Styling - Meg and Brians Wedding 11.12.11

Last November I had the great opportunity to style for a wedding at Bajacu villa, designed by the famous Mexican architect Marco Aldaco.  The property is stunning; 360 degree villa views of Caribbean perfection set atop one of the highest peaks on Providenciales.

The villa itself is architecturally multifaceted, true to Aldoco's nature, and nestled into a gorgeous tropical landscape.  But it doesn't stop there. A narrow, native stone winding path leads down to the ocean, where the above images were backdropped beautifully by the talented Melinda Le Photography. 

Bajacu is bold and richly colored, perfect for the "bohemian chic" color inspiration behind mbweddingdesigns palette.  When designing the florals I used watermelon peonies for luscious large pops of color, coral snapdragons and pink genistra for spice, and lily grass to give the bouquets a wild touch.  To coordinate with luxe linens and chiavari chairs I requested a gold hued floral and Gemma from Environmental Arts made the excellent suggestion to use kangaroo paw . . .  perfection! 

As you can see, the bouquet needed to be incredible! Given this gorgeous of a location and this beautiful of a bride, I must say the ladies at Environmental Arts did a fabulous job of breathing life into my vision!

 

 

We created  boutonierres with coral freesia and lily grass, statement making wrist corsages for the mother of the bride and groom, and an adorable peony pom for the flower girl.  The ringbearer carried a small conch shell filled with bright pink petals to hold the precious gems.  Morroccan style lanterns filled with candles and flower petals lined the aisle to the ceremony sight, and what a sight it was at sunset!

The tablescapes featured ocean inspired linens, white coral centerpieces, and vivid florals.  I could go on and on but instead here are a few more of my behind the scenes images of the tablescapes below:

Our congratulations to Meg and Brian!  It was an honor to style for such a beautifully orchestrated affair.

Field Guide Friday - Agave Sisalina

Image and quote below from maritime heritage

"August 13, 1892, Colonies and India
London, United Kingdom
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

 The cultivation of the pita (sisal) plant has made fair progress, especially in the Caicos Islands, and the reports from the plantations towards the end of the year were satisfactory. Two companies, the West Caicos Fibre Company (Limited), at West Caicos, and the East Caicos Company (Limited), at Breezy Point, formed for the purpose of raising pita plants and extracting the fibre, are registered under the companies' ordinance, and there are several private plantations. A small shipment of fibre was made to New York within the year from one of the latter, and the first quality fetched a cent a pound more than the second quality—an equal price to the best from Yucatan. This speaks well for the quality of the fibre which can be produced in these islands, and promises a bright future for the local fibre industry."

 Sisal is still prevalent throughout  the Turks and Caicos Islands, these giant agaves dot the landscape, distinctive due to their sword like leaves.  The plant is in bloom this time of year; very hard to miss with their towering central stalk branching into a multitude of plush bright yellow Dr Suess like poofs, usually swarming with bees and other flying insects.   

 The booming sisal industry, as documented in the 1892 registry above, no longer thrives in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the East Caicos Plantation abandoned long ago.  On my last visit to Middle and North Caicos, Cardinal Arthur told me stories of his boyhood, his memories of the long preparation of sisal before weaving it into rope.  I recently approached the middlecaicos Co -Op about commissioning a handwoven rug like this, but sadly none of the artisans currently work with sisal for baskets, hats, or other handcrafted goods.   I sincerely hope this once important process does not die with this generation, we must keep the knowledge of Turks and Caicos forefathers and farmers alive! Please visit tcmuseum.org to read a fascinating article on the Rise and Fall of the Sisal Industry.

Discover - Behind the Scenes

 The new issue of Discover magazine has arrived after months of waiting!  I had a great time styling Atlanta and New York based model Jessica Miller.  We had a perfect sunny day, fantastic locations, and a salt and sun drenched sailboat to make magic with.  The caribbean-leisure-lifestyle portion of our shoot took place at the Grace Bay Club and  Caicos Cafe Plaza; the nautical portion took us on the open sea. 

Big thanks to Tropical Imaging, Beluga Cruises, Jessica, and all the boutiques who participated.  My gratitude also to the magazine staff for their enthusiasm and invitation to pen the article to accompany the spread.  Here are a few of my behind the scenes images from the shoot.

 

Provo Ponies Happy Trails to Serah

 Image by friend/artist/photographer Isaac Whitlatch via .facebook

The above gorgeous photograph conjures my youth when my fascination and adoration for horses was in it's prime.  I am certain I wasn't alone, ask the average kid if they would like to have a pony and I believe the majority would have hands held high in the air.  As with most things we romanticize in life, at one point we may discover reality and our hearts wane.  For those that have witnessed or experienced first hand the hard work and dedication it takes to keep these beauties fed, watered, exercised, and generally healthy, you gain a whole new respect for "horse hands."

Provo Ponies, originally begun as a rescue operation for abused and neglected horses, now a  Top rated Trip Advisor Attraction, has an entire team of expert hands that keep the stables full of happy, well cared for horses.  Not an easy task on a tropical island with little soil and fresh water.   A certain trio of tough gals formed fast friendships both off and on the clock:

Camille

Kelly

and Serah

All images from Provo-Ponies facebook page

These three ladies have had a great run but alas, one lone ranger is moving on.  Serah has found a fantastic opportunity and will be leaving the island to work with Roberts Equine Dental, a Minnesota business serving the professional horse community from coast to coast since 1981.  Our congrats and best wishes to Serah!  Happy Trails!

PS- Don't forget to pack your

Handmade jewelry

For a few who have inquired, handmade jewelry ranging from $18 to $30 per piece.

The latest ocean inspired colors for the t-shirt necklace/scarves ranging from $10-$18.

Wednesday Woodworks - Indoor/Outdoor Bathroom Inspirations

Image via keenandfitting

Today we broke ground on a fourth bathroom for the Cotton Cottage at fleur de lys villa.  This was a project we had been considering for quite some time so are thrilled to put the plan into motion.  The layout will resemble the above image, a long room that will feel like a sun room; an indoor extension of the outdoors, a bright and airy space full of sunshine.

Image via coastal living

The room will feature large doors at either end that will open to already existing curved native stone paths wrapping around the cottage to the pool.

image via myhomeideas

Image via southernliving

As much as we would absolutely adore a lovely tub like in the above images, 

Image via bathroom-of-week post on Keen and Fitting

we will most likely keep it simple with a shower framed in the center of the fully louvered back wall.  Stay posted for before and after images to come!