Archive for September, 2010
What’s the best treat after cake and a large meal?
An international Coffee Station. Amaretto and Baileys. Since today is a cool rainy day, and sometimes it rains on wedding dazes – hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream is an absolute must.
Must have hot chocolate on a day like today.
Or a hot chocolate station.
YUM!
Not talking the Swiss Miss Stuff – I mean the real Stuff, with REAL whipped cream.
- 6 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbs sugar
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups light cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Cinnamon, whipped cream and orange zest
You could totally make a station out of it. It’s unique and pretty. A treat for all to enjoy!
Don’t let a rainy day get you down!
Happy planning
It can look effortless and still stunning. It’s the small things which make the greatest impact.
The Square Plate
The Rectangular Table
The Small Details That Make your Wedding Unique
These are from a collection of our Real Weddings!
Happy planning!
Thanks to a bunch of wonderful Washington DC Photographers – Dawn Bernard, Rodney Bailey, and Rachel Smith
I would suppose that I have a sweet tooth this morning. Typically not into chocolate – at all. But this does sound delicious – and contributes to the betterment of society – so I thought I would share it with you…
By buying these chocolates, you are supporting a better life for farmers and their families through fair prices, direct trade, community development and environmental stewardship.
They look so good but it’s way to early in the AM.
I found these fair trade bits of deliciousness at Dream Green Weddings. They not only offer favors but so much more. Check them out!
Happy eco-friendly favor shopping!
A oldie but goody. This song would be beautiful in a ceremony.
Sung either by a professional soloist or duet – would be lovely.
Happy planning!
Cranberries are great components for a fall or winter inspired wedding.
Check an idea I found from Martha Stewart.
Mulled Cranberry Cider
- 9 1/2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 6 cinnamon sticks, plus 12 more for garnish
- 8 star anise
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 3 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 18 slices)
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- One 375-milliliter bottle port
- 12 thinly sliced kumquat rounds, 6 to 8 kumquats for garnish optional
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except port and kumquats. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat. Cover, and let steep until ready to serve, up to 1 day.
- Just before serving, add port to mixture in saucepan, and bring to a simmer; do not boil. Keep warm over low heat while serving. Strain and divide among glasses, and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and kumquat slice, if desired.
We are all about simple here.
Simple – not cheap.
There is a difference. Simple can be very very expensive. It depends how you do it. It’s a look and feel throughout the entire event. We wholeheartedly believe in high quality. We like well thought out -and well put together. These are two qualities that are essential for an elegant wedding – in my humble opinion.
In the end, it’s not price that matters, but the result.
When I find something that’s truly simple and elegant, of course I must post it here.
Take a look at this…
Absolutely lovely.
Jeanne Ha and the team at Park Florist do a fabulous job! Fabulous. The Wedding director, Bethany, is absolutely wonderful – and a joy to work with. They are rare in that they work individually with each client. Each client is important and they take the time to get it right.
Happy planning!
Yesterday, I went with a couple to Stronga Yoga. Have you ever heard of it? The space is unbelievable. Amazing! There is so much you can do with the space.
But I digress.
Anyhow, they are not a client – well not really. They are thinking about using this space for their 2011 wedding, but wanted to know the implications. What do I mean? This beautiful space is not all inclusive. You have to bring in everything – and there are a few challenges. They hired me to walk though and give them my professional opinion – before they commit.
How Zen of them, no?
Really, this couple is “on the ball”! By spending a bit of money in the beginning, they now have a realistic view of what they are about to undertake. In the end, they will actually – save money.
How could this be? Spending money to save money?
Interesting concept.
9.8 out of 10 times, when I meet the couple, it’s too late. They have already invested (maybe unwisely – but they didn’t know it at the time) in an amazing site. They then go onto their caterer search and find out the realities of life.
Ugh. I hate that.
I mean, if you are planning on 150 guests, rent a site that’s $6,000.00 and have a $15,000.00 budget – that’s not going to work – no matter how much you squint.
