In August we are doing a wedding in Rome. I just returned from the site inspection and over the next few posts I am going to share my thoughts and inspirations with you. There is no more magnificent city than Rome~you could get lost for days.
Below is the church for the ceremony. Can you imagine Bach being played over the organ there as you process down the aisle! We are such a young nation. Can you imagine the church was built in the 1600’s.
Chiesa Nuova-Santa Maria in Vallicella
The church of Santa Maria in Vallicella was begun in 1575 on the initiative of St Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. It was built on the site of an earlier (12th century) church dedicated to St John, and is still popularly known as the “New Church”. A number of different donors and architects were involved in its construction.
The exterior of the church is of imposing effect with it’s massive facade (by Fausto Rughesi) and central dome rearing high above the close-packed houses in the older part of the city.
The sumptuously decorated interior of this high cruciform three-aisled basilica is notable particularly for frescoes by Pietro da Cortona and paintings on the on the
high altar (early works by Rubens).
The image below is a snapshot of a picture hanging on the wall of rectory. When I asked to see images of past wedding decor..this is what the priest showed me. I LOVE IT!!
Here is the view from the Terrace Caffarelli where the reception is being held. It is a terrace with panoramic views of the city.
I owe everyone a huge apology…I have been so busy the past few months I have hardly blogged! I have just returned from the Engage09 Wedding Summit at the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman and had so many people say to me…WHY AREN’T YOU BLOGGING!!Life is always a balancing act and not only do I miss the interaction with you-it is also a big part of my inspiration and creativity!
I leave for Rome this afternoon for a site inspection for an August wedding and can not wait to be inspired by the beautiful country of Italy!! Thanks for all your enthusiasm and support and I am back on track with Inspiration Tuesday’s and Destination Fridays!
Michelle
Birds and cherry blossoms are the true harbingers of spring. I am excited to share a special twist on spring’s bounty with you at Manhattan’s magnificent landmark building, Cipriani 42nd Street.
There is a wonderful old wedding tradition in Japanese culture called sembazuru. It is when the bride and groom fold one thousand origami cranes to be dispersed throughout the wedding site. The time and energy used to create the mass of cranes symbolizes the patience and trust necessary to sustain a happy marriage. The couple chose to incorporate these beautiful paper ornaments into the cocktail decor.
Another great paper statement was the escort card concept. It was a tree-like structure created from hundreds of stems of white cherry blossom branches sitting on a base of hybrid white delphinium, hydrangea, and white macarena roses.
The actual cards were cut from decoupaged skeleton leaves and loosely strung on ribbon so the guests could easily pull them off as they found their name.
The ceremony followed the Cherry Blossom theme and the round seating warmed up the whole space.
Dinner had a mix of high and low centerpieces of Cherry Blossom (of course!), phaleonopsis orchids, and white hydrangea.
The beauty of the spring flowers carried the night which was definitely one to remember!
Organizing a wedding on your own can be overwhelming. There are plenty of tools out there to assist you with the planning process. I recently did a panel discussion and book signing with Ann Chertoff at The White Dress by the Sea & Stonington Papery in Connecticut and was blown away at the her recently released Wedding Planner.
Ann published it though russell+hazel and it’s available for $75.00. Trust me it is worth it!! She has put her heart and soul into creating the information and it is so comprehensive.
Here is the list of what is included: printed and customizable tabs, a blank planning notebook for jotting ideas, business-card holders, receipt pockets, clear protectors for sample fabrics and magazine tear-sheets, post-it notes, and page markers.
Though there’s a lot of information, the binder has a simplicity that leads to complete functionality. Even the design can be customized to your likes so you will actually want to take it on your appointments! You can purchase it off the russel+hazel website.
Enjoy and get organized!!
March 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment
As a planner I am always on the look out for special opportunities to share. This is just too delicious to be missed! Ritz-Carlton Caribbean and Mexico properties are offering a Reconnect package that gives newlyweds the opportunity to celebrate their first year anniversary at the Ritz Carlton property where they shared their vows compliments of Ritz Carlton Caribbean & Mexico properties!
WHAT IS THE OFFER ?:
This exclusive offer is for a complimentary wedding ceremony in addition to a complimentary three-night first anniversary stay when booking a wedding on the Reconnect package for a minimum of three nights and twenty-five rooms or more.
WHERE:
Redeemable at any of their five hotels: The Ritz Carlton, Cancun; The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica; The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas; The Ritz Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino.
WHEN:
The complimentary wedding ceremony is applicable to wedding events booked between April 1st and June 30th and held between May 1st and December 20th, 2009.
I am a huge fan of the Ritz Carlton experience because they really know how to take care of all the details. I can’t think of a nicer place to come home to.
Michelle
