Lovers Paradise

Love in Paradise!

A week ago, I was in Paradise (aka: Jamaica!)…now, I’m back in NYC with 2 feet of snow. Wow! What a difference a week makes! Last week, Frank and I journeyed to Jamaica to “test-drive” the locations we were interested in...in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

We loved the hospitality and generosity we received from the staff at all of the locations – Royal Plantation, Half Moon and Round Hill. The wonderful thing about Jamaica is its blend of old-world luxury with timeless glamour to make every experience special and memorable. After our week-long visit, we were certain that choosing Jamaica to host our wedding weekend was the perfect choice.
Each resorts’ offering was very compelling, and they treated us like kings and queens of the Universe! But in the end, we chose Round Hill (in Montego Bay) because:

It’s centrally located – it’s only 20 minutes from the airport.
Guests can easily and quickly be transported to a horseback trek, adventure sports course or a leisurely day of golf – the staff will arrange everything!
On site, the beachfront location offers all of our guests an oceanfront view as each hotel suite is steps away from the beach.
The villas – 4, 5 and 6-bedroom options - are ideal for an intimate gathering and to begin the tradition of an inter-family vacation.
The resort is like a slice of heaven – from the drinks (with rum, of course!), the food, the grounds and the interiors designed by Ralph Lauren (who owns a villa on-site) – we were overwhelmed with its beauty.
World-class spa where Frank and I enjoyed a 90 minute couples massage that rivals any that we’ve had in at some of the best spas in NYC. Need we say more?

Finally, although we’re not having children in our ceremony, we’ve quickly grown to love the idea of having little ones join us for the weekend. There’s something about hearing those little voices discovering the sand, beach and water for the first time that we love. Round Hill has the Pineapple Kids’ Club – complimentary – for kids 3 to12 years old. It’s like camp for children where they could possible make friends for life.

So, quickly we booked our date and put a deposit down on Round Hill for October 9th, 2010 (with 10.10.10 being in high demand, we needed to move quickly:)
It’s so surreal, everything is coming together and I’m really excited that at the end of the year we’ve completed the ‘save-the-dates’ and invitations. They are both being printed and we should receive the final save-the-dates right after the holidays!!!

As 2009 comes to a close, I start to realize that this time next year, I’ll be Mrs. Frank Altimare, III. WOW! I am so in love with Frank and excited to begin this next chapter of our life together. And, I realize that I’m very lucky (even though it can be a little stressful at times!) that he’s 100% involved in this planning process. It’s our first real project that helps me to know that as we move throughout life, our understanding of partnership will, hopefully, allow us to succeed as we collaborate as parents and spouses.

I wish you all the best this Holiday Season – safe travels, eat a lot and see you in the New Year!
(photo credit: all photos taken at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay)

Say “YES” to the Dress!

Well, there’s no turning back now. I have picked and purchased my dress. Yes, perhaps only the deposit (which was in itself the most money I’ve ever paid for a piece of clothing)…but, I’m not committed to not only Frank – but this beautiful garment. LOL!!!

Knowing that Frank is reading my posts - and also some of guests, and wanting to keep the actual dress a surprise, I will only say that the weekend with my mom, new MIL, SIL and MOH made me realize that this Manhattan hasn’t made me that “hard”. Although I’m DEFINITELY not a princess, ball-gown girl…the beautiful softness that I loved as a little girl in Chattanooga, TN is still there. THANK GOODNESS!

Every day, I, along with my fashionable and stylish New York women, put on my “armor” of black, chic solid and crisp, tailored cuts to go out and conquer this city. I was certain that I would pick an equally suited wedding gown – just in white. Ha, ha, ha!

And I did try – believe me… I loved trying on gowns from Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Pronovias, and Monique Lhuillier …but, I was pleasantly shocked to pick a dress that is a little more “girly”, softer and more “demure” than I had originally thought I’d like. Wow…everyday, I grow more and more …I’m surprising myself.

It was a great weekend, good for family and friends to get together, spend time chatting and learning about each other. They will be our new family – so having their support means a lot to both of us!

Photo credit: Another great photo from Robert Munroe (munroephotography.com) from our engagement shoot.

Victorian Lady

Today's modern bride shares the same dreams and desires as the brides of the Victorian era. The Victorian era made quite an impression on modern brides because they are fascinated with Victorian attire like veils, shoes, jewelry, and the wedding dresses.During the 1880's, marriage was a great event for the brides.A day her mother prepared when she was born. Families have their own traditions they follow and other families create their own traditions. For instance, some brides wore Victorian rose, pink, blue, green, and creme colored accessories. A simple Victorian style wedding dresses had a fitted bodice for a small waist and a full skirt. One seventeen year old wore a pink and blue wedding dress and shoes to compliment her dress as well.

Since there wasn't a wide range of shoes to choose from during this time. In 1863, the new Victorian Wedding Boot was available to all brides. The Victorian Wedding Boot is a pale yellow ankle length boot decorated with pink calialilies and the floral design on the wedding boot has been compared to a sweet country garden. The popularity of the Victorian Wedding was exceptional because of the style and feminine look. Brides had to special order the wedding boot in advance before their weddings. There were a few other wedding boots, but they couldn't compare to the Victorian Wedding Boot. Today, the Victorian Wedding Boot is a bride's favorite. There have been many requests for the boot in the last few years. Eve Cooper is a white thirty three year old first bride who plans to have a Victorian wedding. She has made special arrangements with a Victorian themed wedding shop in Virginia.

