Category — Uncategorized

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!

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.

I’ll have the answer to Shannon’s photo from last week for you very soon. I just need to confirm the location.

Can you guess where this week’s photos was taken?

• It is in Florida, but where in Florida?
• A very famous author owns a home here
• It has “Key” in its name

Here’s some inspiration for your Monday. Information below.

Tuesday, as always, is Travel Photo Tuesday.

Then for Wedding Wednesday, we will also feature something Wedding & Ice-Inspired.

Thursday are always about honeymoons, continuing with the Ice-Inspired theme.

And then on Friday, as always, is Florida Friday!

Top left, Martha Stewart online. Top middle, invitations by Invitation Consultants. Top right, flowers by Martha Stewart online.
Second row, left, photography by the fabulous Fred Egan. Right, silver gown by Max Chaoul Couture.
Next row, horse sculpture by Creative Ice. Silver favors below horse from Martha Stewart online.
Amazing shoes, photography by Fred Egan.
Next to the shoes, bamboo ice luge by LA Ice Art. Bottom right, table setting Martha Stewart online.

Have a great week y’all ☺

This week we are going to feature weddings that have the feel of Hollywood glamour. It’s quite fitting for me to feature my best friend’s wedding in Wine Country, having just returned.

Lisa had a strong vision of her wedding. She is quite a glamorous girl, so a vintage glamour look fit her perfectly. She didn’t want the entire style of the wedding to be over-the-top Hollywood glamour. But she definitely wanted the three of us to be glamorous all the way.

As I mentioned, Lisa is already quite glamorous. A girly girl who has more make-up and accessories than anyone I know. Now Chris, the maid of honor, and I are another story altogether. Think two tomboys all the way. I’m lucky if I get my hair cut once a year, and Chris has that laid back J Crew look that she doesn’t realize is so appealing.

Enter amazing stylist, Tia. We were beyond transformed. When my fiancé, Sean, first saw me he was literally speechless with his mouth hanging open. I really owe Tia ☺

These are a few snaps from the wedding. A few taken by me (although I vowed to be as camera-free as possible), some taken by Sean, and others taken by whoever happened to have a camera at the time.

I really want to stay here! This place is amazing. I mean, you can fly a hawk in the School of Falconry! I’ve been to the area and it’s breathtaking. I know I use a lot of superlatives, like wonderful and gorgeous and fabulous to describe things, but Ireland really is beyond description. It truly gets in your soul.

I’m on vacation so I’m going to copy what they have to say from their website:

“It is our pleasure to welcome you to Ashford Castle, one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the World. Standing over the shores of Lough Corrib, and hidden deep in over 350 acres of wooded parkland, this 13th Century Castle is a monument to a fascinating history of a bygone age. Once the estate of the Guinness Family, the Castle opened its doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939.

While staying with us you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing or exciting activities. Book a Spa treatment or Fly a Hawk in the School of Falconry, take a Picnic in the Walled Garden or catch Wild Trout or Salmon here, in one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland. Just 30 minutes from Galway city, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.”

 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 }

Here are a few gowns I adore and feel would be perfect for a Florida wedding, whether it’s on the beach or at one of our many venues.  They’re soft, elegant and reminicent of the refreshing ocean breeze.  Which is your favorite?

{ Dress by Alfred Angelo } 

This shorter dress is one of my favorites for something modern & chic.  { Both dresses by Angel Sanchez }

I love this dress.  Non traditional, forward thinking and elegant.

My favorite gown that’s more classic & timeless.  { These gowns are designed by Atelier Aimee, an array of gowns that truly are unique & make a statement. }

Last week’s photo was in Luxemburg in a castle ruin outside of the city.

Here are this week’s hints:

• It’s in a southern state
• She’s the “doll lady”
• It’s on an island

Today I start my first vacation longer than three days in two years. Sean and I are going to back to San Francisco and Wine Country for my best friend Lisa’s wedding. I’m a bridesmaid. It will be so interesting to be IN the photographs instead of taking them!

Here is an insider’s itinerary from two former locals. This might give you some ideas for your own Wine Country wedding or getaway, places to stay, things to do, etc.

Days 1-3: Staying at the Prescott Hotel, a Kimpton boutique hotel by San Francisco’s Union Square. Sean used to work for Kimpton and they are still our favorite hotels. My top restaurant pick if you are in the mood to spend some money is Farallon, truly magical décor and food to die for. On the casual side, head to Chinatown for some cheap and authentic Asian.

My favorite thing to do in San Francisco is to visit the Ferry Building. It’s a gourmet’s paradise filled with restaurants and food shops located at the foot of Market Street. They have an entire store devoted to mushrooms! Heaven on Earth.

Days 4-5: Staying at the Swiss Hotel right on Sonoma Square in Sonoma. I haven’t stayed there yet, but I have eaten there and it was quite nice. You can’t beat the location as everything you may need is within a few blocks.

Days 6-9: Staying at Casa Kelly & Cooper in Healdsburg. While I highly recommend it, this is our friends’ house. You can get close to the same hospitality at another one of our friends’ places Zinscape, which is actually a European Bed and Breakfast. Think B&B charm but with privacy. It’s located on a private vineyard. I love this place.

Wineries to visit. Sean, besides being my fabuous assistant on weekends, is in the wine biz. So these are some great picks. Only half of them are his clients

Viansa - Sonoma (where Lisa is getting married)
Anderson’s Conn Valley - Napa
Vincent Arroyo Winery - Calistoga (Napa Valley)
Trentadue Winery - Geyserville (Sonoma County)
Graziano Family of Wines - Hopland (Mendocino County)
Nord Estate Vineyards - Napa
Ridge Vineyards - Geyserville (Sonoma County)
Artesa Vineyards & Winery - Napa
Roshambo Winery - Sonoma
Prager Winery & Port Works - St. Helena (Napa Valley)