Sam + Julie | A Winery Wedding in Kangaroo Country

Happy Monday de Lovelies....how about a little global wedding eye candy to get the week started right? Everyone loves a winery wedding, right? There's s something romantic and simple, old country and very warm about exchanging vows in the midst of beautiful green rolling fields, mother nature, and grape vines with a group of close knit friends and family. I just sort of almost swooned out of my chair when this splendid little wedding celebration came my way from Hilary Cam.

Welcome to Sam and Julie's Hunter Valley wedding in the heart of Kangaroo country, Australia. I love showing off global weddings and interesting destinations -- it is super dreamy to step outside our idea of a normal wedding setting and plant ourselves on a totally different continent. So without further yapping and in the Bride's own words, I give you Julie and Sam in all their wonderful wedded glory at the ever so gorgeous Willow Tree Estate.

 From the Bride: Sam and I moved from Brisbane to Sydney two years ago for Sam’s work. On Valentine’s Day 2011 whilst on holiday in Bora Bora, Sam asked me to marry him. I’m embarrassed to say I grabbed the gorgeous diamond ring and put it on my finger before I said yes, yes, yes. I was always interested in a destination wedding and with Sam’s family based in Canberra and my family based in Brisbane it made perfect sense. We wanted a relaxed, fun day with good food, good wine and great scenery to celebrate with family and friends.  We spent a couple of Saturdays driving around looking at different venues and immediately liked Willow Tree Estate. 


 

Before we knew it our wedding day had arrived and luckily the weather was perfect. Our photographer Hilary Cam has an option to photograph the groomsmen getting ready as well as the bridesmaids so your album looks more balanced. We are so glad we took him up on this option because he got some great pictures of the guys getting ready, playing bocce and drinking local beer Blue Tongue. The bridesmaids took over the Summerhouse suite and sipped champagne while curling hair, applying make up and enjoying lots of giggles. Raylee at Willow tree took care of everything including organising a lunch platter delivered to our room.

We chose to book the entire estate which sleeps up to twenty guests. We were able to have the bridal party and our brothers and sisters all stay at the venue for the two nights. The estate has seven large rooms and a Summerhouse suite for the bridal couple. The other wedding guests all stayed at surrounding hotels and bed and breakfasts. The night before we all enjoyed wine tasting at Keith Tulloch Estate and a really lovely dinner at The Muse Kitchen restaurant.

The outdoor ceremony was held in the gardens at Willow Tree Estate. My Dad walked me down the aisle towards a beaming Sam. The celebrant Robyn Baker was great and calmed our nerves almost immediately. The ceremony was really beautiful and we exchanged the vows we had written ourselves. When Robyn announced we were husband and wife the guests cheered and we shared a magical kiss.

 After lots of photos we joined the wedding guests celebrating on the large deck to enjoy the great food and wine the Hunter Valley has to offer. The reception was catered by staff from The Verandah Restaurant. The food was amazing. We had a great view across vineyards towards the mountains and the gardens were all in full bloom and beautiful. The speeches were witty and heartfelt before cake cutting and then we danced into the night.

I would definitely recommend a destination wedding as we were able to bring everyone together in a great setting where we could relax and celebrate together. We have amazing photos which we will cherish forever. And it feels absolutely wonderful to introduce the love of my life as my husband.  

Photography: Hilary Cam Photography Sydney / Venue: Willow Tree Estate, Pokolbin NSW Australia / Wedding Gown: The Bridal Centre, Brisbane  /Bridesmaids Gowns: Garfunkle, Broadway on the Mall, Brisbane / Groomsmen Outfits: Spurling Formal Hire / Hair & Makeup: Bride’s Sister / Catering: The Verandah Restaurant, Calais Estate Hunter Valley / Wedding Cake: Marakye Cake Designs / Flowers: Valley Fresh Flowers /Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Congratulations to Julie and Same; thanks for letting us share your special destination wedding dream come true. Thank you to Hilary Cam for sharing this goodness with us; looking for more to come our way!

Where do you dream of getting married? Can you name the most popular destination wedding location? Join us for this and more great wedding inspiration over on Facebook -- from DIY to real wedding ideas, discussion on tips and trends and fashion. We do it all!

Have a beautiful day,

{Global Inspiration} 10 Signature Drinks to Add Culture to Your Wedding

Global Wedding Cocktails - Part 2 
As we learned in Part 1 of this globally inspired drink fest, signature drinks are a great way to enhance your guest's experience. They are fun to create and serve, show a little of your personality as a couple and help infuse some culture into your festivities! Plus with our easy DIY recipes, you can save a bit of money on the bar tab. Here are the rest of our ten delish Globally Inspired Signature Drinks.

