Girl With The Pearl Necklace

According to random.org, Miss Monogrammed Prep is winner of Kristin Pearce's gorgie pearl necklace!!! A very big congratulations to you Monogrammed Prep. MP email KP at summerinnewport@gmail.com and leave the rest up to us! Many many many thanks to Kristin Pearce for graciously co-hosting this giveaway and thank you to allllll who entered!! We were so touched by the entries and the super sweet comments. Chin chin and sport those pearls girls. Xoxo-BLC

Plane View

The only downside of our honeymoon: we had to leave on January 9, 2010!!! Bummer. The airport in Barbados is a touch confusing and another USA-bound passenger told us she would know she was on the right plane if "the pastel couple" boarded too. Having Easter throw-up in your closet isn't the worst thing!!! We bid farewell to Barbados as we reached cruising altitude and we cannot wait to meet again!!!! Barbados will always have a special place in our hearts. Hopefully on our next visit we can meet Rihanna! Hey, a girl can dream. Xoxo-BLC

Gone Two-Pieces

As we ate our way through our honeymoon, I sure was glad to have packed a high-waisted bikini!

I searched high and low for this black beauty finding a freshly graduated fashion major in Vancouver of all places. She did a fantastic job custom making this suit! I now want one in every color!!! If it weren't for her, I would have gone two-pieces! Hehe. Xoxo-BLC

Walking on Sunshine

Xoxo-BLC

Bell Curve

I absolutely looooooove to travel. While traveling, I enjoy shopping (duhhh), local eateries, museums, and most definitely zoos! However, I could possibly be the worst sightseer ever. I mean, the Mona Lisa looked just like the picture in my art history book. Gasp! I kind of expected her to smile in real life. I know, I know. This is a terrrrible vice and I am working on it. See, Ale and I even visited the brother bell to the Liberty Bell and Big Ben. That sucker was HUGE! Our tour guide was very kind and tres knowledgeable. Maybe I did sort-of-kind-of-maybe enjoyed the whole sightseeing endeavor. I think I get double points for sightseeing on our honeymoon. Don't you!? Hehe. Xoxo-BLC

Sip Back and Relax

Since I couldn't bring you a pocketful of sunshine or a fruity umbrella covered cocktail ...

I brought you the ocean instead!!! Apparently half the beach was missing from our beach front resort due to the big swells. We sure couldn't tell! We sanded and sunned each and every day. We even braved the "big swells" to take a boat ride along the coastline. Oh la la is just breathtakingly beautiful. And we saw the famous flying fishies. Really. Flying fish! Xoxo-BLC

International Affair

Ale and I nested at Mango Bay Resort in Holetown, Barbados for our honeymoon. It was d-i-v-i-n-e!!! We just kept saying: it looks just like the pictures! It did and nothing disappointed.

The resort housed 70ish rooms and the majority of the guests were British (we were one of four American couples/families). It was an intimate setting but with great diversity --- from families with very well-behaved children to elderly couples reliving their honeymoon --- everyone was most enjoyable.

The staff was delightful: they water and fed us allll day. Also, the resort provides live music each and every night. Good thing we packed our dancing shoes!!! Holetown is the swanky part of the island and everything was within walking distance from our hotel. Think: shops, eateries, galleries, nightlife, and even a sports bar --- Ale didn't even have to miss the national championship game! We'll talk more about that TIDE later. Xoxo-BLC

Backseat Driver

Let the honeymooning begin!!! We landed in sunshine filled Bridgetown, Barbados on January 4, 2010 and hopped into our taxi to Holetown only to find out: (1) the flight wasn't over ... they FLY sooooo fast down those tiny winy roads, (2) their two-lane roads equal our one-lane roads, and (3) driving on the left side is the right side. Aren't the sugarcane fields just gorgie!? Don't blink or you'll miss them. Our taxi driver not only drove like the fast and the furious, but he gave us a rich history lesson, native pointers, and many laughs until we reached our final destination. Xoxo-BLC
PS: My sweet friend IRL sent me this flyer --- pray for these sisters safe return home!!!PSS: Happy Ash Wednesday to you and yours! :)

