Victoria May - June 2009

VISIT NANTUCKET Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for a seaside escape immersed in the history and charm of this tiny island. Explore the Old-World appeal of picturesque Nantucket through its cobblestone streets, historic inns, and enchanting shops. THE BUSINESS OF BLISS Meet two mother-daughter duos who followed their hearts and opened a business together. Learn about their companies, and read advice for following in their successful footsteps. WINSOME MAY BASKETS Learn how to make a festive, flowering basket to celebrate the advent of summer with our Web-exclusive tutorial. From bundles of blossoms to flowing ribbons and lush greenery, we’ll show you how to create a fetching gift for friends and family. GO ONLINE and discover a wealth of resources at your fingertips. Victoriamag.com includes exciting new features— print and e-mail options, related links, site…

Many times I sit quietly, cup of tea in hand, and reflect on how my life has been blessed by my circle of friends. What a joy to have friends; how lonely life would be without them. Over the years, my circle of friends has reflected the stages of my life, as well as my growth as an individual. Many of my friendships have remained constant, from high school through college, and into our adult years. Others have been added to my circle because our children were playmates and we came to know each other at Little League games and PTO meetings. Today, my closest friends are those who share my passions: blue and white china in all patterns; Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas; antique linens bearing monograms; tea and scones; peonies in…

Summer days bring a whirlwind of splendor and allure, inspiring fresh creativity and imagination. These companies deliver the ultimate amour, with wedding-day bliss as their radiant masterpiece. Through the lens of her camera, April Rocha captures the sincere romance of a wedding day with images that last a lifetime. By focusing on the meaningful details of a couple’s special ceremony, she creates the ultimate artistic expression with pictures that evoke true emotion. Inspired by the delicate table linens, lovely bridal gowns, and breathtaking blooms that make up a wedding celebration, Ana Parzych creates unique cakes with intricate detail. See her designs atanascustomcakes.com. Laura Clare has the vision to turn a modest room into a stunning work of art. From exquisite flowers and color schemes to perfect lighting and linens, Laura reflects each couple’s…

Late spring is a joyous time of transition, filled with some of life’s most memorable celebrations. Our readers share with us their treasured recollections of unforgettable moments. IT WAS MY OLDER SISTER Liz’s graduation from high school in June of 1969. Our father had died the previous November, and she was very sad he hadn’t lived those few extra months to be there for her on that special day. My brother, Carlos, was in the Air Force and was serving in Vietnam. Before he left, he had promised Liz he would try to make it back for the ceremony because my father wouldn’t be there. As the event grew near, my brother’s tour of duty got extended. We didn’t think he would be able to come home. Liz was devastated. The day…

SPRING WINE FESTIVAL AND SUNSET TOUR Mount Vernon, Virginia | May 15–17During the eighteenth century, the estate and gardens of George Washington’s home, situated on the banks of the Potomac River, totaled 8,000 acres. Today, 500 historical acres have been preserved and welcome an average of one million guests each year. Visit the beloved property for an elegant evening of wine and jazz entertainment, accompanied by candlelit tours of the mansion and wine cellar. Choose to picnic on the lawn, or reserve a private table on the piazza. For more information, visitmountvernon.org. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Forest Park | St. Louis, Missouri | May 20–June 14 Engage in the live theater production of William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor as Shakespeare Festival St. Louis debuts its ninth year of bringing classics to…

The whole earth was brimming sunshine that morning. She tripped along, the clear sky pouring liquid blue into her soul.” —Theodore Dreiser, Sister Carrie…