So I can't stop staring at this board by Weddingbee's Mrs. Rainbow:
I would say more but I'm still staring.o.o
<3
January 6, 2011
o.0 A Gorgeous Inspiration Board!
Even though lovely winter weddings are dancing through my head, purple weddings will always and forever speak to me. And make my heart skip a beat <3
So I can't stop staring at this board by Weddingbee's Mrs. Rainbow:
I would say more but I'm still staring.
o.o
<3
So I can't stop staring at this board by Weddingbee's Mrs. Rainbow:
I would say more but I'm still staring.o.o
<3
January 5, 2011
Conquering the DIY Wedding Cake: The Beginning Steps
Whew!
How does anyone take a break from the wedding blog world?!
So many blog posts to catch up on! So many posts needed for this blog!
But I finally finished Weddingbee's updates, and that's the hardest part, in my opinion. (Those ladies know how to post! So many 0.o)
Anywhoo, a post that has been a long time in the making, the wedding cake.
DIY wedding cake.
A three-word phrase that almost every bride runs away screaming from. Baking cake the day before the wedding? Learning difficult pastry techniques? Not going to happen.
But I believe it can be done!
You just have to find the right fit for you.
All options however, have the same three elements in common:
1) a great cake recipe
2) cake decorating skills and techniques
3) prep work a couple days before the wedding
But not all of these elements have to be scary or difficult.
Finding a luscious cake flavor:
Now, everyone has different tastes when it comes to cake. Fluffy and moist is a good place to start, however I have found my family considers "moist" cake to be almost raw...and mushy. Not quite what I had in mind XP There are thousands of cake recipes and techniques out there. How's a girl to choose?!
Practice runs.
I know most are watching your waistlines, but the only tried-and-true way of finding the special concoction is to taste it. You only have to make one regular-sized 8-9in cake to taste it, and I'm sure you'll have family/friends/coworkers/etc who would love to take the rest off your hands if you're really worried :)
Also the practice runs will give you valuable information on how long it takes to make the recipe and how difficult it is to execute. If you have your heart set on a technically challenging cake, I recommend you recruit help, for the wedding cake AND at least one practice run, to make sure you have the team working together smoothly.
I plan on doing a fun winter cake to test my skills, so I will keep you posted on my cake recipe findings :)
Getting in touch with your inner Ace of Cakes:
No matter if your plans are cupcakes, buttercream cake, or a fondant masterpiece, you have to consider the fact that all of these need pastry skills. Know your limitations or take course to hone your skills!
Joann Fabrics, Michaels, and many other craft stores usually has Wilton cake decorating courses, which is the best way for the average bride-to-be to learn the pastry arts. If you look for special discounts and 40% off coupons for supplies, they can be more affordable. I highly recommend this if you have ANY DIY cake plans. So of course, I plan on taking these classes in the very near future, just need to check to see if it conflicts with the puppy's obedience school :)
At the very least, watch cake decorating shows on TV (there are TONS of them these days, and I adore them!) they do give out little tips here and there, plus you get to see masters at work, and I personally learn from example! Some recommend viewings are Ace of Cakes, Amazing Wedding Cakes (if you get the WE channel), Food Network Challenge (some are food, some are cake), Ultimate Cake Off or even Top Chef: Just Desserts if they have a cake episode.
My absolute favorite? Ace of Cakes!!! Total. cake. eye candy. :D :D :D
Cake Boss and Cupcake Wars are baking shows too but they're not my favorite. Too many other elements, not enough cake making.
I am extremely curious and excited to try a fondant cake, and I know I'm going to try this recipe, from Peggy Weaver's Baking Corner, which seems to be a very good source for wedding cake decorating and fondant tips and help. It is also mentioned that the taste of her marshmallow fondant is a bit better than other varieties! Tutorial to come!
Putting aside time for the cake...right before the wedding:
This is a fairly crucial element. Cakes can be done a little bit further in advance than, say, bouquets and boutonnieres (which should be done the day before or the day of), however if you don't have time 2 or 3 days before the wedding, the DIY route probably won't work for you. I personally would not let cake sit around for more than 3 days for such a special occasion.
Depending on the number of people you need to feed, it could take a good part of a day to construct your cake. The practice runs will help you calculate how much time is needed, but overall I would try your hardest to not make this a rushed process.
Time will be needed to transport and construct the cake the day of as well, whether it's putting tiers together or displaying cupcakes on their stands.
