{Pink Inspiration} Signature Drink

Pink Wink

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Skyy Infusions citrus vodka
1 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1/2 oz pineapple juice
1 strawberry

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with strawberry on top.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

by Louise De Bernieres

Love is a temporary madness,it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.

Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement,

it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.

That is just being "in love" which any fool can do.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,

and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.

Shannon + David 6.6.09

Shannon and David were married during an intimate outdoor ceremony at the groom's parents' private residence in Titusville, NJ. This was one of those rare weddings where I did not actually meet the couple until the day of the wedding. I try not to do that but for some reason, from my first conversations with Shannon, I had the feeling they would be a great couple and I was totally right! This bride and groom where extremely down to earth and relaxed and although their ceremony was pushed a half hour later (due to guests traveling via NJ transit and them experiencing delays) they both remained completely calm and collected. (they had no idea of some of the behind the scenes events)

Shannon was a DIY type of bride, she created her own escort cards, table numbers and centerpieces. Everything looked so pretty in white, pink and brown.

The behind the scenes was a bit too hectic; transportation delays, 125 chairs to be transfered from ceremony to reception area, we DJ'd via Ipod, recreated a wedding cake (which was forgotten by a friend of the bride), and so with an extensive list of unbeknowns to the couple, we accomplished what we were there to do -Shannon and David still had a great time with their friends and family...and so, I wasn't able to take too many pictures. Here are the few shots I was able to take.

Later at David's parent's front lawn, the tent set up.

The centerpieces and table numbers created by the bride.

I also would like to thank Ana (you'll all learn more about her soon) for a great job during this wedding and staying calm, strong and focused.

Wedding Traditions / Bridal Bouquet

…Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue … Ever wonder where wedding traditions come from and why they are wedding traditions?

Unsure which wedding tradition to incorporate into your wedding?

Does your family have an interesting wedding tradition? Share your wedding tradition with us. Leave a comment with your wedding tradition or email it to us at info@foryoureventplanning.com and we'll make sure to post it on our blog.

Include your name and/or blog screen name.

Bridal Bouquet Tradition

Most brides today carry flowers because they are beautiful and it gives the nervous bride something to do with her hands. However, the carrying of flowers goes back as far as the beginning of marriage. Rooted in superstition, it was thought bridal bouquets consisting of odoriferous herbs and garlands worn or carried would ward off demons and evil spirits. Variations of this superstition are found in many cultures throughout the world.

In India the bride and groom are sprinkled with flower petals to ward of evil. It is said that a Roman bride carried herbs such as rosemary in her veil to ward off evil spirits. In fact, the modern tradition of carrying flowers and herbs in the bridal bouquet stems from this Roman practice. With many cultures sharing their wedding traditions over the centuries, the primitive superstition of smelly garlands went by the wayside. Brides began to use flowers as a way to symbolize emotion, virtue of love and marriage transforming the tradition.

Flowers such as roses became symbols of love for western weddings. Herbs and flowers were mixed together as a symbolic gesture. Over the years, wedding traditions have been manipulated blending old tradition with contemporary ideals. Old Greek wedding traditions used ivy and ribbons; weaving them into crowns for the bride and groom to symbolize unity. This tradition of greenery and ribbons has been incorporated in many modern wedding bouquets. In fact, it is commonplace to see bridal bouquets with greenery and ribbons intertwined in the flowers.

Although wedding flowers are a long standing tradition, the use flowers has become more of a tradition of elegance than one of warding off demons. Thankfully the tradition changed and flowers are now used to decorate the wedding. The bride can now carry a bouquet for beauty and not as protection from evil spirits.

Thought of the Day...

"Love doesn't make the world go round,

Love is what makes the ride worthwhile".

~Elizabeth Browning

Shannon + Michael 5.23.09

Shannon & Michael were married exactly a month ago at The Church of The Ascension in NYC and had a beautiful and fun reception at the Manhattan Penthouse.
The reception was beautiful, the flowers were gorgeous, the design consisted of high and low centerpieces by A Touch of Elegance, tall branch arrangements with deep red roses, callas and gerberas, deep burgundy floral tinsel linens made it all really pop.

Design by Samantha Goldberg

Wedding Day Management Catherine Scerbo & Kathy

The groom's brother had a surprise for him as part of his best man speech--a life sized Star Wars Warrior (one of the groomsmen is underneath the costume). I had my picture taken with him while keeping him a secret from the bride and groom.

One nice touch for the end of the reception was our Candy Bar and the Coffee/Espresso Bar, Oh my gosh! Guests loved it!

