20 minute read
Styling Your Everyday
Ladies that Brunch
BY KATIE JACOBS
Advertisement
STYLINGMYEVERYDAY.COM
A BRIDAL BRUNCH THAT SATISFIES ANY SWEET TOOTH WHILE CELEBRATING THOSE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDE
The celebrations surrounding a wedding are memorable occasions that not only honor the bride and groom, but also praise loved ones the couple holds dear. Bridal showers are the perfect opportunity to up the girly factor and choosing a theme is imperative. A bridal brunch or afternoon tea is a perfect gettogether for ladies to socialize and shower the bride with love and gifts.
Brunch is an especially easy affair to pull off. Putting together a menu of brunch favorites like scones, waffles and donuts is fun. Guests are usually available and happy to attend an event in the late morning and they won’t arrive starved (like if you were having lunch).
When my cousin Julianna got married, we threw her a bakery-themed bridesmaids’ brunch decorated with hot pink bakery boxes and garden roses. Because the brunch was limited to bridesmaids (twelve guests total), we were able to do over-the-top invitations: hand delivered tiny bakery boxes filled with cupcakes and mini macaroons with the brunch invitations attached. A little taste of what was to come!
For the party, we decorated a long farm table with pink bakery boxes, vintage cake stands and hot pink garden roses. Height and drama was added with two 36”white balloons anchored by satin ribbon. The cake stands were adorned with brunch favorites - a huge tower of waffles, homemade biscuits with jam, and a big stack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Brunch consisted of ham and cheese croissants, mini frittatas and fruit-and-granola parfaits served in pink depression glass. Guests enjoyed homemade cranberry-orange and cheddar-dill scones with mimosas, tea and coffee as they arrived. We used the bakery boxes that had been used as decorations to pack up the left over baked goods to send home with guests as favors.
CHEDDAR DILL SCONES
4 cups, plus 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour 2 Tablespoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 3/4-pound cold unsalted butter, diced 4 large eggs, beaten lightly 1 cup heavy cream 1/2-pound extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, small-diced 1 cup minced fresh dill 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water or milk, for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400˚F. Combine 4 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and heavy cream together. Add it all at once to the flour-and-butter mixture and mix until just combined. Toss together the cheese, dill, and 1 Tablespoon of flour and add them to the dough. Mix until they are almost incorporated. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for 1 minute, until the Cheddar and dill are well distributed. Roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 4-inch squares and then in half diagonally to make triangles. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outside is crusty and the inside is fully baked. Makes 16 large scones.
HAM AND SWISS CROISSANTS WITH POPPY SEED MUSTARD
3/4 cup melted butter 1 1/2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 Tablespoons poppy seeds 12 croissants 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Distinctively SouthernWedding Winter // issue four 21 Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of butter, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Slice the croissants, separating the tops from the bottoms. Layer ham onto the bottom of croissants. Arrange the Swiss cheese over the ham. Slather the slice-side of each top with mustard sauce and place the tops of the croissants onto the sandwiches and place onto the baking sheet (the croissant sandwiches can be put close together on the baking sheet, even touching). Pour the remaining melted butter evenly over each croissant and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake in the preheated oven until the croissants are browned and the cheese has melted, 10 to 12 minutes. If tops start to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Dress Buying Tips
Many women dream of the day when they can try their dream dress on. To be prepared and make this awaited day run as smoothly as possible, consider these tips so you’re in the know.
Make an Appointment: It is best to call ahead of time to guarantee you will have assistance finding your dress. Try to avoid the weekends when you can, it can be best to go during the weekday when it is less crowded.
Wear Heels to the Appointment: Bring heels of about the same height that you would most likely wear on your wedding day, that way you can truly imagine how the dress will look on the big day.
Shop with Enough Time: Generally, you should start browsing for a dress six months to a year before the wedding. That way, you have time to consider your options and can add in some buffer room if alterations need to be made.
Remember to Factor Other Items into Your Dress: Your budget for your dress may be $2,000 for example, but remember you’ll have extra expenses on top of this for your whole look. You may need alterations and you will need to factor in the cost for shoes, a veil and any other accessories you plan to have.
Don’t Try on a Dress Outside Your Budget: You know you are going to fall in love with it… so do not be tempted in the first place, do NOT try it on!
