Alternative to Fruit Cakes, The Wonderful Cheesecake, The Sweet One, Not!
Posted on | June 22, 2011 | Add a comment
So I was having this conversation with a friend who was saying how she had cheese cake at one wedding, which I thought trumped my pure chocolate wedding cake idea. So I decided to find someone who dared to make a wedding cheese cake, and I was more than surprised at what I found. But first, let me ask you.
How would you describe as a wedding cheesecake?
Okay, I like cheese, but this wasn’t what I had in mind. In fact, it’s google. It can’t tell the difference between a cheesecake and a cheese wedding cake. Erm….Well, neither could I because after visiting a few websites, I realised these beautiful looking cheesecakes were actually made of real, unsweatened, cheese. There’s nothing cake about that!
So what are these cheese wedding cakes made of?
They’re made of all sorts of cheeses. They’re not softened and baked in an oven before resetting into a smooth creamy dessert. Take The Cheese Shed website who are dedicated, obviously to all things cheese! One of their creations is called ‘Smeaton’s Tower,’ it’s made of a Cornish Brie, Grandma Singleton’s Lancashire, Harbourne Blue, Godminster Cheddar, Somerset Camembert, Red Devil (red Leicester) and finally, Gevrik Goats cheese.
Wow. Seriously cheesy. I don’t know about all this cheese stuff for a wedding. Maybe it should be a savory alternative. Maybe I should just stick to fruit cakes after all.
Well, if you prefer something savory, then I’m sure you’ll love The Cheese Shed.
Okay, next time, I’ll talk about real cheesecakes. Like the smooth, sweet, creamy types. Yum!
The Cameo Dance!
Posted on | June 20, 2011 | Add a comment
Ah! The Cameo Dance.
It’s usually done at weddings and engagement parties. It’s probably the only time Caribbean and Africans alike take to line-dancing. But everybody can do it of course. Plus, it’s brilliant, a phenomenon I’ve personally experienced in a crowded room and also in my hallway. If any of that sounded cryptic, here’s the cameo dance, as found on youtube:
And where did it start?
Erm…Good question. That I’m not sure of. It’s like the Ooops Up Side Your Head dance. No one claimed copyrights to that either. Though I spoke with a friend of mine and she remembered it from a movie. That needs to be verified. If you know, please share.
And just in case you think it’s hard, well…..check this out…..
In the next post
I think I’m going to talk about food. Actually, let me give you a clue. What’s more real than a cheesecake than well, a cheese cake? If that’s not a clue I don’t know what is! And thanks again for reading E&E.
Okay. These Guys Are Just Awesome! Let Me Introduce The Dreamcatchers, also called The Wedding Video Journalists
Posted on | June 15, 2011 | Add a comment
Let me pre-warn you. Their videography is flawless. Their showreels are beautiful. And they do all their filming with discreet handhell cameras.
So why are they Dreamcatchers?
Because they capture dreams? Well, almost. They film them at least.
Their blog is full of the most stunning pieces of videography, and with their expertise at making absolutely everything on a wedding day look interesting, not just for the happy couple and their family who are obviously completely engrossed by these sorts of things, but for those cyber surfers like me who shouldn’t be that impressed because we know nothing about the happiness that any of these couples are cloaked in, but, I’m hooked.
They produce documentary style wedding videos
Each show-reel they produce is like an irresistible story. Imagine watching the news, but for happy people. I’m still wondering how many more of their videos I can watch before it all starts to get old, before the novelty wears off. I’m wondering how many videos they can make before they get tired of it all.
Well, that’s one thing I can answer. They’ve been making wedding videos for 8 years now.
And they capture everything. The little things that seem insignificant. It’s like painting a picture, fromt the location, little off-conversations that you get a snap shot of, the morning preparation, the ceremony, the reception, the speeches, it’s like they have a fly-on-the-wall approach to shooting weddings.
Their show-reels are, again, flawless
I should really visit thesaurus.com to come up with alternatives to the word flawless, but it’s fitting. If the glove fits…
So where can you find The Dreamcatchers?
Well, they’re located in Surrey, naturally. But you can find them off of google or simply go to thedreamcatchers.co.uk to view their ever-growing list of show-reel videos.
Plus, sign up for more event planning tips and information in the UK.
Hollywood Hair & Makeup inspired by Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood
Posted on | June 8, 2011 | Add a comment
So, I got to catch part 2 of Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood show on BBC’s iPlayer earlier this week. It was all about the silent movie, Charlie Chaplin and a scape-goat called Roscoe! Actually, it was all quite interesting. If you have time for these things, it makes an interesting hour for an evening.
