Like your wedding gown, your wedding cake and other aspect of your wedding; your centerpiece should certainly reflect your sense of style, personality and should make an impression on your guests. One of my current bride really knocked me of my seat when she decided to go opposite of everything she’s ever known. I’m talking about completely opposite and every one of her guests will not believe she had this person in her.
I’m sharing this with you because I want to remind you that this is your wedding and you’re able and allowed to do whatever it is that you wants. If’ you’re a bride like Kelsie and you want to just shock your guests upon their arrival at the reception, by all means make it happen. There is no rule to what and how you should do your own wedding decor. Well, you know what I mean. I don’t want you to go crazy with your colors or anything but I just want you to keep an open mind about what’s available to you. Be creative, step out of the box and surprise the most important guest of all; you!
Below are some of the most amazing centerpieces I’ve ever come across. I love, love and I do mean love the very first centerpiece as it just took my breath away. This actually more than a centerpiece as every other table were graced with handmade canopies of birch and vines which featured dripping votives. While mossy pots overflowed with garden flowers with wooden lanterns and votives to punctuate each lush table. Do you hear that? That’s your guests gasping in amazement as they step foot in your reception!
How do you envision your reception décor? Like to contact the florist responsible for such amazing work? Davinci Florist and Stone Blossom would love to speak with you if you”re a bride who can handle these daring centerpieces.
Daring you to be daring,
Violaine Diogene
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If I could, I would wear heels day in, day out. I would wear them to bed (sometimes I do when it’s a new pair that needs to be broken into) I would run in them (if they were comfortable enough) I would even take showers in them! I’ve been in love and I mean in serious love with shoes since college and I don’t see this love affair going away anytime soon. So, from now on, I’m thinking every Monday, we’ll feature a stunning pair to start the week of.
While visiting one of my favorite spots, I came across these stunning little numbers on Net-a-Porter and I had to share.
Without a doubt, the shoes below are simply delicious and would compliment any gown your heart so desires. But personally my favorite is the white leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.
The is features a four and a half inches brushed silver-tone heel with half inch floating platform. The sandals have a silver diamanté-embellished trim, silver-tone hardware, stud detailing, an open toe, cutout sides, ring detail, a buckle fastening at the side and ankle and a back zip fastening. Uhm, you can stop dreaming now.
Which one’s your favorite?
A shoe lover,
Violaine Diogene
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I know it’s been a little over a month since I’ve posted a new post but you see I have a great explanation; I’ve been busy with weddings and traveling to design, plan and execute these amazing weddings. I know bloging is part of my job but you know how seriously I take my post and what I bring to you. I would rather not post for months than to post something that I know you would not appreciate or expect from me. I propose that we start our relationship again and start new. So, do you forgive me? Great, I knew you would understand.
Now, for the matters at hand, we’re starting this relationship over with over the top tables and what better company to deliver than Wildflower Linen!
Who is Wildflower Linen you ask? Well, Wildflower Linen is the leading designer and producer of specialty table linens and chair covers for event rentals. Yes, I said rentals. If you don’t believe me, take a look at their website www.wildflowerlinens.com to view for yourself. Wildflower table linens and chair covers are sought after by everyone from discriminating brides and noted event planners to acclaimed designers and celebrities who is looking to add the utmost in style and elegance to their function.
Well, you know the rules; my favorite is always listed first and yes, I love this stunning, over the top gold and cream display. I can imagine that this linen was chosen to compliment a bride’s gown. I can see the overlay features the loose lined ruffles from a gown and perhaps the silk underlay is the inspiration from a simple ball gown? What do you think?
My second favorite just spoke to me because of its timeless and elegant beauty. Everything about this table screams romantic. From the colors, to the appliqués, to the loose layers and ribbons across the chair covers makes my smile and imagine the kind of bride who would pull this look together. Where do you think the inspiration came from for this table? What about the other tables? Would you ever use such grand table linens?
Inspired by table linens,
Violaine Diogene
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Lately I’ve found myself captivated with TrendHunter.com which is a blog for the fashion obsessed woman. It’s not that I’m obsessed with fashion or anything like that (well, maybe just a tiny, tiny, little bit). I strongly believe in an individual’s personal style and the desire to create his/her own trends.
Last week, I came across this Finland born, accessory designer name Kirsi Nisonen. Now, you know how much I love an accessory that oozes of drama and let me tell you, Kirsi Nisonen does not disappoint! From what I’ve seen, her designs not only bring drama but they are seductive, dangerous in the most luxurious way.
Kirsi’s collection includes hats, turbans; yes, you read it right. Turbans! And of course hair accessories. According to Kirsi Nisonen, all her accessories are handmade in Finland with the finest attention to details. The pieces are made from the best luxury materials like silk, wool, sequins and leather. Before launching her signature collection, Nisonen worked as a costumier and an atelier seamstress for many years. The designs use strong colors and clean-cut shapes, and are a mixture of nostalgia, feminine allure and uncompromised fashion.
What do you think of these hats? I’m thinking about wearing one with a very simple cocktail dress with simple heels and envelop bag. How would you wear one?
Inspired to make a statement,
Violaine Diogene
Well, you all know just how much I love and adore everything Ines di Santo puts her brilliant hands on. I can easily stare with my mouth open at Ines Di Santos fall 2010 collection as this collection is nothing short of a feast for my eyes.
