Laura and Don: Private Estate, North Andover, MA

Laura and Don had their ceremony at the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church in Newton Centre, MA.

For details about their proposal and story visit their website.

A special thanks to Jim Canole of Jim Canole Photography for use of the photos.

Engagement photo on the left by Peggy Hogan of Peggy Hogan Photography.

Laura and Don got ready for the day at the church which provided some lovely backdrops for pictures.

Some pics of Don on the big day.

Laura’s dress was SaBelle by Maggie Sottero. She purchased the dress from La Reine Bridal Boutique in Waltham, MA.

Back detail.

I love this picture. It is so regal with the velvet couch.

Programs and Logo design by Shana Popyk. Since both of the couple’s last names began with an “S”, they incorporated that into a crest that was featured throughout the day.

The formal invitations were done by Elaine Baker from Paper Potpourri. I wish I had a better image to show. Elaine was so great to work with. Her experience and etiquette knowledge are stellar.

The inside of the church was very ornate. Here is the couple saying their vows.

And we’re married!!

The bridesmaid dresses were from Dessy Group – Style 2780 in African Violet. I think if Laura could, she would probably have had her wedding dress be purple. She loves the color that much.

The bridesmaids had a mixture of blues, and purples for flowers. Flowers by Sakina of Newton Floral Oasis. Sakina and her husband were a huge help during the set up for the reception. At one point, we needed extra tealights for some lanterns that Laura had us using for centerpieces. Sakina’s husband made a run to CVS to grab some quickly.

Laura’s flowers.

Some pics of Laura at the church.

Laura and Don exiting the church.

Off to the reception. I love the bunching of the dress here.

The couple had a tented reception at their friend’s house in North Andover, MA. The couple was so gracious and their children helped quite a bit in setting up the table centerpieces and other odds and ends.

Since this was at a private residence, everything needed to be rented. Tables, chairs, linens, tent. They rented items through Events for Rent. To save on costs, we only had them deliver the items and we set them up. While this is more labor intensive (perk of having a wedding planner or someone else that can do it), it can save you quite a bit. Some catering companies will assist or even take care of all the set up of rentals. So make sure to ask because you could be paying two sets of people to do the same job.

For the table, Laura’s mom created a runner made of burlap with the “S” design. The centerpieces consisted of wild flowers surrounded by metal lanterns of varying sizes.

Lanterns and other centerpiece items can often be found used for a very good price. Recycled Bride offers a venue for brides to sell and buy items. Sometimes it can actually be cheaper to buy linens new/used than it is to rent them. Depending on the color you are looking for, you might purchase fabric.

For table names, they used maps of varying towns. Many of them were towns of families and friends.

 Couple’s had guests select their entree ahead of time. This is pretty common. However, it is also pretty common for guests to forget what they selected. To save on catering costs, and to help the caterers plan, try to remind guests of their meal selections. Since the couple had a New England Clambake, and all food was prepped onsite, it was really important to know exactly how many lobster’s, etc were needed.

We came up with this idea. On the RSVP card, we had little images of the menu options. We made a small name card with the guest name and the symbol representing their meal.  Here is a chicken and star we used to represent child. What kid doesn’t love getting a star in any form? To hold the name card, Laura and Don cut wine corks in half lengthwise and cut a slit to hold the card.

Each guest also received a lobster sucker favor at their seat. The tags on the suckers were handmade by the Matron of Honor.

 Laura and Don made a bottle of wine for each of their guests to take home. I was lucky enough to get to take a bottle home myself and it was awesome! During the reception they used a vintage wine rack to display the wine. 

We made a wine label featuring the logo for the wine bottles. You can purchase designed labels from myownwinelabels.com. They have quite a selection of designs to choose from. Also, they have recommendations about text specific to weddings. They sent me a nice packet of samples as well.

You can save some money by designing the label yourself and printing it off on sticker paper. The texture of sticker paper which you can get at a local office supply store is actually the same material. So if you are creative…or know someone that is, in this case my sister, then you can save.

Catering was provided by Periwinkles Catering out of Essex, MA. The meal was a traditional New England Clambake. Tom cooks right on site, so you know it is fresh. While the food was amazing, Tom and his staff really outdid themselves in terms of event management. The staff helped with set up, last minute changes, and really was one of the key factors in the success of the reception. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the Boston area.