"Union"

by Robert Fulghum

"You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will”- those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe”- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “ You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife "

Happy Pink Sweet Sixteen Nina! 5.22.09

Andreina's Sweet Sixteen took place at ILVillaggio in Carlstadt, NJ. We were contracted to coordinate, create design, floral and set up a delicious Candy Bar for her big event. Her theme was "Pink" and "Roses" so I was more than ecstatic to start putting together this girly girl event. Nina was a delight to work with and she couldn't have been more fun, she has a charming personality and it sure kept her cool, calm and collected the entire night. We had a blast preparing and setting up everything

Venue ~ ILVillaggio, Carlstadt, NJ

Photobooth: NJPhotobooths ~ Josh Lynn

Photography ~ Antonio Arreguin

Video ~ Antonio Arreguin

Hair ~ Pink Comb Salon

Pre-celebratory Cake ~ Buddy Valastro "Cake Boss"

Reception Cake ~ Palermo's Bakery

Design/Coordination/Candy Bar ~ Catherine http://www.foryoureventplanning.com/

Nina, her court of honor and her family took pictures before the big celebration. Boulevard East, Weehawken, NJ

Nina's programs. Two programs were placed at each table in a blanket of petals.

The tall centerpieces consisted of all Pink Roses, Stargazer lilies, Curly willow, wax flowers and bear grass, over a trumpet vase filled with crystal gems, floating dendrobium orchids and pink lighting.

Room view from the Suite balcony.

Photo credit for this picture: For Your Event Planning

Photo credit for this picture: For Your Event Planning

Head Table garland w/ Pink Roses, Stargazer lilies, hanging crystals and votives

Photo credit for this picture: For Your Event Planning

24ft long head table

And of course we could not leave our tempting Sweets behind. Here is Nina enjoying the Candy Bar, we designed for her.

Cake by Palermos

Elegant Damask

I love damask...literally obsessed - in any color... and while searching for new damask items to add to my collection I found these elegant tea light holders.

Taking elegant wedding favors to a whole, new dimension—the “Damask Traditions” Tea Light holder will bring style to your reception tables and radiant memories to your guests. Just picture these gorgeous thank-you gifts at each place setting, and you'll know.

These tea light holders feature elegant, black, damask-style patterns, that surround the frosted-glass. Tea light holder measures 2 ½ ” h x 2” in diameter -- Clear gift box is accented with rich, black grosgrain ribbon and bow and silver gift charm.

Gift box measures 2 ¾” h x 2 ¼” w x 2 ¼” d --Tea light included -Sold in sets of four at www.getmarried.com/shop ITEM: KA20093BK

{Black and White Inspiration} Signature Drink

Vodka Creme Brulee

{Ingredients}

2 oz Grey Goose La Vanille (or vanilla flavored vodka)

1 oz Frangelico

1/2 oz Cointreau1

1/2 oz half and half

{Garnish} Vanilla stick

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with vanilla stick.

Dante Alighieri Spring Luncheon 4.18.09

This is a post looong overdue...back in february we hosted a "Sweet Valentine Giveaway" for a complimentary Candy Bar, we announced our winner on Monday, March 2, 2009!

The winner happened to be the Vice-President of Dante Alighieri Society in Jersey City, NJ (Marianne Costello). The Dante board members host an annual Spring Luncheon and this year's luncheon was special--Dante celebrated their 100th year anniversary on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at Casino in the Park in Jersey City. Being this my 2nd year somewhat involved with the Dante Society, I was excited to created the Ol' Time Favorites Sweet Table for its members.

The Candy Bar was a perfect "thank you treat" for everyone that assisted the luncheon.

Here a picture of the programs I made for the Luncheon.

About Dante:

The Dante Alighieri Society was formed in Italy in July 1889, named after Dante Alighieri

(1265-1321), Italian Florentine poet and the author of The Divine Comedy, who is considered the father of the Italian language--The sole purpose of the Dante Alighieri Society is to 'promote the study of the Italian language and culture throughout the world...a purpose independent of political ideologies, national or ethnic origins or religious beliefs, and that the Society is the free association of people - not just Italians - but all people everywhere who are united by their love for the Italian languages and culture and the spirit of universal humanism that these represent.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, exists to aid the Italian-American community by diffusing the Italian language, literature, culture, and traditions.

Favor Tags {Kayla's 1st Birthday}

I made these "Dora The Explorer" theme favor tags for little Kayla's 1st Birthday back in April. The diamond shaped tag consists of 2 layers, the printed layer is artic snow metallic cardstock and the underlay is amethyst metallic.

