Real Wedding Spotlight: Aleksandra and Nathan

This picturesque winter wedding gives a new meaning to"white wedding"

{all photography by Calla Evans Photography}

My jaw dropped when I discovered, Aleksandra and Nathan's, unique December wedding. This beautiful, small affair was held at The Coach House at SunnyBrook Estates, in Toronto, Canada.
Calla Evans, the ever so talented, Toronto based photographer (who happens to be wedding photography business partners with Aleksandra) was kind enough to share some of most stunning photos of what I think is, a picture perfect, white wedding.
There are so many wonderful elements to this wedding, the winter snow, simple white with hints of purple bouquet, the warmth, the pretty little cake, and not to mention the photography.
But my all time favorite element is the brides outfit. Since the brides attire can be a hefty cost when planning, this creative little bride decided to design something she could wear again. The outfit was inspired by the brides favorite fashion period Dior New Look circa 1947 and constructed by her seamstress, Natasha. The bride also wore two hats: one for the ceremony and one for the reception.
How fabulous and chic does she look? love it! Creative, budget savvy, chic alternative for bridal attire. Instead of spending oodles on something you will never wear again, how about spending it on something extra special that you can wear again and again?

For more details on this spectacular wedding, go here and for more beautiful weddings shot by Calla Evans Photography go here and here

Florist Spotlight: Emily Thompson

Today's florist spotlight, features the beautiful work of Emily Thompson, a talented floral designer and artist from Brooklyn. You are all in for a treat! Not only was she kind enough to share some of the most amazing, whimsical and unusual arrangements I have ever seen, including a 10 1/2 foot bridal bouquet but she also took time to participate in a little Q&A with me.
So please, enjoy!

Photo credit: Heather Cantrell

photo credit Josie Miner

photo credit Josie Miner

photo credit Lisa Vollmer

Q&A with Emily........

How did you get into floral design?

I was trained as a sculptor, in fact I am still a sculptor, and I have a combined studio for that work and flowers. I grew up with a really serious gardener for a mother, and remember when she used to let me choose bulbs with her every year (I always chose frittilaria- they have these amazing checkerboard patterns). But I really fell into floral design after doing my brother's wedding and then my sister's and then my sister-in-law's... it just happened by accident! I only ever worked in a flower shop for a brief month during a summer in college- I was lucky to work there with the amazing Ann Miller-Cawley. I think that my lack of standard floral design training has really allowed me to explore my own vision with flowers, without being constrained by a sense of what is expected in the industry, which can be quite conservative.

How many weddings do you work on in a year?

I design approximately 20 weddings a year.

What was the most unusual request from a bride? (I'm guessing it was the 10 1/2 feet bouquet!)

Actually, that bouquet was all me! That bride is a statuesque 6 feet tall, and I convinced her that she should let me go crazy. She loved it, and her new husband wore it like a feather boa after the ceremony. Even the bouquet had a train! (which detached, so she wasn't encumbered all night). I do get unusual requests, but my favorite requests are when clients really trust my ideas and let me spin their events into wild affairs. Another favorite was when I asked the bride what she had in mind and she answered with one vehement word: "MESSY!"

What has been your most memorable wedding you worked on? (I'm sure they are all special but which one stands out)

There are so many that I loved being a part of, I hate to single one out. But the "messy" wedding was wonderful- the bride and groom and their parents really allowed me total creative freedom. Instead of an altar, they were married under a tree, which I marked very simply with a silk ribbon held in the tree by two birds... it was very subtle and poetic.

Do most brides that approach you have a clear vision on what they want?
If not, what advice and creative direction would you give to brides when it comes to picking out their flowers?

Many have a clear vision of what they want, but more often, the brides who come to me really respond to my touch with flowers, the mood that I can bring to their celebration, and trust me to bring them truly singular designs. Of course, I always work very closely with each couple to reflect their style as much as possible, and I usually incorporate very personal touches.

If a bride doesn't quite know what she wants, I suggest she think most about the all-over sensibility of her celebration- does she want it to be austere? Formal? Rustic? Humorous? These are the kinds of descriptions that really allow me to do my best work. Specific flowers can be helpful in fixing on themes and aesthetics, but usually this comes later in the process.

Not only do you work on weddings but you also provide flowers for other events, private homes,restaurants and store fronts? For my fellow New Yorker and Brooklyn readers, can you share which store fronts and restaurants?

In the non-wedding category, I particularly love doing my annual sinister holiday decor at ANYthing, a shop in Chinatown, and recently I designed a swamp for a table at the annual NY Horticultural Society Gala- It featured a candelabra made of a lichen-covered log and a pool of water lilies.

To see more of her GORGEOUS work, I highly suggest visiting her website here

Grazie Mille Emily!

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.