Save-the-date

Occasions — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:38:40 +0000

Upon researching different ways to send your guests a “Save-the-date” reminder, I decided that magnets were my favorite…why? Because your guests just throw them on their fridge, and they STAY there…cards can easily get lost in that infamous “junk” drawer.

Last week, I was looking up designs for a client, and these were my favorite that I have found perusing the internet. Links are provided! Have fun ladies!

As low as $2.59 each…this website also does invitations, and they will send you a sample for $1!

$1.59 each, including envelopes!

$1.59 each for 50

$119 for 100…this one is fun, more the party animal in us!

100 for $140…I loooove the vintage feel of this….sooo cute!

With Joy,
Lisa-Marie

To freeze or not to freeze?

Occasions — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:30:53 +0000

If you’re a new bride, you have probably already talked to your baker about whether or not you are saving the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary. There are plenty of bakeries who will just make you a new top tier for your first anniversary. This wonderful service is usually included in the price of your cake, depending on the bakery. Plenty of couples do this because they don’t want to have to worry about freezing the top tier incorrectly…and when it’s done incorrectly, it can turn a sweet occasion into a sour one indeed!

If you’re like me, and you want to follow this tradition because it would be fun and plenty special, follow these instructions, lovingly given to us by Rossmoor Pastries, located in Signal Hill, CA. Then after, take a look-see at a few of their wonderful wedding cake creations!

- First remove the top from the cake and carefully place it into the box, send it home with a friend to put it right in the freezer, box and all.
- Let it freeze solid, about two days. Then remove from the box.
- Wrap the cake carefully with “SARAN WRAP.” It is important to use only the “SARAN” brand wrap (some wraps do not work as well).
- Wrap one way and then the other, creating several layers of saran wrap. This helps to seal and cushion the cake.
- Put the wrapped cake in a plastic bag and back in the box.
- Store in the freezer until one day prior to serving. Only handle the cake while frozen.
- Remove from the freezer, completely unwrap the cake and let it defrost in the refrigerator. Keep the cake away from aromatic foods, such as onions, etc.

Thank you so much Rossmoor Pastries! If you would like to contact them for your wedding cake or desserts, they are located at 2325 Redondo Ave., Signal Hill, CA, 90755. Phone # (562) 498-CAKE (2253).

With Joy,
Lisa-Marie

Funny questions

Occasions — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:57:06 +0000

I once got asked why the officiant at a wedding ceremony asks if “If anyone objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.” They also asked me, “What happens if someone does object?” Good question, because who knows? Does a conflict mediator come in to settle all conflict, is a trial held, or if we’re lucky, does a street brawl break out  ?? Shockingly, I didn’t know the answer. Curiosity got the best of me, so I asked the never-ending wisdom of my internet guru, Google, and here is what my research came up with:

History

According to AskYahoo (I know, not Google, but it came up in the search!), this tradition is a symbolic remnant of the Catholic Church’s wedding “banns,” dating back a gazillion years. Not many officiants even include this in their ceremonies anymore, but the more traditional churches still do. Banns were published announcements of forthcoming marriages, usually issued three weeks in advance. The Church officially established banns to reveal marriages potentially unknown to the couple’s parents, and to ensure that the bride and groom were not closely related. Remember, this was probably a law that dates back to the 1200’s, where you most likely lived in a small village, and marrying a cousin was not a crazy thing to do.

Also, this was asked because in old times, it wasn’t uncommon for some men to jump from village to village, marrying every women he sees. Let’s not forget, most women were betrothed to someone since they were children….so they could have been sneaky and married someone else. If someone else knew about it, they could object.

What Happens

Like I said earlier, this phrase is usually left out of weddings nowadays. But, if it is included, and someone DOES object, the officiant usually stops the wedding, talks it out with the objector, bride, and groom…..and then the person is escorted out. Done deal…no legalities, just take the person out…..hopefully that brawl occurs! I’m just kidding!

So, hopefully you’re not worried someone will object….but if you are, just simply take that phrase out. It’s an outdated phrase, and who wants ANYTHING outdated to be at their wedding?

With Joy,
Lisa-Marie

Thirsty Thursday 3.24

Occasions — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:13:14 +0000

Hey everyone…it’s Lisa. This wedding season, I have TWO weddings in my schedule that the theme is a black and white, chic cocktail-party….now what to serve as the signature libation….you DEFINITELY need a Martini for something so classy…why not have a Black Martini?? Cheers!

