They did it!... sneak peek

Photo by Kelly Hayes

Congratulations 

Amber and Mike!

30th July 2011 

Treviso Italy. 

Skincare now

Apart from Clinique's Clarifying Lotion, which I have been using faithfully since I was at school, I haven't found any skincare must-haves yet. And I have tried sooo many.

Here are the products I am using now.

Witch Naturally Clear Cleansing and Toning Wipes
Estee Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser
Clarisonic Mia
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
By Terry Source de Rose
Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial
Clinique Turnaround Concentrate
Lancome Genefique Repair night cream
LiLash

At night: The easiest way to take my make-up off is to use wipes. At the moment I have witch hazel wipes which aren't bad. I then wash my face with Estee Lauder's foaming cleanser. A few times a week I use the Clinique turnaround mask. I wipe my face with the Clarifying Lotion, then pat by Terry's rose-scented lotion onto my face and neck. I finish with Lancome's Genefique all over; this cream promises everything but hasn't shown me any results :-( I'm also using LiLash (again).

In the morning: Estee Lauder foaming cleanser, Clinique lotion, By Terry lotion, Clinique turnaround concentrate, some sample eye cream (not pictured).

Do I like the Clarisonic? I've been using it for two months and haven't seen any improvement in my skin. I will persevere, however. There are lots of people out there who swear by it, though: check out Meg's reviews here.

This is the second time I have tried LiLash and all I can say is that it works. False eyelashes become such a thing of the past because your real eyelashes will grow unbelievably long. Like crazy long. With a curl, even - so you can chuck out those eyelash curlers. I have tried RevitaLash and that worked but it stung when it got in the eyes, and Talika didn't do anything, as far as I could tell.

Kate at wedding dress exhibit

Will you - or would you if you could - visit the royal wedding dress exhibit?

Dress: Joseph
Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Via

The Groom With A View #3`

Treviso

Bouquets and Buttonholes

Just three days left to our wedding day and we find ourselves in the beautiful town of Treviso. The build up to this point has been an excitable mix of chaos coated with romance, the mayhem finally being pulled into shape with the help of The Italian Wedding Planner and no small amount of effort from all those involved.

The experience of planning our wedding has been memorable, with a number of lessons learned along the way. We will never again under-estimate the challenges of transporting 5 suits, one wedding dress, 6 suitcases, 3 children, and one beautiful bride from England to Italy. With the logistics successfully negotiated we now revel in the simple pleasures of putting the all important finishing touches to our day.

I write this blog to the backdrop of an I-pod being tested for volume (the administration men at Il Commune remain blissfully unaware their town hall is about to be filled with the melodic tones of The Arctic Monkeys, Rotherham’s finest export).

The final countdown is proving to be by far the most enjoyable part of our planning. The jobs being carried out in the Italian sunshine involve visiting our gorgeous canal side restaurant to arrange seating plans, table decorations, menu choices; choosing flowers for bouquets and buttonholes; picking out wedding cake; polishing speeches and wedding vows. Each task seems to get rewarded with a glass of Prosecco or a “big beer” in the Piazza Del Signori…. An excellent way to go about your business.

Piazza Del Signori Treviso 

It is during these finishing touches that I am relishing the pleasure of planning alongside my stunning wife-to-be. It appears, while I have been busying myself with the logistical “man jobs” she has been subtly providing the feminine touches to our day. Whilst unpacking our suitcase I find table settings (hand made and written with an elegance I simply could not muster). In the same bag are wedding favours, compiled by Amber and presented in her own unique way. Alongside them are a bag of sweets and treats to thank our boys for their hard work and patience. As the I-pod continues its volume testing it transpires there is a Playlist prepared, not only for the ceremony but also the restaurant.

I am reminded once again how lucky I am, not that I needed to be. She really is, and always was, the one.

Now all that remains is the fun part of the day itself. The nerves are beginning to build and I have no doubt they will reach a knee trembling crescendo around ten to twelve on Saturday. At least as I stand trembling at the front of the town hall, I will do so safe in the knowledge I am marrying the right girl, in the right town, surrounded by the right people…..

