January 26, 2013

Photography: Zasil Studio Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Brett and I met in the 5th grade when we went on a group movie date night with a bunch of friends; Brett and I sat next to each other. At the end of the movie, Brett wanted to kiss me, but got nervous and dumped popcorn on my head instead. We dated on and off throughout middle school and high school, but started dating officially during our senior year.  We stayed together all throughout college. In fact, Brett transferred from his university in California to be with me at the University of Michigan, where we graduated together in 2009.

We instantly had chemistry, even though we were young, and we came back to each other often over our young adulthood.

One morning, Brett woke me up early with a Cartier box in hand; he opened the box to reveal a rose-gold LOVE bracelet, engraved on the inside with “BG ♥ SG April 26, 2012″.  When I saw the engraving I asked, “What is April 26?” since the date seemed insignificant to me at the time. He got down on his knee and grabbed a second jewelry box, a ring box, and replied, “It’s the day I asked you to marry me.”

The wedding weekend was magical; we were surrounded by family and friends from all over the US. We got to spend time with all of our guests because we had so many different events. The wedding day itself was gorgeous! We had some rain the days before the wedding, so when we opened the curtains to reveal blue skies, it was the best feeling in the world! We woke up early and went to the beach for some peace and quiet. We sat with a few friends as they all emerged from their rooms, and when it was time, we went our separate ways to get dressed. Taking photos with each other and our friends on the beach was so much fun and everything went so quickly!  The ceremony was the most incredible experience; we had a full moon above our heads, and my uncle, the rabbi, gave a beautiful speech.

Location, Caterer, Cake: Banyan Tree Mayakoba Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Event Planner, Floral and Event Design, Linen: By Robin Long Island City, NY; Wedding Dress and Veil: Alita Graham; Bride’s Shoes: Sergio Rossi; Tuexedo: Salvatore Ferragamo; Groom’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti; Photography: Zasil Studio Playa del Carmen, Mexico

February 1, 2014

Photography: Eternal Reflections Photography Edmonton, AB, Canada

Blair and Jaime met through Jaime’s brother, Ryan. Both in the military, Blair and Ryan became friends in basic training. Eventually being posted to opposite sides of the country, Blair had the opportunity to pass through the city where Jaime was attending college. Ryan urged the two to meet for coffee, hesitant, they only agreed with a brother’s gentle push.

On a wintery, late November day in 2012, Blair suggested they go for a walk through the path in the woods where they often went for a change of scenery from the city. Near the end of the road, Blair got down on one knee and asked Jaime to marry him.

It was a winter day in northern Alberta.  A pleasant -10°C with bright, blue sunny skies and no wind. Afterwards, they all travelled to the picture location, a 1900’s historic school building a few blocks away. Their ceremony started late afternoon in a small, intimate space of the hotel with all of their family and friends in attendance. The rest of the night was spent reminiscing with family while enjoying delicious food and drinks before everyone danced the night away on the dance floor.

Location and Caterer: Union Bank Inn Edmonton, AB, Canada; Cake: The Sweet Side Spruce Grove, AB, Canada; Floral Design: Fabloomosity Edmonton, AB, Canada; Linen and Rentals: River City Events Edmonton, AB, Canada; Entertainment: Klay Tate Productions Stettler, AB, Canada; Wedding Dress: Enzoani; Groom’s Tuxedo: Calvin Klein; Photography: Eternal Reflections Photography Edmonton, AB, Canada

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September 8, 2012

Photography: Sabine Scherer Photography San Francisco, CA

While getting to know each other Jennifer Donner and Steven Smith spoke on the phone and communicated through email, they talked for months before they actually met. “He was my first date from Match.com, we really had a great time,” recalls Jennifer. They went to a neighborhood favorite, Harris’ restaurant in San Francisco, California. Jennifer was more than two hours late for the date, but Steven said, “she truly lit up the restaurant with her beauty as she entered the room.” Jennifer remembers that Steven had, “the kindest eyes and they told a story when he talked.”