Keep an Open Mind: It may not look like your style, or maybe it looks a little odd on the hanger, but you never truly know what the dress looks like until you try it on.
Decide Carefully on Who You Want to Bring: Consider bringing a small group of three to five people – mother, mother-in-law, siblings or best friends. Having too many people there might drown out your thoughts and you may end up with no decision on a dress.
Visit Sample Sales or Trunk Shows: On a budget? You may score that dream dress with a pretty good discount. Bring a good crew and be prepared to scour the hangers quickly.
Read the Fine Print: Before you dot the I’s and cross the T’s, make sure you review the contract carefully. You’ll want to have a number of things written down so you are prepared – write down your measurements, price of gown, size, date of delivery, designer and the deposit amount.
Buy a Dress that Fits Now: You may be focused on losing pounds before the big day, but your body won’t drastically change too much in that time frame. It’s also a lot easier to take a gown in than it is to make a small-dress work. You want to be comfortable and look flawless in your dress!
#SOCIAL MEDIA WEDDING ETIQUETTE 101
Whether you are the happy couple with the big day coming up, or you’re a friend to the couple, here are a few social etiquette tips to remember before and during the wedding.
#TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM
The Announcement. To those who are on their way to a proposal, keep in mind how you want to let family and friends know about the announcement. We love sharing our personal news on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, but it probably isn’t the best or most personal way to let your close family and friends know. Step away from the social media and give those loved ones a call, you know they will appreciate it more than a tweet! Engagement Ring Pictures. Yes, we are all dying to hear the engagement story and see pictures of the ring, but keep some of the details to yourself. No one needs to know the details on carat size or cost. Remember what the ring symbolizes, your commitment to one another.
#TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY Be Respectful of the Big News. You may be one of the first to know about your best friends’ engagement and you could not be more excited, but hold off on the congrats until the couple is ready to share the news on their own. You also don’t want to spill the beans about the big news if they have not told some close family members yet. Let the Photographer Do Their Job. Give some much-needed space to the wedding photographer(s). Let the professionals be the ones capturing the intimate and big moments at the wedding. Also, to note, the flash from your camera/phone camera could also interfere with the photographer’s and overexpose their photos. Sharing Photos. You are probably very eager to share photos of the new Mrs. and Mr. at the wedding, but check with a close friend to the bride or groom or a family member to see if you can start sharing photos. Also, some couples opt for an unplugged wedding, so remember to respect their wishes and keep that phone in your car. If you can share photos, be mindful of the shots you are taking and double check that it is a flattering picture of everyone. And, definitely don’t share a photo of the bride before the ceremony. Be Present. It is fun to share the news, giving a visual play-byplay with Snapchat, but while you’re at the wedding, keep it to a minimum. Be present and celebrate with everyone. There’s nothing better than just being in the moment.
THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES GARY CHAPMAN
In this New York Times Best Seller, you will figure out which one of the five dialects of love you and your partner both lean toward for giving and receiving love. Through humor and some practical advice, author Gary Chapman reveals tips to make the relationship work by discovering how to make one another feel most loved. THE COUPLE’S GUIDE TO FINANCIAL COMPATIBILITY JEFF MOTSKE
Financial problems can take a toll no matter what stage of life you are in. A lack of communication on finances in your relationship can truly hurt you both. The book is filled with crucial tips to help anyone at their relationship stage achieve financial freedom. Jeff provides the tools to help you discuss your finances, combining finances, planning retirement, all while helping to maintain the strong bond in your relationship. The guide is filled with numerous questions partners need to ask one another.
THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION BRENÉ BROWN
Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of wholehearted living and how to engage with the world from a place of worthiness. In the guideposts, Brené shares this journey of how we can engage our minds and hearts to gain the courage, compassion and connection to know that we are enough.
MUST-READ BOOKS FOR NEWLYWEDS
ONE DISH, TWO WAYS JANE KENNEDY
Step away from the Netflix, newlyweds. The wedding has happened, the planning is done, the thank you notes have been sent… it’s time to engage in a little communication with your spouse. Here are some of the “must-read” books for newlyweds (or those looking to tie the knot soon), to help guide you both through financial struggles, raising a family, how to be a better listener and how to communicate love to one another.