Apps for the cocktail hour.

Lobster!! Yum!!

Cake was done by Konditor Meister in Braintree, MA. It had three layers: tiramisu, carrot cake and white with butter cream frosting.

Had the logo also incorporated in the cake.

Laura also had a smaller cake of the same flavor for her and Don to cut into that was gluten-free. Something Sweet Without Wheat in Woburn provided this cake.

In addition to cake, they served Don’s favorite, Pecan Pie which was handmade by a friend.

Bar was provided by Boston’s Best. Diana was so great to work with. She customized a package for the couple and created some signature cocktails for guests. They served lemonade and sweet tea. Boston’s best provided the bar-tending, but we needed to purchase the alcohol wholesale. We went with Kappy’s On Call for the alcohol.

The DJ, Lee Wilson of Underground Sound Mobile DJ Service, was great! He was a friend and former co-worker of the bride.

More pics from the night.

The couple’s table.

The couple dancing under the lanterns. Perfect twirl Don.

 The couple rented Chinese lanterns through the rental company. They come pre-strung and go up with the tent. This is worth the extra money. If you were to purchase the lanterns and “attempt” to hang them yourself, it can be extremely tricky.

Laura and her sister preparing for some serious dancing.

View of the tent at night.

The couple really wanted to do sparklers. However, sparklers even at a private residence are illegal in MA. So we found these Sky Lanterns from BigFireworks.com. I actually think they were more fun for people to use and since the house had a nice back yard, it was perfect to watch.

One warning about any sort of lantern/sparkler. Always check with the local fire department before using anything. At the time, I think these lanterns were fine for the town, but I recently saw something on the news about these. Always check to be sure.

The couple lit the last lantern together.

Off into the night.

The couple, signing off for the night as Mr. and Mrs.

Happy Belated Cinqo de Mayo

Finally got the opportunity to use this giant Patron margarita glass.

Made some Classic Patron Margaritas.

Some legit Mexican food..

Mexican Rice

Chicken Quesadillas

Refried Beans….yes with lard.

Guilt-free (something has to be) Guacamole

Doesn’t taste healthy…really…boy approved.

I didn’t make these this time, but have made them before. Churros…so good.

Any good Mexican recipes you want to share?

Bridal Party Gifts

I ordered a bunch of these babies to bring my snacks with me to school. Yes, in grad school you revert to worshiping snack time (and nap time) the same way you did in kindergarten. I was getting sick of buying/running out of zip lock bags and carrying Pyrex bowls in edition to a 50 pound accounting book. I am sure the mom bloggers are already all over these and they are so last season. But, in addition to their ability to transport food, long-term, they can be used as gifts too!

What cute, reusable gift bags for the bridal party. You can personalize it by having their name stamped on them. These are from House Jewels on Etsy.

If you didn’t want to get all the same bag, you can personalize even more by getting a special design bag for each girl.

I have a friend who loves Argyle, I think she would be all about this one from Celeste Blake Designs.

And for my Mom, the cat lady, from Bag it Conscious.

Unfortunately, for the groomsman, they are not too manly. I actually have been trying to find a normal one for my husband. You know, something manly like Thunder Cats, Spider man, Superman, Xmen. I am surprised by the lack of cartoon character themed ones. However, most of the vendors seemed like they would be willing to get some fabric and make whatever I wanted.

This would be cool for a dude…maybe if it was filled with each groomsman’s favorite miniature liquor or fancy cigars.

There are so many vendors on Etsy selling these in varying sizes. They are great to use for food, to hold a gift, or my most recent use, as a makeup bag. I will say that I prefer the zipper bags to the Velcro. Normally I wouldn’t care, but trying to nonchalantly open the Velcro bag in class when you can’t wait until snack time can be distracting. They are also super easy to clean!

So in edition to getting your gals some ugly jewelry (lets be serious, they will never wear it again, and it only matches the dress they will never wear again), get them something they can use again.

For more ugly dress eye candy, go here. But if you have been to/in a wedding in the 80s or 90s, then you have probably been tortured enough.

