Why You Need A Signature Cocktail at Your Wedding

Are you looking for a unique way to jazz up your reception without spending any extra cash? A great way to add a personal touch without adding to your bill is a signature drink! There are many wedding bar options, if you are unsure of them, take a look at this Wedding Bar 101 post which breaks down the positives and negatives of all you wedding bar choices in order to ensure you choose the right fit for you!  No matter which option you choose, a signature drink can always be incorporated and makes things fun.  Below are a few cocktail ideas for the upcoming Spring 2017 wedding season!

• Pink Grapefruit Ginger– This cocktail includes selections that are popular on the cocktail scene at the moment – Gin, Pink Grapefruit, Ginger Ale, Lemon
• Blood Orange Mimosa– It doesn’t have to be brunch for a mimosa on a refreshing spring day – Sparkling Wine, Fresh blood orange juice
• Blueberry Orange Smash– A twist of fresh fruit in a bourbon cocktail – Blueberries, Bourbon, Orange Bitters, Vanilla

These are just a few options to get the ideas flowing.  You could also incorporate your theme into the signature drinks or even your wedding colors.  When it comes to cocktails, the possibilities are endless!

Bonus tip: if you have already decided on having an open bar during your reception a signature cocktail can be created and incorporated into your event for no extra charge at all!  Alcohol is no cheap commodity, so if you decided to splurge on the open bar, you might as well make the most of it!  Most caterers will create special cocktails unique to your event without charging you extra for this service because the liquor is already part of your bar package.  Now that’s a win-win!

Happy Wedding Planning!

Autumn Wedding Inspiration

Fall is a gorgeous time of year for weddings, there seems to be a romantic charge to the air as the weather begins to cool. One of mine, and many others, favorite things about fall is the seasonal harvest and by that I mean, the food!  This time of year brings us so many mouthwatering food options so why not use them to our wedding planning advantage?!  If you are looking to celebrate the season at your wedding, below is some fall foodie inspiration for all stages of the evening!

• Hors D’oeuvres:
  Whether you are opting for passed hors d’oeuvres or plated displays, there are tons of delicious and fun fall inspired options!  For passed hors d’oeuvres think baked mac & cheese bites, deviled eggs, sliders, bourbon glazed meatballs, bleu cheese mousse stuffed figs, and bacon wrapped dates.  For appetizer displays, seasonal fruit is always a favorite, the display is not only delicious but will add a great pop of color. There are also endless rustic bread options that can include a wide array of apple butters, jams and honey.

• Cocktails:
  Don’t forget the fall drinks for cocktail hour!  Anything with spice, maple or apple will put a delicious autumn twist on an ordinary cocktail.  For example, apple sangria, maple bourbon cocktails, hot buttered rum or anything with cinnamon.

• Stations:
  Stations have become very popular this past year and there is plenty of reason for it. If you are looking for a mix and mingle or cozy and less formal atmosphere, this is a great way to mix it up! Some unique and seasonal stations include a chili bar, caramel apple station, or soup bar.

• Dessert:
  Passing mini desserts can be a fun way to show off sweet fall flavors and provide an original end to the evening. It doesn’t get much cuter than passed mini caramel apples or mini pumpkin pies.  Other fall dessert displays include donuts and apple cider, brown sugar cupcakes, chocolate bourbon cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, rustic pies and mini pumpkin cheesecakes.  Keep in mind, you could also easily turn any of these dessert ideas into your favors instead!

These are just a few ideas to turn up the theme of your wedding and match your food to the season. While a lot of weddings concentrate on the décor for their theme, sometimes the food ideas can be what is most memorable and talked about for years to come.  Happy wedding planning!

Must-Have Flavors to Include in Your Fall Wedding Menu

Fall is finally here and with it comes a ton of tasty things many of us wait all year to enjoy! Here are some easy and delicious ways to incorporate a touch of autumn into your wedding day dishes.

