Aug 31, 2011 |
Yummm – everyone loves a warm, just-off-the-fire s’more! And the nostalgic, comfort feeling they instill… Nothing goes hand-in-hand better than Lake Tahoe, the mountains and s’mores but sometimes incorporating these into your wedding might be difficult with open fire rules, the thought of dripping marshmallow on fine silk or maybe it just doesn’t go with your wedding style/look for the big day. The rehearsal dinner can be a good option OR how about a s’mores cake!?!
xxx
xxx
From the glorious kitchen of Canadian baker and blogger Sweetapolita, this sinful 6-layer rich chocolate malted and toasted marshmallow cake will be a crowd-pleaser and have your guests coming back for more. The marshmallow filling is full of marshmallows actually toasted in the oven – these little details are what really makes (and takes!) the cake.
xxx
xxx
6 layers of dark, moist chocolate cake sandwiching alternating rich and fluffy frosting: satiny Belgian chocolate malted frosting and creamy toasted-marshmallow vanilla frosting with bits of actual crispy marshmallow in every bite. Strangely, the finished cake is not really super sweet–it’s more rich, light, and creamy sweet…
xxx
xxxx
Okay, mouth-watering yet? No more teasing, here is the recipe for an 8″ round 6-layer cake courtesy of Sweetapolita:
Rich Chocolate Cake
xxx
This is for three 8″ pans, but the layers will be a bit more shallow if you use the recipe as it is written. If you double the recipe, you will be able to fill the pans 2/3 full, resulting in thicker layers. You will have some remaining batter, with which you can make cupcakes, etc. You can also increase by 50%.
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup Cacao Barry Extra Brute Cocoa Powder (or similar premium brand)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup strong black coffee
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespooon pure vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 3 x 8″ cake pans with butter and flour or parchment paper. In bowl of electric mixer, sift all dry ingredients. Add all remaning ingredients to bowl with the dry ingredients and with paddle attachment on mixer, mix for 2 minutes on medium speed (you may need the plastic splashguard that comes with mixer) and pour into prepared pans. Batter will be liquidy.
Bake for 20 minutes and rotate pans in oven. Cakes are done when toothpick or skewer comes clean–approximately 35 minutes. Try not to overbake. Cool on wire racks for 20 minutes then gently invert onto racks until completely cool.
xxx
Malted Belgian Chocolate Frosting
xxx
Ingredients:
1 lb butter (4 sticks or 2 cups) at room temperature
4 cups icing sugar (confectioners’ or powdered)
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup Ovaltine Classic (brown in colour)
8 oz Pure Bittersweet chocolate, premium brand – chopped and melted
1/2 cup whipping (35% fat) cream
Method:
In a bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine the icing sugar and butter and beat on low speed for about 1 minute. Add vanilla and malt powder, and beat on low until well combined. Add the melted chocolate and beat on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add whipping cream and beat on med-high speed for another minute. Best used right away.
*Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Frosting recipe
xxx
Toasted-Marshmallow Frosting
xxx
Ingredients:
16 large white marshmallows
1 cup icing sugar (confectioners’ or powdered)
1/2 lb butter (2 sticks, or 1 cup) at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 oz of Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Cream (or Marshmallow Fluff)
Method:
Place marshmallows on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Place on lower rack of oven, and broil marshmallows until nice and brown on top, between 30-60 seconds. Remove pan from oven and gently turn the marshmallows over, and broil until they are golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them–they burn very, very quickly. Combine butter and icing sugar in electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, on low until blended (about 1 minute). Add vanilla and mix on high for about 3 minutes. Add marshmallow cream and toasted marshmallows, and mix on lowest setting for about 1 minute.
xxx
xxx
This is a fresh, stylish way to introduce s’mores into your wedding reception with possibly a groom’s cake or cupcakes or even the showcase wedding cake!
Aug 18, 2011
One of the best parts of being a bride? Trying on all the gorgeous, dreamy wedding gowns of course! But wedding dress shopping can also be overwhelming with all the different shapes, fabrics, and styles to choose from. Let us help – here is a little breakdown about the most popular fabrics and some of the silhouettes best for them…
Charmeuse:
Charmeuse is the lightest of all satins. It has a glossy finish that drapes and clings to the body. Charmeuse works best in an evening gown or slip dress style. If you are looking for a form fitting sexy dress then Charmeuse is the material for you!
