The Food Issue by Wedding Connection

Unconventional Food Options Wedding Foods Around the World

the

Food Issue

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table of Contents

9 | trend report 13 | to food or not to food

E d i to r I n C h i e f

15 | questions to ask your caterer

Melody Dawes

18 | keeping it white

E d i to r i a l Te a m

20 | buzz-worthy texas foods

Danielle Hathcoat Blaine Hill

De s i g n The App Guys

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22 | must have food stations 28 | alternatives to the traditional

wedding meal

A Me m b e r o f

62 | cake flavors that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bore 65 | cutting the cake 67 | romance is in the Foods

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70 | foods to keep you fertile

Reasonable care is taken to ensure that The Wedding Connection Magazine

72 | the manliest of bachelor party foods

articles and other information on the web site are up-to-date and as

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accurate as possible, at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by The Wedding Connection Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, The Wedding Connection Magazine takes no responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this publication. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Wedding Connection Magazine.

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from the editor

G ET I N VO LV E D ! Only thing we love more than working on the magazine is talking about the magazine. So drop us a line, e-mail, or phone call! 3213 74th St. Ste B Lubbock, TX 79423 or hello@thewcmag.com We also accept blog comments, Facebook posts, tweets and cookies. thewcmag.com 806-543-8682

hello! What a great time our staff had putting this beautiful issue together! Who doesn’t like to gather up beautiful pictures of food? We all shared our finds & imagined consuming these gorgeous goodies . We found food from exotic places all over the world. We found creative ways to put a menu together for your one-of-akind reception. AND we found food trucks that will come to you & prepare your favorite food truck items. If that is not enough for you to start tearing through these pages, then go directly to our own local shoot at some of our favorite places around town. Love donuts? Why not serve them at your wedding? Need to pick up a variety of items quickly? You will have fun right alongside our own models as they waltz through Costco. We would love to see your own creative food pictures & hear about all about your food adventures in your fabulous journey towards your own wedding. Send your ideas & comments to editorial@jordawpublishing.com. Best Wishes

Melody Dawes 8 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

� report TREND By Danielle Hathcoat

Full Flowery Bouquets

This wedding season is all about bouquets filled with full blooms that pop. It’s about the BIG flowers such as peonies, hydrangeas, asters and sunflowers. The bigger the flower, the bigger the bouquet!

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Water Colors Brides this year are going nuts with water color accents, and who could blame them? Water color adds a beautiful look to all things wedding, from stationary to bridesmaids dresses to the cake. This is one trend that deserves to stay.

Photo by Alexandra Whitney Photography

Off-theShoulder Necklines A new trend has emerged in wedding dresses: off-theshoulder necklines. This trend is better than most before it because it gives the dress a lust-worthy chic look.

Communal Dining Communal dining is popular for good reason! Friends, family and loved ones attending weddings are able to talk and share much easier when seated at long tables. Some brides are even shaking communal dining up by providing food at the center of each long table to be passed around. What better way to celebrate marriage than by having everyone sit at a closer proximity? 10 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

A Lubbock Dining Tradition

Our private rooms are availiable to accomadate seated dinners for 10 to 200 We are comitted to providing you with the special attention required to make you wedding dinners and receptions memorable

To Food Not to Food? By Blaine Hill

Do you have to serve food at your reception? The answer is “No, not if you don’t want to.” The best way to avoid serving food at your reception is having the wedding at a time that isn’t during a major mealtime when guests, or guests’ bellies, are expecting to be filled. It’s dangerous to not serve food at nighttime weddings because 12 | TREND REPORT

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nighttime weddings usually happen during meal times. A wedding at 2 or 3p.m. doesn’t necessarily have to have food because it’s after lunch. To warn guests about the lack of food at a wedding, be sure to add a little note on the invitation. Say something like; “Join us after the ceremony for drinks and great dancing!” That way, guests don’t

show up with empty stomachs. Don’t worry about offending guests by not serving food. As long as you give warning, it is up to you how your wedding goes. Not serving food can give a little more wiggle room in a budget, so don’t be afraid to break some boundaries and not serve food!

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budget

Questions

To Ask Your Caterer

There are so many caterers out there, and to find the perfect one for your wedding, you only have to ask them some big questions. Don’t be afraid to ask anything you want to know. They want you to have your perfect wedding. Drawing a blank on what to ask? Here are a few quick questions that can really help. By Blaine Hill

Is my date available? Knowing if they are available on your wedding date is the first question to ask. It’s a simple way to weed out some caterers. If they are available, then you can move onto some questions that can help nail down how you want your reception to look. Do you have a signature dish? Most caterers have a dish they are known for, and you should ask about it! That dish may be perfect for your wedding and exactly what you are dreaming of. Since they are known for the dish, it’s guaranteed to be yummy.