Salad Flavors: Cranberry & Pumpkin Seeds
Nothing says fall more than cranberry and pumpkin! These items are the perfect addition to hearty greens like kale and spinach. Take a classic spinach and almond salad and add some fresh cranberries for a fall accent, or take it a step further and try our favorite Autumn Kale Salad!  For this delicious salad favorite, take fresh kale tossed in olive oil and lemon juice then top with shredded carrots and cucumber. For the finish, drizzle a semi-sweet dressing, such as champagne vinaigrette, and top it off with dried cranberries and roasted pumpkin seeds to add just the right amount of fall flair!

Entrée Flavors: Fig & Honey
Throwing in the sweetness of fig and honey will instantly transform your meal into a fall favorite! We love fig and honey glazed chicken accompanied by a quinoa and squash side. If you are looking for something a little less traditional, this dish can easily be converted into sliders which pair great with sweet potato fries.  Whether you choose a plated or buffet style reception, you can easily work these fall flavors into your menu and your guests will love them!

Dessert Flavors: Cinnamon &  Nutmeg
Whether you are looking for a second dessert option or something in lieu of cake entirely, choose something with cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices are the go-to addition to any autumn sweets recipe. A dessert we can’t stop dreaming about is Gingerbread S’mores! Simply substitute gingerbread cookies for the graham cracker, then get the marshmallows and chocolate ready! Since this involves high temperatures, your caterer will typically have an attendant at the station to assist guests, but it is well worth it, guests of all ages will be going crazy over this delicious dessert!

It is no secret that the fall season and weddings go hand-in-hand.  Not only is autumn the perfect wedding season but it is also amazing for planning a menu, the most delicious flavors and treats are in full swing during the fall months so be sure to take advantage of them.  Happy wedding planning!

5 Chic & Unique Summer Wedding Cocktails

Are you considering having a signature cocktail on your wedding day?  Whether you are thinking of creating one on your own or just looking for something delicious, here are some great recipes that will be sure to please your guests and beat the heat!

Sullivan Street Sour
This is a twist on the Disarrono Sour that uses cherry juice to pull out the sweet notes in the Disarrono.
Ingredients:
– 5oz Disaronno Liqueur
– 2oz Fresh-pressed lemon juice
– 1oz Simple syrup
– .5oz Cherry juice

Frida Tequila
This drink is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The mild spice of the jalapeno compliments the sweetness of the agave and the fruitiness of the watermelon.
Ingredients:
– 5oz Jalapeno- Infused Tequila
– 2oz of watermelon puree
– .5oz Fresh Lime Juice
– .75oz Simple syrup
– Lime garnish

Blackberry Mint Julep
This is a nice twist on a classic drink. The addition of the blackberries makes this drink extremely refreshing and tasty!
Ingredients:
– 2oz Bourbon
– .5oz Chambord
– .75oz Fresh Lime Juice
– .5oz muddled blackberries6 mint leaves

Shaken Lemonade
Lemonade is a summer staple. Try sprucing it up a bit with your favorite vodka, some bubbles for extra zest , and lovely garnish!
Ingredients:
– 2oz vodka
– 2oz lemon juice
– 2 oz club soda
– 2 Rosemary Sprigs for garnish

Grapefruit Goddess
This drink is super feminine and light. Its blush color pleases the eye while the sweet- sour taste pleases your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 1oz citrus flavored vodka
– 1oz grapefruit juice
– .5oz Amontillado Sherry
– .5oz honey syrup
– Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Don’t be afraid to stray away from the traditional mixed drinks and create something completely your own.  Having a signature drink at your wedding will give your guests another way to remember your special day and keep them talking about it for months to come.  Even if you aren’t big on alcohol, or maybe you have a lot of younger guests attending, you can also create a signature “Mocktail” for all of those non-alcohol drinkers to still enjoy the experience of your unique beverage creation!  Alcohol or not, your guests are sure to enjoy your special day and all the deliciousness that comes with it.  As always, happy wedding planning!

Workouts and Recipes to get you Wedding Day Ready

There is a lot to plan and prepare for your wedding, and I’m not just talking about linens, DJs and flowers. It is common to hear about people wanting to get in shape for their big day. It’s the one day even the most anti-gym people express they want to look and feel great. There’s only one problem – gyms can be expensive!  And diets have a bad reputation for consisting of bland and meager “meals”.  But wait, I have good news for you!  You don’t have to starve or run yourself into the ground to look and feel great on your wedding day – the secret is taking care of yourself and staying active on your own time. It might be hard to get started, but I am here to help make it a little easier. Here are three of my favorite fitness blogs, as well as some of their featured recipes to help you get wedding ready. Did I mention you don’t have to pay a membership fee to gain access to all these great things? Finally, something for your wedding that DOESN’T cost you anything!

