Tag: wedding reception ideas
courtesy of michellewellsphotography.ca
There is just something so magical about winter weddings. The crisp weather. The sparkly icicles. The slow falling snow. The dazzling night skies. It’s a perfect setting for romance, snuggling up and dancing the night away with the one you love the most.
And after looking through several of these Frosty the Snowman inspired designs – featuring intricate lighting, crystallized ice sculptures and baby’s breath centerpieces – it’s super hard for me to believe that Old Man Winter remains the least popular season to say ‘I do.’
Below are some of my favorite wintry wonders. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
A dash of twinkling baby’s breath can make all the difference.
courtesy of myweddecorations.blogspot.com
Sprinkle in snowflake lighting to really make ‘em ooh and ahh.
courtesy of eyedialogue.com
Drizzle your decor with draped crystals and create the look of poshly lit icicles.
courtesy of foreverphotographystudio.com
Sculpt an impeccable setting with ice, mini floras and fur (yes fur!!)
courtesy of bellzandwhistlezblog.blogspot
Cover up with a chic cardigan and take your gown to celebrity status.
courtesy of dressestutor.com
Or for the super sassy, try a frisky fur wrap!
courtesy of ungovernableungraceful0211.blogspot.com and Oscar de la Renta via weddinginspirasi.com
Make your cake top pop with Old Man Winter’s prettiest creations.
courtesy of thecakeblog.com
Surround your guest with chilling-inspired love from floor to ceiling — this is by FAR my fave!!!
courtesy of myweddecorations.blogspot.com (top and bottom) and brendasweddingblog.com (center)
December 13, 2011
courtesy of coutureclosetboutique.com
These days, a wedding isn’t just a brief moment in time… it’s a monumental event for the ages! In fact, I’m often reminded of a quote from Wedding Date - the 2005 film starring Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney (dream!) - when I think of just how epic some weddings have become. Shortly after Kat Ellis (Messing) arrives in London for her sister’s wedding, her mom (played by Holland Taylor) informs Kat that:
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve got welcome cocktails today. Then, tomorrow’s Young People in the Park and Stags and Hens. Friday’s the picnic, then the rehearsal dinner, and since you left you no margin for jet lag, I need you to hydrate.”
Of course not everyone goes that over the top when planning their big day, but that doesn’t mean their day feels anything less than a marathon. From sun up to sun down, a bride, her groom and everyone else in between have a lot of ground to cover… and while some might say the key to duration is hydration… others are more lenient towards sustenance of the chewable variety.
And in big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, grub is precisely what they get! These big time metro poles are famous for their food truck industries, which they are becoming all the rage in wedding day agendas! In LA, for instance, mobile grub doesn’t get much bigger than In-N-Out Burger, which has been providing years worth of service to brides and grooms looking to keep their guests full and focused well into the night.
It’s also a great way to talk to guests you may have missed! One bride (pictured below) used In-N-Out Burger at her reception and said, “We didn’t do a receiving line at the reception, but while everyone was lined up to order their food my husband and I went down the line and greeted everyone while they waited. It worked out really well and helped fill the time that people were just standing around.”
courtesy of weddingbee.com
Love love love. Of course, there are so many other ways to keep on truckin’ even if there are no trucks.
At my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding a couple years ago, there was a break between the ceremony and reception for the bridal party to get pictures; so, while everyone else was enjoying a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, the bridal party was schlepping through a park trying to capture the perfect shot. Matt and Jess (the SIL and BIL) didn’t want their favorite people to suffer however and provided all of us with White Castle burgers and fries to go, as a tied-me-over ’til dinner.
You might also consider:
- Food Carts
- Hot Dog Stands
- Popcorn Machines
- Goody Bags
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Late Night Pizza Delivery
- Midnight Snacks
- Homemade Treats
December 6, 2011
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
Denise & Ryan, oh so in loaf! (courtesy of Denise Keown)
This past weekend, the Mister and I attended his step sister’s wedding in Indy. A beautiful black and white ceremony accented with richly red rose petals, the evening was filled with all the usual wedding charm. And while weddings have practically become a weekend standard for the Dietzes, it never ceases to amaze me how each one always brings in elements unique to the couple behind the celebration itself. Denise ( the hub’s step sister) and Ryan’s big day was no exception!
My absolute favorite part came after dinner when the DJ announced that everyone needed to return to their seats for at least the next two and half minutes… Two and a half minutes?? This immediately peaked my curiosity, as we all scurried back to our tables and anxiously awaited what would be revealed next.
