Happy Pride!

 
 

 







 










 





 
Hat: gift from my grandmother, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters Shirt: PACSUN,
Trousers: J.Crew, Satchel: Mexico, Shoes: Vans
 

Dear Viewers,

Sunday morning and we are ready to hit the streets for the Pride Parade madness! The parade starts at 10:30 and we arrive just minutes before to squeeze our way to the front. The celebration of gay pride is held all over the world, but San Francisco is recognized as the largest parade gathering of LGBT people in the nation! Therefore it is expected to be spectacular and more grandiose each and every year. Throughout the event, there are vehicles decorated with lavishing amounts of glitter and rainbow flags. Participants in the parade are either walking, standing on the floats, biking, or being chauffered. Those that were able to participate in the actual parade, were people who belonged to non-profit groups and organizations that belong to the city of San Francisco. As well as the SFPD and SFFD, along with counsel men and woman, and there is almost always a few celebrity guest who come to be a part of the extravaganza.

The weather was beautiful that day, the sun was shining bright and everyone was in shorts and tank tops. I made sure to lather my sunscreen, and dressed for the rays of beaming sun light. It is equally important to wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack whatever you need for hydration (who knows how much the street vendors will charge you for a plastic water bottle)
My favorite float of them all was the People for the Ethical of Animals (PETA) organization. This organization is devoted in protecting the rights and wellness for animals. The attendees are dressed up in animal body suits who stand on the float, while the others are walking around with a two piece vegetable bustier and an applique of vegetable bathing suit bottoms. Plus they always hand out awesome stickers to go along with their theme, in which I predominately look forward to the most.

What was more so pleasant to see, was that everyone was gleaming with happiness. Four days before pride it was declared by the Supreme Court that California would accept and allow same sex marriages. Without getting into a political tangent, this lead to an outcry of protestors in a state of celebration and glee. Therefore pride was filled with merriment of newlyweds of the same sex. Flaunting their wedding rings, dressed in there matching tux or equally flattering wedding dresses, the couples looked tre fab! It was lovely to see so many so people gathered to contribute to the appreciation of equality.  
Essentially that is what it comes down too. Being able to be who are and not care what society has to say or think, is the motive. With embrace and confidence, anyone should be comfortable in their own skin and not be discriminated against whom they believe they are. Therefore I stand as a proud activist in saying that I am proud to be who I am, and love my friends and family for who they are. Wouldn't it be blissful if we live in a no judge world or economy…okay, okay I know, ya it may take a while to get there. However in due time, without laws and regulations we will all someday have the same freedom. After reading this post, please remember, that being Gay is O.K.(listen to what Mauricio proudly proclaims to us all) Happy Pride!

Ciao Ciao!

San Francisco Pride Week




 

 







PITSTOP.com

Jacket: Gap, Dress: Crossroads Trading Co., Satchel: ALDO, Sandals: ALDO




 
The Castro Theater


Dear Viewers,

Meet Mauricio, my beloved whom I dedicate this feature too. Mauricio is from Mexico City and is studying abroad at the Academy of Art University. Considering that both Mauri and I are majoring in the same subject, we met in one of our classes at the beginning of the second semester. He is a great friend and the sweetest fella! Now that summer has approached and June is the month of Gay Pride, Mauri and I decided to get a head start in celebrating one of the biggest events in San Francisco. For those who are unaware of what the Gay pride festival is, it is an event that is held to celebrate the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender people everywhere! To get ready for the celebratory parade and festival to come, alongside Market St. the city decorates the tall sidewalk light polls with big rainbow flags. The Castro, notorious for its friendly gay community is a hot spot for this week’s go to events and night life.

One event in particular that Mauri and I were drawn to was the Frameline37 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. Pit Stop was the movie of choice, and 4:30 pm was when the film began. Now, everyone who lives in San Francisco knows the Castro Theater, but if you don’t, it is one out of  many San Francisco’s historical landmarks. The theater hosts countless events, movie screenings, and film festivals.

It was both Mauri’s and I first time at the theater. Considering I have only been living in the city for 6 months, I have yet to explore it all. None the less, once we were seated, the film was introduced by its very own director, Yen Ten. This was equally exciting because little did we know, but it was the films first showing in San Francisco! Therefore, actor’s and production crew were there to celebrate the premier. First thing I said to myself is, I am definitely getting a picture and talking to Yen after the movie! I won’t give the whole movie away, but in brief the story revolves around the life of two men trapped in their previous love affairs. Ernesto struggles emotionally with the will to get over his ex-boyfriend who lives with him, meanwhile sits at the bedside of an ex-lover who is in a coma. Gabe, who has a daughter and still lives at home with his ex-wife-Shannon-try’s to find the strength to start dating again. This movie is breathtaking in the sense that Yen captures reality in the lives of gay relationships. Although the movie was short, as are many independent films, it felt as though Yen told just enough to get his point across. Pit Stop, was intense with passion and feeling, I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who is interested in watching something real and heartwarming. The end is the best part, because it really ties up what an audience spectator would anticipate to see. As far as, typically how we would want a story to end, you know, like happily ever after.