……. Thank goodness this only happens once!                                    M x  

La Biennale di Venezia 68th Venice film festival

The 68th Venice International Film Festival, will start on 31st August on the Venice Lido until September 10th, 2011.

The Venice film festival is the oldest film festival in the world . The aim of the Festival is to raise awareness and promote all the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance. The Festival includes retrospectives and homages to major figures as a contribution towards raising awareness of the history of cinema.

Personally, while I love a trip to the cinema I love the fun of people watching! In Venice during Biennale week, it will be a fantastic opportunity to people watch! 

The official line-up of the 68th Venice Film Festival will be announced during the official press conference to take place in Rome on tomorrow Thursday 28th July. After which I shall be booking my tickets to the cinema! 

Locations

Venice Lido (Palazzo del Cinema, Casinò, Sala Darsena, and PalaBiennale)

Screening Venues

Palazzo del Cinema (Sala Grande: 1,032 seats and Sala Volpi: 160 seats)

Sala Darsena (1,300 seats)

PalaBiennale (1,700 seats)

Sala Perla at the Palazzo del Casinò (400 seats)

Movie Garden. Stands, Internet Points and refreshment for the public and trade operators.

Hotel reservations

Online hotel booking + Special festival packages

University residences run by the ESU in Venice

Accomodation in the ESU university residences for students and researchers who wish to stay in Venice at very low prices.

How to get to Lido di Venezia

By train: after arrival at the railway station of Venezia S.Lucia, catch a vaporetto boat for the Lido (ACTV public transport routes 51/52). Alight at Lido/S. Maria Elisabetta.

By car: leave motorway at Venice exit , follow indications for Venezia-Lido, board ACTV traghetto (ferry).

By vaporetto (boat): from Piazzale Roma and from the railway station, ACTV routes 1 / 2 / 61 or 51/52.

By air: from Marco Polo airport, Alilaguna vaporetto. Alight at Lido/ S. Maria Elisabetta.

For further information

Tel. +39 041 5218 711

Fax +39 041 5218 854

cinema@labiennale.org

Katy Perry: Smurfette in Sapphires

Katy Perry's dress at the Smurfs movie premiere in New York yesterday almost stole the show from the little blue guys themselves!

Sporting a bedazzled Smurfette corsette designed by The Blondes, a smurf manicure and blue Louboutins - what else does the voice of the world's most famous female smurf need?

How about sapphires? Seems the like the smurfiest choice, right?

Looks like Ms. Perry took the blue bling to heart, wearing a pair of sapphire button earrings and what looks like a sapphire, diamond and gold bangle bracelet (still looking for designer credits...anyone know?)

The other jewelry highlight of the night was violet vixen, Sofia Vergara, in a a gorgeous Missoni gown, turquoise earrings and elbow-deep bangles in every shade of purple - all by Lorraine Schwartz!

 

Papa Smurf? Eat your heart out!!!

Amber and Mike: A July bride and Groom with a View

It is the final week before the wedding of Amber and Mike’! With only five more days to go, everyone here at The Italian Wedding planner, are gearing up for their big day!

The venue has been set, the flowers ordered, the menu chosen; all details are in place to come together for a very special wedding in Italy for our  guest bloggers 'A July Bride' and 'Groom with a View'.  

Over the past months Amber and Mike have very kindly been sharing their thoughts and excitement for their special day. As I write this they are currently driving from London to Treviso in a mini bus full of family and friends on their road trip-the final destination being their wedding day.  Tonight they will arrive in Treviso after this long journey which they’ve taken towards their destination wedding in Italy. The excitement grows exponentially in the days before any wedding, but this wedding will take place in Treviso, hometown to The Italian Wedding Planner. 

We are looking forward to walking with them through the pretty little streets of Treviso and reminding them of her beauty and charm that they first engaged a year ago last April on their first visit.   We are honored that they have chosen Italy as the location for their wedding, especial as we know this was a big step for a London girl to decide on hosting her wedding abroad.  I am incredibly proud to be the translator at their wedding next Saturday and have the honor or working with the mayor to celebrate their marriage. 

We cannot wait to see Amber in her wedding dress and not forgetting Mike, how smart he and all the gentlemen will be in their beautiful suits.  Amber is sure to forget the hours of shopping for Mike and the boys suits, when they are all there on the day looking so very handsome. 