Then, the deliberate emcee continued by saying that the bride and groom truly appreciated everyone for being there and wanted to make sure to remember each guest who was a part of their big day. He then explained that in order to do this, the bride and groom had decided to get a picture with each and every one of us!
So, while Aram Khachaturian’s The Sabre Dance (trust me, you know the tune) played over the stereo system, Denise and Ryan - followed super closely by their photographer - ran frantically from table to table posing with each group of people.
Some of the shots were funny. Some of them were serious. Some – especially by the tables who had obviously been previously forewarned – were well planned out, while others were thrown together haphazardly and hilariously… But no matter what the outcome of the actual shot was… all of them were definitely 100% authentic and 100% amazing.
And what a great way to make instant memories and set the tone for the rest evening!! Love love love it and can’t wait to see all the photos!
Congrats to Denise and Ryan and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
November 15, 2011
The gorgeous bride and her handsome groom. (courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Recently I had the distinct pleasure of not only attending but also rockin’ it out as a bridesmaid at my cousin Kimberly Lynn’s wedding. Marrying the man of her dreams, the former Ms. Kidwell wed Brian Mitchell during a b.e.a.uuuutiful fall fiesta ceremony in the heartland of the Midwest. Surrounded by their closest 450 - give or take – family and friends, the duo said “I do” at Kim’s childhood parish, St. Barnabus Catholic Church on October 15, 2011.
It was a celebration for the ages, sprinkled with all things fabulous, and to say it was a joy to be a part of it all would merely be the tip of the excitement iceberg! As many weddings as I’ve attended (Kim and Brian’s marking the 50th the Mister and I have attended together alone!), it never ceases to amaze me at how original each one is… how the individuality of the bride, her groom and their families seem to take the same occasion and mark it with something genuinely unique, something uniquely them… I’m telling you, it’s something nothing short of amazeballs.
And because it’s always such an honor to be included in a celebration, I like to glorify the creativity of each by sharing it with the masses (you’re welcome, haha!) and posting it for all to see! Below are some of my favorite parts… feel free to be inspired:
Post Rehearsal / Pre-Wedding Slumber Party. Kim had all the girls over for a final Girl’s Night In after the rehearsal, and in a word, it was fantastic. Giving one of the best attendant gifts ever, we celebrated the evening by watching one part of the gift, Bridesmaids and secretly “ooh’ing and aww’ing” the other… unique bridesmaids’ jewelry – picked out by the bride herself – for us to where on the occasion. Love love love!
How much do you la-Louvre those colors together? (courtesy of Google Images)
Killer Color Combo. As sampled above with the bracelets, the colors were purple, orange and green. The mother of the bride, my fabulous Aunt Gail, is a DIVA when it comes to decor; so, there was no doubt that the wedding would be nothing short of F.I.E.R.C.E. when it came to its overall layout… and I have to admit, just looking at the floral arrangements alone, you can see just how fierce it was… Tyra Banks, eat your heart out!
And yes, that would be my bouquet barely peaking in on the right and me totally cut out. Yep, haha! (courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
The Bride wore Purple Pumps. Keeping in theme with the wedding day and the trendy modern bride, Kimmi sported her best plum pumps for the occasion, and showed off her boogie shoes in style!
I wanna put on, my my my my my Boogie Shoes, and boogie with you! (courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Crowd Pleasing Priest, personalized by friendship. Being graduates of the local Catholic high school (Roncalli, what?), Kim and I had the pleasure of seeing one of our former classmates (and prom kings!), Dustin Boehm, reach the high honor of joining the priesthood. Kimmi decided no other priest would do, and Dustin, errr, cough cough, Father Boehm was the one chosen to oversee the whole newlywed nuptials! He did such a Tony the Tiger GRRREEEAAAT job!
Father Boehm in person and in action! (courtesy of yours truly and photosbyjennifer.com)
Father of the Bride Speech, marked with Love. So, being a complete sentimental nut, one of my favorite parts of a wedding day is always the time honored father of the bride speech, and my Uncle Rich did not disappoint! One of the best parts was when he totaled to the years of marriage Kim and Brian had backing them between the families, and because the Kidwell side is such a force to be reckoned with… he had all of us stand up and officially welcome Brian to the fam… all 900 and couting. Haha!
Kim giving her Papa a hug after his speech, so sweet! (courtesy of yours truly!)