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Is the food prepared on site, or brought in? Food prepared on-site is usually fresher. However, the caterer may have the perfect way to keep food fresh as it travels. Ask to make sure, but don’t rule out a

caterer because they don’t cook on-site. Is this within my budget? They make an awesome crème brûlée, but can they make it within your price range? A budget is important for the success of your wedding. Ask about packages and other deals they may have. If you ask, they may be willing to work with you on the perfect price. A caterer who cooks the dish of your dreams well, and cooks it within your price is the perfect caterer for you! There is no need to stress about finding the right caterer. Asking these four questions is a beautiful start to getting the wedding of your dreams. THEWCMAG.COM | 15

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Keepin’ it White By Blaine Hill

The dress is white. It’s going to be almost impossible to keep it perfectly white, but there are some tips to help keep it as new as possible. When you eat, take special care to not eat anything with a drippy sauce. However, if you must, make sure to keep a napkin handy. Another helpful tip is to find a way to bustle your dress. People will still find a way to step on it during the dancing, but this way 18 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

there is less of a chance. If you want to enjoy your wedding reception and don’t want to stand in the corner all night and wave at your guests, it is inevitable that your dress may get a little dirty. Even if you do get something on your dress, NEVER-NEVER-NEVER get it dry-cleaned. Even the best dry cleaners can ruin a dress. It’s better not to risk getting the dress cleaned, especially before the wedding.

Some places like David’s Bridal and Amazon offer a dress preservation service that is safer for your wedding dress than getting it drycleaned. The bottom line is to enjoy your special day and not stress about what color your dress is at the end of the night. The dress will be stepped on, maybe spilled on, but you will always remember the fun of your reception. THEWCMAG.COM | 19

Buzz-Worthy

Texas Foods

Barbecue

Any kind of meat that is barbecued Texas style is absolutely mouth watering. Whether it’s ribs falling off the bone, tender spice-rubbed brisket, or a satisfying piece of sausage, Texas does barbecue best. Don’t forget the sides! A plate of sweet Texas barbecued meat always comes with a side of ranch-style beans and potato salad.

Everything is bigger and better in Texas, including the food! Everyone who lives in Texas knows the food is anything but boring, so why is our wedding food still boring? These are five foods Texas is known for that are definitely wedding worthy. Texas food will rarely disappoint. by Danielle Hathcoat

Chicken

Chili

Fried. Steak. Does more really need to be said? The numbers of people who don’t enjoy a good-sized piece of beef breaded and fried to golden perfection are few and far between. The only thing that makes a chicken fried steak better? Mashed potatoes and gravy. Now that is food.

Chips & Salsa …and queso, too. Texans consume more chips with salsa and chips with queso than any other U.S. inhabitant. This food is a staple. There is not much more satisfying than liquid gold mixed with the crunch of a fresh tortilla chip. Are you craving it yet?

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A warm bowl of chili is done differently in Texas than in other states. While others add some sweeter spices to their chili, Texans add spices with a kick. Ground beef meets tomato sauce meets fragrant spices meets chili peppers? Oh yeah. Texas is so into chili, that many places around Texas hold chili cook offs. Add some friendly competition to your wedding by having guests enter in a chili cook off to be judged at your wedding reception!

Blue Bell Ice Cream

Is there any other brand? To Texans the answer is no. With 66 flavors to choose from, this frozen delight pleases many. Don’t be afraid to host an ice cream social wedding reception!

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Must Have

Food Stations Having trouble deciding what food stations to have at your reception? That’s fine, because we have a few stations that are so tasty and new that they’ll leave your taste buds singing. By Blaine Hill

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Taco

Popcorn

Bar

bar

Adding a taco bar is a great way to spice up a reception. Serving a few different kinds of meats with rice and beans is a simple way to make a taco bar even more delicious. But, don’t forget to add some salsa, guacamole and sour cream to the table.

Mac & Cheese

Milk &cookie bar

Milk and cookies is a classic snack, but with a few extra touches, this treat can be served beautifully at a wedding reception. Putting different flavors of milk in a fountain or drink dispensers can jazz up the station, and adding a few different flavors of cookies helps cater to all guests’ taste buds. Don’t forget about the classic chocolate chip cookie!

Station

Everybody loves mac and cheese, so why not make a mac and cheese station at your wedding? Add some different flavor to the classic snack like provolone cheese, bacon or chicken macaroni. Serve the tasty pasta in martini glasses to spice up the presentation.

Crepe

station

A crepe station is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth! Have some warm crepes on the table and let guests chose their favorite toppings like strawberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. 24 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

Melt in your mouth movie theater butter, crunchy caramel, sweet kettle, or classic regular popcorn – All of these popcorns are perfect for a wedding reception. Adding some toppings or seasoning salts for guests to sprinkle over their treat is the perfect way to kick your reception up a few notches.

