Put Your Signature On It

One way you can add a personal touch to your wedding is by creating and/or serving a signature drink. A great way to tie in a signature drink is by choosing one that matches your wedding's color scheme/theme and creating a fun and delicious name to reflect the couple's personal style. A bonus tip for couples looking to save money on the drink tab: rather than splurge on the full open bar package, choose instead to serve only beer, wine, champagne, and a signature drink.

Check out a few yummy recipe's that I came across...

Belvedere Sparkle

Ingredients:

1 oz Belvedere Vodka

2 oz cranberry juice with ice

1 oz Moet & Chandon Champagne

Directions:

Shake vodka and cranberry juice with ice. Strain into chilled martini glass and top with champagne. Garnish with raspberries.

The Tinsel Bellini

Ingredients:

2 oz HPNOTIQ
1 oz Limoncello

1 oz Champagne

Splash of lime juice

Directions:

Rim the champagne flute with a light coat of sugar. Pour chilled HPNOTIQ, Limoncello, and Champagne into the champagne flute. Add a splash of lime juice.

The Mad Bellini

Ingredients:

Peach juice

Peach schnapps

Veuve Cliquot Rose

The Cointreau Teese

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Cointreau

3/4 oz apple juice

1/2 oz Monin violet syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Passion Fruit Punch

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounce(s) Smirnoff Passion Fruit Flavored Vodka
1 splash(es) cranberry juice
1 splash(es) pineapple juice
1 splash(es) grapefruit juice
2 dash(es) bitters
1 splash(es) lemon-lime soda
1 piece(s) pineapple
1 piece(s) orange
1 piece(s) cherry

Directions:
Build first 5 ingredients in a collins glass over ice.
Top with lemon-lime soda.
Garnish with pineapple wedge, an orange slice, and a cherry.

Pomegranate Martini

Ingredients:

1 ounce(s) Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
1/2 ounce(s) Grand Marnier
1 splash(es) pomegranate juice
1 splash tonic water
1 twist lemon

Directions:
Combine ingredients in shaker with ice.
Shake, strain, and serve in a martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

All photos and recipes courtesy of www.delish.com

How Would You Like to Rent The Runway?

photo courtesy of www.thenest.com

Wouldn't you love for the fabulous ladies in your bridal party to rock the sexy and stylish designs as some of today's hottest A-list movie stars? Of course you would, and Rent the Runway can help you do just that! Rent the Runway is a fashion website that allows you to rent high-end designer gowns without having to invest in a dress that may never leave the closet again. For one night, your leading ladies will be able to shine like some of hollywood's biggest starlets, without breaking the bank...and your pictures will look like a spread straight out of Vogue magazine!

Love. Wear. Return. It doesn't get any better than that!

Aaliya & Alexis' Strawberry Shortcake B-Day Party

On Jan. 30, I had the pleasure of hosting a Strawberry Shortcake themed birthday party for my wonderful twin daughters, Aaliya & Alexis. I had originally decided on a Candyland theme for their second birthday. The invitations were ordered...the candy was paid for...then a sudden and unfortunate passing of a family member took me away from party planning duties for awhile. So because I was in a time crunch, and still debating whether or not the party should still happen despite the somber mood surrounding my family, I decided that the show must go on...even if it meant switiching up the theme at the last minute (unfortunately Candyland party supplies cannot be found at your local party store and I ran out of time to complete all the cute DIY projects I had in mind, womp!)

All in all, the party was a success. The twins had a ball playing in the jumper, the kids enjoyed putting together the gingerbread houses, and I sent everyone home with a sugar rush! Check out the pics...

I was so excited for my lil mamas to turn the BIG 2!!!

A party is just not a party without a bounce house!

They turn 2 and all of a sudden they can hang with the big kids, lol

Alexis was hanging out...

So was big sis Aaliya

My girls LOOOVE each other. Almost makes me wish I had a sister....ALMOST!

The kids had fun making the gingerbread house (remember, it was originally a Candyland theme...couldn't let those go to waste)

I was so proud of the candy buffet...it came out great!!!

Seeing all the old-school candy made me feel like a kid again

This is the look of two pooped out 2-year olds after a fabulous party!!!

