Alice + Olivia Dress, J.Crew Necklace, Christian Dior Sandals (similar here and here)
I tend to be someone who does everything in my power to stay away from public displays of affection. When catching others in a moment of PDA, I try my best to awkwardly avoid eye contact as I slowly back away before turning and running for freedom. I’m very much the same in my own life, and I can’t really say why. So when the subject of renewing our vows came up, I held back on my first reaction to roll my eyes and throw up a little bit. I’m so glad we decided to go ahead with the ceremony, which was hands down the highlight of the trip, as well as being loving, honest and rewarding.
I wanted to share a few pictures by the amazing and talented Helene Havard, who captured the dreamy day. We had the most amazing event coordinator that arranged everything for us, and whom I quickly tried to make my new best friend connected with. Sharing these photos is most definitely a step out of my comfort zone, but they were just too beautiful to keep to ourselves.
I’ve been home for a week now, from the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, settling back in to the chaos of life. Bora Bora was just as stunningly perfect as I remember it five years ago. Teal blue water that was so crisp and authentic I somehow questioned whether it was real. There were white sand beaches and lush greenery everywhere you looked on the island. Snorkeling excursions revealed coral reef where I was able to identify every fish starring in Finding Nemo. The beauty of it all brought me to tears more times than I can count, and made me feel beyond blessed to be there.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, and it was literally what dreams are made of. They anticipated our every need, whether it be the freshly squeezed juice-of-the-morning at breakfast, the constant refilling of your glass with ice-water on the beach, or the sofa for two that allowed you to take in the sunset each night while indulging in cocktails and sushi.
This is what the walk back to our bungalow looked like each evening. We would often take a final swim off the back of our hut before showering up, watching the sun set and heading for dinner. I told you, it was more dream than reality.
My days were spent sunning and reading, snorkeling and swimming. Playing frisbee and making my way through the drink menu at breakfast lunch and dinner.
The sunsets were beyond amazing, and more often than not they left me speechless. There were so many moments that physically hurt from the sheer beauty. I feel so blessed to have been able to travel back there, and the only thing missing were the friends and family that were with us five years previous. I only hope I can be so lucky as to come back one day, and until then I have the most amazing memories to cherish.
Sun Hat / Sunglasses / Swimsuit / Caftan Cover Up / Bracelet / Camisole / Earrings / Skirt / Sandals / Beach Bag
When I go away on a big trip I tend to put a lot of thought and care in to my packing. I always start off by asking myself, do I pack brown shoes paired with gold jewelery or do I go with black and a pop of silver. Whatever I end up choosing I make sure that I’m packing as little as possible to create the maximum number of outfits. So when I headed off to Bora Bora it was all about being able to take my beach wear to happy hour, and my breakfast ensemble to a luxurious afternoon at the spa. I was completely inspired by how well dressed my fellow diners were, and I thought I would share some of the items I brought along with me, and others that I’m currently still craving.
While on vacation I took it as a personal challenge to work my way through the beach-side cocktail list. There were fruity concoctions, thick chocolate shakes, but my personal favorite was a a mix of fresh juices. Upon arrival home I decided to scour the recipe books to try and recreate my vacation beverage, and this recipe for a Sea Breeze comes pretty darn close. The freshly squeezed grapefruit juice really brought it up to the next level, and makes it healthy extra delicious. All I can think now is how dangerous it is having this recipe in my possession…anyone up for drinks this weekend?
Alice + Olivia Blouse, RED Valentino Skirt, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Chanel Handbag, Chanel Sunglasses, Swarovski Earrings, Hermes Watch, Kate Spade Bracelet, Pandora Bracelet, Swarovski Bracelet
While it felt as though I could stay in Bora Bora forever, there really is no place like home. With May long weekend under my belt, my upcoming weeks, especially weekends, are filled down to the minute. I love this time of year, when everyone is busily planning their summer events, trying to maximize the sunshine and longer days. Calgary does summer brilliantly, with days that last until 10pm, when the sun finally sets. I love being able to throw on a skirt filled with flowers and race out the door, there really is no greater feeling.