Ceremony Shoes + Reception Runners. Kim’s nephews, Jackson and Austin, rocked it out as ring bearers and were both equipped with wedding shoes for the ceremony and running shoes for the reception. Genius. I also like how they took it upon themselves to ditch their jackets, ties and tuxedo shirts as well. Ahhh, boys :)
Work it out, Jackson! (courtesy of yours truly)
Glorious Groom’s Cake. Vastly becoming one of my favorite parts of the reception, their Groom’s Cake was one of the best I’ve ever seen! Courtesy of Cheryl Blessing of thecakestandindy.com, K+B’s groom’s cake was representative of their hometown pride and their fanatical love for the NFL. Kim, being a born and raised Indy girl, loves the Colts, and go figure, she falls in love with a Illinois native / Chicago Bear extremist. Yep. I can hope their kids are smart enough to make the right choice ;)
Touchdown perfection! (courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com)
Epically assembled with dance circles, laughter and all kinds of greatness, I could go on and on (and ON!) about Kim and Brian’s wedding, but sadly, like all good things, this post has to have an ending. So, here’s to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell…
As you sit side by side on the roller coaster of life, remember to scream at the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn! We love love love you and cheers to many years of happiness!
October 27, 2011
photos courtesy of C. Siderys
Recently, our fearless leader and your favorite MK sales lady, Carolyn, attended her nephew’s New England wedding in Maine, and I gotta be honest… after looking through all the pics… kiiiinnnddaaa jealous I didn’t get an invite to this lobster-filled love fest!
Set in the picturesque tranquility of the bride’s hometown, Peaks Island, Maine, Carolyn’s strapping nephew, Kris Fitzgerald, married his “Maine” squeeze (ha, get it?) Kristin in front of close family and friends during a beautiful bed ‘n’ breakfast ceremony at The Danforth. It was an event to remember, filled with rustic romance and trimmed by all things charming.
Eager to keep the casual atmosphere of old-fashioned fun going, guests were escorted aboard a ferry boat after the ceremony off the coast of Portland and wistfully sailed to the reception on Peaks Island. Often referred to as the Coney Island of Maine, Peaks Island proved to be the perfect setting for their sunset soaked lobster feast. Details were as follows:
Location: Peaks Island, Maine: where old world charm and simpler times reign supreme… and there’s nothing untouched by postcard pretty :)
Peaks Island entrance; the happy couple entering; sailor's delight (photos courtesy of C. Siderys)
Menu: A savory feast of Lobster, Steamers & Clam Chowder (in honor of the groom’s Boston bred heritage)… seriously, my mouth is watering. Think I’m embarrassed? Think again! I mean look at all that YUMMY!
photo courtesy of C. Siderys
Colors: Complimenting the wedding colors of Lobster Red and White perfectly, colorful dahlias, picked from the mother of the groom’s garden filled the feast with homegrown love… and LOTS of it! There was enough homegrown love to decorate 32 tables! (Please, garden master, tell me your secrets!)
photos courtesy of C. Siderys
Cake: Whoopie Pie Wedding Cakes, of course! A Portland, Maine original, these tasy treats are both thoughtful and delicious!
photo courtesy of C. Siderys
Favors: What better way to send-off your guests than with Lobster Shaped Cookie Cutters?!!? I think none! And as an added bonus, check out the charms Carolyn found for the bride and groom to take home… can anyone else say, genius?? And if you like the charms, you’ll most def have to check out her girlfriend’s Etsy Store: Wilma & Betty :)
photos courtesy of C. Siderys
Final Touch: I absolutely adored everything about these New England nuptials… the sunset setting, the savory feast, the laid back atmosphere… but mostly, I love how even a still frame image was able to capture all the love and laughter it contained! Here’s Carolyn with her sisters :) Check out the mother of the groom… she’s the diva second from the right with the nautical inspired diggs. Love love love those sailor-styled shoes!
photo courtesy of C. Siderys
October 6, 2011
courtesy of doveweddingphotography.com
Because so many wedding trends tend to fashion around color, it’s no wonder that this colorful topic is among the hottest in industry news. Whether it is an unusual color combination or funky patterned table linens or even seasoned and stylized bouquets, brides everywhere have become aware of making their big day a bright and colorful occasion.
But what about the bride looking to create a cleaner look?
