Category Archives: Caribbean

Harbour Island

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Harbour Island

Last May I found myself in Harbour Island for work, what a dream come true!  On this colorful Caribbean island all the houses look like postcard covers.  Just look at the harbor below!

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The sand blushes pink, can it get any cuter?

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I have been studying Caribbean architecture since setting foot in the Turks and Caicos eleven years ago so this was a bit of a mecca trip for me.  Picket fences framing coastal cottages in every direction.

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Golf buggies are the preferred transport method of residents and guests alike, much more practical to zip along the narrow streets and admire the views.

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Even Harbour Islands haunted house looks like something out of a fairy tale.  Reminds me of one of my favorite flicks Paradiso Perduto, or Ca d’Zan, the decaying but gorgeous Venetian  manor house featured in the 1998 Great Expectations.

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This image below is one of my favorites, I feel it captures the light and bright nature of this quiet little island.

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An Exclusive Evening of Art at the Amanyara

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art amanyara

On Saturday November 9, 2013 I participated and attended a group art showing at the legendary Amanyara. The event was a fundraiser for the  ECG Youth Centre, a cause near and dear to my heart.  There were a very select few, just ten artists, chosen to exhibit works for the exclusive sold out event.  The three sculptures, two photographs, and one of the two paintings I included in the show all sold much to my joy.  I had the chance to speak with director Roxann Wake-Forbes today and she jubilantly relayed that the event fundraising goals were not only met but exceeded! Fantastic job to Courtney Miller and Roxann who spent countless hours organizing and to all of the many patrons who donated their time and skills to create such a beautiful event for such a worthy cause.  If you would like to volunteer at the contre or discover ther ways in which you can help the Youth Centre thrive please contact Roxann here.

 

Miss Turks and Caicos competes in Miss Universe

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Image by Kazz Forbes

Image courtesy of Kazz Forbes

This summer I met Snwazna Adams, the then newly crowned Miss Turks and Caicos, while working on a fashion shoot for the 2014 issue of Discover Magazine Turks and Caicos.  This 5’11” beauty was soft spoken, humble, and what I would describe as moderately shy.  
Image courtesy Kazz Forbes

Image courtesy Kazz Forbes

It was great getting the chance to chat, learning how to pronounce that fierce first name (SNOW-ANA), and learning a little bit about this 26 year old.  She just traveled all the way to Moscow to participate in the Miss Universe pageant where she made the whole country proud.

Image by Kazz Forbes

We hope you had the experience of a lifetime Snwazna, thanks for being a shining ambassador of the Turks and Caicos Islands!
Image by Kazz Forbes

Image by Kazz Forbes

Saving Grace

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In July I had the great pleasure of styling for a brand new build nestled into Leewards exclusive little neighborhood bay.  What a location!  We watched this home take shape block by block over the last year and knowing COAST architects were behind the design, we knew it would be sure to impress.  Sure enough, feast your eyes on these gorgeous images by Steve Passmore.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I loved the dark rich wood floors featured throughout the house as well as the window and door detailing.  The textured fabric chandelier added a cozy glow to the Master Bedroom.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The Master Bath was one of the most spectacular rooms of the house.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Imagine sinking into this grand bathtub and looking out to this view.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Because of the well conceived orientation of the home the views are a prominent feature throughout the house.  Everywhere one turned that famous Turks and Caicos turquoise beckoned.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

How could one work with this enticing sight!  The lovely owner, a Caribbean loving Canadian, must have had the same thought as she designated this room to be multi-purpose; art studio, massage room, study, whatever the nature of the day demands.

