Now that you a have an idea about a few of the wines that are available, what foods should you pair with them?

I have chosen the more popular foods and the wines that pair well.  This is a very basic list.  Keep in mind; it is not just the food that determines the wine, but the sauce and the seasonings used when cooking the food as well.     

Riesling-Chicken, fish, and pork

Gewurztraminer- Asian food, pork, and sausages

Chardonnay- Fish and chicken

Sauvignon Blanc- Poultry, seafood, and salads

Muscat- Desserts

Pinot Grigio-seafood

Chenin Blanc- Spicy Asian foods, deserts, pork

Pinot Noir- Chicken, lamb, and salmon

Merlot- Lams, steak, veal

Zinfandel- Pasta in tomato sauces, pizza, or meat

Cabernet Sauvignon- Red meats

Syrah- Beef, steak, stew, wild game

A great website is winewebcentral.com.  Choose your meat, seafood, or shellfish, and/or seasoning, and they give you the good, better, and best wine to go with your meal!

Thank you Tasting Wine, AllRecipes and wine country getaways for your assistance.

Creative Edge Floral Design

The package includes fresh roses and miniature callas in your color choice.  You get:

• Brides Bouquet
• 3 Attendant Bouquets
• Grooms Boutonniere
• 3 Groomsmen Boutonnieres
• 2 Corsages
• 2 Additional Boutonnieres
• 10 Centerpieces in clear 4×4 square glass vases
• Rose Petals

To enter, simply email Creative Edge Floral Design at: contest@ceflorals.com the following information:

1. Your Name
2. Address
3. Telephone Number
4. Email Address
5. Wedding Date
6. Ceremony Location
7. Reception Location
8. How did you hear about the contest

ALL entries must be received by Valentines Day 2010.  One entry per couple.  The winner will be chosen on or about March 12, 2010.

Good Luck!

Happy Planning!

Make-up Artist, Nyke Green of Devine Crea8ions, a few questions to help you make sure that you look your best on the day of your wedding to event.  Read our Q & A session below to get advice from an expert.

HAEP: What made you decide to become a Make-up Artist?
Nyke: Well, I actually got interested in hair when I was 13 years old. My mom came home and I had put on my own relaxer. I didn’t know if she was going to kill me or not but that was the first risk I took and it paid off .  Ever since then I worked at it, cutting my hair and working it into different styles. Makeup came later on in life in 2001. I was fascinated with a makeup line that did a trial makeover on me and I was in love with it from then on and now I work for that company . . . Smile.

HAEP: When looking to hire a Make-up Artist, what should someone look for?
Nyke: Someone should look for professionalism, creativity and the ability to listen and execute the client’s needs.  It is important supply not only what the client wants but also what she needs.

HAEP: What services do you provide? 
Nyke: I provide all types of makeup applications such as traditional and airbrush makeup as well as body airbrushing, eyelash enhancement and skincare products.

HAEP: Can you explain what Airbrush Make-up is?
Nyke: Airbrush makeup is makeup that is specially formulated to be applied to the face using an airbrush system or with the proper mixing cream. You can apply foundation, blush, eye shadow, and mascara using the Airbrush makeup system. It provides the face with flawless beauty. We all feel better when we know we look good. Airbrush makeup will make you look and feel great.

HAEP: Would you suggest the Traditional application of makeup or Airbrush Make-up?
Nyke: I would definitely suggest the airbrush makeup application

HAEP: Why?
Nyke: Airbrush makeup applications cover and last all day long. One application in the morning is all it takes to have a beautiful face for weddings, proms, and special occasions. The airbrush makeup is waterproof and will not smudge with light touching. The seamless matte finish of Airbrush make-up will last for up to 16 hours of wear, and you won’t even need a single touch-up.

HAEP: What sets Divine Crea8ions apart from other Make-up Studios?
Nyke: I always try to be the best that I can be at anything I do.  What sets my business apart from others in the fact that I am a consumer so I look at the way I’ve been treated whether good or bad.  I go over and above to make my clients happy with my services.  I incorporate different ideas and things that others don’t do in order to get my name to stand out.  At the end of the day I want people to remember Divine Cre8ions as a great business that spoils its clients and will go over and above for them.

HAEP: What is one beauty tip that you would like to share with our bloggers? 
Nyke: People always think that you have to buy name brand makeup in order for it to work better.  It’s not always about the name.  Some of the more reasonably priced makeup companies have great makeup but for a more cost efficient price.  My favorite mascara is Maybelline…yes the green and pink tube.  The mascara brush is small and it helps me reach all of my lashes evenly. 

