There are so many words to describe a gown by Mikaella wedding gown:  lush, ethereal, and elegant.  Each wedding dress has its own story, that enhances every curve and feminine aura. 

With a gorgeous assortment of gowns, veils and boleros, Mikaella appeals to the bride who wants a classic design that is high on style and  personality.

Check out more of the gorgeous designs at the Mikaella website and check out their upcoming event calendar!

We’ve talked about red signature cocktails and drinks for your wedding—now let’s talk about some other colors!  What about green—in its beautiful shades of mint and emerald, your cocktail choices are only limited by your favorite hues and tastes.

The Mischievous Leprechaun (Grin & Bake It)

1/2 ounce of Midori melon liqueur

1/2 ounce of coconut rum

1/2 ounce of Banana Schnapps

1/2 ounce of pineapple juice

Combine ingredients in a martini shaker, shake, and pour!

The Matcha Martini (Pattycake)

Try to find high quality matcha from Japan.

Dissolve 1 tablespoon of matcha/sugar mix (buy some here)  into 2 tablespoons of water.

If you just have matcha powder, use 1/2 teaspoon of powder and 1 to 4 teaspoons of cane sugar (or light agave syrup) – depending on how sweet you like it. Dissolve into 2 tablespoons of water.

Pour into a shaker full of ice, add 2 shots of vodka, shake shake shake.

If you want to get fancy: rim a martini glass with sugar, pour in, and garnish with seasonal fruit.

If it’s too strong, top up with a little sparkling water.

Mexican Samurai (About)

Ingredients:

2 parts TY KU liqueur

1 part tequila

fresh sweet and sour mix

Preparation:

Pour the tequila and Ty Ku into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Add a dash of fresh sweet and sour mix.

Shake well.

Strain into a shot glass.

Salted Plum Shochu Cocktail (Food Woolf)

Salted plum shochu cocktail
Makes one drink

Kosher salt and cayenne pepper mixture (4 tbsp kosher salt to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper)
2 lemon verbena leaves (one for muddling, one for garnish)
4 small sour plums (sliced and without seeds)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 lemon wedge
1 tsp simple syrup
3 oz lemon (or regular) Haamonii Shochu
ice

Place the kosher salt/cayenne pepper mixture on a plate. Wipe the outer edge of the cocktail glass with the juicy side of the lemon wedge. Run the wet edge of the glass in the spicy salt to create an even rim.

Muddle a single verbena leaf in a clean cocktail shaker. Add the sliced sour plums and continue muddling until most of the fruit’s juice is released into the glass. Add simple syrup, shochu and fill shaker with ice. Shake well. Add mixed cocktail to salt-rimmed glass. Top with fresh verbena. Serve immediately.

Where to find Haamonii

If you want to try Haamonii Shochu currently is available on line at K&L for $29.99 and at dandm.com. Also available at some restaurants and bars.

Veranda-tini (Veranda)

Serves 4

1 cup mint leaves

1 cup frozen limeade

8 ounces Domaine de Canton

8 ounces vodka

1 cup ice

4 gardenia blossoms, optional

Combine first five ingredients in blender. Serve in glasses over ice with optional gardenia garnish.

Agua fresca with cucumber and lime (LA Times)

Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: Makes 2 quarts
Note: Inspired by Jimmy Shaw, of Loteria Grill. Find agave nectar at Trader Joe’s stores, Whole Foods, Ralphs and other markets.
5 whole cucumbers, coarsely chopped (not peeled or seeded)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 serrano chile, seeded and minced (or more to taste)
1/8 cup agave syrup
Sea salt
In a blender, in batches, purée the cucumbers with 2 1/4 cups of water, the lime juice, chile, agave syrup and a generous pinch of sea salt on high speed. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a triple layer of cheesecloth (or use a chinois), discarding the solids. Serve over ice. Keeps 2 days, refrigerated.

The Clover (The Nibble)

Ingredients Per Cocktail

1-1/2 ounces gin

1 ounce triple sec

3/4 ounce lime juice

Dash of Pernod (or other anise-
flavored liqueur)

Dash of green crème de menthe

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail
shaker.

Strain into a cocktail glass.

Everyone knows that some of the hottest wedding dresses from this year’s Bridal Market came from Badgley Mischka.  Brides are not the only ones that the dynamic duo are adorning with lush fabrics, delicate lines and intricate details.  The bridesmaid dress collection is just as alluring and unique—virtually daring any wearer not to consider wearing it again.

With dresses ranging from the relaxed casual to the most opulent, there is a dress that exudes your wedding’s event vision and your bridesmaids’ personalities.

The dresses from Claire Pettibone are enough to make you swoon!

The lines are alluring and flattering, while effectively channeling designs of yesteryear with contemporary style.  From couture bias cuts to Eastern inspired accents, the new Cherry Blossom line is a bride’s dream. 

