Category — Shannon

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!

I wanted to share a quick link to a beautiful venue here in Sarasota, FL, the Ca d’Zan Mansion & Ringling Museum of Art.

The estate, established by John & Mable Ringling is 66 acres of landscaped grounds, including a Rose Garden perfect for an outdoor ceremony.  The mansion sits on the Sarasota Bay & offers beautiful sunset views for terrace receptions.  If you desire to have a Venetian feel to your wedding without going to Venice, this estate is really the perfect place.  Plus Sarasota offers so much for your guests, including nearby Siesta Key’s soft, white beaches.

And if you’re looking for an elegant yet dramatic reception venue I highly recommend the museum courtyard.   For further information contact the Events Dept. at 941.359.5700 x 5703. 

Iceland is called the country of fire and ice because of it’s breathtaking glaciers combined with active volcanoes.  In fact, Iceland is said to be magical, exotic; the perfect place for an adventureous honeymoon.  Several tour companies can help you plan your trip, whether you choose to relax and take in the city life of Reykjavik or explore glaciers, volcanoes and geysers.  Nordic Vistor Iceland is one company that can handle all the details for you.  So a mini itinerary might include these locations:

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital and is one of Europe’s smallest capitals.  It’s a modern city where on summer nights, around midnight, you can sit by the harbour and watch the sunset. 

Blue Lagoon Spa is geothermal seawater that is not only soothing for the skin but extremely relaxing.  And who doesn’t need some pampering after months of planning?  Plus you can arrange for a massage in the lagoon.

 Lake Myvatn is an area of volcanic craters filled with bubbling mud, lakes & islands.  Some excellent salmon fishing happens here, and if you’re looking to relax and literally watch the birds fly by this is the place.  But if you’re looking to extend the pampering, relax in a warm mud bath while watching the northern lights.

No matter what your itinerary holds for Iceland you’ll definitely enjoy the pristine beauty.

These days ice sculptures and ice bars are all the rage for wedding receptions.  And Shari had some great inspiration for an ice themed wedding but what about having your wedding surrounded by ice?  Here are a few ice hotels & chapels that are beautiful carved, creating unique venues for your ceremony.

The Ice Hotel, Sweden  { This hotel sits 200km north of the Arctic Circle and after your ceremony in the hand carved chapel you can head over to the Absolut Ice Bar for a catered reception. }

Hotel de Glace, Canada    { North America’s only ice hotel and of course like all of them, each year it is redesigned and hand carved. }

Iglu Dorf, Switzerland  { Six igloo hotels to choose from throughout Switzerland.  Each offers excellent skiing opportunties for you and your guests to enjoy. }

We had a lot of guesses last week & Shari gave a great challenging photo.  Charity was the first to guess Emerald Bay.  Congrats Charity!  Drop Shari and email & she’ll get your 8×10 print to you.  Hopefully you all will find this week’s photo just as challenging.

I took this photo back in 1992.  My daughter, Victoria, was about seven months old.  In fact she cut her first tooth while visiting here.  So here are the clues:

1. It’s an island
2. A famous author was born here
3. They have snow in the winter

Good luck & have fun!  Who knows, there might be a give away this week too.

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.

I’ve been wanting to highlight Ian Prosser and his team at Botanica for a while since I really, really love his work.  Based out of Florida, they travel internationally, creating beautiful wedding and event floral designs.  So if you’re looking for a unique, elegant floral designer give their site a visit.  And to see a recent real wedding, visit their blog.  Happy Friday!!

Modeled after a chateau in the Loire Valley, Chateau Marmont in the Hollywood Hills is rich with history and excitement. 

Famous for hosting celebrities, the hotel pampers and offers privacy.  Their garden view rooms start at $370./ night but the amenities are endless. 

 And since they’re in the heart of West Hollywood, you’re close to nightlife, restaurants and shopping.  Or if you prefer, hang out by the pool, schedule a horseback ride or take a hike in Runyon Canyon.  It’s in a great location and if you dream of having a hollywood honeymoon, Chateau Marmont is the place.

If you dream of your wedding have the flair of an old Clark Gable and Carole Lombard movie, then the one destination spot meant for your event is the The Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood. 

The historic hotel is in the heart of Hollywood and hosted the very first Academy Awards on May 19, 1929.  And yes, even Clark & Carole use to stay in the hotel suite for $5./ night!  But if you can’t make it to Hollywood, here are a few other venue ideas:

• Fox Theatre, Atlanta
• The Majestic, Dallas
• The Chicago Theatre, Chicago
• Colonial Theatre, Boston

But a classic Hollywood inspired wedding is so much more than just the venue.  It’s refined, dramatic style is from a day gone by and I found so much inspiration that I had a hard time choosing what to share with you. 

 Gown by Claire Pettibone

Gown by Jenny Packham

Purse designed by Leigh Ann Kline

A little groom inspiration too. Photo by Our Labor of Love

1948 Rolls Royce

Vintage floral design by Martha Stewart

Even consider finding a photographer you love who can give your photos that old hollywood style.  One that comes to mind is Elizabeth Messina.  Her work is stunning and glamorous!

And of course, make that first dance a romantic show stopper. 

We haven’t had any winners for last weeks photo & honestly I don’t even know where it’s located.  Shari is still on vacation in Napa so I haven’t been able to get the scoop from her.  I’ll let you know as soon as I do.  Now onto this weeks photo:

1. Ivan Lendl, the former tennis pro, has a home here
2. A major archeological discovery was made here almost 100 years ago
3. An aircraft manufacturer calls this town home