For the life of me, I can’t understand where 2011 went but am I happy to welcome 2012 or what?!
No matter what happened in 2011, I can testify to you 2011 was a great year because regardless of the disappointments I faced, I had a few) the doors that closed, (too many to mention) heartaches, tears shed, I was still favored as I have life, health and my loved ones are well.
In 2011 as a company we traveled less but traveled to some amazing destinations. Destinations we never thought we would ever plan a wedding. We met people that left such impressions and just made us think about how we do business and the need to give back on a regular basis.
In 2011, we assisted 21 brides and grooms with their wedding. We had a few amazing dinner parties, and a few fun birthday parties. Out of those 21 brides and grooms, we received invitations to 6 baby showers and have already visited 2 babies!! I know, it makes me smile thinking about it.
On the personal front, my son celebrated his 8th birthday and his second year with no emergency room visits!! He also attended sleep over camp for the first time! My daughter Nastajea faced her last year in middle school and I think I did okay handling what happens to the life of a thirteen year old.
Like many of you, I’ve been making my plans and pledges for 2012 and this year, they’re very simple. On the professional front, I always resolve to get closer to my clients. Be the best planner/designer I can and know how to be. I resolve to take advantage of learning more about the cultures of the destinations I’m so privilege to travel to.
I truly believe with all my heart and know God is preparing to come back soon and I want to be ready for him. I do go to church and ready my bible but I still slack off especially when I travel. You see, I am nothing without Jehovah and his holy spirit. I am just a person and I know I cannot conquer anything without his guidance and strength and for that, I want to take care of myself, my body, my health and hopefully my mind will always be clear and ready to hear him speak and provide guidance. For that, in 2012, I resolve to pledge myself again to him.
On the blogging side, we strive to continue our pattern of posts. We’re looking forward to writing about the issues that matters to our clientele. We’ll attend wedding expos both locally and nationally to bring you the latest trends and still remind you how to create your own trends. We will research venues, both nationally and internationally to show you all the amazing beauties our earth has to offer. We will continue to bring you the lasts fashions and certainly we will continue to challenge you to think outside the box when it comes to planning your event.
In closing, please know and trust that I am grateful that you’ve chosen to read our blog. If you’re a client reading this post, we’re so thankful and grateful to you for choosing our company to plan your event. We’re mindful of all the other blogs out there and all the other event planning companies to choose from.
Off course you know we welcome all your suggestions, comments and feedbacks. If there’s any particular subject you would like us to cover please send us a note. Did we miss something that’s important to you? What should we write more or less about? What are your plans in 2012? What are you resolving to do more or less of?
I hope your 2012 is filled with love, patience, endurance, guidance from your almighty, faith, and so many blessings. Extending my finest flutes to you and toasting to a very happy New Year! Until next year.
Cheers,
Violaine
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We’re starting the off on a great note with one of our fave brides of all times. On the sneak peek of her wedding a few weeks ago, I promised you the story behind her gown, well here it is.
Cornette (bride) whom I met in April of 2010 visited this blog and read the post The Romantic Drama Queen and immediately fell madly in love with one of Ines Di Santos’s gowns. Cornette had to have that gown and she called me immediately to ask how she can get her hands on the gown?! After a few hours of calling around, it was apparent no one in Atlanta carried the gown. Because Cornette would go just about anywhere to get that gown, I called the one and only Bridal Reflections in New York City where one of my contacts informed me that Ines Di Santos would be making an appearance for a trunk show that very same weekend. I called Cornette and informed her of the events and she simply said, “V, whatever time they have, I’ll take it!” and she booked her flight to New York that same day.
Cornette took a picture of herself wearing the gown with Ines Di Santos by her side and texted it to me. It made my week to see how happy she was to have found the gown of her dream and she entrusted me to find it. She looked absolutely stunning!!!!
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
Vendors
Flowers: Lee Forrest
Venue: Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
Photographer: Rhodes studio
Hair and Makeup: Ritz Carlton Spa
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Part of the services we offer our clients is honeymoon planning/booking and of course destination weddings. And if you’re a regular on this blog, you know we recommend the best of the best hotels and destinations from all over the world. This week we’re The BodyHoliday of St. Lucia, West Indies.
The Scoop
St. Lucia is known for its bevy of high-price hotels, but now that the BodyHoliday, LeSport, an adults-only all-inclusive resort on the island’s northwestern coast, is fresh from a $20 million refurbishment, there’s a top option for those in search of great value. Here, wellness is the focus, and guests can create itineraries as rigorous or relaxing as they’d like. Seeking tranquility? Lounge by the new two-level infinity-edge pool, head to a tai chi or yoga class, or opt for an aloe vera body wrap at the 33 treatment-room spa. Active types, or those who simply want to take advantage of the resort’s many inclusions, will sign up for island activities ranging from scuba diving certification programs to guided hikes up the Pinton mountains. After a romantic dinner for two at Tao—an East-meets-West fusion restaurant with outdoor balcony tables—head back to one of the 155 redesigned rooms, done up in soft blues and whites, with windows opening up to the crashing waves.