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The foyer is a great introduction to the house, the rich wood floors meet your feet and contemporary, earthy furnishings greet just beyond the door.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The kitchen is so spacious it begs to be the center of family and friends gathering place.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Dining options abound, no wonder the countertop acts as a giant cutting board!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The living room conceals it’s flat screen television as a reflective mirror.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

I adored these distressed vintage looking letters, much more so knowing that they represent the first letters of each of the owners childrens names.  Quite the monogram but the SEA that lies just beyond this house . . .
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

quite spectacular.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

The location, the house, the pool, the beach makes for one completely stunning package so it’s no wonder a buyer fell in love with this house instantly, snatching it off the market in record time.
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Luckily I had the chance to style for one amazing wedding here on October 27th, I’ll share those images soon!
Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Image by Steve Passmore Provo Pictures

Bajacu Bohemian featured on Rock My Wedding

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Rock My Wedding blog image by Brilliant Studios

Image by Brilliant via Rock My Wedding

Thrilled to have our Bohemian shoot featured on Rock My Wedding! Love that site, and their UK team who knows how to bring on the pretty party!! Please pay their beautiful blog a visit and be sure to check out our feature Beach Bohemia!
Bohemian FWS (2)

All images by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce of www.brilliant.tc

The “Bajacu Bohemian” styled shoot, as the name suggests, was very much inspired by the incredible venue.  The elevated oceanside villa, and its designer, world famous architect Marco Aldaco, have been featured in many substantial books and such noteworthy publications as Architectural Digest.  Bajacu literally “rising sun” in the native Caribbean Taino tongue, is apparent from the moment one sets eyes on the burnt orange exterior, set far above the surrounds on one of the highest perches on the island of Providenciales.  The view, especially from the crescent shaped infinity pool which wraps around the giant central palapa, is made that much more spectacular by the 11 surrounding acres of lush tropical gardens thick with frangipani, jasmine, and countless coconut trees.  Antique furnishings from Africa, Indonesia, and Asia create a warm ambiance.  The global influences in the art, decor, and details give guests a taste of the world and so we wanted to incorporate that free spirited love of travel and all things rich in color into our concept.
Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Station

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Station

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Bajacu Bohemian Ceremony, infinity pool to ocean views

Bajacu lush gardens

Bajacu lush gardens

Bajacu Bohemian canopied Daybed

Bajacu Bohemian canopied Daybed

Bajacu bride with amazing ocean views

Bajacu bride with amazing ocean views

Our color scheme was richly saturated; pomegranate, watermelon, tangerine, golden yellow, and the infamous Bajacu burnt orange (and just about everything in between).  Dozens of dark metal Moroccan and glass lanterns in various shapes and sizes dotted the walkway to the sea and clustered around the ceremony site for a dramatic, exotic feel.  Bright gypsy inspired patchwork flag strands were hung to flap and flutter against the pure blue sky.   A kaleidoscope of patterned pillows made the canopied daybed extra plush and inviting as a newlywed nook.  Bright yellow fan corals and citrus slices adorned the fountains and footbaths.
Bajacu Bohemian color scheme

Bajacu Bohemian color scheme

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Bajacu Bohemian Daybed Newlywed Nook

Bajacu Bohemian bright blooms and sea fans

Bajacu Bohemian bright blooms and sea fans

Bajacu Bohemian bride and groom in front of water wall fountain

Local florist extraordinaire Environmental Arts Pomegranate Proteas and and lime cymbidium orchids were the focal flowers of the bouquet and decor.  Tangerine, peach, and fuscia carnations were used to create Indian inspired floral garlands which were draped in long strands. The grooms lime green and fuscia centered cymbidium orchid boutonniere popped against his midnight blue blazer.  A festive crown of colorful carnations and bright blue and purple orchid blooms was the perfect head to toe touch for our boho bride.  Single stems of all of the above and local lantana, which both looks and smells as sweet as candy, were centered in brightly colored glass vases for the tablescape.
Bajacu Bohemian gypsy style Ceremony

Bajacu Bohemian gypsy style Ceremony

Bajacu Bohemian Pineapple and Protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian Pineapple and Protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian Bride with floral crown at footbath

Bajacu Bohemian Bride with floral crown at footbath

Bajacu Bohemian Indian inspired flower strands

Bajacu Bohemian Indian inspired flower strands

Bajacu Bohemian driftwood “skull” with Environmental Arts floral crown

Our Turkish tea station, an antique chest draped in many patterned peregrine fabrics and florals, made a vibrant welcome for our boho wedding.  Gold detailed Morroccan teacups, antique silver, bronze, and gold teapots, and blooms galore surrounded our mouthwatering cake by Diane Guess.  Loose wild rosettes in a watercolor wash down the three tiers mimicked the many shades of the “Bajacu” rising sun.
Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Trunk