Fruit Tart

On vacation this week, so I am catching up on some much needed cooking/baking. I made this Fruit Tart for a friend, so unfortunately, I have not yet had a bite. Having a tart pan for so long, you would think I would have had the opportunity to actually make one of these. Nope. I just collect recipes for them.

 I used a combo recipe. Combo pretty and lazy.

Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mixture of freshly cut fruit

Glaze

• 60 ml (¼ cup) cherry jelly, seedless raspberry jam, apricot jam or red current jelly

Crust

• Homemade pillsbury pie crust…haha

Directions: Bake the crust according to the package directions. I did 450 for 10 min, but I took it out at 9 min. I might even bake at a lower temperature. Let this cook before putting the filling in. For the filling and topping: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust.  To prepare glaze, in small saucepan heat jelly (or jam) over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until jam is melted, set aside to cool slightly.Cut the strawberries into 1/4-inch slices and arrange around the edge of the crust. For the next circle, use kiwi slices. Add another circle of strawberries, filling in any spaces with blueberries. Cluster the raspberries in the center of the tart.

It was a pretty quick make. I think I would use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar for the filling next time. Or a pudding filling. I also put the glaze on the fruit as I put it on the tart. I didn’t want to mess it up by accidentally getting the filling mixed with glaze.

I got the recipe from foodgawker from La Mia Vtia Dolce. Naturally with a seemingly legit  blog title, she made everything from scratch.

What is your favorite tart? Sweet. Savory. Please share any recipes.

Kelly and Ben: Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Kelly + Ben were the first couple I worked with. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with for my first wedding.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty and awesome pictures/run-down of the wedding, I would like to take a moment to thank someone. Erin Gates of Elements Interiors, Inc. author of Elements of Style blog. Erin has no idea who I am, but after reading her blog, I feel like I have known her forever. She inspired me to put myself out there as a wedding/event planner and start Planning by Popyk. If you are thinking of starting your own business or just want to read an awesome blog, you should check her out.

All pictures courtesy of Rebecca Hale of Hales Studio. I hope to work with her again soon with my Boston clients

Kelly + Ben selected The Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park (RN) in Niantic, CT for their ceremony and reception site. Many of their guests were from out of town and they wanted to highlight a scenic spot in CT, where they had been living.

With a save the date like this, I knew this would be a fun wedding to help plan. They got this idea from a greeting card. The opposite side is a picture of the two of them mirroring the picture with their own large pitchers.

Rehearsal dinner was at the famous Mystic Pizza, from the movie….Mystic Pizza. I am from CT and actually never have been there. So I made sure to sample the product before the endorsement…and it is just as good as everyone says. The pizza, still haven’t seen the movie.

Kelly and guests stayed at the Niantic Inn. A quaint inn located in downtown Niantic, minutes to RN which has a lovely view of the ocean. It also provides the backdrop for some great photo ops.

The guys before the wedding. Not very hard to find a boat in these parts.

The couple decided to take pictures before the wedding to maximize time with guests and enjoy the cocktail hour. I don’t blame them. Appetizers are the best part!

Some shots of the couple.

My favorite of Kelly.

Her dress was  Augusta Jones in Ivory.

My favorite of Ben.

Ben and the guys…

Parks like this one with beautiful grounds and detailed, architecturally appealing buildings are an untapped resource for weddings. You can’t beat the views and possible photo ops. The best thing about RN was the stellar staff, particularly Sue who had great recommendations throughout our planning stages.

There are multiple locations to choose from for a ceremony. Kelly + Ben selected a wooded area overlooking the water. Here Kelly’s brothers walked her down the aisle. For music, their neighbor played the harp. It was the perfect accompaniment to the waves crashing in the background.

. The ceremony was officiated by Ernest Adams of Nutmeg Justice of the Peace. If you are looking for a JP in the New England area, I would highly recommend Ernest. He is almost a JP/Wedding planner in one. Not officially, he is just that good. We needed to do multiple walk-throughs of the site because Rocky Neck Park was severely damaged by Hurricane Irene like much of the CT coast. Two weeks before the wedding, we still did not have the o.k. to use the Pavilion because trees were blocking the entrance to the park itself. Ernest worked with me to brainstorm back up plans in case we needed to find an alternative site for 250 people in 2 weeks! Yikes! Luckily the park staff worked tirelessly to get it up and running and we didn’t need an alternative.

