By now I trust that you all know just how much I adore a great photographer. This week, in my endless search on everything wedding, I stumbled on these delightful photos by two Montreal-based photographers Davina+Daniel via WedLuxe and I’m simply delighted to have done so.
My first thought when I saw the first picture was just how beautiful the camera was as I had yet to understand they were officially engagement pictures. As a scrolled down, I begun to smile broadly to see a beautiful woman who’s face was slightly covered with a black birdcage veil and I thought “oh, my!”
How beautiful are these pictures? How lovely is the setting for which the photographers used to create this timeless look? These photos truly harken back to a bygone era and yet they exude an exquisite and modern look in the end screams timeless.
You know that I love nothing more than when I hear from you. What kind of setting are you thinking about for your engagement session?
Starting a healty obsetion with Davina+Daniel,
Violaine Diogene
Truly, I adore this picture. I love how vivid her nail polish color comes across and love that even the groom’s thumb commands your attention.
I’m thinking this is my favorite picture! I Love, love, love the very simple details of the bride’s face. I love how clear her freckles are, and even more, her hat with the black bird’s cage veil which slightly falls on her face.
Ok, this one is truly romantic! What can I say about this shot that’s not bluntly obvious?
Talk about an amazing ceiling. In this picture, your eyes really have choice but to look at the ceiling but at the same time, you can’t miss the bride and groom.
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On Monday, March 22, I’m attending what I think is a brilliant event being planned by the fabulous Lisa of Papered Wonders. I can’t tell you just how excited I am that Papered Wonders took this very impressive initiation to bring her peers together and show support for one another. Yes, I know we attend events all the time but this event is really geared planned by a stationers for stationers. Having been in this industry for a while, I truly believe in and value the relationships I have with people in our industry as some of my closest girlfriends are in the industry. When you are united like this, it strengthens you as an individual and as a group as most of us admire what the other does.
I am often reminded how some are reluctant to share their knowledge with someone who’s perhaps just starting out and one thing I learned very early on when I started in this industry; when you give you receive.
I would strongly encourage each and every one of you who’s reading this to show your support and to get to know each other and yes; I know the other person might very well be your competitor but trust me when I testify this to you. One day, you might be stuck in a jam where a client is concerned and you might not be able to fulfill your obligation to that client and how nice is it to know that you can call one of your peers whom you knew very well and he or she is able to bail you out? Or how lovely would it be if you receive a call from a client and he or she revealed to you that you were in fact referred by your competitor because they could not service that particular client? I know it made me smile tremendously when I’ve received those calls in the past and even more when I’ve send my competitor a client.
Inspired by Papered Wonders,
Violaine Diogene
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Vera Wang is certainly one of my favorite bridal gown designers. I love how she stays true to herself as an individual, I love how she stays true to her designing style but yet she’ll often push the trends while remaining classic.
Vera Wang’s fall 2010 Vera collection simply radiates with sheer beauty and elegance. And I do mean sheer! From I’ve read, this nostalgic collection is inspired by Cecil Beaton’s “My Fair Lady” whose interpretation can be seen through its dramatic lines and daring silhouettes. These gowns are whimsical and dreamy with their heavy use of French tulle, organza pleating, flange skirting, horsehair detailing and touches of black.
I have to tell you that I’m loving this black gown that she has. The gown is made up of several different layers of black French tulle and an oversized black bow tied to the side of the gown. Pay close attention to the gown as even though it’s a black gown, it does shimmer a bit because of the light brown organza underlay. Did I mention how much I simply adore this gown? I just need to find a bride to wear it and you know what? I might through a black tie party or find one to attend just so that I can wear this beauty.
My second favorite has to be this dark shade of white dreamy gown which features heavy French tulle, accentuate with organza sheers with light touches of lace. Do allow your eyes to go the bottom of the gown with the French pleating made of organza. The black belt adds a very nice touch to gown. Can you imagine yourself in a black wedding gown? Why and why not? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Plotting to wear the black wedding gown,
Violaine Diogene
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About a week ago, we started the conversation on How Well Do You Know Your Flowers and this today, we’re just continuing that conversation.
