Will you marry “moi” ?

From the discreet to the flashy, diamonds are the smart girl’s rock of choice…

But, did you know?…

1. The diamond is the toughest natural substance on the planet, and can only be cut with other diamonds.
2. Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand because of an Egyptian belief that a “vein of love” ran directly from there to the heart.
3. The Archduke Maximilian of Austria triggered the trend for diamond engagement rings when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
4. Unearthed in South Africa in 1905, weighing a whopping 3,106.75 carats, the Cullinan was the largest rough diamond ever found. Cut into the Frist Star and the Lesser Star of Africa, they are both now part of the British Crown Jewels.
5. The UN took a stand against the sale of blood diamonds – sold to finance terrorism or civil war – by establishing the Kimberley Process in 2003. Check out www.kimberleyprocess.com to find out more or rent “Blood Diamond”, the movie starring Leonardo diCaprio that helped bring this illegal trade into the limelight.

Don’t forget that diamonds can be any color. More affordable orange diamonds are available from Namidia and purse-friendly grey colors are also divine. Check out Fiona Knapp’s divine jewelery designs and gemstones.

Credits: Content taken from Marie Claire UK magazine. Photo credit : www.urbanpath.com

The Pont des Arts, a favorite bridge for dreamers and lovers to linger in Paris, has become the victim of a new “love” trend. Indeed, couples from all around the globe are engraving their names onto locks, securing them to the fence on the bridge and throwing the keys into the River Seine. A symbol of their eternal love.

What seems like a harmless and fun way to declare your undying love to your sweetheart has started to worry the city officials who see this trend as a threat to Paris’ national heritage. They are considering taking off all of the locks and providing a type of metal tree for lovers to “lock” their love in Paris…

Photo credit: www.metrofrance.com Joel Saget/AFP

Photo credit: www.metrofrance.com AFPTV

As promised in an earlier post, here is an exclusive preview of our very own Senior Wedding Coordinator, Caroline Berthe’s, own wedding photographs.

Caroline and Tony
Hometown: Paris, France
Wedding Date: March 15, 2010
Wedding Colors: Ivory and Silver-grey

Wedding Location: Ice Chapel in Kiruna, Sweden

Wedding highlights: The quintessential winter wonderland wedding. On a cold but beautifully sunny day in March, Caroline and Tony’s intimate wedding ceremony took place in a beautiful ice chapel in Sweden. Inspired details and personal touches made the day truly unforgettable for the select group present. Photographed by Patrice Lariven Photographies, these fabulous photos bring a smile to our faces every time we look at them.

For more details about the unique gift bags Caroline made, the fun weekend activities she planned which including dog-sled riding, snowmobiling and building, and of course to find out more about Caroline’s beautiful dress, check out our exclusive series featured on this blog under the “Tales of a Wedding Planner’s Wedding” section.

Thank you for sharing these special moments with us Caroline and Tony!