It’s been exactly one month since the Royal Wedding. Yup, that’s right, I was one of THOSE girls who got up at 2am Pacific time to watch the live coverage of Will + Kate tie the royal knot. And to justify that, all I have to say is that weddings are my business, and it’s in the best interest of my business to stay on top of wedding trends. True, it’s not likely I’ll be photographing high profile royals, but just as Diana’s monstrosity of a dress influenced scores of poofball knockoffs throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, so will Kate’s (but more likely Pippa’s) inspire dresses to come. And quite frankly, I’d thought I’d like to know what’s coming and what I’ll be shooting. Thankfully I liked BOTH dresses and sighed with relief when I saw just how flattering and gorgeous they were.
Business aside, I’m just plain old fascinated by the Royals. Always have been. Growing up in Canada, we sung God Save the Queen at the end of every day in my rural public elementary school and I guess it started there. Prime Ministers and Presidents have come and gone, but the Queen has remained and I quite like her. How much she costs our country, well that’s another matter entirely. Her children don’t interest me much, but I do find the lives of her grandchildren to be fascinating for whatever reason.
I’m also a huge fan of hats, tea, and DEVONSHIRE CLOTTED CREAM. Now that deserves full caps. Thankfully I wasn’t alone on that score, and so my friend Annie and I hosted an afternoon tea inspired by the royal wedding. Annie made scones, I made fussy sandwiches, tea was served, and guests hung out chatting, eating, and making fascinators. It was divine.
Here are a couple before and after shots from our party (Annie before, and me after…thanks Annie for the photos of me!).
Don’t you LOVE Annie’s fascinator??? (Mine was already flung off and probably lying in a corner by this time).
And if you’re wondering where to purchase Devonshire Clotted Cream in the Bay area, Lovejoy’s Tea Room in San Francisco sells small jars for $7.50 a piece. More than enough for 10 girls eating scones topped with preserves! It’s not quite the same as the real, bonefide Devonshire clotted cream (and I’ve eaten my share IN Devon) but it’s pretty darn close. True Devonshire clotted cream is unpasteurized and that’s not easy to find this side of the Pond. Either way, I’ve had it at breakfast a few times since, and it puts me in a fabulous mood every time!
Happy One-Month Anniversary Will + Kate!
you and your dress look AMAZING!!!! even eliot could have captured your radiance. loved your caption of the whole event – you’re not only a brilliant photographer but a great blogger/writer!
how fun Jaime! I had no idea what a “fascinator” was…glad you posted a picture. I have to say, I can see why it is thus named!
I still remember the shower you threw for Mandee and your search for clotted cream!
Great blog Jaime!! Tea parties are not really my thing, but you made it all sound so interesting, hehe:)