St. Francis de Sales Parish

Wedding Day

Wedding

Belle Mer

Reception

Newport Marriott

Post-Wedding Brunch

Our Wedding

It all started in North Kingstown, Rhode Island where we went to high school together. I was a year older and knew of "the twins" but did not know who was who. We had a group of friends that were intertwined, but I never had the pleasure of hanging out with them (too cool). Almost ten years later, while living in my tiny studio apartment off of Arlington Street in Boston, Jaimie was just down the street living with her sister on Beacon Street in Back Bay. In the summer of 2014, it just so happened that Jaimie popped up on my Facebook newsfeed saying she was in Boston. I obviously took the time to stalk her profile before sending her a message that night (Aug 23): "Hey Jaimie just seeing if you want to grab a drink in the city sometime?" We met at my college alma mater's alumni bar, Tavern in the Square, for a #5 Auburn vs. #20 Kansas State football game on Thursday, September 18, 2014. While Auburn won 20-14, Jaimie watched me guzzle 24oz Coors Light drafts and yell "War Eagle" at the TV. It was love at first sight... I think. As we waited at Central Station in Cambridge for the T back to Boston, I asked Jaimie for a second date. A week later we went to the Museum of Fine Arts. The rest is history...

How We Met

My Mom has been begging me to get married and give her grandchildren since 2009 when I was 22 years old (the age she was when she had me). It was on Thanksgiving day 2015 that my Dad asked why I was waiting so long to propose and told me that I need to take some initiative. I knew I wanted to marry Jaimie, but I didn't want to ask her before she was ready. One day during the winter of 2015 while walking to Jaimie's apartment after work, I noticed many missing bricks around the planting beds along the sidewalk on Dartmouth Street. It was then that I had the idea of how I wanted to propose. On December 20, 2015 I ordered two engraved bricks on Ebay that read: " Jaimie, Will you Marry Me? - Nick." I knew a brick would not be enough to show her I put some thought into the proposal so I started thinking of other romantic gestures. I booked a hot air balloon ride with a complimentary champagne toast. I marked it on the calendar for June 11, 2016. The date was set!On February 27, 2016 I text my Mom to ask: "Do you want to help me find a ring?" Later that day, while on a pizza tour of the North End in Boston, I received a call from my Mom saying my Dad had a heart attack and was headed to the hospital. Jaimie and I rushed to the hospital in Worcester and spent the day in the ICU with my Mom and Dad. My Mom and I returned the next day to keep my Dad company. We talked about purchasing an engagement ring and looked at photos online to get a sense of what goes into choosing one. After my Mom and I determined what we liked best, my Dad insisted we go to a jewelry store that same day to look for one. I was hesitant to leave his side, but ultimately decided to go. My Mom and I returned to the hospital less than an hour later with a giant diamond and half of my bank account missing. My Mom had tears in her eyes and my Dad was ecstatic.As soon as I had the ring I wanted to get it out of my hands and into Jaimie's. I quickly realized I could not wait until the hot air balloon ride in June to ask her to marry me. I had already booked a helicopter ride for two for Jaimie's Valentine's Day gift so I decided to use that for the proposal instead. Shortly thereafter, I decided the helicopter ride was also too far away. Jaimie always tells me that I am impulsive. This was the moment I realized she was right. I went on a Google search for romantic New England dinner dates. I arranged a private dining experience at the top of a lighthouse in Newburyport, MA for Saturday, March 26, 2016. The date was set again! The weekend before Easter Jaimie had a girls weekend planned on Cape Cod. I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to ask her parents for their blessing to marry their daughter. On that Sunday afternoon, I reached out to Mr. and Mrs. Hogan to let them know I was stopping by. They were waiting for me in the kitchen when I arrived with flowers. They appeared to know exactly why I was there. I immediately began my spiel about how much I love their daughter. Mr. Hogan interrupted me and said "It's OK, Nick. We like you. You have our blessing." I was off the hook after rehearsing my speech for two hours during my commute from Boston. After a conversation about our future, I headed back home with a smile on my face.The night before the proposal, on Friday after work, I walked over to Jaimie's apartment with the engraved brick that had been in my closet for the last three months. Around 5:15pm I placed the brick in the ground where one was missing. At around 5:30pm I began to set up my GoPro to videotape the proposal while waiting for Jaimie to get home. All of a sudden I see her walking toward me out of the public alley where she parks her car after work. She was early! I quickly stashed my camera in my pocket and tried to act as normal as possible. Meanwhile, I was sweating bullets. While walking toward her apartment together, Jaimie asked me several times why I was acting so weird. I was certain I was caught!As Jaimie got ready to go out to dinner I ran back outside to lay out flowers along that sidewalk leading up to the brick. When I returned to the apartment I paced back and forth as Joelle and her boyfriend, Frank, told me about their work week. It was then that I pulled Joelle aside to spill the beans that I planned to propose to Jaimie that night... And to ask if she approved, of course. Joelle grabbed my shirt, pulled me into her room, and quickly shut the door behind us. She burst out: "Are you serious?!?" along with a hundred other questions. Meanwhile, Frank was outside the bedroom door wondering what the heck was going on. With a loud and very over-the-top Boston accent, Frank enters the room yelling: "Dude, you poppin' the question?" We quickly dispersed and tried to act calm when we heard Jaimie walking up the stairs saying she was ready. It was time.As we walked toward the restaurant I led Jaimie toward the flowers laid out on the sidewalk along Dartmouth Street. Shortly after asking me again why I was acting so strange she noticed the brick in the ground. As we stood beside the brick I got down on one knee and uttered "Will You...?" I could hardly finish the question because I was a blubbering mess. Jaimie said YES! However, in typical Jaimie fashion, she asked me: "Are you sure? Now? Did you ask my parents?" My answers were yes. Phone calls, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat ensued as we walked to a restaurant downtown to celebrate. Joelle and Frank joined us for dinner. Jaimie's brother, Billy, and his girlfriend, Devon, joined us later on at a bar for celebratory libations. The following day Jaimie and I enjoyed breakfast atop the Newburyport lighthouse and talked about a wedding and plans for our amazing future together.