Well, I didn't say it wouldn't be time consuming XP
But for now, those are the beginning building blocks for a successful wedding cake: good recipes, some skills, time and planning.
Some of you may be thinking: "Errr...Sarah...you're not really helping". But wait! Hear me out. I have some clever ideas that make the whole thing a bit easier. And every bit helps right?
How does anyone take a break from the wedding blog world?!
So many blog posts to catch up on! So many posts needed for this blog!
But I finally finished Weddingbee's updates, and that's the hardest part, in my opinion. (Those ladies know how to post! So many 0.o)
Anywhoo, a post that has been a long time in the making, the wedding cake.
DIY wedding cake.
A three-word phrase that almost every bride runs away screaming from. Baking cake the day before the wedding? Learning difficult pastry techniques? Not going to happen.But I believe it can be done!
You just have to find the right fit for you.
All options however, have the same three elements in common:
1) a great cake recipe
2) cake decorating skills and techniques
3) prep work a couple days before the wedding
But not all of these elements have to be scary or difficult.
Finding a luscious cake flavor:
Now, everyone has different tastes when it comes to cake. Fluffy and moist is a good place to start, however I have found my family considers "moist" cake to be almost raw...and mushy. Not quite what I had in mind XP There are thousands of cake recipes and techniques out there. How's a girl to choose?!Practice runs.
I know most are watching your waistlines, but the only tried-and-true way of finding the special concoction is to taste it. You only have to make one regular-sized 8-9in cake to taste it, and I'm sure you'll have family/friends/coworkers/etc who would love to take the rest off your hands if you're really worried :)
Also the practice runs will give you valuable information on how long it takes to make the recipe and how difficult it is to execute. If you have your heart set on a technically challenging cake, I recommend you recruit help, for the wedding cake AND at least one practice run, to make sure you have the team working together smoothly.
I plan on doing a fun winter cake to test my skills, so I will keep you posted on my cake recipe findings :)
Getting in touch with your inner Ace of Cakes:
No matter if your plans are cupcakes, buttercream cake, or a fondant masterpiece, you have to consider the fact that all of these need pastry skills. Know your limitations or take course to hone your skills!Joann Fabrics, Michaels, and many other craft stores usually has Wilton cake decorating courses, which is the best way for the average bride-to-be to learn the pastry arts. If you look for special discounts and 40% off coupons for supplies, they can be more affordable. I highly recommend this if you have ANY DIY cake plans. So of course, I plan on taking these classes in the very near future, just need to check to see if it conflicts with the puppy's obedience school :)
At the very least, watch cake decorating shows on TV (there are TONS of them these days, and I adore them!) they do give out little tips here and there, plus you get to see masters at work, and I personally learn from example! Some recommend viewings are Ace of Cakes, Amazing Wedding Cakes (if you get the WE channel), Food Network Challenge (some are food, some are cake), Ultimate Cake Off or even Top Chef: Just Desserts if they have a cake episode.
My absolute favorite? Ace of Cakes!!! Total. cake. eye candy. :D :D :D
Cake Boss and Cupcake Wars are baking shows too but they're not my favorite. Too many other elements, not enough cake making.
I am extremely curious and excited to try a fondant cake, and I know I'm going to try this recipe, from Peggy Weaver's Baking Corner, which seems to be a very good source for wedding cake decorating and fondant tips and help. It is also mentioned that the taste of her marshmallow fondant is a bit better than other varieties! Tutorial to come!
Putting aside time for the cake...right before the wedding:
This is a fairly crucial element. Cakes can be done a little bit further in advance than, say, bouquets and boutonnieres (which should be done the day before or the day of), however if you don't have time 2 or 3 days before the wedding, the DIY route probably won't work for you. I personally would not let cake sit around for more than 3 days for such a special occasion.
Depending on the number of people you need to feed, it could take a good part of a day to construct your cake. The practice runs will help you calculate how much time is needed, but overall I would try your hardest to not make this a rushed process.
Time will be needed to transport and construct the cake the day of as well, whether it's putting tiers together or displaying cupcakes on their stands.
Well, I didn't say it wouldn't be time consuming XP
But for now, those are the beginning building blocks for a successful wedding cake: good recipes, some skills, time and planning.
Some of you may be thinking: "Errr...Sarah...you're not really helping". But wait! Hear me out. I have some clever ideas that make the whole thing a bit easier. And every bit helps right?
December 22, 2010
So...What's On Your Board?
Since I went completely on the other side of the spectrum wedding theme-wise, I feel like explaining the elements in my newest inspiration board.
