Lemonade Stand Engagement Shoot

Wow, do I have a swoon-worthy engagement to share with y'all today! Captured By Belinda photos took my breath away the moment I set eyes on this lemonade stand inspired shoot. Aside from the beautiful couple clearly so in love, the sentimental value of the shoot - "turning lemons into lemonade" is so closely connected to a marriage! Life is sure to throw you some lemons throughout your years together but in the end, it's all about making the most of them!

Compliments:
Photography: Captured By Belinda
Venue: Shingle Creek Regional Park

Unique Drink Stations

With all the amazing dessert bar ideas out there it is easy to forget about the arguably favorite wedding guest stop, the bar! After all the thought and planning that goes into every other unique idea for the big day, why stick to the traditional bar?! The wedding bar deserves to be just as unique as the couple. For my big day you can bet I will be straying from the conventional, below are some of the fabulous drink display ideas that have me inspired:

Vintage Bathtubs:

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Rustic Barrels:

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Antique Wheelbarrows: 

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Rustic Wagons:

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Shabby-Chic Outdoor Fountains:

Rustic Canoes or Boats:

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Old Truck Beds:

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Antique Wash Tubs:

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Hot Beverage Bars

Snow has officially graced Grand Forks with its presence today! As I stare out my window at the beautiful winter wonderland I cannot help but crave a cup of hot cocoa, YUM! But aside from my chocolate addiction let’s get down to business, hot cocoa and other warm weather beverages are the ideal treat for a fall or winter wedding.

The best part about creating a hot beverage bar besides enjoying it? Decorating of course! Here are a few hot beverage bars that have me inspired:

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 I recommend including hot cocoa, specialty flavored teas, apple cider, and of course coffee. Also, make sure to place your hot beverage bar near the entrance of your venue so guests have ready access after entering from the brisk weather!

DIY Apple Cider Cups

Do I have a treat for y'all today; An apple inspired DIY that is perfect for any fall wedding!

What you will need:

Paring Knife
Large Spoon or Melon Baller
Large Apples
Lemon Juice
Apple Cider

Garnish Options: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, or star anise.

Instructions:

On a cutting board, begin by using a knife to cut off the top of an apple.  Then use a paring knife to carefully outline the "rim" of the apple cup, I recommend a 1/4" wide rim. Next, use a large spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center of the apple until you have a nice sized "cup". While hollowing out the apple, be mindful not to get too close or cut through the bottom/sides of the apple as this will cause the cider to leak! Once the inside of the apple has been hollowed out, brush lemon juice over the inside of the apple to prevent browning.  Lastly, fill with apple cider, garnish, serve, and enjoy!

TIP: If an apple doesn’t sit exactly level, take a paring knife and slice off a few millimeters from the bottom to even off.

Compliments:
Source: Gimme Some Oven

DIY Redneck Wine Glass

 If you share the same love for mason jars that I do, I guarantee this budget-savvy DIY is a necessary addition to your bridal "To-Do" list! Not only is it a great conversation piece, but guests can screw on the mason jar lid in between sips to avoid spills on the dance floor! Seriously, how great is this?!

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"Redneck" Wine Glass

What you will need:

Mason jar
Candle stick
E-6000 glue
Twine

Instructions:

Simply, use E-6000 to glue the base of the candle stick to the bottom of a mason jar and let dry.

Tip:  I suggest using twine to keep the lid attached to jar.

Lastly fill with beer, sweet tea, wine or some moonshine... cheers!

Prairie Berry Wine

I must admit that I am a girl that enjoys a tall glass of cold beer over a glass of wine, a country girl at heart that's for sure! So it will come as a surprise to any of you that know me, when I say I found a wine that I actually enjoy! Scratch that... LOVE!

 One of my best girls invited me over for some pizza, wine, and wedding planning. Without fail I volunteered to pick up some Coors Light. I know they say don't judge a book by it's cover, but upon arrival and catching a glimpse of the wine I decided that something with such a rustic-chic label was worth me trying. Long story short, I am hooked and without a doubt will be using this wine for my southern inspired rustic-chic wedding!

The delcious wine is from Prairie Berry Winery and offers more than 15 affordable grape, fruit and honey wines all made at their South Dakota location. Each bottle offers a unique rustic-chic label, perfect for any and all rustic-chic weddings! Prairie Berry ships their wine to numerous states, so be sure to check out their site for more information.

Check out this unique and easy DIY alternative to seating cards:

Attach a name list to each bottle with a table number. Guests will then have the opportunity to take the bottle with them to their designated table and ultimately start enjoying the wine!

Lavender Lemonade

Signature drinks at a wedding are always a special touch and topic of discussion; And this recipe for lavender lemonade is sure to do just that!

Ingredients:  

 

1 1/2 ounces Rain Organic Lavender Lemonade Vodka
3 ounces Fresh Lemonade (lightly sweet)
1 dash Lavender syrup

 
Lavender syrup: Steep 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender in 1/4 cup of hot water. Remove lavender and add 1/3 cup sugar and mix until sugar dissolves.

Serve in a mason jar or vintage glass and garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender stem.

For a Non-alcohol cocktail: 6 ounces Fresh Lemonade and 2 dashes Lavender syrup.

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   Also try simply garnishing champagne with lavender stems. Talk about a gorgeous touch! 

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Compliments:

Source: Lucia Paul Design