Girl With The Pearls

Many thanks to the talented and wonderful Kristin Pearce for generously offering to co-host a g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y here on The Company She Keeps!!! Kristin, of the blog Summer in Newport and Etsy Shop Kristin Pearce Designs, makes beautiful jewelry. The giveaway is this stunning 12 mm white shell pearl necklace strung on 17" silk with Swarovski crystal screw clasp (similar, enlarged picture here). Isn't it divine!??? KP says, "With a black dress on at night, this necklace looks like it came in a blue box with a big white bow. It is amazingly real looking, the pearls are heavy and perfectly lacquered to look authentic." It's valued at $125.00. How generous KP! To enter to win, please leave a comment by 02/23/10 on this post and the winner will be announced 02/24/10. No blog? No problem, just leave a comment with your email. Many thanks Kristin Pearce for graciously co-hosting this lovely giveaway and chin chin to a girl in pearls! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Birthday Mamatella!!

Happy

Happy

Happy

Happy

Happy

Happy

Happy Birthday Mamatella! I hope YOUR day is filled with love, laughter, and cake too!!! Much love and many blessings to you on your birthday. Enjoy!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Valentine's Day!

Will you be mine valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day from my heart to yours!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Intermission

Please excuse the brief intermission: we have holidays to celebrate!!! Then a different kind of holiday --- a little honey and a little moon. As you know, Ale and I went to Barbados the week following our nuptials and we'll warm up your cold weather with a few posts. Until then, squeeze the one you love because tomorrow is for LOVERS! Kiss kiss. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Please send some love to my sweet childhood friend Elizabeth at Olive My Life! She is on my heart in and in my prayers. Blowing kisses your way E!!!

Happily Ever After

Enough already!!! Our nuptualpalooza ended as we ran through bubbles and rode off in an English taxi to the Dunhill Hotel. Many thanks for letting me rehash every single tiny winy little detail of our wedding. I know I was a touch hush hush preceding the festivities, but oh la la was it so much fun to relive it with you on the blogosphere!!! Now, I promise to STOP talking about our big day. Again, many thanks and happily ever after to you too. Xoxo-BLC

PS: And, let the games begin ... it's the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver tonight! Go USA!!! :)

I'm with the band.

I wish I was with Nationwide Coverage!!! They stole my heart two years ago when they played at Ale's cousin's rehearsal dinner. Any other band just wouldn't do and they did a marrrrvelous job PACKING out the dance floor!!! Everyone danced from our sweet little flower girl to alllll our college friends to even Great Aunt Ma. Nationwide Coverage plays everything from Motown to Rock to Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA (don't judge, you love it). Speaking of, when I am elected President of the United States, Nationwide Coverage will be playing at my inaugural ball. Then I plan on making world peace and painting the White House PINK!!! Vote for me! Xoxo-BLC

The Wedding Crasher

Gasp! We had an uninvited wedding crasher!!! Well, if I had known the Clemson Tiger wanted to come to our wedding, I would have made him the guest of honor! I am so glad he crashed. Gooooo Tigers! Xoxo-BLC

Baker's Make

I have one wicked sweettooth! As such, it was a top priority to have many sweet treats at our wedding. From the chocolate fountain to the groom's chocolate cake to the vanilla wedding cake to our favors (sugary treats pictured below) there was an abundance for every sweettooth. Dee Cakes made Ale's cake in the shape of his home state with Tiger paws allll over it. It was so cute and yummy too! Confession: I picked out the swimming pool blue colored frosting for our wedding cake (pictured without the flower topper). Hehe. And, I secretly still really dig my decision. It was briiight blue ... and delish too. Have I given you a cavity yet!? Xoxo-BLC

The Fete

My loving parents hosted quite a reception for our 250 guests! The venue: the top floor of an uptown building in Charlotte, NC. I always thought I would have a country club wedding reception like my sissy Elsie, but the city-chic venue fit us just perrrfect. Our dear family friend and owner of Moore Than Gourmet catered the whole event --- the food and drink were absolutely delishhh! Apparently Donald Trump and I have the same taste; in china that is. Our guests were rumored to have eaten off the same china pattern. Anyhoo, Apsy did a fantastic job with the decor. There were flowers and candles everywhere. And even a few pom poms over the dance floor. The whole fete was just magical and colored 100% by the company we love most. Chin chin! Xoxo-BLC

