Valentine did not contact Simmons on election night,[29] and characterized local press coverage as "lousy", adding he could not compliment Simmons' victory "with an open heart and clear mind. Obituary: Frederic Rickinson, 92, Of Stamford, Custom Built Stamford Home Offers Quality & Craftsmanship, Stamford's St. Patrick's Day Parade Is Saturday: Here's What To Know, "A River Runs Through" Opening Reception at Ice Cream Social, Free Workshops! Carolyns veil was made of silk tulle, and she wore crystal-beaded satin sandals from Manolo Blahnik; on her arms were long white gloves, and in her hands were an understated bouquet of lilies of the valley. height: 5px; Hopefully its a foreshadowing of whats to come, he said. Linares said he doesnt view his wedding as emblematic of a new era of cooperation at the Capitol as much as a deeply personal decision by two people in love. "It's time for me to congratulate the new mayor of Stamford, Caroline Simmons," Valentine wrote on social media. Caroline Simmons. [5] She earned her bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 2008, where she majored in Government. STAMFORD State Rep. Caroline Simmons began the day as usual Friday, perusing the newspaper at breakfast. .galleries:before { Lamont attended their wedding in 2017. In December, he proposed to her in a full-page ad in the Stamford Advocate that read, Dear Caroline, will you marry me? Lamont said that he and his wife, Ann, have known the Simmons family in Greenwich for years. Love Artie.. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. from the Stamford Government Center, but residents will have the chance to watch from home since attendance will be limited. Retracing the path of controversial Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe includes many stops in Connecticut. Winter's finally here for Frankie & Johnny a couple months after it started. The city is growing and so is Simmons' family. State Rep. Caroline Simmons shares a light moment with State Senator Bob Duff, left, and State Senator L. Scott Frantz at the Women's Business Development Council's annual breakfast at the Hyatt in Greenwich, Sept. 23, 2016. Linares family is from Cuba, where you werent allowed to have different political views. In his own relationship, it makes for great conversation. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Profile. On Twitter, Caroline Simmons shared that she gave birth to a . 2023 Cond Nast. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Both say the political differences enrich their relationship. Caroline Simmons, left, a Democratic state representative, and Art Linares, right, a Republican state senator, are getting married Saturday. It was one of the most anticipated nuptials since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, but instead of a cathedral filled with thousands of people, the couple chose the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia, with about 40 guests in attendance. 2,789 Followers, 1,232 Following, 1,463 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caroline Simmons (@mcarolinesimmons) hands down changed the wedding dress game. They discuss the first real winter storm of the season in Connecticut and they offer some updates on local political elections. Camila Vallejo is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Simmons, co-chairwoman of the commerce committee, has written a number of pro-business bills, including legislation that broadens the scope of angel investors and another that requires the state to develop a logo that businesses can use to promote their Connecticut-made products. Aresimowicz is among the many state leaders of both parties invited to the wedding, though he is unable to make it due to a family commitment. What's the Dodgers' plan at shortstop? [21] The race attracted several high-profile donors,[22] amounting to a total of $1.2M between both candidates. Natalie Portman on Britney Spears and the Scent of Love Behind Queen Elizabeths Surprising Wit Are the Literary Jonathans Still Relevant? The True Story of a Hollywood Partnership Built and Destroyed by Money, Sex, and Celebrity The Best Shampoo Bars to Lighten 2021s Environmental Load Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Make the Most of Summers End The Most Influential Pop-Rock Band Ever? Join Facebook to connect with Caroline Sundvold and others you may know. Actress and author Jill Kargman: When you think of other huge, iconic wedding dresses prior, you think of Princess Diana. Were so excited, Simmons said, and we couldnt be happier to spend this time with our families.. These two people getting married are everyones favorite, said Frantz, who is attending the wedding. We hope that the weather is as good as we think it will be. STAMFORD, CT Caroline Simmons will make history on Wednesday when she's sworn-in as Stamford's first female mayor. Sophie Simmons is married! It proves that, while experimentation and trends are fun and entertaining in fashion and are exciting and stimulating, I think in some cases the simplicity of something so clean and light and classic sometimes actually has more impact than some crazy over-the-top thing. 