Now, these gowns are not for the fainted heart bride. These shockingly beautiful gowns are designed for making a dramatic entrance! These gowns are for the romantic drama queens whom demands attention. As if you expected less, the fall 2010 collection features nothing less than the most luxurious European silks, impeccable details in the beading and trims in every gown which brings glamour to the highest power.
As usual I cannot choose just one or two gowns from the collection and claim it to be my favorite as I love each and every single gown.
Well, what are your thoughts on Ines Di Santos? Tell me about your gown. Tell me why you choose your designer. What drove you to him/her?
In love with Ines Di Santos,
Violaine Diogene
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I’m thinking it was the summer of 1999 when I first saw an issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style at a local store while I was an assistant for a large catering and planning firm in Boston Massachusetts as we were planning a wedding on Goat Island. I remember the magazine was just about $6.50 and I was shock by the price tag, I mean $6.50 is a lot of money for a bridal magazine. But just as soon as I opened the magazine, it was pretty clear that this was no regular bridal magazine. I don’t usually blog about magazines, but this is Grace Ormonde and therefore, this is special. This magazine is by any stretch of the imagination a magazine. This is a book published just twice a year and is full of inspiration with its large pages full of beautiful images of real weddings and photo shoots on locations throughout the world. When you think about it, who publishes a bridal magazine just twice a year? What other magazine’s advertisers must receive an invitation in order to advertise in the magazine? What magazine puts only a groom on the front cover? Grace Ormonde; that’s who!
When your magazine is all that, and a bag of chips, you have no choice but to go and write your own book about what else? Love! And that’s just what Grace Ormonde has done. Having had the pleasure of following Grace’s work, this book promises to be a stunning and beautiful collage of the world’s most spectacular photographers, florists, and designers; Oh, don’t forget the beyond beautiful brides that will be featured.
From what I’ve seen so far from the emails I’ve received and the few glimpse into the book, I’m expecting to see pictures of romantic gowns, unimaginable arrangements, close-up of bride’s glowing faces, linens that will make me gasp, and very handsome grooms with emotions beaming on their faces. I’m looking forward to seeing some very ethnic weddings which will highlight different stories from around the world.
To say I’m excited and cannot wait I cannot wait to get my hands on this book is an understatement! I’m looking forward to having this book in my office shelf where all the other Grace Ormonde magazines are stocked. I’m looking forward to go threw this book page by page with my brides as we happily plan their wedding from the inspirations in the book of love. So Thank You Grace Ormonde for not only starting a magazine from what you felt was necessary in the industry, but for staying true to your brand and not wavering to what everyone else was doing. And certainly, thank you for giving me and my brides something to aspire too.
You know I could never write a about Grace Ormonde and not post any pictures! Below are just a few of my favorite Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Covers. You all know the deal, what are your thoughts on this book? What are you expecting to see in Being in Love Never Goes Out of Style? You know I would love to hear your thoughts.
A healthy obsession with Grace Ormonde,
Violaine Diogene
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For as long as I can remember, every Sunday afternoon I’ll spend some quality time turning the pages of one of my favorite wedding magazines and this Sunday was no different. This little time that I refer to as “Bridal Magazine Time” usually gives me something to think about, chat about and definitely obsessed about and my new obsession (at least for this week) is Stephanie Browne of Australia.
Who is Stephanie Browne? Am I glad you asked…
Stephanie Browne is a designer of elegant couture jewelry with a combination of classic and uncomplicated pieces through to strikingly bold “must have” fashion accessories. Several of her collections are highlighted with head turning feather hair accessories, bejeweled belts and headbands, and stories inspired by the increasingly popular styles of the 1920’s showgirl era. Yes, I know; this must be an incredible collection and let me assure you my sweet darling brides, it is!
Stephanie’s awareness of her customers is legendary. Her unique styling allows the wearer to be reminded of classic elegance of a time gone by. Each design reflects originality and beauty, with each hand made piece ensured to become a treasured possession.
According Stephanie Browne, every piece of her work is an original designed, hand-made collection is made using only the finest of components, from Swarovski crystals and pearls, rhodium non-tarnishing bases, flowing emu and peacock feathers, through to silk flowers. And you know I love peacock feathers and Swarovski crystals.
I’m going to start this favorite category off with this stunning and simply to die for piece and you’re right… these pieces are not for the fainted heart. These pieces are for the bride whom adores boldness and dares to make a statement. My absolute number one pick had to be this piece referred to as St Tropez Headpiece and WOW is all I have to say about that.
Obsessed with anything and everything wedding,
Violaine Diogene
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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.
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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Out of all the amazing and brilliant designers that we’re fortunate to be a witness to their work, does any of them whisper your name? When a designer whispers your name, he’s calling you to wear his designs; Regardless if you can actually afford that particular designer at the very moment, eventually you will give in to that whisper and you’ll start wearing their designs.
Valentino has been whispering my name for a while now and I’m about to answer his call with the very first pair of shoes below. Yes, I know, I LOVE that amazing pair of shoes and it screams Violaine all over! But besides the amazing shoes, Valentino is a designer whom provides ample inspiration for the lady seeking a one-of-a-kind gown, and this particular Valentino collection simply took my breath away! This collection delivers exquisite and timeless couture gowns.
Which of these designs whispers your name? Which designer whispers your name? I know some of the suits below are white and I would love to hear your thoughs on where you would wear the white suit to! I would love to hear your thoughts…..
Inspired by Valentino,
Violaine Diogene
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