Cotton:
Cotton is a breathable and comfortable fabric. Cotton is not commonly thought of as wedding gown material but it does create very beautiful gowns. It can be very easily manipulated so it can be in an array of dress designs.
Dupioni Silk:
Dupioni silk is thick with a slight sheen and a coarse, knobby finish. Dupioni is a natural pure silk made from double cocoons. Since Dupioni is a thicker fabric, it works best for fuller silhouettes and modified A-line dresses.
xxx
Photos: Charmeuse: Alix & Kelly, Cotton: Chris Cole, Dupioni: Pronovias Rania
xxx
Duchesse Satin:
Duchesse Satin is a classic wedding gown material. Duchesse Satin is more affordable than pure silk because it is blended with rayon. It has versatility because it works for full as well as straight gowns.
Lace:
Lace is a very delicate and decorative fabric. Lace is typically made from cotton or synthetic materials. Lace is commonly used in wedding gowns as an overlay on top of solid fabrics or even more lace.
Linen:
Linen is typically thought of as a more casual fabric because of its breathability. Linen dresses are common for beach weddings but can also be perfect for a Tahoe wedding. Linen can also be dressed up, depending on the cut and style, and used for more formal gowns.
xxx
Photos: Duchesse: Jim Hjelm, Lace: Amsale, Linen: J Crew
xxx
Silk:
Silk is the most common, cherished, and priciest wedding gown fabric. Silk is a smooth natural fiber. Silk threads are also woven in different fashions and combinations to create tons of other fabrics, such as satin, duchesse satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, and even tulle.
Taffeta:
Taffeta is crisp, stiff and a light-weave fabric with a slight rib. It can be made from synthetic fibers or pure silk. Taffeta is an ideal choice for ball gowns and A-lines because it adds volume without adding unnecessary weight.
Tulle:
Tulle the traditional material used for bridal veils. Tulle is a fine mesh netting that is made from silk or nylon. Tulle has become popular in bouffant skirts, Vera Wang popularized this ballerina-inspired skirt style.
xxx
Photos: Silk: Alix & Kelly, Taffeta: Liancarlo, Tulle: Vera Wang
xxx
There are hundreds of different wedding gown materials and combinations available. Hopefully this will help begin to simplify choosing the perfect dress for you. The best way to find the “one” is to try on as many gowns as possible!
Aug 2, 2011 |
When the opportunity arose to design a dream wedding from a Style Me Pretty member’s inspiration board, we jumped at the chance. Earlier this year for over five months, we brainstormed all sorts of details and ideas. Slowly we assembled an all-star wedding pro line up to pull off this photo shoot. Today our creation is featured on the top wedding blog Style Me Pretty and we couldn’t be more tickled!
The Inspiration…
xxx
xxx
Bold yet intricate, sophisticated yet understated along with the stunning colors of steel blue, blue-greens, violet, black, white and pewter – this inspiration board was the catalyst for our mystical, glamorous, romantic fairytale wedding. The dramatic spiraling staircase with its intricate floral scroll ironwork was one of our key muses. Not to mention crystal embellishments, white feathers, succulents, pewter highlights – these elements were woven through-out the many, many details of the day…
For the whole feature on Style Me Pretty, please click!
We hope you have as much fun browsing our favorite photos from the day as we had pulling all these details together!
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
Our Wonderful Team – many thanks, for who without, none of this would have been possible:
Wedding Design – Merrily Wed
Photography – Annie X Photographie
Floral Design – Bellissima Floral
Venue – The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Wedding Cake – D’Lish Catering
Linens – Wildflower Linen
Rentals – Celebrations Party Rentals
Wedding Gown – Pronovias, courtesy of Swoon Bridal
Invitations/Paper Items – Angela Dal Bon Custom Invitations
Hair/Make-Up Stylist – Bettina Riffo
Model – Beth Hill and Koda the pug…
xxxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxxx
Jul 22, 2011
When it comes to florals, figuring out what type of bridal bouquet is the right fit for you can sometimes be confusing. Here are some of the most common wedding bouquet styles and even here, this is just a beginning! Size, color and composition are altered to make a custom bouquet that is unique just like you. Some are more traditional, some formal, some casual, some colorful – these days you can incorporate almost anything into your bouquet – fabric, feathers, branches, succulents, berries… Find which bouquet fits your wedding style!