Why Stay At The BodyHoliday
On an island known for exorbitantly priced hotels, this 155-room all-inclusive resort delivers standout value (thanks to daily spa treatments, fitness classes, and activities) as well as subtle, streamlined interiors that gleam after a $20 million 2011 renovation.
Why We Love St. Lucia
This destination will enchant you. It offers natural landscapes of beautiful palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and warm welcoming locals. Whether you are looking for a family destination or a romantic getaway, this island is sure to impress you.
Insider Tips
Got a sweet tooth? Be sure to try the decadent chocolate fondant served at the hotel’s Tao restaurant. After a day of tai chi and Pilates, you’ve earned it.
Pack smart: if you’re planning on playing tennis, don’t forget non-marking sneakers (racquets are provided); appropriate footwear is also recommended for activities such as cycling and jogging.
Preferred Airport
Arrive at George Charles Airport (SLU) which is approximately 6 miles (about 15 minutes) from the resort.
Rates Include:
This is an all-inclusive resort
All hotel taxes, hotel fees & gratuities
2-person occupancy (rate is for 2 people)
Unlimited use of all the facilities at the resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
All beverages including premium brand alcohol and wine with lunch and dinner
Daily 50 minute Spa treatment (excluding your arrival and departure day)
Land and water sports, including scuba diving and instruction
Golf, archery, tennis, yoga, spinning and a variety of other activities
Live evening entertainment
Don’t Miss
Hiking Tour:On BodyHoliday’s half-day Gros Pinton Excursion, guests climb the larger of the two Pinton Mountains, a World Heritage Site. Bring a camera: at the summit, you’ll find panoramic island views. Half-day tours from $130.
Best Day Trip:Visit Pigeon Island National Park, which is connected to St. Lucia via a causeway, for panoramas of Rodney Bay and the Atlantic, as well as historic ruins such as an 18th-century barracks built for battles between the English and French.
Read More. Admission $5.
Local Scene: Rodney Bay Marina is known as one of the best yachting and fishing sport centers in the Caribbean, thanks to a handful of restaurants, shops, and 253 boat slips. Stop by Elena’s for a refreshing strawberry or lemon gelato.
Rodney Bay Marina. 758-723-8800
Read More. Ice cream for two $4.
Where to Eat: The waterfront Spinnakers Restaurant, in Rodney Bay, just 10 minutes south of the hotel, serves local lobster and scallop ceviche to diners seated at tables anchored in the sand.
Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay. 758-452-8491
Read More. Dinner for two $100
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
Above information was copied from Vacationist.com
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In every closet belongs a pair of a classic, simple, elegant and understated sexy pair of black stilettos and that’s exactly what I found in this pair of Zara classic pumps! Classic to the 10th power for sure!
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
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What do you get when you combine the so exquisite Jackie Weppner of Merci New York, with the amazingly talented Matthew Robbins? Absolute magic is what you get! Oh, add photographer extraordinaire Christian Oth to the mix, well you have the most amazing set of images that can only be described as perfection.
Like any of the projects these three have put their hands on, to me this shoot is simply breathtaking and captures the true fairytale of weddings. Enjoy….
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
****Credits****
All images via Style Me Pretty
Please visit Style Me Pretty for more information
about dresses, accessories and all vendors involved with this shoot.
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Happy Monday my darling readers…..today I’m bringing you this absolutely simply and splendid engagement session shot by Brittany Esther Photography. Joy is an artist and Joshua has a job all gamers would give all their lives for came up with this brilliant theme. I’m loving every single details….what about you?
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
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Yes, I’m in love with these Barbara Bui heels. Mad, passionate, crazy in love. The heel… the shape, the height, that pretty shade of blush pink! Simple, I die!
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
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This has to be one of the most beautiful color combinations on the planet! Well, at least at this very moment. I am loving, loving and loving this stunning pallet of purple and gold designed by the one and only Sasha Souza.
Sasha Souza designed this stunning event at Castillo di Amorosa, which at first glance I assumed was an old world European castle but nope, this is a stunning winery in Napa Valley! This is all-around mouth watering beautiful, with purple feathers, branches, hydrangeas, gold chairs (oh those gold chairs) and beautiful linens. Take a deep breath and enjoy these pictures by Damion Hamilton!
Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
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Happy Monday darling readers! I am soooooo happy to bring you this sneak peek of Shontell and Anthony’s wedding from this summer. Just like my previous bride Cornet, there’s a great story behind Shontell’s gown and her one very big request for her wedding day. I can’t wait to share the details with you. In the mean time, please enjoy these a amazing pictures captured by Christine Gallagher.
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Bizous, (kisses)
Violaine
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Beautiful!
Love the story behind the gown. Bride looks stunning.
Wow, that’s a gorg gown and the bride wore it well. Beautiful wedding!
I found my gown because of my planner as well. Without her, I would have not been able to get a spot with the designer at her trunk show. Your bride is beautiful.