Images by Matteo Placido
It’s carnival time and today I would like to share the origins of the use of Venetian masks.
Venetian masks were used to hide and protect their wearer’s identity during promiscuous or decadent activities. They became soon the symbol of transgression and freedom from the severe rules imposed by the Serenissima Republic.
The original Venetian masks were initially simple in design and decoration and they also had a symbolic and practical function. For instance, masks were often used to protect gamblers from giving away indiscrete looks. From the early 14th century, new laws started to be introduced by the Venice Government, to stop the moral decline of the Venetians. These carnival laws prohibited masqueraders at night, forbade men from entering convents dressed as women and masqueraders from carrying arms or entering churches.
To restore morality in Venice and to avoid the immoral behavior the Republic obliged to wear a mask only during the days of carnival and at official banquets.
Masks were allowed from the day after Christmas, which marked the beginning of the Venetian Carnival, to Shrove Tuesday which marked its end, being though forbidden during religious feasts.
The use of masks became popular by Venetians and foreign visitors. Masks were produced for centuries in Venice by the mascareri-the mask makers, and still today are made from papier-mâché, in many different colors and styles and decorated with ribbons and trims, fabrics, fur, and gems.
Have a good sunday!
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Image of Ca’ Maria Adele
Venice is a great setting for weddings. The city still retains its classical elegance and the charm of its majestic past with its beautifully preserved ancient architecture and renaissance art. Floating on a Gondola you would reach a sumptuous Palace on the Grand Canal for your very own decadent masquerade ball.
Our favourite hide-away in Venice is Ca’ Maria Adele, housed within the walls of a 15th century Palazzo and located in a tranquil corner of Venice’s arty Dorsoduro district. Its eclectic space filled with antiques and contemporary pieces from around the world will inevitably seduce anyone spending the night there. ♥ Read more and view more photos
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Images by Cinzia Bruschini
There it is, a boot shaped country with many controversies, yummy food, warm funny and smart people… Italians!
When I was a child I always wondered why movies about Italy or shot in Italy tended to be famous all around the world? With what sort of critical eye a director looks at a country, a coffee bar, a restaurant, a beach or another location and later choses it for his film? Are the memories he brings home with him after a holiday then reproduced in front of the camera? What makes Italy so special to the eyes of tourists and why many lovers pick this colourful country as a destination to tie the knot?
I realise now that it is simply due to that traditional atmosphere that people find in my country. An atmosphere full of predictable cliché which still make Italy special
When I look at the images below, captured by a photographer who could indeed be a movie director, only one thought comes to mind… if you choose Italy as your wedding destination, it wont’ be only for the food or the weather but for so many other passionate elements that will accompany your journey.
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Images by Lovemedophotography
Romantic hearts, vintage accessories, antique colours and soft details have been captured by the talented Nadine and Carina of Lovemedophotography in this engagement session.
We love the Pre Raphaelite skin colour of the bride, the red tone of her hair, the ethereal beauty of her look. Everything seems to be in perfect harmony with the surrounding light.
We love the vintage styling by Veronika Placek, the wedding heart-shaped cookies and the home-made paper heart decorations.
Each single element is so delicate that it feels like a cloud floating in the sky..romantic and exciting like a new love affair.
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Images and styling by Chicweddings
When the budget for your wedding is not that big, you will need to focus on your priorities; where do you want to spend your money?
Will you invest on food or music? And what about decorations? … Unfortunately the decorative side is always the one that ends up at the bottom of the list …oh no! What to do then?
Look around, keep your eyes open for details and interesting items, objects reflecting your personality and the one of your partner. Fabrics, seashells, or accessories belonging to your family. Traditions brought forward from generation to generation, items that are almost transparent to your eyes as they form part of your daily life.
When thinking about wedding decorations, try to use your fantasy; not only flowers can help decorate your wedding and I am sure in everyone’s home, there are some elements of your past that can be used in a creative way.
I have here included some images of personal objects that might inspire you. If your decorative skills are not so strong, you may need the help of a wedding stylist but I am sure your creative abilities will surprise even the most sceptics of you. It is incredible what you can find inside a house!
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Images by Lelia Scarfiotti.
Proposing a wedding album is not always an easy task when dealing with clients who are not near your place of work.
Many photographers choose the email system as way of communication, attaching a Jpeg picture, or a website, showing in this way their ‘ babies’. It is always very difficult to propose and display your final product. A wedding album is an experience which needs to be touched, felt and seen. It is difficult to imagine, and therefore it is difficult to choose.
There are ways, luckily, to sell your final pieces of art reaching the heart of your clients…these creative images can be an inspiration, or could spark an idea on your creative mind…I personally also like the idea to propose your wedding books as part of the gifts for the guests.
A Thank you wedding album gift for the families and friends of your clients…
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Here is the scenario: You are getting married abroad…have rented a lovely villa in the Tuscan countryside where you are staying with your family and friends for a whole week. Your wedding reception is taking place on the following Saturday and in the run up to it you want to organise a few activities for your close guests without spending a fortune on food and decor.
Any ideas? We have got one….host a Patriotic Pre Wedding Brunch!
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Image from J.Oliver’s website
Cook, rest, walk, or simply enjoy your family. Today is Sunday.
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Images from La Magia’s website
-Hello Jane, it’s me, your best friend, how are you?
-Oh hello Karen, I am well thanks and you? What’s new?
-Oh you know, I was surfing the net when I found a sexy website selling old time style lingerie, bras and panties, corsets and nice shapewear.
Karen, you are a very close and true friend, do you think that John would like me wearing some of those items under my wedding gown? It would of course be a surprise…
Or would he think that I’m gone out of my mind?… you know me, Karen, I am so classic sometimes when it comes to lingerie.
-Why should John think that?
-I don’t know… I would possibly think that, if he said to me that he had discovered some funky underwear!
-Oh no, no no Jane. He would definitely love it. Now that I look at the website some of those knickers remind me of my granny’s pants but I have to admit that the whole outfit is indeed very flirtatious and playful … and anyway Jane, who cares? He is going to marry you before he discovers what there is under your wedding gown!
♥ Read more and view more photos
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Images from Francesca Sattin‘s website
…then it comes the time when you need to decide which kind of make up you would like to have on your wedding day.
Make up is in vogue again! And we love it! Last year trends have proposed colourful eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks and sexy smoky eyes.
Julianne Moore in “A Single man” was wearing a 60’s style make up which has been copied by many young girls; a perfect make up for their nights out with friends.
When it comes to decide which kind of make up a bride should wear, I always suggest to hire a make up stylist if you want to dare, if you would like to be a different you for one day, if you are dreaming of those wonderful smoky eyes seen on the magazines, or if for one day, you would love long fake eyelashes, or attractive lips.
Here are some ideas for all the girls who would like to wear make up, but don’t know how or which style to choose.
♥ Read more and view more photos
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