It is such a pleasure to work with couples who are visibly so much in love. Working with Megan and Ryan on their wedding at The Estate House at Cypress Grove was a wonderful experience for the Michele Butler Events Team.  Here are some of the pictures that showcase just how in love this couple truly is. Congratulations Megan and Ryan and may you live happily ever after!

Vendors:

Event Site & Caterer – The Estate House at Cypress Grove & Big City Catering

Cake – Party Flavors

Hair & Makeup – Makeover Station

Décor – Lee Forrest Designs

Entertainment – DJ, Electro Magic

Photographer – Hughes Fioretti

Formalwear – Absolutely Fitting

Videographer – Dan Beckmann

Photos Courtesy of: www.hughesfioretti.com

Elements from your special event can become keepsakes for your guests. Save –the-dates, invitations, programs, menu cards, and other paper items set the tone for your event as well as keep the memory of your event alive.  When it comes to gorgeously unique designs for such items, Dragonfly Custom Designs is a leader in Central Florida! With Lindsey Luxa’s creative spirit and passion for the details of extraordinary event design inspiring her work, those who use her designs are not only satisfied, but awe inspired by the product.

Her belief, that couture invitations generate a genuine excitement in guests by making an unforgettable first impression, fuels her boundless creativity to design unique one-of-a-kind pieces.  “Couture invitations represent milestone moments whether clients are hosting a wedding, social or corporate event.  It’s about expressing the client’s vision and personal style in a truly exceptional way.”

Contact Dragonfly Custom Designs for your special event:

Website – http://dragonflycustomdesign.com

Phone – 407.521.2144 (studio)

Email – lindsey@dragonflycustomdesign.com

Couscous-Stuffed Peppers with Basil Sauce – Recipe Courtesy of  Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

Filling:

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3/4 cup couscous

1 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup dried currants

1 packed cup chopped baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 medium red bell peppers

1 medium yellow bell pepper

1 medium orange bell pepper

Hot water, as needed

Sauce:

1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup (about 4 ounces) creme fraiche

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon water

1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra, as needed

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra, as needed

Directions

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Filling: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and cumin to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan until the couscous is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes. Put the couscous in a large bowl and add the beans, currants, spinach, feta and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are combined.

Slice the tops off the peppers and remove all the ribs and seeds. If necessary, cut a very thin slice from the base to help the peppers stand up. Stuff the peppers with the filling and drizzle the tops with olive oil. Put the peppers in an 8 by 8-inch square baking dish. Fill the baking dish with 3/4-inch hot water and bake until the filling is golden and the peppers are cooked through, about 55 to 60 minutes. Cooks Note: If the filling begins to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil.)

Sauce: In a blender, combine the basil, creme fraiche, olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.

 Remove the peppers from the oven and arrange on serving plates. Spoon the sauce around the peppers and serve.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad – Courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients:

4 cups diced cooked chicken

1 rib minced celery

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, basil and almonds. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add to chicken mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill.

Strawberry, Lemon, and Basil Mimosa – Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

3/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves

Juice from 2 large lemons (about 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice)

1/2 cup agave or honey

8 medium fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed and sliced

One 750ml bottle Prosecco, chilled

1/2 cup soda water or sparkling water, chilled

Directions:

Combine the basil, lemon juice and agave in a pitcher. Using a wooden spoon, lightly crush the basil. Stir in the strawberries, Prosecco and soda water. Pour into chilled champagne glasses and serve.

Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Palms –

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/kissimmee-orlando-day-spa/relache-spa/

Experience the best of Florida in the new Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort.  Only here can you indulge in spa treatments in a setting reflective of the coastal azure colored oceans, mystical springs and serene tropical tranquility.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain –

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/spaandfitness/spa

Relax in the lap of luxury in this 24,000 square foot spa that includes 22 treatment rooms. Revel in transforming body therapies. De-stress with a soothing massage, specifically designed to enhance overall well-being, or indulge in a skin treatment or aromatherapy wrap. If you need to hurry your relaxation moments, take advantage of the spa’s tea lounge, steam room, and Jacuzzi.

Spa at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes –

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Spa/Default.htm

Take the day and retreat to the spa at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. With features like The Ritz-Carlton 40 treatment rooms, a private 4,000-square-foot heated outdoor lap pool, a Carita salon, a boutique, and a café, this spa is worthy of a full day experience.

The Woodhouse Day Spa -

http://orlando.woodhousespas.com/

Refresh in this 6,000 square foot facility dedicated to relaxation and well being. With services that include; Couples massage, Swedish massage, Deep tissue, Volcanic Stone, Vichy shower treatments, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures. As well as, Microdermabrasion, Waxing services, and Reflexology, you are sure to leave ready to take on the world!