Are you and your love picky eaters? The solution? This book! In Jane Kennedy’s cookbook, she offers a handful of meal solutions. The book is filled with recipes for adults, kids and even those “grownups” who may be as picky as the kids (no judgment, of course). With each dish, Jane begins with a base meal that can be added to or deconstructed, depending on the food preferences, allergies and restrictions.
THE REAL THING ELLEN MCCARTHY
From a Washington Post weddings reporter turned author, Ellen shares the mystery, science and secrets how we find love and make it last, through the hundreds of weddings and relationships she had seen during her days as a reporter. Whether you are on the quest for love or looking to strength your relationship, this book provides a layout to reading the human heart. THE SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES BRUCE FEILER
Bruce shares the secrets of how you and your spouse can align your goals on a range of scenarios; what to have for dinner and how to raise a family. This book provides advice on how to make your family run smoothly and feel authentic to who you are as a couple. The book acts as a blueprint for modern families, with a new approach to family dynamics, inspired by techniques from experts in a range of disciplines; science, business, sports and the military.
FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR Newlyweds
BY JONATHAN WALKER
Congrats if you are getting married! One of the best books for couples (in my opinion), is Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages. Financially speaking, there should be a money counterpart. Learning how you and your spouse will relate to money as one, takes time. Here are five items you can implement that will help you learn your spouse’s financial love languages while combining things financially. It can also help avoid the pitfalls that can easily take place concerning money in your marriage. Create a budget. A budget is one of the best tools for financial success. It’s easy to set one up, and there are a number of free online tools you can use. To help ease the tension of “new couple” spending, set a purchase limit. Over time, you will learn more about how your spouse relates to money by using a budget. Set financial goals. It’s a good habit to start setting goals immediately. Write them down and review them often. Set short, mid and long-range goals. Start with $3,000 in an emergency fund. Have budget meetings often. My wife and I have quarterly budget meetings. It’s important to discuss your financial goals; the amount of debt you each have and what goals you want to accomplish. Maybe one of you fell short in your responsibilities monetarily – this is a good time to discuss that as well.
Update beneficiary information. This could include life insurance, 401k plans, IRA accounts and beneficiaries in legal documents.
Postpone the home purchase. Even if you have dated a long time, marriage comes with adjustments and these adjustments can be stressful. Take a little time to get to know each other and let your marriage settle. Have some fun! You need to get your financial goals in order first, then you can look at a home purchase down the road. If you want to explore this further, feel free to give our Gallatin office a call at 615.461.8653, or check us out at paulwinkler.net. We can set up a free initial consultation to determine if our office can help you with your current situation. Jonathan Walker, CFP®, RICP®
*Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc. (“PWI”), a Registered Investment Advisor. PWI does not provide tax or legal advice; please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your particular situation. This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed to be a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities.
JONATHAN WALKER We’re in the Money | paulwinkler.net
Jonathan is a Certified Financial Planner™, and passionate about financial planning. His focus is to help clients achieve peace concerning their financial well-being by helping them accomplish their planning goals and objectives. || I Doo! ||
Mary Michael Jaquess James William Cross V J U N E 8 , 2 0 1 9
Mary Michael Jaquess and James William Cross V were married on the 8 th of June in Fairhope, Alabama. The couple was married by Mark Price in the Point Clear church, St. Francis at The Point. Immediately following the ceremony, guests took a trolley to the Grand Hotel Marriot Resort. Cocktail hour began on a patio at the hotel overlooking Mobile Bay, where guests enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The evening continued as doors were opened to dinner and dancing in the ballroom. The ballroom was covered in greenery with white and light pink flowers, gold touches and a greenery chandelier hanging over the dance floor. Az Izz band entertained as they began the evening with jazz and swing standards, and then progressed the energy to Motown, 80s, 90s and into current top hits. The band had everyone on their feet dancing, while they enjoyed the bride’s favorite late night treat, tambourines and light up dance floor attire. The couple exited the ballroom through a tunnel of family and friends throwing white rose petals. The bride and groom enjoyed a beautiful escape to Italy following their wedding.
photography by a nna F illy
Happily Ever After
Were you or someone you know married recently? Include that special event in our magazine! Your Happily Ever After wedding profile will tell the story of your wedding day with photos and highlights of the most memorable moments. Wedding Profiles
FOR YOURSELF OR AS A GIFT TO THE NEWLYWEDS Share the memories of the joyous event with the community and loved ones.