Candy

bar

A Candy bar filled with all your favorite sweets is a great way to have a scrumptious treat at your wedding that guests can take home. To make a candy bar even better, use the same color pallet as your wedding! THEWCMAG.COM | 25

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Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Meal Every wedding is different, but wedding foods often aren’t. If you’re a fan of going off the beaten path, try these meal ideas on for size! By Danielle Hathcoat

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Full Service Planning Decorating Catering

very wedding is different, but wedding foods often aren’t. If you’re a fan of going off the beaten path, try these meal ideas on for size! Breakfast, for dinner? You read correctly. Be a rebel and serve bagels and croissants with an assortment of jams and jellies. Provide eggs, sausage and bacon to make breakfast sandwiches with as well. Pancakes and French toast are great options, too. Don’t be afraid to include your favorite breakfast juices. Dessert only, please. Satisfy yours and your guests’ sweet tooths with a dessert reception. Pick an assortment of your favorite desserts for all to eat. A candy buffet 30 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

is also a great addition to a dessert reception. A candy buffet done right adds a unique appeal. Feel free to also add in a chocolate fountain with an assortment of fruits. For drinks, try gourmet coffee. High-tea. Unleash your inner child with a grown-up tea party. Many types of tea are available on store shelves. Pick a few out for your guests to sample at your reception. Typical high tea foods include finger sandwiches, scones and small cakes. A tip for high tea: try sandwiches that are out of the box such as pimento cheese sandwiches. Shake a wedding up with these less-used wedding meals.

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Food Truck Weddings

he food truck craze is sweeping the nation, but what about a food truck at a wedding? These tasty treats on wheels are perfect for an outdoor reception, and they’re cost efficient. One great food truck for weddings is In-N-Out Burger. If your wedding is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area or in California, In-N-Out-Burger is great for you, especially if you and your guests love burgers. It’s important to remember the

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By Blaine Hill

season when thinking of food trucks to hire. If the wedding is deep in the summer, think about finding a snow cone or an ice cream truck. However, adding a coffee truck to the mix is a great plan if the wedding could get chilly. To avoid having guests standing in a long line outside the food truck, it’s important to have at least one food truck for every 75 guests. This way, there’s a variety of food and guests aren’t frustrated.

To help the cooks, limit the menu to a few items for each truck. The lines will stay shorter and there will be less stress in the kitchen. Don’t forget to have plenty of seating available for your guests to eat their tasty treats! Food trucks are a tasty way to serve an interesting meal to your guests. So, what are you waiting for? Look up what food trucks are available near you and start booking!

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Wedding food traditions around the world By Danielle Hathcoat and Blaine Hill

Mexico

ne sure thing about Mexican weddings is that the reception is centered on food more than most other places. Be prepared to enjoy a feast when at a Mexican wedding! The main dish at a typical Mexican wedding is made up of various types of marinated meat. Usually a whole cow and or sheep will be killed for the wedding meal. Chicken is often included as well. These delectable meats are marinated for days before they are slow cooked to perfection. Chicken or turkey in fragrant mole sauce is often served as well. This sauce is deliciously made with various chili peppers, spices such as cumin, garlic and sesame seeds, and is often greeted with a hint of unsweetened chocolate. Don’t forget the flour tortillas! Flour tortillas are served for guests to wrap their meat in. Rice and beans are often side dishes in Mexican weddings but not how Americans are used to having them! Mexican rice is often enhanced with saffron, tomatoes, tomato

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sauce, and peppers. Beans served at Mexican wedding receptions are called “frijoles charros.” They are enhanced with a variety of ingredients such as cilantro, tomatoes, pork rinds, bacon, hot dogs and sometimes salsa. These beans also tend to have lots of broth. Beans made this way are heavenly! Of course, a variety of salsas are available at Mexican weddings. They are often placed in bowls in the center of each table. Guests don’t have to get up to find the salsa, which is handy! A dessert that guests at Mexican weddings look forward to is the Mexican wedding cookie. Everyone should try these at least once in their lifetime! These cookies are made with creamy butter and delectable nuts—usually walnuts. Once they are baked, they are completely covered in powdered sugar. These cookies are the perfect mix of nutty and sweet! In Mexican weddings, the food is the star of the show, second only to the bride.