One unique part of the ceremony that Ernest does is a ribbon ceremony. It is a way for family members to get involved. The couple and family members had a good time with it.

Kelly and the girls. Dresses by Monique Lhuillier from Nordstrom. The stone walkway wraps around the Pavillion and is another option for a smaller ceremony.

 

Flowers by McQuades. They also provided catering. This saved on cost because delivery of food and floral were combined.  The florist was excellent.

Maximizing your floral budget

• Combine vendors. 
• Stick with what exists in nature. Not because I am an ubber environmentalist. I have a rain barrel, but that is the extent of it. If it isn’t in season or if you have to dye flowers to make them the color you want, it will be more expensive and the flowers won’t last as long. 
• Don’t be too matchy. Complimentary colors will make everything pop. 

The florist worked with us to replicate the look Kelly wanted by using local and seasonal flowers.  

And on to the reception. The Pavilion again has so much natural detail, that you really don’t need that much to dress it up. Less really is more at this place.

By day the natural light from the windows overlooking the water. By night, the vintage lanterns (and added Chinese lanterns) light the reception. At this fall wedding, we got to experience both. We went with white linens and white chairs to provide a contrast to the wood.

The cocktail hour was held at one end of the Pavilion which opened up to a Terrace. They change the flora seasonally, so no decor needed outside. You can see the ceremony site from here as well.

Centerpieces

Place settings were again simple. A single mum tied with twine to the napkin. These napkins are actually paper. Can you tell? And they are the softest paper napkins ever. With 250 plus guests, this was a huge savings. In addition they used silver plastic flatware and white plastic diner ware. Caters can buy them in bulk and they are significantly cheaper than the standard place setting.

The Entrance Table.

Kelly and Ben both have careers in the sciences, so what better way to display guest tables than a test tube filled with personalized M & Ms. The couple also displayed pictures on the table. We used green mums throughout the Pavilion to add a pop of color when needed. Since mums are so hardy, they lasted for the whole event without needing water.

Instead of a traditional guestbook, they had a large champagne bottle for guests to sign. Here is a before and after.

Food again was by McQuades Marketplace. Bill from McQuades was excellent in customizing a menu to Kelly and Ben’s budget. When Sue from RN recommended Bill from McQuades and said they can “hustle”, she wasn’t kidding. The catering staff was waiting at the gates as soon as they were allowed to get in, cooked the food fresh outside, managed to tie the flowers to all the place settings, helped out with centerpieces, and was packed up and out of the building in time. At RN and many reception locations you will be billed if you exceed your time. They knew how to get in and get out and leave the place in good condition so that Kelly and Ben got their deposit back.

Cake provided by Deb from O My G’nache. I have had the pleasure of working with Deb   at a previous job where I sampled many of her cakes. Deb provided a tasting for the couple, which I attended (cake….of course I was there, I even got to take some home).

You know her cakes are good when they couldn’t decide which one to select. So they picked two flavors for their guests. Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting and Pumpkin with cream cheese frosting. To save in cost, Deb made a 3 tiered cake and some sheet cakes of the two flavors. Another cost saving tip is to have desserts or cake at a table rather than delivered to each guest. This will reduce your cake costs by about 20%. Kelly and Ben offered takeout containers for anyone that wanted more cake for the ride home.

The bridesmaids had the same vintage broach for their hair from etsy.

For music, an 80’s cover band. Awesome.  Orange Crush knew how to get the party started. From the moment they started playing until last call, the dance floor was packed.

There were a lot of kids at this wedding, so Kelly wanted to make sure they had a space and some activities to enjoy in addition to the dancing, which they enjoyed plenty of. The Pavilion is very long, so even with 250 guests we were able to have the band on one end, tables and a kids activity area at the opposite end. It wasn’t secluded, but offered a spot for them to hang out.

Here they are in a pretty intense game of Apples to Apples.

At the bar, there were large bowls with a variety of toys and candy.

Invites by Vistaprint. Kelly and Ben referred their guests to their website on theknot.com.

