Stained Glass Window Inspired Cake

I saw this cake and thought it was divine.  The detail in the icing is just breath taking and would make an incredible center piece for any wedding reception.  

Image from magpiescakes.com

The use of colour also impresses me and would make it fantastic to tie in with a wedding theme along the same palette as there is such an abundance of different tones to play with.

Hats  off to Magpie cakes for this beautiful creation.

NY

Lambades

Images from
enkipo.gr &
Annie Angelopoulou

Lambades are a key part in the Greek Orthodox ceremony. They tradtitionally adorn each side of the table which holds the crown tray.  The candles symbolise the couples belief that Jesus is "the light of the world and whoever believes in shall never walk in darkness but eternal life".

That said, there are some hideous ones out there!  Now do not get disheartened when you google them from outside Greece and only come up with the classic organza bow specials. There are some beautiful options for decorating them and as long as you have a good florist, you will be fine. 

I have had problems trying to locate some images for you to prove this point, mainly due to my lack of written Greek and Sara is out of the country on business so cannot aid me in any way. I have managed to find 3 example for you to look at for the meantime and will work on some more for a follow up post.  I love the floral arrangement with the pom poms ( yes I know, I am a bit of a sucker for them) I think it gives the candles a different dimension and adds detail to the base of the candle.  Also the lambades with the calla lily is also beautiful and quite striking.

NY

A Wealth of Traditional Information

Whilst net surfing this morning I came across this wonderful blog dedicated to Greek traditions. I have just spent the best part of an hour reading through all the different and wonderful Greek wedding traditions and I must say it is definitely worth a read. There are some fascinating traditions out there (obviously differing depending on the island or area) but would be lovely to incorporate into your wedding celebrations.

Image from jupiterimages.com

My favorite one so far is the 'step on your foot' tradition and I quote: 

“During the marriage ceremony it’s a tradition that after the Gospel has been read the groom or the bride will step on each others foot. Whoever steps first will be the dominant one.” 

 Damn, if only I had known this before our wedding, I would have whipped Jubbs!

Check out the site for yourselves, there are so many wonderful traditions worth reading. http://greekweddingsandtraditions.com/tag/greek-wedding-traditions/ 

NY

Save the Date

I came across these two save the dates which were cool and I mean really, really cool.

Image from ruffledblog.com

Image from kellimurray.com

I adore the cartoon save the dates., what a great way to personalise them.  As for the 3D, just plain love it!

NY

Edible Menu

I think firstly it should be stated that these are only going to work at a wedding in Greece if they are laid out at the last minute, otherwise your guests will just be met by a melted mess.  

Image from delysia.com

That said,  how amazing are these?  Not only are they striking but the guests are in a win win situation.  These menus are informative and tasty! Just plain brilliant.  

Image from delysia.com

They are made by Delysia Chocolatier and are such a unique way to dress your table.

NY

Cakies (in a Jar!)

I came across a wonderful bog today called mycakies.blogspot.com.  I was drawn to these DIY cupcakes in a Jar which not only look divine but also look delicious. 

Image from mycakies.blogspot.com

On the blog is a complete recipe and also a step by step in photographs of how to assemble them.  She also has a lot of really cool photography on the site mixed in with different DIY projects.  Definitely worth a look at as it is visually inspiring especially for anyone who loves photography. 

Images from mycakies.blogspot.com

 I will leave you with these amazing images as I now have the urge go off to bake something, anything.   I have the need for cake.

NY

Menu Choices and Serving Options

I thought that a chat about menu choices is over due.  It is quite a hard call to make but I think the first choice to be made is if you want a buffet or table service dinner, or even a mixture of the two.  There are pros and  cons to both options depending on what kind of reception you aim to have.

Images from friends

 We went for a mixture of the two.  It was decided to serve the main bulk of the starters during the cocktail hour and for this we had a mixture of both served meze and a buffet table for those who wanted to help themselves.  I have been told by the caterer that never in the history of their wedding catering has anyone served so much food at a wedding (am not sure this is a good or a bad thing) and on the Sunday they were astounded at how much food had actually been consumed!  I am not going to lie, it does make me slightly proud that we hold the record with them for a hideous amount of food consumption!  I am surprised any of us could even dance afterwards.