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Trunk

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Watercolor Wash Sunset Cake by Cakes to Di For

Our gorgeous watercolor wash paper goods were provided by Artcadia
Bajacu Bohemian pineapple and protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian pineapple and protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian paper goods by Artcadia

The fabric flag strands were created using materials from the local thrift shop; skirts, shirts, and sundresses were cut into squares and alternated down the line with a few long strips to act as streamers in between.  Mother Nature made the unbelievable driftwood “skull” which I adorned with a vivid turquoise and gold necklace to give a desert chic feel to the ceremony.  A traditional gift of Caribbean welcome is the pineapple so the exotic fruit acted as table card stands.  A few pillow covers were made from the same thrift store fabrics as the flags for the canopied daybed.
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Bajacu Bohemian gypsy flag strands

We wanted our bride to convey a sense of mystery in her beauty look, smokey eyes and windswept hair. Ann Clift Northcote of Beauty and the Beach created our make-up looks and Geraldine Burtschi of Salon Maxime styled the hair.
Bajacu Bohemian Bride and Groom

Bajacu Bohemian Bride and Groom

Bajacu Bohemian bridal make-up by Beauty and the Beach, gowns by Luella’s Boutique

Our three gorgeous gowns were provided by Luella’s Boudoir. Each exhibited a different take on bohemian; the plunging neckline dramatic floor length beaded gown, the metallic beaded sheath, and the satin cap sleeve long dress with draped back detail. (Details from Rachel)  Our groom wore a midnight blue suit and crisp white dress shirt provided by Mr. Tux.  Accessories for a boho bride make all the difference!  The most elegant gown can be given an edgy twist with a little accessory finesse, which is exactly what we did with our three bridal looks.  The sophisticated Great Gatsby-esque gown was already dripping with detail so we wanted to keep the accessories minimal to let the dress do it’s own shining.  A bronze wrap around feather cuff bracelet, a long gold medalion necklace, and large but lightweight filigree drop earrings polished the look.  The intricate sheath gown with silver, gold, and bronze beading was paired with dangling filigree gold earrings, a necklace (chanelle details), and chunky gold, silver, and vintage bronze bangle bracelet.  Our sleek satin gown was paired with a pearl headdress (Rachel details) and oxidized silver necklace.  Our groom was accessorized with a woven red earth colored tribal scarf.  As one would expect with a gypsy inspired wedding, our bohemian bride and groom were barefoot!
Bajacu Bohemian great Gatsby-esque gown

Bajacu Bohemian great Gatsby-esque gown

Bohemian Bridal Beaded Sheath gown from Luella's Boutique

Bohemian Bridal Beaded Sheath gown from Luella’s Boutique

Bajacu Bohemian Satin Gown from Luella's Boutique

Bajacu Bohemian Satin Gown from Luella’s Boutique

m in navy suit from Mr Tux

m in navy suit from Mr Tux

When choosing a venue take note of all the little details you love, perhaps a pair of potted plants in antique urns or an amazing velvet fainting sofa.  With Bajacu there were so many details already part of the villa which were shifted around to add style to the overall look and feel; the Moroccan lanterns, the wooden leaning ladder for the ceremony, the glorious blue and white china for the tablescape just to name a few.  Inquire with the venue management about those details you love.  Can they be moved to your ceremony spot, can they grace your reception tables?  Geting creative with what is already available is a nice way add drama without a dramatic increase in budget.
Bohemian FWS
Chanelle and I had such fun with this concept, lots of laughs having to help one another up from the floor set tablescape due to our heavily pregnant bellies at the time. Big thanks to all the vendors who participated, you all made our punchy-colored-gypsy-vibe vision come true! Turks and Caicos really has the most vivid turquoise sea, come see for yourselves!