Monday Mashups: Skylines and Soirees

Skylines work as décor for a number of events. They are so dynamic--industrial, natural, monumental--and definitely unique. On a grand scale, like a stage backdrop, to a smaller scale, like centerpieces, skylines make a statement your guests will love. Make your event memorable. Check out these different ways to incorporate a skyline at your next soiree!

Be Monumental

From the Bunker Hill Monument to the Capitol building, these intricate replicas make for a truly memorable night. The custom displays work great on food stations and buffets for an added reminder of life, liberty and justice for all.

Photo Backdrop

What's a better way to display a skyline than having it live on in everyone's photos? We recommend creating a hashtag for this as well so all of the images end up compiled in one searchable place!

Cheers!

If you have a long bar at your upcoming event, a skyline is the best way to dress it up. Since the bar can be such a focal point of a room already, the skyline won't go unnoticed.

Dim the Lights

Almost like a foggy city night, this skyline projected display really brings the outdoors in. We love how this creates a relaxed mood for the event!

Entryway Display

Like a walk through the city, create an epic entryway with ceiling high screen-prints. Your guests will appreciate the anticipation this creates while heading into your event!

Stage it Right

Bring some life to a room with a natural backdrop and additional scenery/props. A perfect way to get your guests feeling like they're in Central Park versus Beverly Hills!

Get creative with these skyline ideas and devour the details of a successful soiree today!

Wedding Week 2016: Simplistic Charm

We loved meeting with Liz from Simplistic Charm. She was super enthusiastic about the company and the unique designs they put together including the VIP longue and tables they had on display at the bridal expo. The VIP area was sectioned off by some ethereal pipe and drape and beautiful hanging crystals. Simplistic Charm kicked it up a notch by highlighting the area with gorgeous up-lighting that made us want to stay in there all day! Their table displays were also on-point. Linens, place settings, chair covers, and centerpieces to match every season and give brides-to-be an idea of what color-scheme and design could match their own wedding theme. Simply charming!

At Simplistic Charm, they work hard to make your event special and unique. They specialize in chair design rentals for banquet and chiavari chairs, candy buffets, ceiling drapery and décor, up-lighting, photo booths, pipe and drape, door glitz, chuppahs and so much more. Their designs will give you a custom look while being budget-friendly, functional and most importantly, unforgettable. Simplistic Charm prides themselves on having designs that are current and up-to-date that will amaze your guests. Can't go wrong with Simplistic Charm!

 

Simplistic Charm will work with you to create an amazing setup that will keep your event memorable for you and your guests. They are known for their great customer service and satisfaction. Their staff is knowledgeable and attentive to your requests and the needs for your event. They will work with you to ensure you stay within your budgetary needs; something all brides can appreciate.

At Simplistic Charm, their goal is to develop a lifelong relationship with you, so they guarantee the satisfaction of their products and services which is evident in their mission: "our brand, our passion, your vision exemplified". You can find Simplistic Charm on a number of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. For additional information, visit their website.

Simplistic Charm is located in Stoughton, MA. If I recall from speaking with Liz, they do have a showroom you can visit. If the photos don't do it justice, take our word for it--Simplistic Charm will devour the details of your special day and they guarantee it! Check them out today!

Wedding Week 2016: Celebrant Anna P Bacall

At the bridal expo, I had the most wonderful conversation with Anna Bacall, an interfaith minister and practicing celebrant. She was full of life, love, and joy. Just from speaking with her, I could tell how passionate she is about her work. Anna's vision is to work together with her clients to create the most beautiful and unique ceremony for any milestone such as weddings, anniversaries, baby blessings, and memorials. She had so much emotion in her explanation of why she does what she does, I was literally getting the chills/goosebumps due to pure excitement for her. It was amazing.

Here's a little background on Anna. Massachusetts and New Hampshire Wedding Officiant and Wedding Celebrant, Anna Bacall, is a graduate of the Celebrant Foundation and Institute. Educated in the history of faiths, traditions and unity rituals from around the world, Anna is a trained, professional wedding officiant. She creates and performs personalized ceremonies that honor the milestones in one’s life. In her role specifically as a Wedding Celebrant, it is her honor to create for you the wedding you envision; a one of a kind ceremony that becomes a unique and personal reflection of you as a couple. Each ceremony by Anna is customized to mirror your individual beliefs, traditions, faiths and cultures by including and incorporating those elements that are important to you.

Anna has experience in ceremonies as intimate as two and as large as 500. Is there a place that has a significant meaning to you? Are you toying with the idea of having your wedding there? Not a problem. It would be Anna's pleasure to help make your heart’s desire a reality.

