Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks-- Drink of the Week

Gooble-Tini





INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 ounces Smirnoff Cranberry Vodka
1/4 ounce raspberry liqueur
1/2 ounce cranberry juice




DIRECTIONS
Fill shaker with ice.
Add Smirnoff Cranberry Vodka, raspberry liqueur, and cranberry juice.
Shake.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with 3 cranberries

Information found here

Bride: Help Wanted

To all of my fellow bloggers,

One of our fellow bloggers, Jessica, at the Budget Savvy Bride, like many other Americans was let go from her job. She is a graphic designer located outside of Nashville. Check out her blog to see some of her work. She is totally open to freelance work. If you have any job information for her contact her here. Thanks!!!

Jumping Timeline

Well, it has been hard to believe that it I have been engaged for a year. We got engaged last December 26. We have had quite a journey.

April 1997-- We started dating.

December 26, 2007-- We made it official. We got engaged.

December 26, 2008--We are less than 4 months away from our wedding.

April 11, 2009-- We become husband and wife.

It looks like we are about to come full circle. April and December seem to be our months. I can not wait to see what is in store for the future.

Merry Christmas!!!

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks-- Drink of the Week

The Golden Snowball

Ingredients:

1-1/2 oz. Absolut Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz. Cointreau

1/2 oz Marie Brizard White Crème de Cocoa

3/4 oz. Heavy Whipping Cream Easy Leaf Products’ Oro Fino Gold Petals Method

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish: 23 Kt Gold Petals and shaved white chocolate.

They Are Gone

I have mailed out my save the dates. Standing in line at the U.S. Post Office on a Saturday afternoon to get postcard stamps since they were not in the automated machine system, not once but twice during the holiday season was not fun. Part of that was me not making sure how many address labels that I printed off before hand. I had guessed one number, but really had another. I must of really wanted to hang out at the post office. I have gotten a few calls from people who have received them stating how much that really liked them. I am glad that they liked them, because the picture that I used was one of my favorites. Check...one more thing completed.

200th Post!!

200th post!!It seems just like yesterday that I started my little blog to keep a detailed record of my wedding. Now I am up to my 200th post. That is amazing. Even though that I have reached 200, there is still so much more wedding stuff to talk about and share. Thank you to all of my followers!!! I will keep on blogging to the next 200 and I hope that you keep on reading.

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks--Drink of the Week V

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

1.5 oz Raspberry Vodka

1.5 oz Stirrings Chocolate Martini

Stirrings Chocolate Martini Rimmer®Fresh Raspberry Shake vodka and mixer over ice. Strain and serve straight in a chilled martini glass dipped into chocolate Rimmer®. Garnish with fresh raspberry.

Information found here

The Winner is......

Well ladies you did not make it easy on the garter contest. There were lots of creative ideas, two really stood out. Kellie B. and Brittney really had me thinking things out. The winner is....... Brittney

Congratulations!!!! For all of you that entered the contest, Julianne has a great offer for you. You will receive 50% off of your garter when purchasing one from her. Congratulations to you all and thanks for entering.

To see more of Julianne Smith designs, please click here.

Aisle Decorations

When thinking about aisle decor for your wedding, consider some of these.

Information found here.

Escort Cards

I am not sure if I will be using escort cards or not for my wedding, but here are some cool ideas for them. Are you using escort cards? How are you using them?

Information found here

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks--Drink of the Week IV

Candy Cane Martini

½ oz. Vodka

½ oz. Absolut Peppar

1 oz. Sambuca

1 oz. White creme de menthe

1 oz. White creme de cacao

or

3/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps

3/4 oz Creme de Cacao

1/4 oz Grenadine

1/4 oz Half & Half

a splash of 7-Up

In both recipes, shake the ingredients together, garnish with a candy cane and enjoy!!

Information found here and here.

4 Months To Go!!!

Wow, in looking at the wedding ticker on the side of my blog..I realized there was a big 4. There are 4 months until my wedding. 122 days to be exact. On December 26 of this year will be year to the day that we got engaged. It seems so long ago and even then thinking of getting married April 11, 2009 seemed so far away. Well, far away is really close now. I just need to get my butt in gear and get all of things that I need to get done so that I can enjoy and have fun the last few months of the wedding planning process. Happy 4 months and counting!!!

Happy B-Day Broomjumping Groom!!!

Well, he is not in denial anymore, he is officially 35 today. So what does he decide to do on his birthday...go to work. I actually do not get to spend his birthday with him since he works second shift. I would try to stay and wait up for him, but I know how I am and I would not be much company. Sometimes I think that people who have a birthday in December get a little less of a celebration because of all of the holidays. Oh, well. I will just leave his favorite cheesecake in the frig and his gift on the dining room table. Happy Birthday!!!