But what has an historical documentary got to do with having a party!
Well, it was inspiring. When I think of classic Hollywood, apart from the grandeur of their films, their giant sets and their epic music, it’s the look of their actors which are distinct. The hair and make-up are just brilliant. Both men and women tend to have that sort of elegance.
So I set about the cyber world to discover a vintage hair and make-up specialist, and I came up with Scarlet & Hollywood. They describe themselves as electic chic and vintage with pop art detail, glamourising the ‘old Hollywood look’.
Actually, saying I came up with Scarlet & Hollywood is misleading, what I mean is, I found their beautiful website on google (haha), and was pleasantly surprised to find a tonne of people vouch for them. On QYPE, they have a score of fans. So if you’ve got a party coming up and you’re looking for a vintage look, like the elegant film stars from the silver screen of classic cinema, Scarlet & Hollywood might just be your guys.
Visit them at: http://www.scarletandhollywood.co.uk
How To Smuggle Famous Bands Past Your Guests?
Posted on | June 6, 2011 | 2 Comments
I was working at this party with Carol and she was already one of the entertainers on the night. There was a DJ, a full fledged rock’n'roll band and she came with her ever popular soul music party.
But that wasn’t it.
Yeah. That wasn’t it by far. The guy who meticuously planned the party had one last surprise up his sleeve. He got 4 very good looking, and yes, talented singers, a boy-band, into the venue without myself knowing, though I was even given a heads up, and after an entourage of guys came and done their magic without everybody still not knowing quite what was going on, the boy-band took the stage and sang to the mesmerized audience.
Okay. You don’t have to smuggle them in at all if you don’t want it to be a surprised, but if you do…
Well here are 4 quick tips to getting famous celebs past your guests…
- Get the celebs to arrive BEFORE your guests arrive. Duh! I know. I know. Simple huh? But that way, you can keep them in a holding room. Just make sure they are looked after and entertained. If they’re going to be hanging around for a while, you’ll want to give them access to a spacious private area without your guests knowing, and hence, spoiling the surprise.
- Get the celebs to arrive AFTER your guests arrive. If you want, you can have your celebs walk into the venue surprising everybody before they take the stage or wherever else they need to go. Or you can smuggle them in through some secret entrance, just get the venue to help you with your plans of course.
- Back entrances. One time, my sister and I decided to be fashionably late for a concert, in fact, Travie McCoy headlining with Bruno Mars at KCLSU in London, and when we got there, the queue stretched around the building. We were NOT impressed, thinking we missed all this queuing rubbish but, that’s besides the point. We were so far around the corner, that all of a sudden, some guy, security I presume, said to my sis and I, “Excuse me, can you move over there.” Then Travie in a hoody sped past us, through some gates, into some back-ally and was never to be seen again by the general public until we saw him take the stage.
- Only A Need To Know Basis. Don’t spoil the surprise by telling people. If they don’t need to know, don’t say it. I’m sure people will be happy to have their favourite famous band perform at a private party for them, but the surprise may make it all the more special, and you can’t forget the pricelessness of their reactions caught on video.
Alicia Keys’ Top 5 Songs For A Wedding First Dance
Posted on | June 2, 2011 | 4 Comments
By the way, I’ve been enjoying writing articles for E&E since we launched last month, but this article is by far my favourite after my interview with Vici-Jane of Artcadia.
Music is my love, so it’s great being able to write about Alicia Keys, as she’s written some of my favourite songs from the last year. Literally.
And whatever you may think…
It may seem like a lazy article, plonking 5 Alicia Keys songs here today, but the choice wasn’t easy. And the songs weren’t plonked, but agonizingly selected. Her music at first seems to be about pure love, but then you listen and you listen carefully. They’re songs about broken hearts and pain.
But I have found suitable first dance candidates!
After an hour of listening again to Alicia Keys classics and checking the lyrics, you have here, Alicia Key’s Top 5 Songs for a Wedding First Dance.
1. Unthinkable
2. No One
3. Unbreakable
4. Looking For Paradise
5. If I Ain’t Got You
Hope you enjoyed reading the article as much as I did writing it! So sign up to the mailing list if you want more articles like this sent to your inbox every week!
London Brides! Do You Have A Date With The London Docks Wedding Fair on June 9th?
Posted on | May 31, 2011 | Add a comment
If you’re planning a London wedding, you may want to get take note of The London Docks Wedding Fair on June 9th.