I'll let you in on the lovely details!
*This post is best enjoyed with a mug of warm hot chocolate* :)
The stunning white winter coat:
(from DressesTutor.com)
Elegant, classy and comfy...what more could you ask from a winter coat?!
The baby's breath wreath:
(from TheKnot.com)
Pretty and elegant, yet soft and cheap to make. Sounds good to me!
The hanging crystals and candles:
(from ??? I was kicking myself for not finding the reference to this pic! DX If anyone knows, I would love to know the site, but when you look at 30+ wedding sites, finding that one little pic is a bit difficult XP)
Because hanging candles would give such a soft glow to the room :)
The lavender snowflake candy:
(from Sweet Designs)
Fancy, purple winter candy = perfect!
The bride with the fuzzy blanket:
(from Kdog Photographers)
This just looked so cozy, it greatly expresses the feeling I want everyone to have!
The doily chandelier:
(from MarthaStewart.com)
This would be a great way to get a lot of white/snow/texture into the reception room! Since they are just made of paper doilies, a few of these could be constructed and hung from the high beams, drawing the eye up and creating a stunning display!
The gorgeous lily garland:
(from MarthaStewart.com)
Yes, this looks expensive to make but OMG doesn't it look great! <3 Yes, if I can get the lilies for a decent price I actually do want to make these...
The sugared fruit cake:
(from Beaux Gateaux Cakes)
because I love sugared fruit!!! And this cake would not be that hard to recreate. White cake + sugared fruit = this cake! :D
The magical sleigh ride:
(from Ritzy Bee Blog)
Romantic and different = <3 Can I afford this? Probably not, but a girl can dream! Besides, how else can we leave if the roads are horribly snowy? XD
The snowy bouquet:
(from Snippet and Ink)
Again, elegance with snowy/cozy touches, so pretty! Although recreating something like this could be challenging...
The pretty, creamy cocktail:
(from Paper Olive the Blog)
Because you got to have a fantastic signature cocktail! And the lavender garnish is perfect!
The adorable snowflake marshmallows:
(from MarthaStewart.com)
Another great idea from Martha. As long as I can cut the marshmallow without it sticking to the cookie cutter, I'll be golden!
The uber-adorable sweater Save-The-Dates:
(from WeddingByColor.com by littlelady7688)
They're different, they're adorable, they're FANTASTIC! WANT! (DIY how-to post to come! :D)
The lovely snowscape kiss:
(from The View Point Inn)
Must. Have. Photos. Like. This.
And that my friends is a breakdown of many bits of loveliness I see in a potential cozy yet elegant winter wedding!
I'll let you in on the lovely details!
*This post is best enjoyed with a mug of warm hot chocolate* :)
The stunning white winter coat:
Elegant, classy and comfy...what more could you ask from a winter coat?!
The baby's breath wreath:
Pretty and elegant, yet soft and cheap to make. Sounds good to me!
The hanging crystals and candles:
Because hanging candles would give such a soft glow to the room :)
The lavender snowflake candy:
Fancy, purple winter candy = perfect!
The bride with the fuzzy blanket:
This just looked so cozy, it greatly expresses the feeling I want everyone to have!
The doily chandelier:
This would be a great way to get a lot of white/snow/texture into the reception room! Since they are just made of paper doilies, a few of these could be constructed and hung from the high beams, drawing the eye up and creating a stunning display!
The gorgeous lily garland:
Yes, this looks expensive to make but OMG doesn't it look great! <3 Yes, if I can get the lilies for a decent price I actually do want to make these...
The sugared fruit cake:
because I love sugared fruit!!! And this cake would not be that hard to recreate. White cake + sugared fruit = this cake! :D
The magical sleigh ride:
Romantic and different = <3 Can I afford this? Probably not, but a girl can dream! Besides, how else can we leave if the roads are horribly snowy? XD
The snowy bouquet:
Again, elegance with snowy/cozy touches, so pretty! Although recreating something like this could be challenging...
The pretty, creamy cocktail:
Because you got to have a fantastic signature cocktail! And the lavender garnish is perfect!
The adorable snowflake marshmallows:
Another great idea from Martha. As long as I can cut the marshmallow without it sticking to the cookie cutter, I'll be golden!
The uber-adorable sweater Save-The-Dates:
They're different, they're adorable, they're FANTASTIC! WANT! (DIY how-to post to come! :D)
The lovely snowscape kiss:
Must. Have. Photos. Like. This.
