By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:23 AM - (General)
How to pick a Floral Designer for your wedding
. . .
When you are selecting a florist for a wedding or special event, meet with at least three florists and do your home work before your meeting. Provide as much information as you can. Be prepared to discuss your ideas, details about the event, color schemes, flowers that you love, (and any you hate), as well as your budget, etc. Bring along any photos that you have of your dress, the bridesmaids' dresses and any floral designs you like. With this information, a good florist should have a clear idea of the event and floral designs, and be able to provide a detailed cost estimate.
Even when you've provided all the information that you can, comparing cost estimates may prove difficult. A true "roses to roses" comparison may not be possible, since each designer will have their own vision of what they will provide, and some designers provide more detailed cost estimates than others. In order to help sort through the proposals and select a floral designer, consider the following...
Did he/she have a portfolio of flowers that you loved? If you didn't like anything you saw in their portfolio, chances are you will not like what you see on the day of your event!
Were they familiar with your event site, and/or willing to visit it prior to your event?
Did they provide you with a detailed cost estimate and contract?
Are they able to provide all of the services that you require? For instance, can they provide linen rentals, arches, urns, etc.?
Will the person that you met with be your contact (and designer) throughout the entire process?
Will your florist deliver and set up the flowers? Or, do they use an outside delivery service?
How many events will the florist book on the day/weekend of your wedding?
Did you enjoy speaking with him/her, and would you feel comfortable working with them?
Was the florist willing to spend the time you required during your initial consultation?
Was he/she professional, prompt, and courteous?
Did he/she listen to your ideas?
Did he/she "get it"? And did he/she make suggestions that you liked?
Was he/she knowledgeable, for instance did he/she suggest which flowers would be in season
Thinking through these questions should help you to select a floral designer that will create the look you wish to achieve, while working within your budget and providing professional service.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:14 AM - (General)
The New look of Wedding Photography
. . .
Over the past years there have been amazing changes in wedding photography, which is good news to anyone who is currently looking for a photographer to shot there wedding. The new trend is towards, more contemporary look of wedding photography. More relaxed, natural and artistic than ever. Far gone are the old, forced look , unnatural looking poses . Today's couples are much more educated on photography and don't want the old, stuffy styles of photography that their parents had.
Besides looking more real, how is it different that traditional photography? Contemporary photographers know that today's couples want to enjoy their wedding day and have fun. Couples spend so much money & time planning for there wedding day. It does not make sense to miss a hours of your wedding, being bossed around by a photographer who makes them maintain rigid and uncomfortable poses of you. A lot of wedding photographers now offer a "photojournalistic" style , where the day is recorded just the way it happens and unfolds.
The photos tell the story of your wedding day. No posing, no taking time away from the party,just real & natural, artistic and beautiful shots that capture the events and moods of your wedding day. Well what about the family & group shots? Many of these photographers will take these group shots before or maybe after the ceremony, taking less time than photographers of the past so you can get on with your day and not miss out on the real fun of the party. Make sure you ask this question before you book your photographer if family and group shots are important to you.We leave up to the bride and groom as it depends if they want to see other other before the wedding.
Black & white photography is also really popular, but is it a trend? A lot of modern day couples are requesting to have their photography fully or partially in black & white. There is just something about black & white. It has a very classie, timeless and artistic look to it. It has a mood all to its self . It lends itself very well to the photojournalistic style. I would say that this trend is probably here to stay for a while.
Black & white has been around a long time. Go to any photography gallery and you will see that most of what you see is in black and white. It is now, and always will be, a classic form of photography. It is always nice to have a combination of both color and black & white. Also sepia has a nice warm inviting feel to the photo, if it is done right.
Do all wedding photographers photograph in this style? Well No, there are still some of the traditional photographers out there who have not changed. When you are interviewing photographers, ask them if they specialize in a photojournalistic style of photography, or if they do a combination of both traditional & photojournalistic shooting styles. Make sure you see samples of work from the specific photographer who is going to photograph your wedding, not just samples from a studio that may send out a different photographer. Consider not only the style of different photographers, but also the personality and choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with. Let's face it,( and we have talk about bed side manner before and how important it is) the wedding you are spending so much time planning is only going to last a few short hours. The music will stop, the food will be eaten, and the flowers die, but all you will have is those photos to remember your wedding day Along with your now husband. And that is why it is so important to find a great photographer who will give you artistic pictures you will love forever.