Available in your Event's colors & theme. Shapes: Square, Diamond, Round. Min qty. 25

Laser printed.

Thank You Tags {Theresa & Christopher}

I created these "Thank You" tags for Theresa and Christopher. It is a one layer, diamond shape tag in Gold metallic cardstock, printing is in black ink. Their wedding will be 3 weeks!

Available in a variety of colors. Min qty. 25

Laser printed

{Brown Inspiration} Signature Drink

Irish Tiramisu

Ingredients (Serves 2)
1/4 cup espresso
4 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream-
1/3 cup mascarpone-
2 scoops vanilla, chocolate or coffee ice cream-
2 to 4 ice cubes-
2 soft ladyfinger cookies sliced lengthwise or shortbread wafers-
Chocolate-hazelnut spread-
Chocolate syrup



Blend together espresso, Irish Cream, ice cream, mascarpone, ice cream and ice until smooth. Drizzle chocolate syrup along inside edges of oversized martini glasses. Pour mixture from blender into glasses. Spread a layer of chocolate-layzelnut spread in between the ladyfingers or sandwich between two shortbread cookies. Pass the cookies to dip in the cocktails. (Variation: Rim glass with chocolate syrup by dipping glass in a plate with chocolate syrup)

Ceremony Reading

"The Strength To Love"

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"The meaning of love is not to be confused with some sentimental outpouring. Love is something much more than emotional bosh…An overflowing love which seeks nothing in return,[agape] is the love of God operating in the human heart…Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of our Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind's quest for peace and security…The great military leaders of the past have gone, and their empires have crumbled and burned to ashes. But the empire of Jesus, built solidly and majestically on the foundation of love, is still growing."

Traditions: The Ring Finger...why?

The ring finger is the fourth digit of the human hand, and the second most ulnar finger, located between the middle finger and the little finger. It is also called digitus medicinalis, the third finger, digitus annularis, digitus quartus, or digitus IV in anatomy.

During the 3rd century in Greece, the ring finger was the index finger.

In India it was the thumb.

The Egyptians believed that a special vein, which they called a "vena amoris" or vein of love, ran from the third finger on the left hand, directly to the heart. By putting on a fitted ring, the affections were bound in and could never flow out the fingertips. Also, this finger although not the smallest on the hand is the weakest and most dependent on the others for help in lifting and holding. It seemed to symbolise the young wife supported by the strength of her husband.
The "ring" finger has sometimes been on the left hand, sometimes on the right, according to country and custom. Among English-speaking christians, it has been on the left since the edict of Edward VI in 1549.

For this reason, the fourth finger of the left hand has been adopted through the ages as the ideal place for the wedding ring.

Here's a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese:

The thumb represents your parents.

The second finger/index finger represents your siblings.

The middle finger represents yourself.

The fourth finger/ring finger represents your life partner.

The little finger represents your children.

First, open your palms, face to face. Bend the middle fingers and hold them together, back to back. Second, take the rest of your fingers and thumb and place them tip to tip.

Now, try and separate your thumbs which represent your parents, they will open. Your parents are not destined to live with you for the rest of your lives. They will leave you sooner or later. Join your thumbs as before.

Now take and separate your index fingers representing your siblings. They will also open. Your brothers an sister will make their own families and will lead their own separate lives. Now join your index fingers again.

Now separate you little fingers representing your children. They will open too. Your children will grow up, settle down and begin on their own family someday. Now bring your little fingers together.

Finally, try and separate your ring fingers which represent your spouse. You will be surprised to see that you cannot separate them, because husband and wife are meant to be together all their lives, through thick and thin.

Cool, right?

Thought of the Day

Between the stresses of deadlines to meet, traffic jams, financial obligations etc... it’s easy to forget the importance of taking some time out to enjoy a chuckle or two with your special someone every now and then.
Our Thought of the Day can help you with that.
So grab your mate (well, not literally) and take a few minutes to sit back, read and enjoy our Daily thoughts we will be posting regularly. We are sure you'll get a kick out of some.

~Catherine

...My husband asked where would I want to go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" I said. So he suggested the kitchen.

Perfect Summer Cocktail--refreshing and colorful

As the temperature around you soars, cool off with a tall one of this summer chiller!

Summer is the perfect time for cocktails, actually...I say that about every season.

Pineapple Martini--with Raspbery twist

1 oz. Pineapple Juice

1.5 oz. Vodka

.5 oz. Chambord

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.Garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a pineapple leaf.

Enjoy!