Me like Cookies

Cookies were served as a late night sweet treat in June 2012

It looks like Cookie Monster is helping set a trend for the 2013 wedding season. Cookies are set to be cropping up at weddings next year for favours and desserts.

Entering the wedding circuit in 2011, cookies made an impact, but weren't as popular as cupcakes, cake pops, candy buffets and even pies. But if you or your hubs-to-be is a cookie monster, then you'll be happy to know the cookie is here for 2013!

Sugar cookies can be decorated any way you like, and can also be packaged in a variety of different sizes and shapes - making for a unique and personalized favour or treat.

Two of my clients last year had cookies for their guest takeaway. Giving an edible favour is a great idea because everyone always likes something to eat. Most times the edible favours will be eaten or taken home so you know you've spend your money well, unlike some of the other offerings like candles, soap or picture frames.

Angie & Serge had Cupcake Diner make them themed cookies
for their May wedding.

Natalie & Jason gave a simple sugar cookie for their
June 2012 wedding.

If you want to have cookies at your wedding, just remember that you don't have to go with the decorated sugar cookie. You can pick your favourite from your childhood, or choose one because you like the name (i.e: snickerdoodle) or ask a Grandma or Aunt to bake their signature cookie for you.
There are so many options! Also, think outside the box on how to serve your cookie(s) if you're not having them as a favour, but as a sweet treat. Will you serve it with milk? Hot chocolate?

Photo from Postcards & Pretties

What do you think about this 2013 wedding trend? Do you like cookies?

Congratulations Brooke & Richard!

After assisting Brooke & Richard  in planning their wedding in just a week shy of a year, it was so awesome to have seen it all come together fabulously on the 29th of September. Tying the knot on a beautiful fall day, these two love birds were surrounded by family and friends and had a fabulous party!

Going with a rustic chic theme, we incorporated twine, homemade wooden boxes for the centrepieces, hydrangeas, kale, mason jars, lanterns, twine and crates. Using the love bird theme to bring it all together, you could spot them ontop their cake, on the menus, gift table, bunting and even with the favour as they were heart shaped birdseed ornaments.

Here are some photos from Brooke & Richard's wedding day....

Photography: Unveil Photography

Venue: Paris Grand Golf & Country

Flowers: Designs by Law

Cake/Cupcakes: This Chick Makes Cakes

Full Planning & Styling: The Bride's Butler

Officiant: Kettle Creek Weddings

DJ: Pynx Productions

Photo Booth: Golden Horseshoe Photo Booth

Make-Up & Hair: Gibson Glamour

Congrats Natalie & Jason!

I am beyond excited to be coordinating the wedding of Natalie & Jason tomorrow!

Natalie is the owner of Cupcake Diner, Canada's first mobile cupcake shoppe. She's not only a local celebrity here in Hamilton, but she's also one of our favourite Friendors, so it's obvious why I'm super pumped about their big day!

Since 2010, Natalie has been planning her wedding to Jason and has a ton of fine details.
From an outdoor ceremony complete with a rose petal aisle, to honey & sugar sticks for tea and coffee, to homemade cookies for the favours - this gal has thought of a bunch of little things to bring together her event in a big way. It's always a joy to hear about how couples are incorporating their personalities, styles and ideas of romance into their wedding day.

Stay tuned to the blog for a recap post or two about Nat & Jay's wedding. You'll also be able to see it featured in an up-coming edition of the Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine!

Good things come in three's...

Wedding Trend Alert!

I've seen it on blogs, I've heard about it from clients, and now I think it's official to say that Trio Cakes are in for 2012.

Many Brides don't want to forgo the traditional wedding cake for cupcakes, pies, cookies and other sweet treats, so instead, they're reinventing the way a cake is displayed.

Rather than get a tiered cake, many Brides are ordering 3 individual cakes. This option can not only offer your guests more choice regarding flavours, but it can also be less expensive. Yes, three cakes are better than one.

If you choose to keep your design and decoration simple, and the size of your cake to 6"-10" each without tiers, you can get 3 cakes for the same price, if not lower than a 3-tiered cake.

Displaying 3 cakes is more fun too! You can group them, separate them among the dessert table (or even the room) and you can place them on stands, plates or anything else that matches your theme & decor.

Check out some of these Trio Cakes...don't they look fabulous?

We invite you to contact one of our favourite Friendors, Kristy from This Chick Makes Cakes for a meeting on how you can incorporate Trio Cakes into your special day!

*Images from Google

Jenn & Stephen are getting married!

This Saturday, The Bride's Butler will be on hand to assist in Day of Coordination for Jenn & Stephen.

