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

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

 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

Bizous, (kisses)

Violaine

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.

Bizous, (kisses)

Violaine

Bizous, (kisses)

Violaine

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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Bizous, (kisses)

Violaine