DIY :: Hexagon Photo Cake Topper

I LOVE fun and unique cake toppers. In fact, creating your own cake topper is one of the top 5 easiest DIY projects you can make for your wedding. Why? Let me tell you! It’s a big impact project that you only have to make one of; meaning all your guests will see it and it will be heavily photographed. They also make wonderful keepsakes, especially today’s idea. Although the project itself is quick and easy, you need to account for “dry time”, so plan to start the project on a Friday night and by Saturday afternoon it will be dry and ready to place on top of your delicious wedding cake!

SUPPLIES

• Color Photo Printer
• Photo Paper (Canon 8.5″ x 11″ Matte Photo Paper)
• 5″ x 3/8″ Clear Acrylic Plexiglass Hexagon
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• Paint Brush
• Scissors
• Cute photo of you and your fiancé!

SIZE + PRINT

Use your design software of choice to resize your favorite photo, so that it’s a little larger than 5″ at the widest point. Then print onto matte photo paper using your Canon TS9020… looks gorgeous right!?!

REMOVE COATING

Most pieces of acrylic plexiglass come with a protective coating on them which you need to remove, no biggie.

DISHWASHER SAFE MOD PODGE

It’s the one with the turquoise label! You’ll want to use this version of Mod Podge because you will be able to stick it right in frosting and clean it off afterwards!

Center the hexagon on your photo to see where you’d like to place it. Liberally apply Mod Podge to both the photo and one side of the hexagon. Then press the two together! Some little bubbles are ok, try to smooth and press larger bubbles away.

CRAFTERS TIP // Don’t mess, press, or smoosh the photo and acrylic around too much – if you do you could scratch the photo. If you scratch the photo, no big deal, remove it from the hexagon, reprint and start over!

LET IT DRY OVERNIGHT
For this step, since there is a lot of glue, you’ll want to let it fully dry overnight before you move onto the next step. The entire print and glue part is going to take you like 5 minutes, so you can do this any evening you have a few minutes to spare.


TRIM AWAY EXCESS
After the Mod Podge has fully dried, simply cut the extra parts of the photo away, following the line of the hexagon closely. Easy right!?

FINAL SEAL
To fully seal your photo to the plexiglass you’ll need to apply two coats of Mod Podge to the backside, with an hour of dry time in between each coat. Make sure to focus on the edge where the photo meets the plexiglass!

28 DAYS: For this project to be truly dishwasher safe, it needs to cure (or dry) for 28 days. Meaning it would be best if you could make this project 1 month before your wedding. That way when you remove it from the frosting of your cake, you can wash it off and keep it forever!

See the full post at Something Turquoise.

Vendor Spotlight :: Wendy Kromer Confections

Almost ten years ago, Wendy Kromer did my wedding cake. I lived in Sandusky, Ohio at the time and her bakery was literally two blocks away from my home. I had swooned over her cakes for so long through Martha Stewart Weddings, and I was beyond thrilled that I was able to book her for my wedding! The experience of everything when working with her was amazing. I went through a cake tasting in her Water Street bakery, and everything was so amazing that I had trouble deciding which two flavors I wanted. In the end we went with Red Velvet (my choice) and Mocha (his choice).

Ten years later, over 100 events later plus my own wedding, and her cakes are still among my all time favorites! All of her confections are impeccably beautiful, mouthwatering, and so perect you wish you didn't have to cut into them! Watch the video below to learn about Wendy and what she does, and be sure to check out her website and links below to see more of her beautiful breathtaking work!

Wedding Cake: Wendy Kromer Confections

Photo: Trejo Photography

Wedding Cake: Wendy Kromer Confections
Photos: Trejo Photography


Website: www.wendykromer.com

Instagram: @wendy_kromer_confections
Facebook: @WendyKromerConfections
Twitter: @WendyKromer
Pinterest: WendyKromer

Wendy Kromer Story from Z MEDIA on Vimeo.

Pastry Chef/Cake Designer

After a decade as a runway model in Paris & Tokyo, Wendy Kromer-Schell moved to New York City, enrolling in the Pastry Arts program at Peter Kump School of Culinary Art (now known as the Institute of Culinary Education).  There, a life-time hobby of making Desserts became a Career.

On completion of her Pastry Arts degree, Wendy worked with Colette Peters of Colette’s Cakes & Food Network fame. Shortly after, Wendy presented her first “sugar showpiece” at the 1995 Culinary Art Show in NYC, earning her a coveted 1st Place Ribbon, as well as the attention of Martha Stewart.

