Chocomize Wedding Favors!

July 25, 2013Leave a comment

Is there anything better than taking a chocolate break in the office? The answer to that question is always NO if you’re eating Chocomize chocolate! The Honey Bee Weddings Team had the opportunity to take a break from our hectic wedding season schedule to try Chocomize’s chocolate. Chocomize chocolate would be a perfect favor for that creative bride looking to impress their guests with a delicious, creative favor!

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With Chocomize you can choose your type of chocolate (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white belgian) as well as add up to five ingredients from a selection of 100+. Then, you get to customize the package with any image or text. The chocolate bars are really amazing and will make the perfect favor.

Virtual Magazine Shopping with Martha Stewart Weddings and Revel

July 24, 2013Leave a comment

I’m a major collector of magazines, so you can only imagine the stacks and stacks of magazines that I have piled in my home. The one thing that I find frustrating is the actual shopping of a magazine. How do I purchase that spectacular dress on page 67 if I cannot find a way to buy it?

When I found out about what Martha Stewart Weddings had been up to, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Recently, Martha Stewart Weddings paired up with REVEL so that readers could log on and shop the issue, cover to cover!

Here are some of the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine spreads available on REVEL:

And here’s a link to the chic linen napkins that were featured:

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It’s that easy to shop now with Revel and Martha Stewart Weddings!

The Summer 2013 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, currently on stands, is now shoppable exclusively at REVEL.

Do a Favor, Receive a Favor

May 21, 2013Leave a comment

I love it when a bride decides that her wedding favors will be a donation to her favorite charity. The gift is heartwarming, and shows gratitude on behalf of the couple. If you are still on the fence about giving guests an actual gift versus a charitable donation, the following ideas prove that both are possible.

1. Truffles for a Cause

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This organization supports many significant causes, including medical, animal and humanitarian charities. After donating, you will receive chocolate truffles as wedding favors in return.

2. Arbor Day Foundation

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The Arbor Day Foundation has plenty of gifts to give, including these adorable gift trees. Donate “green” and find the gift that makes the most sense for your guests here.

3. Sweet Beginnings

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Sweet Beginnings is one of my favorites! This local green company naturally makes honey and creates skin care products that are infused with honey. The best part? They offer jobs to previously incarcerated individuals. Find out more about Sweet Beginnings and shop here.

4. Greyston Bakery

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Proceeds from these delicious purchases will go toward supporting community outreach and job training programs. Buy brownies, cookies and more treats here.

5. Chocomize

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After customizing chocolate bars with 5 of your favorite ingredients, you can select 3 different charities to donate toward. Now you and your groom can finally agree on something. 🙂 Create your dream chocolate bar here!

Christine and Marc Part II: Ceremony and Reception

April 12, 2012Leave a comment

Yesterday, I blogged about Christine and Marc getting ready. Today’s post focused on the ceremony and reception. If you haven’t been to the W City Center, the W is very unique compared to other hotel ballrooms. There is a smaller ballroom for the ceremony and a large ballroom for the reception. Both ballrooms are on the same floor on the mezzanine level, overlooking the gorgeous lobby. It was a perfect fit for Christine and Marc!

All Photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

The aisle had bright flowers, which was exactly what the bubbly Bride wanted.

The aisle was lined with tall arrangements

Christine had a custom unity candle made for their ceremony.

The monogram on the programs was designed by Christine’s Mother.

Marc walking up the aisle with his parents. Both families were involved in the family. It is so wonderful when everyone participates in the planning.

Marc waiting for Christine.

Christine walking down the aisle with both of her parents.

The very chic bridesmaids all lined up.

I love a photo that catches a moment like this, during the ceremony.

Mazel tov!

The escort cards were also the favors!

A little special something for one of the guests?

Is this not the most amazing cake? Yes, it is a cake. Christine really wanted their dog to be apart of the wedding day but realized that it wouldn’t work out. So, to surprise Marc, she had TipsyCake make a cake to look just like him!

The room set-up for the reception.

The room was decorated with two different centerpieces.

Christine wanted pops of color with black and white. The colorful centerpieces were so vibrant in the grand ballroom.

The cake was decorated with skylines of Chicago and Cleveland as well as swirls. Christine came up with the clever design herself!

The hora is always my favorite part of the evening.

Congratulations Christine and Marc! I had such a wonderful time being apart of your wedding day.

Emily + Jason, Part 2

February 14, 2012Leave a comment

Yesterday, I posted about Emily and Jason’s morning and ceremony. Now, it’s time to take a peak at their wedding reception!

A kiss on the staircase before the cocktail hour.

DIY deliciousness. The adorable escort cards made by the Bride.

The escort cards all lined up at the cocktail hour.

I love that the bride had a flower at each place setting.

The modern cake, inspired by an image that Emily found online while planning.

Did someone say cookies? The bride made cookies for guests to take home.

I love this photo because it shows what happens to any candy buffet. Demolished!

The cute favor boxes that the bride DIYed.

Emily and Jason, thank you so much for having me be apart of your wedding day!

