31 January 2009

Wedding Traditions II - Brazilian



Brazil is located in eastern south America bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is by far the largest country in South America but slightly smaller than the United States. It is a very beautiful and tropical country. Brazil is a new country and most of it's customs are based on old rituals. It's a country with a big European influence.
The Brazilian population consists of 94% Roman Catholics. Brazilian weddings are very traditional containing only a few differences from the weddings that we have in the U.S. Certain differences are the attire that is worn, foods, the wedding party and the entertainment.


Brazilian folklore and wedding traditions are among the most expressive of the world. Songs, dance, food , legends, dance along with the mixture of the culture create an experience unlike any other.


Capirinha is a Brazilian drink made of an alcohol called "cachaça" (cashassa) which is like rum but made from sugar cane instead of molasses then put into very sweet limeade.
Ingredients
1 lime quartered
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 shot of cachaça / vodka is a substitute
1/2 Cup of ice cubes with water
Prepare:
Place the lime and sugar in the bottom of a glass.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash
the limes. Pour the liqueur and ice. Stir well.
1 lime
2 ounces of cachaça
Sugar to taste
Ice cubes
Wash the lime and roll it on the board to loosen the juices. Cut the lime into pieces and place them in a glass. Sprinkle with the sugar and crush the pieces (pulp side up) with a pestle. Just enough to release the juice, otherwise it will get bitter. Add the cachaça and stir to mix. Add the ice and stir again. It is delicious and potent!
You can also make a pitcher of caipirinha. Figure out how many people and multiply amounts. If you can't find cachaça where you live, use a good vodka. The drink will then be called caipiroshka. No vodka? Use white rum and you will have a caipiríssima.


Traditionally, the bride must be late - not too late - but at least 10 minutes. She doesn't want to arrive before her groom.

Lots of wonderful Samba music fills the air. Pagode is a form of Samba (the dance).


Bumba-Meu-Boi ~ "A man would prove his worth as a suitable husband by his ability to tame an unbridled donkey." If his attempts were successful, he had permission to marry the daughter of the man who owned the donkey.


Both the man and woman wear engagement rings on their RIGHT hands until they are married at which time they are switched to the left hands.


Photo credit: Roxanne Parker Photography

29 January 2009

Wishpot Giveaways Real Simple Wedding 2009


BRIDES: Comment on The Wishpot Wedding Blog and enter to win a copy of Real Simple Weddings 2009. This special edition of Real Simple Weddings 2009 features beautiful wedding cakes. So tell us about your wedding cake, or your wedding cake plans/ideas... Anyone who comments can win. Good Luck!
Be sure to post back here if you win!!! This book is absolutely gorgeous........

BLOG LOVE....


I have been so bad about keeping up with the Blog Love. It melts my heart whenever I receive one. There are so many wonderful bloggers out there. I have made some of the best friends thru blogging. So, I will list some of my new great friends. You may read more about them by clicking the links on my SPECIAL GUESTS icons to the right.

Readers- be sure to check out their blogs. You'll learn LOTS from each of them!


Latrice - Bridal Opulence

Nicole - Your Champagne Events

Stacy - Affairs to Remember


Ladies - thanks for the LOVE!!!







26 January 2009

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BRIDAL SALON by VARA FORE




A typical weekend for Sophia’s can be very hectic. Of course this is our busiest time of the year, so we try to fit in as many brides as possible throughout the day.

When a bride walks in, we usually get all of their information up front; when’s your wedding, the location of your wedding, do you have a certain style you’re looking for, did you bring/find any dresses you like online or somewhere else, is this your first store/have you tried on any yet.

After they give us all of that information, the fun part begins. We typically start with three dresses, and then work from there. Some find “the one” within those first three and others find it after the eight one. We will work hard to find “the” dress, so don’t worry about time. We usually give our brides an hour and a half to try on dress (and if you go over that’s not a problem).