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France

he food served at French weddings is wildly different from the food served at American weddings. The French have had hundreds of years to perfect the art of making rich, delightful foods to garnish their wedding receptions. So sit back, relax and dream about the decadent foods of French weddings. French wedding receptions usually start out with hors d’houevres like quiche and escargot, and canapés. Canapés, which are small garnished finger foods, are usually shared around the table when hors d’houevres are served. The French also love to have fine cheese spread on French bread available during the hors d’houevres part of the reception. After the hors d’houevres are served, a salad is typically served. Following the salad, a sorbet given out to cleanse the pallet before the main course is served.

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It’s traditional, to have a formal sit-down meal. Seats are assigned to guests for the large meal. Two dishes traditionally served as a main course are Beef Burgundy and Coq Au Vin. Most French entrees are cooked in red wine to create tasty sauces, tenderize meat, and create more interesting flavors. A French wedding cake is not your normal American wedding cake. Instead, it’s cream puffs, sometimes dipped in chocolate, stacked on top of each other to form a tower. The tower is usually drizzled in caramel to hold the all the pastries together. This impressive tower is called a croquembouche. French weddings are all about rich delicious foods that leave you wanting for more. French weddings may be different from American receptions, but they have the same celebratory feeling.

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India

ndian weddings are known for their spectacular food. Weddings have always been a time to show off, and at Indian weddings they take that very seriously. These weddings are sure to include expensive dishes that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lack in butter, sugar or fried foods. Whether or not meat is served at the reception is an important decision usually based on region and religion. Vegetarian receptions are popular for Buddhists and Jains who practice Ahimsa, or non-harm of animals. Different sections of the country also have different trends in what they eat on their special day. Mainly Southern Indian weddings have vegetarian receptions. They serve more than 100 dishes for the reception that is packed with Indian flavor. Most South Indian weddings have rice-based dishes with lemon rice, curd rice, and daal. Daal is a yellow split seed, similar to rice, that is cooked to perfection with curry. North Hindu weddings are usually not vegetarian, and they

serve some kind of butter chicken or lamb curry with a decadent Mughlai spread. Mughlai spread has lots of paneer, creamy curries, tandoori meat, and buttery naans. You may want to wear lose clothing to a North Hindu wedding so you can enjoy all the lovely tastes of their culture. Being so close to the ocean, Costal Indian weddings often have fish and crab curries. They know how to bring an Indian zing into fresh seafood like no one else. Modern Indian weddings often feature large tiered cakes for dessert along with Barfi. Barfi has been served in Indian homes for generations. It is a mixture of sugar and sweetened condensed milk that is reduced into solid form resembling packed snow. Multiple flavors of barfi usually end up on the plates of Indian weddings, creating a large selection of the traditional treat. Your pants are guaranteed to be a little tighter, and your smiles a little brighter, after you partake in all the delicious foods served at an Indian wedding.

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Photo by Betsy

China

he foods traditionally served at Chinese weddings are not only for enjoyment but are also symbolic of the desires for the future of the bride and grooms’ marriage. Add well wishes for your marriage with some of these dishes. It is customary to serve eight courses at a Chinese wedding feast because eight is thought of as a lucky number. The courses don’t always go in a particular order, but they are often all the same. One course is a whole roasted suckling pig. The whole pig is used, rather than parts of it, to symbolize togetherness and prosperity. The pig itself, however, symbolizes the purity of the bride. Another course is often a fowl that mates for life such as a duck or a goose. Fish is commonly served as a course as well. Fish pronounced in Chinese is the same as “abundance.” Because of this, fish is served at the Chinese wedding feasts

to highlight that he newlyweds will have wealth in their marriage. Chicken and lobster are often served together at Chinese weddings. Chicken also means phoenix in Chinese, while lobster is called dragon shrimp. The phoenix and the dragon together in Chinese culture are the Ying and Yang elements. Serving the “phoenix” and the “dragon” together in a dish means the Yin and Yang elements in the family are balanced. Chinese wedding cakes are called “happiness cakes.” They are baked with the phoenix and dragon imprint on top to, again, symbolize the balance of the Yin and Yang in the family. However, the cake is often given the bride’s family by the groom’s family as a part of the proposal gift. Show what you wish on your marriage by using some of these symbolic foods. Explain the meanings to guests on the menu so that they can enjoy the symbols as well!

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Rehearsal

dinner

Etiquette

A rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to start celebrating the joy of a wedding! However, there are few etiquette rules for this festive dinner! By Blaine Hill

Who Pays? Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, as more and more couples are paying for their own wedding, or splitting the bill, this tradition is changing. The ultimate decision on who pays is ultimately up to you and your fiancé. Who’s Invited? Bridesmaids, groomsman, ushers, flower girls and ring bearers (and their adult supervision), and close family and friends are usually invited

to the rehearsal dinner. It’s your big day though, so you can invite anyone, with the permission of whomever is paying of course. When to plan Making a reservation as early as possible makes a rehearsal dinner less stressful. With an early reservation, the venue of your choice is more likely to be available. Location The location of a rehearsal dinner depends on party size, food

preference, and budget. A good location knows how to cater to a large group of people and fits all of your criteria. When to Send an Invitation Rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent after a wedding invitation and about four weeks before the wedding. It’s best if the invites are sent separately. They are separate events, and your guests will feel more honored it they receive them separately.