And that my friends is a breakdown of many bits of loveliness I see in a potential cozy yet elegant winter wedding!
I'm Back Baby!!!
...Hello? ...Anyone still here?
*crickets*
Knew I shouldn't have taken such a long break! XP
Well, I'm back people, done with my Master's!!! :D (That joy hasn't fully sucken in yet,) and soooo happy to be writing about weddings again instead of networking, XD
So, just to get the ball rolling, and get some goodies for my now famished readers, I'll post some drafts I've been working on in the past few months, that just got side-tracked by stronger ideas or events!
Zee first?
"So...What's On Your Board?"
*crickets*
Knew I shouldn't have taken such a long break! XP
Well, I'm back people, done with my Master's!!! :D (That joy hasn't fully sucken in yet,) and soooo happy to be writing about weddings again instead of networking, XD
So, just to get the ball rolling, and get some goodies for my now famished readers, I'll post some drafts I've been working on in the past few months, that just got side-tracked by stronger ideas or events!
Zee first?
"So...What's On Your Board?"
December 10, 2010
Violins Make My Heart Sing
Still chugging away at my final graduate project, but I had to interrupt my diligent work (fairly diligent anyway XP) with another quickie!
See, I was listening to Christmas carols, (because I OMG LOVE!!! Christmas carols,) and I heard one song that I always thought was beautiful, but with all the wedding thoughts in the back of my mind lately, it dawned on me that it would be beautiful song to walk down the aisle to for a winter wedding. (Or any time of year I guess, but it is a Christmas song)
Which just shows how distracted I am by my coursework, because the song is a *slight* variation of Canon in D! Doh! An obvious choice for wedding music, but nevertheless, humor me and let me continue :)
This lovely song is Christmas Canon by the Trans Siberian Orchestra (the tamer version with the singing children):
Whether I had just the mp3 and my computer or a lovely pianist and string quartet, *swoon*, I would cut out the part with the children (they're cute, but it's just not appropriate :) ,) and be left with the piano melody and the heart-stopping beautiful violin part!
See I. Love. String Instruments. To me they are the most beautiful sounding instruments, and I can't get enough of them! Once I'm done with all this classes crap I hope to start lessons again and re-learn how to play the violin!
Since this is a variation of Canon in D, sure, it's on the more traditional side, but it has lovely feel to it, less classical performance, more...uplifting.
Violins just make my heart sing I guess :) So it would be more than fitting for such a crazy-elated moment.
Now imagine the song starts playing, and you're patiently waiting to make your entrance. But you want to walk during the violins, so you wait. Then nice and slow, you start making your way down the aisle, grinning from ear-to-ear because you're surrounded by your most favorite things, the love of your life, all your closest friends and family, and heavenly music! And at the end of the aisle, you meet your sweetheart, which makes you not mind that the glorious sounds stop, because your ceremony is about to begin.
Just perfect.
See, I was listening to Christmas carols, (because I OMG LOVE!!! Christmas carols,) and I heard one song that I always thought was beautiful, but with all the wedding thoughts in the back of my mind lately, it dawned on me that it would be beautiful song to walk down the aisle to for a winter wedding. (Or any time of year I guess, but it is a Christmas song)
Which just shows how distracted I am by my coursework, because the song is a *slight* variation of Canon in D! Doh! An obvious choice for wedding music, but nevertheless, humor me and let me continue :)
This lovely song is Christmas Canon by the Trans Siberian Orchestra (the tamer version with the singing children):
Whether I had just the mp3 and my computer or a lovely pianist and string quartet, *swoon*, I would cut out the part with the children (they're cute, but it's just not appropriate :) ,) and be left with the piano melody and the heart-stopping beautiful violin part!
See I. Love. String Instruments. To me they are the most beautiful sounding instruments, and I can't get enough of them! Once I'm done with all this classes crap I hope to start lessons again and re-learn how to play the violin!
Since this is a variation of Canon in D, sure, it's on the more traditional side, but it has lovely feel to it, less classical performance, more...uplifting.
Violins just make my heart sing I guess :) So it would be more than fitting for such a crazy-elated moment.
Now imagine the song starts playing, and you're patiently waiting to make your entrance. But you want to walk during the violins, so you wait. Then nice and slow, you start making your way down the aisle, grinning from ear-to-ear because you're surrounded by your most favorite things, the love of your life, all your closest friends and family, and heavenly music! And at the end of the aisle, you meet your sweetheart, which makes you not mind that the glorious sounds stop, because your ceremony is about to begin.
Just perfect.
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