Pear and Elderberry Martini {Signature Cocktails}

After being totally entranced by the elderberry and pear martinis at The Park Hyatt party the other night, I thought I'd hunt down a recipe and share. This is such an amazing combination!

Fuzzy Devil

1/2 oz Elderberry Flower Syrup
1/2 oz  Pear Juice
1 1/2 oz Vodka

Combine everything into a martini shaker with ice and shake and serve!

A Match Made in Heaven {Food & Drink Pairings}!

Photo: Ryan Szulc Photography for BizBash

I love the trend of pairing small bites with small sips, an hor d'oeuvre with a mini cocktail. Although this isn't new to catering in DC, I love some of the pairings featured by BizBash this month!

Above is brulée cinnamon French toast with seared fois gras, ice cider gelée glazed with choice of cape gooseberry, bing cherry, blackberry, or apple coupled with Antolino Brongo Cryomalus ice cider from Kindred Spirits Catering in Toronto.

Photo: Béatrice Peltre for BizBash

I love Indian flavors so this harissa shrimp with mango dip paired with a shooter of mango lasse from East Meets West Catering in Boston is right up my alley.

Photo: Bridget Kenny for BizBash

Talk about a perfect Fall duo! Arancini de riso with butternut squash, sage, mascarpone, and brown butter pancetta vinaigrette paired with a pumpkin martini with cream liqueur, vanilla vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, and garnished with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick from Choura Events in Long Beach, California

Photo: Elizabeth Renfrow for BizBash

How gorgeous are these cocktails?! Roasted calabaza and chorizo tartlette with spiced goat cheese and candied walnut served with a “Not Hot” toddy with sparkling apple cider, Maker’s Mark bourbon, orange, lemon, fresh mint, a touch of honey, and a dash of cinnamon and clove from Creative Tastes Catering & Event Production in Miami.

Matthew Christopher at Love Couture! {Trunk Shows}

Inspired by Regency England!

 

Jane Austen Today

My bride from this past weekend's stunning wedding wore a wedding gown inspired by the Regency period. Her breathtaking gown featured an Empire waist, delicately embroidered and jeweled sleeves that didn't quite reach her elbow and layers of embellished organza (plus a 16 foot veil). Although I don't have images of her dress yet, I wanted to share a little historical wedding gown inspiration.

To finish her look, my bride carried an antique silver tussy-mussy holder filled with lily of the valley down the aisle and had a white beaded bag to hold her lipstick for later in the evening. Not to mention the white parasol she used to keep dry during the day, also a classic Regency style.

Blue Martini!

In honor of last night's always fun Blue Martini Party for the DC event industry hosted by Blue Sky Video and Chris Laich, we thought we'd post a recipe for the yummy blue cocktail.

Wordless Wednesday {Saving a Thousand Words}

photo courtesy of Robert Isacson

Wedding Etiquette Tea {The Dandelion Patch}

Indian Weddings!

We were pleased to be able to help out with the creation of the book Indian Weddings by sharing some of our past Indian weddings. We have been lucky to plan some spectacular Indian weddings at lots of stunning DC locations from The Mayflower Hotel to The Mellon to The Reagan Building to The Building Museum. We love the energy and colors and joy of Indian weddings!

Photos from one of our favorite weddings were featured in the book. Check it out at Amazon or B & N online!

Sneak Peek of Liz and Mike {Mellon Extravaganza}

Just a quick sneak peek at Christine's gorgeous wedding at The Mellon last weekend. I was lucky enough to be on-site and see the fabulous trees tucked among the ceremony chairs (a la Kate and William, though our brides had the idea way before the royal wedding). And her wedding gown from Love Couture Bridal-- ooh, la la!

 More images from Douglas Benedict Photography to come!  Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

MadeUpArt by Noor Kazoun {Vendor Love}

Photo by Holland Photo Arts

Today I wanted to showcase a supremely talented DC make-up artist: Nour Kazoun. Nour did the makeup for our end-of summer party and, as you can see, she made us all look better than we ever have before.  Nour has such a way of making everyone she touches look sexy and glamorous, and I have never seen anyone do eyes the way she does.

 Photo by Julia Clark MacInnis

We love Nour! Not only does Nour make our brides look stunning, she is so lovely to work with and be around on the wedding day.  Check out more of her amazing work on her website and Facebook page!