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Royal Wedding Foods By Danielle Hathcoat

ver wonder what food traditions royalty follow? Look no further. Your royal menu is here. The meal served after royal weddings in England is traditionally called “wedding breakfast,” regardless of the time of day. Although the meal is called breakfast, it is not made up of what most would consider typical breakfast foods. Royal wedding menus are made up of unique foods not traditionally seen on menus in the United States. Meats are not the primary focus at royal weddings, and the meats that are served are not the chicken and steak we are used to. Duck terrine with a fruit chutney, Cornish crab salad, and Scottish smoked salmon were the meat options served to guests attending Prince William and Duchess Catherine Middleton’s wedding.Because “wedding breakfast” is hosted by the queen, the foods served at royal weddings are

not chosen by the bride and groom, but by their queen. When Prince William married Kate, his mother Queen Elizabeth chose the whole menu. That could make a bride’s life easier!Some of the items she chose besides the meats mentioned above are: roulade of goat’s cheese with caramelized walnuts, quail eggs with celery salt, white chocolate ganache truffle, and milk chocolate praline with nuts. Fruitcake is the traditional royal wedding cake—and has been for many years. Nowadays the fruitcake is made to look like a beautiful wedding cake rather than plain fruitcake. One more royal food tradition is a dish named after the bride. The chef for the wedding has the responsibility of putting a dish together to name after the royal bride. Isn’t that neat? The dish named after Princess Diana when she got married was called

PORTRAIT & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

“Suprême de Volaille Princesse de Palle” which roughly translates to “Supreme Princess Chicken.” It was chosen because Princess Diana loved poultry. It was a twist on a lamb cutlet stuffed with chicken mousse that had been served at the palace for decades. You don’t have to be royalty to feel like royalty. Try some of these royal food traditions on for size.

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Shake Things Up By Danielle Hathcoat

veryone expects a wedding to take place in the evening with dinner and a dance following, but what if things were done differently? Planning a morning wedding with a small breakfast following is a great way to shake things up, and it doesn’t require extra work! Here are some things to keep in mind when hosting a morning wedding with a breakfast. Have your morning planned to the tee. In order for everyone in the wedding to look and feel their best, they need to be rested and ready to be up early. A rough plan should be made for how long each step to being ready to walk down the aisle will take. It is more important to be punctual in a morning wedding because your guests often sacrificed more sleep to be there. Planning the meal is much easier! It is rather easy to please all taste buds with breakfast foods and drinks. Provide a variety such as an omelet station where guests can pick their toppings, or have a breakfast burrito bar 48 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

with various fillings. Guests rarely complain how their eggs and bacon are cooked. Tell guests what attire is expected. When guests see the wedding is at an earlier-than-usual time, they assume the wedding is a more casual affair. Whether the wedding is casual or formal, be sure to let guests know ahead of time that way they don’t have to play the guessing game. What if we still want to cut the cake? Cake is not typically a morning food, but some couples still want to stick with the tradition of cutting the cake at the reception. The solution? Have a cake made with your favorite sweet breakfast foods. Stack pancakes or waffles in tiers. You could even make a stack of cinnamon rolls. Guests will be happy, and “cake” will still be a part of the wedding! Marrying early means more one-on-one time with your beau on your big day! Don’t be afraid to shake things up a little.

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Caterers love to prepare samples for your big day. Set up a time to sample the goods & spend the morning tasting & taking notes. 52 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

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If you are a donut lover, there is no reason why you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serve them at your very own reception! Take a friend & choose your favorites.

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Who says you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find the best of all good wedding things at your favorite shopping club? Paper goods? Fruit tower? Shrimp cocktail? Even your cake! Oh- and for the very best experience, rock that dress while there!

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Cake Flavors

that Won’t Bore

Tired of plain vanilla or chocolate cake? Your wedding cake doesn’t have to just look pretty. It can taste delicious too! Here are 5 cake flavors that are guaranteed to shake things up. By Danielle Hathcoat

Coffee

Lemon Thyme

There is a cake for the coffee lover. It may not be as good as the liquid stuff, but it is still heavenly. Chocolate covered coffee beans make a good topping for this cake.

For the bride who is into more of a savory cake, there is the lemon thyme cake. This cake alternates layers of lemon curd and vanilla butter cream frosting. Fresh thyme is typically used for decoration.

Peanut Butter & Jelly.