xxx
Biedermeier:
A Biedermeier is a small bouquet organized in alternating color hue rings, like a bulls eye. The rings can be composed of different types of flowers or the same type in two different hues.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Cascade:
A cascade bouquet is the most formal and traditional choice. It has greenery and flowers that flow down from the top. The bouquet is very full at the top and some of the flowers hang down, to give a cascading effect. This style was very popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s, but has recently been revamped with a more modern style.
xxx
xxx
xxx
Freeform:
The freeform bouquet does not have a specific shape or structure. Typically the freeform bouquet has both flowers and greenery and evokes a more natural feel. The freeform is usually hand tied with ribbon.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Freeform, Modern:
Full of color, texture and tons of details, the modern freeform bouquet can fit many wedding styles. With multiple flower types and natural accents like succulents, this bouquet is fresh and modern yet stylish and natural.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Lightship Basket:
A lightship basket is a bouquet of flowers and greenery that is carried in a basket. The lightship basket can be decorated with ribbon or just a natural basket. They are most commonly used on the east coast and carried by bridesmaids.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Nosegay:
The nosegay is a round, uniform bouquet. It is typically tightly wrapped with ribbon comprised of densely packed similar blossoms and greenery. This elegant bouquet is very
popular with modern brides.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Pomander:
The pomander is also commonly referred to as the kissing ball. A pomander is a ball shaped bouquet that is suspended from ribbon. It is typically carried by flower girls, junior bridesmaids, or is used as a ceremony decoration.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Posy:
The posy bouquet is typically an all flower bouquet; they do not contain any greenery. The posy is the one of the more common choices of modern brides. The posy is most commonly hand-tied with ribbon.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Jul 11, 2011
What is more classic Tahoe than the infamous Lake Tahoe location at Fleur du Lac seen by millions in Godfather II? Well, not much. Courtney and Andrew were certainly lucky to have this stunning setting for their wedding day. And now you can share in their breathtaking and elegant soiree for 150…
Courtney and Andrew were married on September 18th on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe at Courtney’s family home located in Fleur du Lac. Courtney wanted to incorporate certain elements in her wedding day – chalkboards (since she is a teacher), candles, lanterns, a slight nautical nod and a strong sense of family.
She wanted to keep it elegant without losing the natural, outdoor touch of Tahoe. Must have colors were kelly green and navy with pops of orange and pink. How to bring it all together? Check out the gorgeous end result below!
xxx
xxx
Andrew arrived for the ceremony in a vintage Hacker Craft woodie boat. Keeping with a New England tradition since his family hailed from the East Coast, the bridesmaids carried lightship baskets as their bouquets. A chocolate fern curl coordinated Andrew’s boutonierre with Courtney’s beautiful and natural bouquet of ferns, twigs, berries, pods, chocolate fern curls and soft ivory florals.
xxx
xxx
With views of the runs of Homewood Ski Resort in the background, they exchanged their vows. Putting a twist on the plain chalkboard, we used wooden trivets instead for the bar menus. The father of the bride and father of the groom had fun naming the signature drinks and battling for the tastiest one. Guests found their escort cards in mini-rounds of angled wood. Tables were named after locations meaningful to the couple.
xxx
xxx
Cocktail hour was held on the Yacht Club patio. Two different styles of gorgeous blue-green linen reminiscent of the glorious color of Lake Tahoe graced the tall and short cocktail tables for the pre-dinner festivities. Guests were treated to passed hors d’oeuvres and two appetizer stations while a string quartet played.
xxx
xxx
Guests’ tables in the giant reception tent were adorned with kelly green linen and natural accents ranging from birch logs and vases to wooden trivets softened by the glamorous touch of mercury votives hanging in the tall centerpieces and on the tables. A 7-piece band switched the mood to dancing as the evening progressed.
xxx
xxx
The sprawling dessert bar focused on the ivy-wrapped wedding cake and family wedding photos of multi-generations. A surprise awaited each guest under their color coordinated napkin tied with berries and ribbon. Courtney donned a cute kelly green cardigan for the second half of the night – staying in true style to her colors!
xxx
xxx
Weddings are far and few in between at Fleur du Lac. With this rare opportunity, we were elated and honored to design and plan Courtney and Andrew’s wedding. When all was said and done, Courtney summed it up for us – “Thank you for making our day truly perfect!”
Photography by Angie Silvy Photography and Florals by Bellissima Floral.
xxxx