More pretty detail pics of the flowers and windows.

And the winner of the best dressed (aside from the bride and groom of course)……I’m a sucker for seersucker.

These are my favorite pictures of the archway.

And I will end with some Rocky Neck money shots from Rebecca.

And as the sun set and the music came to an end….there was still more partying to be had. Kelly + Ben invited guests to join them for an after-party down the street at The Black Sheep.

The Mini Dessert

Everything is better in mini!!!

Individual Pear-maple Cobbler

I have been collecting many mini dessert recipes over the years. I tried this one over the weekend. The individual pear-maple cobbler recipe comes from The Pastry Queen Cookbook and was modified by Josie at Pink Parsley. Click here for the recipe. I used granny smith apples instead of pears. Cherries or any berry would taste great. Yes, this may seem like more of a fall dish, but I am all for eating whatever you want when you want.

Here is a picture of mine. No flashy photography, but is still looks scrumptous. And it was very yummy as well.

  

Cupcakes have been all the crazy over the past few years as an alternative to a wedding cake, but it seems like everyone is doing that. Why not try something different for dessert at your wedding, bridal shower or other event?

I am not one for chain restaurants, but the only time I ever ate at a P.F. Chang’s, I fell in love with their mini desserts.

Check out their website for the combinations.

You could do a mini, modern dessert bar and have guests choose their own. I found this on My Sweet and Saucy blog. Check it out to see all the other lovely design ideas that match this set up.

 Cool off your guests with a spot of ice cream. Blogger Brides has some other recommendations on minis.

 

 Maybe you want some danty macarons. Photo from Ultimate Weddings.

Have some pie.

See if a local bakery or pastry shop can whip up some mini-creations.

Try a mini pastry from Rosies Bakery.

How about one of these Cream Puff Swans for each of your guests. Only $1.49 a piece. Usually a wedding cake is anywhere between $3-$5 a slice. This one is from Cassis Bakery in Beverly, MA.

If you still want a traditional cake to cut, you can have your baker create a small cake just for this and have it on display along with the whatever mini you choose. 

What are your favorite mini dessert? Include a recipe or picture if you have it.   

Guest Post: Wedding Cake Ideas for the Budget-minded Couple

Yummmm…Chocolate…..Who doesn’t like some scrumptious cake?

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Deb Lapointe. I knew when Deb offered to host a cupcake decorating workshop at work, that we would be great friends. We share a love for event planning, decorating, weddings, but mostly yummy desserts and cakes. Deb is passionate about her cake/dessert-making, personalizing each one with care.

Please enjoy a guest post from Deb as she recommends some budget-friendly ideas for cakes.

Deb’s Post:

In today’s economy, many couples find the need to trim their wedding budget. As scary as it sounds, you can cut some costs via your wedding cake budget by choosing one of the following options:

Today’s cakes can be different shapes-i.e. hearts, squares or triangles and as far as flavor goes nowadays anything goes. Opt for your favorite. It can be vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, carrot cake, red velvet or cheesecake. Stick with basic flavors and fillings, exotic flavorings add to the cost of the cake.

Rather than one huge multi-tiered cake, use a modest tiered cake and then several (as many as you need for your guests) sheet cakes. Serving will go faster this way as well.

Another idea that is growing in popularity is to have a “fake cake”. Decorate Styrofoam cake forms (available on various cake decorating websites like Wilton or Lucks) according to your preference. It serves the purpose for pictures and ambiance while saving money. Or, slip a real layer in between the Styrofoam layers so the bride and groom can participate in the ceremonial cutting of the cake. You can purchase sheet cakes or make your own to serve to your guests. Just be sure to calculate how many guests will be attending and provide the appropriate size cake(s) to accommodate.

Yep, these are all fake and look great in pictures. Will not melt!

