Havana is a city that is alive. It is alive in so many ways. Every where you turn there are people. They are talking at their front doors to their neighbors, they are playing soccer in the street, they are walking home from picking up groceries, they are dancing, singing, laughing, loving. That time-warp you may have heard of, yep, it’s no joke. The facade of the grand old hotels, homes, churches, and businesses truly a sight to be seen. The beauty of European style grand architecture is predominant but the Caribbean flare is real. The ceilings are high, the doors are grand, the detail is exquisite, and the colors are vibrant, just like the island.

Classic cars pass you at every street, horses ride on the cobblestone roads of Old Havana. And did I mention the people? I was only there less than a week but I fell in love with the people. They are some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. Their joy and love is genuine. They have a zest for life that I haven’t seen since I was a very young girl. I’m a little old fashioned at times and there was something magical about seeing all the people outside, living life, and not stuck in their own small cyber-world.

While in Cuba attending a workshop, I was able to get to know some of the most extraordinary people, from our make up artist and the other workshop attendees, to our mentors, the models, our taxi driver, tour guide, and producer. They were all phenomenal and I think back on my time there with so much love. They each had an impact on me and will always be remembered with so much fondness. I cannot say enough good things about this place. ¡Viva Cuba libre!

VENDORS: photos : BECCA BORG of REBECCA BORG PHOTOGRAPHY  ||  styling & floral design : DEBBIE HEMINGWAY || models: CARLA GUIARDINU REYES and JAVIER GALLESTEY  ||  hair and makeup : JOYCE CONNOR  ||  film scans: RICHARD PHOTO LAB  || Dresses: Grace Loves Lace | Claire Pettibone | Rime Arodaky| Grace Loves Lace|| workshop leaders: Debbie Hemingway, Jeannemarie Photography, Matthew Ree Photography || Ring: TRUMPET & HORN || CALLIGRAPHY: Ally Gambol & Carmela Corsivo || CONTRIBUTORS: Style Me Pretty | Burnett’s Boards || Decor: Silk and Willow | Creative Candles | Renaissance Albums