For the meze we had a mixture of classic Greek, dolmades, keftedes, chicken and pork souvlaki to name a few.  Once the cocktail was over everyone was seated with bowls of olives on the table as well as houmous, pittas and melintzanoslata.  Then came the onslaught of the mains.  Spit roasted lamb, gemista, lemon roasted potatoes, gamopilafo and agkinares kokkinistes.  As you can see, it was a little excessive but it was delicious.  We opted for the classic, taverna style food as a lot of the guest came from abroad and we felt that a Greek menu was appropriate and I was delighted with the result.  It truly was mouth watering.  The main course was served to the tables although, the tables were not big enough to hold such a large amount of dishes along with all the water, wine coolers and candle holders.  But in a way it added to the atmosphere of the wedding when all the plates ended up piled onto of the coolers or on the ground next to the tables, sounds bad but was quite cool really.

Image from a friend

The desert course reverted back to buffet style with some table service.  As you all know we had mini puddings as our 'cake' so these were at the buffet table with some mizithra pancakes being made to order and an array of fresh fruit and ice cream cones!  I know, food over kill.  I just couldn't make up my mind so we had it all.  I found the mixture of buffet and table service worked really well and also enabled us to keep a handle on the time.  Buffets can lead to a disjointed dinner service if not organised well and I wanted all the guests to be eating their mains at the same time, we did over run a bit but as there was no time cap on the party it was not a deal breaker.

I think the important part of getting the menu and serving choice right is to establish what feel you want for your wedding.  Also taking into account what time limit you are on, is going to be key in deciding how you want to serve your meal.  Also what type of food and the amount will also play a key part.

NY

Some Moodboards for Inspiration - Beach Wedding

Image from agni.gr

So after my post on Sweat Water Beach in Sfakia I thought a moodboard was due showing some of my ideas for it.  Now the above image is not very wedding like but I thought it was funny so I added it.  In my mind I envisioned it as one of the first thing your guests would see whilst in the background a beautiful set up of tables and candles.  I have a certain family member who inevitably ends up stripped to his underwear in the last hours of a wedding reception so it can be quite apt!

Images from alexrodrigeuznotebook.com, spain.holiday.com, iouliastefana.gr,
daveandcharlotte.com & Wedding Magazine

I think some text is needed with this moodboard because I just have to mention the fire burning in a fishing boat.  That is awesome.  Set on the back drop of a deserted beach, it would be an amazing focal point to your beach wedding.  Also the orchid and sea urchin bouquet is divine and I think mixing the orchids with contrasting flowers such as anemones and some olive would be striking.  A simple menu and an abundance of candle would make this moodboard into beach wedding heaven.

NY

Another Book Recommendation

This book is amazing.  Now it is not a mindless read but I found it captivating.  There are wonderful twists in the story that make it gripping and I could not put it down.  It is set in Greece which makes it appropriate for this blog and also when read in the same settings makes it all the more vivid.  Well worth a read but be under no illusion, it is not a quick read.

NY 

Designer Wedding Show Part 3 (yes it is stationary ladies!)

Stationary as promised!

I am not sure if the below stationary needs much discussion as I think they speak for themselves.  I just liked them a lot!

Images from hellolucky.co.uk & sugarlily.co.uk

Images from hellolucky.com & lovelyfavours.co.uk

Images from hellolucky.co.uk & sugarlily.co.uk

Images from augustmoon.co.uk & sugarlily.co.uk

OK I do have to give one little opinion.... I love the invitation directly above this text from augustmoon.co.uk.  It is soooooo cute.

Nx

Rustic at it's best

Church on cliff in Sfakia

As I mentioned earlier I went to this lovely pebble beach in Sfakia when I was in Crete last week.  What I didn't mention was the gorgeous little church sitting atop the cliff with a 300 degree vista of the ocean.  It was magical.  Coupled with the turquoise waters of the beach this could be an amazing venue for a simple rustic wedding.  As I said in the last post, there is a small canteen on the beach which closes at around 5pm but my thoughts would be to ask whether it could stay open or if the facilities could be hired for the evening.

