Feb
20

As a continuation of my last blog on Inspiration boards I wanted to expand on the idea of using Pinterest as an image resource. Here is a link to our Lionscrest ideas board created by Shannon Huey. This collection is images of the facility along with other event concepts. From favors to flowers Shannon is constantly on the hunt for new emerging trends and unique ideas in the realm of weddings. Take a look at her board and see if there is anything that sparks your imagination. Feel free to re-pin anything you like!

 

 

 

Feb
10

All around the events industry you hear couples and vendors talking about inspiration boards. So what is an Inspiration Board? Simple, it's anything you want! It is a compilation of images that inspire you, make you happy and communicate your perspective and ideas to others. As a Bride (or Groom) inspiration boards give you a chance to pull together you wishes, dreams, and wedding must haves all in one user friendly format. With websites like Wedding Wire and Pinterest out there it is quick and easy for you to get everyone in the planning process on the same page, your page!

 

For those who have not dabbled in the art of building a board or "pinning" yet, here is a quick and simple tutorial to get you on your way.

 

For this blog we are using the inspiration boards page on Wedding Wire. Lets get started!

 

Step 1: Sign up for a free account with Wedding Wire. No strings attached, we promise. Click here to create an account.

 

  

 

Step 2: Go to the Inspiration Board section of their website. You can find this under the "My Wedding" tab on the main header for your account.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Choose the layout you would like for your board.

 

 

 

Step 4: Start uploading  the images you want to include. You can make multiple boards so you might want one that is wedding flowers, another can be bridesmaids dress ideas, another ceremony decor ideas. The web is full of pictures so whether they are celebrity based, theme driven or color keyed, have fun!

 

 

Step 5: Share your completed board with your vendors, friends and family. Just remember, others like to give opinions even when they are not asked for. Keep your list down to your essential idea team.

 

 

 

Another popular option is to create an account with Pinterest. This is a great site that you can use for your wedding and beyond. I have seen people create boards for just about everything you can imagine. While Pinterest boards don't look quite as editorial as the ones on Wedding Wire you are not limited by the number of images you put on a board and you can add in your own text and notes (including website links to reference back to later). You do have to request an invite to become a member of Pinterest and once you are on it you will most likely find many facebook friends are on it too.

 

 

 

 

Also look to see if any of your vendors have inspiration boards showing their work. These will help you to focus in on the possibilities and may even take your down a path you had not considered. Whatever method you prefer, give inspiration boards a try. We know you will be hooked!

 

 

 

Feb
03

Man, that Punxsutawney Phil does not mess around! When he says 6 more weeks of winter, he means it. Since we are all snowed in today I thought it would be a great chance to reflect on some of our favorite snowy wedding photos and even find some icy inspiration. So while you are bundled up in your snuggy by the fire sit back and enjoy. The sidewalk shoveling can wait a day!

 

Be sure to try some of our "I'm stuck in the house and going crazy recipes" at the end of this blog. They are sure to brighten your spirit!

Here is a quick shot from the cocktail deck this morning... Sorry squirrels, time to bunker down!

 

 

Special thanks to Elegant Images for all of our snow wedding photos below. 

 

 

Winter Inspiration boards provided by the Wedding Wire Blog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatiana's- HOT TODDY!


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 oz brandy, whiskey or rum
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1/4 lemon
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tea bag

Preparation:

  1. Coat the bottom of a mug or an Irish coffee glass with honey.
  2. Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter.
  3. On the side, heat water in a tea kettle and add the tea bag to make hot tea.
  4. Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir.

Shannon's Shamrock'in Stew


INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 to 2 pounds beef top round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
  • DUMPLINGS:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional


DIRECTIONS:

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt if desired and pepper; set aside 2 tablespoons. Add meat to bowl and toss to coat.
  • In a Dutch oven or large soup kettle, over medium heat, cook the meat in oil until no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, water and reserved flour mixture. Add onion, marjoram and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Add carrots; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in peas. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes for until the vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf.
  • For dumplings, in a large combine flour and baking powder. Stir in milk, egg, oil and parsley if desired. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes or until done. Do not lift the cover. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.

Leona's Lemon Icebox Cookies (ok, they are really Martha Stewarts)


INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. In a food processor, pulse flour, confectioners' sugar, salt, and lemon zest until combined. Add butter and process until sandy. Add egg yolks and lemon juice; pulse until dough comes together. Divide dough in half and form each into a 1 1/2-inch-wide log. Wrap in plastic and freeze until firm, about 2 hours (or up to 1 month).
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Spread granulated sugar on a piece of parchment; roll logs over sugar to coat. Slice logs into 1/4-inch-thick slices and arrange, 1 inch apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are golden brown around edges, about 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.



  

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