The Proposal

Our Story

Details

Photos

Andy Paolucci

Joelle Hogan

Meghan MacKinnon

Steve Tamborelli

Leander L'Annunziata

Billy Hogan

Beck D'Ambrosia

Rosa Lima L'Annunziata

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

* Located less than 1 mile (10 min. walk) from the reception venue (Belle Mer) and Downtown Newport.* Guests should give the wedding block name ("Hogan/Paolucci") when calling to reserve rooms with the discounted/ reduced rate.* Reserve room with discounted/reduced rate before 6/9/17 (4 weeks before the wedding).* Guests can choose a standard room w/ 1 king bed or 2 full beds: Friday, 7/7/17 - $429.00Saturday, 7/8/17 - $429.00Click on the link to make reservations online:<a href="http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Hogan/%20Paolucci%20Wedding%20Room%20Block%5Epvdlw%60hpwhpwr%7Chpwhpwa%7Chpwhpwq%60429.00%60USD%60false%604%607/7/17%607/9/17%606/9/17&amp;app=resvlink&amp;stop_mobi=yes" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData%3DHogan/%2520Paolucci%2520Wedding%2520Room%2520Block%255Epvdlw%2560hpwhpwr%257Chpwhpwa%257Chpwhpwq%2560429.00%2560USD%2560false%25604%25607/7/17%25607/9/17%25606/9/17%26app%3Dresvlink%26stop_mobi%3Dyes&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1471526934064000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGUAhpoNw9M-zZODSTkVxcznuOcoA">Book your group rate for Hogan/ Paolucci Wedding Room Block</a> * There is a 2-night minimum stay for Saturday reservations in the summer at all hotels in Newport.* There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for each individual reservation made.* Valet parking is available for $35.00 per day.* Offers complimentary wireless internet, a business center, &amp; fitness center.* Indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool.* Has a full service restaurant &amp; lounges/bars, in addition to an on-site spa.

