A Hidden Pearl

I've recently found a pearl...Pearl Bridal Boutique. It's a hidden gem located in Holyoke that carries a few exclusive designers not to easily found. Pearl carries bridal gowns, veils, and bridesmaids gowns. I especially like the Lynn Lugo bridesmaids designs. Silk shantung, charmeuse and silk dupioni, they are customizable with sashes, wraps and flat hem trims in beautiful complimenting colors to satisfy any size and style wedding.

Planning Fun with WeddingWire

The internet can be a bride's best friend. I thought I would share a new, growing internet address…WeddingWire. You can find it at http://www.weddingwire.com/. I've personally met the team at WeddingWire when I attended a recent conference. These guys exciting and smart! They know what brides want and need to plan their wedding. They have amazing tools that allow brides to manage their own wedding, blogs and an interactive community with all kinds of information. And…they've added Martha Stewart. Check it out!

The ABC's of Weddings...A is for...

A is for Apple Martini, a perfect signature drink for a fall wedding. Dress it up with an apple slice.

Green Apple Martini

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. apple Schnapps

Splash of midori

big ol’ squeeze of lime juice

thin granny smith slice for garnish

Sour Apple Martini

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. apple Schnapps

big ol’ squeeze of fresh lime juice

thin apple slice for garnish

Combine ingredients (except garnish) with cracked ice and shake it up till ice cold. Serve in a martini glass.

A Tasty Find

I had the pleasure of enjoying a glass of wine with dinner that I thought I would share. Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling from the eastern part of Washington State. It was delicious with a touch of fruity apricot pear with the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for any special occasion, rehearsal dinner or wedding. Visit www.hoguecellars.com for information.

New Take On Girls Night Out

We are always looking for something different for "Girls Night Out." Colorful Creations Bead Company invites you to bring your friends, wine and cheese and just relax, while you make your own bead designs. They'll even teach you how to put your design together. You can make just about anything, even complimenting jewelry to match your wedding. Hey, who can't use some new bling...

Welcome!

Welcome to the I Do & Beyond Blog. This is a place to find information about weddings...and beyond in western New England. We hope to share the many things that make getting married in this area so unique and wonderful. If you're working on the "beyond" part, as in setting up your lives together after the big day, I'm sure you'll find a few tidbits here too. Stop back often!