I love an intimate celebration, and this wedding with its small count of just 50 guests, coupled with its romantic vintage vibe is simply lovely.

First up, the love birds: The bride wore a Melissa Sweet gown (no longer avalaible) and the groom wore a sweet gray suit that complimented the bride’s playful dress perfectly.

Dinner was held on a terrace at the Ojai Valley Inn. To personalize the long feasting table, the bride brought her family’s china all the way from Oregon.  Flowers by Lauryl Lane in a soft pink and peach palette with touches of gray finished out their table design.

Dahlias, ranunculus, scabiosa and succulents gave great texture to the flowers and created a romantic vibe for dinner and dancing. Congrats to the happy couple!

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I’m loving today’s thoroughly feminine wedding editorial created by Toast Events and photographed by Elisa B Photography. The dip dyed silk ribbon of the bouquet paired with lavender and white garden roses is ever so romantic.

A floral headpiece, a seersucker bow tie, a field of flowers… perfection.

The tabletop design continues the soft garden look with a slightly French feel. Upholstered chairs, elegant etched glassware and a table set with delicate scalloped china from Anthropologie feels effortless and timeless. Thanks Elisa for sharing these lovely images!

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TGIF! I am so excited because I have some of my girlfriends coming up to visit me this weekend and you can bet that we’ll be shaking up some cocktails. Today’s tasty treat is for the ginger beer fans out there and is a beautiful concoction. The bright red color of the blood orange addition gives a vibrant addition to this yummy yummy drink and pays further homage to the name “Sweet n’ Salty Gingy”…a double entendre no?

Ingredients:

1 1/2 shots of silver tequila

Blood orange soda

Lime

Ginger Beer

Kosher Salt

Granulated sugar

On a plate, add Kosher salt and granulated sugar and mix well with a fork. Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip into sugar/salt mixture. Set aside. Add ice to a martini shaker, tequila, lime wedge (squeeze first), splash of blood orange soda, and heavy splash of ginger beer. Shake well and serve on the rocks in your rimmed glass. Enjoy!

-XOXO Melissa

PS The coaster and glass are both available at Anthrologie….And for even more cocktail ideas check out past On the Rocks posts here.

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Things are heating up in California, and so, too, is our Escape. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce one of my favorite tropical destination escapes…Bali, Indonesia! The beaches alone are mesmerizing, but the cliffs and scenic landscape do everything in reminding you of just how very far away from daily life you are.

The people and places in Bali do more than just evoke “relaxing getaway”…there’s a true spiritual reverence surrounding you at all times, especially when touring the infamous temples. In viewing the Balinese temple offerings, I can’t help but wonder what silent hopes and dreams lie behind the food and floral displays.

Another common sight in Bali? Rice fields…and even they contribute to the tropical beauty of the landscape. How joyous is this rice farmer’s smile?

But my favorite location of all has to be the Balinese markets. I always say that you can get a true sense of any culture in visiting their markets, and Bali is no exception. The joy for cooking and for life are evident in everything from the people to the food here. And the smells are just magnificent. I could spend all day in this market!

Here are my picks for the best in where and what you should sleep/eat/see in Bali:

Sleep: The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah…located near the city of Ubud, yet worlds away in luxury and serenity, The Chedi is your best bet in experiencing the ultimate in luxurious accommodations without losing the distinct cultural experience of Bali. Stay in one of their one bedroom suites (perhaps a one bedroom pool or spa villa if you’d like), or stay in the Hadiprana Villa (the two bedroom luxury estate once owned by the founder and owner of the property). Either way, you’ll enjoy the lavish pool, cultural performances, fine dining, and local excursions in style.

Eat: Melting Wok Warung…located in Ubud, this restaurant is by far a must visit while in Bali!!! The food which utilizes local meat and produce, encompasses traditional and more modern Balinese cuisine. Reasonably priced and served in a simple yet elegant atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. Reservations are a must, so be sure to ask your hotel concierge for help.