The London Docks Wedding Fair will be in one of central London’s most serene secret locations. If you’ve ever had the chance of visiting St Katherine’s Docks, you’ll will agree it’s a little oasis in the middle of a city. The views never get old. It’s absolutely stunning, sitting on the north side of Tower Bridge in its own little world.
A Charmer In The City
You got a marina with boats and yachts, and when I’m talking about boats, I’m talking about those old Jack Sparrow ones like in Pirates of the Caribbean sitting right next to those modern ones. It’s seriously different from anything you’ll get in the heart of the capital, and the Dickens Inn is a multi-story eatery, with a rustic charm, and plenty of space.
So the Dicken’s Inn is making use of their perfect location as they host a wedding fair, presenting themselves as a prime venue for food and entertainment.
Admission is free, and it’s from 6pm-9pm on Thursday 9th June.
Visit here for more information: www.thelondondocksweddingfair.co.uk
Keeping in the theme of weddings, tomorrow in the next article, I’ll be presenting, Alicia Keys Top 5 Songs For The Wedding First Dance. Don’t ask why Alicia Keys? Ask, why not?
Why People Consider The Letterpressed Invitation A Chic Alternative To Print? I ask Artcadia
Posted on | May 30, 2011 | 4 Comments
Last week, I got to ask print designer Vici-Jane of the Artcadia duo about their stationary, their beautiful letterpress technique, and why the letterpressed invitation is becoming an alternative to traditional printing styles? So if you’re looking for a unique wedding invitation, you’ll love this Q&A.
What sort of people ask for your custom letterpress invitations?
“It seems to be very design savvy people who enquire about letterpress. It does seem to be very ‘fashionable’ right now, whether used for posters, artwork or business cards.”
What is it about letterpressed invitations that people love so much?
“Modern letterpress printing went huge a few years back in the States and has dribbled into the UK since, it now seems to have exploded and everyone’s talking about it.
“Any old school printer would be appalled by the modern letterpress deboss effect. As traditionally, it would be considered poor printing technique to push into the paper. However, it seems to be the very tactile, deep impression which people find so endearing. It adds another dimension to print. I personally find the little imperfections very charming; each item is unique and looks hand crafted.
What got you and Richard into letterpressing?
“In later life when I ventured into design and print, I drew inspiration from the methods, style and format of antique printing. I especially love vintage typographic styles. Richard loves collecting presses and restoring them, so it’s treat for both of us!
“My first experience of letterpress printing was at Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire, during a school trip, aged 11. The town printers use antique presses to produce authentic Victorian posters and literature.
How differently do you design letterpressed invitations than you do invitations using other printed methods?
“We don’t find letterpress design restrictive, although we like to keep design simple and let the tactile finish and quality cards and papers do the talking. Our letterpresss designs tend to be only one or two colour, as each colour is a new print run, so hugely timely and costly. With digital printing, there are no limits for colour or intricacy, so both methods have their pros and cons.”
How are you able to come up with a myriad of different designs? (not just letterpress, eg, the manilla, the carnival, nautical)
“I have no idea. I’m often envious of other designers who have a look or style, which is instantly recognisable. All of our designs are completely different. I think this is a reflection on us, and the way we respond to our customers. We give the people what they want and hold back on our own style.
Have you got a favourite letterpress project? And if so, would you kindly to say a little about it?
“Our personal favourite is our very first letterpress range, which we called ‘first off the press’. Its type set using antique font, printed in gold onto royal blue, recycled, rough, cotton card. We teamed this with a recycled manilla envelope, which we also letterpressed. It’s simple and beautiful.”
I like your ethical approach. How does having an ethical business affect your designs and the design process?
“It’s difficult to claim that a wedding stationary company is ethical, as it’s such an oxymoron. The materials and print methods we use reduce any environmental impact considerably. We also encourage customers where possible to use websites and email as a means to communicate their wedding plans.
“Artcadia certainly doesn’t suffer for using eco-friendly materials as a) they look fantastic and b) they couldn’t be better for letterpress printing. Our letterpress cards are made from 100% recycled cotton. We don’t buy from producers in India or China either; we stick to UK paper mills.
How much time before an event do you think people should start getting their letterpress invitations ready?
“We’re already starting design work for 2013 weddings! I think couples get very excited and eager. Richard and I left ours ‘til 4 weeks before the wedding, which we certainly wouldn’t recommend to anyone!
“A happy medium would be 6 months ahead. Ideally wedding invitations should go out 3 months ahead of the wedding. If you have a lot of family/friends traveling from abroad, you may want to extend that, so people can make arrangements for travel and accommodation.