•3 1/2 oz gin or vodka
•1/2 oz blackberry brandy or black raspberry liqueur
•lemon twist for garnish

Preparation:
1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2.Shake well.
3.Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or serve on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass.
4.Garnish with a lemon twist.

–recipe provided by About.com

Jenny Yoo Fashion Show at The London, WeHo

Occasions — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:00:41 +0000

Jenny Yoo creates Bridal and Bridesmaid designs that are modern, young, and flirtatious, always completed with a clean and finished design. Her designs can carry on through our ever-changing fashion landscape…and looking through her look-books on her website, she is sure to create something that can please everyone! We know in the industry that a bride doesn’t want to look back on her wedding and hate her dress! Jenny Yoo can definitely solve that problem.

What we love most about her is her talent to create something streamlined and modern, but with always a cutesy little feminine touch to finish it all off!

At Occasions, we had the pleasure of attending her fashion show at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, co-hosted by Inside Weddings! Here are some highlights from the show:

The newest color to her collection, Imperial Violet, was debuted!

Candy-bright, fun, citrus colors brings a playful touch!

Last but not least, her modern, classic lines with the feminine accent finishing it all off is why brides love her looks!

Thirsty Thursday 3.17

Occasions — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:56:49 +0000

In honor of St. Patty’s day, when everyone is Irish, why not have a unique Irish cocktail?? This is a yummy creamy, minty, cocktail you want to mix in a highball glass! Enjoy!

Irish Eyes – From About.com

Ingredients:

* 1 oz Irish whiskey
* 1/4 oz green crème de menthe
* 2 oz cream
* maraschino cherry for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass.
4. Garnish with the maraschino cherry.

Thirsty Thursday 3.10 :) Money saver!

Occasions — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:30:14 +0000

Apologies from Occasions that this is belated! Wedding season is just around the corner, and we are getting busier! So excited for this season to start…well on to our new find!

Instead of Champagne, have you thought of Sparkling Wine? Our Intern has discovered this delicious white sparkling wine from the San Antonio Winery, Moscato D’Asti.

The San Antonio Winery describes it as:

“Moscato D’Asti is made from the Moscato di Canelli grape from the Piedmont region of Italy. Sweet but not overly sweet with just enough bubbles. Great as an aperitif or with light meals. Refreshing taste with a clean finish.”

With Champagne bottles running an average of $15-$25, and this refreshing sparkler is just $8.95/bottle, this would be a smart and tasty way to replace it!

Delicioso!

Thirsty Thursday 3.2

Occasions — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:42:07 +0000

Happy March Everyone!

It’s Lisa here, and for some reason, I couldnt help but think about an Indian wedding Occasions coordinated, Neelam and Guarav Patel. First off, it was beautiful! The food was yummy, the music was upbeat, tons of people, beautiful colorful saris…everything you can wish and hope for at a Hindu Wedding…but one thing that stood out, that I never heard of, was that their signature cocktail was a tamarind martini. Now, tamarind is a common spice in many Indian dishes, but I’ve never had it in a drink before…so what did I do??? I tried one…yes indeed!

This was such a unique and different cocktail, try it out soon!

Ingredients:

2 oz Bombay Saphire or favorite gin
2 oz Tamarind juice (Goya best)
1 oz Liquor 43
Splash of Sour Mix

Preparation:

•Shake well and pour into Martini Glass

Thirsty Thursday 2.24

Occasions — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:01:05 +0000

Who doesn’t love a margarita?? At your wedding or party though, you most likely want your signature drink to be something a little different than just a margarita….well here is a unique twist on a margarita, complete with the refreshing twist of cucumber and cilantro…If your wedding or event has a Fiesta theme or an more earthy, organic feel, we feel this drink would be perfect! For your fiesta theme, serve it in glow-in-the-dark margarita glasses with the traditional lime on the side…for your more natural feel, try mason jars with a sprig of cilantro. Soo delicious!

Cucumber and Cilantro Margarita

By RJ Bear, Surf & Sand Resort‘s Director of Food & Beverage

1 ½ oz. Hornitos Reposado
3 Thin Slices English Cucumber
Pinch Fresh Cilantro
½ oz. Agave Nectar
¼ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz. Sweet and Sour

Mix:

1. Muddle cucumber with agave nectar and cilantro, add other ingredients and shake well.
2. Serve on the rocks.
3. Garnish with a slice of cucumber, a lime wheel and a cilantro leaf.

Top Bridesmaids Styles

Occasions — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:01:41 +0000

Provided by The Dessy Group!