Signature Drinks

So your reception menu is finalised, and your dream wedding cake is designed, so naturally the next step is to focus on the types of drinks that will be served at your reception. We all know the stock standards are your beer, wines, champagnes and soft drinks, but why not mix it up a little, and serve a ‘Signature Drink’. Signature Drinks are becoming more and more popular at wedding receptions and it is a great personal touch to your bar menu. So what is a Signature Drink? It is usually a form of cocktail, which stars either your favourite liquor, may match with your colour scheme or just sounds incredibly delicious! If you are particularly budget conscious, this is a great addition to the standards of beer, wine and champagne, rather than having an open bar. Here are some of my favourites to get your mouth watering!

1. Something Blue

Ingredients: Blue Curacao, White Wine & Ginger Ale

Method: Build the ingredients in a champagne flute. Serve & enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

2. Blushing Bride

Ingredients: Peach Schnapps, Grenadine & Champagne

Method: Pour the Schnapps & Grenadine into a champagne flute. Top with Champagne.

Image Courtesy of thatsthespirit.com

3. The Newlyweds

Ingredients: Gin, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Fresh pineapple, Fresh ginger, Soda

Method: Muddle fruit and add remaining ingredients, except the soda. Shake hard and strain into tall ice filled glass. Add fizz and garnish with pineapple leaf and pineapple wedge.

Image Courtesy of thatsthespirit.com

4. Frangelico Caipiroska

Ingredients: Frangelico, Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Lime, Raw Sugar

Method: Muddle the lime and sugar in the bottom of a tumbler glass. Add all other ingredients, fill with crushed ice and stir gently.

Image Courtesy of Dan Murphy’s

Mum’s 50th Surprise Party

On Saturday night my husband and I hosted my gorgeous Mummy’s 50th Surprise Birthday. I had been planning it since January, and thankfully everything went perfectly and my Mum was most definitely surprised! The night was an absolute blast and I thought I would share some of the photos with you! I might just add briefly that the Lolly Buffet was an absolute hit (my Dad was a bit skeptical!) it was demolished in minutes!!!All photos are courtesy of Ross Duffy. Thanks Ross for capturing the evening!

 

Lolly Buffet Sneak Peak

So I am working on a Lolly Buffet for this coming weekend, and I thought I would share with you all a piccy of one of the completed jars – just need to add the lollies! I am excited, I hope it turns out like the image I have in my mind! I will share more pictures with you after the weekend.

Wedding Vendor Wednesday – First Class Weddings and Events

South-East Queensland Brides, this one is for you! If you are looking for a wedding and event specialist to make your dream wedding a reality, the you must look no further than First Class Weddings and Events.

First Class Weddings and Events is the boutique business of Lisa Casablanca. Originally founded in 2005, First Class Weddings and Events was relaunched in March 2011 are a one and a half year break from the industry.

As the name suggests, First Class Weddings and Events offers an exceptional caliber of work through their personalised, professional and creative service provided to their clients. With Lisa’s amazing 16 years in the wedding and events industry, she has completed over 400 individual weddings and events!

I love that the vision of First Class Weddings and Events is forever changing and evolving through the experiences gained from every event that Lisa and the team bring to life. You really are in safe hands with their high attention to detail, keen eye for perfection and quality services and products for their clients. You won’t be disappointed with your decision to have First Class Weddings and Events involved in the planning of your very special day.

First Class Weddings and Events can assist with every aspect of your wedding including wedding planning, decor, stationery, flowers, candy buffets and so much more. The national, multi-award winning wedding specialist services most of the South-East Queensland district including Brisbane, Samford, Bribie Island,  Redcliffe, Sunshine Coast, Maleny,  Montville ,Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

To find out more information, or to get in touch with First Class Weddings and Events, email firstclassevents@bigpond.com.au

Images Courtesy of First Class Weddings and Events

Endless Summer Inspiration Shoot

Towards the end of last year, I was lucky enough to play a small part in an amazing “Endless Summer” Inspiration Shoot, captured by the very talented Lillie Brennan from Shutter and Lace Photography. The shoot was organised by Savor The Moment Wedding Planning, which included a group of wonderfully talented wedding professionals.  Rosamund House & Wedding Gardens was the setting for the shoot on a very warm November afternoon. The idea behind the concept of the shoot came from Lillie, which she described as “Summer with a 50’s twist”. The gorgeous Lynette Day Designs’ headpiece’ that I wore on my own wedding day was borrowed for the shoot. When Nikki from Savor The Moment Wedding Planning put a call out for a headpiece, I knew it would be perfect. It really was fabulous to be a part of this photo shoot and see the veil used again. It broke my heart to to think it could be sitting in a box for a lifetime. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the faces behind Brisbane’s ever growing wedding community. The photo shoot was featured on Polka Dot Bride in early February. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Photographer: Shutter & Lace Photography / Gowns: Element of Style Bridal & Formal Wear/ Flowers & Decor: Green & Bloom Wedding Flowers / Cake Baker: The Flour Girl / Jewerelly:Lisa Daniels Design / Makeup Artist: Michelle West Airbrush Makeup Artist / Hairstylist:Lucie Grevell of Bella Brides / Bride’s Veil/Hair Accessories: SMD Weddings Blog / Invitations & Stationery: Leaky Boat Design / Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Savor The Moment Wedding Planning / Venue: Rosamund House & Wedding Gardens

