Keisha & Garett's Wedding at the Crane Resort in the Barbados - Part 1 of 2

Keisha & Garett's wedding at the Crane Resort in the Barbados was a laid-back and beautiful celebration, and it totally suited their personalities. Keisha's father is from the Barbados and all of the details had a Bajan touch. What made the wedding especially fun for me was that everyone was so warm and welcoming that I felt like a member of the family by the end of the night. Keisha & Garett both work in broadcast news (Keisha is an anchor and Garett is a camera man for NBC Connecticut) and they were so comfortable (and stunning!) in front of the camera. Maybe they need to get an agent for a second career as models! I think I will have to give them a special prize because, including driving time, we spent from 10am to 6pm the day after the wedding taking portraits all over the island, including some sugar plantation ruins, the spectacular Animal Flower Cave and the capital city of Bridgetown. They were such good sports and were so much fun it didn't feel like work at all. All in all, it was a very memorable wedding and I count myself lucky to have met such truly nice people.

 
 

Keisha & Garett's Wedding in the Barbados - Part 2 of 2

 

HAPPY EASTER!!

Photo Credits: Hokuli'i Images

Sarah & Geoff's Engagement Party

I met Geoff several years ago when we both worked together at Abebooks.com (check it out - a great place to buy used and rare books online). We were on the "dart team" in the annual corporate games and became instant friends, spending time at Christmas and dinner parties over the years. Fast forward to last year when Geoff met Sarah and had that punch-drunk "I'm going to marry this girl" connection. Sarah has the most warm, beautiful arura and she and Geoff make such a perfect couple. Their wedding is this May and I cannot wait to be a part of it. Here are a few fun pictures from their engagement party a few weeks ago.


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VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - WEDDINGS BY TARA GUERARD

Since opening the doors of Soiree by Tara Guerard in Charleston South Carolina over a decade ago, Tara has been noted as a leading arbiter of entertaining and style. She was selected as a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride Magazine and Soiree's work has been featured by a wide range of media including InStyle Weddings, Town & Country Weddings, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

In her latest book Weddings By Tara Guerard (January 2010), Tara takes you on a guided tour through twelve dream weddings and shares the tools and tricks of the trade from over a decade in the industry. The book is filled with ideas and inspiration, and each chapter overflows with beautiful photography and details to incorporate into your own wedding.

Here are a few tips from Tara for a successful Soirée:

▪ Hire a great photographer. You want someone who can capture the ambiance, the details and the memories.

▪ Choose colors and foods that reflect a time of year.

▪ Never do a seated dinner around a dance floor. Define each space - one area for cocktails, one for dinner, and another for dancing.

▪ Let your personalities show through at your reception.
▪ Try a 4X4 foot table for 8 - it's a guarantee that people will talk to each other.
▪ Offer guests a signature drink as a welcome. It is a personal detail and prevents that initial backup at the bar.
▪ For outdoor weddings, always remember... if you don't have a backup plan IT WILL RAIN!

BAKE ME A CUPCAKE

Who knew that when the cupcake craze hit Ottawa a few years back it would turn out to be more than just a passing fad lasting a season or two at best. Whether they're replacing the traditional cake at your wedding or simply being served as part of the late night buffet, cupcakes are here to stay.

The cupcake has really evolved over time. From the mouth watering choices in flavours of cake and icing to the many creative ways to decorate and display them, there's no such thing as the "standard" cupcake anymore.

Along with the evolution of the cupcake is the evolution of places you can now get them. The Ottawa area is full of great shops that create these yummy treats!! Here are just a few - The Cupcake Lounge, The Flour Shoppe, The Girl With The Most Cake, Isobels, Little Cakes and The Lush Cake.

Enjoy!!

Ashley & Geoff - Engagement Portraits

Ashley & Geoff were high school sweethearts and have been together 14 years! I loved that they wanted to go to Goldstream Park to have photos among the trees for their engagement shoot. We went hiking up to a train trestle (you can see in pictures that it's almost higher than the tree line), whereupon I learned that I need to get into better shape! LOL Ashley and Geoff are among the nicest people you could ever meet (and they're photogenic too)! I know they are going to make an awesome bride & groom this August!