The Victorian Wedding Boot was designed by a woman named Sara who lived in the Old West. When she got married, she searched for a shoe to match her wedding attire. To her disappoint, she found dull and unattractive wedding boots. She decided to make her own wedding boot and for future brides who wanted a pretty wedding boot. At her wedding, Sara wore the Victorian Wedding Boot and the women guests were interested in the boot. When she came back from her honeymoon, Sara made a few Victorian Wedding boots for her friends. Then the Victorian Wedding Boot was a big hit, the new bride opened her own wedding shop in the Old West. The wedding shop stayed open for twenty years and Sara opened two more wedding shops in nearby towns.Today, the Victorian Wedding Boot can be found on the internet and special ordered for brides of the 21th century.

by Vivian Perez

Saying I Do At Any Budget

The economy has definitely scared many to hold on tight to their purse. But when love calls no economic crisis will hold it back.

The key to successfully making this work is not by holding off the wedding its by doing your homework and approaching your wedding plans like you would with any serious venture. Careful planning.

We had the pleasure of traveling cross country to see what America has to offer and we met with some of the most amazing people. From fashion tips from White Chicago one of our favorite stores. This amazing fashion house is very conscience of the hard economic times of the women in that are planning their nuptials. This chic, modern approach to dress shopping is brilliant. The dresses retailed at the store are either new, nearly new, sample dresses of the most sought after designer. They are handled with care by the sales consultants to the brides that come in to the boutique who are required to take off their shows and wash their hands while handling the dresses. The dresses although may have been pre-owned show no trace of it. We love this amazing approach for the budget bride.

Then we went to a St. Louis, quite charming I have to add. The hospitality of the people was definitely felt. I had the pleasure of visiting one of its most amazing vineyards to the the Four Seasons Hotel, the view was amazing from the roof top. From the spa services offered were priceless. The ambiance, state of the art equipment.

We took a stop to grab a bit to eat at the Queen of Sheeba restaurant. This charming spot serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine truly captured my heart and stomach. As we chatted with its owners on politics, culture I found out how great food brings great conversation. This establishment not only offers private events in their space and musical entertainment for your guests enjoyment. So keep your guest well feed.

Back to New York we discovered Shobha, the most amazing brow threading spot, that offered authentic Indian technique in taking care of your hair removal needs. With three locations in the New York area they are fully equipped to host events for your bridal party.

So there you have it. Shop wisely but enjoy the moment.

No Bridezella's Here

Beauty, Beauty, and more beauty.

This has have to been one of the most fun event we hosted for a bride. Our Bride Joy Allen and her maid of honor Sonia Figueroa who is also a bride to be celebrate the new role they will be playing as brides.

We had the honor of having it at one of our favorite spots Dex New York, mineral makeup and studio space. Felicia Walker Benson one of our beauty experts was on post giving makeup tips along with the Dex expert team.

New comer Nicole Jones, graced us with her presence by giving hair tips to the bride and her guests.

Holly Slayton of Artikal, brought some of her chic and round table discussion pieces for people try on. Amazing.

Jane Wilson Marquis, display some of her best pieces to make you want to walk down the aisle.

M2M damorejon and their team of manicurists lead by Dawn Sterling.

We are excited to implementing this new event to our list of events.

Photo Perfect

It’s really happening…

Yes, I’m really getting married.

This little piece of realization happened last week when Frank and I started to write the checks to confirm our stationary order for our lovely invitations. THEN, we spent the Saturday with our photographer taking our engagement photos. This was the truest moment – we are starting this path of partnership that will last a lifetime. It was an amazing day. Our photographer, Robert Munroe (munroephotography.com) is THE best – a great soul and wonderful company. We started in our apartment – on the roof, indoors on the stairs and in front on our brownstone’s stairs. Then, walking around our lovely neighborhood – Chelsea (NYC) – we took advantage of the natural beauty of the city.

Again, I cannot reiterate the importance of choosing the best vendors – we have the best photographer! He’ll be joining us in Jamaica (thank goodness!) where I know he’ll capture the passion, love and excitement of the 3-day celebration.

Well, that’s all for now…next week the moms meet in NYC for the first time to help me with the wedding gown selection! Stay tuned….I’m sure there’ll be some juicy gossip to report.

Photo Credit: A couple of our favorite shots from the shoot!

Say "Oui" In Paris

Paris is said to be the most romantic city in the world. The Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Ile de la Cite- Tours de Notre-Dame, Pantheon, Chateau de Vincennes are among the must do when you are in Paris.

But what is Paris with out shopping. Louis Vuitton, Celine, Elie Saab, Cartier and Arab Oud are just the few must stop shops when in Paris.

But when planning your wedding or we went to a couple of quaint neighborhoods to see what they had to offer as far as weddings. We loved the Port de Clichy area and was able to scout the neighborhood and found some amazing locals.

Paris is definitely a city of romance and beauty when you have someone to share it with. All that food and wine is definitely and afrodisiac.