Well hope this helps and as always we like your feed back
By Peter Bruce posted on Saturday, October 24, 2009 @ 4:56 PM - (General)
Go to Fiji for your wedding...
Come on think about it people, why wouldn’t you want to do a wedding in a tropical paradise, a cool exciting city, a historic vintage castle or aboard a Caribbean cruise ship? It sounds wonderful, glamorous and a whole lot more fun than planning a wedding in your boring small home town. That’s why more and more modern day couples are choosing destination weddings.
There's a tons of reasons to elope , not the least of which is that it’s often a more affordable,fun and less stress free option.Getting a wedding together in your own backyard(or hotel) involves some serious thought and planning, hopping on a plane to some fabulous golden locale with your nearest and dearest could turn out to be a lot easier and more fun ! Two of the most popular and fun locations for weddings away are Las Vegas and on a beach.
Beach sun and sand Weddings...
If you’re planning on tying the knot at an exotic beach then consider these places as Tahiti, Fiji and Jamaica DAM what is wrong with Australia. The weather is as good as it gets , the people are friendly and the food is to die for. For those who would prefer to stay in the US, a Hawaiian wedding is the great choice. The landscape is like something out of a fairytale and the weather is perfect. And no passport or money exchange.
When you choose a dress for beach wedding, don’t go crazy girls . A simple dress made of a light material is best for the beach. For bridesmaid’s dresses think colorful floral prints or striking patterns. Don’t be afraid to be a little creative!
Think about using the flowers and ferns native to the beach. Not only will this provide a coherent beach theme, but you’ll also save the cost of ordering floral arrangements. Calla lilies, sunflowers and daisies are all summer favorites. For a true beach theme, enhance the bouquets and boutonnieres with pearls, seashells and starfish as decor.
Here is another tip. Make a message in a bottle and throw it in the ocean asking who ever finds it to call you.
Let Elivs marry you,just give him a peanut butter sandwich...
Las Vegas isn’t only for couples wanting to do it! Yes , you can get married on a whim by an Elvis himself or by the man in the drive through window, but this isn’t the only way to get hitched in Vegas. The city offers both elegant and fun themed destinations all in one easy location.
Most Hotels resorts offer a hugh selection of wedding packages with a range of prices . Whether you decide to express your love through a simple ceremony or an extravagant wedding affair, Vegas in house wedding coordinators will take care of every last details, from the food to the photographer and videographer. All you have to do is show up and say yes. Here are some of the best Vegas hotels ...
Bellagio...Wounderful wedding halls and rooms for a memorable day.
Caesars Palace... Forget the chapel, a palace is the place to get hitched
The Venetian... This resort and casino offers the stunning Rialto Bridge in San Marco Square as a beautiful wedding location.
Mandalay Bay... The Vegas destination for a tropical themed wedding.
Las Vegas also offers a lot of elegant & romantic wedding chapels that specialize in both themed and traditional wedding . Many Las Vegas wedding chapels will even take care of the details for you, including a wedding coordinator, photography, flowers, receptions, dressing rooms and outdoor ceremonies - all at fair prices. Some of the best themed chapels the city boasts include...
Princess Wedding Chapel ... Your destination for a fairytale dream come true wedding.
Little Church of the West...Las Vegas’ original and best wedding chapel.
Bel Ami Wedding Chapel...A luxurious, elegant chapel with picturesque stunning grounds for an outdoor ceremony.
Wedding Belles Chapel... Located in the heart of Vegas, you can get married in the church or outside in the serene garden gazebo.
Now with all the help we have given you here,you have to promise one thing.If you run away to get married you take Peter Bruce photo and Belle fine weddings with you to cover the event OK.
By Peter Bruce posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 @ 8:09 AM - (General)
Here are some tips for coordinating with your wedding Photographer. After you have selected a photographer, take the time to work through the details with him; this will help to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Meet once or twice, about a month before the wedding, to discuss what sorts of pictures you want; then meet again soon after for a tour of the location (if feasible) and to schedule the sequence of events. There should be a follow-up by the photographer about a week before the wedding with a confirmation of the shot list and the previously outlined schedule, either of which may need to be adjusted to accommodate last-minute changes in your overall plans. Although a wedding planner, if you have one, can competently handle straightforward logistical issues, only you can decide what images you want to come away with.
