Beautiful rich colors, vibrant flowers and aromatic spices filled the air at Shyamlee and Ari's wedding this past summer. Over the years we have hosted a few Hindu ceremonies and are always in awe of the deep spirituality and communal bond that these events evoke. The photo layouts from Beth Photography show just how unique and detailed this event was. From beaded saris to henna painting and the ceremony Mandap you can get a real taste of the labor of love that was put forth by these families.

Ari (the Bridegroom) arrives at the the party and takes part in the Var Swagatam where he is greeted by the Bride's mother and enters the wedding ceremony area.

After entering the ceremony Ari takes part in the Ganesh Puja, a prayer to the Lord Ganesh that brings a blessing to the Bride and Groom and removes all obstacles in their married life.

As part of the ceremony the couple exchanges garlands as a greeting to each other. Fire is a sacred part of the Hindu ceremony and is blessed to invoke health, wealth, prosperity, serves to keep witness over the couple throughout the ceremony.

The ceremony brought the family together with the toe ring ceremony with the Bride's sister-in-law, Aashirvaad blessing with the Priest, parents, grandmother, sisters, brother and elders.

 After the ceremony guests joined the couple for a more traditional wedding reception with dinner and dancing. The vibrant colors and richness were carried into the space with the use of our large party lanterns in shades of gold, red, green purple and blue. The elegant floral arrangements also popped with their jewel tone shades. 

 Passed Hors D'oeuvres:

Edamame and Pea Falafel served with Spicy Greek Yogurt Sauce
Gourmet Grilled Cheese Bites


Dinner Buffet:
Artisan Breads with Butter Balls

Garden Salad with Seasonal Vegetables and Croutons

Grilled Chicken Breast topped with locally sourced goat cheese from
Haystack Mountain Dairy

Portobello Napoleon - Eggplant, Red Pepper, Summer Squash, Fresh
Mozzarella, Spinach, Asiago Cheese and Pine Nuts. Topped with Roasted
Tomato Sauce

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dessert:

Wedding Cake 

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Mandap Rental- Shanti with Enchante Rentals

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Shamane's Bake Shoppe

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography-  Beth Photography

Chocolate Fountain- Sweet Temptations

Here are some of our favorite photos from our first annual Breakfast with Santa. Everyone had a great morning and even Santa enjoyed a change of pace with some pancakes instead of cookies.

If you did not make it this year we hope you can join us in 2012.We are looking for a good front range charity for this next year that we can represent and bring awareness to. Please let us know if you have any you want to nominate.

Special thanks to Greens Point Catering , Booth 66 Photo Booths, and Santa! Your hard work helped to make this event possible.

Who says you can't have a gorgeous outdoor wedding in Colorado in October!

Gretchen and Keenan were joined in marriage in front of an intimate group of friends and family at Lionscrest Manor, on October 7th, 2011. With love in their eyes they repeated their vows of commitment to each other and everyone in attendance could feel the strength of their bond.

Choosing our Inclusive package, the couple worked with our top vendors to build their dream day from head to toe.

From the flowers they picked with European Flower Shop to the buffet menu they selected with Greens Point Catering this fall reception was filled with warmth and character. The rich eggplant hue of the flowers was carried through in their linens and decor. This was a picture perfect complement to Gretchen's Champagne colored wedding gown.

Guested celebrated the first day of Gretchen and Keenan's life together by commemorating the event with a group photo on the ceremony lawn with Steamboat mountain as the backdrop. Everett with Creative Focus Photography then worked his magic with the family, wedding party and couple on many a great photo across our 35 acre estate. To view more photos from this wedding click here to see Everett's Album. Guests imbibed beverages and tasty tidbits during the cocktail hour as they waited for their chance to step up to the wishing tree before entering the ballroom for dinner.

 After the meal guests joined the couple on the dance floor for some soulful grooves provided by Pure Sounds Productions. Those who opted to enjoy the event in recumbent state (in their chair) enjoyed a tasty slice of cake from Colorado Rose Cake Co and a bit of the bubbly from Party Liquor. 

 Gretchen and Keenan were a great couple to work with and we wish them both the best in their marriage together. May 2011 bring to a close a chapter in the great book that will be their journey together. Congrats!

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Officiant- Gerard with Sunflower Weddings

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Colorado Rose Cake Co

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Creative Focus Photography

Liquor- Party Liquor

 Transportation- Boulder Denver Limousines

Yes the Holiday season is here and it is time to scramble to the good ole' recipe box for some tasty tidbits. This year our gift to you is the gift of sharing. Here today are some of our favorite recipes from our Christmas cocktail party. We hope you give them a try and that they are such a hit that you add them to your family recipe box. Happy Eating!

The Cocktail Party

For Leona's side of the family we traditionally have a get together on Christmas Eve. As everyone is very busy with final preparations we try to keep things simple with appetizers and soups. This way no one is over stuffed for the evening and they are free to snack as they like (in between games and puzzles).

Click on the following links for the recipes you see below.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops- This is my personal favorite. Nothing is better than a little surf and turf to get the holiday started. The spicy mayo will be a new twist for this year. As another option make some with water-chestnuts for those who like a little crunch.

Piggyback Shrimp- I think Tatiana was the first one to try this BBQ recipe out. We originally found it in a Taste of Colorado cookbook years ago. This is a good cooking companion with the bacon scallops above as it too goes under the broiler so no need for multiple ovens and setting to keep an eye on.

Wendy's Squash Soup- In our family we have to trick each other into eating our fruits and veggies. This soup (while not light on the calories) does the trick. It is delicious and enjoyed by our family young and old.

Buffalo Bites- This a new one I think we will try this year for G-Bob. He just loves buffalo wings and this is a fun and easy at home take on the classic.

JUST A REMINDER!!!

Don't forget to get your RSVP in for our new tradition, Breakfast with Santa! The Big Guy will be stopping by on December 10th for pancakes and pictures. Click here to RSVP.