Photo Sources 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

6. Singapore Sling - The Singapore Sling is a smooth, slow, sweet cocktail, developed in Singapore at Raffles' Long Bar in the early 1900's. It’s said the cocktail was intended for women; hence the pinky color but as noted in the era's Gentleman’s Companion, the Singapore Sling was a “delicious, slow-acting, insidious thing, and certainly not only for the fairer sex." The  original recipe has since been lost so today's cocktail contains gin, lemon juice, cherry brandy and soda water. This drink should takes its rightful place at an Art Deco or Roaring 20's wedding celebration! Here is one Singapore Sling version.

7. Mojito - Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito, although the exact origin of this classic cocktail is the subject of debate. Some historians believe African slaves working the 19th century Cuban sugar cane fields were instrumental in the cocktail's creation. Cuba's answer to the mint julep, the Mojito is perfect for a hot summertime wedding. Traditionally made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, sparkling water and mint, its combination of sweetness, refreshing citrus and mint flavors are intended to complement the potent kick of the rum. Try this mojito recipe.

8. Limonchello- This thick lemon liqueur is mainly produced in Southern Italy, although homemade is a nice touch for your guests. True Limoncello is made in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean. It is traditionally served chilled as an after dinner palette cleanser. One of my girlfriends used Limoncello instead of champagne for their wedding toast as a way to pay homage to her new husband's heritage. It was good...too good. Why not blend a batch of Limonchello as edible wedding favors for your guests? Here is an interesting article and and easy recipe.

9. Mimosa - An oldie but goodie, this cocktail-like drink composed of equal parts champagne (or other sparkling wine) and thoroughly chilled orange juice, is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute with a morning brunch, or to guests at late morning weddings. The origins of the mimosa are somewhat murky. Allegedly, the drink was invented at the Paris Ritz in 1925, although it bears a striking similarity to another cocktail, the Buck's Fizz, which was introduced in England in 1921, and named after the club in which is was first served. The name from the flowers of the mimosa plant, which are yellow and appear slightly frothy from a distance.

10. Rum Punch - Depending on whom you believe,Planter's Punch or Rum Punch was either created by the wife of a Jamaican plantation owner, or at the Planter Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Regardless, this fruity punch has become a popular beverage to serve to guests throughout the Caribbean. Recipes vary widely, but they all contain rum, lime juice and a sweetener or other fruit juices. Now found on most major Caribbean islands, this punch is refreshing and fruity without being too heavy on the alcohol. Easy to make, easy to drink, DIY it up for your own version! Here is quick simple recipe.

Which of these would you have as your wedding signature drink? If you've tried any of them, which is your favorite? Follow this conversation on Facebook; hit the LIKE button on our page if you haven't yet!

Happy Planning,

{Global Inspiration} 10 Signature Drinks to Add Culture to Your Wedding

Global Wedding Cocktails - Part 1

These days, signature wedding drinks are an important part of the guest experience - they can help set the tone, show some personality, and also add a little culture. Offering culture infused signature cocktails invites guests to take part in customs of the bride and groom and help honor their heritage. Easy DIY drink recipes won't break the bank, which means you get Practical and Cultural - our fave!

From Latin America to Europe across the pond, here are 10 of our favorite Globally Inspired Signature Drinks plus recipes, in two parts. Bottoms up!

Photo Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1. Caipirinha - The national drink of Brazil, caipirinha is a delicious, refreshing, and easy to prepare, a perfect signature drink for a hot summertime wedding! Made with limes, Cachaca (cane liquor) or rum, superfine sugar and crushed ice, this glass of goodness brings a light, festive feel to any reception. Now add some samba and carnaval dancers and you have a party! Here is a great step by step recipe.

2. Sangria - Sangria is the classic Spanish/Latin American accompaniment to summertime meals and another excellent choice for a hot summertime wedding. My husband actually made Sangria for our wedding - on that warm day, the sweet wine, fresh fruit and cold ice were a refreshing and delicious way to cool off. Sangria style is up to your taste, with lots of options for fruit, wine and special additions.  Just sort of throw it all together, pour over ice and enjoy. Here's a sangria recipe to get you started but creating your own recipe makes this your very own wedding drink.

3. Irish Coffee - Originating in Ireland in the 1940’s, Irish coffee is an excellent choice for late night receptions or wedding taking place in colder months. I love the idea of guests cuddling up to a warm cup of deliciousness - hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred, and topped with thick cream. Get them pepped up for the dance floor with a Coffee Bar where they can sample Irish Coffee, a Hot Toddy and other gourmet java! Here are four yummy Irish Coffee recipes to try!

4. Red Lotus - Your wedding taking on an Asian flavor? How about the lychee flavored Red Lotus as your signature drink? Unique and memorable, the play between its lighter cranberry and heavier lychee flavors is both intensely sweet and delicately refreshing.  A great guest conversation piece, the lychee is native to low elevations of the provinces of Kwangtung and Fukien in southern China. Here is a quick easy Red Lotus recipe and info on Lycee.

