issue 5 Spring 2012
Glitz & Glamour
issue
in this ... features
Taste of Phoenixville
22
eating, drinking, and shopping for a good cause
Dia Doce Won!
28
Dia Doce is the winner of Food Network’s, Cupcake Wars
Follow the Bride!
34
follow our real bride on her wedding planning journey
in every issue letter from the editor........................6 wedding day countdown...................8 Q & A...............................................10 the hotlist.......................................10 date night.......................................12 d.i.y. spotlight...............................140 professional spotlight....................142 seven things to love.......................148
more
contents...
15
Style & Beauty beautiful red lips amazing clutches
38 Stationery & Favors elegant and gold invitations sophisticated favors
42 Forgotten Details videography - movement of love
45 Venues
columbia station - phoenixville, pa
53 Behind the Scenes
behind the cover -details that make the shoot
61 Reception & Ceremony on the red carpet - movie inspiration awards
85 Planning
music of the red carpet
94 Real Weddings & Engagements josephine & diego - engage megan & tom - engage fran & bill - wed susan & stan - wed linda & conor - wed
editor’s note ISSUE 5 Celebrating one year of issues!
Dear Readers, It is so hard to believe that it is the one year anniversary of the very first issue of it’s about details. Time flies when you are having fun. We just want to take a moment to thank all of you who have followed us from the beginning, we truly appreciate it. And to those of you who are new to it’s about details, thank you and we hope you enjoy. We would also like to take a moment to thank all the great professionals we have had an opportunity to work with over the last year. We could not have done it without you. Over the last year, it’s about details has truly evolved into something amazing and unique. As you may have already noticed, we have made a lot of changes. With all these changes, we have changed our logo, website, and over all style to reflect the feeling that it’s about details has come to embody. We hope you love it as much as we do. In this issue, we wanted to put our spin on the seemingly eternal tradition of movie awards. Given that movie themed weddings are becoming all the rage, we did our own take on some of the years more popular movies as a wedding. We also wanted the issue to capture the glitz and glamour or the award shows, from the red carpet to the dresses and more. So, grab your bucket of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show.
xoxo,
Jason and Heather
Editor-in-Chief Jason Kimble
Executive Editor/Creative Director Heather Kimble
Advertising advertise@itsaboutdetails.com
Photography Contributors Jim Cottingham Carrie Gromis
Style Contributor Jeannine Comito
Beauty Contributor Kim Alicea
Music Contributor Nick Doak
To Contribute contributor@itsaboutdetails.com
Real Wedding & Engagement Submissions realweddings@itsaboutdetails.com
Job Inquiries
jobs@itsaboutdetails.com
Media, Press, & Events hkimble@itsaboutdetails.com
wedding day countdown
12 Months
4-3 Months
-Decide on your wedding budget and who’s contributing. -Appraise and insure your engagement ring. -Decide your wedding style and colors. -Choose your wedding date and time. -Interview and hire a wedding planner. -Start envisioning your wedding dress.
-Choose and order groomsmen attire. -Choose and order grooms attire. -Research and choose a rehearsal dinner site. -Choose and reserve all tables, chairs, and any other wedding rentals. -Make all your honeymoon reservations-airfare, hotel for your wedding night. -Put together hotel and city information for out- of-town guests.
9 Months -Choose your bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl, ceremony reader, etc. -Interview and hire a caterer. Begin planning your reception menu. -Finalize guest list. -Decide on your wedding officiant. -Look into any family customs or cultural traditions. -Research centerpieces, flowers, décor, etc. -Start your gift registry.
2-3 Months
-Purchase your accessories-jewelry, tiara, garter etc. -Purchase wedding bands. -Decide on your favors. -Purchase all your under the dress essentials and take them to your dress fittings. -Decide on special ceremony songs & readings. -Book wedding day transportation.
6-8 Months
6 Weeks
-Choose and order bridesmaids’ dresses. -Choose and order your wedding dress and veil. -Research and book vendors, eg. florist, baker, DJ, photographer etc. -Set aside blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. -Order and send out save-the-dates. -Research and buy wedding insurance. -Order your wedding invitations and wedding announcements.
-Send out wedding invitations -Order ceremony programs and decide on your wedding vows. -Submit your newspaper wedding announcement. -Research local marriage license requirements. -Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments. -Purchase entire bridal party, parent gifts etc. -Purchase and send out rehearsal dinner invitations.
3-4 Weeks -Purchase ceremony accessories. -Confirm honeymoon reservations. -Pick up marriage license and your wedding dress. -Meet with your officiant & musicians and/or DJ to go over details. -Create a wedding day schedule. -Have your bridal potraits and/or boudoir photog- raphy session. -Schedule wedding day hair and makeup appointments.
1-2 Weeks -Call guests who have not RSVP’d and make seating arrangements. -Confirm all details with your reception site. -Give guest count & confirm all details with your caterer and baker -Determine your receiving line. -Confirm all details with vendors etc. -Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon. -Put final payments and tips for vendors in marked envelopes.
Day Before -Designate someone to mail out your wedding announcements on the wedding day. -Pull together your wedding dress, all accessories, and emergency kit. -Designate someone to drop off items to ceremony and reception sites -Get manicure and pedicure. -Enjoy your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner! -Set your alarm!
Wedding Day -Tell your parents how much you love them and thank them. -Set aside time after your ceremony to have a private moment together. -Enjoy your Wedding Day!
Q&A Q- Do I need to inlcude my future sisterin-law as one of my bridesmaids? A- No, it is not required that your future sister-in-law be one of your bridesmaids. However, in some families it is expected and they would be extremely offended and hurt if you didn’t ask. In other families, it’s not expected at all and no feelings would be hurt. If you are keeping the bridal party small and want your sisters and best friends to be bridesmaids simply explain that.
Q- Some of my guests have not RSVP’d. What should I do? A- Sometimes people are busy and they simply forget or they might think they sent it in already. Call each guest and ask if they will be able to attend your wedding. If you are unable to get a hold of the guests, assume they will be attending. It’s better to have more food and extra seats than not enough of either.
If you would like to have your questions answered, please send them to info@itsaboutdetails.com.
Glitz and Glamour! “Bring in the glamour of the red carpet to your style. Metallic golds and dramatic reds will make you feel like the “Star” you already are!”