Offers car service for small &amp; large groups, as well as carpool ** Use up to 2 Uber rides per person at a discounted rate. To apply discount, enter the code: "E1BMNA" into the Payments tab of your Uber app or click the link below **<a href="http://vouchers.uber.com/claim?code=e1bmna" target="_blank">http://vouchers.uber.com/claim?code=e1bmna</a>

Uber

* Located 2 miles (5-10 min. drive) from the reception venue (Belle Mer) and Downtown Newport.* Guests should give the wedding block name ("Hogan/Paolucci") when calling to reserve rooms with the discounted/ reduced rate.* Reserve room with discounted/reduced rate before 5/26/17 (6 weeks before the wedding).* Guests can choose 1 king bed or 2 full beds: Standard Room - 2 Full Beds:Friday, 7/7/17 - $251.10Saturday, 7/8/17 - $269.10Standard Room - 1 King Bed:Friday, 7/7/17 - $260.10Saturday, 7/8/17 - $278.10* There is a 2-night minimum stay for Saturday reservations in the summer at all hotels in Newport.* There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for each individual reservation made.* Offers complimentary on-site parking.* Provides a shuttle service to guests Downtown (to Visitors Center or Post Office) or to 1st Beach. Cost= $8 per person, per day, for unlimited journeys.* Offers complimentary wireless internet, a 24-hour business center, &amp; fitness center.* All rooms have a microwave, coffeemaker, TV, iron/ironing board, &amp; hair dryer.* Has a full service restaurant &amp; lounge (North End Steakhouse).

Mainstay Hotel & Conference Center

Newport taxi - offers 24 hour service

A-1 Car, Cab, & Van

* Located 4 miles (10-15 min. drive) from the reception venue (Belle Mer) and Downtown Newport.* Guests should give the wedding block name ("Hogan/Paolucci") when calling to reserve rooms with the discounted/ reduced rate.* Reserve room with discounted/reduced rate before 6/9/17 (4 weeks before the wedding).* Guests will be offered a room w/ 1 king bed &amp; a sofa bed:Friday, 7/7/17 - $319.00Saturday, 7/8/17 - $319.00Click on the link to make reservations online: <a href="http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=07/09/2017HOGAN%20PAOLUCCI%20WEDDING%20ROOM%20BLOCK%5EPVDMD%60HPWHPWA%60319.00%60USD%60false%603%607/7/17%607/9/17%6006/09/2017&amp;app=resvlink&amp;stop_mobi=yes" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData%3D07/09/2017HOGAN%2520PAOLUCCI%2520WEDDING%2520ROOM%2520BLOCK%255EPVDMD%2560HPWHPWA%2560319.00%2560USD%2560false%25603%25607/7/17%25607/9/17%256006/09/2017%26app%3Dresvlink%26stop_mobi%3Dyes&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1469747456105000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFo1RjZ6e8jc3Jo2tJ76hH-sHYjnw">Book your group rate for 07/09/2017HOGAN PAOLUCCI WEDDING ROOM BLOCK</a> * There is a 2-night minimum stay for Saturday reservations in the summer at all hotels in Middletown. * There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for each individual reservation made.* Offers complimentary on-site parking.* Offers complimentary wireless internet, a business center, &amp; fitness center. * Indoor/outdoor swimming pools with a whirlpool.* Has a full service restaurant &amp; lounges/bars.

Courtyard Newport Middletown

Newport/Middletown/Jamestown/Portsmouth taxi service

ATLANTIC TAXI SERVICE

Newport/Middletown/Jamestown/Portsmouth taxi service

Orange Cab

* Located 4.5 miles (15-20 min. drive) from the reception venue (Belle Mer) and 3 miles to Downtown Newport.* Guests should give the wedding block name ("Hogan/Paolucci") when calling to reserve rooms with the discounted/ reduced rate.* Reserve room with discounted/reduced rate before 6/7/17 (4 weeks before the wedding).* Guests can choose 1 king bed w/ a pull-out sofa bed or 2 queen beds.Friday, 7/7/17 - $219.00Saturday, 7/8/17 - $219.00Click on the link &amp; enter group code "HPW" to make reservations online:<a href="https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&amp;brandCode=ex&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=MWNRI&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=HPW&amp;viewfullsite=true" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path%3Dhd%26brandCode%3Dex%26localeCode%3Den%26regionCode%3D1%26hotelCode%3DMWNRI%26_PMID%3D99801505%26GPC%3DHPW%26viewfullsite%3Dtrue&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1476998081145000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFAh7MJzyXjqPYBISStYO7pfk_meg">https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&amp;brandCode=ex&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=MWNRI&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=HPW&amp;viewfullsite=true</a> * There is a 2-night minimum stay for Saturday reservations in the summer at all hotels in Middletown.* There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for each individual reservation made.* Offers a complimentary hot continental breakfast.* Offers complimentary on-site parking.* Has an indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool, business center, &amp; a 24-hour fitness center.* All rooms have a mini refrigerator, microwave, TV, iron/ironing board, &amp; hair dryer.

