The party was a Halloween-themed hybrid of a masquerade and a wedding reception. Guests gathered to celebrate a couple with a refreshingly novel idea of how to have a good time.
Art Fredette and Leesa Naimo tied the knot at Positively Fourth Street, the downtown bar that they own, before adjourning to the reception aboard the ship. The couple shunned wedding tradition and wore classy outfits of a matching gothic vampire motif.
"We decided we were sick of the white-dress nonsense," said Naimo. "Nobody in a wedding party ever enjoys a traditional wedding."
Fredette wore a top hat and three-piece suit. Naimo's red-and-black ruffled dress and black mask completed their ensemble.
"I wanted something that looks kind of bride-ish, but creepy," said Naimo.
The maid of honor, Gretchen Greisler, donned a black dress and a blonde wig to play the part of Marilyn Monroe. Patrick Vacciello, the best man, went dressed as a 1920's gangster.
Guests arrived at the reception in a variety of custumes. The crowd favorite appeared to be the Gene Simmons costume complete with KISS makeup and trademark spiked shoulder pads. Russ and Heather Patrie, respectively dressed as Superman and Wonder Woman, lauded the newlyweds for their idea.
"Arty and Leesa are wonderful people," said Russ Patrie. "Leave it to him to pull a stunt like this at his wedding."
The Patries have attended a number of parties aboard the Captain JP, but a costume-required wedding reception was something altogether different. "I've never seen anything like this. It definitely takes the cake."