5. The Painkiller - If you like exotic drinks with little umbrellas, this delicious British Virgin Island staple is for you. Concocted on the tiny Caribbean island of Jost Van Dyke, this signature drink is pure tropical - fruity tang with a creamy finish, a smooth, satisfying treat for a beach or destination wedding! It is an easy DIY recipe, finished off with a layer of nutmeg, a Painkiller must. And despite its name, there is no medication associated with this libation!

Which signature drink would you choose from our list for your wedding? Can't decide? No worries, we've got five more delicious ideas coming your way today!


Happy Concocting,

5 Global Celebrations for Wedding Color Inspiration

The World of Color

If you are looking for color inspiration - the best place to start your wedding planning- sometimes you need to look no further than global festivals and traditions for ideas. We know which colors we like, we know what colors can say about us, and we know sometimes colors also have specific traditional meanings. So how about TWO cross-offs in one on your wedding list: COLOR and CULTURE. Here are some great examples of color at traditional global celebrations:

Holi, Hindu festival of spring and colors - Hindus greet the turn of winter into spring with a splash of color. The large festival has roots to many Hindu legends associated with the triumph of good over evil. The colors are vivid and stunning and can be inspiration for a bold bride with bold hues and a bold statement on her mind!

Photo Credit: Anoop Negi

Throwing powdered paint in a joyous display of springtime celebration....well, sounds really fun! The color mixings create some gorgeous combinations.

Photo Credit: Kaylin Fitzpatrick

Photo Credit: Boston.com

Cinco de Mayo - Probably the most famous of all celebrations from our southern neighbor, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces in 1862. Filled with Mexican heritage and pride, this celebration offers an amazing spectrum of vivid and vibrant hues. In fact, I would dare say I chose MY wedding palette by looking at these kinds of celebrations and how they used color to represent excitement, enjoyment and energy.  Having a Mexican themed wedding? Here are some easy ways to incorporate Mexican wedding traditions into your big day.

Photo Credit: SFGate

Just look at this purple, orange, yellow...gorgeous color combo! A little red and blue thrown in there and you have a lovely Mexican palette. Check out this color combo board over at Pinterest!

Photo Credit: Oregon Live

This shot was too beautiful to pass up!

Photo Credit About.com

From the gorgeous continent of Asia, Chinese New Year celebrations are just ripe with colors - red and gold - that stand for luck and love. Red is also known for being fiery and passionate, making it ideal color for weddings in my book. Use with moderation and to add a punch to a neutral background. 

Photo Credit: Chinese New Year, Thailand

Photo Credit SMH.com

Photo Credit: Third Age

Lest we forget: Brazilian Carnival; every color possible can be found here. I had the chance to witness the spectacle that is Carnival this last year and it is inspiring in every way - the music, dance, costumes, the whole of a country celebrating with joy and fervor.

Photo Credit: TVNewsRadio

Photo Credit: Kaylin Fitzpatrick

St. Patrick's Day - the giver of green, perfect for a Spring wedding! Irish/Celtic wedding themes are becoming more and more popular as couples begin incorporating cultural traditions into their marriage celebrations. Here are some simple ways to add a touch of the Emerald Aisle to your wedding.

Photo Credit: York Weekend

Photo Credit: CBS News

These are just a few examples of how festivals and traditional celebrations can help you choose colors that add a touch of culture to your wedding.  The world is full of amazing days of joy and festivity!

Find what works for you and go for it! Come back and let us know what you choose; leave us a message on FACEBOOK or send us a tweet on TWITTER!

Have a deLicious Day and go with the good stuff!

{Global Inspiration Board} Moroccan Color Scheme...Go Bold or Go Home

I am thinking hard on Spring and Spring makes me think of colors and color transports me to some wonderfully exotic places around the world.  Today: Morocco

The  idea of Morocco carries with it a certain air of mystery and romance, danger and revelry. An ancient land steeped in history, culture, and customs comes alive with bustling market places bursting with color, heavenly aromas wafting through the air, exotic flavors teasing your tongue, fabrics, rugs, silk, and chiffon covering every surface, pleasing to the touch and the eye. With Morocco, every sense is tantalized, offering a treasure trove of decorating and wedding ideas for those who dare to be so bold.

Opulent and vivid, bold and rich perfectly describe the Morrocan color palette; think burgundy, purple, gold, teal, blue, tan, and a shade of deep orange, colors that speak of ancient times when fabric was hand dyed using elements of the earth.  Let this be your jumping off point in our Global Inspiration: Morocco.

Photo Credits: Karen Mordechai | Janet Hornley | Zoe's Wedding Blog

Maison Marrakech | Style Hive | Wedding Paper Divas

Purchase Worthy | Wedding Bee | Beautiful Moments | Maison Marrakech | My Riviera Wedding

Where does color transport you? What is your color inspiration?

 

Join us on FACEBOOK!