Since 1995 Wendy continues her work with Martha Stewart Omnimedia as Contributing Editor, producing hundreds of wedding cakes for Martha Stewart Weddings. One has also seen her decorated cookies, cakes, and other Dessert stories in Martha Stewart Living; Martha Stewart for Macy’s; numerous catalogs & TV.

In 2007, Wendy co-authored Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes (Clarkson Potter), which features over 100 of her Wedding Cake designs & recipes. Other books, magazines & TV shows featuring her work include:

• Baking with Julia
• Colin Cowie Wedding
• Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It
• Famous Chefs Fabulous Recipes
• The Lake House Cookbook
• In Style
• Woman’s Day
• Bon Appetit
• People
• Williams-Sonoma
• Oprah (TV)

In 2009, along with her custom cake business, Wendy began teaching classes in the art of cake decorating, at the Wendy Kromer Confections Academy in Sandusky, OH; as well as various hotels, resorts & cake design schools worldwide.   In 2013, Wendy teamed-up with Producers at Craftsy.com, an innovative online teaching forum, which prides itself in bringing “the best instructors in the world” to the student.

Through Craftsy alone, Wendy has tutored nearly 10,000 students worldwide.

Today, Wendy & her husband, Scott Schell, live in Sandusky, OH (Wendy’s hometown).

In conjunction with Wendy’s design studio & academy, the couple is committed to the revitalization of Sandusky, as well as the loving restoration of their 1890 Queen Anne home/Bed & Breakfast.

#SignatureSaturday :: Signature Cocktails for the Groom

Having a signature cocktail at your wedding is a great way to add personality, and you can add even more by doing "his" and "hers" selections for the signature drink. Since we're wrapping up Grooms & Gents week, here are a few of our suggestions for signature cocktails the groom is sure to love! See more suggestions for signature cocktails the groom will love at Bridal Guide Magazine.

The Inside Scoop

Ingredients:
2 oz. Jägermeister
4 oz. root beer
1 spray or 1 drop orange blossom water
1 scoop vanilla Ice cream


Directions:
Mix the Jägermeister, root beer, and orange blossom water. Top with ice cream and serve.


Created by Erin Sullivan, The Third Man, NYC
Source: Bridal Guide Magazine

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Hop, Skip and Go Naked

This cocktail will make anyone a beer drinker! It is another wonder developed by the authors of Shake. It is perfect for an outdoor summer wedding! Ingredients: summer shandy (beer), simple syrup, lemon juice and vodka.

Source: Cherry B Events

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Spiked Arnold Palmer

The classic favorite of sweet tea & lemonade, with vodka added.

Source: Mon Cheri Bridals

Celeb Wedding :: Tara Lipinski + Todd Kapostasy

Olympic figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski and sports producer Todd Kapostasy tied the knot at historic Middleton Place in Charleston, South Carolina on June 24. So romantic! See some of the beautiful pics below! See the full article at People Magazine.

How to Tie a Tie

Some grooms and groomsmen don't wear ties on a regular basis, so this may be totally new to some! Never fear, just check out tie-a-tie.net. You can find detailed instructions for several different styles, and you can purchase ties for you and your groomsmen at the same time. They have photos, diagrams and videos so you're sure to be able to tie like a pro in no time! Here's what they show for the Windsor knot...visit their website for more photos and videos!

Our Fave Groomsman Gifts of 2017

While we're on Grooms and Gents week, go check out Grooms 101. They've recently posted a listing of The 20 Best Groomsman Gifts for 2017. Here are some of our faves! See the full post at The Man Regstry and get some great ideas for what to get your groomsmen, best man and fathers!

KC Shave Co. Straight Razor Shaving Set, $39.95. Experience the luxury of a relaxing barbershop shave right in your own bathroom with KC Shave Co.’s classic Thomas Straight Razor Shaving Set. This premium gift set includes Polished Mahogany shave soap, an Omega boar bristle brush, and a shave-ready KC Shave Co. branded straight razor. This gift set is the perfect way to pamper your dad, best man or groomsmen.

Leatherette Wallet for Groomsmen, $26.95. This stylish, suede-inspired Personalized Leatherette Wallet makes a great gift for grooms and groomsmen. Available in tan, black, rawhide and dark brown, the handsome bifold-style wallet sports six slots for cards plus a cash pocket to keep essentials handy and secure. Personalize the outside of the wallet with up to three initials at no extra cost.