-Heather Kimble Executive Editor/Creative Director
1
Pleated Gold Colored Knee-length Dress H&M
2
Lap of Luxury Bracelets Charlotte Russe
3
Thrill of Brazil Nail Polish OPI
4
Hollywood Glamour Couple “Stars fo a Day” Weddingstar
5
Chinese Laundry Whistle Platform Pumps Macy’s
the hotlist 2 1
3
4 5
date night
Matinee Movie Date Y
ou’re planning your dream wedding and that means time and money are extremely limited. But you must remember to spend time with your fiancé. Find a great movie you both want to see, pick a day, and pick a time before 3pm. The movie tickets are discounted, you will basically have the theater to yourselves, and it only takes a couple hours out of your day. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy time with your wonderful fiancé.
style & beauty
Clutches & Wristlets by Jeannine Comito
According to www.millionlooks.com, the number one bag trend in handbags are knitted bags, followed by large clutch, printed bags, foldover bags, small shoulder bags, satchel bags, wristlets, totes & weekend bags, tiny bags and chain handles. Many of these current trends can be used for wedding attire. Some brides opt not to use a handbag, however I suggest a small one; you do not need much, just some lipstick and maybe a stick of gum (depending on your plans after the reception, you may want to be able to fit your license in there too). There are many cute styles that can be chosen in white, or maybe choose a color bag that you can definitely reuse (wearing colored shoes, match them). Looking for a great bridesmaid gift, check out www. beegeebags.com, amongst a couple other accessories, they offer great clutch bags. With two styles to choose from you are not limited with designs (between the two styles there are almost 50 variations). Attending the wedding, your bag will be a bit more noticed. Be sure to stay in fashion, but not overboard (sometimes it is hard to find a place to stash your bag while eating dinner). Wristlets are always fun (and part of the trend list for the season). You can find a great wristlet at many retailers from Target to Coach. When choosing your handbag, be sure you know what you will need to be carrying in it. Being a guest to a few weddings, it is my experience you do not need much, but be sure to leave room for your license, debit card/cash, lipstick, cell phone and possibly a camera. “Handbags for spring 2012 are inspired by the runway with features like gems and three-dimensional floral detailing while keeping the classic bridal aesthetic of soft bows and neutral colors” says Nicole Brewer, David’s Bridal Style expert. The bridal salon offers many styles of handbags whether it is for a wedding, prom or special occasion. As one of my personal favorite accessories, the handbag is something I love to interchange with my outfits; and dressing up is nothing different! Have fun with the handbag…
Xhilaration® Pink Clutch - Target
Star - beegee Bags
Curvie Silver Nora - beegee Bags
M
ost women love getting ready for a wedding, whether they are the bride, part of the bridal party or a guest. After choosing your outfit and shoes, next comes the handbag. With so many choices out there it may be hard to pick the right one. There are many styles to choose from, trendy, classic, bold…then what shape? Even when dressing classic or conservative, your handbag can scream and shout a trend. The clutch bag seems to be a big hit for weddings. They are small, hold just what is needed and can be as fancy as needed.
Tatte red
Rose
Brassy Orangina - beegee Bags
Veronica - David’s Bridal
Madison Leather Wristlet - Coach Madison Metallic wristlet with Chain - Coach Gracie & Maude - beegee Bags
Wris tle
t-D
avid’s
Brida l
The Perfect
Red Lip by Kim Alicea
I
t seems that red lips are all the buzz these days. Actually, they have been since the 1600s. For centuries, women have been fixated with finding the perfect shade for their pout. Red lips, however, have always been considered beautiful and sexy. Many iconic women are known for their red lips. From Vivienne Leigh and Marilyn Monroe, to Madonna and Christina Aguilera, red lips were a trademarks for these women.
These questions are always the most important when considering red lipstick: Who can wear red lips? Do you need to pick a shade based on your skin tone? Who makes the best red? Anyone can wear a red lip; the secret is finding the right shade of red. The other secret is simple: confidence. You wear the lipstick; the lipstick does not wear you.
Determining your skin tone:
If you do not know your undertone, try this simple test. Hold a piece of white paper to your face in a welllit environment. The undertone should stand out. You will either see a pink hue or a yellow hue if you are fair to medium toned. If you are deeper toned, the hue will appear orange or red. You also need to consider the depth of your skin tone. Fair, medium, or deep.
How to choose a red lipstick based on skin tone:
As a general reference, use this guide for your skin tone. Fair skin: blue based red Medium skin: orange based red Deep skin: brown or plum based red However, it gets a little trickier when the undertone of skin is considered. Pink undertones are considered cool therefore a cool red (blue based) looks best. Yellow undertones are warm therefore a warm red (orange based) looks best. Deeper tones need a deeper base in order to be complementary, making brown or plum based reds the best choice. In most cases, the shade should be chosen according to undertone, as this is the factor that can make or break the look of a lipstick. The only exception to the rule is fair skin with a yellow undertone. This person can wear either blue-based color because the skin is fair, or warmer colors because the undertone happens to be warm. Simply, the concept is this: fair skin needs a deep base (blue) for contrast, medium skin needs a brighter color for contrast (orange) and deep tones need deeper color (brown/plum). Confused? Don’t be! The ultimate judge is you! You are the best judge about what is comfortable to wear, or what looks good; these rules can always be broken! As far as selecting colors for purchase, if you do not try the color directly on your lips and prefer to swatch test, use the inside of your wrist rather than the back of your hand. This spot is a truer reflection of the undertones of your face and will give a truer image of how the color will read on you. One last tip: always use a natural colored lip liner (flesh toned) when wearing a red lipstick. It will help neutralize your lip color, keep your lipstick on longer and prevent feathering. Happy Kissing!
Kim’s picks for red lips: Cool reds (blue based)
1.) CHANEL: Dragon $32 2.) MAC: Ruby Woo $14.50, 3.) L’Oreal Infallible: Beyonce Red $9
Warm reds (orange based)
1.) CHANEL: Gabrielle $32 2.) MAC: Russian Red $14.50, 3.) Revlon: Fire and Ice $8
Deep reds (brown/plum based)
1.) Elizabeth Arden: Ruby Pearl $20, 2.) MAC: Chili $14.50, 3.) L’Oreal: Red Rhapsody $9
Truest red:
NARS: Fire down below $24
events
features
&competitions
If you would like it’s about details to attend or cover your event email Heather at hkimble@itsaboutdetails.com.
AThe Taste of Phoenixville Benefit for the GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER Robert Ryan Catering Spencer Studios Phoenixville Dish
T
he 10th Annual Taste of Phoenixville took place on Thursday, January 19th at The Franklins Commons. Over 400 guests and 26 local Chester County restaurants and caterers attended to support The Good Samaritan Shelter of Phoenixville. Ticket sales, a silent auction and donations raised a grand charity total exceeding $40,000.00 for the Christian ministry that provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless men. Whether you were in the mood for Braised Beef Short Ribs with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce from Robert Ryan Catering or you wanted to snack on an authentic Italian spread by Montesano Brothers, there were gourmet offerings to fit every liking. The TOWN Dish supplied an exciting red carpet experience, welcoming each guest to the event. Thanks to the generous support of Party Rental, Choice Party Linens and JB Productions, Franklin Commons was transformed into an inviting space suitable for the food extravaganza. Participants such as Molly Maguire’s, Columbia Bar & Grille, Majolica and Pepperoncini Sotto presented unique offerings from individual tables. Several guests surrounded the oyster bar prepared by Hill’s Quality Seafood and others enjoyed seconds from La Hacienda Michoacana. With a quick visit to one of the donation bars or Sly Fox’s table of signature brews, guests could satisfy their need for a refreshing beverage. A night of feasting wouldn’t be complete without dessert. Vendors like Cupcake Gourmet, Dia Doce and Bridge Street Chocolates provided a variety of decadent sweets. Many guests were even able to keep their New Year’s resolutions by selecting a tasty, but healthier option from Fruit Flowers or MomPops. Men and women perused the silent auction and then made their way to the dance floor to enjoy the live music of Hytha Fam Band. Items in the silent auction were donated by local businesses and individuals of the community.