Hoping the bride finds her dress, we then like to ask about the bridal party. We also sell bridesmaid’s dress, mother-of-the bride dresses, flower girls, and tux rentals. We want you to be able to get everything all in one location so it’s less stress for you to find different attire everywhere else. If a bride has colors, materials, and cuts of bridesmaid’s dresses, we then can help her pick some styles out so her bridesmaids can come in and try them on as well as get fitted.

Overall, the experience can be very enjoyable and hopefully not stressful. Yes, we understand it’s one of the “biggest” decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding, so we want to be there guiding you in making the “biggest” decision the “best” decision.
Some bridal tips:

Wedding gowns: we recommend you order 6-8 months before your wedding. This gives you time for fitting, alterations, and any last minute details.

Bridesmaids: we recommend you order 2-3 months as well; fitting and alterations.

Groomsmen: we recommend you order 2-3 months as well; fitting, alterations, and any last minute details. Also, the groom typically matches the bride and the groomsmen match the bridesmaids.

Hopefully these little tips will help you when you’re out looking for your bridal party attire as well as your attire.




Vara Fore


e-vents team member

A new Blog for THE BRIDAL SHOW 2009

I've decided to start a separate blog for the BRIDAL SHOW 2009.
Be sure to check it out @ http://indyareavendorshowcase.blogspot.com/ for updates, vendor spotlights and freebies!

23 January 2009

Meet e-vents team member......Molly Milano


I actually met Molly thru her sister Jessica of lemongrass photography. I can not thank Jessica enough! Molly is truly a find and will be an excellent addition to the Wonderful World of Wedding Planning. Here's a bit about Molly:


I attend IUPUI in Indianapolis. I have a double major and minor, which is a lot of work! I am studying International Business and Marketing with a minor in Tourism and Convention Event Management. I would like to plan parties and events all over the world!

What inspired me to be a wedding and event planner would have to be the amount of stress that goes on during the preparation of a wedding or large event. I would like to be able to take most of that stress away from the bride and groom so that they can focus on sharing their love with each other, as well as bringing the two families together. I would also like to be able to see people walk away from one of the events that I have put together with a smile on their face, hopefully being positively impacted.

I want to be able to inherit new ideas and the skills necessary to one day own my very own event planning company.
I enjoy running and working out, reading, traveling, laying out, playing with my nephew Bryson, and having fun with my girls!
Some things that I think are current trends in the wedding planning fields would be making sure everything has a texture, and not just a boring, dull and matte look. Also, after flipping through some recent wedding magazines, I have noticed the sleek and modern lines on everything, while also being very geometric.
I feel that I could bring young and fresh ideas, as well as another angle that something could be done successfully.

My favorite ice cream flavor is Cake batter with strawberry’s from Cold Stone!


My favorite movies are Breakfast at Tiffany’s & Roman Holiday! I love Audrey Hepburn; I think that she is timeless and classy! Also, I love musicals like Moulin Rouge, The Phantom of the Opera and The Newsies!
Jennifer Aniston & Kate Hudson are my favorite actresses.
Favorite book?
Twilight & New Moon

Favorite wedding song?
Ava Maria & Sunrise Sunset
Favorite wedding tradition?
I LOVE the classic, something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue tradition! I want to wear blue shoes as my something blue! Also I love the 6 pence in the shoe tradition!


Molly, thanks for letting the readers know a little bit about you. I am so happy to have you as a part of the team!


Readers- Be sure to check back for Molly's guest blogs. Please show Molly some love and encouragement!





22 January 2009

Picture perfect for Bridal Showers.........


