{ideas | signature wedding cocktails to keep you cool}

Signature wedding cocktails are a fun way to personalize your wedding. It's also a good way to work around your budget if you're not able to do a full hosted bar.You can save on the drink tab by offering wine, beer, champagne, and just the signature cocktail, rather than a full bar.With the warm and sticky summer months upon us, I thought I should post some of my favorite signature wedding cocktails to keep you all cool.

Summer Fruit Sangria (courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Ingredients:

• 6 cups assorted fruits (such as mango, pineapple, cantaloupe, and apricot), sliced or cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh basil or mint leaves
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
• 1 bottle crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Ice

Directions:

1. In a large bowl or pitcher, combine fruit, ginger, basil or mint, and orange liqueur. Mash gently with the back of a wooden spoon until basil is bruised and fruit releases juices. Add wine and lemon juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 1 day). To serve, fill eight glasses with ice and top with sangria.

Marital Bliss Cocktail (courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Ingredients:

• 2 parts gin (we used Hendrick's)
• 1/2 part St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 1/2 part fresh lime juice
• 4 parts soda water to top off
• Lime slice or wedge for garnish
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine gin, liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake. Pour over ice in glass. Add soda water, and stir. Garnish with lime and mint.

Ciroc Lola (courtesy of Delish)

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce(s) Cîroc Vodka
• 1 1/2 ounce(s) pomegranate juice
• 1 teaspoon(s) elderflower liqueur
• 1  splash champagne
• 1  orchid blossom

Directions:

1. Stir all the ingredients over ice to chilled and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
2. Top with splash of champagne and garnish with a Sonya orchid or, if unavailable, another food-grade edible flower.

Cranberry Kiss (courtesy of Delish)

Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce(s) Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
• 2 ounce(s) collins mix
• 2 ounce(s) cranberry juice
• 1 wedge(s) lemon

Directions:

1. Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, collins mix, and cranberry juice to ice-filled highball glass and stir.
2. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Smirnoff Lemon Drop Martini (courtesy of Delish)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 ounce(s) Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• 1/4 ounce(s) triple sec
• 3/4 ounce(s) lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a shaker with ice, add Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice.
2. Shake well.

How Sweet it is...

Candy buffets have been such a big trend that's been around for several years now. I remember when I got married almost 5 years ago and they were beginning to pop up every where. What is it about a surplus of a variety of different candy that is so appealing to our guests? Is it the idea that they can take something home in lieu of a favor? Or is it the idea of bringing in a whimsical factor to your event that brings adult to that time when they were kids? The idea of a sweets table has definitely evolved since then.

Amy Atlas is to me the guru/goddess of any sweets table. She's taken the concept of desserts and taking it to a whole new level. I was really thrilled when I heard that she was writing a book and had to run to the nearest Barnes N Noble to pick up a copy the Tuesday it was released. Sweet Designs is such a fun read not only for the colorful images but just so inspiring with all the ideas that Amy was gracious enough to share with all of us. I didn't know this but Amy was a former lawyer who is now a sweets stylist - she knows how to re-invents all kinds of stunning dessert tables displayed to perfection. Her designs are always very vibrant & eye-popping which make her a favorite in the dessert styling world! These dessert tables are perfect for any events - weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, baby showers & more!

One of my favorite chapters in the book is this bee inspired table. So gorgeous!! Reminds me of one of my good friend - The Beeson's!!

Can you believe that runner is made out of Necco candy? Who would've thought? Just an imagineer like Amy of course.

<images via Amy Atlas, Amy Atlas' Pinterest & the book>

George & Michelle are married 10.14.2011

All of the events that I've worked are all special since I get to see my design elements come to life. But Michelle & George's October wedding holds a special place in my heart since it was the beginning to all of my dreams coming true with this business.

George & Michelle's wedding was romantically set in the harbor of Newport Coast and their ceremony was rightfully scheduled with the setting of the sun which gave their ceremony space that natural amber glow. The couple had a lot of  their personal touches to their day including the personalized table numbers with a different picture of the couple in each table to the lace wrapped bouquet of the beautiful bride. They infused their love for the Southern California beaches into their wedding by bringing aspects of the outdoors like seashells and sand in their wedding cruise. The guests enjoyed their buffet dinner cruising along the harbor for several hours and dancing the night away. A gondola was waiting for the bride and groom to whisk them away to enjoy their after party.

Thanks to George & Michelle for letting me part of your very special day!

Vendor Love:
Day of Coordination: Premier Soirees Event Design & Coordination
Wedding Cake: Cinderella Cakes
Floral Designs: Gary David Designs