Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

This chilly weather got us thinking about what makes this time of year so great.  Hot cider, peppermint cocoa, chai tea lattes, mulled wine – the list goes on and on.  This time of year allows winter brides to bring a unique touch to their big day.  Wouldn’t it be great to have some of these drinks set out for guests at your winter wedding?  They smell delicious and they help warm up your guest’s hands as they head in from the cold for a night of great food and music as you dance away your reception.  Talk to your caterer about incorporating one or more of these for a truly unique beverage bar.  Brilliant!

photos courtesy of brides.com

Whether you are a recently married couple, or about to tie the knot, at some point you will be hosting your first party.  With Halloween just days away (and a holiday that seems to be enjoyed by adults more than kids these days) – we thought we would take a departure from all things wedding related, and focus on being the host/hostess with the most.

We found this fun drink recipe over on Martha Stewart.  How great is this?  Your guests are sure to be wowed when they go to serve up a glass of cider and have these witch faces staring back at them.  You are sure to get a ’scream’ or two!

photo and recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

Shrunken Heads in Cider

Serves about 30

• 2 cups lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 8 large Granny Smith apples
• 32 whole cloves
• 2 gallons apple cider
• 2 (12-ounce) cans frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 2 cups spiced rum (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together lemon juice and salt; set aside.
2. Peel apples and cut each in half through the stem; remove seeds and core. Using a sharp paring knife, carve a face, as desired, on the rounded side of each apple half. Place apples in lemon mixture for one minute; transfer to paper towels to drain.
3. Place apples, face-side up on prepared baking sheet and transfer to oven. Let bake until apples are dry and begin to brown around the edges, about 90 minutes. Remove apples from baking sheets and press cloves into the “eye” sockets.
4. Combine cider, lemonade, and rum (if using) in a large punchbowl; float shrunken heads on top.

The weather here on island has been amazing.  It got us thinking about rehearsal dinners and how many couples choose to treat their guests to a rehearsal dinner clambake.  There are some great locations that your planner and caterer can help you scout out.  We found this fun inspiration board over on Ayleebits and it is full of great colors, fun details, and all things Nantucket Style.  There is nothing better than a little sand between your toes on a warm summer evening!

board via Alyeebits

visit Alyeebits for photo credits and retailers

As we walked around town this weekend we saw many of the stores hanging their red, white and blue buntings.  Fourth of July is just days away and we thought we’d dedicate this week to all things patriotic.  Many of you who are still planning for the big day are also hosting a get together with friends.  Whether it’s a backyard b-b-q or a clambake on the beach – this drink is sure to add some color and fun to your party.  Enjoy!

• 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
• 1 big splash cranberry juice
• 1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
• 1 slice lemon
• 1 slice lime
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 ounce blue curacao
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

photo by Kate Sears

Photograph by Kate Sears

There are many places both on the web and in print for couples to get ideas, color combinations, the latest look in dresses, etc.  One of our favorite resources for island weddings is Wellwed Magazine.  The pages of the magazine are filled to the brim with amazing details that give your day that extra special touch.  The website for the magazine showcases local vendor resources, and posts tips from the most sought after vendors.  Be sure to include this magazine on your must reads as you start to pull the inspiring details together for your ‘I Do’s’.  You will be glad you did.

photo by Zofia Photography, bouquet by Soiree Floral

You have chosen the venue, decided where the ceremony will take place, you’ve picked out your colors, and have an idea of what you feeling you want to convey on your big day.  A big part of creating the atmosphere is carefully selecting your rental items.  What chair looks best at your reception site (especially if you are in a tent), what linen will give the right pop of color, and what about the shape of the glassware?

rentals by Placesetters, photo by Cary Hazlegrove

Many couples who start working on the details of their wedding quickly realize how fast things get booked here on island.   When you have ‘bigger’ decisions squared away, ask your caterer, planner or floral designer to help get rental items that enhance the overall look of your wedding day.  A caterer can be an indispensable tool and help order everything you need.  Don’t wait too long though, the popular items get rented first!

Rental items in these photos by Placesetters.

photo by Brea McDonald, rentals by Placesetters

Last week A Private Concierge began sharing a few of their “Weekend-Of” wedding tips:

GET WEDDING ITEMS IN PLACE (itineraries, programs, menu cards, table cards)

SHARE YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL (make sure your bartenders can make your signature Nantucket drink)

MAKE YOUR GUESTS FEEL LOVED (Cholives & Chruffles from The Cholive Company)

Sarah is back this week with more “Weekend-Of” tips to share with you for your wedding weekend:

You have planned every detail of your wedding (the location, the venue, the flowers, your photographer, the invitations, the guest list, etc) and now it’s the final little details that need to get done. A Private Concierge understands your last minute needs the “Weekend-Of.” Let us be your point person to make sure your every need is handled so you can relax, enjoy and say “I do.”

ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION FOR YOUR BRIDAL PARTY & FAMILY

The bridal party is staying at the White Elephant Residences, the groomsmen are at their bachelor pad at Cisco Beach and the two families are at a house in Brant Point.  Now you just have to make sure everyone makes it to all the weekend events.

