Buon giorno my lovely readers! As my whiplash gradually improves (sorry, I think I might have forgotten to tell you that I was involved in an accident…), I’m trying my best to spend some more time in front of the computer and update the blog a bit more regularly. I have lots of pretty real weddings to share with you in the next few weeks, a couple of which from some of my favorite Italian photographers… {And on that note, if you are a photographer, please do check out L&S submission page – we love fresh, contemporary wedding, city chic or rustic, as long as they reflect the couple’s personality}.
Today I’d like to share with you the background into how and why I chose the name ‘Linen and Silk’ for this blog. I’ve been thinking about this name quite a lot recently. I think it’s because I’ve made concrete steps towards getting my wedding planning website up and running, and I’m still deliberating on whether I should adopt the same name of the blog, or change it… I think it’s also to do with the fact that it feels quite long, particularly in its URL form (www.linenandsilk-weddings.com), and in the email form… try telling someone “E-L-I-S-A-B-E-T-T-A-at-linen-and-silk-heyphen-weddings-dot-com”. It’s a mouthful! And every time I introduce myself on the phone, I’m always met by an awkward silence, you know the type of silence that tells you the other person is trying to process what you have just told her, as if she is thinking: “Who is this person that is calling me from a fabric shop?” *sigh*
Sometimes explaining to others why you’ve made a certain decision helps you to either reinforce your stand or come up with solutions, so bear with me as I explain why I’ve chosen this name.
When I was trying to think about a name for my wedding planning business (remember, I started this blog as a conduit to my consultancy), I remember asking myself: “When I think about weddings, what are the things that I like the most?” Fabrics was one, with linen and silk being my favourite. They are both natural fibres with outstanding characteristics and beauty widely used in the wedding world, particularly in Italy.
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Linen is cool, fresh and nostalgic. It reminds me of lazy summer days in the south of Italy, of old country houses with white washed walls, and of my grandma’s embroidery. Linen has the power to make me feel calm and relaxed; it can turn a country house in a cozy haven, and when worn in the summer, it allows you to feel comfortable and fresh.
At the other end of the spectrum, silk is sophisticated, dainty and luxurious. It is an incredibly versatile fabric, with so many variants and textures that adapt to different needs and trends.
It reminds me of my mother – she used to wear these gorgeous silk blouses in the summer that made her look so elegant and gracious… It’s the fabric of wedding dresses; it’s light and feminine, but never goes out of fashion. It also reminds me of Milan – city of glamour, trendy designer apartments with minimalist interiors embellished by luxurious fabrics.
What does this have to do with my wedding planning and blog? As you will see from a recent shoot I styled (where, is still to be confirmed, so watch this space!), my style is elegant, yet modern. I gravitate towards simple lines and plain backgrounds with splashes of colours (hence ‘linen’). I like order and precision, but make allowance for touches of opulence (hence ‘silk’).
There is one quality among many others that truly stand out when I contemplate the qualities of these two beautiful fabrics: both are romantic. As cliché as this may sound, if there’s one thing that I truly love about weddings and that I feel should be expressed in the weddings I write about, plan or style, is love and the emotions they evoke.
So there you have it. That’s where the name Linen and Silk comes from.
As I mentioned earlier, however, I keep wondering, is Linen and Silk Weddings too long? Too much of a mouthful? Does it make people think that I’m a table cloths and bed linens company? Seriously? Does it?
The problem is, even when I think that I should use my name, I would always be stuck in the trap of having to spell it because it’s not English. ‘Elisabetta Cirulli Weddings’ sound awful. ‘Elisabetta White Weddings’ sounds like a joke. Betta White reminds me of Betty White, the actress… My head hurts every time I think about the name and while I’m fairly positive that Linen and Silk is more me than anything else, I’m curious to hear about what others think of it.
Would you care sharing your thoughts with me?
xx Betta
Credits: Linen: Mediterranean bedroom via Decor Ideas / Kitchen space via Côté Sud (found via My Paradissi) / Bed linens – image and throw designed by Needlework Inspiration / White linen dress – image and dress design by Yoshimi The Flyingf Squirrel / White wedding table via Martha Stewart Weddings / Olive tree themed wedding (tablescape and bride) by Modernhearts via The Pretty Blog /// Silk: Milan apartment via The Marion House Book / Silk Couch via Apartment Therapy, image by Monsoon and Faupel / Christian Dior Couture SS09 via Chiffon et Ribbons / Silk Blouse via 7 for all mankind / Freya Rose shoes via Love My Dress / Silk bow via Zsa Zsa Bellagio / Vera Wang Gabriela Fall 2011 via In Good Taste / Silk Napkin image by Kristyn Hogan via Ashley Bride Guide
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