How does this happen?

Anna always starts with a phone call which will enable her to get a sense of who you are and what you have in mind for your ceremony. You will then schedule a complimentary consultation where she will show you a sample ceremony, and several samples of readings, unity rituals, vows, etc. Then, as a couple, you will be able to choose, design, and incorporate those elements that are meaningful to you. Anna will ask questions that will help her to write your personal love story. You will discuss ways to include or honor family members if you so desire. After that, your Ceremony will be written and presented to you via email for any editing until you are completely satisfied with the final results. Anna will be available for the rehearsal. At that time, if necessary, you can make any last minute changes. Then of course, Anna will be present for your wedding day, sharing this special time with you and rejoicing over this beautifully accomplished ceremony.

Anna also specializes in unique unity blessings such as sand ceremonies, wine ceremonies, and tying of the knot ceremonies. She will cater to you. Your vision gives Anna inspiration to create the perfect combination for a unity blessing within your ceremony. Because each ceremony is as unique as each individual couple, Anna's fees will be quoted on an individual basis. In order to secure your wedding date, a $250 deposit is required. You can also contact Anna for elopement and small wedding fees. As a token of her appreciation, Anna will present you with a beautiful keepsake copy of your wedding ceremony to enjoy for a lifetime.

With Anna's help, you will create a memory you will look back on and relive time and time again. Visit the Anna Bacall website and contact her today for more information. When looking for an alternative to a traditional ceremony, take a moment to picture a personalized celebration catered to reflect you as a couple, and reach out to Anna to devour the details of a perfect start to the journey of your lives together!

Wedding Week 2016: Torte di Venezia

Welcome to day two of Wedding Week 2016! One of my other favorite vendors from the bridal expo was Torte di Venezia. Owner, Karen Venezia, is a little Italian spitfire. Her passion and confidence in her work truly shown through in the brief time we got to chat. From the neighboring town of Saugus, Karen started Torte di Venezia in her home after years of experience in a number of professional bakeries. She quickly out grew her kitchen and is now located at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury.

But let's go back to the beginning. Karen began creating cakes before there was a cake boss or ace of cakes. At the time she started, very few people attended culinary school for cake decorating. Karen learned as many did, by creating cakes and desserts for her children and family. Eventually when her children were off to grade school, she was able to pursue a job at a local Italian bakery. It was here that she honed her skills as a cake decorator. Not only did she become proficient in wedding cake design, fondant and intricate styles, Karen also discovered a passion for meeting and designing one on one with individuals.

After ten years, Karen left her first bakery nest and began testing her decorating “wings” in new settings. Over the years, she learned and grew in wonderful upscale bakeries and cake boutiques, one of which won “Best of Boston”. Along the way, Karen continued to create for family, friends, and friends of friends. She will always be thankful for these people because without their support Karen wouldn't have taken her passion to the next level; creating a business of her own.

Owning her business has blessed Karen with the privilege of handcrafting works of art which are also enjoyed when cut. These cakes a one-of-a-kind. Every cake is made to the specific desire and need of the individual placing the order. Many of Karen's cakes cater to food allergies and sensitivities while focusing on whole, fresh ingredients, including locally grown, when possible.

Being located at Cider Hill Farm has given Torte di Venezia a leg up on its competition. Just to give you some background, Cider Hill Farm began in 1978 when Ed and Eleanor Cook purchased the old Battis Dairy Farm with the hope of transforming it into an apple farm. Not long after that, the Cook’s son, Glenn, along with his new bride, Karen, bought the adjacent Vedrani Poultry Farm so they could start a quality life together. Now, with three generations diligently tending to the chores of all this land, Cider Hill Farm is able to bring you a beautiful and diverse operation that looks and feels everything but first generation.

They grow fruits and vegetables on nearly 70 acres of their 145 acre farm and offer many of these as pick your own crops. The number of diverse crops and a number of varieties of each crop. Cider Hill Farm also has a very diversified approach in regards to labor, marketing, season extension, community involvement, and progressive practices that you will see in their many renewable energy projects. Definitely an interesting operation to incorporate a cake decorating business to but it really works for both companies!

Cider Hill Farm's primary goal has always been to grow and offer their customers the very best quality food possible. More than ever, people are discovering the importance of shopping at local farm stands to get the freshest and healthiest products. Karen has access to some of the freshest fruits and vegetables around. She is able to incorporate this farm fresh movement into her business plan. Working closely with Cider Hill Farm, Karen is able to offer her customers the ability to literally pick their very own fruits or vegetables for their uniquely crafted cakes including award-winning apples, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and carrots. It doesn't get fresher than that!