1 More Day

December 10th is the last day to enter my garter giveaway. Click here for details. To see what the garters look like, check out Julianne Smith's website.

A $6,000 Wedding

I read the magazine Essence and occasionally read the website. I found this article about Tavon Ferguson who spent $6,000, for her whole wedding. I thought I would share this information with others.

ESSENCE.COM: Congratulations, newlywed! So, were you one of those little girls who started planning her wedding at 12?

TAVON FERGUSON: I really didn't even think I was going to get married until I met my husband. It wasn't until we started dating that those dreams actually came about. I had ideas of things I wanted to do, but I hadn't been to a lot of weddings so I was very open to the things that I wanted to have for my own.

ESSENCE.COM: So spill the beans, because sisters want to know-how did you pull this off?

FERGUSON: (Laughs.) I live every part of my life with the motto: I'd rather have more for less. So, whether it's shopping for clothes or the house or even tuition for school, I follow this and the wedding just became an extension of that motto. I was able to get my photographer and deejay for free. I found the photographer, another graduate student, on Craigslist.com. He was trying to get his name out as a wedding photographer. Our engagement and wedding pictures were free. The deejay was the boyfriend of a friend and he was also trying to get into weddings. A lot of people don't realize that most vendors will work for free when they're just starting out as long as they're able to reference you. A friend of mine is a makeup artist and she did my makeup for free that day as my wedding present. One of my husband's friends is a caterer and he hosted our rehearsal dinner for free as well.

ESSENCE.COM: Amazing! What other ways did you save money to jump the broom?

FERGUSON: I purchased my wedding gown from Craigslist.com. I got a $650 David's Bridal dress for $200 with the tags still attached! I was able to purchase 100 invitations from Party City for $30. I hosted a party with dinner and drinks one night and had my bridal party help me assemble them. I got my flowers from Costco and rented a cake for my pictures but served sheet cake to my guests at the reception. We held the ceremony and the reception in the same place and everything: the food, linen, drinks, chair covers, the cake-cutting fee, wait staff was all $5,500. Everything else was only $500. And I even saved on our honeymoon. It was $1500 for the entire trip; eight days and seven nights at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. Our airfare was included. [Editor's note: The honeymoon costs are not included in the $6,000.]

ESSENCE.COM: Very impressive, but it seems like it was a lot of work. How did you avoid becoming a bridezilla to your friends and family?

FERGUSON: It is a blessing for people to agree to be in your wedding. I didn't think that it was a privilege for my friends to participate. I didn't want my bridesmaids to spend $200 on a dress that they would never wear again. Knowing that people may not have a lot of money, I went out of my way to find a dress they would all like. I knew I had succeeded when one of my bridesmaids asked if she could wear her dress before the actual ceremony. They were from Delias.com on sale and I got free shipping. I also purchased their bridemaid's gifts, sterling silver engraved bracelets, for $8 from Weddingchannelstore.com.

ESSENCE.COM: What do you have to say to brides who still think they need a year's salary to plan their own dream wedding?

FERGUSON: I think the biggest thing is that your wedding should be more about you and your husband and not about the price tag of the things you think you have to have. If you focus more on it being the perfect day for you and your husband, you will have a lot less stress. You won't compare yourself to your friend that just got married or Star Jones or some other celebrity. That way you're able to add and subtract and create a wedding that is really your own. The type of wedding where people leave and say, "Wow, those two really love each other." Concentrate on making it about you and your husband.

Information found here

" It is a Nice Day for a White Wedding"

Billy Idol had it right, a white wedding can be magical especially around the holidays. Here are some winter wedding ideas if you are using white as the main color. I really like how all the white items in the pictures below really seem to shimmer and shine. This element really makes a fabulous statement.

Pictures found here

I Got Stuff To Do

As time is beginning to wind down towards the big day, my list of craft projects is starting to mount up. With all the stuff I want to do for the holidays, I am sure some of my craft projects will be last minute. I am going to try to get some of them done soon. Here are some of the things that I need to so:

• Paint monogram on to aisle runner.
• Decorate flower girl basket.
• Make cake topper.
• Make bridesmaids gifts.
• Create the wedding program.
• Make veil.
• Make initial door decorations for the ceremony.
• Make unity candle.

With all of these projects..I am going to give Martha Stewart a run for her money. What projects are you doing for your wedding?

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks--Drink of the Week III

Rum and Pomegranate Izze

This island breeze of a cocktail in stunning scarlet gets its tang from pomegranates.
- 1½ oz. Bacardi White Rum

- ¼ oz. Cointreau (orange liqueur)

- Splash of lime juice

- 2½ oz. Izze sparkling pomegranate juice

- Colored sugar (for rim)

Dip rim of glass in water, then in colored sugar. Combine rum, liqueur and juices with ice in the glass, and stir.

