Mojitos and smiles: Laura and Joe, May 30th, 2009

Laura and Joe were a dynamic couple who had a great eye for detail and a passion for fun. Here is Joe getting ready before the ceremony and then later with the groomsmen.

Here is Laura also getting ready and then posing with the bridesmaids before the ceremony.

Laura and the ladies enjoyed a celebratory toast and then it was time for the ceremony to begin in the garden patio.

After the ceremony, for a unique twist, Laura and Joe parted the curtains and departed from the garden for a quick spin around the neighborhood while the guests participated in some group photos.

While the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, Joe and Laura finished up some photos in plenty of time to enjoy their signature cocktail - Mojitos! Yum! They even managed to get a Clemson group photo in!

The evening was completed with a color coordinated candy buffet and a sparkler send off.

Best wishes to Joe and Laura for a long and happy marriage!

Professional photos provided courtesy of Pereda Photography.

Wedding coordination provided by Ribbon Box Events.

Candy Cane Martinis - a refreshing way to spread holiday cheer!

Here's a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the holidays! The Candy Cane Martini is not only delicious but features a minty, breath freshening kick! We are offering these at our holiday parties this year. Yum!

3 parts vodka

1 part peppermint schnapps

splash of lemon/lime soda

ice

grenadine

crushed mint candies or miniature candy canes

Put ice in the martini glass to chill and then empty.

Then, dip the rim of glass in grenadine and then a saucer of crushed candies.

Meanwhile, mix vodka and peppermint schnapps with ice and shake.

Pour into martini glass.

Top with lemon lime soda.

Add a drop of grenadine - note that this will sink to the bottom for a layered look.

Garnish with a small candy cane if desired.

Enjoy with friends!

Yummy Fall Cocktail Recipe!

Here's a yummy fall cocktail recipe provided by my friend and

favorite French Quarter bartender, Tiffany! Enjoy!

CREME BRULEE MARTINI

1 1/4 oz Vanilla Vodka

1/4 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

1/4 oz Bailey's

1/4 oz Chambord

Dash of cream

Shake with ice and strain into chilled martini glass

Tiffany actually prefers it without the Chambord so try it either way! The one pictured above is garnished with caramel.

Sailing on a sea of tranquility!: June 21, 2008

Dawn's wedding this past Saturday couldn't have been lovelier as you can see by the pictures. Even a lone rain cloud passing overhead 30 minutes before the ceremony began delivered only a few scattered rain drops before beating a hasty retreat and leaving a clear sky in it's wake.

Dawn made liberal use of bright color for her day. Originally, she had selected a bright pink color for her bridesmaids dresses, candies, flowers and more. However, only one month before her wedding day, she decided to shift to a soothing turquoise to compliment her tropical theme.

• Table toppers provided by Gala Cloths accented dining tables and the cake. Taking a big chance really paid off in a fabulously cohesive and elegant look. Even more perfect, the hibiscus in the garden echoed the color of the bouquets and dresses. Inside the Providence Ballroom, a liberal use of votive candles and our lighting effects made the aqua really pop against the white.

• DJ Jim Hester with Sound Wave Entertainment, http://www.soundwavedj.com/, provided both the ceremony and reception music as well as taking these great photos. As you can see, he kept the energy high all night with dance music and fun!

• Dawn also selected a specialty cocktail to be served at the bar - Blue Paradise. Yummy! A truly refreshing beverage. See below for the recipe.

Blue Paradise

1 ounce Blue Curaco

1 ounce Rum

1.5 ounce Pineapple Juice

Shaken with ice and poured into a martini glass. Enjoy!