Robert Ryan Catering Columbia Bar & Grill Montesano Bros. Molly McGuire’s Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery Becca’s Franklin Bistro Tony’s Family Restaurant Hill’s Quality Seafood Artisan’s Gallery & Cafe FreshAPeel Hummus Bridgeside Deli Marley’s Pepperonicini Sotto La Hacienda Michoacana MomPops Aquilantes Catering Bridge St. Chocolates Forestas Fruit Flowers St. Peter’s Bakery Ludwigs’ Gourmet Catering, Inc. Cupcakes Gourmet Dia Doce Majolica
Winner of Food Network’s Thais Da Silva & Andrea Bennett pictured above
Dia Doce www.diadoce.com Thais@diadoce.com 610-476-5684
CUPCAKE WARS
Girl Scouts 100th Birthday - Aired March 11th, 2012 at 8pm
We had an opportunity to interview Thais, the ower of Dia Doce and the winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Her cupcakes are simply delicious and anyone can enjoy them! Q; How did you get started in the cupcake business? A: I moved back to Chester County (where I grew up) from NYC in the summer of 2010. After spending time in the city watching cupcake shops dominate the area, I decided to bring the concept "home."
Q: Tell us about Dia Doce. What makes your cupcakes different and unique? A: Dia Doce is an all-natural, locally sustained cupcake company. We try to source as many local ingredients as possible with a focus on pure taste and beautiful, edible decor.
Q: What made you decide that you wanted to compete on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars? A: Since Dia Doce has started, I have received so many compliments on the flavors, design, and presentation. We try to be very innovative and although we are a very young company, we wanted to take the dive into something huge. No gain without risk.
Q: How hard was it getting on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars? A: Cupcake Wars approached us last summer... we felt very honored.
Q: Once you were accepted to compete on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, what, if anything, did you do to prepare? A: My assistant who happens also to be my best friend (Andrea Bennett) and I became attached at the hip. We mainly wanted to be confident that we could work with extreme efficiency with each other.
Q: What was it like competing on Food network’s Cupcake Wars? A: Nerve racking!! The suspense is real! Constant pressure and very emotional as your business and product are on the line.
Q: After finishing the first round, how nervous were you to face the judges? A: Since we had made a gluten free and vegan cupcake in the first round we were a little nervous about how it would compare with our competition.
Q: During the first round of judging, the judges had some very harsh criticism of the other competitors but praised you. At any point did you get the feeling like you were pulling ahead of the competition and going to win? A: After the first round I felt much more confident. I felt we had entered as the underdog only being in business 6 months... After the second round I knew we would make it to round three.
Q: At any point during the competition were you concerned about being sent home? A: I think I speak for both Andrea and I when I say we were both very confident and going home empty handed was not an option.
Q: During the second round what three cupcake flavors did you choose and why? A: We wanted our cupcakes to represent the Girl Scouts as best as possible. (Our event was Girl Scouts Forever Green) 1. Lemon Basil Strawberry: Lemon zest cake filled with fresh strawberry compote, topped with basil infused lemon creme. (representing the emphasis on supporting fresh, local food) 2. Pumpkin S'mores: Pumpkin choc chip cake baked over graham crust and topped with homemade marshmallow creme. (representing spending time outdoors) 3. Cinnamon Crumb: Brown sugar cake filled with whipped cream and topped with cinnamon streusel crumb and cream cheese drizzle. (what we think of when we were growing up and learning to bake from scratch as a young girl)
Q: During the third round how did you handle the pressure of creating 1000 cupcakes and designing a display in such a short amount of time? A: We were given five ingredients and 2 full kitchens! Our main emphasis was getting the cupcakes baked and then keeping everyone busy!
Q: Were any of the judges more intimidating than the other? A: We really liked all of the judges! I think they were equally intimidating as they both come with such prestige.
Q: Your display and cupcakes were awesome! What was going through your mind as the judges were judging your display and final cupcakes? A: I knew our display would blow them away!! I was nervous about getting all of the cupcakes on the display in time. As they were judging I hoped they would understand my vision behind our “tree.”
Q: When you were announced as the winner of Food Networks cupcake wars, what was going through your mind and what emotions were you experiencing? A: So happy and extremely honored!! I was so proud of the work we had put into the baking and all of the support from our friends, fans, and family back home. I couldn’t wait to share the secret! It was so hard!
Q: What do you plan on doing with your grand prize? Store front, Another truck, Etc? A: We have some awesome surprises in store coming up very soon. For now, please come visit our truck, we love chatting with our customers and hearing feedback.
Q: Tell us anything else you would like our readers to know. A: Our truck rentals are filling up fast but please call us for your next party! We have lots of cupcake truck weddings too! It’s the dawn of a new elegant food truck era.
Check out their video!
The winning CUPCAKES!
Follow the Bride! Meet our Real Bride Josephine! Follow along as she plans her upcoming wedding. Be sure to check out their engagement story and engagement photos on page 88. Engagement Date - August 8th, 2010
T
Wedding Date - August 31st, 2012
he planning process has been fun! I definitely learned that my budgetwas totally unrealistic for what we wanted. We both come from big Italian families, so the guest list is big (250 people). Food and entertainment are the most important for the reception so that's really where we spent most of our money. We opted for a band versus a DJ since we're going for a classic and more traditional wedding. We're also first generation Italian American so it was important to find a band who could sing Italian folk music as well as popular American songs like Lady Gaga. I definitely don't regret paying more for better food and entertainment - I think that's what sets the tone of the wedding. Finding the photographer and videographer was fairly easy. I attended a few bridal expos where vendors offered special deals if you mentioned you saw them at the expo. I also used the Knot for videographer recommendations and actually booked a videographer I found on the knot that I wouldn't have otherwise come across! The dress was really the most difficult for me. I'm very petite and very particular - I ended up going to Kleinfeld and it's so cliche. I bought one of the very first dresses I tried on months before! I really just needed that assurance that I had tried every possible option and I wasn't missing out on anything. It was also a cool experience going to Kleinfeld! Oh, I forgot to mention the florist. I got a florist that is close to the venue and recommended by the venue. It's important for brides to get florists who have done events for the venue where your wedding is. That way you know they're familiar with the location and can take full advantage of the venues features. I took a bunch of pictures to the florist so they new exactly what I wanted. I also regularly visit Etsy and save-on-crafts.com for candle holders and other details to add to the table. The florist was very open to arranging those items the day of the wedding. Etsy is actually where I found the sash for my dress. The sashes at bridal salons are $300-$1000! You get much more for the money on websites like this. I also think it’s really important to keep your budget to yourself whether choosing entertainment or photographer etc...while still making the vendor aware of your budget. For example. when I told potential vendors my budget, I found they met it pretty much to a T so I really never knew if their price would have been less if I didn't tell them what I was willing to spend. However, when I told them "I'd like to be very price conscious" without specifying a number, I was really able to negotiate much more. So at this point we just have the little things - bridal party dresses, party favors, invitations. These will be the least expensive part, but probably the most stressful because it's just so much detail and we’ll definitely have to address the guest list! Planning our honeymoon over the next few weeks will definitely help ease that stress! **Just a portion of Josephine’s inspiration is to the left. Including Two Paperdolls, Cathy’s Concepts, and The Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer.
stationery & favors
Beautiful Invitation Sets from
CRANE & CO.
