Category — Miscellaneous Monday

Shari & I have several exciting new things happening here on the blog. In fact, we’re so excited about them that we’ll be taking a break from posting. This way we can focus on all the new, fabulous things we have planned.

Check back in November. We look forward to sharing everything with you guys soon!

Fall weddings can be so beautiful with the vibrant oranges, reds, yellows and even browns.  So this week is all about fall weddings.  And we especially wanted to focus on finding inspiration from weddings in New Hampshire, Vermont & Maine.  Think fresh red apples, brillant orange pumpkins and golden brown maple syrup.

1.  The reception, can be elegant but rustic……a chic harvest.  Photo from The Knot
2. I think in the fall why not go with a dramatic, chocolate brown gown from Jason Wu. 
3. Simple earrings from Barney’s.
4. Love this bold cake.  Photo from The Knot.
5. Simple, modern invitations in a striking chocolate brown.  Photo from The Knot.
6. Gorgeous Stuart Weitzman shoes.
7. Brilliant orange calle lilies.  Photo from The Knot.
8. And this beautiful Devi Kroell evening bag to hold a few miscellaneous items.

 Scarlett O’Hara never did have the big garden wedding, instead opting to wear her mother’s gown for a quick ceremony to Charles.  And of course her wedding to Rhett was small compared to the way Scarlett typically did things….big and extravagant.   Even though this weeks theme is all things inspired by kelly green, I thought I’d gather some inspiration for Scarlett, just encase she ever decided to throw herself a big Irish wedding.

I think this Atelier Aimee gown would fit her dreamy, girly side.

 And of course nothing would suit Scarlett more than a 3 carat emerald & diamond ring from Solomon Bros.

 The castle of choice to throw her fabulous fete would be in Ireland at Lismore Castle.

A garden wedding with roses, herbs and beautifully manicured hedges.

I imagine Scarlett would want the event to be a party to remember so she’d probably follow the afternoon ceremony with tea service on the lawn, where she could entertain and socialize.  Later guests would move to a tented reception for dinner and dancing.

 Followed up by a desert buffet.

{ last three photos from Martha Stewart }

I’m a HUGE travel nut and I love vintage airline items, including the airline galley carts. Well Flight 001 is now selling retro galley carts! And even though they’ve been cleaned up and repainted, they still carry their battle scratches and dents. And you can even purchase the 14 trays that fit neatly inside. So if you’re having a travel inspired wedding what a neat item include. If you are having it in a garden or on the beach, imagine having this filled with bottled water for your guests or have it as a mini bar during cocktail hour or even use it as a display cart holding gifts for your guests. There really are so many uses for it that can add a fun element to the wedding.

And what to do with it afterwards? What about a mini bar for your home, or utilize it during outdoor BBQ season or store DVDs in it. There are so many ideas but it’s certainly going to be a conversation piece for years to come.

Richard Branson’s island retreat, Necker Island, is on my list of luxury Islands to experience.  He has done such a fantastic job of creating a beautiful haven and getaway and I dream of renting the island one day.  But if you happen to planning a destination wedding and haven’t chosen your spot, check it out and envision yourself there.

74 acres of private island.  Cool breezes.  Balinese houses. 

And some little details if you decide to rent the island for a week:

• Your accommodations for up to 28 included
• all meals and drinks { alchoholic and other }
• transfers to Virgin Gorda
• laundry facilities
• wi-fi

And things to do on the island?   Try two freshwater pools, a jacuzzi, two tennis courts with a pro on staff, wind surf, kite surf, gym, kayaks, wake boarding, and hamocks are just a few things to do on the island.  Imagine having 28 of your closest family and friends on this gorgeous island for a week of fun.  And of course I didn’t forget the spa on the island, which I think would be at the top of my to-do list followed by a good book and hamock.

And what does a week at a private island cost for your destination wedding, which btw, they have a staff to help you plan your special event?  $235,000.00 for five nights.  A girl can dream right!?!?!  After all I did say exotic & luxury.

But if it gets you thinking and you’d like some other alternatives, visit Private Islands Online or Caribbean Way for some great ideas.

While I was watching the opening ceremony last night, which was fabulous by the way, I got to thinking that I love the Olympics for exactly the same reason I love to travel. I love the glimpse into other cultures. It’s one of big thrills in my life to learn about different people and places.

The Olympics gives us that opportunity. Not just of the host country, either, but of all the countries attending. And while nothing will ever compare to real travel, you can learn a lot even from the couch. I can’t even count the number of interesting facts I leaned about so many the countries attending last night. This was while trying to scramble and figure out where some of them were!

Each country’s outfits alone told volumes about their culture. From brightly colored traditional African clothing to the spiffy French to the sporty Brazilians to the always appropriate Bermudu team in their Bermuda shorts.

Here are a few interesting tidbits:

• The entire county of China is in one time zone.

• 1/5 of the world lives in China!

• Saudi Arabia still doesn’t allow women athletes, but for the first time Pakistan brought two women athletes. Sure, they are the prime ministers daughters. But, hey it’s a start.