1. Breakfast with Blogilates
This social media sweetheart will get your body moving and heart pumping in no time! Known for encouraging healthy lifestyles and fun workouts, Cassey Ho has created multiple types of workouts for all interests. She has a lot of great recipes and resources to help you feel great for your big day. Here is one of my favorite breakfast recipes:

Berry Crunch Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1 cup quick cook dry oats
2 tbsp dried cranberries
Few raspberries
2 cups hot water
2 tbsp honey Greek yogurt
1 tbsp pistachios
Honey or agave (for extra sweetness)
Directions:
1. Combine oats and dried cranberries in a bowl with hot water. Stir together. They will cook in the bowl.
2. Put a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
3. Top with pistachios, raspberries, and honey.

Pair it with a workout to wake up your abs:
http://www.blogilates.com/blog/video/extreme-abs-3-intense-at-home-ab-workout-for-flat-abs/

2. Lunch with Tone It Up
Fitness duo Karena and Katrina have mastered the art of hybrid workouts. They even have their own line of protein shakes! Whether you want to get results fast with HIIT, or stretch it out with some yoga, they have the perfect workout for you. Try this delicious lunch recipe:

Strawberry Fields BIKINI Wrap
Ingredients:
1-2 collard greens
4-6 oz grilled chicken
1 Tbs red onion, chopped
3 strawberries
2 Tbs fresh mint, chopped
Drizzle agave
Directions:
Lay all ingredients in your collard green. Wrap up and enjoy!

 Pair it with a great kettle ball workout:
https://www.toneitup.com/workouts/new-workout-bikini-kettle-band/

3. Dinner with Fit Blender
Daniel and Kelli describe themselves as “a husband and wife team of personal trainers on a shoe string budget.” They are strong advocates for living a healthy, active lifestyle, no matter your budget. They know first-hand what it is like to try and fit a workout into your schedule – they both juggled full time jobs while growing their fitness brand.  Try this delicious stir fry recipe for dinner:

Garlic Basil Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients:
1 onion
1.5 cups carrots
10 mushrooms
2 celery stalks
1.5 cup corn
1 zucchini
1 head of broccoli
1 lb mung bean sprouts
2 chicken breasts, diced (or vegan/vegetarian options; see below)
3 Tbsp cooking oil
4-6 garlic cloves
4 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp basil
Rice: white, black, brown, wild, etc
*Cook enough rice to make at least 3 cups; no harm in making extra as it makes for quick and easy leftover dishes for meals that follow.
Directions:
1. Start cooking the rice of your choice so that it will be ready when you are. Chop up the chicken & all of the vegetables into desired bite sized pieces.
2. Add the oil and chicken to a cooking pan on medium heat and allow it to start cooking.
3. Add the basil, garlic, onions, and carrots; sauté for extra flavor. Once the onions are transparent, add in the rest of the vegetables (which take less time to cook) and soy sauce. Stir well. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking (also making sure the chicken is cooked all the way through), serve over rice or rice noodles and enjoy.
Try not to add any additional salt, instead focusing on increasing the basil or garlic if you want more flavor. 

Made as described, this recipe will feed four hungry people (possibly more if you add more rice to each dish). Save leftovers in the fridge for an easy meal option later on.

Pair it with this workout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsaGmHsIGy8

As you can see, getting fit for your big day doesn’t have to be bland and unenjoyable.  There are tons of healthy and delicious recipes all over the internet, be sure to mix it up and try new things in order to avoid getting sick of the same basic meals.  Also, remember, working out only requires a tiny part of your day.  Feel free to start out small with a few at-home exercises or maybe a walk around the neighborhood after work.  Your wedding is by-far one of the most memorable days of your life, be sure you are at your happiest and feeling great about yourself in every way!  Enjoy your new recipes and workouts.  Happy wedding planning!