Letterpress Embassy Ecruwhite Monogrammed Invitation Set
Embassy 24 kt. Gold Beveled Ecruwhite Invitation Set
C hocolate Truffles Some of our favorites Chocolate Springs Cafe - Cocoa Truffle
Velvety dark chocolate ganache encased in dark chocolate then dusted in pure cocoa powder.
Godiva - French Vanilla
Dark chocolate filled with creamy french vanilla.
La Maison du Chocolat - Fine Champagne Truffle
The center is a smooth, creamy ganache delicately infused with Fine Champagne cognac, covered with a layer of dark chocolate and dusted cocoa powder.
Russell Stover - Milk Chocolate Chocolate Truffle
A double dose of chocolate — a rich chocolate center covered in sweet milk chocolate.
Lake Champlain Chocolates - Organic Ethiopian Coffee Truffle
Dark chocolate with rich roasted coffee and lemon.
Chocoveda - Chakra Vegan Pomegranate Truffle
All natural, dairy-free, 70% dark vegan chocolate truffles filled with pomegranate.
forgotten details
Two Penny Productions ~Gina and Tim~
New Pace Productions ~Dana and Brandon~
Made u Look photography ~Sam and Josh~
Videography - Movement of Love 15 reasons to have a videographer on your wedding day We talked to a few taleneted videographers, like Two Penny Productions & New Pace Productions, and married couples to find out why they think hiring a videographer for your wedding day is a MUST! 1. It gives the couple the opportunity to “relive” their wedding day. 2. Video gives the couple the ability to see and hear loved ones even after they pass away. 3. The couple will miss a lot of little things that happen while they are thanking their guests. Their eyes can’t be everywhere and many funny, intimate, and unique moments have a chance to slip through the cracks. 4. The night will fly by. No matter how long your reception is, it’s never long enough. 5. It becomes a lifelong keepsake to share with future generations. 6. It gives the couple the opportunity to hear the vows, the speeches, and toasts clearly. 7. It gives the couple the chance to see the guests dancing and having fun. 8. Wedding videos have improved over time. Instead of the boring and mundane, they have become a cinematic experience. 9. Video can tell a story with audio that stills can not. 10. Video acts as a time capsule. Being able to see the clothing styles and music choices on video will be fun when you look back on it years later. 11. The wedding video market is full of talented, passionate artists who do what they do because they love it. 12. Through the internet and social media, couples can share their big day with friends and family with just the click of a button. 13. It’s different from photography in that it’s not posed or staged. This way, the footage comes out much more natural and organic simply because people can be themselves without thinking about the camera too much. 14. It allows the couple to watch the event from a different point of view. Not only do they get to see themselves, but they can watch others interacting in a much more unique way. 15. Having videography at your wedding doesn’t have to be as expensive as one might assume. There are a variety of videographers available in all price ranges. The price tends to be inline with photography.
“When done right, video has the potential to capture and tell a story. Wedding photos are great, but the wedding video is a new emerging art form that is only going to get more popular over time.” ~Two penny Productions “Video is a lifelong keepsake that can be shared with future generations.” ~New Pace Productions “I love reliving our wedding day whenever I want and my kids love seeing mommy and daddy get married.” ~Jeannine C. “Hearing our vows, seeing family and friends having fun, and hearing my poppop say, ‘I Love you’. ” ~Heather K.
behind the scenes
of the
Cover Shoot Behind the Scenes Photographer Carrie Lorraine Photography Photographer - Jim Cottingham Makeup & Hair - Mack Stylist Dress - Priscilla Costa Brazil Model - Kelsey Lafferty
venue spotlight
Columbia Station “There is no other location to compare it to.� www.weddingcaterer.com 610-933-6336 4 Bridge Steet, Phoenixville, Pa 19460
O
ne thing that can make a great venue is one that is full of character and history, the type of place where you can just feel the nostalgia of a time long forgotten. You can find that and so much more at Columbia Station. Nestled is the heart of Phoenixville, Columbia Station is a beautiful venue that offers that old world feel. We sat down with Angela from Columbia Station to learn more about this beautiful venue.
The Interview Q: What is the history of Columbia Station? A: Built in 1858, The Columbia Station was a passenger train station serviced by the Reading Railroad until 1972. In the year 1982, the Station was purchased and renovated into a catering facility. Robert Ryan Catering took possession of The Columbia Station and did a complete interior and exterior renovation in 1998. Shortly after the renovations were completed, a successful Holiday Party in December went on record as the first event for Robert Ryan Catering and The Columbia Station. Since then, another complete set of renovations took place in 2010 resulting in a larger dance floor, custom drapes, new carpeting and a few other unique touches that make The Columbia Station the magnificent venue that it is today!
photography by Jim Cottingham
Q: What services does Columbia Station offer? A: Robert Ryan Catering offers event services that go well beyond our gourmet cuisine. As the exclusive caterer of The Columbia Station, we are capable of supplying everything, but the guests! More specifically, our Columbia Station wedding packages offer the following as an all-inclusive option: ·
5-hour Wedding Reception, client’s choice of time frame
·
Premium Open Bar, continuous for 5 hours
·
Stationary Hors D’oeuvres Display, one hour
·
Signature Passed Hors D’oeuvres, one hour
·
Champagne Toast for all guests
·
Gourmet Wedding Cake from The Master’s Baker
·
Ivory Floor Length Linen and Overlay
·
Linen Napkin, client’s choice of color
·
Coffee + Tea Service
·
Facility Rental, Tax, and Service Charges
Although a vast majority of our business is Weddings, executing a Social or Corporate function at The Columbia Station is not unfamiliar to Robert Ryan Catering by any means and we have over 70 customizable menus to do so. Whether you are planning a wedding, bat/bar mitzvah, birthday celebration, retirement party, gala or awards ceremony, you’ll find everything you need under one roof with The Columbia Station.