• The African country of Lesotho is one of only two countries in the world that is completely surrounded by another country. It’s surrounded by South Africa. The other country is San Marino surrounded by Italy.

• There is a Starbucks on the Great Wall of China.

I think they hit the nail on the head with the Olympic slogan this year: One world, one dream. We are all so much more alike than we are different.

So while I am still a total Olympics cheeseball, most of my reasons do run pretty deep.

These photos really don’t do the opening ceremonies justice. China really outdid themselves. It was a beautiful, moving, and very relevant opening ceremony.

*The quote that is the title of this blog post was just one of many brilliant things said by the late, great sportscaster Jim McKay. I actually heard it after writing this, and it sums up my feelings perfectly. Much better than I could ever do myself. Jim McKay certainly had a way with words. He will be missed.

Just wanted to thank everyone who has submitted so far.  We’ve had some great stories and beautiful events planned, but keep them coming because you may be selected! 

If you’re having a destination wedding or know someone who is, get those details and stories to us.  If you haven’t heard about he contest until now, you can find all the information here.  We look forward to reading more!

A while back Brett and his team of videographers were in Connecticut to shoot Maria & Andre’s wedding.  It was so unique I asked if we could share it with our readers.  So without further ado, here’s the link to the incredible video & Brett’s description of the wedding:

“Breaking with tradition, the dinner was held first because of the couple’s unique ceremony plan. 

The ceremony aisle was a path through the forest leading to a pond & guests lined the aisle holding candles.  The couple boarded a “floating dock” that carried them to the center of the pond & the guests surrounded the pond.  Although the lighting was very dim, it was a stirring setting. 

After a fireworks display, the guests entered a lavish tent for an evening of dancing and fun.”

Maria & Andre’s Candlelight Ceremony

Thanks again to the CVP Experience team for sharing some of their beautiful work with us.  If you’d like to see more of what this fabulous team does then check out their site & blog:

CVP Experience

CVP Experience Blog

Ever since posting my photo the week before last of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona for Travel Photo Tuesday, I’ve been thinking about that life-changing trip.

This was a trip that almost didn’t happen. I actually had to be talked into it but my best friend Lisa. I’d been through a bad breakup and had been down in the dumps for a while. It seems so silly now. We left LAX on the day of my 30th birthday for Ireland. Spent two wonderful weeks in Ireland, which really is an amazing country. Then, we decided we just couldn’t go home yet so we extended out trip for another week and went to Barcelona, Spain.

Ah, Barcelona. The architecture, the food, the people. This is such a magical city! I was absolutely enchanted by all the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí scattered throughout the city, from Sagrada Familia to La Pedrera to my favorite, Park Güell. Lisa and I had the hardest time finding Park Güell. We wandered around the city and kept asking people. They kept pointing us in the right direction, or so we hoped.

Finally, after hours of looking, we came across it. Such an amazing place. Words really can’t describe the fantastical place. Imagine Disney minus the cheese. Gaudí was a genius. All his works are truly unique. You really have to see it to believe it. Even photographs don’t do it justice.

After we explored the park for about an hour, it started to rain. Lisa wanted to leave, but I didn’t. I actually love the rain. Especially on a warm, sultry day. She took a cab back to the hotel, and I had one of the most amazing afternoons of my life. I stayed at Park Güell for quite a while taking it all in.

Then I spent hours just wandering around the city in the rain. I can’t even explain the sense of freedom and wonder. I was literally skipping through puddles. There were lots of Spaniards tucked into alcoves all over the city, watching the rain and looking at me like I was crazy.

This is my favorite travel memory, (so far, anyway!) wandering around one of the most amazing cities in the world in a warm rain.

What’s your favorite travel memory? We’d love to hear it! Please email us at: flyawayphotog@gmail.com

Here are some links on Park Güell:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Guell

http://www.gaudidesigner.com/uk/parc-guell.html

http://barcelona.arounder.com/park_guell/

Considering taking your precious pooch with you for your wedding?   Maybe you even want them in your wedding but you’re not sure which resorts will accomodate your requests.  Well here are a couple of excellent hotels that not only allow pets but they pamper them too.

The Loews Miami Beach Hotel

This upscale luxury hotel welcome all dogs of all sizes as long as they are “well behaved”.  In fact they have a program “Loews Loves Pets” that welcomes him/her with special treats, a Loews tag & bowl.  And check out their room service menu for pets!  How cool!!  They are happy to  show you several dog walking routes, so your pet can get some exercise, as well as, refer groomers and vets if needed.  They also have beds available if needed.  And their fee for all this attention is only $25. per stay.  Definitely pet friendly.

Mayfair Hotel & Spa

 The Mayfair is a chic boutique in the Coconut Grove area of Miami.  They are allow up to two pets per room and only charge a flat rate of $25.  They have pet amenities such as a pet bed, pet lounging mat, bottled water with bowl for your little friend & the ‘Mayfair’ biscuits.  Another great resort to consider when planning your destination wedding in Miami.