South America is an enchanting place where life happens at a slower pace.  The people are warm and friendly and the food is delicious!  It isn’t like Europe where most people understand English.  And, there are very few Americans or Europeans around.  We were excited that they use US currency and that everything was very inexpensive.  But, its not easy to forget that while we are living like Kings the vast majority of the Ecuadorian population is living in poverty.  Still, we couldn’t help but remark on how happy everyone was and how little material things seemed to matter.  It was a refreshing change from American consumerism and I am going to try hard to incorporate that into my own life.

Michelle & Brandon really made us feel welcome at their destination wedding.  They had planned activities for family and friends and made sure we were included. Unfortunately, my trip was off to a rocky start when my plane was delayed 4 hours and I arrived at the hotel at 7:30 am on the day of the wedding.  Ah!  Plus, I had shot the stunning South Beach wedding I blogged below earlier that day.  So, with just 2 hours of sleep I operated solely on adrenaline (and caffeine).

I started with Michelle in hair and make-up and was mesmerized by her stunning Kleinfeld dress complete with a hoop skirt (which makes dancing easy and the heat not quite so unbearable).  The bridal party was in great spirits and Michelle was stunning.  Estella Maris Church is on an Ecuadorian Naval Base and sits high on a cliff with windows overlooking the ocean.  One thing I loved was that noting was landscaped…just wild and un-manicured growing naturally.  Again, it reminded me of how simple life can be if you let it.

The reception was simply amazing.  I’ve got to give mad props to Michelle’s Aunt who is an event coordinator in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  Michelle told her aunt a vague idea of what she liked and was completely surprised when she walked into this vibrant room filled with larger than life centerpieces.  The cake literally was about 4.5 feet tall!  And, Michelle told me that was small for Ecuadorian standards.  It was accompanied by over 3,500 traditional Ecuadorian sweets.  I was in heaven.  Seriously.

And, for the wedding guests there is a special treat…I’ve included an image of your favorite local celebrity - Juan Carlos.  Friends and Family from both Ecuador and the United States danced the night away and the evening was a beautiful compilation of traditions from both countries.  One highlight was the Salsa dancers who impressed us with their lifts and jumps and really got the party started.

After everyone had a chance to sleep in, we all headed out on buses to a little surf town called Montanita.  It is world-famous for surfing and the crowd is a cross between hippies and surfers punctuated by the friendliest dogs roaming the town.  Michelle and Brandon had arranged surf lessons for all their friends.  Those who were brave gave it a shot.  The rest of us got to explore the town and sample the local street vendor fare.

This was an incredible experience and I hope to come back to South America one day.  I was not only artistically interested in the change of scenery, but I treasure the opportunity to explore the culture and see another part of the world.  Thank you, Michelle & Brandon!

So, living in Florida we forget what an amazing place South Miami Beach is…it’s an international destination for a very good reason.  Being a lover of fashion and architecture, I am always instantly at ease in this Art Deco paradise.  It is as elegant and stylish in this city as it is warm and tropical.  And, it was the perfect setting for Gina and Daniel’s sophisticated wedding.  Many of their guests came in from NYC and just barely escaped the northeast before yet another snowstorm trapped them.

Gina prepped for the wedding at her parents oceanfront home and Daniel stopped by to see her before the ceremony.  Thankfully, we planned it this way because the rain and wind began just after the ceremony ended and effectively eliminated our portrait time outside at the amazing Eden Roc Hotel.  Lucky for us this Art Deco landmark just happens to be as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

Congratulations, Gina and Daniel!  You are two sweet and generous people and I am excited to see all that life has in store for you!

So, a few months back I got a call from a dear friend, Monica Cullen, who is DJ PJ’s wife extraordinaire.  She said she was referring a really fun couple to me with a great sense of style because she knows that I love creative types who aren’t afraid to step away from the norm.  In walked Kelly and Chad.  They are a swing dancing couple with incredible energy.  Chad is unusually handsome with a boyish quality I can’t quite put my finger on.  And, Kelly may quite possibly have the tiniest waist known to man.  On a similar note, I have decided to take up swing dancing. =)

We met up for a picnic on an unusually beautiful florida day.  The sun was shining and the air was cool.  After we grabbed some fruit and cookies at the Farmer’s Market, the picnic was complete.  Their wedding will be at the Maitland Art Center followed by a reception at Highland Manor.  They even have a few surprises in store for their guests!  I can’t wait to see it all come to life…

Whew!  What a whirlwind trip!!  Ecuador was an eye-opening experience and once again affirmed our love for travel and more importantly, our humility and gratitude for the life we have been blessed with.  I am so grateful to Michelle and Brandon for allowing us to be a part of this destination wedding.  They truly opened a window into South America and we fell in love with the people, culture, and food.  I have lots and lots of images to edit and then I will post them here to share with you.  Here’s a little teaser!

There’s nothing like a swanky Miami beach wedding!  Gina and Daniel threw a modern affair at the Art Deco style ‘Eden Roc’ hotel.  There details are amazing and I can’t wait to share them with you!  For now, here’s a peek at one of my faves of the day.  More to come very soon!