CAPTURED // DINKY & SURAJ GETS MARRIED

It seemed like it was just yesterday when we were altogether in Toronto talking about being at each other's weddings. Fast-forward to 2014 and here we are in Chicago for our dearest Dinky's wedding day. It was a special trip not only for Dinky to say 'I do' but it was a reunion for the Toronto family with everyone disperse across the continent it was finally nice to be reunited in one city, even if it was just for a short time. It was like nothing changed. 

This was my first Indian wedding and it was much more than I expected. Seeing and experiencing a different culture and traditions was just unbelievable. Prior to the wedding, we knew that since we were going to an Indian wedding, we might as well go all out. And so we did... Jenny, Dons and I headed to buy ourselves some sari's... of course Dons and I went overboard and bought everything you can imagine that one needs for an Indian wedding... bangles and bling galore. 

TRAVEL // CHICAGO

Chicago became part of my childhood summer routine, right before going back to the Philippines. We would drive across the bridge to Detroit from Windsor & fly 45mins to Chicago & spend several days there to hang out with my cousins, shop & eat some deep dish pizza. But that ritual stopped when we moved to Vancouver. So, the last time I went to Chicago was when I was 16... probably the best summers I had as far as traveling was concerned (another story, another day). 

So after a decade & a bit, I finally made my way back to the Windy City for my dearest friend's wedding (which is another post to follow). I managed to cram as much as I could for the little time I had. I flew in on Thursday evening & of course my flight was delayed by 30mins. I arrived at around 7:30 (Chicago time - 1hr behind) & it took about 15mins to wait in line & to clear customs. Another 5mins to walk to the train station. It was about a 30min train ride from Midway to State/Lake station and another 10mins walk from the station to the hotel. By the time I got to the hotel I was exhausted and the hunger settled in. Here's a tip, if you're are flying in from Midway spend $3 vs. $40 taxi ride. 

TRAVEL // PARIS, FRANCE

There's just something about Paris for me that I can figure out.

I am just in love with this city. I love the je ne sais quoi. 

The highlight of this trip was probably me sitting in Jardin des Tuilleries and eating my Laduree pastry. 

It was the most magical yet simplest thing you can think of.

Walking on the cobblestones... criss-crossing through all the bridges that links the city.

Oh Paris, why are you so magical?

I also took a day trip to Giverny, where Monet just painted away. 

This little village is about 1hr train ride outside of Paris...

tucked away in the most beautiful backdrop of greenery hills.

Just magical. 

xx charisse

LIFE // A DELAYED HELLO + TRAVEL UPDATES

I know. I've been horrible. 

But finally I'm fully back. 

It's been almost a month since I returned from my trip but it's just now I finally had a breather.

Work was intense the moment I came back. 

It kept piling on and it just didn't seem to stop until  this past week.

I feel like I can breathe now. No longer feeling overwhelmed. 

Back to being organized. Until the next flood of campaigns comes through.

Now onto my trip.

I visited Barcelona and Paris.

10 days of blissfulness with two of my lovelies.

Eating amazing food, drinking sangrias, seeing the sights. 

And I'm already counting down to my next trip.

It was my first time in Barcelona and I had heard so much about it.

So expectations were high.

As inspiring the architecture by Antonio Gaudi was. 

I didn't love the city as I would hope to.

But don't get me wrong it is a vibrant & colourful city 

and they had so much amazing food and sangrias that taste like heaven. 

But it just wasn't for me... or not for me for more than 2 days. 

I'll be posting about Paris in the next couple of days.

Until then xx charisse

CAPTURED // UP NORTH & ISOLATED

Last weekend, my lovelies and I headed to Haliburton County for some much needed r&r.

Even though it was just 2 nights and 3 days - it was still good to unwind. 

We were so happy that the forecast was wrong and we got some sunshine!

Paddle boating, canoeing and jumping on trampoline. 

And in between we made proper meals. 

This just sums up the weekend we had. Dons just having way too much fun. 

xx charisse

TRAVEL // VANCOUVER

During the Victoria Day weekend, I got on the plane and headed to Vancouver for my dearest friends' wedding Jen & Jason. It was fun to see my old friends and getting reacquainted with the city where I went to high school. It rained a lot (quite typical in May) but for one day I was able to whip out my camera and take some shots. 

Thank you for the four amazing days, Vancouver. 

xx charisse

CAPTURED // SHREYA & SID SAY 'I DO'

Last year, Sid contacted me to capture their proposal and a year later they said their "I do". And I was glad to be part of it again even if it was just their civil ceremony. But I'm glad to have seen the ceremony since I won't be able to make the trek to India for official wedding ceremony later this year. 

Happy Monday. 

xx charisse