Do people have to visit you to hire your design services, or can it be done via phone and email?
“We work with 99% of our clients via email and phone. PDF proof sheets are sent via email and we can post samples and swatches, to those who like to see things on paper.”
Lastly, I love the name Artcadia by the way. How did the name come about?
Ah, well it wasn’t especially well thought out. Artcadia began as a design and print outfit, as we’re based in an idyllic rural setting we played with the word arcadia.”
How can we find you?
Through the Artcadia website here: www.artcadia.co.uk
And you can view their letterpress designs here. www.artcadia.co.uk/#!__letterpress
2011 Chelsea Flower Show’s Bonsai Inspiration
Posted on | May 26, 2011 | 1 Comment
Guess what I found?
In fact, it’s that time of year again. Green-fingered men and women get lots of BBC TV-time admiring and talking about gardens and stuff, turning nature into art.
And if like me, you’re not green-fingered, you maybe thinking, so what’s a gardening show got to do with anything? This is meant to be an event planning, party idea blog!
Something a little different
Well. If you’re looking for a quirky alternative to flower arrangements for whatever the event or occasion, The Chelsea Flower Show lays bare to a selection of delectable bonsai. They look gorgeous.
And bonsai is?
Bonsai means ‘a little tree’. In fact, Jon Ardle, the Technical Editor of The Garden says it better:
“Bonsai is an art, and nowhere is this more obvious than at Chelsea, where utterly convincing images of full-size forest trees are brought down to the scale of a few feet, and in some cases a few inches.”
So when could you use them?
Normally you don’t see shrubbery as a centre piece of any table really, but it’s quite an idea for consideration. Like I said, it’s a bit quirky, but they do look absolutely fabulous.
This is the article that started me off: Chelsea Beautiful Bonsai
And assuming you don’t have years to make your own one, you can always purchase one, or two, or a few. If you have no idea where to find them, try Heron Bonsai, Surrey, UK.
The Kate Moss 3-Day Party Idea
Posted on | May 24, 2011 | 2 Comments
British supermodel Kate Moss could be spinning her wedding into a three-day festival. And if it’s true, why not? It is a celebratory affair. But how would it work? How would you keep your guests in party mode for three days? Well, you could just invite party people only, but the clue is in the detail.
Festivals
I don’t know about you, but seeing as Kate Moss is marrying a rocker, her three day festival conjures up something akin to Glastonbury; mud, tents and rain, oh and great music, and yes, the great outdoors! But people do that right? They endure the hard-up camping life and the exorbitant food-prices to catch a back-to-back lineup of their favourite bands playing their favourite songs from the last year.
But 1 day of planning can take months? How much more 3 days?
Yeah. Planning a 1 day party can feel like more than enough work, let alone 2 or 3 day extravaganzas. So that’s why you would need the help of event management services, just as you may hire for a wedding. They’d do all the work for you, plus they can fuse all the elements together:
- The bands
- The marquee
- The staging area
- Dance floor areas
- Lighting
- The sound system
- Staffing & Security
- Catering
- Tables, chairs and bars
- Health & Safety
- Look, design and feel
And who provides such a service?
I did find one company who do outdoor events and festivals!
If you’ve used them, let me know how it went….
But it’s okay for Kate Moss and Glastonbury! They got the money!
True. I know. You’d not just have to think about the entertainment, but the venue, the fact everybody has to be fed and watered, and then they’ll have to sleep somewhere. So, it’s pricey. But, obviously you’re saying, you don’t have to have a festival to have a 3 day party! Right!
So instead of a festival, what could you do to celebrate whatever, for 3 whole days?
Seeing that you would want to take on such a challenge, here’s a list of some I’ve come up with, and others I’ve found surfing the net.
- Have a party on a cruise
- Get booked at a beach hotel somewhere, and get everybody to bring an instrument if they can, music and food, and enjoy the sun, Bohemian-style!
- 3 days, 3 different dinners, or clubs, or concerts or all of them combined like!
- How about going to an already planned festival! And it doesn’t have to have mud, tents or rain. For a festival in July, how’s about 3 days of Prince at The North Sea Jazz Festival this year, plus, a tonne of other jazz, soul and funk acts.
- Any form of holiday-break, with emphasis on having a party! Liking skiing, or golf, mixed with entertainment.
In short
If you don’t want your party to end after a couple of hours, and you have the budget for it, don’t feel you have to settle for one day of festivities. That’s all!
Reference Article: Kate Moss’ Elaborate Wedding Plans
E&E’s Carol Black
E&E’s Editor: Gemma