Sweetwater Beach

The beach is secluded and boats would have to be organised to ferry the guests to and from the area but how amazing would it be to arrive by sea in a Greek fishing boat, decorated with flowers? The meal could be barbeque style set up on the beach with simple but delicious salads. It would be awesome.  ?There is accommodation in the nearest harbour to the beach but I have not actually had a look in the hotels to be able to say how good they are.  I can say that the view from them would be amazing as they look out to sea and they are situated right next to all the tavernas.  Sfakia is also only an hour and a half away from Chania, over the White Mountains which is a beautiful drive with loads of mountain villages to stop and eat in.  It is definitely worth considering as I believe it could be a magical setting.

NY

From the Designer Wedding Show...Part 2

I came across one stand which had two designers showcasing their work.  One made beautiful bridal shoes and the other designer jewelry, both of which I liked.  I loved the detail on the heals of the shoes designed by Hetty Rose.  They were very striking and added a  little something extra to what I normally find to be quite a boring topic!  I loved the uniqueness of her work and how it could be a way to put a personal touch on your wedding outfit.

Images from hettyrose.co.uk

The jewelry designer was Kimberley Selwood.  The designs were simple but beautiful and inspired primarily by nature.  I have chosen a bracelet and necklace that I loved below for you to see but she also does earrings and rings as well as a men's range.

Images from kimberelydesigns.co.uk

Both designers had some gorgeous things at the show and are definitely worth a look.  I think part 3 will be on some cool stationary I saw.

NY

From the Designer Wedding Show...Part 1

 So I went on Friday to the Designer Wedding Show as planned and I must say, I am not sure how impressed I was with it.  Now, to be fair, it was very quiet when I went and there were no shows going on at the time, but I was not too impressed with the price of the ticket in relation to what I got to see for it.  I have a friend who is getting marries next year and was in need of some inspiration who went on Sunday and had a very different feeling about it, so take my opinion with a pinch of salt.  That said, I did rediscovered the joy of Two Birds dresses.

Image from twobirdsbridesmaids.co.uk

I remember seeing them in a magazine a while back but actually seeing them in real life took them to a whole new level for me.  They are great and so practical for a destination wedding.  Basically you buy a dress that can be worn 15 different ways which means that all your bridesmaids can wear the same colour (or not) and still be unique is awesome.   

Images from twobirdsbridesmaids.co.uk

Not only that, but they come in different styles and length and I personally love the ones with the roses on them, they are gorgeous. At the show there were 3 different shaped ladies modelling them and I was amazed at how good they looked on all of them.  They really are a very cool idea and the ease of packing them just increases their genius in my mind.

NY

Am back refreshed and raring to go!

Sfakia & Sweatwater Beach

I'm back! Refreshed and ready to write.  I was officially banned from posting anything whilst I was there by Jubbs and Sara. Now, I know I am biased when it comes to Crete but it truly is such a beautiful island and the landscape really varies.  We hired a car to drive from Chania to Sfakia, my grandmother comes from the area so we thought we would got have a look and check out a lovely beach called Sweatwaters.  Just driving over the white mountains, stopping for goats and sheep, was gorgeous but the difference in the terrain was quite awe inspiring.  Chania is a very green area, whilst Sfakia becomes a much harder landscape, dry and rocky but as you come over the mountains, the sea vista is breath taking.  Along the way there were beautiful little churches and sleepy mountain villages and along the coast line there were solitary churches on cliffs looking out over the sea.  When down at Sweatwater beach ( which is pebbled but with clear, turquoise water) I thought how awesome it would be to have a wedding there.  You have to take a water taxi to the beach and on it has a very simple canteen which serves basic food but if simple and small was what you were looking for it would be gorgeous!  I will elaborate on that idea later.

Ammos Hotel

What also became apparent on this trip was how important a stay at a well run hotel is.  We stayed at the Ammos Hotel, run by gorgeous Nikos (yes, he has been mentioned in earlier posts) and I have to say it really is my favorite hotel to date.  His team are so efficient, friendly and warm and this makes such a huge difference to a holiday.  Not only that, the hotel is situated right on the beach and has it's own taverna which serves some of the best Greek food I have eaten, needless to say I came back heavier than I left.