We shall keep you all posted on this very special wedding of two  very special friends.

 Please click here to read Amber's blog part 1

Please click here to read Mike's blog  A Groom with a view

Breathtaking wedding at Villa Cimbrone...

Words are not adequate to show you how beautiful Villa Cimbrone is, so I am turning to this beautiful film by Bambury films...

Top 10 most romantic wedding locations in Italy

Italy has always been associated with Love and Romance so when it comes to choosing the perfect location it can be very difficult when presented with so many beautiful options! 

I have composed a few of my favourites wedding destinations in Italy, which has not been an easy task, especially when there are so many to choose from. 

1. Most romantic city: Venice

I am sure this is no surprise as Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Enriched with history, mystery and romance Venice is simply a beautiful location for an elegant wedding. I have lived just outside of Venice for the past 15 years and love this enticing city, I have a vast knowledge of venues where you can celebrate your wedding. With Venice's historical Palazzo's, private gardens, private islands looking over the water to St Marks and beautiful hotels you are spoilt for choice.

2. Most romantic village or hill town: Montone Umbria

This one was a hard one to chose as there are so many enchanting villages and hill towns. Cortona in Tuscany was a close second but Montone has a almost undiscovered feeling to it and I love the sleepy cobbled streets and one of my favourite restaurants in the region is located there! 

3. Most romantic sea view: Villa Cimbrone in Ravello 

Villa Cimbrone is located in Ravello on the Amalfi coast, you could get married in Ravello and then there is a 10 minuet walk to the Villa which offers the reward of views over the Amalfi Coast making it worth the walk! 

4. Most romantic Piazza: Siena

As you walk in to the main square of Siena you can hear the collective gasps of visitors as they see Piazza del campo for the first time. Located in the heart of this magnificent piazza is the town hall with her majestic wedding hall on the first floor, there is a very romantic and timeless quality to Siena. 

5. Most romantic church: Santa Maria Assunta in Positano 

This one was so difficult as there are many Churches that simply take my breath away! So I went with 

Santa Maria Assunta in the heart of Positano. Ahh but maybe I should have gone with the Basilica in San Giovanni in Tuscany or the beautiful church on Lake Bracciano or the tiny chapel in a private castle... 

6. Most romantic sea side venue: Capo Farro hotel

On the beautiful Aeolian Island of Salina, overlooking the sparkling blue Tyrrhenian Sea is this breathtaking 5 star resort. Sprawled across seven acres of vineyards, the Capofaro Malvasia & Resort offers the finest of Aeolian pleasures. From the views and beaches to the wine and food, you will not be disappointed. 

7. Most romantic winter wedding location: Cortina

One of the most beautiful and open valleys in the Dolomites with some of the peaks towering over 3000m. The village has a charm of time gone by and a stunning church located in the heart of the village and lots of little charming chapels located in the mountains above the town. The town hall is located in the centre of the town and just imagine arriving on a horse drawn sledge, drinking mulled wine with your guests, roaring fires and amazing views. Not to forget the fun days on the slopes! 

8. Most romantic Lake: Como

When thinking about romantic lakes nearly all the lakes come to mind but Como hosts some of my favourite venues and George Clooney, so sorry Lake Orta you were a very close second!

9. Most romantic Island: Sardinia

Again a difficult one to chose when you are looking at Capri, Ischia, Pantelleria, Sicily etc.  Sardinia has been a favourite destination for the rich and famous with beautiful towns, wonderful shopping, crystal clear water, soft sandy beaches and amazing vistas, however this could be said about all the islands of Italy. What made me select Sardinia is the easy travel access that made me select Sardinia.

10. Most romantic Location: Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto, Roma, Amalfi coast, The Islands, The lakes... Basically all of Italy!!!

Please contact The Italian Wedding Planner for more information on getting married in Italy.

The Festa del Redentore

Getting married in Venice at any time of the year is incredibly special, but there are a few dates throughout the year which depending on your point of view, could add to your very special day. This weekend has seen the Festa del Redentore, some of you may not have heard of this popular Venitian celebration as it is not as well known as the Venice carnival,but it is  a spectacular celebration that attracts thousands of visitors. 