A year after they first met, Jennifer surprised Steven for his birthday and took him for a weekend getaway to The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, California. She gave him 10 minutes to pack his clothes and then they drove down the coast. Outside having hot chocolate, listening to the bag piper and watching the sunset over the cliffs, Jennifer looked over at Steven he was down on one knee and was proposing.  ”I thought he was kidding!  I was shocked.  I became the happiest girl in the world.” Steven remembers, “Once she realized that I wasn’t joking–she said ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ making me the happiest man in the world!” A year later Jennifer and Steven got married and the rest is history…

Location: San Francisco City Hall San Francisco, CA; Caterer and Cake: Global Gourmet Catering San Francisco, CA; Planner: Shannon Leahy Events San Francisco, CA; Even Design: Gloria Wong Design San Francisco, CA; Floral Design: Hunt Littlefield Stone Stem & Leaf San Francisco, CA; Linen: La Tavola Linen San Francisco, CA; Rentals: Blueprint Studios San Francisco, CA and Hartmann Studios San Francisco, CA; Lighting: Enhanced Lighting & AV San Francisco, CA; Stationery: Meiling San Francisco, CA; Wedding Dress, Veil and Bride’s Shoes: Oscar De La Renta; Groom’s Tuxedo: Neiman Marcus; Photography: Sabine Scherer Photography San Francisco, CA

Giuseppe Zanotti

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July 13, 2013

Photography: Ashleigh Taylor Photography Santa Barbara, CA

Ever since I can remember, I have been involved in planning parties and events. My family celebrates just about everything! Being from Texas I was going to take the black tie route, but after finding the Villa at Sunstone I had a change of interest. It is such an elegant yet relaxed feel that I wanted our guests to be able to move around and enjoy the scenery.

I mixed some Texas bling with lace and used a lot of mixed metals in the decor. I love the look of chandeliers and chapel doors, and so my mom and I spray painted pretty much everything gold, silver or pewter!  For the colors, I knew I wanted my bridesmaids to be my something blue. When it comes to flowers, my main goal was to mix romantic with natural, but I had to have peonies! Festive Designs really helped achieve that result with roses, lavender, peonies, giant dahlias and dusty miller.  Having every table set up in its own unique way was important to me because I didn’t want it to look cookie cutter. Instead of having a picture slideshow or video, I decided to frame different pictures of us growing up and place them on each table.

Drink stations were set up at the ceremony, and there were action stations for food, dessert and drinks at the reception so that guests would feel comfortable mingling. Our caterers did an outstanding job with mixing served appetizers and homemade flat bread cooked in the outdoor oven.

While I have a ton of family in California, we had a huge Texas showing. My family and I decided to make a weekend of events that our guests could participate in. Prior to the wedding, we had wine tastings, a welcome barbecue and a golf outing! The morning after the wedding, we enjoyed a send off breakfast. It was fun to see how people from Texas and California bonded during those four days. It was such a memorable experience for Lance and I; we wish we could do it all again!

Location: Sunstone Vineyards & Winery Santa Ynez, CA; Catering: Haute Catering San Luis Obispo, CA; Cake: Mad Hatter’s Custom Cakes Los Angeles, CA; Event Planner: Before I Do Events Encinitas, CA; Floral Design: Festive Designs San Luis Obispo, CA; Linen: Classic Party Rentals Santa Barbara, CA; Lighting: Bella Vista Designs Santa Barbara, CA; Entertainment: JSH Music Productions; Photography: Ashleigh Taylor Photography Santa Barbara, CA

July 13, 2013

Photography: Avant Garde Studio  Montreal, QC, Canada

Tiago and Anik met through mutual friends around six and half years ago at a French Crêpe soirée. They remained friends for a couple of weeks before any definite interest had sparked. An early morning walk throughout the streets of old Montreal was where it all started.  Being two people who love to travel, Tiago surprised Anik with a ‘’beach sunset on bended knee’’ wedding proposal on a beautiful beach of Cascais, Portugal. Everything was timed to perfection, even the wave that came over to erase the heart enrobed question in the sand.