I met Jenn for the 1st time in person earlier this week (she lives in Alberta with her hubs-to-be) and let me just say, this gal is organized! I love it when I work with clients that have a binder full of all the proper documents, ideas and info needed to execute their special day.

Jenn & Stephen are getting married on October 15th at the beautiful and historic Scottish Rite in Hamilton. If the weather cooperates, they will have pictures taken on site and then at the legendary Hess Village. Gotta love the cobblestone, old buildings and the entrance sign to this Hamilton landmark. Their pictures will be simply wonderful, I just know it!

The reception of approximately 100 guests is being held at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Their colours and black & white with splashes of red. The red will be displayed via up-lighting provided by the HCC. Samantha, my Assistant for the day and myself are really looking forward to bringing all of Jenn's ideas and hard work to life on Saturday.

Jenn, like me is celiac, so her cake and cupcakes for her guests are coming from Sweetness Bakery. Hamilton has so many cupcake shops, but Sweetness guarantees peanut-free and provides gluten free options, which the majority of them don't. A girl always wants to have her cake and eat it too - especially on her wedding day!

We'll be sure to post some pictures from the wedding as they become available to us - but for now, here is a pic from their engagement session. What an adorable couple! We can't wait to be with them when they say "I do."

Are you a Pie Bride?

A lot of couples are opting out of having the typical wedding cake. Oftentimes the cake sits there all night as a glorified centrepiece only to be cut by the Bride & Groom and served to the guests - who most likely won't eat it. Trust me when I say, 2 out of 3 times we're packing up half if not more of your cake and sending it home with you. So, if you're a Bride who knows she can leave the cake behind and try something else, I've got good news - pies are a welcome alternative at weddings.

You can get pies in regular size, or mini...and now, even on a stick! You can also get pocket pies, which are like modern turnovers. You can offer a variety of flavours to satisfy the tastebuds of your guests and you can easily pack them up and ship them off with your guests at the end of the night so that you aren't left with all that sweetness before you jet off on your honeymoon.

Pies are more rustic than cute. They provide a certain down-home-country feel than your typical desserts like creme brule, or even cupcakes. Pies can be made openfaced or with a lattes top or with a full top and a heartshaped cutout. And you can choose your flavours depending on the what's available during the season you get married. Apple and pumpkin in the fall - peach and cherry in the summer.

Oftentimes I think that Brides know whether they are a Pie Bride or a Cake Bride (this includes cupcakes). You either like cute, fluffy, iced desserts, or you like sweet, flaky, classic desserts.

Are you a Pie Bride?

Friendor Spotlight

Cupcake Diner: Natalie Ravoi

Cupcake Diner is Canada's first Mobile Cupcake Shoppe! Since we love cupcakes, we thought we'd feature Cupcake Diner (C.C.D) as our May Friendor.

You first started with Cakes by NatalieKay. How did you know you wanted to get into the cupcake/cake business?

Baking has always been a big part of my life and over the years this passion has grown and expanded into cake design. After completing my academic career in 2009 and having great success in my part time business; cakes by NatalieKay, I decided I wanted to pursue it full time.

This Spring you introduced Cupcake Diner, Canada's first mobile Cupcake shoppe. How did this idea come to be?

I knew I didn’t want to open just another cupcake store - it had to be something different, unique and one-of-a-kind! Cupcakes are a fun, glamorous indulgence and what better way to refresh the cupcake experience than a mobile cupcake shop! I love the concept of gourmet food trucks, but they remain foreign to Canada. I wanted to change that and bring Canada’s its very first cupcake truck.

What do you think it is about Cupcakes that make them so popular?

I would have to say variety, size and their fun factor.Cupcakes come in a variety of exciting flavours and their small size makes them the perfect snack any time of the day. Cupcakes have that “it factor” that makes you feel good. And now with the Diner, cupcakes are brought to you curbside - what could be more fun than that! Oh the possibilities!

Will you have anything else available on the Cupcake Diner?

You betcha! Did you know Cupcake Diner is also home of the Whoopie Pie and Pocket Pie? Visit us at the curb to see what your treat of choice will be!

Do you have a route that you will repeat continuously, or will the truck be cropping up randomly all over the city of Hamilton?
Each week we will post (on our cupcake calendar, Facebook and Twitter), the daily stops for that week. Also, daily we will post what cupcake flavours we have on board. The Diner will have set stops throughout the city that will rotate. Also, we will be listening to requests from Cupcake City and do our best to stop where you want us to be!