Well, she might try all white! Both simple and chic, all white weddings have a look that can be stylized both for vintage glam or modern flare. And if an all white pallet is simply too modern for you, try accenting it with another neutral color that will compliment its crisp design, while brining in a pop of interest. Blushes, creams and hydrangea greens all seem to do the trick. Check out below and let the inspiration begin!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, doveweddingphotography.com, kaboodle.com, dreamyapartment.com, weddings-invitations.org, blogs.dexknows.com and stevekoophotography.com
August 23, 2011
courtesy of katiedayphoto.com
The use of parasols on a wedding day is hardly a new concept. In fact, it’s more than likely one of the oldest ones there is. However, with the modern bride growing trendier and trendier every day, the perception of the traditional parasol has taken flight and landed somewhere near, on or around amazeballs!
Not only do these bumber-shoot (what me niece calls them) beauties look and feel fabulous in photos, but they also pull double duty in the function arena, as well! Check out below for some inspiring ways to make your wedding soar with parasols…
Get Creative with Color. Use parasols opposite on or complimentary to each other on the color wheel to really make a statement drenched in “ooh la la!”
courtesy of (from top to bottom) stylemepretty.com, Amanda Cremona Moorefield, riweddingguide.com, katiedayphoto.com, katiedayphoto.com, weddingbee.com and weddingwire.com
All White is All Right. For the ladies-in-waiting looking something a little more classic, use all white parasols to create a look of crisp freshness.
courtesy of (from top to bottom) 2sistersblog.com, weddingbee.com, theknot.com and terrismithphotoblog.com
Divine Decorations. Use these ultimate umbrellas sprinkled into your wedding decor and transform an average shindig to a whole new level of hooplah!
Courtesy of (from top to bottom) big-wedding-tiny-budget.com, Google Images, pinkfrosting.com.au, blog.hgtv.com, blog.hgtv.com and pauljohnsonphoto.com
Parasol with a Purpose. Ideal for outdoor and destination weddings, hand these bad boys out as favors for your wedding guests to relax and enjoy in style.
courtesy of (from top to bottom) lunabazaar.com, sincerelyyoursonline.blogspot.com, perdekoop.co.za, theknot.com, snippetandink.com and apartmenttherapy.com
A Touch of Vintage Glam. When prints and lace are added to your parasols, they become an instant rewind for all things fabulously retro!
courtesy of (from top to bottom) jamiedelaineblog.com, ruffledblog.com, herecomestheguide.com, ruffledblog.com, ruffledblog.com, amorologyweddings.com and jenstewartphotography.com
Statement Pieces… literally. Encode and reveal your own messages for the ultimate of chic treats for your big day celebration!
courtesy of (from top to bottom) weddingbee.com, idooriginals.com and divadecorating.com
August 4, 2011
courtesy of treschicbride.blogspot.com
When throwing a shower for one of my girlfriends awhile back, I came across a little recipe for “cake pops” and have been OBSESSED ever since!
Being the regular Betty Crocker (for those of you that know me, please hold in your laughter) that I am, I decided this would be an excellent choice for a festive dessert! And if I’ve gotta be completely honest… it TOTALLY was! (Subsequently pats self on back) I made three kinds: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Now, while these three flavors may seem like nothing all too impressive, it’s what you can do with them that makes them so incredible! After baking the three cake mixes in the oven (according to the box instructions), I simpled let the pans cool for about 15 minutes before crumbling each flavor into a mixing bowl and stiring in the same flavor frosting. (White w/ Vanilla, Chocolate w/ Chocolate and Strawberry w/ Strawberry.) After which, I balled the sugary goodness into small circles and covered them with candy melt toppings.
It took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy… and even more delicious! I topped the White Cake Balls with vanilla icing and yellow sprinkles; the Chocolate Cake Balls with chocolate candy melts and coconut, and the Strawberry Cake Balls with a melted white chocolate candy bar and pink candy heart sprinkles (my faves!). I placed some on sticks, creating a gourmet sucker look and the rest I left on decorative trays for easy, sweet munching!
There are several options on how you can create your cake pops / balls, but I have yet to find one I didn’t enjoy! Take a look below for some delicious inspiration and easy to make recipes (found below images) and start poppin’ your way to party goodness!