I was perusing one of my fave blogs today and found an AWESOME deal. Jessica from lemongrass photography has a great new addition she is offering....... The portrait party! What an awesome idea. I think this would be great for bridal showers, families - heck, anyone. Believe me I am signing up! You'll find out more about her business in a later post. lemongrass photography is the OFFICIAL photographer of THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - BRIDAL SHOW 2009.
More details from her blog:
I am so happy to announce a new addition to the lemongrass line-up. The portrait party! Portrait parties are a great way to hang out with your family and friends and get some fabulous pictures taken at the same time! As the "host" you will be in charge of finding 6-10 families or groups that are interested in having their photos taken. Everyone will enjoy a reduced sitting fee ($35 a family/group) and will get a mini-session with me!! This is also an awesome time for hanging out with friends and checking out some fun lemongrass products. If you would like information on hosting your very own lemongrass portrait party, please give me a call at 317.797.3180 or email me at jessica@lemongrassphotography.com. And... the host gets their mini-session for free! xo

Signature Drinks for your wedding






Looking for a signature drink for your wedding reception? Many bridal couples decide to create their own. You can find recipes on-line or better yet, meet with your fave bartender and have him create something for you. Don't feel it has to be a mixed drink. Have a favorite or special wine? Then, have that served. A nice touch is to write a bit about how or why this is your signature drink. Place it in a beautiful frame that matches your reception decor and sit by the bar. You can even create small laminated recipe cards for the bar area. Your guests will think of you every time they have YOUR special drink!



The pictures above are from brides.com. The rose petals are in ice cubes - creating a BEAUTIFUL display. Try them in Vodka infused lemonade as posted on brides.com. What a refreshing drink for a spring wedding!



Did you or will you use a signature drink at your wedding? Let e-vents readers know....leave us a comment.






Have a LOVE-ly day!

20 January 2009

Meet the Team.......Vara Fore

I'd like to introduce you to one of the newest members of the e-vents team......Vara Fore. I am so excited to have Vara on board. You'll find a little bit more about her below. Be sure to check back often to read was she has to say from a bridal salon viewpoint and much , much more.

I attend IVY Tech Community College majoring in Event Management
I have always loved the idea of weddings and putting them together since it is one of your biggest days/memories ever. Someone who sparked my interest in it a little more would be my mother. She realized that I liked putting things together or even decorating and mentioned Event Planning.
I hope to gain a sense of knowledge, accomplishment, a great network base, and hopefully a career that I have had my heart set on for a long time and will be able to make something of my dream.
For fun I enjoy spending time with my friends (who are in the process of getting married), hanging out with my boyfriend Justin, spending time with my family, watching movies, and the typical girlie things.
A current trend that I have seen is destination weddings (I would love to have one of my own but I know I won’t have everyone there that should be there).
The biggest asset I could bring to the wedding industry is my knowledge of how to plan an event. Knowing what things you need to do and get. Also working at a bridal store helps since you start with the most important thing in a wedding; the dress. It ends up setting the mood for everything as well as the venue.
Favorite flavor of ice cream would be strawberry and chocolate.
Favorite movie(s): P.S. I Love You, The Holiday, This Christmas, 27 Dresses, The Wedding Planner, How To Loose a Guy in 10 Days; girlie movies really
Favorite actor: Matthew McConaughey actress: Jessica Alba
I’m more of a magazine person than a book reader. I should get in the habit of reading books though.
Favorite wedding song…well I know I have my song picked out for when I have my “first” dance with the groom. “More Than Words” by Extreme but Frankie J does a version of it that we would use, which happens to be one of my favorites.
Favorite wedding tradition would probably be the father-daughter dance. I’m very close to my father so it’s nice to have that “special” time together before everything gets really crazy afterwards and in the near future. It just seems like everything stops and you can relax a little.
My experience at Sophia’s Bridal Tux & Prom is great. I love getting to know the brides on a more personal level and being able to help them pick out “the” dress that will absolutely make their day special. I want the groom to say “WOW! I’m glad she’s marrying me and I’m so incredibly lucky.”
Vara - Welcome to the team! Feel free to show her some support by leaving her a comment.......
Up next..... Molly Milano!