Banana & Caramel

Who knew those flavors were possible in a cake? A banana flavored cake joins forces with a caramel filling and caramel frosting. What could be better?

If you are a PB&J sandwich lover, you will love this cake! Creamy layers of peanut butter cake are joined with fresh jelly fillings. Pick your favorite jelly flavor. If jelly isn’t your thing, make this cake into a peanut butter cup cake by substituting chocolate.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake

If you didn’t know, Mexican hot chocolate is SO much better than regular. It is kicked up a notch with cinnamon and sometimes chili powder. This cake is sure to wow your taste buds. It features a cinnamon vanilla cake with dark chocolate butter cream frosting that has a dash of chili powder.

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venues

Cutting the Cake I

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In the past, it was popular to cut the cake after the celebrations had livened up, but stopping the dancing and having all the guests gather around to watch the bride and groom cut the cake can really put a cork in the wedding festivities. Sometimes the wedding can start to drag after the cake is cut because some guests see it as a queue to leave. There is one great

By Blaine Hill

solution to the problem that can keep the ambiance of the reception celebratory. Cutting the cake after the spotlight dances and toasts are over is a great way to avoid disrupting the fun of a wedding. Have the cake set on your sweetheart table. After the dances, you can sit at your sweetheart table for the toasts, and then the emcee can announce something like, “the

Bride and Groom will now cut the cake.” The guests’ attention will be focused on where the cake is because the toasts and first dances just ended. After you have your moment, feeding or stuffing cake in each other’s faces, the venue or catering staff can take the cake away to be safely stored. Having a cake-cutting dilemma? Now it’s solved. THEWCMAG.COM | 65

Romance is in the Foods

ThE FiG &FLoWER,co

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Romance is in the air – oh wait, that may just be the smell of a few wonderful aphrodisiac foods. These four “sexy” foods, and two sexy drinks, are perfect for making your significant other’s desire increase. By Blaine Hill

1 The caffeine in coffee makes blood flow faster, which creates a wonderful atmosphere for desire. Southwestern University did a study which found that caffeine raises sexual desire in females. So, think about grabbing an extra cup of Joe for you and your partner later if you want to get the blood pumping.

Chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac for so long that it has become one in the minds of all, despite the fact it has no normal qualities of an aphrodisiac. Truffles are especially known for their romantic ability. Buying chocolate for a significant other is the perfect way to set the mood and warm their heart.

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3 Women in the middle ages were forbidden to eat artichokes because of their aphrodisiac qualities. Thankfully, women are now allowed to eat this sexual food! One great way to prepare them is in artichoke dip.

Just the sound of the grill cooking, and watching your mate flipping steaks, can really get you in the mood. And beef is loaded with iron, zinc, protein and Vitamin B, which are important for increasing sexual desire.

Oysters donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound sexy, but something about the shellfish, maybe the smell or their salty qualities, makes them an excellent food to set the mood. So, next time you want desire to run high, think about ordering or grabbing some oysters for your next meal.

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Of all the alcohols, champagne is the best for creating a romantic mood. There is just something about popping the cork and the bubbly taste that brings a romantic flame to the table.

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Foods to keep you Fertile By Danielle Hathcoat

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage! Everyone knows that after marriage often come babies. Some are ready for the baby right away while others are not. Either way, here are five foods that will help keep you fertile when the time is right. 1. Foods full of dairy. Milk, cheese and yogurt are all great for keeping fertile! Don’t over-eat any of these dairy foods, but eat or drink at least a serving daily. Something to keep in mind when buying any of these dairy products: don’t buy low-fat. The best way to keep fertile with these foods is by buying them with fat intact and organic, as well. 2. Complex carbohydrates are key. Foods with complex carbs keep blood sugar levels stable and help regulate ovulation. That’s a win, win! They also contain folic acid and zinc, two notable fertility 70 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

factors. Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits. 3. Lean protein, please. Iron is a fertility superstar that is found in lean animal protein such as turkey, chicken and lean beef. Pump up the iron intake when trying to conceive. Although lean meats are a good source of iron and protein, do not over do it. Stick to about three servings of protein a day. 4. Fatty fish. Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are great fertility boosters! Salmon, herring and sardines are good sources

of these fatty acids. These lead to increased blood flow to reproductive organs and may help regulate reproductive hormones. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in flaxseed, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. 5. Berries galore. Berries, especially blueberries and raspberries, contain antioxidants. The group of vitamins in antioxidants is proven to boost both the fertility of males and females! When it is time to begin growing your family, keep these foods handy.

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“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

he bachelor party is last time for a man to be “single”, so why not serve the manliest of foods at the party? You know, to help with the transition.