Cocktail created by the W Bar, W Hotel, Seattle.

Recipe found here

Computer Sickness

I am having a some computer issues at home. YAH!!! I will be trying to post from work. Hopefully they will be worked out soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!!! Don't eat to much...remember you have a wedding dress to get into.

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks--Drink of the Week II

Champagne Apricato

Apricot and gin put a sophisticated spin on the modern mimosa.
- 1 oz. Tanqueray Gin

- 1 oz. Marie Brizard Apry (apricot liqueur)

- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice- ¾ oz. simple syrup

- 2 oz. premium champagne

- Apricot slice

- Edible flower (for garnish)

To make simple syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature. Combine gin, liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake well. Strain into a flared glass; top off with champagne. Add apricot, and garnish.

Cocktail created by Audrey Saunders, the Pegu Club, NYC.

Recipe from here

How to Have a Rockin Reception

I have attended a few weddings in my time and it seems that the same thing always happens...people eat, cake comes out, people get some and leave. After spending all of this time planning a wedding you really want your guest to have a really good time and not just to eat and leave. So what are you doing to keep things lively and keep the party going at your reception? Share your thoughts!!

Garter Giveaway Still Going On!!!!

Hello, fellow blogger brides. I still have the Julianne Smith garter giveaway going on until December 10, 2008. Click here for all the details. Good luck!!!!

Wedding Tip of the Week: Custom Drinks--Drink of the Week

The whole new rage is to have a custom drink at your wedding. Keep looking out for the next couple of Wednesdays for a "Drink of the Week".

This weeks "Drink of the Week" is a

Strawberry Watermelon Mojito

- 1½ oz. Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka

- ½ oz. fresh lime juice

- ½ oz. mint-infused simple syrup

- 1 cup fresh seedless watermelon, cubed and chilled

- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves- Club soda

To make mint syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add 8 to 10 mint leaves. Let cool for 30 minutes. Strain. Combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, ½ cup of watermelon and about 10 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a glass with ice and remaining watermelon. Top with club soda. Garnish with additional mint leaf.

This drink was originally created at the Four Season Resort in Pair Beach, Florida.

Recipe found from Brides

"Honey...What am I suppose to be doing?"

Has you fiance asked you in the last several months what they need to do for the wedding? Is your groom confused? Direct them to the GroomGroove website. This website is especially for the guy who ready to say "I Do". There are sections on the website varying from "The Engagement" to "Wedding 101". Check it out with your special someone, it might relieve some stress and questions.

N.C. Here We Come!!!

The honeymoon is booked. Hooray!!! I had a few requirement for my honeymoon, beach and water. My fiance had some as well...something that did not include a plane or a boat. I want to thank you all of my fellow bloggers that gave me some suggestions on places to go, it was quite helpful. We are going to Emerald Isle, North Carolina to stay in a condo on the beach for 5 days. You know the Internet is a wonderful, I found the rental agency that we are using there. It seems like a real place to just relax. The location that we are staying at states that it is just up the street from local shopping and restaurants. I am looking forward to just sitting on the beach with a book and my Ipod soaking up the sun and of course spending time with my husband (which he will be be on this trip). The best part of the whole trip is that is under $600.00 for the whole week. The broomjumpinggroom and I will have lots of bonding time in the car on our 11 hour, 11 minute trip across the states to our relaxing place.

A Perfect Pair Wedding Gig

Well, my friend and I are doing a wedding today with my friend Chevon as a part of our, A Perfect Pair wedding and event planning business. We are actually assisting with some of the technical things like videography with this family. It will be a long day but fun. I am looking forward to seeing the bride and the groom on their special day. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to share next week. If you are looking for a planner, check us out here.

Wedding Time in 09

It is November ladies and the holidays are soon upon us. In reading several blogs, 2009 is going to be another big year for weddings.Some of us are in the midst of planning, others are just beginning and so many more ( I am sure) after Christmas will be joining us in the planning process. I was wondering with all of this planning going on, what month is everyone getting married? Let your fellow blogging brides know, "What month are you getting married in?

More and More Flowers

On Saturday I went shopping with my mom and Mrs Herron, the person doing my flowers, went to the Flower Factory to look at flowers and other items for the wedding. There were flowers everywhere. I would pull one thing and Mrs. Herron would say that they were the wrong color for the wedding or they were two big. There was so much stuff there that my eyes started to glaze over and I began to get distracted by all of the holiday stuff. After being in the store over 2 hours, I gave up. I began to feel very overwhelmed. Ms. Herron said that it was alright and that it was just the beginning. What do you mean it was just the beginning? I have to come back and look again. Ugh!!! Well, the trip was not a total bust. I did get some flowers and even found my wedding invitations ( I will post about that later). If you have a Flower Factory near you check it out, it has a nice selection of wedding items at really good prices.

