First Winter Snow

Our First Big Snow - Santa Fe Style

Yesterday, during the afternoon, a slight sprinkling of snow began. As I watched in amazement along with the childhood feeling of excitement "Winter Is Coming" - the snowflakes got larger and larger. The amount of snow became thicker and thicker. The wind then began kicking around the snow so it danced different directions.

Four hours + later my patio table looked like a thick white cake on legs!  The fir branches in my garden are like brushes filled with white.

The thermometer read 41 degrees when the first flakes began to fall - and at bedtime had plummeted to 9 degrees. The glimmering ocean is so gorgeous in Southern California. The sparking snow here in Santa Fe is something new and magical to behold!

Being thankful for hot running water, food in the fridge, plentiful heat and warm blankets - it was great to get to sleep knowing the morning would bring sunlight - making the white winter wonderland an amazement to behold.

Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque | New Mexico

My friend Clarice Coffey and I ventured out to Albuquerque

to enjoy the Balloon Fiesta

I have never been to a Balloon Fiesta so I had no idea what to expect.

Local news coverage is fantastic on weekend mornings - so I had an inkling of the beauty to expect.

Apparently, some 10 million people come to town for this event.

There was a fantastic craft fare with extremely interesting artists - creations I have never seen before.

Having so many creative people displaying their works in one location was stimulating - and a great place to find gifts for the holidays for your friends that have everything already.

Close by the Balloon field is restaurant Pappadeaux - really delicious Louisana style Cajun seafood - with astounding size portions. And desserts to die for - we had the banana pudding | enough for 2 to share.

We stayed the evening and enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display that lasted an eternity. It happened right after the "Balloon Glow" where they light up the balloons with the gas fire jets.

 I'm not really into crowded places - but this adventure was something to behold.

The Big Day for Tanya & James

The guys are all ready to go!

...and the girls are too!

A dramatic room with romance & a huge fireplace.

We set the cake on top of the piano, with a little bling!

Eddie Zarastian of Tic Tock Couture Florals did such great flowers!

First Dance

Thank you Asgeir Fotographica for these amazing photos!

Gopika's & Jordan's Big Day

Before the bride came into the ceremony she was adorned gracefully.

Getting ready and beautiful took much preparation and several ceremonial blessings by family members.

Here is a mini highlight video so you can travel to the memories...thank you to David Robin Films!

The bride looked like an Imperial princess, Eduardo Lucero created her attire 

and came to the wedding to help celebrate.

The color coordination of the bride and groom was sweet beyond belief!

The escort cards were set in vintage brass trays and containers filled with orange lentils, and used motifs from ancient Indian designs representing ducks, who bond for life.

Welcome to the ceremony area, where they walked into their new life on sweet rose petals.

The magical ceremony had much meaning and many, many blessings with lots of chanting and singing.

The dining tent was sublime, elegant and inspiring.

Look at all the yummy bites and treats the guests were offered from beginning to end.

Sultry dance floor, can you believe the lighting that Classic Party Rents created transformed the tent into a party palace? Thank you Maureen Harkness and Kyle Hollars.

Thank you Tara Rochelle for all the great photos.

Layla's & Aldo's Wedding

The heels and dress both sparkled magically with glamour.

There was a "grass" covered stage that blended in with the lawn so the massive willow could speak it's power with no distraction. Have you ever seen so many pretty white chivari chairs? 

Classic Rents Maureen Harkness got us the clear plexiglass podium.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the luckiest girl in the world? 

(Josh Kaplan did hair and Jessica Hollingsworth did the make-up.)

Getting ready is so much a part of the excitement!

Glass plateaus set off the elegant flowers in the bride's favorite colors. The finest Saddlerock wines and a perfect meal by Someone's In The Kitchen tempted all the guests tastebuds.

Look how simple white roses make all the bridesmaids look so dressed up.

"Daddy's" little girl looks so grown up!

What a lovely afternoon, the lighting just got more magical as the evening wore on.

Satin, special chairs - an Italian fine dining experience was our inspiration.

The chandelier was HUGE and we spot lit it with a bit of pink for romance. 

The twin lounges underneath were hot hangouts for guests.

Ice crystal plates with a gourmet cheese selection, gelato in a variety of flavors, and desserts enough to please every guest were in abundance.

Look at all the pretty macaroons flown in just for the party!

It was so fun to sit and look across the party at all the action with so many guests! 

Major blast was had by all!

Man, was this ever a pretty cake to cut. AND delicious! From Dorrie Kinney.

  

The bouquet had just enough bling, thank you Eric Buterbaugh!
Thank you to Susan Bordelon for all the luscious photos, what precious memories you helped create!

Destination Wedding In Paris - The Experience

How much fun is it to travel to a destination to party and celebrate your wedding? It is a blast! From starting early to finishing late, even though there is a challenge to the planning, the end result is nothing like having your wedding at home. This bride chose Paris, France as her location and just look at the fun we had.

Beauty Trial

Tea Presentation & Ceremony 

Ruffle trim protected dress from Cobblestones

 

 Putting on The Dress

Done & Gorgeous

  

 Final touches & Down the Aisle

Chateau Ceremony In Vallery, France at Chateau de Conde

Married!

Sumptuous Dinner at The Salle des Tentures

Bring out The Cake, Parisian style with cute chefs!

Disco until 4 in the morning! A real bonfire. 

Off to Paris for a photo shoot!

What a wonderful way to celebrate! So much glamor, charm, exquisite food, 

real formal dining - choose YOUR destination and let's get going!