Designer Gown Sale

I couldn't live up to the motto "Platinum Weddings on a Silver Budget" without mentioning this steal of a deal: How would you like to score an amazing wedding gown for a HUGE fraction of the cost? Well, now you can! Bridal Showplace 2010 presents the Designer Gown Sale. Did I mention that all designer gowns are only...wait for it...$179!!!! Choose from Demetrios, Maggie Sottero, Jasmine, Forever Yours, Private Label by G, Lady Roi, Belsoie, B2, Mon Cheri & more!

photo courtesy of www.demetriosbride.com

Photo couretesy of www.foreverbridals.com

Mark Your Calendars...this is a sale you won't want to miss!!!

Designer Gown Sale at
Bridal Showplace 2010
Sunday, February 21
Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel
7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park 11:00am - 4:00pm
Free Parking
Designer Gown Sale
featuring top designers at below
wholesale prices for the entire
Bridal Party.
All Designer Bridal Gowns $179
Bridesmaids & Special Occasion Dresses $59
Flower Girl Dresses $39
CASH ONLY

Don't wait in long lines
RSVP Now: http://us.mc453.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bridalshowplace@ymail.com

Note: the gowns pictured above are a representation of the featured designers and are in no way promised to be a part of the gown sale.

A Wedding Gift With Meaning

Photo courtesy of Kare11.com News

By now I'm sure everyone has heard the devastating story of the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti last week, that killed hundreds of thousands of people and left many others injured, homeless, and displaced. Well, I woke up this morning to a wonderful, heartwarming story that made news headlines. A Minnesota couple, Leah Bogen and Will Nicholson, has decided to do a self-less act by donating $2,500, their ENTIRE reception/food budget, to a group called Partners in Health. The couple, who plan to marry in June, hopes that there generous act of kindness will prompt other couples to follow in their footsteps. In the meantime, the couple is working to create a new budget for their upcoming nuptials by carefully analyzing areas in which they could cut back to cover the expenses.


The crises in Haiti is real, and it is going to take a tremendous amount of support, funds, and aid, as well as generous hearts like Leah's and Will's, to help better this situation as soon as possible. Please keep the people in Haiti, as well as their loved ones in your prayers, and if at all possible, make a donation to the Red Cross or other reputable relief fund. Trust me, you will feel so warm and tingly inside knowing your contribution helped someone in need. Every little bit counts. Spread the word!

Fab Find Friday: The Lounge Spa

As I was doing some research for a location for my friend's upcoming bridal shower/bachelorette party, I came across this trendy little day spa called The Lounge Spa. Nestled away in Culver City, this would be the perfect place for the girls to get together, sip martinis, and enjoy a relaxing massage, a soothing facial, or a comforting body wrap. The place gave off a hip nightclub/lounge vibe (hence the name) with its retro lamps, shag rugs, and comfy couches. The coolest part? The bar-like menu! With names like the Absolut Facial, the Grand Marnier Meltdown, and "On the Rocks" hot stone massage, your mouth will absolutely water at the thought of being pampered here! Another treat: it's super-AFFORDABLE. With prices ranging from $40-$180, everyone can experience the relaxing goodness!

Check out a few pics from past bachelorette parties:

Catering can be provided by the spa, or you can bring in your own food/drinks

The food stations look yummy!!!

Loving the martini glass candleholder!

The Lounge Spa would be the perfect location for all types of functions, including birthday parties, baby showers, girls night out, or even a romantic getaway for two! Their party coordinator, Michelle is so sweet and eager to help make your party a success, so give her a call and tell her Nikola sent you!

The Lounge Spa

11911 W. Washington Blvd. Ste. B

Los Angeles, CA 90066

All photos courtesy of The Lounge Spa website

Platinum Touch Events In 2010!!!

It's a new year (it's 2010 ya'll!!!), and with the new year comes new goals, new challenges, and new beginnings! Platinum Touch Events is on the brink of unveiling some MAJOR changes. What kind of changes, you ask? Well, you'll just have to stick around and see!

This month is pretty jam-packed. There's a bridal shower on 1/16, wedding rehearsal and bachelorette party on 1/23, my dear friend Kahlia's wedding on 1/24, and the highly anticipated Candyland 2nd Bday party for my precious little ones (aka The Twins). Needless to say, I've been busy! But I promise to have fabulous pics and wonderful stories to share soon.

In the meantime, I will be posting some great tips, advice, and ideas that will, hopefully provide inspiration and a helping hand for your next event.

Until then, happy planning!