Rainbow Birthday Cake

Ok! So I'm not always the best at creative food-related projects. I tried those piñata cookies from Pinterest once-- Didn't quite work out. It might have had something to do with the fact that I tried to turn a cookie made with a sheep cookie-cutter into a donkey. But that's besides the point.

This little creative endeavor I am SO proud of! Back in March it was Eryn's (You know Eryn, she's the fabulous designer that I've mentioned before! Feel free to check her stuff out here!) birthday and I wanted to make her something fabulous to celebrate. I saw a picture of a crazy colorful birthday cake and about fainted-- It was perfect!

Now I'm not going to lie, this takes a lot of time and a lot of patience for someone who is not a skilled cake decorator (me), but it was so worth it! Here's my step-by-step instructions if you want to make your own :)

You'll need:

• 2 boxes of cake mix
• 4 containers of icing (3 have to be vanilla)
• Food coloring
• 6 sandwich-sized plastic bags or icing bags
• Star decorating tip (any size, depends on how large you wants the stars)

1. Bake 2 (2-layer) cakes, any cakes, per the instructions. You'll want to have 4 layers total when you are finished. Of course you can use less to make a smaller cake but 4 (8 inch) layers will give you the size above. I chose to mix it up and used both chocolate and funfetti!
   
   
   
   
   
2. After the cakes are done cooling, level them. You can do this using a knife (which never works out well for me) or this fun leveling tool. This will make them sit flat when you stack them and you will have cake pieces to snack on!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Stack the 4 layers, putting icing in between each as you go. Do your best to make sure the cake edges are even with each other. If you have any small holes from the cake sticking to the pan, don't worry-- Just patch them up with icing!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Use the vanilla icing and food coloring to mix whichever colors you want for the stars. You will need about 1/2 of a standard sized icing container for each color. I used the neon food coloring that you can find in the baking isle to get the 6 bright colors!
   
   
   
   
   
5. When finished mixing, put your icing into the icing bags with the star tip. You will probably need to refrigerate the bags for about 20 minutes to stiffen the icing a little.
   
   
6. Start icing with the first 2 colors! I chose to do 2 colors at a time, to prevent having to rotate between all 6 bags at once (and I only had 2 star tips of the same size). I simply started with one star of each color next to one another and left an adequate space to fill in the other 4 colors between each of the sets.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Repeat with all colors.
   
   
   
   
   
8. After using all of the colors, go back and fill in any spaces with a random color. You'll especially need to do this on top. I way underestimated how many of each color to put on the top of the cake the first time around. Filling in spaces will also make the cake color look random, as opposed to a pattern.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Cut & enjoy!

Happy Friday :)

Original Wedding: Erica & Nick

I've known Erica since high school. If I remember correctly, it was the first day of sophomore year that we really became friends, after getting lost together in the confusing science hallway trying to make our way to class. Fast forward a few weeks and we found ourselves as lab partners... lab partners who couldn't even boil water without turning it blue and making a scene. To this day I can STILL picture our teacher sternly telling us to "back away" as he disposed of the water!

Throughout getting to know Erica, I also got to know Nick and their relationship. Erica and I rode the same bus, my high school boyfriend and I went on numerous double dates with the two of them and we would all get together on occasion to go bowling or attend football games. From the first time seeing them together, their chemistry was evident. While most high school relationships were on and off, theirs was consistently strong. Erica & Nick were that couple-- The couple everyone knew would get married one day. So of course when the day came that Nick proposed and Erica asked for some wedding planning help, I was THRILLED for NoLo to be a part of their big day!

April 13th couldn't have been better-- It was a gorgeous, partly sunny, 68 degree day in Gaithersburg, MD and Erica and Nick both looked stunning. The emotions were the same all around, everyone overjoyed to see such an amazing couple tying the knot. From silly pictures at the photo booth and the groomsmen sporting horse-head accessories to a BBQ menu and one of the sweetest first dances I've ever seen (maybe I'm a little biased), everything was perfectly Erica & Nick. It was such a joy to not only see everything come together, but to see the love that the two of them share.

Erica & Nick-- Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for including me in your wedding day. Not only as a friend, but for trusting me as a wedding professional. The two of you are rock stars and I know you'll have one of the happiest marriages that a couple could ask for!

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

Love the silliness!

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

*This imagine provided by Gobrail Photograhy

Venue & Catering: Smokey Glen

Coordinator: NoLo Weddings & Events

Photographer: Gobrail Photography *

DJ: Mixing Maryland

Photobooth: Prop Stop

I'm Baaaaaaack!

What a whirlwind April was for me! My blog took a spot on the back burner with everything else going on but, man was it a great month! Josh and I were married on April 20th (more on that later) and spent a relaxing 8 nights in the Caribbean, but the weekend right before I had a wedding and an open house to do for NoLo so I spent the majority of April planning for all 4 events!

Erica & Nick's wedding will be up on the blog tomorrow, but in the meantime I just felt it necessary to do a quick post so that you all know I'll be picking things back up :)

And here's a preview of what's to come tomorrow!