Q: How many people can The Columbia Station accommodate? A: Our grand Ball Room can fit up to 220 people comfortably for a seated dinner. If you choose a service style that doesn’t require seating for each individual, then we can accommodate around 250 guests. The Columbia Station also contains a smaller Club Room that is typically used for the Cocktail and Hors D’oeuvre Hour of a Wedding Reception. However, if you have a lower guest count, then holding your entire Wedding Reception in the Club Room allows for a more intimate experience. Even though the venue contains (2) separate chambers, a Ball Room and a Club Room, the entire facility is always promised to (1) client at a time for their wedding.
Q: Does Columbia Station have Alcohol? A: Yes, Robert Ryan Catering possesses a liquor license for The Columbia Station and we staff certified professional mixologists for each event. Our Club Room features a fully stocked premium brand bar that remains open throughout the client’s reception, closing 15 minutes prior to the designated end time. A portable bar can be placed in the Ball Room if the client desires multiple bar locations throughout the facility for their event. Pennsylvania law prohibits alcoholic beverages to be brought onto the premise of a business with a liquor license. However, if there is a personal request for an alcoholic beverage that Robert Ryan Catering does not regularly stock, we will gladly obtain the beverage for your special day. Signature cocktails are a fun way to personalize your reception and our decor team can create the perfect display to go with your drink of choice. We also offer unique ice sculptures with a luge and there are several designs to choose from.
Q: Can Ceremonies be held at Columbia Station? A: Yes, The Columbia Station is home to beautifully manicured grounds and a garden ceremony area. Our seasonal flower arrangements and blooming window boxes provide the perfect back drop for your wedding ceremony. The handmade wooden gazebo creates a lovely focus point for the bride and groom as they exchange vowels. In times of inclement weather, or during colder months, an elegant ceremony can take place in our grand ballroom complete with crystal chandeliers and two-story ceilings. Our landscaping is so gorgeous and well-kept that we have had ceremony requests from couples that weren’t having their wedding at The Columbia Station. Several people of the community have called to stage photos shoots here as well, and we kindly allow it.
Q: Is there a place for brides and grooms to get ready? A: There is no other facility that can offer a more unique bridal party suite than The Columbia Station. Although the bride and groom don’t typically get ready in our restored train caboose, it is the perfect spot for the bridal party to gather prior to and following the ceremony. Even when the client chooses to hold their ceremony off premise, we still welcome them to utilize the quaint, historical outbuilding. A stationary hors d’oeuvre display of vegetables, dips, fruit, bread and crackers is set for the bridal party, while the rest of their guests enjoy the initial cocktail and hors d’oeuvre hour in the Club Room. One of our professional and courteous wait staff attends solely to the bridal party to make sure their drinks are full and appetites satisfied. The newlyweds and their closest loved ones are able to reflect on this special moment privately, in the caboose, without missing out on the delicious offerings they selected for their wedding. There is plenty of space, benches for resting and full length mirrors to make sure your look is always glamorous.
Q: Is there anything about your Columbia Station that our readers might be surprised to learn? A: We are the only restored train station in Pennsylvania that operates wholly and solely as a caterer. There are other historic train stations in Pennsylvania, like ours, that have been restored and serve guests on a restaurant basis but none of them compare to the wedding venue caliber that The Columbia Station currently upholds.
Q: What is the most memorable/bizarre request a couple has had? A: Robert Ryan Catering has been in the catering industry for over 20 years so, you can imagine, we have had our fair share of “special requests” to the point that they no longer seem bizarre to us. We understand this is one day that the bride wants and deserves to have everything her way and we do whatever we can to grant her that pure happiness. There was a particular Hawaiian themed wedding where real leis (not the plastic kind you don at your favorite tiki bar) where flown in from Hawaii for all the guests to wear. This was not only a bizarre request to us, but it became extremely memorable when those beautiful flower colors bled on the guests’ formal wear.
Q: Has Columbia Station hosted any celebrity weddings? A: As some people may know, Kevin Bacon is a local to the Philadelphia area. Although we didn’t host the wedding of everyone’s favorite Footloose star, we did provide our services for his brother’s special day. The two siblings also make up a popular band, The Bacon Brothers. They have been together and touring nationally since 1995.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your Columbia Station? A: The Columbia Station is more than a restored train facility. Whether you collect train memorabilia or you don’t know the difference between a conductor and a caboose, this venue has so much to offer for your wedding day. It is a perfect combination of history, elegance and unique features. Operated by a family owned catering company, there is a level of personal service you receive at The Columbia Station that is unmatched by all other facilities in the tri-state area. Stop by today and see for yourself!
ceremony & reception
Every year the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, among others, give out a trophy to the movies that they deem to be the best of the year. This year we wanted to take a few of the more interesting movies from the last year and share with you our take on these films as wedding inspiration. Enjoy the show!
On the
Red Carpet
a night at the movie awards
the twilight saga breaking dawn part 1
Photographer - Jim Cottingham Makeup & Hair - Mack Stylist Dress - Alfred Angelo Models - Kate Diffenderfer Dennis Martin
Red Riding Hood
Check out the video!
Photographer - Carrie Lorrain Photograhpy Hair & Makeup - Kim Alicea Artistry Dress - Alfred Angelo Videograhpy - New Pace Productions Venue - Merion Tribute House Stationery - My Big Day Designs Cake & Desserts - SweeTreats Cake Boutique Models - Gabrielle Alicea Nick Doak
Captain America The First Avenger
Check out the video!
Photographer - Carrie Lorrain Photograhpy Hair & Makeup - Kim Alicea Artistry Dress - Stop Staring from Unique Vintage Videograhpy - New Pace Productions Venue - Merion Tribute House Stationery - Jack and Jill Wedding Cake Toppers - Itty Bitty Wood Shoppe Cuff Link Set - Polyester10 Cake & Desserts - SweeTreats Cake Boutique Models - Alina Gidjilova Dennis Martin
Water for Elephants
Photographer - Jim Cottingham Hair & Makeup - A Bridal Beauty Dress - David’s Bridal Venue - Columbia Station Cake & Desserts - SweeTreats Cake Boutique Models - Julie Kauffman Nick Doak
We bought a Zoo
Photographer - Carrie Lorraine Photography Hair & Makeup - Kim Alicea Artistry Dress - David’s Bridal Venue - Cape May County Zoo Cake & Desserts - SweeTreats Cake Boutique Models - Emily Coombes Nick Doak
planning
Music of the
Red Carpet by Nick Doak Photographer: Nikos Petrides Model: Vinny DeRenzis
Music:
a compilation of organized sound with the power to provoke a spectrum of emotions to those who listen. Whether it’s the preamble of a sporting event or the thumping back-beat of a girls-night-out, music is shared and loved by all. Because music undoubtedly plays a significant role in our culture, picking the right music for your wedding ceremony is no task to be taken lightly. To some, choosing the songs for their wedding can be quite difficult and overwhelming at first. But, don’t fret! Over the past century Hollywood has left us with a surplus of music to make your day a memorable one. Here is a stress free guide to assist you in selecting music for your special day.
