Oh, To Be In Kiawah Island Again!

This summer really started off with a bang....and now it seems to be fizzling out! Actually, I'm pretty sure it's been "sizzling" here in Alabama thanks to our relentless heat and humidity!

 But...I'm not complaining! 

I'm actually just taking a break today as we seem to have been on a fast track pace these last few weeks. Today I finally sat down to just re-group. In the past 3-4 weeks we have helped our daughter and her husband pack up their house in New Orleans to move to Houston, driven to Fairhope, Al and then on to our beach place in Destin, FL and then flown to Houston to help get them settled. On top of all of that my dear, faithful employee sold her house and retired from my shop last week. To say it's been a roller coaster ride of emotions is putting it lightly!
( oh, did I mention the stress of watching your son apply to medical school?)

 Therefore....I decided today to think back to that wonderful week of vacation we had in Kiawah Island, South Carolina while attending a beautiful wedding in Charleston this past April.

We started off at The Sanctuary hotel on Kiawah Island. 

It is truly spectacular!

It oozes Southern charm and hospitality! If you ever get a chance to go I highly recommend it!

You are greeted like royalty when you enter the main level foyer which is surrounded by beautiful antiques furnishings, gorgeous fabrics and exquisite paintings. Jackye Lanham did a remarkable job with the details of the interior design.  

With an on sight florist it's no wonder there are stunning arrangements at all times!

Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture!

This grouping of Adirondack chairs was so appealing to me! I just loved it when I found it completely empty and Jim and I had it all to ourselves!

Everything about this place was just incredible! And the weather could not have been any better! Sometimes in April you never know but this time it all worked quite well! Even for the wedding!

We spent most of our time there either on the beach....

Photographing the beach....

Photographing our shadows....lol!

Or riding bikes on the beach! My personal favorite!

And luckily, we never did see any alligators!

Our view from our balcony was just splendid!

Once we left Kiawah we went straight over to Charleston for a few nights. We loved exploring with our daughter and her husband and we found several really yummy restaurants.

This one was a huge hit!

Finally, it was time for the wedding!

 And oh, what a beautiful wedding it was!

Weddings are such a fun time to be together and reunite with old and dear friends!

Well, that's all I've got for now! Thankful for these wonderful memories to reflect on and thankful for that time we got to spend together alone on Kiawah as well as with family and friends in Charleston. And yes, just relaxing and reflecting today has already made my spirits feel a little lighter and better!

 I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend! 

It Had To Be Colin!

Only Colin Cowie could make a wedding in red one of the most beautiful events ever! When I first saw this picture above I was awestruck! That's the only word that comes to my mind!

No more feeling "bah hum bug"….this truly lifted my spirits and made me thankful for cold weather! 

What could possibly be more beautiful than these gorgeous red tulips in ICE!

 Yes, these are ice planters if you will!

I tend to get a bit "sad" if you will when it only rains and is quite cold…I truly don't like it! 

 However, this beautiful wedding held in Beaver Creek, Colorado could totally make me a believer! Although I spent several years as a child growing up in Denver…once we moved to California and eventually to Birmingham I have never enjoyed cold….I am definitely a beach kind of gal!

Seeing these gorgeous images of this fabulous wedding could totally change my mind...

It makes me want to sing "Lady in Red!" for sure!

It makes me appreciate Colin's great taste and his flare even more!

Jim and I had the chance to here a lecture he gave at the Nashville Antiques and Gardens Show several years back and it was truly mesmerizing! I still treasure my signed copy of his book! 

Another gorgeous Ice Sculpted Vase!

Can you believe this gorgeous red grape studded pomander ball that graced the appetizer table? Wow!

Like I said earlier…only Colin Cowie can make a winter wedding seem as warm as a fireside chat!

 He is incredible and I truly admire his talent!

Hope you are all ready for Christmas! I am anticipating about 28-30 guests this Saturday night….I am about to start a cooking frenzy! Can't wait to share pictures and recipes with you next week! Until then, sweet dreams and Merry Christmas!