weddings. . .green and white delight

What a gorgeous wedding in shades of white and green. This bride and her fiance had such an elegant wedding while still incorporating their fun, out-going personalities. A candy buffet and photo booth were great details and tons of fun for the guests. Don't you love her sapphire blue shoes!!

photos courtesy of robert faust photography

entertaining . . . bruschetta a la julia & julia

One of my favorite movies, Julie and Julia, came on tv a few nights ago. Every time I see that movie I dream about that bruschetta from the secene in the beginning when Julia is cooking dinner in the new apartment. It looks so delicious!! Here is the recipe - let me know how yours comes out! Bon Apetit!

Ingredients:

1 Red heirloom tomato

1 Yellow heirloom tomato

Plenty of fresh basil

Salt

Fresh ground pepper

Garlic clove, peeled

Bread; a rustic loaf with a stretchy, hole-y interior and a crisp crust

Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Cut the tomatoes into chunks, tear basil leaves into medium-small pieces (plenty!), and toss with olive oil. Let marinate for a while, and season with salt and pepper. Only use salt about 1/2 hour before using, as it will make the tomatoes release their juices, which you want, but not too much!

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the bread, or grill or toast it in a hot oven (400 F). Either way, try to get it crunchy on the outside while retaining some softness in the center.

3. Then rub it lightly or heavily, as you wish, with a whole garlic clove (the garlic will disintegrate into the bread since the coarse bread will act like a grater) and drizzle with the best extra-virgin olive oil (ONLY if you haven't fried it) and sprinkle with good sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

4. Spoon tomatoes over bread (you may want to drain the tomatoes in a mesh strainer to reduce the amount of juice). If the bread is really crunchy, let the tomatoes sit for a few minutes before serving to soften the bread.

fashion...for the satin obsessed

Ode to Satin

Oh how I love satin, it's shimmer, it's gleam

A ballerina's pointe shoes, a bride's wedding dream

Ribbon, covered buttons and delicate pleats,

The only thing I love more are delicious sweets

Minolo, Vera and Margo Fonteyn,

Their creations in white, peach and elegant champagne

~christina caruso

images via allposters.com

home...posh pillows

Talk about fresh design. I am loving the technique used by Dubois & Barral, here in their line of textiles turned pillows. I found them while browsing the design exchange, here. It's modern without looking grungy like so much of what is being shown these days; finally! The brush strokes soften the "distressed" look that is so popular right now and the bright colors make me just plain happy. Slightly feminine, a little old world and completely chic. I love!

images via design exchange

fashion...pure delight

I have fallen in love with these photographs styled by Shana Faust; artfully taken by Roland Bello! The chalk drawn backgrounds are simply amazing. Her use of color, composition and texture are down right heavenly. Totally effortless - she has design in her soul. Click here to view her website and more of her delish designs.

images via shanafaust.com

travel...fairhope, alabama

This past weekend we went to visit family in Fairhope, Alabama. Although it is only a couple hours drive it feels like you have been transported a thousand miles away. I have been sailing since I was about 5 years old and there is nothing like a weekend at the yacht club or shopping in the quaint downtown boutiques. One of my favorites is Aubergine. If your looking for a quick weekend getaway, I highly recommend it!

photos via flickr

bonjour! let the designs begin...

A few years ago I started taking photos and collecting beautiful photography; of weddings, art, shoes, couture, travel destinations, and much more. It has inspired some of my favorite projects and I hope it will inspire you too.

Working in the wedding and design industries I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people. One of my favorite couples, Rebecca and Wade, had the most romantic wedding here in New Orleans at the Maison Montegut. A hidden gem tucked away behind St. Louis Cathedral on Royal Street in the French Quarter. The courtyard and main house are the epitome of the old world Deep South. What an elegant bride!

images courtesy of josh biggs photography