Exquisite

Tuesday, April 30, 2013


What could be lovelier for a seaside wedding than an exquisite pair of sandals?


Image by Mandy & Me Studio, sandals by Christian Dior.

Posy

Monday, April 29, 2013


John was playing in a concert on Friday night, but we snuck out after intermission to spend some quality time together–with his recital next weekend and plenty to do at the office, we were well overdue for a date! We made it to our usual Friday night haunt a little later than usual, but indulged in a feast that we talked about the whole weekend long.

I convinced John to take it easy on Saturday morning, even if he did wake us both bright and early; he hasn't been feeling well, so I thought a few episodes of Frasier and a relaxed weekend would do wonders. Eventually we cooked up a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, tortillas and avocado, then I spent the afternoon getting some work done while John nursed his cold. We'd invited friends over for dinner, so we tackled putting the house together (I organize and scrub, John dusts and sweeps) and laying out a simple, spring-inspired spread–even if the weather didn't quite cooperate with our meal! It was an evening full of fresh veggies, cheese and wine, and we didn't say goodnight until well past midnight!

Luckily John was able to sleep in on Sunday–in fact, I was the one waking him! We cleaned up the kitchen from the night before and after a freshly baked croissant and some strawberries, I put John back to bed (and may have crawled in with him for a bit!). With my little brother arriving later that day for an extended visit and a busy week ahead, I made sure blog posts were ready and stretched out with a little yoga; I don't know what I'd do without my to–do lists in the face of impending madness! I headed to our local grocery for provisions and make a big pot of chicken soup–perfect for soothing John's cold and making my baby brother feel welcome. Then I kicked back with a book and enjoyed a gorgeous late afternoon view.


Tell me, what were you up to this weekend? Exercising outdoors or dining alfresco?


Image by Arielle Doneson Photography, bouquet by Mary Lou Pappas.

Honeyed French 75

Friday, April 26, 2013


When I belly up to a nice bar, invariably I order a French 75–a little sweet, a little tart and a whole lot of bubbles go a long way in making the day melt away. So when I spotted a version of one of my favorite cocktails with honey, I just knew I'd be pulling out my shaker!


Honeyed French 75

1 1/2 oz gin 
3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz honey 
Champagne 
lemon twist and Luxardo cherry, for garnish 

Combine gin, lemon juice and honey in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously without ice for 10-15 seconds. Add ice and shake for 10 additional seconds, then pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with Champagne, garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.


Notes: I often order my French 75s with cognac, but honey and gin make an irresistible pairing. Feel free to use any gin you've got on hand, and swap out Champagne for Cava or a sparkling Californian. Luxardo cherries may require a visit to your best neighborhood liquor store, but they're well worth the hunt–and perfect in plenty of other cocktails!


Sweet Surprise

Thursday, April 25, 2013


This week I'm loving sweets in thoughtful packages, planning celebrations for John's recital and birthday (all in one weekend!), and these lovely links!

It's nearly impossible to choose favorites from Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera's new collections!



Maximillia and Nicolas

Wednesday, April 24, 2013


































Lush roses, lace dresses and a cake covered in coconut–this wedding is a dream come true! 

Maximillia and Nicolas worked with Cathrin D’Entremont Weddings to plan a celebration that honored their personal histories and was infused with romance and elegance–starting with black banded invitations in blush envelopes from Wren Press announcing the details of their spring nuptials. 

Maximillia wore a lace Pronovias gown and veil, paired with Valentino lace pumps and pearl drop earrings. Her bridesmaids wore Grecian gowns by Rachel Pally in a dreamy shade of pink and jeweled Badgley Mischka peep toes, and their blush garden rose posies by Natural Art by Rebecca Grace matched the bride's lush white bouquet trimmed in stephanotis. Nicolas took advantage of the special occasion to pick up a spectacular Ermenegildo Zegna tuxedo with a slim black tie, and his groomsmen were smartly outfitted in matching black suits. 

Maximilla and Nicholas were married in The Chapel at St. Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, the bride's alma mater. Perth's Zafferano was a perfect waterfront setting for the cocktail hour and a candlelit reception, and the addition of raj tents and lounge furniture from Villa Kula helped to create a sumptuous setting. After an Italian supper, the newlyweds served a vanilla butter cake soaked in citrus syrup, layered with lemon curd and covered in Italian meringue and shaved coconut by Rochelle Adonis–a decadent ending to a gorgeous day, all captured by the talented Jemma Keech


A tremendous thank you to Jemma for sharing her stunning photographs with me–tell me, what's your favorite detail? Is it those dreamy bridesmaids dresses, or maybe those luxe raj tents? 

Glossy

Tuesday, April 23, 2013


Image by Beautiful Moments Photography by Cathy Crawley, Lucie d'Orsay peep toes by Badgley Mischka.

Sparkler

Monday, April 22, 2013


A vintage ring might be the perfect thing to bring a smile to your face on Monday morning–it's doing the trick for me, along with thinking about this past weekend!


On Friday night John and I meet up with one of our dearest friends for a belated birthday dinner–he might be one of the only people who's ever been invited to our weekly Indian feast, and by know the staff knows him almost as well as they know us! We polished off Maharajas, a large format Saison John brewed and an Anthem hopped cider, and after saying our goodnights we headed home for a few episodes of Frasier, watched half-asleep.