19 January 2009

Valentine's Day Card Swap - APE


Fellow Bloggers: April Foster Events is hosting a Valentine Card Swap and she would love for you to be involved. Based off of Brooklyn Bride’s successful holiday card swap, the rules will be much the same.
Send her email to me at [aprilfosterevents{at}gmail{dot}com] with Valentine Card Swap in the subject line by January 25th.
Include your name, address, email address, and website/blog address [if you have one].
She will email you up to 5 names and addresses to send cards to by January 28th.
Be sure your cards are homemade - anything handmade goes.
Please send cards out no later than February 9th.
Feel free to share this on your blog. The more participants the better!

15 January 2009

Welcome......




So, I think sometimes we take for granted that everyone knows about what to do for your out of town wedding guests. You will want to do something special as most times these guests have traveled from afar to share in your special day.




You don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to say “Thank you for coming.” Chance are, you won’t be available to see each guest before the wedding. In this case, several personalized notes thru-out their stay is a nice touch. The hotel staff will be more than happy to deliver them to your guests during their stay.




Leaving a note in the evening? Why not add a cookie from the local bakery or another tasty treat from a local vendor.. You can even include them on your list of faves along with directions.




Speaking of your faves list – Create a list of faves ( don’t forget your grooms ideas) and include this along with directions in the arrival welcome pack. A nice twist is to add a special note about why each one of the places is a fave.I would include several price ranges for all faves.



Check with your local Chamber of Commerce a month before and have them give you info as well. You could also arrange for a dinner or activity for the OOT guests who are not part of the rehearsal dinner.. Most restaurants have a separate banquet room which you can use. You don’t need to do anything special as far as décor – unless you wish, too.



Arranging for hotels? Make sure to have a hotel that is in close proximity to your ceremony and/or reception. Again, make sure you offer suggestions and reserve rooms at different star ratings.
photo credit: Mugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs.

14 January 2009

Brides.com Grooms Contest


Bride.com is having a contest .......for your groom. So,think your fiancé has what it takes? Tell him to enter the first ever Groom of the Year contest for a chance to win great prizes! Visit www.brides.com/goty for full details.
Good Luck!
Photo credit: The Wedding Network

13 January 2009

Eventology 2009

If you happen to be a wedding or event planner and live in the Midwest, do I have a great event for you! My friend Katasha from K Sherrie + co is hosting Eventology 2009. This event promises to be a great opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry. From Katasha's site:





Are you ready to take your wedding business to the next level?

Are you looking for ways to leverage your brand and increase your company's reach?

Do you want your business to thrive regardless of the economy?

I am proud to present Eventology 2009, an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding professionals. Eventology 2009 will bring you real-life, applicable marketing and business information to use to enhance your wedding planning business.

Three highly successful and renowned wedding planners will be discussing their insight and perspective on how to create and cultivate a prosperous wedding business. Chat with Saundra Hadley of planning forever events on How to Close the Deal: Sales Methods for the Wedding Industry. Discuss how to Turn Brides into Fans: Nurturing Your Relationships with Clients with Terrica Skaggs of Fabuluxe, Inc. and iWed: International Network of Wedding Designers. Lastly, learn how to Leverage Your Brand to Reach Today's Bride: Marketing in a Post-Modern World with Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner.

You do not want to miss this educational and networking workshop! Learn the science behind running a successful wedding business, as the reality is if you're not running a profitable business, it's just one big expensive hobby.

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 to Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana at the Omni Severin Hotel

Cost: Early Bird registration is $150 and includes networking event on Tuesday night and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday. A select amount of rooms will be available at the Omni for the special Eventology rate of $115+tax per night.

Space is limited for this conference.


Please sure to look for future announcements regarding the official launch of the Eventology 2009 website http://www.eventology2009.com/ and blog http://www.eventology2009.blogspot.com/.

To be included on the email list for Eventology 2009, please send an email to hello{at}eventology2009{dot}com with Mailing List in the subject line.
A very special thanks to Tifany of Gourmet Invitations for the logo design!


