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!?!
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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.
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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…
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Okay, mouth-watering yet? No more teasing, here is the recipe for an 8″ round 6-layer cake courtesy of Sweetapolita:
Rich Chocolate Cake
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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.
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Malted Belgian Chocolate Frosting
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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
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Toasted-Marshmallow Frosting
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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.
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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.
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Photos: Charmeuse: Alix & Kelly, Cotton: Chris Cole, Dupioni: Pronovias Rania
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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.
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Photos: Duchesse: Jim Hjelm, Lace: Amsale, Linen: J Crew
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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.
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Photos: Silk: Alix & Kelly, Taffeta: Liancarlo, Tulle: Vera Wang
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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!
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jun 23, 2011
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Mention Father of the Bride and images of Steve Martin come to mind, but not everyone can deal with stress and pressure by making us laugh…
The Father of the Bride is a role that can be left out during the wedding planning process (except to keep up with all the payments). He is expected to be experienced enough to cope with his nerves and expected to be strong enough to cope with his emotions. Giving your daughter away can be a very difficult and bittersweet moment. We thought we would help.
Take a moment and if you know someone in this role, pass on our advice!
1. Getting Over The Nerves
Nerves about the ceremony, speeches and toasts can be overwhelming. Don’t worry all of these nervous can be settled with a little preparation. Make sure and make it to the rehearsal that way the only thing to worry about during the ceremony is giving away “Daddy’s little girl”. Also make sure to write and practice your speech well before your daughter’s big day. A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to easing nerves.
2. Prepare for Your Speeches
Preparing your speeches in full before hand is the best thing you can do to ease your nerves, don’t wing it! For more tips on how to write a great speech take a look at MW’s “Cheers Worthy Toast” post. The Father of the Bride sets the tempo, welcomes his guests, new members of the family and speaks about his daughter while trying to not embarrass her! Remember…Practice makes perfect!
3. Plan Your Advice
One of the most important tasks of the Father of the Bride is to pass on advice to the couple. This advice can be in a toast, in passing, or in a letter. Make sure to prepare what advice you would like to give the couple, many couples will remember what advice you gave them for years to come. Remember what you’ve learned throughout your years and share it with them!
4. Be Ready for the Emotions
Men sometimes try and hide their emotions from the rest of the world. Make sure and take some time with your daughter before the wedding to talk about what she means to you. Many Father of the Brides believe that they will come up with the perfect thing to say when the time comes but never do. By doing this you can remorse for never getting the chance to tell your daughter how you feel or be overwhelmed by emotions during the ceremony.
Jun 8, 2011
We thought this new bridesmaid dress website, Weddington Way, would be a perfect follow-up to our post on floral frocks. More often than not, when planning a destination wedding, your closest gals and BFF’s are not down the street or even in the same area code. This can make selecting bridesmaids dresses more of a logistical nightmare rather than one of the fun details of the wedding.
Weddington Way is a new web site that is dedicated to bringing together brides and their bridesmaids – no matter the distance. At Weddington Way, you and your bridesmaids can connect, shop and share the perfect dresses without complicated travel and multiple dress appointments.
This shopping site is the brainchild of a former buyer of Bloomingdales who noticed a need for better online resources for brides-to-be and their bridal parties. This will simplify the way brides shop for the bridesmaid dress. Anyone, a bride (or a bridesmaid) can register on the site for free and then invite the rest of the party to join her. Your personal bridal party page allows you to custom write messages to your bridal party through out the selection process.
Shop: There’s a hand-selected collection of dresses from top designers. You can filter your search by style, theme, color, price and more.
Compare: You can mark certain dresses as your favorites and share them with your bridal party. A drag and drop feature allows you to see your potential dress lineup.
Share: You can select styles and share opinions on the shared social page between your entire bridal party.
Track: As a bride, you can see how your bridesmaids rank different dresses and track their ordering activity. This way, it’s easy to stay on top of the process with very little direct communication.
Weddington Way also allows you to virtually see a chosen bridesmaid dress in different styles. If a bride was leaning towards one color but not sure the perfect cut for everyone, then this will allow each bridesmaid to select the style that flatters her the best. Or the bridesmaids can select the dresses that they like and would compliment their curves the best, and the bride can choose which style(s) she prefers. Genius!
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May 13, 2011
Monograms have been the oldest form of identification in the world – always omnipresent for royalty, but now it seems everyone is taking pride in their initials or initials to be… How to show these off in ways that best suit you and your style of wedding?
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Ways To Rock Your Monogram
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Ideas are endless here.
In the Ceremony you can make your mark on your aisle/aisle runner, your program, bouquet wrap, altar decor, chair backs, ring bearer pillow, flower girl baskets…
In the Reception you can showcase your initials on pillows, your menu, your napkins, your cake topper, the dance floor, personalized signs, centerpiece vases, linen decor/runners, gift bags or actually create letters out of flowers or wood. These are just a few!
For your Attire, personalized jewelry is at the top as well as lounge wear for your wedding party, personalized hangers for you, tote bags or any garment – nothing is off limits!
A very popular look in Tahoe is the woodland look but we love to jazz this up (or down) depending on the taste of our bride. Softening the wood look with fabric and flowers is a sure hit but also unexpected elements also from nature like berries or gemstones work too. If gemstones aren’t in the budget, some great inexpensive crystals can give an unforgettable effect too. Some of our favorite woodland finds from Etsy artist BraggingBags:
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Some of our favorite monogram looks from our past Merrily Wed weddings:
Photos courtesy of: clockwise from top – Jay Reilly Photography, Catherine Hall Studios and Zorn Photography.
Photos courtesy of: Kendall Price Photography, Jennifer Baciocco Photography and Kendall Price Photography.
Express yourself! There are many websites that create custom wedding monograms and logos for you. If you are more of a DIY type, there is even a whole blog spot dedicated to helping you create your custom monogram. It gives you a step-by-step tutorial: weddingmonograms.blogspot.