John managed (with all the windows open and heaven knows how much beer in his belly) to sleep in a bit on Saturday morning, and we lolled around in bed before making a magnificent breakfast–corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, guacamole and roasted tomato salsa, along with a green salad with radishes and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (John styled a photo). Despite the later hour of our morning meal, we got in plenty of hours of practice and blogging Saturday afternoon, with frequent snuggle breaks, of course. When we'd finally worked up a bit of an appetite, we walked a few blocks to our neighborhood co-op to pick up a bottle of rosé and pine nuts–you simply can't have pesto without both! Later we shared a dish of coconut milk ice cream topped with dark chocolate shavings before John brought the guitar into bed and I settled in with my editing pen. I finally convinced him to put away the scores and we were asleep the moment the lights turned off.

John was up early for a Sunday morning run but I stayed under the covers under he delivered breakfast in bed–a Gruyère omelet with fresh chives, roasted potatoes and mixed greens with a lemon-mustard vinaigrette. He picked up the guitar while I picked up around the house, and then we took two weeks worth of sheets, towels and everything else to the cleaners to be laundered. With the dishes done and the floors swept, I got to work at the computer while John serenaded me with his upcoming recital repertoire before we headed back out to pick up the wash and ingredients for dinner. After a little more work, namely drooling over the Spring 2014 gowns, and some planning for John's upcoming birthday, I rolled out my yoga mat for a nice long practice while he worked on an arranging project. I played sous chef while John made feta-lamb burgers with tzatziki and a big green salad, along with a slice of watermelon and a tall glass of lemonade–it was the perfect Sunday supper to celebrate a gorgeous, productive weekend.


Tell me, what were you up to this weekend? Planning a summer vacation, doing a little spring cleaning or maybe diving into a great new book? I'm looking for recommendations!


Cucumber-Mint Gimlet

Friday, April 19, 2013


Mint, cucumber and a healthy pour of gin–sounds like the perfect cocktail for a warm weekend if you ask me! San Francisco has been unusually gorgeous lately and I'm taking advantage of this weather for as long as it lasts!


Cucumber-Mint Gimlet 

2 oz cucumber-infused gin 
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz mint simple syrup
cucumber wedges or strips, for garnish
mint sprigs, for garnish

Combine gin, lime juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Wrap a strip of cucumber around the inside of the glass and top with a sprig of freshly slapped mint. 


Notes: Cucumber-infused gin can easily be swapped for a bottle of Hendricks and Sonoma Syrup Co. makes a mint simple syrup–but since you'll need cucumber and mint for gorgeous garnishes, why not make your own? You can use the mint syrup in juleps and lemonades, and cucumber gin is perfect for gin and tonics!

Cucumber-infused gin: Steep 1/2 cups of diced, peeled cucumber in 1 cup of gin, chilled and covered, for 8 hours to 4 days. Strain and store indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Mint simple syrup: Heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water over medium-high heat, stirring until dissolved. Add 1 cup of mint leaves and remove from heat. Cover and steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Strain and discard mint; refrigerate for up to 2 months.


Image and Recipe from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Framed

Thursday, April 18, 2013


This week I'm loving Minted's Watercolor Frame invitation by Laura Condouris, putting my hours of calligraphy practice to work on a friend's invitations, and these links:



Lindsay and Guillaume

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

 


















 

























I couldn't resist featuring another stunning Napa wedding this week–this one at Calistoga Ranch for a destination celebration that put the focus on food, wine and family. 

The Canadian bride and French groom decided that rather than hosting their wedding in either of their hometowns, they'd invite guests to a place that felt like home. The bride drew on her love of all things classic when planning their nuptials, starting with their stationary suite–gold calligraphy on creamy ivory stock from Plush Invitations

Lindsay chose the layered silk organza "Norma" gown from Watters Bridal, and inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, accessorized it with a classic pearl necklace, bracelet and studs, Jimmy Choo shoes and a sleek chignon. Guillaume wore a well-tailored three-piece suit while both of their attendants wore slim black–Lindsay's bridesmaid in an understated silk dress from Banana Republic and Guillaume's groomsman in a suit and narrow black tie. 

Lindsay and Guillaume exchanged vows on the lawn in front of 30 guests and Lommel Lake, and enjoyed local wines as the sun set during cocktail hour. Then the newlyweds and their guests headed to Calistoga Ranch's intimate wine cave, where a three course meal featuring a roasted shrimp and farro salad with cucumber and feta and a a choice of roasted halibut with white beans and chorizo ragout or beef tenderloin with vegetables and bordelaise sauce were served. The tables glowed in the candlelight and floral arrangements from Blooms by Martha Andrews that matched the bride's lush white bouquet set off with lavender and fresh herbs imparted a heavenly scent. After their first dance, the newlyweds served slices of their white chocolate wedding cake with fresh berries, a sweet ending to their beautiful day.


Many thanks to Gabe McClintock of Perspectivey for sharing his stunning images with me–what's your favorite detail or photo from this classic celebration?
 

A Crimson Kiss – Timeless Events and Classic Cocktails by Ana Degenaar : Blogger