Wedding tip of the Week: Top 10 Money Mistakes II

With times the way that they are, saving a buck really essential. A couple of weeks ago I posted about the Top 10 Wedding Mistakes. Here are the 1-5 top wedding mistakes.

5. Getting stuck on the "shoulds"

- The "shoulds" are all of the extras that so many people think that they need at wedding, such as favors and fancy linens. What you need to look at is it something that you really care about or it will be something that you will be upset about.

4. Leap before looking

-Do not walk in to the first place reception place that you see and book immediately, (This did not really work for me since this what I did) and then find out a week later about a place that you like even more and is more budget friendly. Take some time and do research. Weigh your options and look at what is most important to you for your wedding.

3. Falling prey to peer pressure

-You went to a wedding where your friends had 6 champagne fountains and enough chocolate cover strawberries to last a lifetime. If all of that is not in your budget, do not do to keep up with the Jones. Make your day special, your way even if it does mean that you have a fountain filled with Kool-aid.

2. Not reading the fine print

-Do not skip the fine print. Read every contract and know exactly what you are getting into. You need to know when balances are due and what deposits are owed. Make sure that you know all of the unknowns. Make sure that you ask questions. If you do not ask questions, you might be paying for a $400.00 cake with a $500.00 cake cutting fee.

The number 1 wedding money mistake is.......(I feel like David Letterman)

1. Not setting budget priorities

-I know that you do not want to think about priorities when you are thinking about Cinderella dreams. Setting up a budget and setting what priorities that are important for your wedding will allow for you to have things that you want within a budget that you can live with.

Jon and Kate Plus 8 Get Married

Well, Jon and Kate are already married, but this season they are renewing their vows with their children in Hawaii. I had wondered what Kate was doing when I saw her on the TV show Say Yes to the Dress a couple of weeks ago, in Kleinfields picking out a wedding dress. This is the dress that she decided on with her sales associate Keisha. I really like her headpiece. I think it goes well with her haircut and the style of the dress. This past Monday and next Monday you can see them in their Aloha special. Happy viewing.

Julianne Smith Garter Contest

Something old, something new win a garter just for you. In this contest you can win a beautiful custom garter with a toss garter to go with it. The rules of the contest are as follows:

• Describe your wedding using the word GARTER.


• Make your submission by December 10, 2008.


• A winner will be selected by December 13, 2008 and contacted and announced on my blog by December 15, 2008.

Please be mindful when entering the contest that with the contest ending right before the holidays and it being a custom garter, delivery of the garter may not occur until the beginning of the year.

To see more of what Julianne had to offer please click here. Good luck ladies..I can not wait to see what you come up with.

Save the Dates

Time is winding up towards by wedding ( as my mom keeps telling me) and I figured last night would be a good night as any to order my save the dates. I did not want to make them and I could not afford to get magnets, so I made postcards. I went to Vistaprint and made postcards to send out as my save the dates. I added one of our engagement pictures on the front of the postcard and added a holiday motif on the back ( a two for one). I also added Happy Holidays and save the date information on the back. I think that they will be really nice. I order 250 and got them for $19.99 plus $6.00 for shipping. I know that I probably will not need that many of them but I figured that if I mess up on someones address, I had a few extras to work with. They should be here in about a week or so, just in time for me to address them and mail them out right after Thanksgiving. Now I just need to update my guest list with addresses within the next two weeks. The best thing about them is that I can purchase postcard stamps for them (saves me some money). Check ....another item off of the list.

Are you doing save the dates? If so, what are you doing?

Get Blingy With It

Well, my friend wanted something blingy to wear with a suit to celebrate the election of Barack Obama. We both looked on line for a blingy shirt and both decided that paying $25.99 or more for a tank top or t-shirt with rhinestones on it was a bit silly. So since I think that I am the "Black Martha Stewart", I thought that I could give it a try at making one. Here is what I came up with. Even though it was a little bit time consuming, it was actually fun to make. I think it really looks good on her. Here is what I created.

After making this shirt, I thought why could I not make one for me stating, future Mrs. J or ones for my bridal party as part of their gifts. If you want to get blingy with it for your wedding contact me and I can make you one.

Our Dream Has Been Realized

I have cried. I have worked. I have hoped. My dream and the dream of so many others has come true. Congratulations.. Senator oops I mean.. President Elect Barack Obama. Thank you for allow us to realize our dreams through you!!!

Khadija=Monograms

Here are the monograms that were created by Khadija from Sweet Chic Designs from the contest that I won. If you want more information on her designs or want her to create some for you please contact her at here or on her blog. I can not wait to start using them.