Cupcake Diner is available to book for events like weddings, how do you suggest Brides & Grooms use your service?
For all events, including weddings we offer cupcake trees, cupcake buffets, fondant covered cakes and the option to have the Diner live at your event. Specifically for weddings; there are two options - either after your ceremony (receiving line) or before your reception (cocktail hour) the Diner can pull up and serve mini cupcakes to all your guests. A fun experience your guests will never forget!

How much does it cost to have the C.C.D at an event? What does it include?
There are many packages available to accommodate events of all sizes; from small intimate gatherings to large social and corporate events. Please contact us for more information and quote.

Do you accommodate to allergies, dietary restrictions?

Yes, we offer Gluten-free/Vegan cupcakes! Mmmm.....

What kinds of flavours do you have on board the Diner?

All of our cupcakes are baked fresh daily using the freshest, finest ingredients. We support local farmers, fair trade and green initiatives. We believe in good old fashion service; our cupcakes are made with care and served with a smile. We have 25 curbside flavours, plus seasonal flavours. Flavours will rotate regularly with 4-6 flavours on board daily.

Where can we find C.C.D this Spring & Summer? You can find our Diner curbside in Hamilton, Ancaster and Dundas! Also, you can come visit us at our store  in the Hamilton Farmers Market (Opening Soon), and at some of Ontario’s most popular festivals including the Burlington Sound of Music Festival and Festival of Friends.

We hope you have a lot of fun with our 1950’s inspired mobile cupcake shoppe – See you @ the curb!

Thank you Natalie for telling our readers and Cupcake City (Hamilton) all about the Cupcake Diner! We look forward to working with you with clients who want to add some extra sweetness to their special day!

Yee Haw!

Tori from Thoughtfully Simple showcased a 'Cowgirl' themed Birthday Party on her blog and I thought it was so adorable that we had to feature it on ours. Purple was the main colour used as it's the Birthday girl's favourite colour. Bails of hay, toys, old cowboy boots and other DYI items were used to enhance the theme and bring it to life for the little gal and her friends.

Bails of hay were used as benches and each cowgirl got her own hat!



Cupcakes & Sherbert were the treats of choice.

The sunflower cupcake toppers are scrapbook stickers and wooden popsicle sticks!





Treats were had and games were played and all the kiddies had a grand ol' time! Each child got to take home their own horse from the "Pony Corral" and parents were given a jar of ingredients for "Cowgirl Cookies" to make at home. As we've mentioned before, favours are one of our favourite elements from any kind of event. Great job Tori!

If you're looking to host your own Birthday Celebration and need help with ideas, vendors and execution, give us a call or send us an email - we love to chat about any sort of celebration. Giddy Up!

Surprise...it's a wedding!

We were on-site for Alexis and Kevin's SURPRISE wedding! It all took place at Swing Restaraunt at Lochness Links in Welland on October 10th.

How did they pull off a surprise???

Alexis and Kevin have been together for a while and wanted as little fuss as possible to surround their planning process. In February I met with Alexis to hear about her idea and I was instantly intriqued and wanted to be a part of this event. In the months leading up to her big day she sourced vendors and made all the plans herself - all the while telling people she was planning a surprise 35th birthday party for Kevin.

It wasn't until 3 weeks before their wedding that they informed their mothers and siblings - and it wasn't until the morning of October 10th that friends were asked to be in the wedding party! They kept everything a secret (well, except from me and the other vendors hired) - and they pulled it off!!!

Here's how it all went down....

• Alexis & Kevin got engaged and wanted a different wedding that wouldn't be filled with "but you know", or "I had/ I did" or "you should/ I would"...they wanted a wedding their way and without all the fuss of showers and stags.
• Alexis realized that she couldn't execute this event on her own, so she hired us for Day of Coordination.We help 'you' be at 2 places at once.
• Vendors were hired (Venue, DJ, Photographer, Officiant, Florist, Baker & a Band)
• Multiple meetings were had - with Alexis & I - and with Alexis, Kevin, myself, my Assistant & Adam from Swing Restaruant - we planned, we coordinated and we hoped that their secret stayed a secret.
• Email invites went out to their guests "You're invited to Kevin's 35th Birthday Party" - rsvp's came in.
• Phone calls and texts were had leading up to the big day - some changes made to timeline, plans, etc

And then, it' was the day of....

Kevin's friends think they are taking him to Toronto for the day as a 'party' decoy - they arrive at his house to be told "today is my wedding boys, suit up!"

Alexis is at The Keefer Mansion getting ready with her Mom, sister and friends.

She looked beautiful, don't you think?