Putting together a shot list is a process of delicately balancing expectations (both yours and those of relatives and friends) with the constraints of reality. Though your aunt may want a photograph of you with each cousin individually, this could take a fair amount of time and effort. I warn against a lengthy list, which will overburden the photographer, the couple, and the guests. On the other hand, you do not want to realize that a favorite person was left out months after it is too late. So it is best to determine in advance who is important to you and to make sure that he or she will have a formal portrait taken with you. It may help to consider just what you will be doing with the portraits. Realistically, you will probably want only a few large prints for display on your mantel or living room wall. Other people can be remembered in your album, which is often more enjoyable when filled with casual shots taken during the celebration. When you are reviewing this list of special people, talk to the photographer about each person. Let him or her know who's funny or troublesome, or who cannot stand still for long periods of time. Knowing these things will make your photographer's job much easier and more fun. Jusr remember even though you are taking formal shoot they should be fun. My really personel view is I am there to shoot you and what I like to say softly direct you,not beat you up. We should be a team,you should feel good in front of the camera and I should get the sots you want. Remember,hire a photographer who is good and also has good bed side manner.
By Peter Bruce posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 @ 10:09 AM - (General)
Over the years Peter Bruce Photo & Video has been ask a lot about tipping at wedding and there does not seem to be much good info out there,so I am stepping up to the plate.Here you go.
Though you may think you've accounted for every imaginable wedding expense, there is one fee that might elude you: the tip. Rewarding vendors with a tip is expected, and it will serve as a thank-you for a job well done. But figuring out whom to tip, how much to pay, and when to offer it can be tricky.
While some vendors include gratuities in their fees, many will leave the amount up to you -- and the level of service they provide can influence what you give them. Tips can add up quickly, costing you a few thousand dollars. Gratuities for caterers alone can be $200 to $600 or more, for example, depending on the number of guests, your catering costs, and where you live. Most tips should be handed out the day of the wedding, so it's wise to assign the job to a friend or family member. A follow-up thank-you note is often a valued tip in itself, as your word can be a recommendation for the vendor.
Officiants... While it isn't necessary to tip priests, ministers, rabbis, or other religious officiants (many of them, in fact, won't accept cash tips), if you want to thank them for their services, consider making a donation to their organization or house of worship. A typical amount is $75 to $100, separate from any fee you may be charged for the officiant's time.
If you belong to a church, your own minister or priest may perform the wedding at no charge. In this case, you could make a donation to the church, and as an extra thank-you, consider sending something personal, such as a gift certificate to a nice restaurant.
If your wedding is performed by a civil employee such as a judge, clerk, or other nonreligious official, then forgo a gratuity. Such officiants are paid a flat rate and are usually not permitted to accept tips or donations -- local law may actually prohibit it. A thoughtful card, however, is always appreciated.
Catering Staff... Many caterers include a gratuity in their contract to be divided up among the workers, but be sure to ask. If the gratuity isn't included, plan on tipping all staff members, including the catering or banquet manager, waiters, bartenders, chefs, and other essential workers who help serve guests.
"Most catering staff members receive a decent hourly wage, however, so you needn't go overboard on their tips," says Joe Piane, sales manager and executive chef at Piane Caterers in Wilmington, Delaware.
You can calculate the tip as a percentage of the cost of your total catering bill. Figure on paying about 15 to 20 percent of the amount for the banquet manager to share with the kitchen and serving staff. Another way to compute the gratuity is to offer a flat amount for each worker, which is often a more economical method, especially if your catering company is expensive. You'll want to give roughly $100 to $200 for the catering or banquet manager, $50 each for chefs (and bakers), and $20 to $30 each for waiters and kitchen staff, divided into separate envelopes.
Tips can be paid in advance to the director of the catering company, or you can hand them to the banquet manager toward the end of the evening.
Musicians & DJs... Tipping customs vary, depending on whether you hire an independent band or deejay or book through an agency. For independent bands that book their own gigs, tipping is not customary.
"No matter what your deejay or band is charging, the money is going right into their pockets, so don't feel like you have to give extra, unless of course they really went above and beyond," says Kelly Scriven, owner of the Bride's Maid, a wedding consulting business in Whitman, Massachusetts. Valerie Romanoff, owner of New York City--based Starlight Orchestras, adds, "We're always pleasantly surprised when clients tip us and recognize the entertainment value of what we provide, but it's not expected."
