfish Books: Warren, InkFishBooks.com

Island Books: Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org

Island Bound Bookstore: Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com

Lovecraft Arts & Sciences: Providence, WeirdProvidence.org

Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com

Rarities Books & Bindery: Wakefield, RaritiesOnline.com

Ri ra Bookstore + Bar: Providence, Ri Ra PVD.com

Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com

Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooksRI.com

Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com

Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com

Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com

e Must List

February 9: Grab your squad for a Galentine’s gathering trying your hand at calligraphy. Savoy Bookshop hosts Sip & Script , a workshop teaching pretty lettering for beginners, with ink pots, tools, and paper included. Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com

February 10: At Ocean Mist, you don’t need a partner to live it up at the Valentines Disco Party – just your best ‘70s club glamor attire. Expect an evening of dancing, flashy fun, and drinks at this 21+ event. Matunuck, OceanMist.net

February 11: Visit Escada Restaurant & Bar for a Flower Arranging Workshop with Bloomback Flowers, and get inspired to create your own bridal bouquets or craft a beautiful gift for the special someone in your life. Johnston, Eventbrite.com

February 11: Devise a signature zero-proof bevvie option for your wedding reception or level up your home bartending with the Valentine’s Day Botanical Mocktail Class at Soul Sanctuary, with a focus on herbal flavors. Co v entry, SoulSanctuaryRI.com

February 12: Sample some Sexy Rosés for Valentine’s Day at Little Sister on Hope Street, featuring up to four generous pours of specially selected wines and Latin-inspired tapas, cheese, and charcuterie served buffetstyle. Pro v idence, LittleSisterPVD.com

February 12: Grace Note Farm puts on a special Music at the Farm show for the season of love: Ah! The Birds features artists in resident Virginia Sindelar on flute and pianist Elias Dagher playing romantic tunes. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

February 13-14: Treat your partner to a cooking class with RI top chef Walter Potenza. At Valentine For Couples sessions, you’ll learn how to prepare a fabulous gourmet meal with your significant other. Cranston, ChefWaltersCookingSchool.com

February 25: Get dressed up for the Black & White Ball: UNITED for the Arts at Ocean House benefiting Westerly-based arts organizations the United Theatre, the Chorus of Westerly, and Salt Marsh Opera. Westerly, OceanHouseRI.com

March 12: The Rhode Island Wedding Expo returns to the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina. Connect with the best local wedding pros and plan your special day while touring the luxurious Newport hotel. BridalShowsByKelly.com

Learn to make Valentine’s cheese boards with The Perfect Parcel

Photo by Crystal Papino, courtesy of The Perfect Parcel

February 14: Spend the evening of the 14th at Mount Hope Farm building your own love-themed charcuterie board at Date Night with The Perfect Parcel , also featuring a cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org