My Assistant Samantha and I stopped in with Alexis to see how she was doing and to get the Marriage Licence and other final documents. We then headed over to Swing to set up for the event. We placed centrepieces out. We made sure the Vanity Care baskets were in the washrooms. We made sure everything was were it was meant to be placed/set-up and that the Chocolate Bar was displayed according to Alexis' plans.

The Chocolate Bar was a replacement for a Wedding (or should I say, Birthday) cake. I think that it was a fabulous idea and since the couple love chocolate, it was a perfect detail for their special day!

Flowers arrived, cupcakes arrived, the DJ came, and so did the Band. The Officiant showed up - and all we had to do was wait for the Bride & Groom.

It was pretty funny to see guests arrive in semi- formal and casual clothes bearing birthday presents for Kevin. Some people were whispering and wondering if something was up, but Samantha, myself, the rest of the vendors and the Swing staff kept the story straight - it was Kevin's birthday party.

When the Bride & Groom and wedding party arrived, I met them outside while Samantha told the Officiant that it was 'show time'. Howard, their Officiant made an announcement that "the guest of honour" had arrived and then.....SURPRISE!..and in walked Kevin & Alexis hand-in-hand in their tux and gown! Guests were shocked, but everyone cheered in such delight - it was AWESOME! Immediately the couple conducted their ceremony in the middle of the dance floor. Once they were pronounced Husband and Wife there was a flood of applause and everyone couldn't wait to congratulate them and of course ask how they pulled this off.

Congratulations to Alexis and Kevin for planning and hosting a fabulous party! You both did a stellar job in planning one of the most unique and memorable events. I'm so pleased and honoured that we were included.

Thank you.

*Photos provided by Robert Collins of Adjusting Light

Next blog post will showcase the Photo Op that Alexis & Kevin had set up for guests after the 'surprise' was revealed.

Mancakes

Yep, you read that right...Mancakes. The newest trend in the world of baked goodness - cupcakes geared towards men. Perfect for 'manly' gatherings like golf tournaments, stags and birthdays. These can also be a good addition to the somewhat 'girly' cupcakes served at weddings - or as a great subsitute for the Groom's cake.

As a WPIC alumni, and a follower of theirs on Twitter, I saw a post about these 'dude delights' and had a "why didn't I think of this?" moment. Well, For the Love of Cake in Toronto has thought of it and they offer a variety of mancakes with ingredients such as beer, brandy and bacon!
Here are descriptions of the flavours they offer:

Stout Spice

A moist spice cake flavoured with orange zest and Guinness topped with a stout glaze and a candied orange peel.

Maple Bacon

A maple and bacon flavoured cupcake filled with blueberries and topped with a maple frosting and bacon bits.

Guinness Chocolate
A chocolate cupcake flavoured with Guinness beer, filled with an Irish whiskey chocolate ganache and topped with cream cheese frosting and chocolate shavings.

Black Forest
A moist chocolate cupcake filled with a splash of Kirsch brandy and sour cherries and topped with more cherries and a dollop of vanilla butter cream.

I'm sure you'll see Mancakes popping up all over the place as more bakeries and cake specialists get on board the trend train. What kind would your man like?

Mmmmm....Mancakes.

Oh Baby!

My little nephew is about to arrive!! He'll be the first kiddo for my brother & sister-in-law.

Nephew’s arrival also makes first time Grandparents – for my parents, and for his mama’s parents. Talk about some major spoiling to be had, eh? He’s about to create quite the uproar with the Morris family – and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him into our loving, creative, baseball lovin’, fishing going, boat rowing, golden retriever owning, and somewhat kooky family. Okay, okay – very kooky family!

As a proud and happy Aunt (and of course, as a Planner) I’ll be hosting a Baby Shower for the little guy and his mama in the spring. For now, I’m going to keep the theme a secret – but once the mini Morris is here and both him and mama are happy and healthy, then I’ll let you all in on the theme for the fete.

I've bounced around a few ideas for a theme.

Can you guess what they are?

Planning a Baby Shower is just like any other event you plan – big or small. There are plenty of logistics to consider, guest lists to be made – with addresses to secure, and of course you need a budget. Also, having a theme is fantastic for choosing and gathering décor items, and making or buying guest favours and for creating a menu.

Hosting a Baby Shower or any other life celebration? Need help bringing a theme to life? Give us a call - we’d be more than pleased to assist you with creating and organizing a most memorable event. We can offer you ideas, suggestions and vendors in a personalized Consultation meeting, or plan and execute the entire event on your behalf with Full Event Planning.

So until next post, "Auntie Diane" wishes you a fabulous weekend!

*Images from Google Images and Hostess With The Mostess Blog