Characterizing Cocktail Hour


Consider including your theme in ways other than the linens, favors and colors.  For example, the cocktail hour offers several different approaches including your signature drink.  This is a great way to have a semi-open bar (save money) and create thematic fluidity (pun intended) throughout your event.  Your signature drink or drinks can be available on hand for your guests, while other drinks ordered by your attendees are from their own pocket.  By doing so, you save a great deal of money and include your guests in your theme. 

A tropical-themed wedding may offer a PiƱa Colada, Mai Tai or Bahama Mama.  A theatrical event may serve drinks with characteristic names such as 007 or the Tomb Raider.

Your color scheme may be apparent on your tables and in your centerpieces, but you can also include your pallet in a signature drink:

Pink
Lady                      
          PINK LADY MARTINI            BLUE HAWAIIAN             MOJITO

         
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA            RUM PUNCH                COSMOPOLITAN

                             
                  LEMON DROP MARTINI                   WHITE RUSSIAN

If you have chosen to cater your event with a specific cuisine, pair your signature drink with the food.  For example, a Spanish event may serve Sangria.  American cuisine may offer unique beer selections from local micro-breweries.  Accompany your French menu with a champagne cocktail.

Don’t forget to personalize your signature drink by naming it something memorable and creative!

Real Wedding: Jeff & Susana

 
Ahh...where to begin with Jeff & Susana...I adore this couple. We first met after Susana submitted an inquiry through my website. Her exact words in the e-mail: " I am interested in meeting with you as soon as possible to see if we are a good match. I need help planning my wedding so that I don't pull my hair out.". I replied to her immediately stating that I couldn't have a bride pulling her hair out and that we must meet ASAP to see how I could help. Long story short, I met with Jeff & Susana and it was like hanging out with long time friends.

They originally wanted to have a 2013 wedding but had already planned to have a civil ceremony in early 2012. One day, to my surprise, I received a call from the bride stating they wanted to move forward with a full blown wedding in a month!!! I quickly started making contact with some of San Diego's Finest Wedding Vendors to see if they were available for this low key weekday wedding and boy were my fellow colleagues eager and willing. The rest is history...enjoy the photos!

 Just beautiful...
 Sunflowers! What the bride wants, she gets.
 Floral cups hung from the umbrellas outside on the patio where cocktail hour was held.
 The one request that the bride truly had but was not within budget was a mariachi band. How cool is it that her parent's made it happen! Love surprises during a wedding!

One of the statements Susan made during one of our meetins was that she didn't want to go into the sand. She was adament that she didn't want the ceremony to be in the sand and she didn't even want to take photos in the sand. I had to tease her when I saw the photos like this one of her having a ball in the sand with her new husband. Too cute ;-)



They are a ball of fun and laughs and we have become friends. Wishing Jeff and Susana everlasting love and happiness!

Vendor line up:

Venue: Mission Beach Women's Club
Photographer: Melissa McClure
Florist/Linens/Chair Rental: White Wedding Day Events
DJ: Daniel Peterson
Cake: Babycakes
Wedding Planner: Oh So Chic Events
Day of Coordinator: Sharaye Hood
Caterer: La Taquiza
Make up: Chandra Campos Make up Artistry



Everlasting "Engagement" Love: Stefani & Linzie

"Engagement"...The reason for the quotations is because the fun part is Stefani & Linzie are already married, happily, and they are gathering their closest family and friends to celebrate their everlasting love in a beautiful, lavish, and over the top wedding celebration later this month. Here are a few photos from their LOVE shoot!
 This is one of my favorite photos. They are such a fun couple!
 Stefani with their youngest son Ramell.
 Beautiful.True.Love.
We are very much looking forward to the Vow Renewal Wedding Celebration of Stefani & Linzie!
Stay tuned....

Photos courtesy of: Adam & Shawna Photography