Creating a Personal Cocktail

Hello Wedding Enthusiasts!

As we all know, an essential part of making any wedding great is a kickin' cocktail hour. It gives guests a chance to unwind from the emotional high of watching you get you married by imbibing spirits and noshing on tasty finger foods!

I'm a huge fan of providing a "signature drink" during your cocktail hour because it cuts down on your bar costs but also because it's a way to honor your tastes as a couple. So how do you go about picking the perfect cocktail to represent you?

I would suggest finding a drink with a story behind it. Perhaps you're marrying somebody with a Russian heritage, and Moscow Mules are all the rage right now. Maybe you were drinking Whiskey Sours when you met, or you both have an epic love for Surly, or there is an inside joke about that time you got randy on the beach. Okay, scratch that one, maybe a personal cocktail shouldn't be too personal!

Whatever the connection, make sure your guests know why you picked this particular concoction. The best way to share is by displaying a drink menu featuring your signature cocktail and a little quip about why you chose it. "The Garden of England cocktail - Gin, Prosecco, Rosewater to celebrate Matt & Kaylee's engagement at Windsor Castle" or whatever.

When picking your signature drink, it's also a good idea to choose something with minimal ingredients, three or four max. Make sure to include them on your sign, so people understand what's in the drink and can opt out if it isn't their jam.

The best way to serve a signature drink depends on what it is. If you've chosen your favorite wine, absolutely have your service team make the rounds with glasses on trays. However, if you're going to do something that requires some mixing, you might set up a station with a bartender on hand to make them quickly and have some pre-set.

I hope that I've inspired you with a few ideas for coming up with the perfect personal cocktail. Cheers!


PHOTO CREDIT - WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS LLC

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hello wedding enthusiasts!

Today, I wanted to take the time to reminisce about a very lovely couple and their fantastic wedding at Semple Mansion. This past July, I had the opportunity to watch a year's worth of meticulous planning come to fruition! Jennifer and Matt, two of the most gracious people you will ever meet, got married at Semple Mansion.

This is one of the premiere mansion venues in the Twin Cities. Located in the heart of uptown, just off of Franklin Avenue, this gem has been a favorite among couples that want a little sophistication for their nuptials.

Semple Mansion was built in 1899 for the Semple family. It boasts the Grand Palladian Ballroom, the largest of the time period. Today, it hosts elegant traditional weddings. Couples usually get married in the Grand Foyer, then after the ceremony they head across the hall into the drawing room for cocktail hour. Finally, guests go up to the third floor for a dinner reception and dancing.

Jennifer was just a vision! Her beautiful, fit and flare dress was embellished with gorgeous beading.  Matthew looked dapper in his black suit. The two took their vows in front of windows that streamed sunlight, and ornate floral arrangements. Crystal chandeliers and handsome woodwork created the perfect simple and elegant backdrop for the ceremony.

Afterward, guests enjoyed an array of cocktails while the couple and their wedding party were whisked away for a few more pictures by the experts Bellagala Photography. When cocktails were finished, the did the Grand Entrance into the ballroom from the staircase. Then they joined their wedding party at the head table. (An interesting side note, Semple Mansion is one of the few premiere venues that allows you to bring in your own alcohol.)

Jennifer and Matt wanted to have a vintage style wedding that reflects their sophisticated style. They opted for pastels to compliment the summer season. In lieu of over the top floral arrangements, Jen wanted to keep it simple and used gold and crystal candelabras surrounded by a smattering of rose petals. Each table number was housed in an ornate frame. LED candles were set in coordinating crystal sherbet glasses to flank the centerpieces.

Three Sons Signature Cuisine provided a sumptuous three course meal. As always, their coordinated service was a joy to watch and it gets the food out very quickly! They boast a time of twenty minutes or less to serve the main course.

After dinner was finished, entertainment from Bellagala kicked off the evening with first dances. The couple and their guests danced the night away, staying until the wee morning hours before being shuttled back to the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

It was a truly spectacular wedding for a fantastic couple! I'm so happy to have been a part of it! I truly hope that I've inspired some ideas for my vintage junkies. :)

Happy planning,

Marissa Partridge












VENDOR CREDITS: SEMPLE MANSION, HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, BELLAGALA FLORAL, BELLAGALA PHOTOGRAPHY, BELLAGALA ENTERTAINMENT (DJ), BELLAGALA EVENT PLANNING*, THREE SONS SIGNATURE CUISINE, DAVID'S BRIDAL, SAVVI FORMALWEAR

*Wonderful Day Weddings LLC was contracted for hire by Bellagala to plan this event.