On Brides.com there’s this amazing Flower Finder and it’s a great place to get all the flower facts your little heart can handle. I’m thinking in the next few weeks, I’ll feature 10 flowers per week for us to get to know.
You know the deal, let me know your thoughts on this post and if you find it useful.
Happy flower learning,
Violaine Diogene
Gerbera Daisies
One of the world’s most popular cut flowers, and available in virtually every color imaginable, it looks fresh and casual when gathered in a simple vase.
Style
- bohemian, beach casual, modern, classic
Color
- pink, orange, red, white, yellow
Season
- summer, spring
Size of Bloom
- medium, large
Cost
- $ = inexpensive
Chamomile
You’ll find fields of this diminutive wildflower in late summer; include it in wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets for a shot of charm. (It wilts easily-avoid using it in boutonnieres.)
Style
- bohemian, beach casual
season
- summer
Size of Bloom
- small
color
- white, yellow
Cost
- $ = inexpensive
Parrot Tulips
The basic tulip goes for baroque; this parrot variety, available most of the year, entices with its ruffled edges and stripes. A big bouquet is stunning, and the price is right.
Style
- bohemian, glamorous, romantic
color
- apricot, pink, purple, orange, red, white, yellow
season
- fall through early summer
Size of Bloom
- large
Cost
- $$$ = expensive
Foxgloves
These long stems (known as digitalis in the medical world) that feature a dozen or more bell-like blooms are excellent for creating arrangements with both elegance and height.
Style
- bohemian, glamorous, beach casual, classic
season
- spring
color
- purple, white, yellow
Size of Bloom
- large
Cost
- $$ = medium price
Craspedias
Also known as “billy buttons,” these tidy buds are available year-round. Dot bouquets and small arrangements with them for hits of color (watch out for pollen).
Style
- bohemian, beach casual, modern
season
- summer
Size of Bloom
- small
color
- orange, white, yellow
Cost
- $$ = medium price
Bouvardias
These diminutive, tube-shaped flowers cluster on stalks like miniature bouquets, and are available year-round. Kept saturated in water, they add feminine flourish to arrangements.
Style
- bohemian, modern, romantic
color
- pink, red, white, yellow
season
- year round
Size of Bloom
- large
Cost
- $$ = medium price
Nerines
This mini lily (the flowers are only two inches long) is available almost year-round, so you can add its delicacy to bouquets in any season. Consider massing stems together for a round nosegay.
season
- year round
Style
- beach casual, romantic, classic
Size of Bloom
- small
color
- pink, orange, red, white
Cost
- $$ = medium price
Andromedas
Bitty bell-like blossoms appear on evergreen shrubs in late spring and early summer; use generous clusters of them to decorate linen napkins and the table runners, and as texture in your bouquet.
Style
- bohemian, modern, romantic
season
- spring
Size of Bloom
- small
color
- white
Astrantias
As eye-catching as any hothouse hybrid, this summer field flower makes magic in mixed arrangements or when going solo, simply placed in a row of bud vases.
season
- summer
Style
- beach casual, modern
Size of Bloom
- small
color
- pink, purple, green, gold, red, white, yellow
Cost
- $ = inexpensive
Gloriosa Lillies
This wavy-petaled flower, typically sold as individual blooms, lends a Far East air to arrangements. With a stiff stem and the ability to hold its form out of water, it’s ideal for bouquets.
season
- year round
Style
- glamorous, modern
Size of Bloom
- large
color
- orange, red, yellow
Cost
- $$$ = expensive
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In my search for a truly inspirational tablescape for a destination wedding to take place at the breathtaking Seaport Hotel in Boston, I visited one of my very favorite sites and came across this simple, elegant and luxurious tablescape designed by the one and only; The Wedding Library out of New York!
Seriously, this tablescape is simply amazing to say the least. It speaks volume to the bride who wants to make a statement but wants to keep it clean, simple, scrumptious and luxurious. What do you think about this table? Can you picture your wedding with this kind of décor? You know I would love to hear your thoughts.