From then on, every moment was dedicated to planning and executing their wedding day.  On the morning of, with a beautiful sunny day, they started with a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony at the bride’s family residence.  While the guests rested and replenished their bodies with great food and drink, the bridal party hurried to the second location for the ‘’white’’ wedding ceremony at the Loft Hotel in the heart of Montreal.

The concept of the wedding was that of civil engineering, the traditional church wedding experience, and a unique 1000 crane theme. Everything was made and designed by Anik and Tiago, which included folding over 2000 paper cranes. As a Interior Designer, Anik’s creativity blossomed with ideas that translated to achieving the unique ceremony that would stand out from your typical weddings. Tiago’s civil construction background helped with the hard decision making and bringing Anik’s ideas to life. Their collaboration as husband and wife would be the first of many.

Location: Loft Hotel Montreal, QC, Canada; Floral Design: Floralie Entreprise Florale Montreal, QC, Canada; Rentals: Casa D’Eramo Anjou, QC, Canada; Lighting: Lixalights Montreal, QC, Canada; Entertainment: DJ Yo-C; Wedding Dress: Vera Wang; Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka; Groom’s Shoes: Prada; Photography: Avant Garde Studio Montreal, QC, Canada

Giuseppe Zanotti

In ancient times Greece was famous for its stories of gods and heroes lending itself to a vivid culture full of art, philosophy and mythology. Adding exquisite cuisine, music and sports to its roster, along with one of the tenth longest coastlines in the world, present-day Greece has staked claim in the top-ten list for tourist destinations countless times as droves of people hope to attest to its legend.

Situated in the southeastern tip of Europe just to the east of Italy, mainland Greece, along with its 6,000 islands, embraces the Mediterranean Sea. Only 227 are inhabited and a mere 78 have more than 100 inhabitants. Of those, its three most famous include: Crete, Mykonos and Santorini. Located in the Aegean Sea is the largest of the Greek islands, Crete, and one of the smallest, Mykonos, both of which offer some of the most epicurean getaways, perfect for your first trip as husband and wife.

Crete is known for its mountainous landscape, beautiful beaches and rocky coves, as well as Knossos, which was the birthplace of the Minoan civilization. Famous for its food and nightlife, Elounda, in the northeastern part of the island, bestows some of the most affluent resorts in the country.

The Blue Palace Resort & Spa has stone pathways carving through its 251 bungalows and suites, including four private villas along the shore. Boasting the award-winning Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy, 142 infinity pools, a private helipad, traditional caique (or fishing boat) to enjoy sunset boating complete with champagne and canapés, PADI diving center, motor yacht and sail yacht excursions, five restaurants, boutique shopping and more, the resort is complete with a romance department to fulfill all of your honeymoon needs.

Located a few miles south are neighboring properties: Domes of Elounda and Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites. Inspired by the medieval monument, Spinaloga, the Domes of Elounda consists of 80 suites, eight private residences, three villas and a royal villa. Its Milfey Spa is known for its modernity coupled with its practice of procedures that are more than 3000-years old. There are also three restaurants, bars with live music, tennis courts and water sports, as well as four lush acres leading up to a private beach.

The Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites is set on the hillside overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello. Equipped with 18 villas (each with its own pool) and 10 luxury suites (some of which have their own sauna, steam bath and gym) it is a more boutique-style resort. Amenities include two restaurants, a bar and the Elixir Spa Gallery outfitted with a full gym.

Part of the cluster of islands known as The Cyclades, Mykonos is notable for its mountainous landscape, cosmopolitan lifestyle, nightlife and rich history, including Delos, which is said to be the birthplace of Apollo (God of Music, Light and Truth) and his twin sister Artemis (Goddess of Hunting).