T
he ceremony music represents you as a couple, and should reflect the style of your wedding. Before choosing the songs for your wedding ceremony, first you must determine your style: traditional, modern, or a combination there of. A traditional wedding may include popular classical pieces, such as Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, Bach’s “Jesu, Joy for a Man’s Desiring,” or Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus.” If you favor the contemporary side, then perhaps choosing a song from your favorite movie or musical artist is more appropriate to compliment your ceremony. If you wish to mix and match songs of different styles, that is okay too! Choose the songs you want, not the ones you think a family member wants to hear. Second, you must decide what types of instrumentalist and/or vocalists you would like to have accompany your walk down the aisle. Depending on your style and the venue of the ceremony, some options are more feasible than others. Popular instruments and ensembles today include piano, organ, classical guitar, harp, flute, string ensemble, wind ensemble, and brass ensemble. To find qualified musicians, ask friends, family, and/or your wedding coordinator to assist you. It is advised to do an online search for weddings musicians in your area for some further background research before hiring any musician. Feel free to ask for demos or a live audition to help you to make your decision. Professional musicians and ensembles with a functional website that provide audio samples and reviews will most likely be a safe choice for your wedding ceremony. Once you have chosen the style of your ceremony and the musician(s), you must determine how the music will fit into your ceremony. Depending on what kind of service you are having, a typical ceremony as it relates to music may include: 20-30 minutes of pre-service music, 1 song selection for the procession of bridal party, 1 song for procession of the bride, 1-2 song selections for specific events during the ceremony (optional), 1 song selection for the recession of the bride and groom, and 10-15 minutes of lively recessional music as guests exit the venue. Using this guide, you and your partner may only have to pick 3-5 songs for the actual ceremony. With your ceremony song selections in mind, any professional musician should be able to choose the appropriate pre-service and exit music on their own, unless you specifically request certain songs to be heard. Chances are that the only songs you will hear are the processional and recessional tunes due to the fact that you will probably be out of ear shot before and after the service. So, save yourself the headache and leave your trust in the hands of the professional musicians you interviewed and hired.
H
ollywood has taken musical works over the past 600 years, both classical and pop, and has used them time and time again in countless films. Subsequently, the use of music in film has greatly influenced what is classified as wedding music. If you have not done so already, now you must choose the songs for your ceremony. Here are some examples of wedding music, made popular and/or revived by the red carpet that is sure to pull the heart strings by all and capture the spirit of your special day.
Traditional
Song
Artist
Movie
“Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin
Richard Wagner
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
“Canon in D”
Johann Pachelbel
Wedding Crashers (2005)
“Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, op. 61
Felix Mendelssohn
Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past (2009)
“Guitar Concerto in D Major”
Antonio Vivaldi
Sidewalks of New York (2001)
“Air” Water Music George Frederic Handel
B*A*P*S (1997)
"The Prince of Denmark's March"
Jeremiah Clarke
Julie & Julia (2010)
“Jesu, Joy for a Man’s Desiring”
J.S. Bach
Picture Perfect (1997)
Cello Suite No. 1, “Prelude”
J.S. Bach
The Soloist (2009)
“Air on a G String”
J.S. Bach
Runaway Bride (1999)
“Jupiter Chorale” from The Planets Gustav Holst The Planets: An HD Op.32 Jupiter Odyssey (2010) “Ave Maria” Franz Shubert When In Rome (2010) “Ave Maria”
Charles Gounod
28 Days Later (2002)
“Clair de lune” Claude Debussy Ocean’s Eleven (2001) “Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat Major Op. 9, No. 2” Op. 9, No. 2”
Frederic Chopin
The House Bunny (2008)
“Panis Angelicus” Cesar Franck Joan of Arc (1999)
Contemperary
Song
Artist
“Wedding Processional” Rodgers and Hammerstein
Musical/Movie The Sound of Music (1959)
“Pure Imagination” Leslie Bricusse Willy Wonka and the Chocolate & Anthony Newly Factory (1971) “When I Fall in Love”
Young and Heyman Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
“My Heart Will Go On”
Horner and Jennings Titanic (1997)
“Crash Into Me”
Dave Matthews Band Joe Dirt (2001)
“Sunrise, Sunset”
Bock and Harnick
The Fiddler on the Roof (1964)
“She” Elvis Costello Notting Hill (1999) “Grow Old With You” Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy
The Wedding Singer (1998)
“Linger” The Cranberries Click (2006) “Iris” The Goo Goo Dolls City of Angels (1998) “Come What May”
David Baerwald
“Here Comes the Sun” George Harrison, arranged by Sheryl Crow
Moulin Rouge (2001) A Bee Movie (2007)
“Secret Garden” Bruce Springsteen Jerry Maguire (1996) “Unchained Melody” Righteous Brothers Ghost (1990) “Everything I Do I Do It For You” Bryan Adams Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves (1991) “Bella’s Lullaby” Carter Burwell Twilight (2008) “Hallelujah” Leonard Cohen, Shrek (2002) arranged by Rufus Wainwright “Endless Love” Lionel Richie Endless Love (1981) “Tonight” Bernstein West Side Story (1961) and Sondheim “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Arlen and Harburg
The Wizard of OZ (1939)
real weddings & engagements
Josephine & Diego August 31st, 2010
Josephine and Diego were friends for five years before they started dating. So, they knew all of each others inperfections and quirks by the time they entered into a relationship. Fast forward six years to the day of their engagement. Diego said all he wanted for his birthday was a trip to Cape May, NJ where they could spend the weekend together and take professional pictures on the beach for their first portrait together. Josephine thought nothing of the request. Josephine and Diego stayed at Congress Hall and started the weekend with a trip to Cape May Day Spa. On Sunday, Josephine dressed in a white sundress and Diego dressed in a white button up and jeans The photographer began taking pictures of them on what the locals in the area call "sunset" beach. The name fits the location perfectly. The day could not have been more picturesque. As they were posing for their shots, Josephine noticed two tuxedo-clad men with violins stepping onto the beach. She was oblivious to what was about to happen. Before she knew it, she began to hear violins playing Cannon in D behind her. When she turned back to her fiance, Josephine found him down on one knee with "the ring". Josephine was so surprised and their photogropher did not stop taking pictures. Josephine shouted, “YES!� as a crowd emerged to congratulate them. It was such a beautiful moment and the pictures that came from the day became their engagement pictures which they shared with their family and friends.
Megan & Tom September 2011 made u look Photography
Fran & Bill
July 4th, 2011 Karen Calamia Photography
In April 2009, Fran was hosting a girls’ night out with a dozen of her girlfriends at Clancy’s, and it all changed forever. As her friends begin heading home, and she was left at the bar with two of her dearest friends, Bill then walks in. Dressed in a power suit, a way Fran had never seen him before, he takes a seat at the bar close to where she was sitting. They talked, laughed, and found out how much they had in common. From their mutual love of the Giants and the Yankees, to the fact that both his mother and step-mother were both named Fran. The conversation just flowed. The date started with lunch ended with dinner. In between lunch and dinner they shared amazing moments from sitting on Bill’s deck looking at the beach, walking on the boardwalk, to discussing Fran’s favorite food, peanut butter. She discovered Bill’s favorite food was peanut butter as well. One peanut butter moment that still brings a smile to their face is when Bill wanted to offer Fran something to eat, but was embarrased when he opened his kitchen cabinet which undoubtedly was filled with peanut butter. Fran just smiled, because her kitchen cabinet looked exactly like Bill’s, right down to the same brand of peanut butter.