1. Props in photos- Photography is an integral part of any special event.  Why not add some props? This can be anything from signs like “Thank You” or “Just Married” where each person in the photo holds a portion of the phrase on some type of decorated board, or it could even be something like a vintage frame that can be held by one person in the photo framing another person. The key is to think ahead and plan your photos.

2. Lace wedding cakes – Lace on wedding dresses is a huge trend so why not extend this delicate beauty to something edible.  Your cake will be elegant and delightfully delicious.

3. Mismatched bridesmaids- Having your bridesmaids in different style or color dresses isn’t anything new.  However, mismatched details make for some great photo-ops. Try mismatching the details like the shoes. Have the ladies where the same style but in different colors for an unforgettable look.

4. Hanging décor – Having crystals or even flower arrangements coming down from the ceiling transforms any event into a talk of the town.

 5. Rainbow color palate – Why choose only a couple of colors, use the rainbow! When used in a tasteful manner, having the entire rainbow be your color palate can create a very warm and festive atmosphere.

The Messy Polish – Polished bangs with these loose curls are a great juxtaposition of messy and neat while still looking put together.

Retro Waves – If vintage is your style, then this is the hairstyle for you. Give your tresses a look of 1940’s glamour with this style that will hold up in the crisper fall and winter evenings.

The Sweeping Braid – Pull your hair gently off your face with a sweeping braid. This can be used for updos as well for a bohemian detail.

Undone Up-do – Instead of a tight up-do, add some curls and loosen it up a bit. Add a flower to one side for an extra added accessory.

Side Bangs – Add some charm to a classic up-do by sweeping bangs to one side.

For reservations, more information, or to book your special event, contact Ceviche today!

Contact Information:

Ceviche Orlando

125 West Church Street

Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: (321) 281-8140

http://www.ceviche.com

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Location:  Bella Collina

Photographer:  Kristen Weaver

Décor: Petals by Design

Lighting: Get Lit Event Lighting Services

Hair & Make-Up: Luisa V

Entertainment: Gerry Williams Band

Cake: Party Flavors

Photos Courtesy of: http://www.kristenweaver.com/

Hanging Floral – Perfect for a tented event, hanging floral arrangements create an elegant look that can work with anything from an enchanted garden theme to a wonderland of beauty depending on what type of flowers and accents are used. Add some lighting into the arrangement and maybe even streaming down the lines of the tent ceiling and you create a romantic evening setting that will be the talk of your guests for years to come.

Vintage – Dainty, delicate details that are timeless and unique can bring a charming look to any event. The great thing about the vintage trend is that it usually goes along the lines of miss-matched items used for centerpieces and other décor details. Different patterns and color combinations can be found in vintage pieces that may not be available in more modern décor elements.

Rustic – For the tree-hugger at heart, rustic décor can be a fun twist on an elegant soiree. Wooden touches such as a rustic ladder for table assignments, or lanterns as a part of a table-scape create an air of rugged elegance and a natural romance.

Whimsical – A stunning event can be for the child at heart. By adding whimsical touches with color, patterns and different décor accents you invite your guests into the childlike side of your own personal style.  Whimsical touches can be subtly entwined into your décor as well, by using things like butterflies in your centerpieces, or adding details of whimsy to programs, place-cards, or menus.

Whatever you choose for your décor, make sure it represents your own style. Don’t get lost in all of the trends available to you, make sure that your event really tells your story and shows off your personality. Put a little piece of you in the elements of the décor and your event is sure to sparkle.

Mini Cranberry Meatballs – This recipe courtesy of the Southern cooking queen herself, Paula Deen is not only scrumptious, but extremely easy. It can be a fun appetizer for any fall party or as a nibbler for football Sunday.

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cranberries, or dried if fresh is unavailable
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 pounds ground round
• Sweet-Hot Dipping Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray the rack of a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray; place in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cranberries, tomato paste, mustard, oil, chipotle pepper sauce, dried oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic and egg. Add the ground round and mix together. Shape the mixture into forty 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared rack in pan. Bake until done, 15 minutes. Serve with Sweet-Hot Dipping Sauce.

Sweet-Hot Dipping Sauce:

• One 12-ounce jar red currant jelly
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 3/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced shallot
• 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the jelly, orange juice and zest, mustard, shallots, chipotle sauce and ginger. Bring the jelly mixture to a boil.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 1/2 teaspoons water; add to the jelly mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Serve warm with meatballs. Yield: 1 1/2 cups.

Spanish Chorizo, Kale and Cranberry Bean Soup – Now that the cooler temperatures have set in, have some heat come out of your kitchen with this delicious soup from Bobby Flay.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound Spanish chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound kale, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup white wine
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cranberry beans, soaked overnight

Directions

Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add chorizo and cook until lightly golden brown and fat has rendered. Remove chorizo to a paper-towel lined plate and pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery to the fat and cook until soft. Add the kale and cook until slightly wilted. Add the wine and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the beans and cooked chorizo and cook until the beans and the kale are soft, about 1 hour.