Inspired by The Wedding Library,
Violaine Diogene
I love the very simple, white orchids on the clear acrylic table and chair. There’s something so stunning about the contrast between the color arrangements. Notice the several different lengths of glasses on the table which adds simple drama.
Seeing the whole table from a few feet away really allows you to take in how truly beautiful it is.
I love the brown chargers under the crisp white entrée plate with the dark cream salad plate. The colors are simply stunning. Did you notice that the only linen on the table is the white napkin? I love that.
I simply adore how all the very simple details were attended to. Instead of a traditional napkin ring, they used this very modern, crisp platinum sea seashell to keep the napkin in place.
This simple little statuette of the sea horse simply finalizes this tablescape.
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What a winter we’ve had in Atlanta! This is my third winter here and I can say it has been unseasonably cold here and my thoughts are often turned to the temperate days I usually enjoy in the spring while trying to look like I can plant a few flowers. Dare I say I’m welcoming the arrival of spring? While trying to get my mind in spring mode, I’ve been searching for amazing and beautiful spring wedding accents and came across this scrumptious SmittenXOXO studio that produced all the gorgeous hair pieces in this post.
So, I’m completely smitten by this SmittenXOXO for being so incredibly creative, exotic and unique. According to the studio, all Smitten products are made with utmost care, and highest quality materials. Everything is hand-made with the highest degree of craftsmanship. And I’m all for that. Below are my favorite items from the site but I had to start by posting my very first favorite piece which is this stunning oversized flower named Dos Gardenias Para Ti. Isn’t it lovely? I’m thinking this piece would be perfect for an outdoor garden wedding or any other ceremony for that matter; if you don’t plan on wearing a veil. And yes, you certainly can wear this if you’ve a guest who just wants to make your statement!
My second favorite this very daring and bold piece name The Murderess! Yeah, I know; I smiled when I saw the name and I must confess that I think I like it even more because of its name. But look at it. I’m in love with the bold, dark velvet red eggplant color and the pale red feathers are simply striking.
As a bride, do you think you can pull your look by wearing The Murderess? I think you can! Let me know your thoughts on this post.
Smitten by SmittenXOXO,
Violaine Diogene
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| Leave a Comment So you’ve never heard of Mauritius? Don’t feel bad as I didn’t even know this amazing place was even on the map! One of my brides owns a travel agency and she’s looking into a very unique honeymoon destination and you guessed it; she landed on Mauritius! Once she sent me the link and I began my research and am I impress of what! Oh, Mauritius was recently named one the 10 Extraordinary Islands on the planet by Yahoo.
Mauritius is isolated in the Indian Ocean, 1,243 miles east of mainland Africa, Mauritius may be tiny, but there’s never a shortage of things to do. With a coastline ringed by coral reefs, and calm, clear, shallow lagoon waters, the island is ideal for all sorts of water sports; the unspoiled interior offers sights of spectacular natural beauty as well. Tourism on Mauritius is a relatively new phenomenon, however, and so far it’s definitely geared toward the higher-end traveler. Mauritius today is an amalgam of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French peoples (there was never an indigenous population), with Creole and French the dominant flavors. Its most famous resident, however, may have been the flightless dodo bird, a rare species discovered here by the first Dutch visitors and soon driven to extinction by the settlers’ wild pigs and macaques.
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
Visa & entry
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.
Ok, now you have the major requirements of getting into the Island. Where do you stay? Well, you know that’s the best part. Le Telfair Golf & Spa is one of the many places to stay but I’m going to make it THE place to stay and the pictures will tell you why.
Can you picture yourself enjoying this amazing property in such plush, sensual setting? I can! I see myself just spending the day under one of the lovely umbrellas with a Pina Colada (extra rum please) with my favorite book. Well, you know the rules on this blog; let me know your thoughts. How do you see yourself enjoying this property?
Spirit’s in Le Telfair Golf & Spa,
Violaine Diogene
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