Dazzling Duos

J. Crew has done it again with this season's looks for your bridesmaids. Not only are the dresses incredible but the company has stepped up its accessories game as well. I paired up a few favs. What I love most is the use of color; bright, rich colors, ethnic stones. None of that matchy-matchy stuff here, but everything flows beautifully. I beg of you, please don't force your friends to dye their shoes to match the dresses. As always, use these ideas as a springboard for your own creativity. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.

Words To Live By

I was reading one of my new favorite blogs, La Dolce Vita, written by Paloma when I came across these quotes. Paloma features a great quote each week and these really struck a
cord.



All three quotes are very similar in theme to a few of the books I've read over the last few months.

The story of one woman's journey to recover after a horrendous divorce. Though I've never been married, I can certainly relate to the need to nurture your inner voice and embrace your spirituality. Plus I hear Julia Roberts is set to star in the movie version.

Kimora is glamour personified, but trust me when I say there is more to this lady than bling and stilettos.

The ultimate ode to the power of intention.

It All Started With China

Every year around this time, I start planning my special "Girlfriends Only" party. I have a very diverse group of friends, all of whom lead busy lives, so when we have the opportunity to get together, I think it should be an event. Last year, it was "Cocktails and Catching Up", signature drinks and mini champagne bottles as favors included, of course. This year I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to go, that was until I saw the china.

Can we just reflect for a moment on the beauty that is this Versace Butterfly Garden china? Very charming, whimsical, very "ladies who lunch". Perfect for a Sunday afternoon brunch. See where I'm going?

This floral basket by Fringe will do nicely for the arrangements I'll put together. I'm brainstorming something with long stems, very slender blooms to balance the ultra feminine pattern of the vase.

My teacakes will look even more delicious on this lovely serving tray, also by Fringe. I found the most wonderful mini bundt pans at Walmart last night. I haven't decided on which recipe I'll pull out of my files, but something light and airy will do nicely. Maybe angel cake drizzled with strawberries ( my favorite fruit).

I think my friends will love these French Lilac candles by Pacifica.

Or maybe Illume's Pomegranate candle.
Now I'm feeling totally inspired, hope you are too! Happy Monday!!

**Photos courtesy of Bloomingdales, which is having an awesome home sale.

If I Could Turn Back Time

Is it just me or is Cher's bedroom the cat's meow? I am so loving the design, both subtle and sexy. It could totally work (scaled down of course) as inspiration for the lounge area of your reception. Think ottomans, circular sectionals and lots of pillows just off the dance floor, all in the glow of candlelight.
Picture courtesy of Architectural Digest
If you have a garden as lovingly tended as this one is, I beg you to put it to good use. A formal engagement cocktail party with just your closest friends and family in attendance as well as a string quartet softly playing in the background, in a word: wonderful.
Picture courtesy of Architectural Digest, Cilla Massei Tuscany
This beautiful perfume bottle by Viktor & Rolf immediately brings to mind...champagne!! It's sophisticated, warm, sensual and very inviting...the perfect vibe for a cocktail party or an evening designed for two.

I have been thinking of new colors for logo the I'm having designed. I've been searching high and low for the perfect shade of raspberry and Jennifer over at MadeByGirl came to my rescue. Isn't it simply scrumptious?!

Oh, the latest issue of Virginia Bride Magazine is on stands now. Look for yours truly on page 52.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Spring Is In The Air

Well, not really as it's about 35 degrees today, but I digress. I was visiting my parents the other day (which is one of the reasons I hadn't posted this week, sorry guys), and as the sun set she remarked how much longer the days seem. To be honest, I hadn't noticed it or maybe I did but didn't give it much thought. My mother loves tending to her little flower garden, so I know she's itching to get back out there and see what the change in season will bring. I, on the other hand, immediately started thinking about a Spring wedding. If the choices were totally mine, what colors would I use and how to incorporate the various elements into one cohesive vision/theme. After a little brainstorming on my handy dandy notepad (yes I use old-fashioned paper and pencil to come up with ideas, my high school English teacher left a big impression), here's what I came up with.

It all started with an article I was reading in AD about Oscar de la Renta's new resort, Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. It's one of the most sought-after resorts this season, not to mention it's color is the season's hottest shade, yellow. How could I resist? Casual chic was the guiding principal, from Melissa Sweet's gown which is perfect for a beach wedding to the wicker fans which are sure to keep you cool in the island sun to lemon drop martinis, so refreshing. The sweet perfection of Laduree macarons are great for guest take-aways. Can't make it to Punta Cana for your wedding? Don't fret, these ideas will translate well to a lovely garden party and save Tortuga Bay for the honeymoon. Be sure to tell Oscar I said hello!

Most Of All I Wish You Love

That's a line in a song from a movie that I can't quite recall right now, but I know as soon as I post this, it will come to me. However if one of you can place the lyrics, please leave a comment and let us know!

In honor of Valentine's day I was going to post some fabulous floral arrangement, but I saw this illustration that Google is using and it's perfect. It is what I wish for all of us on this Valentine's Day, a long life filled with love and happiness. Make it a memorable one!

An Intimate Connection

I met a lovely couple a few weeks ago who contacted me about their fall wedding. The groom-to-be is Vietnamese and the bride-to-be is American, both hailing from Texas. When I asked them to describe their dream wedding, certain words came up over and over again: intimacy, architecture, casual chic and an outdoor ceremony. They wanted something very intimate (less than 80 people) and the weekend was to really be about their love story and truly connecting with their guests. None of the hurried frenzy that can oftentimes accompany a wedding of 200+ guests, in fact they're getting married on a Friday so they can spend the rest of the weekend with their friends and family. They have great personalities, a love of bossa nova, are true foodies and wanted to incorporate the groom's heritage as well. After some thought, I came up with this vision board. Let me know what you think.