Located in the southwestern part of the island is the Belvedere Hotel, which officially re-opened this summer. Renovated by the same architects as its sister property in New York, the Belvedere presents a cutting-edge hotel experience with its New Generation rooms intended to promote a living experience. There are eight different versions amongst the 23 rooms, all of which are dressed in Mykonian white and are equipped with the most advanced technology. With two restaurants directed by celebrity chefs, a bar with Dale de Groff originals, residents’ lounge and pool, the Belvedere is a self-contained oasis.

Just over a mile to the east is the Cavo Tagoo. Built into the cliffside, its mantra is barefoot chic with minimalist décor. There are 80 rooms and suites, some of which are appointed with private pools and Jacuzzis. Facing Delos, the spa is immersed in Cycladean light prompting an indigenous experience intended on awakening the six senses. There is one restaurant, two bars and a 38-meter infinity pool with dedicated oversized day beds.

The farthest southwest is the boutique-style Kivotos Hotel. Paths wind their way through the lush grounds and gardens from the rooms, suites and villas down to the pool. The Kivotos has three restaurants, two bars and a spa famous for its Hammam (or steam baths). Kivotos also has its own private yacht, the Prince de Neufchatel, which is available for day cruises or week-long cruises for up to 40 guests.

One of the most exceptional things about each of these properties is how they try to remain harmonious with the surrounding environment, staying true to Greek aesthetic and culture. Visiting any of these distinguished resorts can be a profound experience as you dabble in your first days of matrimony and think about all of the lores that occurred on that same land so many years ago.

Written by Jessica Latimer

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July 11, 2013

Photography: Mauro Pozzer Photographer Venice, Italy

Neither Marianne Chaccour nor Bahaa Arbid imagined meeting their future spouse out to dinner with friends. Blinded by her charm, Bahaa approached Marianne; it was love at first sight.

After almost a year and a half of dating, Bahaa had a meeting in Cancun. He took the opportunity to organize a romantic beach setup, and then ask Marianne to go for a walk down the shore of the Caribbean. Marianne was surprised to discover candles and red rose petals drawing a path to a romantic bed decorated with a soft white sail cascading down onto the sand. Bahaa leaned on his knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” Enchanted, Marianne said, “Yes!”

Marianne planned and designed every detail of the wedding. She created a beautiful fairytale. She chose Lake Como, Italy as the destination because of its charm and beautiful scenery.

On July 11, 2013, men in tuxedos and women in elegant dresses accompanied Bahaa and the groomsmen on a big boat to Villa Balbianello. A Venetian boat picked up the bride with her five beautiful bridesmaids from Villa D’Este. The bride wore a gorgeous lace wedding dress with a long train. Under the loggia and framed by the spectacular scene of the lake, Bahaa waited for his bride. Classical violin and harp accompanied her as she walked down the aisle on her father’s arm.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds returned to the Venetian boat, where they released white doves into the sky.

The young couple made their first entrance as man and wife into the breathtaking Mosaic Garden of Villa D’Este. A jazz band created an extraordinary atmosphere while guests enjoyed a succulent menu. The best man and maid of honor shared funny stories about the couple, and everyone raised a glass to wish them a lifetime of happiness.

They cut the raspberry mille-feuilles cake on the shore of the lake. A tremendous fireworks display followed, lighting up the sky with bright designs and colors. The party continued until late that night; everyone was dancing until the end, and you could see the fun and joy in the air.

It was an unforgettable wedding.

Location, Caterer, Cake and Linen: Villa D’Este Lake Como, Italy; Event Design and Planner: Wedding Architects Lebanon; Floral Design: Figli Dei Fiori Via Borgovico, Italy; Entertainment and Lighting: La Bottega Della Musica Lake Como, Italy; Wedding Dress and Veil: Ziad Nakad; Groom’s Tuxedo: Hugo Boss; Photography: Mauro Pozzer Photographer Venice, Italy

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