If you employ your band or deejay through an entertainment agency, the company will usually either include a gratuity in the contract or suggest that you give each band member or deejay a little extra in cash. If your contract includes a "service charge," don't assume that it is the gratuity. "The service charge often goes right back to the company," says Scriven.
Musicians should be tipped about $20 to $25 apiece; deejays get at least $25. Many bands offer a vocalist for the ceremony at an additional cost. Tip him or her the same amount as you would one of the other musicians. Hand out the tips in cash at the end of the night.
Stylists & Makeup Artists... Even though it's a particularly special day, you can still tip stylists and makeup artists as you would for a regular appointment -- 15 to 20 percent. For each assistant who helps with secondary tasks, such as shampooing, plan on giving a gratuity of $3 to $5.
You can hand out tips in envelopes directly to stylists, or leave them at the salon's front desk. If you're short on cash, it's fine to tip by check or include it on a charge. If a stylist comes to your home or the wedding site, tip as you would at a salon, but in general, makeup artists and hair stylists who own their own businesses are not tipped.
Photographers, Videographers, Florists, & Wedding Coordinators... For people who own their own businesses, as many of these vendors do, tipping isn't necessary. For photographers,videographers, and florists who do not own their own businesses, tip $30 to $50; wedding coordinators should be given about $50 to $100.
If you feel that the service you received from one of these vendors was extraordinary (say, if the videographer stayed and took footage of an after-wedding party even though it wasn't in his contract), an additional 10 percent tip would be a nice gesture, Or you might send a thank-you gift such as flowers or a print from your photographer showing the vendor in action at your wedding.
Site Staff... Wherever you have your wedding, there will likely be many behind-the-scenes workers, such as coat checkers, powder-room attendants, or parking valets. Make sure you do not overlook these people -- while you may not have much contact with them throughout the celebration, they help keep guests happy. Sometime before the wedding, ask the site manager to instruct workers not to accept any tips from guests. Instead, plan on tipping them yourself. At the end of the evening, pay coat checkers a total of $1 to $2 per guest, which they can share. Powder-room attendants should receive 50 cents to $1 per guest, to be divided among them. Set aside $1 to $1.50 per car to give to the parking manager, who can then divide up the cash among the valets.
Seamstresses, Delivery People, & Drivers... Though they won't actually be at the wedding, these workers' preparatory roles are just as important, so be sure to thank them in some way.
The people delivering the flowers and cake should receive at least $5 each at the time they make their deliveries. A gratuity for your limousine driver may already be included in your bill, but if it's not, consider giving a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the cost (pay it in cash when the driver picks you up). For seamstresses, a cash tip is not expected, but sending a small gift such as a photo of you in your dress is a wonderful way to show your gratitude.
I hope this has help with an item most people don't know much about
By Peter Bruce posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 @ 8:31 AM - (General)
I wanted to follow up on my last blog about Destinations weddings. I feel that I left a few ones out,which I will cover over the next few days. Giving you more info and detail on get away weddings. One thing I think is great at weddings and we have talk about this in the past,is kids at weddings,but when it is a Destination wedding and kids are coming,well then it is different. When planning a wedding abroad or away from your city of residence, remember to take into account the children that you have invited. In fact, your own children may be attending the wedding and someone needs to provide for them. Since you want to enjoy a little time with new your new spouse, it might a good idea to have the children stay at the hotel or resort with a trusted relative. By doing this, the couple is not constantly worried about the children and the relative will have time to entertain them.
The children will most likely be different age brackets which might make keeping them occupied more difficult but if they are family, they will be used to one another. Generally, there are a few ways to keep the kids happy during their stay.
Make sure the sightseeing is appropriate for the children. Anything too strenuous or exhausting for small children should be reconsidered. That is not to say that none of the adults should go. But maybe the children should stay back with someone who does not wish to go.
Be safe. One thing that happens when vacationing or traveling to a resort or hotel for a wedding, the jubilant emotions cloud judgments. Common sense must be used when allowing children near water, nears strangers, and allowing them to wander about in a strange place. It is easy to lose sight of the children so be diligent and have other people help so that everyone enjoys himself or herself.
