Bridal Shows: And the winners are!

Another Bridal Show weekend has come and gone, which means ~ MORE WINNERS!!

As you've heard before, and most of you heard this weekend, I am all about Stress Relief!  Hence, the wine giveaways from Signature Events by Shelly.

And, since Bridal Shows are where you all go to get some serious wedding information and ideas, it seems appropriate to giveaway something useful, so read on to see who the lucky winner is of some custom created invitations by Shelly!

Here we go...

Dana Senn and Rayleen Tritt

Jennifer Sorgel and Brenda Nelson

Trina Klukas and Jessy Loughrie (? sorry if the spelling is wrong)

Lynsey Nelson and Hayley Arndt

Kelsey Lau and Melissa Jones

and Danielle Barnaby. 

There is a number 12 winner, and I am sorry I missed you when you stopped back to pick up your bottle. I hope you enjoy!!

AND...the lucky winner of 100 FREE INVITATIONS IS... {drum roll please}

Christy Hansen!!!

Congratulations to all of you lucky winners!  I am looking forward to bringing you a bottle of sunshine.  And, Christy...keep your eyes open for invitation ideas.  Check out my website and look at all of the samples...if you see something you like, write it down.  I'm excited to work with you on creating your invitations!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Theme Thursday: Halloween Theme Inspiration Boards

Halloween.  This is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the chance to turn myself into something I'm really not, maybe to jump out and scare someone and make drinks that have "smoke" pouring out of them.  So, with that being said, I wanted to give you a couple of ideas for your Halloween Themed Wedding {for next year of-course}.

I put together two different ideas - neither of them TOO out of hand, yet, definately Halloween.

First is my more favorite.  A little "blood" dripping here and there, a lot of red and some perfectly placed black.  

Then, there is the more subtle Halloween wedding.  Oranges, Blacks, caramel apples and a beautiful Pronovia dress.  If you wanted to have a more elegant Halloween wedding you could follow the ideas on this board and add a bit more black and maybe a hint of red.

Happy Halloween everyone!

It's National Dessert Day SO Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

If you're looking for an excuse to go out and get that brownie sundae {as if you need one}, well here it is: It's National Dessert Day!!  I love special days, and this one tops my list. 

It's never a bad thing to grab your mixer and flour, but how about trying something different, very different, on this very special day. 

Here are 10 desserts to surprise your family with tonight. 

1. German Chocolate Cupcakes {using sauerkraut and applesauce...sauerkraut?!!}

2. Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Honeyed Cranberries {goat cheese is substituted for cream cheese}

3. Rich Chocolate Layer Cake {would you like a little mayo with that?  yes, I said mayo}


4. Sour Cream Ice Cream with Pear Compote {forget chocolate or vanilla...sour cream might be the next best thing}

5. Spring Cupcakes with Lavender Icing {lavender brings a delicious aroma to your kitchen, and breath}

6. Strawberries and Cream Cheese

7. Spicy Chocolate Cake {jalepenos and chocolate = mmmmmmm}

8. Olive Oil Vanilla Ice Cream {not just for cooking anymore}

9. Sweet Potatoe Pudding Cake {this one is inspired by a very popular Jamican treat...so no problem mon...give it a try}

10. Balsamic Spiked Strawberries

If none of these make your mouth water you can always check out the 5 Top Desserts from NYC Wine and Festival's "Sweet"

Enjoy!

Theme Thursday: Eco-friendly Weddings

Going green with the "Green Bride"

According to my friend, Sandy Stringer, owner of Strings and Champagne Events out on the west coast, couples all across the nation are adding a personal touch to their weddings.  It doesn't surprise us to see that the eco-factor is also very important to our brides and grooms in 2011.  A green wedding is any wedding where th ecouple tries to decrease the impact of their event on the planet-and there are many ways to do it without sacrificing style or elegance!  Green weddings are eco-chic and just a s amazing and beautiful as your "regular" wedding.  You minimize wast while not sacrificing style.  Nature's elements and beauty help us design events that compliment the environment.

If you think about it, every little detail of your wedding can carry a "shade of green".  You can start with wearing a silk or vintage dress, serve organic, locally grown foods and decorate your venue with bamboo and potted plants.  Every choice will make a difference!

Here are some ideas on "Going Green" for your wedding!

*Offer an organic signature cocktail and toast with your local, organic wine

*Have your bridesmaids wear cute purses decorated with gems and rhinestones

*Use local vendors.  Have your local wedding bakery bake an organic cake

*Decorate with soy candles at your reception.  They not only last longer than the other candles, but are also better for the environment.

*Save some paper when creating your invitations.  At Signature Events by Shelly, we use recycled papers and eco-friendly printing processes for all of your paper needs.

*Instead of printing escort cards for every guest, surprise them with white gloved ushers to guide them to their seats.  Don't have ushers?  Print your guests names on a stone as an alternative.

*Edible favors are a great way of adding that special touch to your table setting. 

*Registries!  Instead of registering for a bunch of items that you don't need, you can register for charities!!

*Your jewelry can even be "eco-conscious".  Find a jeweler that uses recycled stones and metals to create one of a kind jewelry.

*Search out a "green" salon for your wedding day.  It will be much better for the environment - and your health!

*Make sure your photographer uses our wonderful digital technology

*Go romantic and use a white horse and carriage, a joyful ride on that antique bicycle or cross the lake on a canoe.  All of these transportation ideas can reduce the air pollution if chosen instead of the traditional limousine.

  

I hope I inspired you with some of these ideas.  Happy green wedding planning!

Sandy Stringer, Owner of Strings & Champagne Events

www.strings-champagne.com

www.facebook.com/strings.champagne

Thank you, Sandy, for such wonderful suggestions!  Have you decided to "Go Green" with your wedding?  What did you do to be eco-friendly?  Share with us and help to inspire.

And the Winners Are!

First, Congratulations to all of the wonderful couples and families that I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday at the Bridal Open House in Waupaca.  I hope you all had a great day and found some great inspiration to make your wedding celebration yours. 

Now, as promised...our wine winners are ~

And...the lucky winner of 100 FREE INVITATIONS is {drum roll please}...

Congratulations to all of you!  I will be calling and emailing to make arrangements for drop-off. 

And, Amanda...YAY YOU!!  We will talk soon.