Karen's number one priority is to personally meet and speak to her customers. It is an honor for her to get to know, and grow, with each one, along with their family and friends. Rather than simply being Karen “the cake lady”, she has become Karen, your family’s artigiano (which is Italian for the French artisan) baker. Consider setting up a consultation with Karen today!

What should you expect at your personal consultation for your wedding with Torte di Venezia? Well number one, you are going to taste some phenomenal cakes. But besides that, this is a time to bring your questions, pictures, and of course your personality. Your colors, wedding style, cake shape, family allergies, delivery and price quote will all be discussed. Be sure to set aside 30-45 minutes to meet so every detail can be talked over without being rushed. A deposit will not be expected at your consultation which is a huge component for budget-conscious brides. However, a 20% deposit is required to secure the date for your wedding cake once you decide. Because each cake is a custom creation, Karen only takes a few orders each week to ensure she is giving you the best cake possible. Don't miss out on working with her!

Torte di Venezia is bursting with flavor! Some popular cake combinations they offer include:

Vanilla Bean - Moist, rich vanilla cake filled with vanilla French cream
Limon Lampone - Simply put, lemon raspberry is a light lemon cake replete with vanilla French cream and fresh from the farm raspberries
Guinness & Bailey's - A rich chocolate pound cake made with genuine Guinness Ale filled with Bailey's Irish Cream mousse

I can vouch for Torte di Venezia when I say that the Guinness & Bailey's cake is as decadent and delicious as they describe it. So if you're looking for a quality, farm fresh, one-of-a-kind taste and design for your wedding cake, look no further. Karen and Torte di Venezia is all you need to devour the details of your perfect wedding day cake!

Wedding Week 2016: Janeen Jones Professional Hair & Makeup

Welcome to Wedding Week 2016! Yes, I just made this up entirely but let's roll with it. So my friend Becky is a professional model. She does all types of modeling from promotional events to catalogues and TV commercials. Yesterday she worked The Seasons--A Unique Wedding Planning Event hosted by WeddingCreators at the Crowne Plaza in Woburn. Last minute, Becky extended the invite for me to attend as a VIP and blog about some of the awesome vendors. So today when I began to get my thoughts together I decided that instead of breaking up this event into four or five different Wedding Wednesday features, I would just turn this week into Wedding Week 2016! Hope you don't mind. Without further adieu, here's our first favorite vendor!

Meet Janeen Jones, hair and makeup professional and probably the sweetest lady I've ever met. Janeen and her team did the hair and makeup for the models at the expo, including Becky. I don't know how she's put up with Becky for so long (if you visit Janeen's website, you will see Beck right on the homepage), but she must be a saint. Janeen has 25 years of industry experience and is sought after for her flawless makeup applications, on point hair styling techniques and her friendly adaptable personality. I can totally confirm that this is her true craft 1. because she makes Becky look even more beautiful and 2. because when I spoke with Janeen it was so natural and comfortable; it felt like we've known each other for years.

(One of the beautiful models from the bridal expo!)

Janeen's passion is evident in her work. She covers all realms of makeup from beauty and commercial to bridal and artistic. Looking through the photos on her website, you will see just how diverse her talent is. Janeen has worked with numerous designers, stylists, photographers, models, musicians, visual artists and performers to create stunning looks. From photo shoots and music videos to look books and runway shows, she's done it all. Some of her commercial/corporate clients include Miller Coors, BJ's Wholesale Club, Charles River Media Group and StyleFixx Boston. Some publications that feature Janeen's work are Improper Bostonian, Vogue Italia Online Magazine, Exhale Magazine and Harvard Business Review. You can even catch Janeen's work on celebrities like former New England Patriot Scott Zolak for that Coors Light campaign he did in 2013, Jada (music group) for multiple appearances, performances and music videos they have, and Disney's Meghan Montenegro had the pleasure of being beautified for her album release, TV pilot and additional promotional events. How amazing is that? Quite the resume if you ask us!

(A great shot of the models from the expo! Becky is on the right.)

Now to make this about weddings, Janeen loves working with brides-to-be. She is extremely accommodating and will work with each bride to create, customize, and design the perfect bridal makeup and hair style. From simple and natural to full glamour, Janeen and her team have you and your bridal party covered. Janeen truly understands the importance of this day and strives to ensure every bride she works with has a wonderful and stress-free experience leading up to her wedding and also makes each bride feel more beautiful than they could ever imagined possible. Janeen's services are priced exceptionally well for the amount of talent and skill she brings to the art of makeup and hair styling. I highly recommend contacting Janeen for a consultation and getting to know her when narrowing down makeup artists for your big day.