Organize activities specifically for children, both during the stay and at the wedding reception. Face painting, puppet shows, building sandcastles, making snowmen, and age appropriate crafts will help children to avoid boredom.
Just tell them it is a holiday with a big party for someone. Hope this helps,please let us know
By Peter Bruce posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 @ 8:34 AM - (General)
Destination weddings are an incredible opportunity to get magazine-worthy images of your wedding day! This is a once in a life-time event and the pictures/video are all you will have left afterward. Take it seriously and expect to invest in this service for a professional. Peter Bruce Photo & Video have done many destination weddings and they can be great. And one most important thing, I am happy to go to Paris with you foe your wedding.
1. Hire a serious pro! Don't expect that a beautiful location will automatically mean you get great shots. It takes a professional to interpret lighting, positioning, architecture, storytelling and combine it all with great equipment and experience to produce stunning images.
2. Take your time! See if your photographer will set aside a few hours for bridal portraits on the day after the wedding (or if you have a really small wedding, on the day of the wedding). You can travel the area and hit all the hot spots. After all, isn't that why you chose it?
3. Destination weddings are all about the "Experience." Capture every emotional moment by having your photography/videography team arrive early enough to shoot the getting ready process. Hair/Makeup are some of our favorite shots - energy is high and emotions are, too! Make sure your professional provides you with a list of tips so you can have all those little details like your dress, shoes, and jewelry ready, too.
4. Audio is everything! Beach weddings are windy and many PA systems echoe and distort the voice. Most people think of video as a camera, but don't ever realize that even in the most capable hands a video is nothing without great audio of your ceremony, interactions of family and friends, etc. Make sure your videographer uses professional wireless microphones on both the groom and the officiant (as a back-up).
After all is said and done, see if your photographer can submit your images to magazines or websites. Remember all those great ones you saw while planning your wedding? That could be you...but not without a great professional on your side
I hope this help with your getaway weddings,let me know. Also remember happy to travel with you for a wedding.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 @ 12:15 PM - (General)
What a fun wedding Peter Bruce photo & video was lucky enough to do at the wonderful Purple Orchid Inn in Livermore. Jill & Andrew pulled of a great wedding,fun party,with lots of dancing. One of the shorest cermonies in the history of wedding. Hope you enjoy the photos. The full set of all the photos will be posted in about 2 weeks so check back to this site then.
What a great couple and a fun wedding.I was was glad to shoot the wedding and of course going to some of the best locations in the bay area,like the Legion of Honor,Marin head lands and og course my favorite church Old St Hilarys.Thanks for making Peter Bruce Photo & Video part of your day.
Wildflowers surround Old St. Hilary's, Tiburon's iconic hillside landmark, which was originally a mission church named for St. Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers. The heirs of John Reed—who held title to El Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio, the Mexican land grant that included the Tiburon Peninsula—deeded the one-quarter acre site for $2 to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which built the church as a place of worship for local railroad workers in 1888.
The building is of significant architectural importance because it is one of the few remaining Carpenter Gothic churches to survive in its original setting. It is constructed of redwood, with redwood doors and a Douglas fir ceiling. Amber glass replaced the original stained glass windows after they were broken. The stained glass window above the door has been restored and depicts St. Hilary (fourth century), patron saint of scholars. It was a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Lyford.
The current electric lights are replicas of coal-oil chandeliers, which were lowered with ropes that brackets on the walls held in place. Heating and water are modern additions. Original furnishings include the white altar rail and two stands for statues on either side of the sanctuary, as well as the restored Stations of the Cross in the nave. A donor salvaged the cross from a church in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Most of the permanent furnishings are donations in honor of local residents. They include the concert piano and custom-made docent desk, chair and table, as well as oak pews that are reproductions of the originals. A group of local volunteers created the needlepoint pew cushions that feature local wildflowers.
The church was deconsecrated to make way for a new, larger one and was headed for destruction until several individuals intent on preserving local history established the Landmarks Society and purchased the site and building in 1959. It has served as a schoolroom and town meeting hall and is now a popular setting for weddings, concerts and other memorable events.