Order from a grocery store rather than a bakery. Many grocers have onsite bakeries, just like they have onsite florist departments. (Not my preferred choice as I do not l care for the flavor of store-bought cakes)

Depending on how many servings you need, order a full sheet cake (100 servings), a half sheet cake (50 servings) and a quarter sheet cake (25 servings), all iced in white. Place the half sheet on the full sheet cake and then the quarter sheet on top. Use ready-to-use frosting that comes in a can with a nozzle to touch up any mistakes and fill in the gap between the layers. You don’t have to remove the cardboard between the layers, it will help steady the cake when it’s time to cut. Don’t go any higher than three layers; if you do you run the risk of the bottom layer being squashed by the weight of the upper layers. Add fresh flowers, or cover a Styrofoam semi-circle with plastic wrap and insert your favorite artificial flowers. Place on top of the highest tier for a beautiful topper. Wrap a ribbon around individual tiers for a simple but elegant touch.

Cupcakes displayed in round tiers like a cake are very popular as well as cheap and practical. These include a small cake for cutting.

Beautiful adornments might include fresh flowers, fruit, ribbon, royal icing flowers or marzipan sculpted into flowers and figurines.

Finally, for brides who aren’t happy with the traditional “couple” figurines, why not design your own “couple” out of colored fondant. There are plenty of ideas and pictures to be found online. Since fondant sets up hard, figurines can be stored in a cool, dry area until the wedding day.

Get creative with it!

Not an option? How about a monogrammed topper, fruit, flowers, or doves? I even saw a lovely wedding cake with two red apples on top – one with a “bridal veil” attached the other with a top hat. What a cute and simple (not to mention cheap) alternative to traditional toppers which can run into the hundreds of dollars depending on your choice.

A very creative couple I know found this wooden goat and bull set. The Goat and Bull being their astrological signs and the name for their retirement coffee house: The Goat ‘n Bull. Flowers are flowers, but something that tells a story is so much more memorable.

So remember, if your wedding budget is tight, you can still have a beautiful wedding cake without spending more than you can realistically afford!

I leave you with this video. When in doubt, make your own cake….it only takes 3 minutes right?

YouTube Video of Cake in under 3 minutes

Thank you so much for the post Deb. I look forward to hearing more about your wedding cakes in the future.

I used some of these cost saving methods on my own cake.

1. I went with a small grocery store rather than a specialty cake store. I didn’t want cupcakes, but I didn’t want a cake either. I fell in love with these mini-cakes at Highland Park Market. I had a friend that worked there make these red velvet dipped in raspberry ganache. She dipped the bottoms in chocolate and topped with chocolate dipped strawberries.

2. I got my cake topper at…..drumroll…Stop and Shop. Yep, it was like $20 and was lovely.

3. I bought a dozen roses to decorate the whole thing, maybe $20

4. I added the inverted wine glasses for some dimension. Already had these.

5. Cake stand was maybe $10.

6. Bought ribbon at fabric store. Under $3.

7. Still had a cake to cut.

We still  have frozen mini-cakes in the freezer….do you think they are still good after almost 5 years?

Bring the Casino to You

Over the past several years I have had the pleasure of working with Grant and Jim from Casino Productions. Each year we brought them on to entertain first-year students on the last day of orientation.

Newsflash…….they do weddings too! Specializing in post-rehearsal and post reception casinos. What an awesome idea. Couples I have worked with have been looking for some type of after party to tack on to their reception. Many family members are in town the night of the rehearsal dinner and looking for something to do. Having a casino night is a perfect ice breaker (ok, captain orientation) where the two sides of the family can interact.

They can customize poker chips and playing cards with pics of the couple for an added touch.

After years of overseeing the casino as an event for students, I got to enjoy one for myself. Grant invited me to the Bruins Foundation Casino Night. I even got to dress up. Part of me felt like I needed an Orientation staff tee-shirt and to make sure there were enough dealers on the blackjack table. After experiencing the event in a non-orientation setting, I could totally see how it would be a great addition to any wedding.

In your invitations to the wedding, you could include an insert inviting guests to the Casino. This is a cute one from etsy.

I also like this one. It is actually a design for a save the date magnet, but you get the idea.

I leave you with some pictures from the Bruins Casino Night.

Grant, Jim and I. These guys were the most famous people there in my opinion.

I brought my friend Josh with me to the event. He is a season ticket holder and their #1 fan. This is him and Mark Recchi.

Tuukka Rask, Josh and Dennis Seidenberg.

Michael Ryder, Gregory Campbell, me and Dennis Seidenberg. I am so breaking up their brofest.