See: Beyond the temples and local beaches near Ubud, be sure to visit Bature Lake, which is the largest lake in Bali and a short drive away in Kintamani. The lake itself sits inside the crater of Mount Batur, next to an active volcano. Cross the lake to Trunyan village, where the island’s original inhabitants (the Bali Aga people) still live. To see the best in local artisan-try, head to the village of Tenganan, known for its people’s unique double ikat weaving and smoked grass woven baskets. Or climb Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak and witness the infamous, multi-tiered 14th century Pura Besakih mother temple.

Until next week…

xo ~Cynthia

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I love this soft, yet not boring color combination of soft turquoise with hints of pink and mint. For a wedding design, you could do a fun floral print for the table linen, similar to the photo on the left, and accent it with gold rimmed glasses and flowers in soft pinks with a hint of yellow. For a room, how pretty would a headboard in this type of floral print be? Perhaps accented with a soft pink wall, it could be the makings of one fun, and subtlety colorful room design.

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Continuing our love affair with Italy, today we’re escaping to Capri…one of my all time favorite islands in the world! It’s located in the Campania Region of Italy in the Gulf of Naples, and it’s the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic escapes. Artists and Tourists from around the world have been coming here for years to enjoy the crystal blue ocean views and local cuisine…I dream of shopping in the local outdoor market and touring the historic architecture in town.

How breathtaking is the maiolica tile above?! This gorgeous tile technique of tin-glazed pottery dates back to the Renessaince…and you’ll find it everywhere in Capri. Another great find in Capri? Local markets selling some of the most amazing produce and goods…I mean, look at this lemon?! Are you not just instantly inspired to cook?

Here are my picks for the best in where and what you should sleep/eat/see:

Sleep:  JK Capri…If you’re coming to Capri for the stunning views, there’s no place better then the JK Capri hotel. Located directly on the Mediterranean, you won’t be disappointed with the stunning location directly at the water. Other non-disappointments? Outstanding service, comfortable beds, and the amazing local inspired cuisines of JKitchen. I hear the spa isn’t half bad either.

Eat:  Terrazza Brunella…What’s not to love about enjoying fresh seasonal/local seafood and produce surrounded by breathtaking views. Terrazza Brunella is perfect for a romantic meal with your loved one, and the service will make you feel like local royalty. Be sure to try the octopus salad and lemon risotto.

See: There’s so much to experience in Capri. Arriving by ferry or hydrofoil, take the time to soak in the majestic ocean scenery and views of such natural water landmarks as I Faraglioni and Grotto Azzurra. In town, head to Piazza Umberto, the center square of Capri. Enjoy lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants, and take it views of the local culture and the historical architecture of the square buildings, including the historic bell tower. For views of the island, take a 20 minute bus to Anacapri, and enjoy a chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro.

Until next week…Ciao!

xo ~Cynthia

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Last week I declared there to be no more romantic place in the world than Italy…and this week I’m re-declaring it true as we escape to an area known as Cinque Terre in the Liguria region of Italy (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The five little towns and villages which were originally only connected by small trails (now you can visit all five via railway), are home to some of the most breathtaking views in the Mediterranean. Characterized by their “case torri” (or tower houses) and waterfront locations, this area of the world happens to be my all-time favorite travel destination, and a look at the southernmost village of Riomaggiore will explain why.

Everyone stops to take in the view, even the locals. I wonder what they’re thinking as they gaze out onto the sea?

Here are my picks for the best in where and what you should sleep/eat/see:

Sleep:  Your best bet in accommodations is to stay at a local apartment or bed and breakfast. My favorites? La Scogliera and Alla Marina…both are known for their comfortable beds, amazing service and views. Alla Marina is a bit more modern than La Scogliera, but either provides a level of charm unmatched anywhere in the world.

Eat: Cappun Magru in casa di Marin…located in the little village of Groppo di Riomaggiore (just outside of the main town), this restaurant is arguably the best in the region. The restaurant is known for it’s local seafood, delicious wine, and outstanding service…but I couldn’t get enough of the adorable husband and wife owners. Boun Appetito!

See:  The amazing landscape via Trail 2, or the sea via Cinque Terre Dal Mare motor boat…either way, you’ll experience all that Riomaggiore  and Cinque Terre have to offer.

Until next week…Ciao!

xo ~Cynthia

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