Announcing a Friday-Night Movie Opportunity!

For those of you attending the ball and coming in on Friday September 8th (or those just in the Fayetteville area) I am excited to bring to you a special limited-time showing of Austenland at the Cameo Art House Theater at 7:00pm

If you haven't seen this movie, I promise you it is a fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek, look at Regency enthusiasts gone a bit too far! Just the thing to provide us all a bit of humor and perspective as we get ready for the Lafayette Ball weekend!

Movie Synopsis: Socially awkward Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) is obsessed with the works of Jane Austen and fantasizes about the character of Mr. Darcy. She scrapes together as much money as she can and takes off for Austenland, a British theme resort where guests immerse themselves in a romantic fantasy worthy of Austen herself. However, because Jane's limited funds do not allow as many privileges as other guests, her chance at a fling with her very own Mr. Darcy may be limited as well.

More information and links for ticket purchases will be following soon but get this on your calendar so you can add this to your list of fun things to do in conjunction with the ball!

Perhaps we will make this a dressed event for anyone wanting to show off some of those wonderful Regency Day Dresses? What say you?

Haven't bought your tickets yet? No problem!

Click the link above for information and tickets.

 Happy Mother's Day to Lafayette's Mom -
Marie Louise Jolie de La Rivière

Unfortunately, there is little written about Lafayette's mother. She died on April 3, 1770 at the age of 33 when Lafayette, himself, was only 13. Since Lafayette's father had died 11 years before, his mother's death left Lafayette a very wealthy little boy. It is fascinating to think that such a privileged young man who lost so much so young, would have such a big heart for so many and a true calling for FREEDOM beyond the borders of his own country.

In the portrait below you can clearly see the resemblance between Lafayette and his mother. I don't know if the portrait was taken just prior to his mother's death or after, but one must take a moment of pause to consider the sadness the boy must have been feeling at the loss of his mother. To suddenly be alone in the world at such a tender age. Regardless of his unusual height. Regardless of the fact that children "grew up early back then." Regardless of the fact that he would be married only a year later. The loss of a mother on a boy already fatherless, on a boy already tender-hearted and sympathetic to the plight of those yearning for freedom, must have been felt.

A Rare Portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette as a Teenager, 1773

(This excerpt is taken from Susan Halloway Scott's Blog)

It's rare to see portraits of any of the Founder generation as teenagers. In the 18th century, very few people ever had their portraits painted, and then only after they'd become older, famous, and rich.

But here's a seldom-seen portrait of "American's favorite fighting Frenchman", Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, as a painfully geeky fifteen-year-old in 1773. He was tall for the time at 5’9”, and socially awkward. With popping eyes, a long nose, and small mouth, he was never going to be a handsome man, and he wasn’t at this age, either.

An orphan, he’d already inherited his title, a sizable income, and his family’s estate, and this portrait might have been painted to commemorate his presentation at the French royal court at Versailles. He is certainly dressed for it, in costly silk and lace and a black silk bow at his throat. His cocked hat is tucked beneath his arm, as a gentleman does, and his hand rests lightly on the hilt of his dress sword. The ornamental loop on his shoulder may refer to his rank as second lieutenant in the King's Musketeers.

 Understanding the Ticket Tiers . . .

The basic ticket is the Gentry Ticket and includes all the standard amenities of the event: the dancing the French desserts, the event or dance card, access to the games room where you can play whist, dominoes, skittles (lawn bowling), view the exhibits, use the selfie station, all at no extra charge. You may also choose to book a sitting with the professional photographer, the silhouette artist or the fortune teller for an additional charge. You may purchase soft drinks or alcohol at the bar for additional charge as well as souvenirs.

Each tier up from the Gentry Ticket will add little extras including reserved seating, announcements, cockades and carriage rides among others.

Some extras can be purchased at the event (like souvenirs and photos) while others (like carriage rides and reserved tables) will only be available through the tiered tickets.

Please read each tier carefully and reach out with ANY questions you may have prior to purchasing. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

For the ladies who wish to leave the hairstyling to the professionals, we've got you covered! Local Hairstylist, Erica Purvis, will be available throughout the day of the ball (by appointment) to make your dream look a reality! $40 and up.

Book with Erica (starting at $40)

910-229-4131

Book with Davina (starting at $75)

910-273-3526

(Click Image to Purchase)

10 minute sessions

7:30 - 10:30pm

$25 each

(Click Image to Purchase Silhouette Sitting)

Commission your silhouette painting on the spot to capture the true spirit of the Regency.

$50 single $75 Facing Couple

A portion of all ball ticket sales will be going to my newly formed non-profit organization: The 10Dresses Project. To learn more about the Project, including its Mission and Goals and all the ways you can support, please click the image below.

 GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Planning on Attending the Ball?

Ticket Prices Go Up in TWO WEEKS so tickets are the CHEAPEST they will be RIGHT NOW!

GET TICKETS

Other Upcoming Events:

11 May - Avalon Ball (Catalina Island, CA)

June 10 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Foundations (Fayetteville, NC)

July 8 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Daywear (Fayetteville, NC)

(I may be turning the Daywear workshop into a second eveningwear workshop to help facilitate those who are working on making outfits for the ball.)

August 12 - Preparing for Lafayette Workshop: Eveningwear(Fayetteville, NC)

August 9 - Party with Lafayette - Grand Ball and Soiree (Fayetteville, NC)

With all my love and heartfelt thanks for your sincere devotion.

Go out there and spread the word and "Wear the Love"

Love,

Rebecca

A portion of all ball ticket sales will be going to my newly formed non-profit organization: The 10Dresses Project. To learn more about the Project, including its Mission and Goals and all the ways you can support, please click the image below.