V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Jun 25, 2014

A Romantic Weekend In Italy

Puglia, Italy, Wedding, Romance, French Essence

 

Love can be expressed in so many ways and a romantic weekend in Italy… with a beautiful bride, the most handsome of grooms, a magical setting and the best of friends is perfection.

Puglia in southern Italy is a gem of a place… unspoilt and so full of charm.

 

Italy has it’s own heartbeat.

Italy runs slower and the pace is other worldly… life is about the essential pleasures.

Living, loving and eating… there is so much eating to be done in Italy…  not the weekend to remember the hens ;)

 

We went to Puglia to celebrate the marriage between my daughter’s best friend and her beau.

This girl has a beautiful soul… she is such a joyous creature and she also happens to be drop dead gorgeous.

The wedding from start to finish was nothing short of magical and I spent much of it misty eyed.

 

Every detail was heartfelt and meant something to this couple and their friends… Nothing was forgotten or overlooked.

The days felt relaxed and effortless, yet eighteen months of planning went into making this wedding the memory of a lifetime.

In their own words, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” 

I couldn’t agree more.

 

To see pictures of this most incredible celebration follow along on my Instagram  

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This romantic weekend got me thinking about the differences between Italy and France.

As close as they are they are a world apart… and therein lies their beauty.

Italy has a casualness, a relaxed air that makes everything feel right… Italy is the best friend you always wanted, the one that makes you feel so loved, so welcome.

You bond immediately, there are no secrets… acceptance is immediate.

France is a formal friend… she takes time to know, to understand… she treats you at arm’s length… she stands back, is aloof… makes you work a little.

What France lacks in openness she offers back in elegance, in grace… in a quiet subdued allure.

Italy wears it’s heart on it’s sleeve.

 

The scents are so individual in Italy and France.

Italy is more citrus, more smokey, musky even… hints of lemon and orange permeate the senses… I was reminded of fragrant incense and ancient basilicas.

In France the fragrance is sweeter, more feminine… floral tones forever.

 

And the food… how can I compare you?

Italy your food is welcoming, generous, earthy and familial. Every morsel has a reminder of tradition, of loving preparation… of family around the table.

France your dining is more serious, finer in a way… less riotous, less boisterous… less colourful. Cooked with distinction and tradition… you make the complex look exquisitely simple.

 

Did I tell you I love you both?

One would not be the same without the other and it takes one to appreciate the other.

Don’t you think? xv

 

 

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Lifestyle
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