Endless Summer…

Today is offically the last day of summer. To celebrate I thought I would share a photo with you from a photo shoot that was recently featured on Polka Dot Bride, which I had a very small part in towards the end of 2011 with Shutter & Lace Photography and Savor The Moment Wedding Planning. The photos turned out amazingly and it was great to meet so many wonderful people in the industry. More  photos and the details on the shoot will be shared on the blog soon! Enjoy!

Ombre Love

Ombre seems to be one of the hottest wedding trends for 2012. Ombre is French for ‘shaded’. It usually incorporates multicoloured stripes with colours that graduate from light to dark. I am completely in love this trend, so thought I would pull together some Ombre inspiration for you all.

1. How fabulous are these stunning Elizabeth Cole Jewelry Earings

2. This green ombre Kanzashi Flower Brooch/Corsage is adorable, handmade by Cuttlefishlove

3. This Maggie Austin cake is to die for! Check out the attention to detail.

4.This beautiful Jason Grech White Gown is amazing.

5. I love this different take on the ombre theme. Image via The Finer Things Events Planning.

6.These ombre detailed cookies would make the cutest favors! Image via The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle

7. What a fabulous way to take this theme to the reception. I just love this table centrepiece courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Polka Dot Bride – Showers, Parties, Brunches – A Girls Guide

Just a brief post yo share with you another guest article that went live for Polka Dot Bride today (I was a busy  girl on the holidays). Check out my post on a Girls Guide to Showers, Parties and Brunches – the celebratory events leading up to and after the wedding!

Monday Inspiration: Unique Table Centrepieces

So Monday is here yet again and to beat my Monday morning blues, I thought I would compile some photos of unique centrepiece ideas that I just love. Hopefully this will brighten your morning like it did mine!

1. I have featured this image before on the blog. The master Preston Bailey features this fabulous DIY Centrepiece idea on his blog.

Image via Great Wedding Finds

2. For the lover of candles, why not try this fabulous idea as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings. Achieve an eye catching centrepiece using different sized pillar candles. Your options are endless and would suit any colour choice.

3. For something a little bit more personal, why not try photo jars. This is a fab DIY idea, and the look can be achieved with various sized jars. This one has also been feautred on Preston’s blog.

Image via Roni Yaniv

4. If you have gone down the path of an eco friendly wedding, I just love the thought of a pot/basket of fresh herbs as a centrepiece. Imagine the smell! They can also be reused or gifted after the wedding.

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

5. If you are after something a little more ‘old-fashioned’ and happen to have a whole pile of old tea tins lying around the house (or can get your hands on plenty), fill them with beautiful flowers and there you have it, a charming centrepiece!

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

2012 Wedding Gown Trend – The Illusion Neckline

If you are after a gown that screams romantic elegance and class, then a gown with an illusion neckline, may just be for you. The illusion style neckline is best thought of as a “strapless gown, with coverage”. Often featuring a sheer, delicate layer of fabric that can include lace and embellishments, the illusion neckline covers the area of your decolletage and back, that would normally be exposed when wearing a strapless gown. The style has been spotted all over the runway, and has been a hit with designers like Vera Wang, Collette Dinnigan and Henry Roth! Below are some of my favourite Illusion Neckline gowns, to inspire the mind!

1. At number one, Collette Dinnigan takes the cake, with her ‘Lattice Pearls’ creation from her True Romance Collection. The neckline is to die for and is so unique. Love love love!

2. In second place, the always amazing Henry Roth, with the gown ‘Kara’. The a-line gown is rocking a 50’s inspired, raised sheer lace boat neckline. Stunning!

3. In third place, Marchesa have ticked a few of the 2012 wedding dress trend boxes with this gorgeous knee length embroidered tulle gown. I just love the flirty feather skirt!

4. Maggie Sottero, gives the illusion neckline the one shoulder treatment with her gown ‘Bernadine’. The attention to detail on the bodice is complete with Swarovski Crystal embellished lace. Exquisite!

5. Coming in fifth place is the amazing ‘Henriette’ by Vera Wang. The high neck, cap-sleeve gown with floating lace appliques, creates the perfect illusion neckline!

..and just for the extra bit of eye candy, in case you missed it, Holly Branson recently got hitched in a Jane Hill gown, that takes another twist on the illusion neckline. Loving this dress!

Image Courtesy of Best of Dress