Truckin 4 Troops - An Amazing Organization

First of all, I apologize for my lack of blog posts the last couple of weeks. We're getting down to the wire with wedding finalizing, and the ladies trip to Florida this weekend, and the little free time I've had has been devoted to spending time with my friends and family. However, I have been collecting stockpiling great blogging material so there will be some excellent upcoming blog posts once I get back on track. Everything from wedding invitations and projects to a STELLAR birthday cake that I'm incredibly proud of. Let that be your teaser!

Anywho-- Before I leave for a sun-filled weekend in Daytona, I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you all about an AWESOME organization that was brought to my attention this past week.

As many of you may know, I have a part-time job at an event venue, mainly handling their websites, social media, fundraising and event marketing. This past week, Scott Mallary, the founder of Truckin 4 Troops, came in to set up a bull & shrimp feast to raise money for one of their projects and my heart has been so warmed by this foundation. 

Truckin 4 Troops has been helping our military's veterans since 2010. What started as an effort to raise money for veterans turned into working with wounded warriors from Walter Reed and took on a life of it's own. Currently, Truckin 4 Troops provides transportation to wounded veterans, including quad and triple amputees. Their latest project (and what their bull & shrimp feast is raising money for) is the Land 4 Heroes Project. They are working towards purchasing property in Maryland for 4 of the wounded warriors and their families, who would like to remain close to Walter Reed. When the project is complete, each family will have a house on their own private lot in a small community.

Seriously, what an amazing organization! Scott and his family have spent so much time with these guys and their families and his dedication shines through every time he speaks about his foundation. If you'd like, you can visit their website here or "like" their Facebook page here to learn more about what they do. 

And here's the flyer for their bull & shrimp feast if you are interested in attending. 100% of Truckin 4 Troops' proceeds go towards the Land 4 Heroes Project!

I'm so thankful that there are people in this world so passionate about helping others :)

Barn Wedding Venue-- Open House

I'm SO excited to announce that Mathwig Estate will be hosting an open house for their gorgeous event barn in Thurmont, Maryland!! I'm even more excited that NoLo gets to be a part of it!

Now, I might be a tad bit bias since my own wedding will be taking place at the barn, but it really is a great space and Taylor is absolutely wonderful to work with. 

If you are looking for a barn venue, you'll definitely want to check out Mathwig Estate. The open house is going to be on Sunday, April 14th from 1pm to 4pm. You'll be able to see the barn, talk to vendors and ask Taylor questions. 

I will also be there with information on NoLo so if you are already a bride at Mathwig and looking for an event planner, a prospective bride or just want to say hi, please stop by-- I'd love to chat!

Here's the flyer :)

Ceremony Planning

The wedding ceremony-- The single most important part of the wedding day and the one thing that I had the hardest time with!

I'm not sure exactly why I had such a hard time with the ceremony. Josh and I had an idea of the wording we wanted and the things we wanted to incorporate but when it came down to it I guess there were just SO many readings and parts to choose from that it seemed overwhelming. Luckily, the person performing our ceremony sent over a typical ceremony which helped to get us started and I found a fabulous book!

There are tons of different types of wedding ceremonies, none right or wrong. What Josh and I wanted was a short and sweet ceremony that talked a lot about the commitment we were making. We definitely wanted a Christian ceremony and it was important to us to have prayers and readings but we really wanted the focus to be on the importance of marriage and our love for one another. That was the easy part. The hard part was deciding exactly which readings and vows and all of the specific wording.

That's were "The Wedding Ceremony Planner" comes in. If you are having a hard time with the specific wording of your wedding ceremony, definitely check it out of your local library! I'm so glad I did. Josh and I spent a couple of days going through it, bookmarking pages, and everything came together so well! We are thrilled with our ceremony and can't wait to share it with all of our family and friends :)

Don't Forget to Invite Mickey & Minnie!

As you may (or may not) know, I am a HUGE fan of Disney. That being said, when I heard that you could mail Mickey & Minnie a wedding invitation, I was game. So I gathered up all of my invitation supplies and made sure to make a couple of extra.

My invitation to Mr. & Mrs. Mouse went out a couple of weeks ago, and although I have not heard back yet, I will be sure to tell you when I do! (From some online research it seems that you get a congratulatory package in the mail, complete with "Just Married" buttons!)

If you want to mail your own invitation to them, here is the address:

The Magic Kingdom
C/O Mickey and Minnie Mouse
1675 N. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

You can also mail it to them at Disneyland. (I chose Florida because although I've been to both, I've grown up going to Disney World!)

Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California 91521

But wait... there's more. You can also mail an invitation to Cinderella and Prince Charming for another package of Disney gifts!

Cinderella and Prince Charming
The Magic Kingdom
1675 N. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Fingers crossed I get a present in the mail soon :)

Happy Wednesday!

Purple Friday

I'm not sure that I've expressed this via my blog yet, but I am an AVID Ravens fan. I've spent my entire life living within 20 minutes of Baltimore and followed in my dad's football loving footsteps long ago. That being said, I am obviously PSYCHED to see them going to another Super Bowl!