I can imagine some of you might be thinking that the idea of this beautiful city filling with thousands of visitors on your wedding weekend might not be a great idea, but The Italian Wedding Planner would organise your wedding day so that you would get the opportunity to experience this spectacular festival without having to deal with the crowds or lose out on the romance of the city of Venice. 



Just picture a beautiful wedding celebration in Venice, this could be a civil ceremony, religious ceremony or a symbolic celebration, on the Saturday morning. After the ceremony celebrate your marriage with a mouthwatering lunch over looking the grand canal and then as the sun is setting, take to the water in a privately chartered boat and join the flock of boats who have taken to the water on this day as they have for centuries. 

 Cruise along with all the boats decked out with balloons, decorations and brightly coloured lanterns,  flock into St. Mark’s Bay and the Giudecca Canal. The boats then moor alongside each other and along with all the participants enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditionalVenetian specialities while you wait for the firework display that begins at 11.30pm and lasts until well past midnight.

Depending on the size of your wedding and the size of boat you would like, it would be possible to arrange music and dancing onboard. You could be cutting your wedding cake as the sky erupts in colour... 


The following day enjoy a series of gondola races, organised as part of the “Voga alla Veneta” rowing season. 

The Festa del Redentore is a tradition that dates back to 1577. It was first held to celebrate the city’s deliverance from a terrible plague and the construction of Palladio’s “Redentore” (Redeemer) Church, commissioned for the same reason.
The Church, built on the Island of the Giudecca, can still be reached by pilgrims during the festival by means of an impressive 330-metre-long pontoon bridge.


If you like the idea of getting married in Venice during this historical event, please contact us for more information. Please note If you wish to host your wedding in Venice in the month of July, specifically during the Redentore, it would be advisable to start planning you wedding before the end of the year.

www.theitalianweddingplanner.com

Duchess Catherine Jewelry Roundup

 

Now that Princess Kate and Prince Wills have left the continent, I've finally been able to sift through all of the elegant and surprisingly conservative jewelry statements our favorite royal wore on her whirlwind tour.

Before I get to it, I'm thrilled to announce that my sugar mamma, Jewelry.com gave me a little corner of their blingy universe to bring you all the great celebrity looks I gush about here at prices we mere mortals can afford. Click here to see my first go at it - A Princess Kate-themed bauble extravaganza with all of the looks featured in this post and then some!

Perhaps we should have known from the moment we saw her down-low diamond tiara choice for her walk down the aisle that this princess-to-be is not one to 'BRAG' about her bling. Rather, we're seeing a continuation of that 'splash of sparkle' trend I've spotted on the red carpet this summer - along with a few sartorial surprises.

They don't call her the "Discount Duchess" for nothing. I like that she's open to using her accessories with more than one outfit - like the sapphire drops pictured above and below with her diamond cross pendant.

And our Kate loves to bring out the basics - crosses, circles, and studs. Certainly not a 'fashion-forward' choice but a great way to bring the jewelry box classics back on trend.  

Chandeliers made a swinging appearance - on loan from the Queen - at the tony BAFTA event held in Los Angeles, where the Duchess rubbed elbows with Hollywood royalty like Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon.

And the surprises? I don't think I've ever touted a celebrity citrine piece - and these barely there drop earrings by Kiki McDonough are just lovely. Citrine. Who knew?

These tiny treasure-esque gold leaf earrings are just the right touch of whimsy. Remember her diamond acorn earrings from the wedding (pictured above)? Somewhere, The Lorax is smiling... 

Speaking of tree-themed accessories? Everyone was talking about the diamond maple leaf brooch the Duchess wore on several occasions while visiting our Canadian friends to the north. It's another loaner from the Queen's coffers - and continues to give the brooch category some oomph (Michelle Obama? Watch your back.)

But with 40 outfits making the rounds for her 9 day adventure across the pond, this is just the tip of the 'ice' berg. A reminder to visit Jewelry.com for a complete sale curated by yours truly, where I've collected all the top Kate jewelry looks and paired them with pieces you can bring home to your own jewelry box.

Get in touch with your inner princess, jewelry hounds! Kate's style makes it easy. Jewelry.com makes it affordable.  Enjoy!