The Rock N Roll Bride Collection does not disappoint either…

With lines of luxury lingerie, veils and fashion lines, Claire Pettibone is forging ahead to be a one stop shop for brides to indulge from their wedding day to their honeymoon!

As an extra special treat, see the new Cherry Blossom 2010 line at the Holiday Preview at the flagship salon.  Meet Claire Pettibone and see the beautiful headpieces crafted by Enchanted Atelier.  Call 310.360.6268 for your appointment. 

The new site, Para Ti Novia is the ultimate  resource for “redefining the modern Latina wedding”.  With ideas both in English and en espanol, such as the most romantic latin love songs for weddings to cultural traditions, you are garnered access to in-depth and relevant advice.  With an easy to use interface, stunning pictures with its articles and a vendor resource directory, your wedding is in great hands. 

One way to make a statement during your ceremony is the way your rings are brought down the aisle.  You can express your event vision through small details like the ones we will show you below.  The key is to extract integral parts of your event vision and transform them into a focal point.

This ultra luxe heirloom bridal purse and ring holder courtesy of Olivia Carlin, whose designs are reminiscent of the Russian Imperial Era’s Faberge eggs.  Perfect for those brides looking for something rich and detailed for their weddings but can also be passed along to family.

I loved these beautiful shells accented with ribbons and a small orchid bloom for a beach wedding.  It makes such a statement and is a great way to add color and presence for an already beautiful event. 

This comes from our Jekyll Island wedding with Ashaki ::+:: Embry.  This was one of my favorite details from their wedding.  Ashaki wanted her wedding to shared inspired elements from Marie Antoinette and Gone with the Wind.  Playing on the gold tones from her event color palette, we researched and found a gorgeous antique jewelry boxes to have her sweet little ring bearer to carry up the aisle.  See more over at Agnes Lopez’s website.

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I love the beautiful simplicity of the Ring Bowls by Paloma’s Nest—created with custom sayings, these too can become heirlooms or beautiful pieces for in your home.

This nest filled with soft green moss, a simple bow and two decorative birds is simple and rustic.

Another variation on the moss ring pillows are these kermit mums accented with pearl centers. 

This isn’t a huge rose—it’s a composite bouquet; a delicate design of various petal pieces arranged to look like a large flower. 

What unique ideas do you have to have your rings carried down the aisle?

The designs from Pnina Tornai fully encompass and express Pnina’s  attention to details, adoration of love and creativity and unique ability to bring out the solemnity of the wedding day.  Infusing her own high style to her concepts, the end result are some of the most gorgeous gowns that have walked the runway in London and New York.  Even her evening gowns are a celebrity favorite for performances and red carpet appearances.

I was so lucky to receive a sample of the new premium gin, Beefeater 24.  I am so excited about this as its story is just as captivating as its flavor.  For 24 hours, the gin’s exotic botanicals which include rare Japanese Sencha tea and aromatic Chinese Green tea, are gently steeped together.  The flavor enriched spirit is then slowly distilled in traditional pot stills, to create a gin that is subtle, scented and sensuously smooth.

We talked about Thanksgiving inspired ideas and menus for your November wedding, Beefeater was kind enough to share some of their favorite holiday recipes for cocktails and signature drinks that will be sure to add that unique flavor to your wedding or next event.

	Ruby Negroni 1 part Beefeater 24 Gin ½ part Campari ½ part Tawny Port ¼ part Raspberry Syrup 3 parts Prosecco Stir and strain into a flute. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a Raspberry.
	Burroughs Punch 1 part Beefeater 24 Gin 1 part Sloe Gin 1 ½ parts Lemon Juice ½ part Orange Juice ¼ part Simple Syrup 1/8 part Marmalade 1 ½ parts Raspberry Cordial 3 parts chilled Earl Grey Tea 2 parts Prosecco Mix first 8 ingredients in a punch bowl and chill with ice. Add Prosecco and garnish with Berries, Citrus Wheels, Plums, and Grated Nutmeg.
	Waterloo Sunset 2 parts Beefeater 24 Gin 1 part Elderflower Liqueur ¼ part Raspberry Liqueur Top with Brut Champagne Stir Beefeater 24 and Elderflower Liqueur with ice. Strain into glass. Layer Champagne and add Raspberry Liqueur using a barspoon.

I hope you enjoy these delicious recipes, and be sure to check out the Beefeater 24 website for more great concoctions and recipe ideas!

The Mojuba Wedding bag is a new, chic, and practical save the day kit for the sophisticated bride and groom. Each high-end bag is filled with must-have items carefully chosen to help brides and grooms prepare for the unexpected on their big day. Mojuba Bride and Mojuba Groom are perfect gifts for an engagement party, bridal shower or wedding and come in handy throughout the big day, on to the honeymoon, and long after!