Bacon

The Manliest

of Bachelor Party Foods

Is there any other food that men love more than bacon? There are many different ways to serve this epic, manly food a bachelor party. Try weaving bacon together before cooking it so that bacon covers the entire sandwich or burger. Men will love having their favorite meat in every bite. Another bacon treat is the Bacon Bloody Mary. Just add a strip of bacon into the treasured glass right next to the celery and you’ll have a drink that’s sure to wow the men.

Burgers

Nothing says manly like all the guys at the bachelor party outside slaving

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over the grill. Pick up some patties at the local store or get the ingredients together yourself for the perfect manly cookout. When they’re done cooking the burgers, they can put the bacon weave on top.

Steak While the men are out grilling their burgers, get them to grill up some manly steaks too! This classic manly food is sure to please the whole bachelor party.

Jalapeno Poppers The men can have a manly contest of wills to see who can eat the most poppers without drinking any water. And, you guessed it, this spicy treat is wrapped in bacon. When it comes to men, you just can’t go wrong if it’s wrapped in bacon. The men will love snacking on any of these manly foods for their bachelor party! The perfect bachelor party is just a few burgers, steaks, poppers, and bacon strips away.

Top it Off

New trends in cake toppers are the perfect way to add a memorable flare to a traditional cake. Why put the over-used groom and bride topper on your cake when there are so many fun, new toppers that can jazz up a wedding? By Blaine Hill

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ne great new topper trend is the silhouette. Whether it’s a bride and groom kissing or a bride and groom holding hands, silhouettes are a new way to top off your wedding cake. Birds also make a great wedding cake topper. Use stuffed or ceramic birds for a more real-life feel, or place paper or wood bird cutouts on sticks for a rustic look. Writing “we do” on the birds can add a special, and cute touch.

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Metal toppers can also be a showstopper. Names spelt out, or the initials of both the bride and the groom will look great! For a modern feel, place metal cube and diamond cutouts on the cake. Choose the topper that you love most and best fits your wedding. Cake toppers make your cake look better, but the best part is you get to eat the cake when the topper comes off. THEWCMAG.COM | 77

Mocktails Your Taste Buds Will

Love

Cranberry Cutie. This drink will awaken your taste buds. Begin by mixing a gallon of cranberry juice with the juice of about 20 cutie tangerines and about seven limes. Add a two liter bottle of Sierra Mist soda. This recipe serves around 20. Multiply it accordingly if serving more people. To make this mocktail look official, serve in martini glasses with the rims dipped in sugar.

Want some drink alternatives? For the bride who wants keep her drinks classy, here are four mocktail recipes so good, no one will miss the alcohol! By Danielle Hathcoat

Bring the bubbly. This mock champagne recipe is guaranteed to please. Simply mix a two liter bottle of ginger ale with half a can of frozen white grape juice. Top it with some fresh raspberries. This drink is perfect for toasts. This recipe serve up to nine people and may need to be multiplied.

Summer Sangria. This cool drink is perfect for a warm summer day. Begin by cutting a plum and a peach into quarters and removing the pit. Then, peel two clementine tangerines and break apart. Remove the leaves from eight strawberries and cut in half. Once you have the fruit ready, put it all in the container that will be holding the drink. Cover the fruit with four cups of black cherry grape juice and chill for a couple of hours. When this drink is ready to serve, top it off with two cups of ginger ale. Serves 6. 78 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

Rooty tooty, fresh and fruity! Refresh wedding guests with this fresh fruit mocktail. Put one peeled orange, two slices of pineapple, one kiwi and four strawberries into a blender with half a cup of water. Once everything is blended, pour a can of sprite on top and serve. Garnish glasses with a small slice of kiwi or strawberry. Serves 6.

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Get Creative with your Already have your food picked out for your wedding? Great! Now, you need to choose how to display your menu. Here are some of our favorite ways brides are getting creative with their menu displays. By Danielle Hathcoat

Paint on a pallet.

You can often find unwanted wooden pallets in businesses around town. Some will even post on Craigslist to get rid of them. Once you get a pallet, grab a paint brush or someone who can use one well, and put a food or two on each line.

Vintage windows.

Find a vintage window or two at a second-hand store or garage sale. If you think your handwriting is good enough, go ahead and write your menu down with a paint marker. Don’t think your handwriting is up to par? Find someone who can do a good job. Find a sturdy string to hang the window up on and you’re golden. 80 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

Decorative mirror.

Scour online resale sights, garage sales and thrift stores for decorative mirrors. Your menu can be written on the mirror with a paint marker. Your menu will be different, yet classy on a mirror!

Chalk board.

