Hello Lover

Since Richmond, and much of the East Coast for that matter, are still digging out from the effects of Sunday's snow fall, when I came across these gorgeous Christian Louboutin Petal sandals I was immediately whisked away to sunny skies and balmy breezes. The higher heels would be sheer perfection when paired with your fabulous gown or the flats incredible with a maxi dress at your rehearsal dinner. It's starting to feel warmer already...

Designer Spotlight: Priscilla of Boston & Melissa Sweet

Atlanta and Richmond brides-to-be are some very lucky ladies this month as two of the biggest names in American bridal couture are showcasing their newest lines. Melissa Sweet caught my attention a couple of years ago with the sweetest knee-length dress and she's been a favorite ever since. Her Reverie collection is brimming over with some of the dreamiest dresses I've seen this season. My standout favorites are Positano, Capri and Antigua; perfect for fetes in those sophisticated locales.

Positano, I'm in love!
Capri, can't you feel the breeze in the air?
Antigua, the kicky pockets are a standout detail
Priscilla of Boston's Vineyard does not disappoint. The line overflows with sensuality, refinement and flirtatious silhouettes. My standout choices are Jules, Parker and Darci.

Jules, FABULOUS!
the haute Parker
the stylish Darci
Bella Rosa of Richmond is hosting a trunk show for both lines March 6, 7,& 8. Be sure to make your appointments asap! Atlanta's betrothed Priscilla of Boston's Salon is hosting the Vineyard collection March 5th-9th and Reverie line March 12th-16th. Again appointments are necessary ladies. Happy shopping!

Friday's Escape: Hotel Carlton, Venice

The inspiration for today's post is my fabulously globe-trotting friend, Ms. Franki Durbin. An acquaintence asked for hotel recommendations in Venice, something fabulous and directly on the canal. I knew Franki would not disappoint...ladies and gentlemen, The Hotel Carlton, Venice. The main selling point in my eyes? 100 windows facing the canal! Can't go wrong with that.
Gorgeous at night!

Love those chairs.

Food For Thought Thursdays: Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

An incredibly decadent take on the ultimate comfort food...so what time's dinner?
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
By Michael Smith, Chef at Home
Ingredients
1 box of penne pasta
1 sticks of butter
2 x garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup of flour
1/2 cup of white wine
1 can of evaporated milk
4 cups of milk
1 tbsp of paprika
2 tbsp of Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
8 oz of cheddar cheese, grated
8 oz of Monterrey jack cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
2 x 1 lb. lobsters, cooked and shelled
2 cups of breadcrumbs

**Check out Butter and Sugar for complete directions**

A Bowl Full of Blooms

After we wrapped an event on last Friday, I had some beautiful orange and peach roses to take home but I wasn't quite sure what to do with them. With all of my glassware, I didn't have anything quite small enough for the shortened stems. Then it hit me! Calgon take me away, lol. Yes, I was tired but seriously...a hot bath seemed like just what the doctor ordered but I digress. An image of a gorgeous bath tub filled with rose petals flashed in my mind. I dug out one of my hardly used Pyrex dishes, filled it with water, a snip here and there and voila. A floating mini-tub for my coffee table! And yes, Will Smith loves it...

Raising A Glass

Those who know me fairly well know I have a love affair with glasses, particularly wine and champagne flutes. It goes back to my childhood, I think. My parents have this grand china cabinet filled with their wedding dishes and a myriad of stemware. I always loved it when my mother would break out the "fancy glasses." When I moved into my first apartment, my aunt gave me boxes of wine glasses and champagne flutes as a housewarming gift. I was in heaven! When styling your reception or next party, kick your glassware selection up a notch. Move past the plain, boring crystal and find something that really reflects the mood you're creating.
Versace Arabesque wine glass, how delicate and thin

Belle Boulevard by Kate Spade; look at those spidery lines

Waterford's Clarendon; how formal and ornate, very old school

Gigi by Crate and Barrel; I love how modern and spare this design is. Would be perfect on a square table.

Happy Celebrations by Waterford; if bling is your theme, this is your glass!

June Lane by Kate Spade; feels so preppy chic

Nambe Tilt Double Old fashioned, love the sensual line of this glass

Crate and Barrel's Valencia; would look great with a vintage damask linen

Vera Wang's Love Knot champagne bucket, doesn't it look satiny smooth?

May I Have This Dance?

One of the most beautiful parts of your wedding celebration will be your first dance as husband and wife. You're surrounded by family and friends, the spotlight is on you and the DJ is definitely playing your favorite song. You want this moment to go smoothly, like you're naturals. One thing I've learned working with couples, is surprisingly most have never danced together, at least not formally. It's one thing to get your groove on in a club, (more than likely you're not dancing cheek-to-cheek) but quite another to perform a simple box step. So if you need a little help in this area, have no fear, I have a few professionals on speed dial. If you're in Richmond, be sure to check out Rigby's Jig, The Dance Space and Dance Masters Studio. For my Hotlanta couples, Fred Astaire Dance Studio and Dance 411 Studios will make sure you're first dance ready in no time.