VENUE: Villa San Carlo Borromeo

Let's face it, weddings that take place here in Italy, don't need much, "decor" especially if your lucky enough to host it in a mega historical like Villa San Carlo Borromeo. Aside from a glowing bride and groom that ooze lurve, delish food and vino being served, one doesn't have to get all crazy with extra details to make this spot special, I mean it's pretty spectacular on its own. The grounds, architecture and chandeliers are enough to mesmerize your guests the minute they arrive. And how enchanting would it be to have it in winter? I know that it's not the most popular season for Italians, they seem to stick close to tradition, choosing spring or early summer for their big day but come on, just look at Villa San Carlo Borromeo covered in a blanket of fresh snow, how magic is that? And you don't have to run off to the trendo hills of Tuscany for an Italian villa scene (cause I know most destination brides do, let's branch out, okay?) this pretty locale is just 30 minutes outside Milano city center and looks magnificent any time of the year......

Although Milano is pretty wonderful and festive during the winter holiday season, just sayin....

What winter location is your favorite? would love to hear

 (images via villa san carlo borromeo)

Happy Holidays

Seasons Greetings to all! May your home be filled with the joy of family and friends this holiday season. I apologize for the light or non existent posting but it was a busy busy week in Milan with many Christmas gatherings and last minute shopping. Now we're off to the states for more Christmas and New Years festivities, although that little blizzard has us stranded in London, oh what a shame, guess I have to go shopping! Hope all east coasters are enjoying the winter snow storm. Posting will pick up next week....
stay tuned...

window shopping

walking around Milan window shopping, I couldn't help but snap a few from Luisa Beccaria's gem of a store
frothy, tulle galore.....
The silhouette reminds me of the wedding dress Stephanie Seymour rocked in the November Rain video....
I'm guessing not many could or would want to rock Ms. Seymour's style but I'm warming up to Ms. Beccaria's version

sunday in milano

It's Sunday in Milan and the weather is slowly changing it's tune, which puts me in the mood for some comfort food cooking. The smell of roasted chicken or turkey (depending the time of year) drizzled with gravy reminds me of home. And of course a side dish of potato's (mashed or roasted) and string beans. Whether it was my grandmothers house or my own childhood home, there is just something about that smell that is comforting. While cooking this evening, I have to admit, I'm already planning Thanksgiving in my head. Love this time of year. (photos Deirdre Quinn)

left over spring

Feeling a bit under the weather today with a strange summer cold, weird, I know. It's August, who gets colds in August? I do. Go figure, I blame it the many planes I have been on recently.
anyway, I'm resting my stuffy head but I thought I'd share this wisteria blossom just outside our house.
Feels like a little milano spring held on and braved the hot hot summer

mother's day in milan

Extra special mother's day since I have my mom visiting at the moment. A beautiful day with mom started with lunch at casa lucia followed by an afternoon in giardini pubblici for the flower show.
My love for gardens, flowers and nature galore all started because of this special lady, who always had me digging in the dirt at an early age.  thanks mom. xx

spring in milan

Spring is here in milan. yipee! enjoying a little vacation with my older sister and best friend for a week of adventures. tomorrow we're heading to this beautiful spot just outside of Parma......will report back with details...

(Photography Deirdre Quinn)

hibernate much?

I have been in a resting state these past couple of months......hibernation to be exact.
Life has been in slow motion here in milan but little signs of spring have arrived, yipee!
As much as I adore winter, this one seemed a bit much. grey. grey. and more grey. But happy to say I'm feeling inspired once again, so it's back to blogging at LWB and little daily's

(photography deirdre quinn)

Giacomo e Paola Part I

Our good friends, (also darling neighbors) Giacomo and Paola got hitched!

These two sweet souls, exchanged vows as the sky roared with thunder. They were married in this little church just down the street from Giacomo's childhood home. The church alone is quite breathtaking, so the couple kept it simple with fresh bouquets of baby's breath decorating the aisle and 2 full bouquets on opposite sides of the alter. Simple and perfect.

Paola, an artist here in Milan, has a beautiful and unique sense of style.

So it was no surprise, when she decided to forgo the dress shopping route (the bride also opted for wrist corsage instead of a traditional bridal bouquet) and instead collaborated with her designer friend from here creating a one of a kind dress. The wow factor was in full effect as she entered the church.

Her look is a mix of the follow famous styles and beauties:
A small hint of the classic Grace Kelly bridal turned modern day with edge by choosing black lace over the traditional white meets Mia Farrow look alike meets Twiggy, meets 1950's vintage bride, don't you think?
I'm digging the black lace.
I think I leaned over to my hubby and whispered that at least 10 times during the ceremony.

After the traditional catholic ceremony, the couple braved the rain and jumped into Paola's green panda that was filled to the max with fresh baby's breath!

Hilarious! and beautiful

I have a special fondness for this little green getaway. The panda, is Paola's signature wheels. It is also the indicator, whether my friend, Paola, is home or not.
As it is usually parked in front of our house.
I think it is my favorite getaway thus far........

and off they go.........

stop by tomorrow for Part 2 of Giacomo e Paola's wedding
an evening festivities at a beautiful villa


(photos by Didi Weddings)

buon weekend

it's friday.
listening to jimmy smith "Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf"
cooking dinner with A.
spring thunderstorms have arrived. yes!
love dark stormy nights....sigh.......
also love the rain because i can wear these and splish splash all around
except it means no biking..boohoo

Luisa Beccaria

Nothing could be more flirty and feminine than Milan's Luisa Beccaria boutique, it sparkles like a "crystal palace." I went to the boutique the other day and fell in love with everything. There's a wide variety of whimsical and romantic dresses for every occasion and if you are more of a traditional bride, she has a beautiful collection of bridal gowns...