Creative Centerpieces

Trying to find something fun yet creative for your wedding shower. These are adorable little centerpieces. You can also do this with fruit - cranberries (they float fyi), lemons, limes or oranges for a little added punch of color.

In this centerpiece, coffee beans are being used to ground these flowers and candles. Just simply fill your vase with coffee beans and the flowers you choose, add some green palm accents to get a creative and contemporary centerpiece!

Picture courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Summer Cocktails: Kiwi Mint Julep

photo from www.recipezaar.com

Mint Juleps are fine for the Kentucky Derby, and their tropical cousin the Mojito is fine for the beach, but where does one turn for a nice afternoon drink in the backyard? This Kiwi Mint Julep is exotic and fruity, but fresh enough to quench your lazy afternoon thirst.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 cups ice
• 3 kiwi fruits, peeled
• 2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 3 ounces bourbon (optional)

Directions

1. Dissolve sugar in hot water in a 1-cup measure; let cool slightly.
2. Combine ice, kiwis, limeade, mint, the sugar mixture and bourbon, if using, in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Serve immediately.

Bride & Groom Chocolate Covered Strawberries

When considering wedding favors, small deserts are a cute and delicious way to say thank you. One of our favorite picks are bride & groom chocolate covered strawberries. With a simple double dip, you can create these fun deserts, and all you need are strawberries, a bit of shortening, white & milk chocolate. (Add one tablespoon of shortening to the chocolate when melting it)

To make the wedding dress, dip the strawberry into the melted white chocolate. Once it is dry, you can paint on the detail with a paintbrush (used for food purposes only). If you want to add accessories, like the pink necklace shown here, just add a little food coloring to the chocolate to get the desired color.

The tuxedo is made using a double dip. First, dip the strawberry into the white chocolate. Once dry, dip each side of the strawberry into the chocolate to create the tuxedo jacket. To finish the look, simply add on the bow tie and buttons with a paintbrush.

If you are not comfortable using a paintbrush to add the detail, simply fill a plastic baggie with the chocolate, then cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Simple use this the same as you would a frosting bag.

Happy Anniversary Gena & Mike!

I know I say this in every anniversary post but once again it's true. I can't believe an entire year has gone by since Gena & Mike said I do at the Ohio Historical Society last June. It was a nice warm day for her Ohio garden inspired wedding.

Gena & Mike - Happy 1st Anniversary Gena & Mike! I guess it's time to break out those toasting flutes one more time to celebrate one year of marriage! I wish you many years of love and happiness.

xo
Kasey


Here's a quick look back at a few of my favorite images from their big day.

The church exit with bubbles! I just love Mike's khaki suit and pink tie. It was the prefect look for their wedding.

Gena's bouquet was huge and beautiful! One of my favorites for sure.

Another fabulous cake from Short North Piece of Cake. Around the cake were the wedding pictures of Gena & Mike's parents and grandparents.

The cake topper is an antique. It has been used in all of the family weddings starting with Gena's grandparents. It was so fragile. I was so worried about it all night until we got to put it back in it's box after the cake cutting.

Happy Fathers Day!

I'm on my way to Grand Cayman for engage!09 so I'm missing father's Day with the family. I thought I'd dedicate today's post to them!


This was such a great day in August 2006. Greyson came in to our lives and forever changed them. Thank you Shawn for being such a great husband and father to our favorite little guy. xoxo

Riverside Hospital - August 2006

To my Dad - the world's greatest dive buddy - Thank you for everything throughout the years and helping make me who I am today! Love you!!

Hatteras, NC wreck diving - August 2007

Summer Cocktails: Pineapple & Mango Daiquiri

photo from www.nygirleatsworld.com

This recipe seems simple, and it is. But because it uses fresh mangoes and fresh pineapple juice, it is so delicious and crisp. Use high-quality ingredients, including a top shelf golden rum, for best results. Go whip up a batch (it's ready in about five minutes) and sip them on the porch this afternoon!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 small ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 mango, cut into slices with skin for garnish
• 4 ounces best-quality golden rum
• 4 cups fresh pineapple juice (from a 4 1/2-pound pineapple)
• fresh tropical fruit, such as dragon fruit and star fruit, for garnish

Directions

1. Puree mangoes, rum, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Pour 2 ounces puree into each of six 12-ounce glasses. Fill glasses with ice, and top off with pineapple juice. Garnish with tropical fruit. Serves 6.
   

Bridal Party Gifts

We here at Bliss Wedding & Event Design always have a soft spot for anything Louis Vuitton. We've been buying them for years and thought what a great little gift for your bridal party! Below are a few of our little leather favorites.

Any type of clutch, wristlet or accessory bag makes a great gift for the girls!

And for the boys, you can never go wrong with a leather wallet or a classic Louis Vuitton tie to go with a great summer suit.

Alternative Wedding Rings

It's true that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but not every girl sees herself as a princess cut. So what's a bride to do when she wants a beautiful but offbeat engagement ring or band? There are tons of alternative wedding rings available that are just as gorgeous as traditional rings. The Cognac Diamond Ring by L Frank is absolutely stunning with twists of gold and pear-shaped cognac diamonds:

photo from www.twistonline.com

Alternative rings aren't just for the bride. Honor your offbeat bridal party with the Amity Ring by Turtle Love Committee. Studded with amethyst, blue topaz, peridot, citrine and two garnets, it's a wonderful way to show your bridesmaids that you appreciate their unique personalities.

photo from www.turtlelovecommittee.com

Summer Cocktails: Peach & Orange Sangria

Though sweet, this white sangria recipe is potent and therefore should be sipped with caution! White wine gives a bit more sparkle and pairs nicely with the peach and oranges. Since this recipe requires sitting overnight, don't forget to pop it in the fridge the night before your next gathering.

Ingredients

1. 3 1/4 cups dry white wine


2. 1/3 cup sugar


3. 1/3 cup triple sec


4. 1/3 cup peach-flavoured brandy


5. 2 medium peaches, peeled and sliced


6. 2 medium oranges, sliced thin and crosswise


7. 1 cup sparkling orange soda


8. 1 cup ginger ale

Directions

1. In a large serving bowl, combine all the ingredients except the orange soda and ginger ale and mix well. Refrigerate overnight.


2. Immediately before serving, mix in the orange soda and ginger ale. Serve over Ice. Makes 6 servings.
   

Happy Birthday Shawn

I wanted to dedicate today's post to my wonderful husband Shawn. Today is his 36th birthday. I can't believe so much time has gone by and we're at this milestone birthday already.

Happy Birthday Hun! Enjoy your day and we love you!

xoxo

Kasey & Grey

photo courtesy of BCR Studios, from Kasey's private wedding collection