Honeymoon Spotlight: Nantucket

Nantucket, Massachusetts

"Downtown Landmark"

Siasconset cottage

Living overseas is always exciting but lately with the Fourth of July passing, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic for my New England roots, summers filled with lobster, barbecues, lighting bugs and all. So for today's honeymoon adventures, I would like to introduce my best friend Kira, she will be guest blogging for today's spotlight, sharing her insights on the perfect honeymoon adventure in Nantucket.

Kira's travel insights............

Given the small window of opportunity Nantucket affords newlyweds, your best bet is a little visit between mid June and very early September. Nantucket is an incredibly unique and beautiful island just off Cape Cod (coastal Massachusetts). If you’re looking for the ultimate in island relaxation and all of the history and charm New England has to offer, Nantucket will be your honeymoon nirvana.

Only 47 square miles, Nantucket is a little island gem with rich architecture, beautiful beaches and miles and miles of bike paths that swath the entire island. You will lose yourself in days of island wilderness, strolls rich with salt water and sea grass, and rolling fog that has a way of wrapping itself around you like a warm down blanket. Few places are as romantic and provide a magical backdrop for a perfect honeymoon.

{Foot Path in Siasconset}

While on-island, you can opt for many popular activities including sea kayaking in the bay, fishing expeditions with knowledgeable local fisherman, lovely strolls up and down the town’s charming cobblestone Main Street. Whether shopping for the island’s unique artisan straw baskets, golden whale tail pendants, raising your paddle at the weekly Saturday morning auctions or simply admiring the many windows the island has to offer, Nantucket’s historic downtown sure has something for everyone.

SLEEP

The While Elephant
The Wauwinet
The Summer House
The Veranda House

EATS
The Summer House – beautiful seaside location in Siasconset
DeMarco – historic building downtown
Boarding House – Exquisite dining, an island favorite
The Pearl – Outstanding seafood, in a fresh, chic space
Provisions – Take out deli at the wharf – don’t leave the island without trying the Turkey Terrific sandwich

My Favorite island bakeries

Nantucket Bake Shop
Daily Breads
Something Natural
Bartlett’s Farms – wonderful local organic farm and farmer’s market. Everything from fresh vegetables and meats, to local soaps, juices and baked goods

How to get there
Nantucket Steamship Authority – regular ferry schedule from Hyannis
Cape Air/Island Air – 15 minute flight from Hyannis Airport

{All photography by Kira Wind}

honeymoon spotlight: NANTUCKET

Check in for tomorrow's little honeymoon adventure special spotlight. I'm taking out of Italia and over the big blue to quaint little ole Nantucket island.......stay tuned

(photo by kira wind)

Rosy Garbo

I'm adoring the delicate lace leaves on top off this romantic satin dress and tulle veil from designer Rosy Garbo. How perfect it the dress for a fall wedding? for more styles go here

(image from Vogue Sposa Italia)

Sestra Moja

Stumbled upon these whimsical, floating designs by Antonia Widdowson, the designer behind Sestra Moja label. I love the idea of dressing your bridesmaids in one of these fun airy designs or even for the bride looking for something less conventional.
For more looks go here.

wedding shop at Lord & Taylors

Lord & Taylor's is the quiet little department store making a comeback. It's the store that goes unnoticed among all the other bigger names. I always found a little deal and not to mention avoided any crazy crowds when shopping in the NYC store and I just discovered they have a bridal shop! a little something for everyone, the bride, bridesmaids and mother of the bride check it here.

• 1st dress by ABS
• 2nd dress by, BCBG Max Azria
  
• 3rd dress by Teri Jon
  
• 4th dress by BCBG Max Azria

{all images via lord&taylors}

little handmades from Italy

Siouxsie and the Banshees & I Dream of Jeannie pins

These custom hand made pins by Aurora Tagliaecuce, could make great gifts for your bridesmaids. The designer, Silvia Personeni, can make any type of pin your little heart desires. The 2 pictured above were made for me as a gift from my ever so sweet husband, aren't they fun?
To see more of her work go here, here and here

I recently hosted a baby shower for my friend, Elena. As the tradition goes, the idea of this party is to shower the mommy to be with gifts. But this soon to mommy, added a little twist and decided to include the gift giving for all by making these button ring delights, aren't they sweet? This is a nice party favor idea, whether it's for a wedding, baby shower or gifts for your bridesmaids.

{photographs by deirdre quinn}

Photographer Spotlight: Kimberly Reed

A friend of mine recently sent over photos of a beautiful and personal wedding she attended a couple of weekends ago....
Pittsburgh based photographer Kimberly Reed, who photographed this pretty summer wedding was kind enough to share more details of the day.