Decembet 19th, 2010 was a special moment in time. Bill recalls it was a cold, bitter, wintry day at Bradley Beach, NJ and he was battling a terrible cold. That morning he asked Fran if she wanted to go for a walk on the boardwalk. Fran and Bill love to exercise, so his request wasn’t out of the ordinary. They put on their Giants workout gear and set out on their walk. With the wind in their face they headed towards Asbury Park. As they approached the beach in front of the house Bill asked if they could continue their walk on the beach. As they got on the sand, heading towards Asbury Park, the waves were really churning due to the storm the day before, so they stopped to watch them. Bill wrapped his arms around Fran and all of the sudden he let go. Fran turned to see where he went and when she turned around she saw that Bill was down on one knee. Over his shoulder, Fran could see the balcony of that apartment where they shared their first kiss. It was at this moment, looking at the place where it all began, that Bill asked Fran to marry him.
Ten Favorite Moments 1. Including the kids in the ceremony (our vows to them and the sand ceremony). 2. My dad being able to make it and walk me down the aisle (he is battling leukemia) and Bill’s dad being able to make it, as he is also sick (battling kidney failure and diabetes). 3. Having Madyson as my maid of honor and Billy as Bill’s best man. My daughter, while young, is one of the most amazing young women I know, and is the reason I am still here today. She is and has been my right arm and my rock throughout all we went through together. 4. Billy’s toast. At 13 (at the time), he gave one of the most beautiful toasts we have ever heard at a wedding. 5. Getting married on the 4th of July! 6. Having fireworks at our wedding! And being on the balcony of our reception hall, with the music and seeing all the people on the boardwalk below. 7. All of us dancing with my big brother when “Sweet Home Alabama” came on (Roll Tide Roll) 8. On the weekend leading up to our wedding, all the family and friends that came to visit – especially the day before the wedding, seeking cover on our deck under the awning from that terrible rainstorm, and turning it into one of the best parties ever! 9. The kids all dancing together to all the songs in the playlist that they picked. 10. When Bill and I danced to our song, “Angels on the Moon”. It was if, no one else was even in the room.
Dress, shoes and the girls dresses - Lord & Taylor Tuxes - Jos. A Banks Stationery - DIY Flowers and Wedding Rentals - Flowers by Colleen Jewelry - Luna Argento (bride’s company!)
Wedding Cake - Mary's Amazing Cakes Hair - Hairtique (201) 251-1234 Reception Hall - Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park Music - DIY with bride’s computer Photography - Karen Calamia
At first they were unsure when they would actually get married. Then a month later, on Fran’s 40th birthday weekend in New York City, at dinner, Bill told her that he didn’t want to wait. He wanted Fran to be his wife, and he wanted that to happen soon. So they looked at their calendars, and due to all the kids schedules and sports, picked July as the month. With no actual date in mind, when they told some family at a later gathering in February, one of them said to do July 4th. The reasoning was that they loved the summer, they could have fireworks, and neither of them could forget their anniversary. Bill and Fran got married on July 4th, 2011 at McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park. From the dresses and the tuxes, to making the invitations, and all the friends and family that joined them on this special day, it was an amazing adventure and the planning was as much fun as the actual day. On Fran and Bill’s wedding day, the weather was perfect, the food was amazing and plentiful, they had fireworks on the beach in front of their reception hall, they were their our own DJ’s — so they loved every song, and everyone just had an amazing time. It was a phenomenal day. Both before and since their wedding, Fran and Bill have enjoyed so many amazing moments together. Some days Fran wakes up, looks at that beautiful ocean, and still can’t believe that her life has turned out this way. Finding this kind of happiness with another person, being blessed with four wonderful children, and ending up at the place they both grew up loving so much, is more than they ever dreamed of. Life still throws them curve balls, but now they will get through them together. “To all those who may be where we were all those years ago, don’t ever give up, good things do happen. You really can live happily ever after. “
Susan & Stan
August 20th, 2011 Karen Calamia Photography
Venue - Westlake Golf and Country Club Caterer - Tee Time Caterers Flowers - Costco Rings - Bentley Jewelers Dress - David’s Bridal Suit - Brooks Brothers Wine - Laurita Winery Stationery - Storkies.com Photography - Karen Calamia
Linda & Conor July 26th, 2011 made u look Photography
See their wedding video!
Stationery - Arbee Cards Makeup - Dana Kane make up Hair - Vintage Rocks Nails - Dazzle me with your tips Bridal fascinator hair piece & cuff - jo barnes vintage Bride’s earrings - Liberty in love Bride’s dress - Blush Belfast Bride’s shoes - Vivienne Westwood Groom’s outfit - Groom formal hire Bridesmaid dresses - Coast & Beverly Hills, Lisburn Road, Belfast Bridesmaid jewelery - Debenhams Flowers and boutineres - family friend Fiona Cake - family friend Majella Cars - starcar hire String quartet - Serenity strings Church singer - Michelle Harkin Guitarists-Warren Boyd (warrenboyd@hotmail.co.uk) DJ - Bespoke Music solutions Ceremony venue - St Eugene’s Cathedral Reception venue - An Grianan Favors - aware defeat depression donation
Linda and Conor both met at Queen’s University Belfast. Linda and Conor were friends first and then became a little more than friends. In 2009, Linda was visiting Rome with her family. When she arrived home Conor had clearly missed her as he picked Linda up from the airport and told her that he had some gifts for her. Over breakfast Conor asked Linda to close her eyes as he gave her all her little gifts (books and CDs) then Linda opened her eyes and he was down on one knee with a ring. Linda was so shocked that she couldn’t stop laughing. When Linda said yes they drank champagne, “It was perfect.” Conor chose the ring all by himself when Linda was away and she didn’t realize what good taste he had.