Martial Bliss

What you can't see in this photo: Mamatella, my sissy Elsie, and bff Ashmash tying all 38 ribbons to bustle my dress. Elizabeth, our photographer, did not miss a beat and snapped this picture --- one of our favorites!! Xoxo-BLC

A Wife Sentence

Ale is now serving a wife sentence! Hehe. Xoxo-BLC

My (FLOWER) Girl

"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May."

Our flower girl is the sunshine that lights up an entire room! She stole my heart years ago. Our chilly January wedding felt like a May day with her joy, smile, and warmth. Many thanks little one for being our sunshine --- you were the BEST flower girl! We miss you. Xoxo-BLC

Who, What, Wed

Bridesmaids: check.

Groomsmen: check.

Groom: check.

Bride: check.

Married: we are ... check, check, check!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Aisle Be Just Fine ...

Aisle be just fine with BFFs like this!!! I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. My life is colorful because the bridesmaids and honorary bridesmaids (pictured, minus Apsy and Ash) are the company I keep. Many thanks and much love girlies. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I just looove the artistry of our wedding photographers. Yaya Almond Leaf Studio!

Meet The Parents

Mamatella, Ale, me, and Paparazzi.

Galebo, Ale, me, and his padre.

Stepmadre, Ale, me, and Daddy.

Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happy Groundhog Day to you and yours!

Will Spring spring early? I hope so! :)

Vow and Forever

Since my father is a minister, I always thought it would be so special for him to officiate our wedding. And that it was! Ale and I were his 150th wedding (but his first in a tux). As we planned for Daddy to perform the ceremony, I began to worry about who would walk me down the aisle. Initially I wanted to exert my independence and walk by myself. That lasted half a minute. I then thought of those most important to me: Mamatella, Paparazzi, my granddad, and Daddy. I aspire to be just like my mom; she is perfection. Paparazzi has always had my best interest at heart. My granddad believed in me when no one else did. Daddy loved me first. Talk about being in a pickle! I prayed about it, thought about it, and this is how it happened: Daddy walked me down and Mamatella gave me away. It worked beautifully. The best part, Mamatella whispered to me: "this is totally awesome" when we linked arms. She could not have been more correct. Thankfully, I knew Ale was the one walking me up the aisle. :) Xoxo-BLC

Fur Sure

I know fur sure that my Grams wished and wanted to attend our wedding. We kept her in our prayers and hoped she could. Unfortunately, the daunting 5 hour trip proved too difficult. So instead her sister, my Great Aunt Ma, boarded her plane from Dallas, Texas to be the stand-in-grannie. Great Aunt Ma was just a hoot and a hollar! We fur sure missed Grams and hats off to Great Aunt Ma for keeping her there in spirit. I miss you Grams --- thank you for surrounding us with your love and we hope you feel better soon! Xoxo-BLC

You've Got Veil

Would it make you worry if I told you I didn't have a veil one week before the wedding? Well, I wasn't and I definitely didn't pester my seamstress because it was the holiday season after all. I returned from the bachelorette festivities and viola --- you've got veil! My seamstress was Mamatella and my my my did she do a fantastic job. She made it so that the lace on the veil would match the lace bolero perfectly. And that it did! The scalloped lace went the entire way around the fingertip length veil. I had so much fun wearing the veil that I did not take it off the entire night. Ha! It was such a blast to wear that I have offered it to my soon-to-be-married friends. Keep your fingers crossed it matches their lace frocks too! Xoxo-BLC

The I Do Hair-do

One thing I really love about our wedding is the personal connection we had to each vendor. Hair and make-up was no exception. My childhood friend and talented hairstylist Lisette had a team ready to work their magic on the mothers, bridesmaids, and me.

