Billy and I have been to a few weddings in the last few years, actually it was two weddings, and one commitment ceremony. The most recent one was yesterday, held on Marco Island, for my old friend Cheryl. She looked so beautiful, and I've never seen her look more happy. Congrats to Chris and Cheryl!
Before this, we attended what was stated as being a birthday party, and SURPRISE! turned out to also be a commitment ceremony, performed by the then mayor of Naples. This one was held in the city of Naples, at the Port Royal Club. Congrats to Jerry and Tim!
Before that, we attended a lovely outdoor wedding at the beautiful and historic Tarpon Lodge, in Pineland, (Bokeelia) Florida, just north of Naples. This one was for the son of one of my design clients, and he and his wife Bree have since had a beautiful daughter, called Grace. Congrats to Patrick and Bree!
The Olde Marco Inn, where Cheryl and Chris's guests stayed, was founded in 1883, and only has 53 rooms. Check out their site for more information.
The Port Royal Club, a beach front location, was founded in 1959, and designed by noted Palm Beach architect, John Volk. They have a beautiful new site, check it out. (members only venue)
The Tarpon Lodge is also very nice, and on the water, in a more "Old Florida" setting, and it was first established in 1926. The event we attended was low-key and very nicely done.
Check out these images, and enjoy the official end of Summer weekend! DF *****
Exciting news! DFS is celebrating its third year of existence - tomorrow -! It's my blog, and I built it! Labor Day weekend is just in time to tie in with this celebration, as well as a Saturday wedding on Marco Island...( a dear designer friend from Rumson, NJ)
Didn't you just LOVE seeing Beau Davidson tonight, on C-SPAN ?!?!?! What a great talent!
Perhaps this weekend we'll take a trip up to the charming island of Gasparilla, aka Boca Grande. I love the hotel, and its outpost, called "The Pink" (The Pink Elephant) casual dining restaurant, perfect for lunch. Order the grouper sandwich and a bloody mary - or just some nice, cold iced tea. Our wonderful client on BG loves to take us there, and she bought Carleton Varney's apartment in New York. She also knows Dorrance "DoDo" Hamilton, the Campbell's Soup heiress- who owns many properties on the island.
I have also had the pleasure of working with JoAnn Barwick, another celebrated BG winter resident, who was the fabulous editor of "House Beautiful" from 1978-1991. She was then followed by Mr. Louis Gropp, and today, Mr. Newell Turner is the editor.
I so look forward to our upcoming Winter Season, here in sunny Naples, it's time to rev up the old wardrobe, pull up our socks, and pick up those Gucci loafers! (from the repair shop) ENJOY! DF *****