Bamboo BBQ Set, $49.95. Grill masters will love this Personalized Bamboo Grilling Tool Set, which is constructed of high-quality natural bamboo. The lightweight, 20-inch by 5-inch tool case, which sports a sturdy latch and a rugged carrying handle, houses your most essential grilling tools: a spatula, fork and tongs. Add a personal touch to the grilling set by engraving up to two lines of custom text on the lid of the case for no extra charge.

Bottle Opener Sunglasses, $39.95. Perfect for the lake, beach, camping trip or any impromptu get-together, you’ll be the hit of the party with these Brewsees Bottle Opener Sunglasses, which feature two stainless steel bottle openers built into the arms of the shades. Available in two styles — The Belushis (Wayfarer-style) and The Mavericks (aviator-style) — each pair of lightweight sunglasses features polarized lenses with UV400 protection, an injection acetate frame, hand-polished polycarbonate temple arms, and a lifetime guarantee.

5 Tips to Create a Memorable Engagement Proposal

This week on the blog we'll be featuring articles and photos geared towards the Grooms and Gents! We'll start at the beginning with the engagement proposal. This is the big kick off for the whole series events, so use it to set the tone for all the happiness to come!

Photo by Trejo Photography

1. Choose a Spot: Beautiful, Personal or Memorable
Choose a location for your proposal. The place you first met, a gorgeous spot you both love by the lake, or somewhere personal to you both. Location makes a huge impact on your proposal! Choose a meaningful and memorable spot.

2. Make it Personal
If she doesn't like crowds, don't do something like propose on camera at half time at a basketball game. Be sure to take into consideration what she loves, what she doesn't, and what absolutely takes her breath away. This is a huge moment that you don't want to overlook, so go the extra mile to ensure it's exactly what she's always dreamed of.

3. Make it Beautiful
Flowers, rose petals, a beautiful ring box, candles, surprises, a delicious and beautiful dessert, a gorgeous outdoor spot at sunset....make it noticeable that you went the extra mile to think of her and create something amazing for her. That is something that won't be forgotten!

Photo courtesy of Elmbrook Catering

4. Hire a Photographer
There's nothing more special than being able to look back on that moment forever. Hire a photographer to be nearby and capture the moment unbeknownst to her, then bring out the photographer afterwards for some ring shots and photos of the two of you. It's something she'll always treasure being able to look back on!

5. Enlist Help
In order to pull off the event completely as a surprise, it may take the assistance of others to handle the details! Enlist both of your friends or family, assuming they can keep the secret as well! If you want it to be perfect and don't know how to pull it off, hire a professional. We offer Engagement Proposal packages where we make all of the arrangements and set everything up for you...all you have to do is show up with your love and your ring and pop the question!

Photo by EM Event Photography

Happy Anniversary :: Adrienne + Brad

Adrienne + Brad

July 23

Adrienne + Brad had an unforgettable wedding! A Catholic church ceremony followed by a country club tented lakeside reception. Navy blue and yellow was the color scheme, and it turned out beautifully! So chic and classic and elegant! Adrienne's dress was simply breathtaking! She and her father did a polka dance that had everyone cheering. This group had so much fun throughout the day and I absolutely loved working with them! Such fun and beautiful memories! Happy Anniversary Adrienne + Brad, and best wishes for many more! 

 

#SignatureSaturday :: Whiskey Station + Pomegranate Whiskey Sour

Stations are all the rage these days for appetizers, dinners and desserts. Why not have your signature drink in the form of a station? We've used Whiskey as an example, but you could incorporate any of your favorite liquors or wines. Choose an open station with several choices, or keep it to one whiskey with one mixer.

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The Pomegranate Whiskey Sour below would be a great one to use for a station! Guests can mix their own from the pre-made syrup and lemon juice adders....

Pomegranate Whiskey Sour

INGREDIENTS

Simple Syrup:
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Cocktail:
4 ounces bourbon whiskey
2 ounces lemon juice
2 ounces pomegranate simple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Make simple syrup by heating water and granulated sugar of medium heat until all sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, add pomegranate seeds, and allow to cool completely. Run through blender and then strain through fine mesh strainer. Discard seed solid and keep the pink syrup.
To make the cocktail, combine bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and pomegranate simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Vigorously shake until well combined, about 20 seconds. Strain into a low ball ice with extra large ice cubes.

Drink recipe original post at Self Proclaimed Foodie.