Be sure to let me know if you are planning to attend--- I'd LOVE to meet you !

12 January 2009

e-vents CONTEST




With the start of one of the biggest engagement times of the year, e-vents: a wedding and event planning company is having an Engagement Story Contest!

Did he get down on one knee?, were you surprised? We want ALL of the details! The more details the better.

Who is eligible?
Anyone with an engagement story from 10/31/2008 - 1/31/09

What do I need to do to enter?
1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to erika@e-ventswedding.com (engagement ring pictures are an added touch)

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to erika@e-ventswedding.com
Please note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?
*$750 0ff on e-vents: a wedding and event planning company planning services (Platinum package only)
*Dinner for two @ Harry & Izzy's - Indianapolis Downtown (value - $100)
*Romantic gift basket full of chocolates, candles and other goodies!


*Complete wedding day makeup application with trial consultation provided by Bridal Beauty by Blush (value - $250)




What are the rules?
*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/31/08 to 1/31/09
*Deadline ends midnight 1/31/09 - no exceptions
*Winner will be announced on Valentine's Day 2009.




Who are the judges?
*e-vents: a wedding and event planning company owner, Erika Gregory
*Indy area makeup artist, NaShara Mitchell of Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush
*Managing Partner from Harry & Izzy's, Jeff Smith
*VOTES cast on our blog, http://events-egrego160.blogspot.com/ by readers.




Prizes to be delivered no later than February 28, 2009.

So, enter your story or share with friends who may be getting engaged!
Be sure to pass along and don't forget to visit us on the web - http://www.e-ventswedding.com/
Photo credit: Joy Marie Photography

10 January 2009

Ask the Planner......




Do I really need wedding insurance? My answer is YES!!! Personal opinion of course. However, considering the cost, I think it should be included as a necessity in your wedding budget. I was just watching a news segment from 39 news on line called Recession Proof your wedding. It features a bride who lost her venue after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc in the area. She lost roughly $6000. Can you imagine??? Fortunately, Hotel Zaza stepped up and hosted their reception at a fraction of the cost. In fact, they stepped up and hosted a lot of weddings in the area because of Ike. Anyway, the bride says if they had wedding insurance, she would have recouped all of her money. The cost of wedding day insurance is relatively inexpensive - considering what could happen.


Consider this situations: Sudden death or illness,someone slips and falls at your wedding, lost or damaged formal wear,photography mishaps, stolen or damaged wedding gifts.
What it won't cover is a broken heart (Fireman's Fund has introduced a new plan which does include this, but restrictions apply) and existing medical conditions.
Premiums start @ $95 and go up based on the cost of your wedding. Check with your insurance agent for specifics in your area.
Other ways you can protect yourself:
  • Research vendors thoroughly. The Internet allows you the convenience of researching most companies on line. I also recommend actually speaking to other brides who have used the vendors services. Reputable vendors will not have a problem giving you referral numbers.
  • Keep your deposits small. This will cut your loss should something happen.
  • Pay with a credit card. You'll be able to dispute charges with your credit card company. Be sure to keep all receipts so you'll have documentation in case of a dispute.

Brides or Brides-to-be: Did you or do you plan to use wedding insurance? I'd love to hear why or why not.

Cheers!



Photo credit: Savannah Wedding Design

08 January 2009

BRIDE WARS - The Movie




Are you looking for a great girls night out movie? Why not try BRIDE WARS with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. I for one can not wait to see the movie. Although, actually I am waiting to see it for my monthly GIRLS NIGHT outing on January 24th. The movie is set to release in major markets on January 9th, 2009. So, grab a few girlfriends, have dinner and some drinks and head to the theatre for BRIDE WARS! Come back and let me know what you thought of the movie.