Sam and Kyle: Reception

February 7, 2012Leave a comment

Part 1: Getting Ready!
Part 2: First Look and City Photos

Part 3: Ceremony and Cocktails

Kyle and I had the best night of our lives. We were so thrilled to see our guests enjoying themselves. It was surreal seeing all my hard work fall in to place. I definitely had my dream wedding!

All photos by Steve Koo Photography.

As the guests entered the reception, they picked up their escort card. I embossed 3 white snow flakes and then my mom wrote the names of each guests in black.

Our gift table was also where we put the wine guest book. We decided to display the Merci sign during the reception. I thought it was perfect for the table.

I previously blogged about these lovely cake pops that were our favors. I can’t thank my mom enough for making all 150 in one day. They were a hit!

Using the same silver paper, I made menu cards for each place setting. We also decided to bring in silver linen. At first, I didn’t think it was necessary but I am SO thankful I spent the money. It made such a difference in the decor.

I previously blogged about the table numbers which were cities we’ve visited together. I decided on the silver stands which I think went great with the linen.

We were so happy the way our cake turned out!

Now it was finally time to enjoy the party. This is one of my favorite wedding photos! We were so excited!

The guests were clinging glasses all night.

My sister’s toast was the best that I have ever heard. A small part of it was about gifts Kyle has given me in our relationship. Unfortunately, when we were in high school, I thought this blanket was a good idea. I was shocked when my sister brought it out. Our guests thought it was hilarious!

She was an amazing MOH.

I had to post this picture because of our expressions. Right before we were about to cut it Kyle told me he was going to smoosh it all over my face. Clearly, I didn’t like that idea and was telling him be better not. I’m glad he listed to me!

The first dance was one of the only moments where I felt like Kyle and I were the only ones in the room.

My dad and I dancing to Forever Young by Rod Stewart.

Then, it was Kyle and his mom’s turn.

Finally, after a great meal it was time to dance. We had such a great time dancing the night away!

Kyle hugging it out with his best friend/groomsmen. This picture makes me laugh every time!

The end of the night quickly came but this picture sums everything up for me. Kyle and I together surrounded by our friends and family.

We had the perfect day!

Alison + Mitch: Part Two

November 4, 2011Leave a comment

My last post, I shared the first part of Alison and Mitch’s Labor Day weekend wedding at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

All photos by Artisan Events.

Their escort card table and gift table was stunning! A Stem Above hung the all of the bridesmaid’s escort cards from the branches.

Each table number was hand painted by Alison.

Cute personalized tins of gum as favors!

They opted to have a sweetheart table at the front of the room.

A picture of the room, ready for guests! Alison and Mitch really lucked out with perfect artwork on the walls. It was a modern black and white design that went perfectly with their decor.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they had a sweet table with bite size desserts and fresh fruit.

After dinner, the gallery doors were opened and guests were allowed to walk around throughout the night. Alison and Mitch took some great photos in front of the different pieces of art!

A city shot to end such a wonderful night!

Congratulations Alison and Mitch!

DIY Cake Pops

September 1, 2011Leave a comment

Last weekend, I had my first try at a DIY project. I attempted making cake pops, which I want to give as favors. I found a great recipe online with detailed instructions. I also decided to go back home since my Mom is always a great help (and I am not the best in the kitchen).

This first step which is mixing the cake mix and a can of icing. I used Funfetti since it was my favorite flavor as a kid. It brought back great memories!

Then we hand rolled them into small 1 inch balls.

I made most of them into cake pops.

I also left a few without the stick to just try as normal cake pops.

After leaving them in the freezer for six hours we iced them with candy coating. Since we were just trying them out we experimented with sprinkles, chopped peanuts, and different designs. My favorite were the ones with the peanut coating.

This is the final product. I used ribbon that we had in the house, but will upgrade the ribbon for the wedding. I also want to add a cute tag that says thank you and the flavor of the cake pop.

Not only was this a lot of fun, but they were extremely yummy. I hope my guests like them as much as I do!

Meridel + Wes, the reception

August 16, 2011Leave a comment

Yesterday, I posted the first part of the day with Meridel and Wes. Today, I am posting all about their Newberry Library ceremony and reception.

All photos are by Robert Wojtowicz.

I have been in love with the Newberry Library ever since reading The Time Traveler’s Wife.

Don’t you love the silhouettes on the programs?

The peach flowers on top of the cake were dreamy.

Cutie pie.

Seeds make for a great favor.

Tulips are perfect for an early spring wedding.

The gorgeous arrangements on the head table.

A sign of a great party!

Stephanie + Cameron – The Details

June 22, 2011Leave a comment

You can see Stephanie and Cameron’s ceremony and reception in previous posts. Now, a look at some of the details.

All photos by Jeremy Lawson Photography.

All of the paper items coordinated throughout the event. Here is their ceremony program.

I love this view of the room with all the candle light.

Tent cards helped guests navigate the escort card table.

Stephanie’s mom created cards with an adorable poem explaining how the bride and groom met and got together.

The cupcakes were a huge hit among their guests.

Five Jordan almonds were at each place setting. These are often found at Italian weddings. The attached card explained the wishes of health, wealth, happiness, children and a long life.