I was happy to get a photograph and congratulate director Yen and actor Marcus DeAnda-who plays Ernesto. Mauricio was equally exciting to share this experience with me, and even got a little conversation in with Marcus, oh la la! Some scenes are more intense than others, and very emotional throughout. Check out the trailer here, PITSTOP.com.

As the sun was setting slowly, and the weather was cooling down, Mexican cuisine felt like the ultimatum that would conclude our adventure in the Castro. Thumbs up to La Tortilla and their refreshing jarritos! Although I wasn’t hungry, Mauri went ahead and enjoyed a hardy chicken quesadilla-he was happy to get a little taste of home!

Part 2 of SF pride week is in progress, and on its way!


Ciao Ciao!
 

Kyle & Brenda Patterson

Sunol Valley Golf Course








Treasure by Maggie Sottero











Hair and makeup done by the Beauty Lounge








Yes, I cut my hair! I was inspired by Nicole Richie, Amelie Poulain and Miroslava Duma.












Dress:Salt Lake Pretty Dress in Water from ModCloth, LipStick: Russian Red by MAC, Purse: Thrifted from Savers, Shoes: Steve Madden, Glasses: Urban Outfitters







Congradulations Mr. and Mrs. Patterson!


Amethyst Calla Lily bridal bouquet.


The beautiful bride!

Dear Viewers,
It has been seven lovely years that couple, Kyle and Brenda decided to take their vows as husband and wife. The moment everyone found out about the proposal, we were overjoyed and already asking about wedding plans. I haven’t been to a wedding for quite some time. In fact, I believe the last time I attended a ceremony to a wedding, I was in one-as a flower girl. I couldn’t wait to get dolled up and feature her grandiose extravaganza on the blog!

The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Sunol Valley Golf Course. The day was beautiful and perfect for the outside liturgy. It was like a scene from 27 Dresses with Katherine Heighl, where every wedding she goes too is decadent and whimsical. You know when you go to weddings, and you see the setup and floral décor, it gives you more of an anticipation to see what the bride looks like. You see the groom come out, and yes he looks dapper, but who we really want to feast our eyes on is the bride. That was just it, not long after our prompt arrival; we were greeted by friends and family-that have been lost acquaintances. When the groom stepped down, next to the pastor where he would accept his bride, everyone stood in the presence of Brenda’s walk down the aisle. Accompanied by both her father and mother. What was honest and true about this ceremony was that it had intentions of a traditional wedding, but was personalized with their own ceremonial and religious beliefs. Brenda looked so beautiful, I was completely googly eyed over her tres vintage form fitted frock. She was a classic Latina bride, with a loose swooped updo, and a romantic subtle application of makeup. Stunning, to say the least! The dress was most memorable, it is what sets the icing on the cake, and it is what pleases the mood and is the talk of the evening. Brenda chose a fabulous Maggie Sottero vintage number, and wore it like a princess. The blush ivory lace overlay, and drop waist fitted gown was gorge! I say to Brenda, I am obsessed; the full length lace makes it look vintage! She responds with an obvious reply of, “It is!” Ugh, what a marvel her dress was, and what a beautiful woman who chose to wear it. Or is it the other way around? I was told the dress chooses you…I don’t know, but in this case, the dress was made for her.

After the ceremony followed the reception, followed the three course dinner, followed by dancing, wine, and a night of fun! Upon walking to your assigned seating table, you are greeted by a purple dim lit venue, giving you that romantic glam type of aura. I have no problem with feeling romantic or glamorous, and I am sure the guest wouldn’t oblige. The center pieces were beautiful, with high vases topped with a bouquet of hydrangeas and orchids (by the way, I had all intentions in taking home the bouquet). The night flourished into a dance fest of liquored guest in merry celebration for Brenda and Kyle.

It is always nice to conjoin with old friends and family to support, and come together for a special moment in someone’s life. Big gatherings-such as a wedding’s-could lead you to bumping into a cousin or aunt that you have been parted with for years. Even though you may be hesitant to attend, I say go for it! To be forward, the day is not about you, the day is about the significant other whom you both love very much. That is what matters, and who knows, you could rekindle a long lost friendship! Visit the Mr. and Mrs. Patterson’s website here if you wish to have a further look at wedding ideas and planning!
xx,
Ciao Ciao








Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)