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"It's a young, vibrant, optimistic city and now you have a young, vibrant, optimistic mayor, perfect fit for the job, Caroline Simmons," Gov. [5], In 2014, Simmons became a state representative candidate for the 144th district. What struck me about the dress is it was so bareno ornamentation, no rhinestones or sequins or even embroidery. Caroline Simmons is young, optimistic, energetic and expanding.. "[30], Prior to being sworn into office, Mayor-elect Simmons appointed State Senator Patricia Billie Miller, Cradle to Career President Bridget Fox, and Stamford Health President Kathleen Silard to serve as co-chairs for her transition team. Shes a woman of mystery, something we dont have much of today. "[50] Stamford's Board of Representatives requested a meeting to privately discuss "alleged and misconstrued comments" but the outcome of this request was not publicly reported. [Carolyns dress] was revolutionary in that sense, that someone would wear something that simple. Ex-manager Valentine falls short in mayoral bid. But its fascinating to have a different perspective, and it helps refine my own views. STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- History was made Wednesday, as Connecticut's second-biggest city now its first female mayor. The house sits on 0.57 acre, with a pond in back. [15] Simmons was endorsed by the Stamford Democratic City Committee against two-term incumbent Mayor David Martin. I cant wait to celebrate the time with our families and with Caroline.. Simmons was joined by several state officials, including Gov. Im very pleased that they were able to do this in what otherwise can be a combative place. Last month, Simmons won a second term representing the assembly district extending from Ridgeway to North Stamford. [The dress] was nothing we had considered or seen before, but Carolyn and Narciso knew it was right for her. She then faced sports celebrity Bobby Valentine, who ran as an independent, in a close race called by absentee ballots. Simmons announced in September that she and Linares are expecting a third son. Ive never met somebody so arresting, London says. [16] Simmons was also endorsed by the Independent Party of Connecticut. The way she flowed in her beautiful dress, moving at full pace, coming down the steps. Ive been to a few swearing-ins, but this ones really special for me because its personal, Lamont said. Barack Obama's Presidential Transition Team, "Amid the Partisan Bickering in Hartford, A Republican and a Democrat Found Love", "Simmons wins second term in 144th District", "Caroline Simmons wins Stamford mayoral election as Bobby Valentine concedes", "State Rep finds surprise proposal in The Advocate", "Representative Hopes to Lead By Example", "Representative hopes to lead by example", "Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2014", "Connecticut 144th District State House Results: Caroline Simmons Wins", "Democrat and GOP lawmakers announce first child together", "Caroline Simmons: Why I am running for re-election", "Simmons announces re-election bid to Stamford's 144th", "Stamford's Simmons backs cybersecurity bil", "State Rep. Caroline Simmons to challenge incumbent David Martin for Stamford mayor", "Simmons narrowly wins Stamford's Democratic endorsement for mayor; Martin looks to force primary", "Broad coalition endorses independent practice for Medicare psychologists", "State Rep. Caroline Simmons defeats Mayor David Martin in Stamford Democratic mayoral primary", "George Bush, Linda McMahon among donors: Valentine outraises Simmons and Martin in Stamford mayoral campaign", "Joe Corsello, Republican candidate for Stamford mayor, drops out of race and endorses Bobby Valentine", "Caroline Simmons, Bobby Valentine raised more than $1.2M in Stamford mayoral race. It's not that funny. Fashion journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi: It was the epitome of 90s minimalism. She reached across the aisle. He said that Simmons, who moved to Stamford in 2013, was an amazing state legislator in part because everybody liked her.. Rob Harrell. It was indicative of the way the wedding wasnatural and of the moment, not trying to be any more than it was in its simplicity. Bobby Valentine, 71, conceded the mayoral election in Stamford, Conn., to Democratic state Rep. Caroline Simmons late Tuesday night in what ended up being a close race decided by absentee ballots. Welcome to the wedding website for Chris Field and Caroline Simmons. It was a high-profile, at times hostile and expensive race, with Simmons and Valentine each raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during their campaigns. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Publics Members They exuded an affection that was beautiful to witness, the love felt that weekend and that night on Cumberland Island. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. State rep finds surprise proposal in The Advocate, State report: Stamford discriminated against Westhill teacher, Maple Sugar Fest Sundays at Stamford Nature Center. Her administration's first-year budget recommended a 1 percent tax increase. January 26, 2022 / 9:43 PM / CBS New York. I am on the couple's website on my phone or tablet- and I can't find anything! An ad appearing in the Stamford Advocate on Friday, December 23, 2016. building a betterand more civilConnecticut to live, work, and play. [13] She was appointed as Chair of the Commerce Committee, becoming one of the youngest women to ever do so. For their rehearsal dinner and reception, they celebrated at the islands Greyfield Inn, where most of their guests stayed as well. The most famous photograph of the evening was captured by Denis Reggie, a longtime Kennedy family photographer who says he has captured 25 Kennedy weddings. My dear friend designed the dress. She knew it would be a moment where the dress would show fully. Thats definitely part of the appeal. Kargman: The spotlight that A-listers have to endurethe dress was a chess move away from that. She did her own thing. The previous time wed seen John Kennedy with an expressive gesture was 33 years before, at the burial of his father on his third birthday. [27] Valentine originally claimed duplicate ballots may have influenced the result,[28] but conceded soon afterward. [38] Simmons nominated Assistant Police Chief Louis DeRubeis as Jankowski's replacement. Ned Lamont said. Simmons and Linares canceled their honeymoon to continue negotiations. Shes been a champion for Stamford schools, for small businesses, for public safety, for the environment, for transportation, for equality and inclusion of everyone. Behind Nika Mhl's surprise call from UConn great Sue Bird, Cannabis advocates protest CT's recreational-use rollout, CT SPCA volunteers 'humbled' as hundreds file to adopt pets, Warrant: Ex-CT 'lunch lady' sent nude pics to student for months. John reached for the hand of Carolyn; she was caught off guard. Hes the Republican grandson of Cuban exiles who has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association and volunteered for Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. See Photos. STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Caroline Simmons was officially sworn in as Stamford's 32nd mayor Wednesday. Dennies had previously served as Director of Administration under Mayor Malloy. We have different political views and we dont agree on everything, Simmons said. "To all of the women and girls in our city, today is for you . He represents Connecticuts 33rd District. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. We dont look at this as a political issue, said Linares, a tall, dark-haired 28-year-old who has represented several lower Connecticut Valley towns in the state Senate since 2013. She specifically asked that the photo Reggie chose to release show off Rodriguezs dress. You have all been such an important part of our lives and we wouldnt imagine getting married without you. When they first started planning their wedding, Linares, a senator from Westbrook, and Simmons, a representative from Stamford, settled on an October date for their outdoor celebration at picturesque Griswold Point in Old Lyme. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Reggie: It was lovely, the spontaneity of that gesture. Get the latest chatter, from Kensington Palace and beyond, straight to your inbox. Caroline Simmons, D-Stamford, and former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine debate during a Stamford mayoral debate Oct. 21 in Darien. content: ; Reggie: She said, Show the dress. [51], Simmons lives in Stamford with her Republican husband and three children. Excited for my daughter and also for the city of Stamford because they are getting someone who is completely dedicated to the city and the people who live in it.. It wont surprise their constituents to learn the young legislators she is 30, he is 28 met in Hartford. [6][7] At the Department of Homeland Security, Simmons served as Director of Special Projects in the Counterterrorism Coordinator's Office and traveled to Kabul many times for her work. I thought I misread it.. For now, they will live apart: Linares will stay in Westbrook while Simmons will keep her Stamford apartment, about an hour and a half away. She graduated from Harvard with a bachelors degree in government and received her masters in Middle East Studies from George Washington University. This dress was totally opposite and diametrically opposed. Were not sure if were going to go or for how long, Simmons said. And we both share the values of caring about the state and our work as public servants, he said. Simmons made it look easy. So far, efforts to adopt a spending plan have dissolved amid political squabbling and gridlock. [39], Simmons brought in new appointments for cabinet positions including Matthew Quinones as Director of Operations, Doug Dalena as Director of Legal Affairs, and Loren Nadres as Director of Economic Development. Linares is a traditional conservative, winning the endorsement of the Family Institute of Connecticut political action committee in 2016. 