I am off to the designer Wedding Show today to go see what is out there for the destination bride.  I will be writing a full report of all things cool later as well as updating on places I found in Crete.

NY

Inspiring table settings

Today is all about admiring some inspiring (rhyming) and really gorgeous table settings, I have created a board incoroporating several different styles that I am loving at the moment:




Which do you like best?

Jenny Packham has done it again!!!

I wanted to share a little of the wonderous designs by Jenny Packham from her 2011 collection!

Images from weddinginspirasi.com, for more information www.jennypackham.com

I simply love the vintage inspired, beaded gowns and her use of layers of tulle, simply divine!!

The wedding planner organising her own wedding

Today I am touching on a very personal subject that I have always been fascinated by, how a planner feels when organising her own event, be it a large party or even her own wedding!

Through investigation, it seems that most planners understand the value of what another can offer them, the peace of mind, attention to detail and just to oversee the set up and clear up on the day. Clearly, I did not take my own advice and liked the fact that I was in full control of all the planning, meaning all the anxiety and expectations of the wedding fell on to my own shoulders.

Planning a wedding does take up a lot of time, I personally need time, for the idea, theme to form in my mind, think about the venue and slowly add to the set up to create what I consider the ideal set up for the specific event. This is then teamed with finding local vendors, dealing with the paperwork, sourcing all the supplies, reconfirming the vendors, reminding them 2 days before of all the details, remind them again day before, reminding the priest two and one month before the wedding. Believe me in Greece you need to be on your toes with the vendors right up to the hours before the wedding! So it goes without saying that this causes stress and takes up a lot of time in the months and days before your wedding event!


Personally the thing that got to me was the stress of guests and vendors around me, they all constantly said that my wedding must be spectacular, what I had planned must be the best ever, however I was never planning to have the best wedding ever, I was absolutely fine with fun, cool, laid back, just a good time!

The stress of living up to other people's expectations is quite immense, and this for a girl living on an island in Greece, I cannot imagine what a New York planner must feel, with hundreds of amazing vendors, venues and ideas on her doorstep, just how do you choose? I suppose a tiny destination wedding is the most advisable solution for them too!

The moral of this short post, is to believe in your vision, when my sister arrived a few days before the wedding, I put all the carefully planned elements on the table and tried to create a mock up of what was in my mind, she looked at me as if I were slightly mad, that did rock me, thankfully there was no time to reconsider and I just put it out of my mind, certain that it would look beautiful when all put together! And it did!!! Everything looked amazing! Believe in your vision, know what you want, please yourself, you cannot plead everyone else!

Mason jars.....DIY projects

Today I have been thinking about jars, as you will know Natalia used handwired jars to light up the tree lined lane leading to her chosen venue and it looked quite spectacular!!

I was thinking of what else you could use jars for and think it would make a cool theme! If you had a long engagement you could ask family and friends to save jars for you and you could then use them throughout the wedding decor!

Image by mandiecandy on etsy.com

 

For those doing an earthy centrepiece, I love the idea of adding pebbles, string and a floating candle, how cool would these look in the centre of the tables?

Image by sugarpapers on etsy.com

 

Jar shaped escort cards anyone?

Image by mandiecandy on etsy.com

 

 

Firefly jars, I think these are beautiful hanging from branches of trees or a wooden pergola!

Image from the storiesofaa2z.com

 

 

 

Yes I am afraid that all themes must now come in chandelier form as well! How cool is this??????

Image by treasureagain on etsy.com

 

Fairy lights and jars, you really can't go wrong with this combination!!!

Image from behindtheknot.com

Ditto with candles in jars en mass!

Image by leslie on etsy.com

Save the date jars, how cute are these? Slightly difficult to post, but perfect if you can hand deliver most invites!

Image from simplyperfectweddings.blogspot.com

Cocktails served in mason jars keep the theme flowing throughout the event

Image by mandiecandy on etsy.com

And finally using the jar as a vase with a single peony, hydrangea or tulip would also look incredible, loving the burlap and ribbon around the base!!