We hope you enjoyed these photos and a little history. Please let us know
Melissa and Sean hail from New York by way of the Bay Area. They came back for their wedding and couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Their weddding was a day full of family (the groom's mother married the couple), friends (old and new) and love. The guests were stylish, the setting was gorgeous. The bar of candy, soft and vibrant flowers, and the steel drum band showed how much fun this couple is. Peter Bruce Photo & Video was happy to be there to capture their day.
See more photos below...
Old St. Hilary's, a little history...
Wildflowers surround Old St. Hilary's, Tiburon's iconic hillside landmark, which was originally a mission church named for St. Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers. The heirs of John Reed—who held title to El Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio, the Mexican land grant that included the Tiburon Peninsula—deeded the one-quarter acre site for $2 to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which built the church as a place of worship for local railroad workers in 1888.
The building is of significant architectural importance because it is one of the few remaining Carpenter Gothic churches to survive in its original setting. It is constructed of redwood, with redwood doors and a Douglas fir ceiling. Amber glass replaced the original stained glass windows after they were broken. The stained glass window above the door has been restored and depicts St. Hilary (fourth century), patron saint of scholars. It was a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Lyford.
The current electric lights are replicas of coal-oil chandeliers, which were lowered with ropes that brackets on the walls held in place. Heating and water are modern additions. Original furnishings include the white altar rail and two stands for statues on either side of the sanctuary, as well as the restored Stations of the Cross in the nave. A donor salvaged the cross from a church in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Most of the permanent furnishings are donations in honor of local residents. They include the concert piano and custom-made docent desk, chair and table, as well as oak pews that are reproductions of the originals. A group of local volunteers created the needlepoint pew cushions that feature local wildflowers.
The church was deconsecrated to make way for a new, larger one and was headed for destruction until several individuals intent on preserving local history established the Landmarks Society and purchased the site and building in 1959. It has served as a schoolroom and town meeting hall and is now a popular setting for weddings, concerts and other memorable events.
Landmarks Art & Garden Center a little history...
The property was part of the earliest settlement on the Tiburon Peninsula—John Reed's Mexican Land Grant, El Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio. The Cottage (c. 1870), believed to be the oldest structure on the Tiburon Peninsula, was originally a bunkhouse for workers at the Rancho's brick kilns in an area called the Hilarita, which was named for Hilarita Reed Lyford, heiress to the 1834 land grant. Working class homes and a dairy, which was located where Reed School is now, were part of the neighborhood as well.
When the Northwest Pacific Railroad came to Tiburon in 1884, it added a stop called Hilarita station to the tiny community. The trains served passengers and also carried bricks from the kilns to construction sites in the North Bay and to ferries for transport to San Francisco.
After the kilns stopped operating, and theo Rancho no longer needed to provide housing for workers, the Reed heirs expanded the bunkhouse and turned it into a residential cottage, which they rented to tenants. In 1944, artist William Newman and his wife Helen, an ardent conservationist, purchased the property and transformed the farmyard into a garden while preserving the historic house.
Fifty years later, Mrs. Newman bequeathed the property to the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society for use as an art center and to preserve the gardens. The society took on the task of restoring the cottage in typical farmhouse style and bringing it up to modern building codes, using rough-hewn materials from the original building as well as those of similar age.
The Newmans created the country garden and did most of the work themselves with guidance from a plan by Leland Noel, a noted landscape architect and botanist. The Landmarks Society preserved mature trees, shrubs and plants that had survived years of drought and neglect and made modifications to allow public use and accommodate current conservation practices. Master gardeners and volunteers planted the terraced acre with colorful flowerbeds and created restful vista points, and local residents contributed thousands of used bricks to complete the terraces and pathways.
The cast-iron bell at the side of the cottage was originally a fire bell for Belvedere Island, sounding the alarm to let firefighters know that their services were needed. When telephones came into vogue, operators began calling firefighters to alert them, and the bell found a new home at Belvedere School where it summoned children to class. It also chimed daily at 4 p.m. to tell children playing in the islands open spaces that it was time to go home. It now hangs from a farmyard post, and celebrants ring it to mark special occasions.
The lovely 5-foot-by-7-foot pagoda birdhouse is a Victorian garden folly that dates from the 1890s, a time when oriental objects were fashionable, and was a fixture in the garden at 207 Beach Road, Belvedere, for many years. Mindful of its history, the owners donated it to the Landmarks Society for preservation in the Art & Garden Center.
We hope you enjoyed these photos and a little history. Please let us know