561.676.7299, Caroline Something about that dress transcends trends and timealmost no bridal establishment would say they dont have at least one dress that resembles it. PublishedDecember 1, 2021 at 5:19 PM EST. You two are at the heart of everything we do. I tried to access a couple's wedding website, but am being prompted for a password. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as State Representative for Connecticut's 144th District, where she was the youngest female legislator in Connecticut state office. In a building that draws ideologues with big egos, both Simmons and Linares are viewed as collegial and pragmatic. and just really despicable language. It took Simmons a moment to realize the proposal was from her boyfriend, state Sen. Art Linares. We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. [33], After being sworn in as Mayor, Simmons announced she would retain two cabinet members from the previous administration: Sandra Dennies as Director of Administration, and Ted Jankowski as Director of Public Safety, Health, and Welfare. In 1996, it was still a pretty iconic wedding dress. Miss Caroline Lee Simmons and Mr. James Kennedy Skipton IV were united in marriage on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at six o'clock in the evening at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. [34] Dalena left his position as Deputy General Counsel to Governor Lamont to accept the position in Stamford. CarolineJSimmons@gmail.com It was five-star perfection. It crystallized that trend [minimalism] in fashion. Based in North Carolina and Virginia. Susan Bysiewicz, (state) Sen. Patricia Billie Miller and all of the talented women leaders in our city Im grateful for the sacrifices that this pioneering group of women made to make this day possible.. She certainly wore it beautifully and it was made for her. Her hair was pinned into a bun and held by a clip that once belonged to her mother-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was virtually dark outside. [40] Nadres had worked in New York City on economic issues for over a decade prior to accepting her role in Stamford. Thats part of the magicless is more. This hour on The Colin McEnroe Show: are too many documents classified? Both lawmakers are well-liked on both sides of the aisle. "I know she's very smart, she's very educated, she went to Harvard, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the changes she's going to be making to our city as our new mayor," student Selin Osman said. Whatever she wore for that wedding would have been memorable. In the meantime, Simmons said, we will live separately for a period of time and plan to continue to serve our constituents and live in our own separate districts., Some see the couples union as proof that politicians can rise above the partisan sniping. display: block; Then the head count would not have to be as careful as it would be if it would be done in another way.. I thought it would be a good way to propose, and also a sentimental way that would mean a lot to both of us., I usually check the back page for the weather, she said. [31] Miller was the most senior legislator among the Stamford delegation and an ally to Simmons throughout her mayoral campaign. They kept this a state secret from everybody, said Frantz, who sits next to Linares in the Republican caucus room. [34] Dennies and Jankowski were both incumbents in their positions who served under Mayor Martin. Democratic State Rep. Caroline Simmons of Stamford and her husband, a Republican state senator, gave birth to their first child on Friday as the season's first snow storm blanketed Connecticut . In her first term, Simmons Introduced or co-sponsored 53 bi-partisan bills, two which reduced regulations for small businesses and six of which lowered taxes on hospitals, businesses, and residents. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. At the time, few at the Capitol knew about the relationship. 2022 Moffly Media. It was a really special photograph. Welcome to the wedding website for Chris Field and Caroline Simmons. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. He snapped the newlyweds as they descended the steps of the candlelit church, which had no air-conditioning and only eight pews. Stamford is young, energetic, optimistic and expanding, he said. STAMFORD, CT State Rep. Caroline Simmons made history early Wednesday morning, as she became the first woman to be elected as mayor of Stamford. U.S. District Judge of New Jersey Jose L. Linares officiated the wedding at Griswold Point in Old Lyme, where a reception followed.