So, by taking a look at the site before hand with a professional and spending $150 bucks, you now have to power to prioritize (realistically) and decide what you are willing to cut or no to cut – eliminating the – I went over my budget by $15,000.00 routine. $150 to save $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 is not a bad investment, no?
Yes?
Saving the greenbacks – that’s as eco-friendly as you can get!
Happy planning!
What can I say. I’m a little haphazard lately.
I will get back on track.
However, I did want to post this lovely song by Jason Marz. What a lovely choice for ceremony or reception. Check it out!
Maybe a processional? First dance?
It’s a little long, but a good DJ or band can cut it short.
Happy planning!
Very very popular at weddings, this signature drink is a staple. If you want something nice and refreshing for a summer wedding – this might be the perfect choice.
You really could do whatever you wanted to make this drink fit your wedding. I’ve seen it blueberry and peach and all kinds colors and flavors. You can even add ginger for a bit of bite. It could be on the rocks or frozen depending on the abilities of your bartender.
Whatever works for you, this drink could probably be adapted.
The best thing to do is to bring some alcohol to your tasting and try with your food. If you choose your signature drink too late, do not fret. Mix it up yourself! YUM!
You know me, you must try first!
<wink>
Here’s a luscious ginger recipe from Tyler Florence
Ginger Simple Syrup
1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger – with skin
2 cups suger
2 cups cold water
Peach Puree
10 oz semi-frozen peaches
1/2 cup ginger simple syrup
For Serving:
Ice Cubes
1 bottle of Champagne – Prosecco might be a better choice.
Directions: Begin by making the ginger simple syrup. Peel and grate the ginger. Add it together with the sugar and cold water to a saucepan. Bring it to the boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, discard ginger pieces and set simple syrup aside.
In a blender add frozen peaches and ginger simple syrup. Blend until completely pureed then place into the refrigerator to cool.
For serving:
Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and fill half way with peach puree. Top off with Champagne and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into Champagne glasses and repeat process as needed.
Thanks Tyler!
Happy planning!
There is nothing more important to us than our clients. We strive to make our client’s happy and it warms our hearts when we receive an un-requested testimonial.
This one is special because it says so much. I wanted to share it with you.
Lisa Nelson has the calm presence of a therapist and the organization of a NASA launch team. Her very reasonable fee was the best money I spent on my daughter’s wedding.
I was initially reluctant to engage a “day of coordinator,” believing myself to be a well-organized person who could accomplish the same thing. However, from the moment I decided to hire Lisa, I realized how much more smoothly everything would run and how liberated I would be from the pressures of directing things on the day of the wedding. With Lisa coordinating, every member of the wedding party was fully able to be present in the moment, and not looking at their watch or giving orders. Also, Lisa brought a wealth of experience that I lacked. She ensured that details I had not even thought of were covered. Her timeline brought order and calm to a very packed day by allowing adequate time for everything.
When difficulties and misunderstandings arose with our venue in the final two weeks, Lisa was an invaluable consigliere and go-between. I always knew she was on our side and would do everything she could to produce, in every detail, the wedding we envisioned.
Late in the process, we worried that we would need a replacement for our officiant. Lisa’s familiarity with clergy to provide interfaith weddings enabled us to relax in the knowledge that a back-up plan would be found if needed. (It wasn’t.) Three days before the wedding, we feared we would need a rental chuppah to replace the hand-crafted one the father of the bride had built. Once again, Lisa calmly devised a Plan B, which, happily, we need not need.
Although the service we contracted for is called “day of coordination,” Lisa provided so much more than that. In addition to directing the rehearsal with a gentle touch, responding immediately to scores of emails, interfacing smoothly with other vendors, devising a detailed timeline with room to breathe, and bringing breakfast to the wedding party, Lisa came to a dry-run at our home to learn how to set up our chuppah and brought her characteristic calm to the situation when unexpected problems arose.
Lisa provides a fabulous service in the most professional way possible. Her calm, low-key personality spreads serenity at a time of stress. I cannot recommend her services highly enough.
Eileen
Thank you to everyone who allows us to help them with their most treasured moments!
Happy planning!