Choloate and Turquoise Dream!
courtesy of karascakery.com courtesy of Google Images courtesy of bzevents.com
Pretty in Pink!
courtesy of bakersroyale.com
Citrus-y Goodness!
courtesy of bzevents.com
Wrapped with Love!
courtesy of etsy.com
Turtle-Something Surprise!
courtesy of cakebybridges.com
Cupcake Cuties!
courtesy of thehappychickadee.blogspot.com
Designed by Darlings!
courtesy of camillestyles.wordpress.com
Lined with Perfection!
courtesy of thesepeasarehollow.blogspot.com
Sweetly say “I do!”
courtesy of etsy.com
Example Recipe Guide for Reference:
- 1 Box of Cake Mix (Choose your favorite the flavor)
- 1 16 ounce Container of Pre-Made Frosting (Again, choose the flavor!)
- 1 3 ounce Bar of Flavored Confectionery or Candy Melts (Choose your taste yet again! Mixing and Matching is half the fun!)
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package details, using any of the recommended pans for backing. Once cake is baked fully, simply crumble the cake while still warm (but after 15 minutes of cooling) into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt your flavored confectionery or candy melt coating in a glass bowl in the microwave or a metal pot over a pan of simmering water on the stove-top, stirring occasionally until at a smooth consistency.
3. Use a melon baller or scoop (or even just your hands!) to form small balls (use Dunkin’ Donut holes as reference) of your cake mixture. Then, either dip the balls into the melted pan of goodness using a toothpick or simply drizzle it on top using a spoon to coat each one accordingly. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. Decorate accordinly. Place on sucker sticks if desired. Refrigerate once fully cooled.
5. & ENJOY!!
August 2, 2011
Anna and her Papa making their way to the groom!
First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of you that sent nice weather vibes to Osgood, Indiana last weekend… because even though the rain eventually came, it was well after the outdoor ceremony concluded and the bride was properly covered :)
Secondly, can I just say what a BLASTIN’ good I had celebrating my girlfriend’s wedding!? There were sooo many cute things they did with the ceremony, which I would encourage all my brides-to-be to at least take a gander at:
- The wedding was outdoors and incorporated all Anna’s (the bride’s) nieces and nephews. Ranging in ages from little to little-er, Anna and her now hubs set up blankets on the grass in the front for all the little ones to lounge during the ceremony. They also equipped them with candy; so, the level of satisfaction was at an all time high.
- Also, during the Sand Candle Ceremony, Anna and Brian (the groom) both had previously given the pastor a list of items they thought the sand represented from the other one. So, when they were pouring their vases into the center vase, the pastor read off all the wonderful qualities each found in each other. Sooo sweet!
- Another uber sweet thing the ceremony brought about was talking about the four family sides that would be joined at the marriage of Anna and Brian: Anna’s mom and dad’s family and Brian’s maternal and paternal sides. Taking the ceremony reigns again, Anna and Brian stated their favorite qualities of each side and how they could only hope to emulate each. Of course, this was a tear jerkin’ fave for the crowd.
- To keep the country fun rolling, dinner was served as a delicious buffet style meal — fixed with all grandma’s favorites!! Including (buts obvs not limited to): fried chicken, country buttered rolls, potato and pasta salad, crisp greens, smashed potatoes and gravy and all the mouth watering trimmings you can imagine. For serious, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.
- Of course, after all the swing like thunder dancing, refreshments were also served later in the evening, as well. They had hot dogs, topped with every street vending condiment known to man and Anna’s favorite, bags of buttery popcorn. de.lish.ous.
It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful people and even more beautiful memories. Check out below to see what I mean… here are some of the shots I captured :)
The b.e.a.uuuutiful flowers surrounding the nuptial arch :)
The gorrrrrgeous bridesmaids wore robin's egg blue and carried bouquets of pink! Love.Love.Love.
The bride, escorted by her Papa, near the end of the journey -- as the BEAMING groom's madre (far left) watches sweetly for his reaction. One of the best moments!
Delilah, the flower girl extraordinaire, "patiently" waiting for Anna's arrival down the aisle with her color coordinated sucker :)
FINALLY made it! Just shut up with the awesomeness of Anna's dress... straight diva.
Boys will be boys -- more concerned with their candy than the ceremony, hehe :)
The entire bridal party getting their wedding on! Back-dropped by the stunning grounds of Anna's parent's Osgood home.
While his hat did make it back on, this little ring bearer still found his time better spent digging into a new sucker flavor than the ceremony details. So stinkin' cute!
Conversations took a turn to the serious :)
Saying the vows...
Hugging the 'rents...
Still eating the candy :)
Congrats again to Anna and Brian! It was a wonderful day and hopefully a sign of even more wonderful days ahead! Love love love to you both and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
May 31, 2011
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