Holiday Inn Express Middletown/Newport

Vacation rentals - homes, apartments, rooms

Home Away

Vacation rentals - homes, apartments, rooms

Airbnb, Inc.

VRBO

Travel

There are lots of great shops &amp; restaurants to check out! Areas to consider: Thames Street, Long Wharf Mall, Brick Marketplace, Bowen's Wharf, Bannister's Wharf, Bellevue Avenue, Broadway, Spring Street, &amp; the Newport Mall.

Shopping/Eateries

This is one of Newport's top attractions. It is a 3.5-mile public access walkway that borders the shore line.

Cliff Walk

Tour the beautiful &amp; historical mansions! Top choices to see: The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff, Marble House, &amp; Chateau-sur-mer.

Newport Mansions

Newport Vineyards: 909 E Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842 401-848-5161 Tasting room is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am- 6:00pm &amp; on Sunday from 12:00pm- 6:00pm. Public winery tours are available daily at 1:00pm &amp; 3:00pm, as well as hourly on Saturday. Cost = $12 for a tasting &amp; tour. Reservations are required for groups of 6 or more. Aquidneck Grower's Market - an outdoor farmer's market located on the grounds of Newport Vineyards. Hours = 9:00am- 1:00pm on Saturday.Brix Restaurant - located on the grounds of Newport Vineyards. Hours= Tuesday- Saturday for dinner. 401-848-5161<a href="http://www.newportvineyards.com/">http://www.newportvineyards.com/</a> Greenvale Vineyards: 582 Wapping Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871 401-847-3777 Visit this quaint hidden gem in Portsmouth, RI. Hours= Monday- Saturday 10:00am- 5:00pm &amp; on Sunday from 12:00pm- 5:00pm. Cost= $12 for 8 tastings. They have live jazz music May- December on Saturdays from 1:00pm- 4:00pm. <a href="http://www.greenvale.com/">http://www.greenvale.com/</a>

Wine Vineyards

Easton's Beach (known to locals as 1st Beach):This is a lively beach located on Memorial Boulevard in Newport. This is also where the Cliff Walk begins. There is a fee to park in the parking lot. However, there is free side street parking.Sachuest Beach (known to locals as 2nd Beach):This beach is preferred by many. It is known to have better waves &amp; cleaner water. It is located in Middletown, only a few miles down from 1st Beach. It is also located near the 300-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary. Parking fee= $10 on weekdays &amp; $20 on weekends.3rd Beach:This is a smaller &amp; more peaceful beach located in Middletown down the road from 2nd Beach. This beach is known for good wind surfing.

Newport/Middletown Beaches

The ITHF is located in the 7-acre historic Newport Casino. It honors tennis players &amp; their contributors. It includes a museum, 13 manicured grass tennis courts, &amp; brand new indoor courts. General admission tickets are $15. The museum is open daily in July &amp; August from 10:00am- 6:00pm.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Amazing Grace Oldport Marine (America's Cup Avenue) 401-847-9109Cruise around historic Newport Harbor &amp; Narragansett Bay. This boat takes you to see the Newport bridge, America's Cup yachts, Fort Adams, lighthouses, &amp; oceanfront homes. The tour lasts an hour, offers indoor/outdoor seating, &amp; a full service bar. From mid-June until Labor Day the boats depart every hour &amp; a half. Cost= $15 adults &amp; $12 seniors.Newport Cruise Company2 Bowens Ferry Landing 401-849-3575 This company operates 3 vessels: the Bay Queen, the Harbor Queen, &amp; the Majestic. Cruise around the harbor in the summertime daily at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, &amp; 5pm. The tour lasts an hour, offers indoor/outdoor seating, &amp; a full service bar. Cost= $15 adults &amp; $14 seniors.Classic Cruises of NewportBannister's Wharf 401-847-0298This company operates the Rum Runner II &amp; the Madeleine vessels. These vessels tour Newport Harbor &amp; Narrangansett Bay. The Rum Runner II offers a 75-min. speed boat tour that ranges in price from $18-25 per person. The Madeleine holds 49 passengers &amp; offers a 90-min. tour that ranges in price from $27-35 per person.

Jaimie & Nick