It was so much fun getting gussied up! I really cherish the girl-time with the moms and bridesmaids while primping before the I dos. It was calm, fun, and unforgettable. Xoxo-BLC

Bouquet List

As you know, my college bff Apsy owns a flower shop: Moss Floral Design. And oh la la did she just do the most fantastic job. Pictured is my bouquet filled with: roses, peonies, lisianthuses, spray roses, hydrangeas, eucalyputs, heathers, and kochia sedifolia. And it smelled just as pretty as it looks. See the vintage hanky? That was a present from my Granddad's friend. Without the flowers and the vintage hanky, there just would not have been enough pink and green! Xoxo-BLC

Something ...

Borrowed: Monique Lhuillier lace bolero from Ale's sweet cousin. I felt soooo special wearing her bolero and oh la la is it just gorgie!!!

Blue: Errr, its an unmentionable. :)

Old: My grandmother's vintage fur.

New: Veil, dress, shoes, etc.

And a Penny for my Shoe: A six pence that Mamatella snagged while in England.

Did you keep with this tradition?! If so, do share!! Xoxo-BLC

Shoe In

"I had a little shoe tree, nothing would bear

But Manolo Blahniks and vintage Taittinger

The Queen of Style, Ms. Wintour, came to see me

And wrote a piece in Vogue about my shoe tree."

Excerpt from This Little Piggy Went to Prada by Amy Allen

I really thought I would use my wedding shoes as an excuse to purchase Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, but these Badgley Mischkas stole my heart! And I am so glad they did (so is my bank account). I cannot wait to wear them again. Talk about a shoe-in! Xoxo-BLC

Monique Lhuillier

You pepped me up during my dress stress and celebrated with me when I found the dress. Now it is time for the big reveal!!! While I follow fashion with great interest, I knew little of the wedding-fashion-industry. I did my homework, tried on countless dresses, flirted with Ulla-Maija, and then fell in love with Monique Lhuillier. I initially leaned towards an alllll lace dress and then switched to eyeing a tiered number (just think: detach the bottom tier and you have the perfect reception dress to dance the night away).

On one hand I wanted to be classic, elegant, and aisle-appropriate but on the other hand I wanted haute-runway-couture. With my mom, my sissy Elsie, and two bff's in tow, we landed at New York Bride Loft (now New York Bride and Groom). I could not sing higher praises of the boutique owner, Krista. She is the wedding dress whisperer!! It's neither lace nor tiered, but it had the edge of couture coupled with timeless elegance. Can you tell I loooove my dress!? Want to see it on!? Sooooon enough. Xoxo-BLC

We're Going to the Chapel ...

And we are going to get marrrrrried! This is our church. When I was born, my father was the youth minister here. As such, this is where I was baptized as a tiny tot. Ale and I had our Save the Date taken on the front steps. I felt verrry special marrying Ale at this church that meant so much. Xoxo-BLC

Rehearse and Dine

Ale's parents hosted a lovely rehearsal dinner for 100 of our closest friends and family. The event took place on January 1, 2010 at one of our favorite Charlotte restaurants: Providence Cafe! It is a hop and a skip away from our church and the food is delish. The best part: we had the whole restaurant to ourselves! Ale's sweet madre, better known as Galibo, worked with our wedding planner, Apsy, and Moss Floral Designs to have these stunning flower arrangements on every table:

Our guests arrived for cocktail hour and then a sit down dinner. In keeping with tradition, the menu included New Year's Day food: pork chop, greens, black eyed peas, etc. After dinner we had a champagne toast. The toasts warmed our hearts, had us in tars, and some where even ca-toast-trophic! Galibo hired Almond Leaf Studio to photograph the event. And I am soooo glad she did --- Elizabeth did a fantastic job capturing the moments --- I just love reliving the night through her lens. More to come from Elizabeth because is our wedding photographer too! :)

Many thanks to Ale's parents for a divine, unforgettable night and the perfect start to our nuptualpalooza!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Wedding Planner

Since my mom is a real life Martha Stewart, I never imagined hiring a wedding planner. However, when Apsy offered to come on board as our wedding planner, we knew we couldn't refuse! Apsy just has the best taste, I trust her completely, and ohhhh did we need her. She handled everything from flowers to decor to vendors to wedding woes. And she was an honorary bridesmaid! She is Wonder Women. Everything was just perfect because of her. Until her, we thought those wedding planners only existed in movies! Ha!! Xoxo-BLC

Here Comes The ...