Whether it’s a spill on your dress, blistery feet or other last minute dilemmas, Mojuba Bride and Mojuba Groom have it covered. Mojuba Wedding bags were created by wedding and event planner, Jackie James. After 20 years of using her own save the day kit, Jackie decided to create Mojuba to help the happy couple with last minute details when she could not be there.

What’s in a name? Mojuba Wedding bags were named after Jackie’s brother in-law who inspired her and was from South Africa. Mojuba means bag of magical items that bring joy and happiness.

Mojuba Bride unfolds to reveal one exquisite item after another, from essential everyday items to indulgent necessities. A sampling of the 36 distinct items that Jackie has collected to ensure a perfect day include:

· Madame Paulette™ couture stain removal kit

· BugCatcherz™ fashion tape to keep clothes in place

· L’Occitane® hand cream

· Little i® breath-freshening mints or gum

· Dancin’ Feet™ to cushion sore feet

· Clear plastic straws for sipping champagne while keeping lipstick intact

· Ms. Manicure™ nail files

· La Fresh® hand sanitizer wipes

· Scope® mouthwash

· Advil® and Pepcid Complete®

· Static Guard® and Krazy Glue®

· Kodak® camera with Mojuba design

· Mojuba pen and notepad

Mojuba Bride is an elegant and sophisticated bag with a built-in mirror that is versatile and easy to throw over a shoulder or carry on the arm. Mojuba Bride also makes a perfect travel bag for post-wedding activities, from the honeymoon to date night as newlyweds.

Mojuba Groom is a handsome, sleek, messenger-style bag containing must-have items for the groom and groomsmen. A sampling of the 26 distinct items includes:

· Advil and Pepcid Complete

· Shave kit with razor, Gilette® shaving cream and a styptic pencil for nicks

· Listerine PocketMist®

· Carmex® lip balm

· Poker-size Mojuba playing cards

· Cavallini & Co.® file folders to organize wedding documents, contracts

· Band-Aid® bandages

· Sniff® tissues

· La Fresh hand sanitizer wipes

· Shoe horn and shoe-shine wipes

· Gilchrist and Soames® sewing kit with pre-threaded needle

· Kodak camera with Mojuba design

· Mojuba pens and notepad

The Mojuba Groom bag comes lined in either lime green or tangerine, can easily convert into a handsome briefcase by tucking the strap inside, and includes a dopp kit for organization and travel.

Mojuba Bride and Groom bags are filled with carefully chosen and boutique items that help brides and grooms with everything from fixing a ripped hem to providing some comic relief. Visit www.mymojuba.com to learn more about the story behind Mojuba.

Fall brings so many wonderful flavors, aromas and visions that can be incorporated into your wedding.  With Thanksgiving being most prominent in the month of November, there are several options you can incorporate into your wedding to make it festive and inviting.  It is also the perfect opportunity to have a faux Thanksgiving celebration with your closest family and friends.

Your Menu

Described as “sweet and earthy”, this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is the perfect way to welcome your guests in from the cool weather.  Serve during your cocktail hour in a cup with an herbed baguette piece or as a starter for dinner in a warm bread bowl.  A delicious side full of decadence that could double as a dessert is this Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes.  Of course, there has to be turkey—why not try a kicked up version of the seasonal favorite like this Turkey Breast with Mustard Sage Crumbs.  You could also create your R.S.V.P. cards to double as a recipe card—ask attending guests to send in their favorite thanksgiving recipes along with their response.  Don’t be afraid to glam up your traditional favorites to avoid the fated “wedding food”. 

Service

Take advantage of having your family and friends all together by serving your dinner family style.  You want this celebration to be as a cozy and comfortable as possible.  Family Style service is perfect for your early (or post)  Thanksgiving celebration.  photo from One World Weddings

Decor

The season is full of so many inspiring colors!  If you are looking for something different, nix the flowers out of your decor and go for candles and gourds (the all white image is divine).  Alternatively, you could use pumpkins as your container for your centerpieces.  If you are serving your meal family style, remember you’ll be low on tabular real estate, so opt for small, but remarkable, choices.Wreaths are perfect for your doors and can be found at most retailers. 

Love this concept found by Get Married’s Blogger Bride, Kate Harrison—hollowing out a pumpkin and using it as a tub for beer or soda during your reception is fantastic.  Sparkling Pomegranate Punch and  Apple Brandy Hot Toddies would be perfect additions to your hot and cold bar menu.  Add flavored gourmet coffees, ciders and hot chocolates, too!

Nuts and popcorn are another seasonal favorite.  Offer a variety alone or in combination in bar form as favors! 

This carved initial pumpkin would make the perfect addition to your bar with festive colored leaves, gourds and candles.  It adds a special twist to your lighting, too.