In honor of Purple Friday, I thought I'd share a little video for my fellow Raven's fans. Bonus-- The girl in the video is a seagull (just another reason to love the fact that I graduated from Salisbury University)! And even if you are not rooting for the Raven's, you have to admit they did an excellent job!

Here is their video from the last game!

Happy Purple Friday!

Quick Saving Tips

Let's be honest-- Most brides look for ways to save money on their wedding day. I'm not saying everyone does. I know there are brides who have a never ending budget and I know there are brides who simply don't want the hassle of finding deals or figuring out ways to save money. But for the most part, I think we're all on the same page.

For those who are looking for quick and simple ways to save money, I've put a small list together, because who doesn't like quick and simple?! Ideally, these ideas should help you save a little money with any guest count and without having to DIY everything or cut out items that you really want!

• Wedding Cake-- For the most part, your wedding cake is priced out based on your guest count. However, EVERY guest does not eat an entire piece of cake. You are going to have those that don't want cake and couples that share a slice. Instead of having the cake made for your entire guest count, cut it down a bit. If you are expecting 150 people, order a cake for 125. You could save $100 or more, depending on your cost per slice!

• Invitations-- If you can design your own, or know someone who can, design them and upload them to a site like 123Print. You can print 100 invitations for under $100 which sure beats $3.50 or more per person. And 123Print ALWAYS has coupons!

• Alcohol-- Ask if you can provide your own bar. You'll still pay for a bartender but you'll be able to control exactly what is available and how much of it to purchase. This way, if only half of your guests are drinkers, you don't have to pay per person for a bar that won't be used.

• Postage-- If it's an alternative that would work for your family and friends, use an online reply. It will cut your postage expense in half because you won't have to pre-stamp response card envelopes!

• Flowers-- If possible, use flowers that are in season. If you have your heart set on a specific flower that isn't in season, see if you can order them wholesale and get the girls together to make centerpieces. Your bouquets you might still want to have a professional do, but if you are not doing anything elaborate for you centerpiece you can save $25 or more per table by doing them yourself!

Just a few tips for your Thursday!

My Personal Invitation Etiquette Tips

I'm finally finished. All 170 envelopes are addressed and stamped. Whew.

Addressing invitations isn't easy. Especially if your guest list is anything like mine with the married couples, unmarried couples, singles who are allowed dates, families with children... the list goes on and on. During the last couple of weeks I've found myself searching how to address this and what to do about that, but all I could seem to find were blog posts and websites detailing the same information over and over. I know traditional invitation etiquette, but let's face it-- Today's weddings are not all traditional. Going into it, I thought I knew everything that I would need but sure enough, every so many envelopes I had a question that couldn't be answered by typical etiquette. And I'll be honest, I didn't follow all of the "rules" anyways, but I did look to the traditional rules as guidelines for how I wanted our invitations to look because although I want them to be original and fun, I also wanted them to maintain some sort of formality.

That being said, I wanted to go over some of the main questions I had along the way (the ones that I couldn't really find answers to) and share with you the decisions I ended up making. They are not rules by any means, but hopefully it will help those brides in the same situations as me! If you are looking for all of the standard rules to addressing your wedding invitations, you won't find them in this post, but trust me-- There are plenty of blog posts out there to help you out! Again, keep in mind that our invitations are not formal so I did break some rules.

• My invitation does not include an inner envelope, how do I address an invitation to a single person who is allowed a guest? I thought about this one long and hard. Most of the answers I came across simply suggested including "and guest" on the outer envelope, and although nothing is wrong with that for an informal invite, that just wasn't the route that I wanted to take. I ended up including a little card in the invitations of those who are single and invited to bring a guest. It's a business card- sized insert that simply reads "Please feel free to bring a guest!".

• My invitation does not include an inner envelope, how do I include children? For families with children I simply included the children's names underneath of their parents on the outer envelope. We also have a children's meal option on the RSVP card. 

• I really don't want to hand-write my address 85 times on the RSVP card envelopes, do I have other options? I wanted the addresses on my invitations to be hand written. Hands down. But what I later realized was that I was also going to have to address another 85 envelopes to myself and this I wasn't as pressed on. However, I didn't want address labels on them either because that wouldn't match the look I was going for. Enter a self-inking stamp. I ordered a personalized self-inking stamp (for a mere $25) from an Etsy shop that matched the look and feel of my invitations. It looks spectacular and matches wonderfully!

• I also don't want to hand write my return address 85 times on the backs of the invitations. My stamp came in handy again for this one! I used the same stamp that I used to address the RSVP cards and simple placed it on the back flap of the invitations.

• My hand writing is not going to work, but a calligrapher doesn't fit into my budget, what now? Cheat! Okay so maybe it's not really cheating, but what I did is definitely a short-cut. I traced every single address and they look fabulous, if I may say so myself, so it was worth the extra effort!

Here's the cute little stamp I ordered for the RSVP cards and return addresses. So happy I found it!

Wondering what my final result looked like? I'll be doing a more detailed post of my actual invitations sometime next month!