tales of an american wedding planner in paris
September 2, 2010
Lanvin’s new fresh and flirty fragrance, Marry Me! premiered this week, and promises to be the “it” scent for this fall. One look at their adorable commercial, and I’m guessing that les futures mariées (brides-to-be ) around the world are probably already lining up around the corner. Oh, and for you guys- try slipping a bottle of this into her overnight as you’re trekking across Europe. Can you think of a more perfect way to pop the question?
August 29, 2010
Take a look at this beautiful French Country-inspired wedding design from Dallas-based photographer Catie Ranquillo in the current issue of Nonpareil magazine. A card-carrying Francophile, Catie tapped into her two biggest passions- France and sweets (!!)- for her inspiration for this “South of France meets the South” shoot.
She and her Dallas-based entourage, including Erin of Red Sole Events (flower arrangements), Nicole of the Left Handed Calligrapher, Enjolik of Low Country Quisine (yummy Southern treats) and Jessica Goldfarb and Lucy Williams of The Gallery Events (additional styling) put together a lavender and rustic tablescape that will make you swoon- the perfect mix of sophisticated French champêtre and whimsical Southern charm.
One of the many things that I love about Nonpareil are the simple yet stylish DIY tips and downloads included in every issue. This months issue includes templates for the menu and placecards used in this shoot, as well as instructions on making the cute lavender and craft-paper favor boxes. Be sure to check out www.catieronquillo.com for even more images of this scrumptious photo shoot.
south of france celebration
french country centerpiece
french country wedding favors
french theme wedding menu
south of france meets the south wedding details
June 29, 2010
If you’ve ever been to the South of France, I’m sure you were as impressed as I was with the starring role that the humble olive plays in the culture down there. Olive trees seem to grow wherever you look- not just in groves and gardens, but in schoolyards, along roads and even in supermarket parking lots. The markets in Provence are literally overflowing with hundreds of varieties of olives, olive oils, savory cakes and tapenade, as well as rich soaps and fragrant body creams. For generations, the olive tree has been an enduring emblem of the South of France, possessing a wealth of symbolism like peace, fruitfulness and purification.
Besides the super-romantic significance of the olive tree, their modern silvery gray-green color and fresh scent are also great reasons to consider incorporating them into your French themed or eco-friendly destination wedding or reception. Take a look at a few of these easy “green wedding” deco ideas from Marie-Claire Idées:
a warm welcome for out of town guests: a market basket with a bouquet of olive branches and luxurious soaps and creams from the South of France
chunky pillar candles tied with olive leaves and white ribbon to decorate an alter or mantlepiece.
delicate paper cones filled with olive leaves and lavender to scent the ceremony space and decorate the aisle.
diy french wedding decoration idea: small olive branches and paper hearts to decorate a sweetheart table.
french wedding favor: wire-strung olive leaves and white ribbon tied around a porcelain saucer of French lemon cookies (or macarons!)
a string of white party lights intertwined with olive branches for a simple, DIY French centerpiece idea.
All images © Frédéric Lucano, Marie Claire Idées