The couple, Mary and Dave, wed at the brides family estate in New Hope, PA on June 21, 2008. All the little paper goods for the wedding were designed and made by Mary and her business partner Jen who have a shop over at Etsy called, Ice Cream Social. Also make sure you check out Brooklyn Brides blog post today on, Ice Cream Social, here

{all photographs by Kimberly Reed}

little honeymoon adventures in Italy

Madonna Di Campiglio

summer

Today, I am taking you to one of my most favorite spots in the Trentino region of Italy, to a small village tucked away in the Dolemites called, Madonna Di Campiglio. A little slice of heaven, for the adventurous couple, looking for a more off beat honeymoon. Campiglio is filled beauty and tons of outdoor activity, whether it's a visit during winter ski season or beautiful summer time travel for the fresh mountain air, hiking and rock climbing. I have to admit, I'm particularly fond of the a winter honeymoon trip. The setting in the mountains is ultra romantic, filled with beautiful snowfalls, sports, spa and snuggling in front of to the fireplace, what more do you need? oh yes, your loved one right next to you of course.

winter

Lago Nambino


crostata di mirtilli

EATS
Pappagallo, Via Adamello, 58, telephone 0465442717 this is by far the BEST family style pizzeria. It's a bit off the beaten path from the main village but it's a hidden gem that worth the trek. Be prepared to wait, as it is the largest and most popular restaurant with locals. There's more to the menu then just pizza, I highly recommend, Canederli con brodo or burro.
Malga Montagnoli is directly on the Spinale ski slopes. At night, arrive by snow cat and dine by the great log fire and if your feeling ultra adventurous, you can head back to your hotel on your skis in torch lit descent. During the summer it can easily be reached by car, just a few minutes from the center of campiglio.
Hermitage Restaurant and wine cellar
Ballardini specialty foods
The Graffer

Some typical mountain dishes you will want to try:

• Polenta con funghi, this is the quintessential mountain dish
• Spetzle, typical mountain pasta with sage butter or little pieces of speck (which is a pepper cured prosciutto)
• Crostata di mirtilli, Italians take on blueberry pie, its delish! typical desert in the mountains since the blueberries grow all over.
  

SLEEP

Hotel Hermitage
Hotel Majestic
Relais Club Des Alpes
Hotel Diana
Hotel Lorenzetti

Ruifugio Tucket

SPORTS/ACTIVITIES
skiing
spa and wellness
hiking
fishing
mountain biking
golf
mushroom picking

winter morning

photography by Deirdre Quinn

For more information about Madonna Di Campiglio go here and to find how you get there go here
note* the month of MAY it's like a ghost town, this is when the local peeps have their break from winter to summer. Everything is CLOSED. My favorite times are DECEMBER - MARCH and AUGUST.

a perfect prada on SALE!

image via BG

it looks like Bergdorf Goodman has a little sale going on....
these adorable, prada ivory satin peep toes are on sale for $315. I know, I know, it's still a chunk of change, but aren't they FABULOUS? I'm not just saying that because I wore a very similar shoe on my wedding day here but they are so perfect not to mention very comfortable and not 4 inch heels.
Still need a more little convincing? Think of it this way, you can get it dyed after the wedding so it feels like you are buying 2 designer shoes for the price of one! check out my insiders guide on how to dye your designer shoe here.

choosing your flower palette

image via Martha Stewart Weddings


A little color flower wheel to help you choose your palette.
some things to think about:

• what is your favorite flower?
• what's your everyday style, modern, classic, vintage?
• what is the style of your wedding dress? is a very modern structure or soft, flowing layers...
  
• what is the color of the bridesmaids dresses?
• venue, is it a garden, loft, barn, mansion, beach etc
• think seasonally and locally, choose flowers that grow locally and in the month of your wedding this will help keep costs down.

for more on choosing your color palette go here
and here

Alltop

I am so excited and honored that little winter bride as been asked to be part of Alltop's wedding category. grazie mille!
to see more wedding blogs featured on their site go here

VINTAGE: Textile Vintage

Antique and 1970's vintage customed designed in the 70's by the Henri Bendel Bridal department.
The veil attaches to the dress with tiny mother-of-pearl buttons at the shoulders and can be easily removed for dancing at your reception.

The dress was specially made for this 1970's bride, can we say, lucky little lady? I am floored by the intricate details, variety of lace and not to mention the unique silhouette. If your heart is captured, like mine, I hate to disappoint but it appears this little beauty has been sold. I guess it found another bride and wedding to star in....
Wouldn't you love to know who?
This dress, is enough inspiration to envision how magical the wedding will be.
But don't fret, here are some more beauties found on, Vintage Textiles, just waiting for a special owner

love the gold fabric rose and pleated satin ribbon ruffles at the hem of this dress, more details here

ruffles, romantic lace and lavishly long train, bella bella bella! for a closer look go here

and this unique color combo, robin's egg blue linen embroidered with oval-shaped eyelets with gold satin ribbon, for more details on this petticoat go here

{photos via Vintage Textile}

Florist Spotlight: The Designers' Co-Op

The Designers' Co-Op, is another beautiful little New York City florist. Owner, Bridget Viozo's, the wonder genius behind these pretty little elegant arrangements, was kind enough to share her work with me and I'm loving each and every one, aren't you?

images via The Designers Co-Op

To see more of her work go here