HAEP: What is your favorite thing about being a Make-up Artist?
Nyke: My favorite thing about being a makeup artist is the fact that I get to work with different people all the time.   I like the fact that I can “think outside the box” and be creative.  There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think about what look I can create or what new event I can have to spark the interest of my business.

HAEP: What products do you use?
Nyke: I use a lot of different products because there is not a line out there that has everything I want or need so I use a little bit of several product lines.

HAEP: What formal training have you had?
Nyke: As far as formal training, I am a licensed cosmetologist.  I’m also certified in Airbrush Makeup Artistry and I take continuing education classes on a regular basis.

HAEP: How can our bloggers contact you?
Nyke: Anyone interested can contact me at 832.724.1769 or www.divinecre8ions.com.  I have a fan page on Facebook (Divine Cre8ions) and on twitter (divinecre8ions1).

I went to a networking meeting a couple of weeks ago and at one point, a mini session was offered on wine tasting as well as pairing. Wine is offered at many events and I am sure I am not the only one that wonders…..”What wine goes with that entrée? “What types of wines are available?” These and many other questions prompted me to write a few blogs about wine. This will be Part 1 of a 3 part series.

What types of wine are available? There are several types of wine available, too many to list here. Below are a few of the popular types of Red and Whites.

Rieslingfruity flavor, light body
Gewürztraminerfruity flavor, medium body
ChardonnayCitrus flavor, allspice, medium to heavy body
Sauvignon Blanccan be herbal, fruity, or smoky, light to medium body
Muscatsweet wine,
Pinot Grigiocan be lemony, almonds, pears, vanilla, light body
Chenin Blanchoney, grass, cantaloupe, light body

Happy Planning!

The Bright Side Project  is a wonderful Blog, written by two friends, Miss B. and Miss K. It is wonderful site that helps to bring a ray of sunshine into your day. Their Mission is: …to bring you sunshine everyday with themed daily giveaways. We hope to inspire you to stop for a second and remember life is still beautiful and there is goodness in the world.”

Answer the question of the day for your chance to be the lucky winner of a fabulous product!

Thank you Miss B. and Miss K. for providing this wonderful daily ray of sunshine!

Happy Planning!

Heels Above Event Planning, LLC has joined other wedding professionals and private donors in the Pink Initiative.  As we all know, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. It will affect one in eight women in their lifetime.   I have had close friends have Aunts, Grandmothers, Cousins and other family members deal with disease. 

Started by Emille Sommer, a Photographer in Maine, The Pink Initiative, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization compiled of wedding industry professionals and private donors dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education, and research for breast cancer.   

We feel that this is such an important cause and are happy to join the fight in research and finding a cure.  Look for monthly blogs regarding awareness.  In January, we will post how you can help us in the fight for this disease.

We are excited about joining the Pink Initiative in this fight.

Happy Planing!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Manji of Juliet’s Flowers.  Looking through her portfolio, I saw some amazing creations. 

No two arrangements for her events were alike which we love!  It is obvious that she loves what she does and makes sure to add extra care in making sure her clients are happy.  Below are more of her great works:

It still always amazes me what the beauty of flowers can do for a room!

We are always looking for ways to save our Clients money when it comes to planning events.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Try to locating a venue that is already ornate. You may not need decorations. The beauty of the venue may  be enough.

2. When it comes to flowers, make sure they are in season

3. Is there an event before yours? See if you can gain their contact information and maybe both of you can share in the costs of some of the vendors (i.e., flowers, music,)

4. Do you really have to have your event on a Friday or Saturday night, which is prime time? Why not a Sunday or weekday evening? Sometimes this can save as much as 50% when it comes to the venue rental and vendors.

5. Depending on the type of event you are having, why not use online invitations?

6. Try to purchase items in bulk

7. Start planning early so that you can take advantage of sales as they come about

8. Plated dinners are often times less expensive than buffets. Attendees have a tendency to eat more when there is a buffet. Extra dishes, flatware and staff are also often needed for a buffet.

9. Ask the venue if you can bring in your own liquor. Even if there is a corkage fee, often times you will still come out ahead.

10. Want to have a Photographer or Videographer, but running close to the end of your budget? Check out a Photographer or Videographer school. There are some great student Photographers and Videographers out there. Catch them while they are still students before they begin charging at least $350/hour.

Hope this helps in saving you a few dollars!