Early May Weddings

Image by Pepper Key Stacie

Congratulations to our three couples who tied the knot this weeekend in Turks and Caicos!  Pictured above are Tom and Angie with friends and family from Florida.

Fleur De Lys Wedding Inclusives

All images by Pepper Key Stacie

For the Fleur de Lys Villa brides out there, here are a few of the items that are inclusive to your booking which you may use for your wedding:

Left: 4 gold  leaf fleur de lys candelabras, clam shell, pair of mother of pearl perfume jars

pair of porcelain sculptural jars, antique bronze mirror, pewter teapot, pewter jewelry box

gold leaf tray with map of Turks and Caicos, wine decanter

Top Middle and Right:

Large bronze birdcage, 11 seashell pots, 9 porcelain water pitchers

Bottom Middle and Right:

Pair of bell jar terrariums, pair of matching bronze candelabras, pair of antique ship bookends, pair of antique bronze bride and grooms chairs

All images by Pepper Key Stacie and Tropical Imaging

Left:  24 Lace doily embellished recycled bottles

Top Middle and Right: collection of 100 baby conch shells, pair of antique ship bookends

100 mason jar lanterns with battery operated tea lights (couple responsible for buying batteries)

Bottom row: 9 small glass apothecary jars, 50 mason jars, medium sized chalk board

*If you are not a Fleur de Lys Villa bride but are hosting your wedding in the Turks and Caicos Islands and would like to utilise any of the above, a rental may be available.  Please e-mail pepperkeystacie@gmail.com for more information.

Caroline Penthouse Trunk Sale

All images by Pepper Key Stacie

 Welcome to the Caroline Penthouse Trunk Sale!  The painting above is an original from Bali by the artist Mulyadi. 

33.5"h x 34"w $2,500

Rug origins unknown, weavers initials detailed above, 6'9" w x 10' l

 one small fray at end and a few small stains $450

I could base a beautiful folk inspired bedroom off these two pieces alone!

Top Left: Antique Kneeling Table from Nepal 8.5" h x 19.5" square $425

Far Right: Antique Threshing Board used to cultivate rice or cereal, origins most likely from Spain, Tunisia or South East Asia. 67' h x 22"w x 7.5" d $675 SOLD

Bottom Row: Antique Butter Churn, Pine, 36"h x 8"w x 8"d $225

Antique Walnut Wood Bowl 24.75"h x 19.5"w x 3"d $350

Fick's Reed Wicker Chair with Leather Straps 33"h x 20.75"w x 23"d $225

Left to Right: African ceremonial mask carved of wood, Punu Tribal of Gabon $475

African ceremonial mask of carved wood, Ivory Coast Djimini

16"h x 8.5"w x 6" d $575

West African carved wood mask with horns 18"h x 8"w x 3.5"d $275

Wood Bead and Porcelain mask necklace $225

Top Left: Porcelain art deco lamp base 23"h x 9"w x 10" d $150

Top Right: Faux Plant in 19" diameter pot 72"h $250

Bottom Right: Lloyd Flanders white wicker chairs (4 available) with striped cushion

36"h x 24.5"w x 26"d $500

Bottom Left: Ionic column side table with glass top 18"h x 19"square $325

Left Middle: Faux Palm in terracotta pot $175

Last but not least, this solid brass nautical clock, 13.5"h x 11"w x 2" d $75 (not working, needs battery or TLC)

Please e-mail pepperkeystacie@gmail.com if interested in any of the above.

Cinco de Mayo!

Photos: coronas, Eliza Kurziel via facebook, all others Project Wedding

The following information was obtained on wikipedia

"Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a voluntarily-observed holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. It is celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla and in the United States.While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride."

Turks and Caicos included!   This great night is not to be missed, so please join the crowds in Turtle Cove Marina on the docks.  Be sure to come early to get a taste of the famous Baci lamb tacos and Kissing Fish margarita's!

Ladies Lunch Out

All images by Pepper Key Stacie

I heard a radio ad recently advertising Point Grace's Hutchings restaurant so suggested the spot when a girlfriend and I were planning a luncheon.  Point Grace is one of my favorite boutique hotels on Providenciales, one truly feels nestled in the Caribbean thanks to it's turn of the century British Colonial architecture and gorgeous landscaping.  Many people, including myself in the early days, would assume that Turks and Caicos's famous 12 mile Grace Bay Beach is named so by the feeling of divine favour one feels when visiting, but it is actually derived from a person, Grace Hutchings, who sailed here on her honeymoon in 1892.   As you guessed, Hutchings restaurant, also borrowed it's name from this remarkable lady.  I suggest Point Grace for couples seeking a romantic place, and after a fantastic spinach and apple salad with seared tuna, I would have to recommend anyone make an affordable lunch date at Hutching's.  Grace's Cottage is the hotel's fine dining establishment and should be reserved for a special occasion.

Ladies Lunch In

All images by Pepper Key Stacie

Last week I had the invitation to have not one, but two lunches with girlfriends.  One took place at my South African friend Caren's house, a big, cozy, and colorful casa she and her Panamanian husband built about the same time my husband and I were building Fleur de Lys Villa.   I remember the first time I ever had a meal prepared by Caren, it was a Christmas dinner party in 2004 or 2005, one of my first Christmases on the island.  A tropical Christmas is a difficulty to get used to when you come from the snowy west, but this festive night was one of the few over the years that I was able to forget about the temperature.  Carens cooking skills had quite the reputation on the island, and from that first dinner party I learned why.  Not only was she a phenomenal cook, she was an expert host.  From the first step into her beautifully decorated home one is usually met with an amazing aroma at the door, her darling daughter Caylen, and typically fresh flowers and all kinds of lovely personal touches.  This lunch was no exception, we four ladies were treated to the delicious, entirely homemade, spread you see above; tomato soup, brushetta sandwiches of tomato and mozzarella or prosciutto and melon, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, and a choice of raspberry and blueberry custard pastries or South African caramel cookies.  I am not ashamed to admit I tried then both and then helped myself to seconds.  Thank you, Caren, for every invitation you have ever extended to all of us.  Every warm effort you put into your gatherings is greatly admired and appreciated!

Turks and Caicos Sporting Club

All images by Pepper Key Stacie

Last week TC Millwork completed an installation for the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club's Providenciales sales office.  I first visited Ambergris Cay and the development in August 2008 when they inquired about some artwork and interactive shadowboxes for their Environmental Learning Center.  I had brought my camera along with me and from the moment my flight took off, I never stopped shooting.  Everything I had read about the development; the (must see this!) architectural influences, the field guide, and the natural preservation motto, had my hopes set especially high.  All my expectations were exceeded, I had a remarkable afternoon experiencing  the sporting life.   I dove into research with such fervor I had a file folder the size appropriate for a 4 bedroom home versus the little art contract I was asked to quote on.  Ambergris itself, as well as the history of these little islands, is a fascinating story but I will leave that for another post.

When I was approached for the interior decor contract for the new sales offfice in the Regent Village, I secretly celebrated as that huge file folder contained all the preliminary research I would need to get started.   The old office had two great model displays which we converted to coffee tables for the settee areas.  TC Millwork also took care of building new frames for the member boards, the entry door to the media room, and the stylishly sleek and simple curved reception desk.  The decor I wanted to adequately represent that island safari feel when you step onto Ambergris Cay, a well balanced combination of rustic and refined.   Step inside if you have the chance, it begs the question "When is the last time you went out and played?"