{Happy Anniversary...with Love}

In honor of Prince William and Duchess Catherine's wedding anniversary—they married eight years ago today—Vogue is highlighting “A Look Back at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Romance”….enjoy their story and slideshow!

{British Royal Family Engagement Rings}

After the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this fall—and the news that Harry designed Meghan's ring—Vogue compiled and shared an anthology, "A Close Look at the British Royal Family's Engagement Rings." Some are heirloom family rings, others were newly designed....

The Vogue article begins with Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who became Queen Elizabeth then the Queen Mother, and includes her two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, her granddaughter and brides of her grandsons, featuring Princess Diana and her daughter-in-law, Duchess Catherine—who now wears Diana's famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring. 

Prince Harry's mother's ring was originally part of his inheritance; however, he gave it to his big brother when William was planning his engagement to Kate Middleton.

Click here and enjoy the Vogue story.....

{Love & English Teacups!}

Dear Bride-to-Be: 

With the popularity of Downton Abbey, all things charmingly vintage and elegantly English have a renewed appeal. (And for some us, such charm never went out of fashion!) I recently met a delightful woman at a wedding event who has a clever new business; she rents out “vintage mismatched fine china” for special events—like for your bridesmaid luncheon or wedding reception. Vanessa Gilbreath is English, ‘natch, and the treasures you can rent are from sets of beautiful china she inherited from her mother, grandmother and great-aunt ... all reminiscent of English flower gardens.

Like a lot of people who watched Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding and were inspired by the bride’s bouquet or lace-trimmed gown or veil or serene bearing, Vanessa’s idea for her Vintage English Teacup business was also inspired by this splendid yet intimate royal wedding. (And the table designs that can be created with Vanessa’s plates and teacups and other pretty things are something I’m sure Duchess Catherine would love!) 

Wherever your inspiration comes from for your wedding, be sure to include the elegance and beauty that calls forth your delicious imagination as well as your royally open heart!

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Images from Vintage English Teacup website]