For information, please contact info@robertsonmediagroup.com
Jill Sholar + Stormy Mitchell
OCTOBER 20, 2020
Vendors: Photography // Sandra Kiger Ceremony // Church at West Franklin Hair // Allison Merryman Jill Sholar and Stormy Mitchell celebrated their wedding on October 20, 2019 at the Church at West Franklin. They chose their autumn wedding date because it was the date available for most of their, now, altogether, seven children and seven grandchildren, to attend. Because they chose to have their wedding be a celebration worship of praise to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they wanted the ceremony to take place at the end of the church’s traditional worship service. Jill and Stormy chose not to have decorations or special floral arrangements. They also chose to not have any special music, other than the church music played during the service and then the hymn "Doxology" sung by the congregation and led by Jill’s father, a semiretired Minister of Music from Kentucky. Jill’s close personal friend and professional photographer, Sandra Kiger, took their wedding pictures as a special gift to the newlywed couple. They enjoyed this most relaxed and beautiful time with family and friends, before and after their exchange of sacred covenant vows.
5 Things Guys Care About for the Big Day
The wedding day is a big deal. There are numerous important factors to plan and prepare for. And most think of the bride’s wants and needs take center stage. But what about the groom? They may sit by and go with the flow for the most part, allowing their bride to choose colors, flowers, cake, food, etc. And maybe they chime in every now and then on the really important things they would like to have. Afterall, it is their wedding day too! We asked a few married guys what their top priorities were for their wedding day, and here’s what they had to say:
5. The Guest List - Celebrating the special occasion surrounded by good friends and family was important to many. 4. The Bar - An important part for some of the men was to provide their guests with good spirits for the celebration.
3. Good Music/Band - Great tunes to dance to was a must for several. It’s a celebration! 2. Great Food - This was said by quite a few of the gentlemen for what was important on their wedding day.
1. Whatever Made the Wife Happy - This was, by far, the number one answer from the guys on what was most important to them for their wedding day!
How to Decorate for your Winter Wedding with Southern Events
Planning Your Big Day?
Congrats to you and yours! Let the Southern Events team of wedding design experts help you style your celebration with distinct rentals and personalized service, making the planning process easy and fun. Here is a sampling of their Winter Wedding collection.
Bar Cart Southern Style | Romantic Rose
Loren Bistro Tables shown with Acrylic Ghost Barstools Southern Style | Romantic Rose
Save on your dream wedding - contact our team today!
Harpeth Boxwood Wall Southern Style | Natural Luxe
Meridian Blue Tumbler Southern Style Natural Luxe
Visit southerneventsonline.com to learn more about Southern Events Party Rental Company and their offerings.
Just Perfect
YOU WANT EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING TO BE SPECIAL. CELEBRATE AT NASHVILLE’S MOST ELEGANT LANDMARK. This is your day. Dream big.
Main Lobby
Flower Buying Guide
Courtesy of Always In Bloom, Inc.
Ta ke the guess wor k out of choos ing the per fec t blooms for yo ur bo uquets and arra ngeme nts on yo ur spec ial day ! The exper ts at Always In Bloom ha ve bro ken do wn some of the class ics , year -ro und and differe nt seaso nal options along with price points.
Gree n Tr ick Car nation Dianthus Year Round Around $5 per stem
Calla Lilly Year Round Around $7.50 per stem
Hydra ngeas Year Road Around $5 per stem
Ranunculus Best in Spring Around $5 - $10 per stem
Rose Year Round Around $3 - $5 per stem
Tulips Best in Winter & Spring Around $5 per stem
Orch ids Year Round Around $15 - $25 per stem
Lily Year Round Around $10 per stem
Stoc k Year Round Around $3 - $5 per stem
Distinctively SouthernWedding Winter // issue four 33 Lear n more by visiting the ir sho p at 227 Fra nklin Road in Fra nklin, TN or by going to always inbloom inc.com .