Bride Wars Summary from Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide:


A clerical error tests the lifelong friendship of two brides-to-be by scheduling their respective weddings at the famed Plaza Hotel on the exact same date in this romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Ever since they were little girls, Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have bonded over planning their weddings down to the very last detail. Now, both in their mid-twenties, Liv and Emma have each found the men they want to spend the rest of their lives with. But while most of the details regarding their respective weddings don't overlap, the one thing that both Liv and Emma have always dreamt of is holding their ceremony at the legendary Plaza Hotel - New Your City's ultimate bridal destination. Unfortunately, a simple clerical error has scheduled both of their weddings on the exact same date, at the exact same place. As a high powered lawyer who's used to getting her way, Liv simply isn't willing to settle for anything less than perfection. And though simple schoolteacher Emma has always placed the needs of others above her own, the prospect of making any sacrifices on her big day brings out her inner-Bridezilla in ways that shock her unsuspecting friends and family. There was a time when Liv and Emma would have done anything for each other, but now that the two best friends are at odds over who will get their dream wedding and who will have to settle for second best, the lacy glozes are off and it's all out war. Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

05 January 2009

The boutique is looking for a few outstanding interns and one awesome assistant




I am thrilled to be able to introduce you all to Rachel, my new assistant in the next few weeks. She has a keen eye for detail and I love her enthusiasm. You'll hear more about here later.

In the meantime, e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique is looking for a few OUTSTANDING interns and another PHENOMENAL assistant. Please shoot me an e-mail for further information. Only serious inquires, please!

Photo Credit: The Wedding Planner


Cheers!

03 January 2009

Southern Weddings Premier issue


I posted great reading material as my latest Friday Fave. Well, forgot to include a fave that I have been waiting for since I heard the news that it was going to print.

Southern Weddings is launching their premier issue on January 6th. Believe me, the wedding industry is a buzz with anticipation for this issue. From what I hear, the issue is full of gorgeous images and lots of wisdom. Don't be fooled by the name - this mag and blog is for EVERYONE. The cover is simply stunning and I for one can not wait to get my hands on it. Word has it that some retailers have them on the shelves early! Guess all the beauty was too much for them to keep to themselves! If you get a chance to get a copy, come back and drop us a line to let us know what you think. Better yet, drop a line to Lara Casey and her staff at SW.


Cheers!

Holly & Will





I usually don't blog about my weddings or client events, but I just couldn't resist blogging about my dear friends, Holly & Will and their wedding. Holly and I have been working on her wedding for almost a year. It has been a pure delight. An extra special bonus is that my husband and I became great friends with them.


They were married at the BEAUTIFUL Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Indianapolis.
The day was simply gorgeous - 65 degrees in December. I had the opportunity to work with some wonderful vendors in the wedding industry - John Knowles, owner of Times to Remember Photography and Tim & Kerry from Our Backyard Florist. The reception was held at The Bona Thompson Memorial Center in the Indianapolis neighborhood of Irvington. The decor at both venues was simply stunning. We had very little to do in the way of decor as both were decorated in traditional Christmas colors.
Thanks to all of my assistants who helped to make the wedding wonderful.
Best Wishes to Holly & Will.... we'll see you soon!

01 January 2009

FRIDAY FAVES








This Fridays Fave is actually a couple of my favorite wedding and event planning books. Not only are the covers exquisite, there is great content inside each one. I have been a big fan of Colin Cowie for quite some time. Remember when he had his first television show? I am THRILLED that he is now the host of Get Married. In this book, you'll find all kinds of wedding inspiration. The book is FULL of beautiful pictures and lots of details. You'll be able to dream big and then use what you can for your own wedding plans. His books make me feel as though he is talking to me. I can not wait to curl up in front of the fireplace and finish reading this wonderful book.






Another must read for every bride is Sylvia Weinstock's newest book, Sensational Cakes. Ms. Weinstock shares that "a cake should taste good as well as look beautiful - otherwise, it is like a handsome man who opens his mouth and is stupid." While this isn't a recipe book, she does share some of her recipes in the book. Brides - this is an awesome book for cake inspiration.


Related Posts with Thumbnails
Wedding Planning