Bridesmaids' presents! But first, I am one lucky girl: I have a lot of family and a lot of dear friends. As a 7-time-bridesmaid myself, I know how fun and how special it is to be a bridesmaid. My maids included family and bffs: I had 5 bridesmaids and 10 honorary bridesmaids. My 5 bridesmaids included my two sisters, Ale's sister, Ale's cousin, and my childhood best friend. My 10 honorary bridesmaids included my college bffs, my post-college bffs, and my law school bffs. Now ... here really come the bridesmaid presents!!! The gifts: pearls, a pashmina, and Lilllllly!

Christine and Anne from On A String handmade gorgie pearl necklaces and oh la la did the bridesmaids wear it well (pictures to come)!!! As you know, I am a HUGE fan of On A String. These girlies are living the dream and make s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g pieces. If you are ever in Charlotte, I insist you visit their darrrrrrling shop!!! In addition to the necklaces, the bridesmaids received pashminas (blue, pink, and green) and the best book ever: Essentially Lilly!

Oh, and my littlest friend: our sweet flower girl!!! I gifted her This Little Piggy Went to Prada, a flower headband, a cardigan, and a bracelet. And she thought Christmas had come and gone! In 50 years, my hope is that our wedding party will still be the fabric that brings the color to our lives!!! They mean so much to us now and I cannot imagine life without them then. Chin chin maids!!! Xoxo-BLC

Lunch Is Maid

I am truly blessed: I have the most amazing friends a girl could wish for. As such, I wanted to honor them in a special way before our big day!

Mamatella hosted the bridesmaid luncheon at her beautiful casa on the eve of our wedding. The menu included: "The Lilly" cocktail, chicken salad, quiche, fruit, carat salad, and cranberry bread followed by cake and coffee for dessert. The cake was made by my sweet friend who just opened her cake business, Dee Cakes, and oh la la was is just delishhhh!!!

I just had the best time with all my favorite girls in one room. Many thanks to all for attending, standing by me, and being my bffs! My life is colorful because you are the company I keep. Oh, and above are the bridesmaids presents I gifted the girls. Don't you want to know what is in each!? Stay tuned until tomorrow! Xoxo-BLC

Bachelorette PAR-TEE

Every since I saw this movie:

I knew I just had to have a golf themed bachelorette par-tee! My friends did a fantastic job caddying the whole event. Everyone arrived early afternoon to the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. We then decked ourselves out from head to toe in our preppiest clothes, ordered room service, and I opened gifts.

Once in full swing, we split into two groups:

and headed to Southern Pines with our scorecards for a round of bar golf! Each team had a scorecard and could earn "birdies" or "pars" or "bougies" at each hole. After a few proposals, a serenade, and three holes, we were all golfed out! I just had the best girls night with my best girls. 19th hole cheers to you and yours! Xoxo-BLC

Housekeeping

I know, I know, I know. I promised photos ASAP, but a few housekeeping matters ...

1. Happy MLK Day to you and yours! I believe in the power of dreams.

2. Remember to pray for Haitians. Wishing them Godspeed.

3. She is back ... and better!!!! Check out Beantown Prepster's big news. Welcome back lady!

Okay, as promised ... pictures tomorrow. How about I start at the very beginning? First up, the bachelorette festivities! Oh la la. Xoxo-BLC

I'm Back!

I'm back and ready to blog! As most of you know, Ale and I married, honeymooned, and he moved far far far away to be with me. His move is bittersweet and we are mile high in boxes. Also ... Ale started a new job while I am back to law school! I am about to overload you with oooodles of pictures. Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy our wedded bliss!!! Xoxo-BLC

Off To The Moon

Our bags are packed and we are jetting off to Barbados for our honeymoon. I promise to update with LOADS of pictures from our wedding and our moon upon our return! Till then Happy New Year to you and yours. Too-da-loo! Xoxo-BLC

I do! I do! I do!!!

It's official ... we are Mr. & Mrs!! Much more sooooon. Xoxo-BLC