Me and Brad Marchand. I guess he was my favorite because he was the best dressed in my opinion.

These flowers were gorgeous as were all of the decorations. And yes, these were in the bathroom and I kind of looked like a tourist taking this. But whatev, it was at The Westin Copley Place, when am I going to be attending another fancy event there…

Don’t worry. I made sure to sample some of everything. They had an array of cheeses in one room. In the players room, they had a nice hummus, olive and pita display and then this lobster mac and cheese. So bad for you, but so good.

I need to find out who made this cake. I didn’t get a chance to try it. I was too busy camped out at the cheesecake/other dessert display. So by the time I made it over here, I was stuffed.

Speaking of cake…guest post by Deb the Caker coming soon.

 

Wine and Beer on a Budget

 

I must say that I do enjoy Wine and Beer Festivals, but they can be pricey and crowded. Here are some alternatives where you can get your fix for significantly less.

The past two Fridays a few of my friends got together to check out the free wine and beer tasting at Ball Square Fine Wines and Liquors. This might be a fun spot to check out if you are in the Somerville area. Or check your local wine and liquor stores to see if they have any events like this.

There are also many wineries that offer very low cost tastings and tours. I went to a bachelorette at Nashoba Winery. What a great way to spend the afternoon with some of your favorite ladies. Enjoy a $7 tour and tasting, bring a pic-a-nic lunch or dinner to eat on the porch overlooking the views of the orchards.

Or, if you don’t want to bring lunch or dinner, this winery has a restaurant on site, J’s if you are looking for a sit-down meal. Quaint cottage feel.

Has anyone been to any other low cost wine or beer tastings in the Boston area?

A Royal Wedding

 

Only a few more months until the epic Royal Wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William. I am sure the decor and fashion are going to be breathtaking and will set the tone for this summer’s weddings. Everyone needs something borrowed right? Why not borrow some ideas for your wedding from Kate. No need to reinvent the wheel.

It is rumored that Oldfield, one of Princess Diana’s favs will design Kate’s dress. Well, that is what Matt Lauer eludes to on the Today show. And I believe anything ML says. I am assuming she would have multiple dresses, one more formal than the other. But I am sure they will be pretty conservative. Kate is so stylish. I hope her personal flair is able to come throughout the events of the day.

I imagine her in something sleek, elegant and classic. Her style tends to be pretty classic and not uber trendy, so I don’t envision any ginormous puff sleeves as Diana had on her day. I can see her wearing something like Princess Victoria of Sweden did at her wedding.

 

A better look at the whole ensemble here.

Here is what I could imagine for a royal inspired wedding. I could see Kate or any bride in this by Alfred Angelo.

Kate is known for her hats. Just some examples….

When my husband and I went to England, I was so impressed at how the brits could really wear a suit. Kate kills it in this one, and keeps a feminine look.

There have been many side by sides of Kate and Princess Diana. Here is a good one showcasing some lovely hats.

Fun blue hat.

Kate and the Queen.

I am guessing she will probably be stuck wearing some crown jewels or something. What a drag. I am wondering if she would have selected to wear one of these at some point during the day. Maybe a feathered bridal hat like this?

This one has more veil action and is less expensive.

What could the bridesmaids wear? How about royal blue? Seems fitting.

Or maybe this? A little bit more classic.

For the men. I like this tie. Blue with a hint of red. Keeping with the British colors and all. I think maybe having grey pants to offset all of the blue action.

I like this idea.

Some royal blue shoes for the bride for a pop of color. Manola Bahnik’s. I will have me some of them shoes.

I like the idea of deep red roses mixed in with a lighter shade of red. This creates some dimension and will make the darker roses pop.

Some decor ideas starting with the programs or invites.

Some placecards

 

Maybe a handmade baked good to take home as a treat. Ok, at the royal wedding they will probably have diamonds as favors or something. But lets be serious, I am thinking about normal people’s weddings here.

 

I like the idea at the reception of having all white table cloths and including a few pops of blue here and there. Keep it simple. I like this flower arrangement. It might be hard to find a blue vase, so you could use a square vase and tie a blue knot around it.

What ideas do you have for Kate and William’s wedding?