Chalk boards are a popular way to display wedding menus. You can find them almost anywhere, but if you can’t find one you like you can paint on anything with chalkboard paint. Chalkboard markers are now sold to make hand lettering on chalk boards easier. Make your menu fit your personality. Don’t settle for a plain paper one. THEWCMAG.COM | 81

Beware of these Foods By Danielle Hathcoat

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ne of the top complaints wedding guests have is about the food. Guests are happier when food is enjoyable! Here are some of the most common foodcomplaints guests have. are the worst. Spaghetti and fettuccini noodles are great to eat at home and seem like good food to serve at weddings. However, once sauce is poured onto these noodles they are too messy to eat. If pasta is a must-have wedding food for you, opt for smaller noodles such as bow ties or elbow macaroni. Chicken breast is too dry. Millions of weddings take place

all over the U.S. a year, and chicken is served at most of them. While this seems like a food to please all, many wedding guests complain that chicken served at weddings is too dry. Instead, serve a meat that holds moisture in like lamb or steak. Greatâ&#x20AC;Śgarlic breath. In an effort to serve savory foods that guests will enjoy, onion and garlic tend to be added. While this gives foods better flavor, it also leads to strong breath. Wedding guests suggest limiting garlic and onion in foods served. Having garlic or onion breath during all of the socializing that takes place at a wedding is not desirable. THEWCMAG.COM | 83

Favors full of Flavor Money is often spent on wedding favors guests just throw away. Why not give your guests favors they will actually enjoy? Here are some flavorful favors to hand out at your wedding. By Danielle Hathcoat

Sweet Goodbye. Sweeten your goodbye gift with single serving cinnamon rolls! Mix ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of apple sauce, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla in a mug. Microwave it for 1-1 ½ minutes. Top with icing and wrap with cellophane. Put a tag on the mugs saying, “Love is sweet.” Donut forget the donuts. Everybody enjoys a donut now and then. Put a donut or two in a decorative bag or box. Place a tag on it that says, “Donut forget we are thankful you joined us on our special day.”

Make your favors POP! Put a cup of popcorn kernels in a small jar or decorative bag. Buy labels that read “Thanks for popping by!” Decorative ribbon is optional but would tie this favor up well. 84 | THE WEDDING CONNECTION

S’more favors, please. Who doesn’t love s’mores? Buy small decorative bags and stick two halves of graham crackers, a square of chocolate and a marshmallow in. Make it super fun with flavored marshmallows. Tie the bags up with ribbon and a note that reads “We need s’more friends like you! Thank you.”

Spice it up with salsa. Buy or make your favorite salsa, and put it in jars of your choice. Make or buy large labels that say “Thanks for spicing up our special day!” Stick them on your jars and you’re good to go. THEWCMAG.COM | 85

Romantic Restaurants in Texas By Blaine Hill

AUTHORIZED WEST TEXAS RETAILER FOR SOPHIA TOLLI, DAVID TUTERA, ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA, & STELLA YORK

hat makes a restaurant truly romantic? Is it the food, the ambiance, the beautiful sights and sounds, or the romantic lighting? Whatever makes a restaurant romantic to you, there a few places in Texas that are perfect for a romantic night out, or even a proposal. Chez Nous was voted the most romantic restaurant in 2010 by City’s Best. It is perfect for a romantic evening in Austin. The restaurant was established in 1982 and since then, the neighborhood French bistro has been home to many delicious dishes like poisson rôti à l’anis, which is a roasted chicken sea bass with shaved fennel bulb, pernod fumet, crème fraiche, and fried celeriac. For dessert, they have rich desserts like Crème Brulée, Mousse au Chocolat, and Profiterolles. Buca Di Beppo is a boisterous Italian restaurant, so it’s great if you want to have a lively dinner date with your partner. The scenery is what sets Boca apart from other Italian restaurants. Each Buca location has various decorated rooms like the wine room, the pope room, the poster room, and a chef’s table. The chef’s table is attached to the kitchen to allow interaction between the chef and

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patrons and to allow for a more interesting and memorable experience. There are various Buca Di Beppo locations in Texas like Dallas, Austin, Cedar Park, Houston, Mesquite, and The Woodlands. Nothing says romance like fondue, and no one does fondue like The Melting Pot. There are many Melting Pots in Texas. There is one in Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Each destination is a wonderful place for a special night out. Every location has a multiple-course meal that begins with melted cheese and breads. The second course is meats cooked in different flavored broths. To finish the meal, chocolate fondue is served with fruit, marshmallows, and pound cake. If you want to stay close to home, Stella’s in Lubbock is a wonderful place to find romance. Stella’s has been voted the most romantic restaurant in Lubbock two years in a row. The restaurant is New York themed with an elegant feel. Your perfect night is only a drive away. Visit any of these destinations to have a wonderful night out with your significant other. Maybe an important question will be popped too?

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