Linda and Conor were married on a Tuesday in July and the super madeulook girls came to cover their entire day. Linda and Conor are both big music lovers, so their day was a mix of music inspiration and vintage inspiration. They love festivals (in fact their trip to Glastonbury was even mentioned in the speeches!) and so their festival theme tied everything together. The invitations set the scene. The lovely Rachel from Arbee cards came up with the perfect ticket design where people RSVP’d by returning the ticket stub. This theme followed through with thier table plan. They had a poster design with each table named after an album which really means something to them and the head table was replaced with the Main Stage. Linda and Conor asked guests to sign the poster (in place of a guest book) and old vinyl place settings adorned the tables. Linda and Conor gave a donation to Aware in place of favours, but instead of a card to tell guests they made lanyards that their guests could wear around their necks like VIP stage passes. “It was amazing, because everyone wore them!!�
Ten Favorite Moments 1. Getting ready. This was so relaxed and I didn’t for one second expect it to be. We spent the morning drinking coffee and getting pampered with all my favourite girls and my lovely family. 2. Seeing each other for the first time at the altar & seeing all of our nearest and dearest gathered in one room! 3. The music during the ceremony….in fact Conor almost cried when he heard Elbow in the church! 4. Driving around together in the retro beatle. We drank champagne and it was the only time we had to ourselves all day, it was amazing! 5. Getting our photos taken by the lovely made u look girls. It was so much fun and they had us laughing so much. It was also funny seeing the old cars struggling to get up the huge hill to the ancient fort (an grianan) to get some pictures. 6. Walking into the reception room as huband and wife to, “jump around” by house of pain. 7. The speeches were all so heartfelt and funny. 8. The first dance (Hysteric by the yeah yeah yeahs) and all the dancing that followed. Particularly when we were getting our Guinness pictures taken and suddenly Warren played an awesome version of No one knows by Queens of the stone age. This instantly took us back to our Uni days and nights out in the Student union. Needless to say we danced like there was no one else in the room! 9. The dress up box came out with the DJ and completely changed the atmosphere to a complete party. 10. Throwing the bouquet, this got stuck in the chandelier and then our guests built a human tower to retrieve it!
d.i.y spotlight
Chocolate-Swirl Cakess
Martha Stewart
Weddings, Summer 2010 Yield Makes 8 cakes and 6 cups glaze, enough for eight 3-by-4-inch individual cakes
Ingredients For the Cake 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus more for pans 1/2 cup boiling water 3 cups cake flour, (not self-rising), sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup milk 1/4 pound white chocolate, melted For the Decoration 1/4 pound white chocolate, melted For the Frosting 3/4 cup recipe Swiss Meringue Buttercream 18 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted For the Glaze 1 1/2 pounds bittersweet chocolate (such as Valrhona Noir), chopped 3 3/4 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Directions 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 16 4-inch-diameter, 2-inch high cake pans (2 for each cake). Line bottoms with parchment paper; butter parchment, and dust with cocoa, tapping out excess. Stir cocoa powder and the boiling water in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms; let cool. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. 2 Cream butter and sugar in a mixer bowl until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in vanilla. Add eggs in a slow stream, mixing until batter is no longer slick. 3 Gradually whisk milk into cocoa paste. With mixer on low, gradually add flour and cocoa mixtures. Pour into pans. Bake, rotating halfway through, about 30 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean. Let cool on racks 5 to 10 minutes before turning out onto racks; let cool completely. 4 Mix buttercream and bittersweet chocolate. For each cake, trim top level. Spread 1/4 cup buttercream on top of one layer, and set second layer on top. Spread 1/4 cup buttercream over entire cake, then refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. 5 Pour white chocolate into a cornet or pastry bag fitted with a very thin tip (such as Ateco #1). 6 To make the glaze, place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Stir cream and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat, until just beginning to boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly; use immediately to pour over cakes. Excess glaze can be returned to pan. If glaze becomes too thick to pour, set bowl over a pan of simmering water to reheat, stirring constantly. 7 Place cakes on a wire rack with parchment paper below. Working with one cake at a time, pour about 3/4 cup glaze on top and around sides of cake (tap rack to help chocolate fall to bottom). Immediately pipe white chocolate on top of cake. For stripes, pipe lines of white chocolate, and drag the tip of a skewer or toothpick across them (alternating directions creates zigzags; drawing them all the same direction creates scallops). Wipe tip of skewer before each new line. Or pipe circles, then draw lines between center and edge, alternating directions. Scrape excess glaze from parchment to use on remaining cakes, reheating if necessary. Let cakes sit at room temperature up to 2 hours before serving.
Our Review We LOVE chocolate cake! So, we are a little bit biased when it comes to taste and flavor. Make sure you take your time and practice this diy project a couple of times before your wedding day. Have fun with it and don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look like the picture.
professional spotlight
Violinist & Musicians
Miss Musique Owner: Andrea Levine E-Mail: info@missmusique.com Website: www.missmusique.com Phone: (267) 560-7236
Our Interview with......
Q: How long have you been in your profession? A: I started playing the violin about twenty years ago, but I have considered myself a professional from the time I finished my Bachelor’s degree in violin performance about six years ago. I was in seventh grade when I gave my first public performance: I was the “Fiddler” from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof ”. I had to sit on top of a fake house and play the violin while wearing a beard! Since then I’ve given many other serious performances, including a debut as a soloist with the Newtown Chamber Orchestra in Newtown, PA.
Q: What made you choose this profession? A: I come from a very musical family and music has always been one of my passions, so taking up the violin at a young age was very natural to me; I knew right from the start that I wanted play it professionally. I have an aunt and uncle that are both concert pianists, as well as cousins that are professional violinists, violists, clarinetists and flutists. We almost make up an entire orchestra!
Q: When did you start your business? A: Miss Musique began operations officially last March. So almost a year ago!
Q: Why did you start your business? A: I began Miss Musique because I had unofficially been planning and performing music for weddings even before the time I started playing professionally. I wanted a way for brides to discover my services easily, and to showcase my unique business in a public way. Starting Miss Musique was the perfect way to accomplish this.
Q: What do you love most about your business? A: The aspect of my business that I love the most is working with my fabulous clients, and being a part of making the most important day of their lives even more special. It’s so rewarding to be a part of the planning process from the very beginning of selecting each piece, to the actual performance during the event. I love hearing how much joy the music creates for everyone in attendance. I recently performed for a close friend’s wedding ceremony: Afterwards, she told me that she cried for the first time at her wedding upon hearing our music. I told her that I started to cry upon seeing her walk down the aisle! It was a wonderful experience to be a part of her wedding in such a special way.
Q: What services do you offer? A: Miss Musique specializes in providing musical entertainment by the most talented and experienced string ensembles, harpists and flutists for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions in the greater Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas. Miss Musique also provides a professional consultation on which ensembles and pieces would best meet the couple’s desired atmosphere. We are a one-stop-shop from the planning of the perfect pieces to the actual professional performance.
Q: Tell us anything else you would like us and our readers to know about your business: A: Miss Musique grew out of my love for beautiful music. By helping brides (and grooms) build a perfect musical performance for their special day, I truly believe that Miss Musique is translating music into the love between a couple on their wedding day. I hope that my clients find not only a professional performance, but also a personalized and heartfelt message through the music.
photography by Alisa Garin Photography
but ter fl
i es
7 things to love
“Sweet Tweets” Bride and Groom from weddingstar
Starbucks!
St. Ives naturally clear APRICOT SCRUB
Just Bitten lip stain & Balm from REVLON
Caged wedge from Charlotte Russe
Aqua circle turquoise crystal cocktail ring from Bloomingdales
For more inspiration and planning help visit our website.
www.itsaboutdetails.com