A Private Concierge works closely with  Cranberry Transportation Company to make sure all of your guests make it to each of your weekend events (rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and home) on time and without ruining their hair and makeup. Most Nantucket weddings depend on Cranberry Transportation to make their day truly special.  Their services and standards are unmatched on island and we know they will be of great assistance on your wedding day and put you and your guests at ease.

You can choose from their fleet of Luxury vehicles, including Town Cars, SUV’s, Vans or an Executive Mercedes Sedan.

DON’T GO HUNGRY

It can be very easy to get so busy that you forget to eat the Day-Of, however it is important for you to remember to take a deep breath and grab a bite.

A Private Concierge can arrange for your bridal party “get-ready” morning and afternoon to be catered by The Dancing Pickle.  From breakfast and specialty sandwiches to salads and some sweet treats, The Dancing Pickle provides some of the best-catered affairs on Nantucket, perfect for getting ready.

We can arrange for pick-up and delivery of your order(s) from The Dancing Pickle to both bridal party locations (bridesmaids & groomsmen) to make sure you are all properly nourished before you take a walk down the aisle.

FOR YOUR PETITE TRAVELERS

Many friends/family will travel with their little ones for destination weddings, especially on Nantucket where there is so much for kids to enjoy.  However, there are many stressful questions parents have when it comes to children before arriving on Nantucket. Are sitters easy to find? Will the hotel be “baby-proofed”? What strollers actually go over the cobblestones?  A Private Concierge works with great partners like Rebecca Becker at Petite Travelers so that together we can manage your every need when it comes to the littlest guest.

A Private Concierge and Petite Travelers want your traveling parents to relax and enjoy your wedding weekend.

These are just a few of our Weekend-Of Tips, and we have many more to share.  Please check back next week for more tips.

A Private Concierge can arrange, manage and take care of all of your Weekend-Of wedding needs. Contact us at sarah@aprivateconcierge.com or call (508)-332-9422.

Today we give you a look at some of the vendors who go behind the scenes to pull a photo shoot together.  This crew designed the beautiful sorbet shoot in Wellwed Spring/Summer 2010 we have been featuring this week.

photo by Zofia Photography

Vendors (clockwise from top) – Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Jen Shepherd of Placesetters, Zofia of Zofia Photography, Lisa Frey of Nantucket Event Media, Kim Reed of A Taste of Nantucket, and Jodi Levesque of Jodi’s Cakes.

Today we have guest blogger Marty Kelly of Marty Kelly Papers giving us the 411 on how she came up with her designs.

When WellWed told me they would be shooting a tablescape on Nantucket in a sorbet color palette, I knew my designs would have to be super summery, fresh, and fun. For the menus and escort cards I chose beach umbrella and flip flop motifs, reminiscent of carefree moments in the summer sun. Knowing that sorbet was being served, I designed some colorful personalized word cloud cone wrappers. On each wrapper I printed the couple’s names and all sorts of loving sentiments and sweet nothings, like “joy, hope, smiles, forever, friendship, and family”.  Summer loving at its best!

photo by Zofia Photography

photo by Zofia Photography

This beautiful cake was created by Jodi of Jodi’s Cakes:

photo by Zofia Photography

These amazing, creative and fabulous tasting appetizers (trust us, we sampled them ALL) are by Kim Reed of A Taste of Nantucket:

photo by Zofia Photography

Great inspirations for your summer Island wedding!

We have lots to be thankful for in 2010.  Among them, the love and support from our sponsors, supporting vendors, amazing brides and couples.  One of our biggest supporters from the beginning was Krista and the staff at Wellwed magazine. They worked hard on the Spring/Summer 2010 issue and it does not disappoint!

photo by Brea McDonald

Within the pages, amazingly talented island vendors have their work showcased on the glossy pages.  Among them:

Marty Kelly Paper, Placesetters, Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites, Soiree Floral,  Nantucket Photo Booth, Destination Affairs,Unique Nantucket, A Taste of Nantucket, Simply with Style Catering, Nantucket Catering Company, ACK Gift Bags, Cisco Brewers, Susan Warner Catering, Jodi’s Cakes, Nantucket Island Resorts, Claudia Kronenberg Photography, Zofia Photography, Nantucket Party Rentals, Darya Salon, Sperry Tents, A Piece of Cake, Jessica Hicks, The Atlantics, Nantucket Windmill Auto Rental, Nantucket Inn, Susan Lister Locke Jeweler, Parchment, Nantucket Event Media, Plum TV, Sultans of Swing, Chase Canopy, Jared Coffin House, Nantucket Bake Shop, Westmoor Club, Artist Jeanne van Etten and Jeweler Heidi Weddendorf.

Congratulations to everyone and hopes for a prosperous 2010!

Also, just a quick reminder the Cape & Islands Wedding Affair takes place this weekend at Ocean’s Edge Resort in Brewster, MA.  Wendy from Nantucket Photobooth said she will be on site and taking photos of all the festivities.  Be sure to stop by and say hello to her!