.the bridal shower. .part 1.

The Bridal Shower- I’ve been dreaming of it since starting my registry. Back in July. Yes, we probably registered too early and for too many items, but this is the one time that you can ask for any and everything with the hope that maybe you will get half.

For my bridesmaids, I know that setting this up was difficult. The Maid of Honor lives in New Jersey, the shower was in Vegas. There are two Zillaz who live in Vegas but didn’t want to step on the toes of the MOH. In the end, it was more than I could have hoped for myself. The food was amazing, I had 20-some friends and extended family there… my sis and mom sent me flowers, which made me cry.

The gifts were awesome- it made me realize how well my friends do know me! I got almost all of my wine glasses, the tea infuser, the kitchen tools…. It was wonderful. After welcoming everyone, I said a few words and meant it. The weather was perfect- upper 60s and sunny, it was a Saturday afternoon. My friends could have taken their dogs and/or kids to the park and instead, they spent the afternoon with me! It was fabulous, I was touched.

My Zillaz got me an amazing gift- the Wine Enthusiast Wine Fridge! I couldn’t believe it! It was delivered right to me a few weeks back, but I didn’t know from who it was. Apparently there is a card in there, but I haven’t opened the box yet. We have NO ROOM for anything right now.

Lucky, spoiled me, I get another shower in Pennsylvania, in March.

.eat. .drink. .be merry.

There are only so many things that people will remember from your wedding- the bride’s dress and the food. Our tasting was last month and we are delighted with our menu options and our signature drinks. Our reception package included two signature drinks and we had to give them four options, which included:

Purple Haze Martini:

* 1 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
* 1 1/2 oz. Hpnotiq
* 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
* Orange rind and apple slice for garnish

Blushing Bride
1 oz peach schnapps
4 oz Champagne
1 oz grenadine syrup


Romeo and Juliet Cocktail

1.5 oz Absolut Apeach
1/2 oz Gran Marnier
1/4 oz cherry or Chambord raspberry liqueur
2 oz chilled peach juice
maraschino cherries
orange spiral

And one other drink that of blueberry vodka, pineapple, Curacao and a few other ingredients. What did we select? Well, we loved the purple haze and the mystery blue drink! Now, we just need to name them….

The food menu, sooo yummy, I can’t wait for this food:
Cocktail Hour, Passed Hors D’Oeuvers:
Tomato and Mozzarella with Basil and Olive oil on Bruschetta
Minted Mandarin Shrimp on Buttered Brioche
Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mint Sauce
Mini Beef Wellington

Two Hour Dinner, served Buffet Style:
Live Action Pasta Station:
Cheese tortellini and Penne with sauces of Bolognese and Garlic and Wine
With toppings: shrimp, grilled chicken, baby scallops, mushrooms, scallions, onions, peppers, tomatoes, parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs and fresh focaccia bread

Carving Station:
Steamship round and Roast Brest of Turkey

Mashed Potato Bar:
Red Bliss and Yukon Potatoes served with: cheddar cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized Onions, Parmesan cheese, Goat Cheese, roasted garlic, roasted pepper pesto, basil pesto, sun dried tomato pesto

Mixed greens:
Caesar Salad
Mesclun greens tossed with crumbled blue cheese, toasted pine nuts, and dried cherries with balsamic vinaigrette