(Janeen working with Becky on a shoot.)

Janeen's personality, professionalism and pure talent put her a step above the rest in the beauty industry. To see what she does follow Janeen on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Her Instagram page is my favorite! So trust me, you won't want to miss out on Janeen and her team so setup an appointment today. Not to brag, but I was gifted a complimentary makeup session that I can't wait to use! I'll have to share some pictures but until then be sure to devour the details of your wedding hair and makeup with the help of Janeen Jones today!

(Janeen and her fun-loving team at the bridal expo!)

(Becky and I at the expo! Sadly she took her shoes off to be my height--I have heels on!)

Flashback Friday: La Chanterelle

Since we missed you on Mashup Monday, we thought we'd bring you a Flashback Friday! As you may know, I studied Hospitality Management with an Event Management concentration at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Part of the program is to have students take courses in service management and culinary arts operations at the on-campus European fine-dining restaurant, La Chanterelle. It is one of the craziest but greatest experiences I've ever had at the school. Those courses taught me so much about restaurant management and how to overcome challenges on the fly. I truly loved every minute of it.

So anyways, we are here today to give you a taste of La Chanterelle--the non-traditional classroom. Throughout history, food and beverage has brought people together. Today it still forms one of the key components in hospitality. From running your own event company to managing restaurants at a hotel or dealing with catering organizations, you need to have a firm knowledge of how to manage and train employees, understand cost controls and need to be able to communicate with kitchen and service staff. At La Chanterelle students acquire these key skills that are fundamental to the hospitality industry.

The overall goal is to educate students in developing a managerial "eye for detail", combined with interpersonal, teambuilding, time management and critical thinking skills; all of which are crucial in today's competitive world. Small class sizes (5 to 1 student-teacher ratio), together with the international hospitality background of professors and assistant teachers, provide a unique learning experience by combining both theoretical and practical knowledge, allowing students to gain a competitive edge when starting to work in the hospitality industry. For guests who wish to dine at La Chanterelle, we ask for your understanding and patience as the students' progress while you discover the educational experience at La Chanterelle.

Trust us, patients is key. For someone like me, who had never considered being a server or chef, it was eye-opening. From crumbing after guests finished their entrees and opening bottles of wine without making the cork pop, to deveining shrimp and running the pass, I was totally nervous but also totally thrilled at the same time. Mind you, these courses are typically for your freshmen and sophomore year. So picture being new to college, never having restaurant experience, and being thrown into all of this. It's crazy but it works. And I hope this is something they continue to grow and develop for years to come.

So if you're interested, La Chanterelle welcomes you to join the students as they prepare and present your meal this upcoming spring semester.

Service on the following nights will begin promptly at 6:30 pm:

• February 25th
• March 3rd
• March 10th
• March 24th
• March 31st

Upon your arrival, begin your dining experience in the student-run tasting bar which features a selection of international wines. Then, students from the School of Hospitality Management will escort you to your table where your classroom experience begins with a chef’s surprise. When attending dinners they kindly ask you to be at Misselwood at 6:30pm. Attire is smart-casual.

Reservations can be made with the Stagiaires, La Chanterelle’s team of instructors, by calling 978-232-3040 or visit their website for additional information.

 

Hope you enjoyed this Flashback Friday (and the great photos of me). Now devour the details of your next dinner date with the help of the awesome students at La Chanterelle!

Spring Into These Wicked Awesome Boston Venues

With warmer weather comes more reason to get out and enjoy your surroundings. If you're planning any events this spring, whether family reunions or company outings, we've got some new places for you to try out. From catching a game at Fenway to community rowing, here are some wicked awesome Boston venues to spring into!

Hotel Commonwealth

Hotel Commonwealth underwent a serious renovation, complete with a new wing that nearly doubled the size of the infamous Kenmore Square hotel. Highlights of the project take advantage of the hotel’s location near Fenway Park. The new Fenway Park Suite is decorated with Red Sox memorabilia, and a 1,500-square-foot terrace overlooks the ballpark. The outdoor space holds 250 guests for receptions or seats 100. The renovation finished in January. You'll be singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "Sweet Caroline" all night with this fever pitch of a venue!

Smoke Shop

Now we know what you're thinking but this is actually the opposite. Chef and World Barbecue champion Andy Husbands will open Smoke Shop in early spring. Housed in the former Tommy Doyle’s (we've had some good times there) space in Cambridge, the 5,000-square-foot restaurant has undergone complete reconstruction and will provide event spaces that will hold as many as 200. There will be two spaces for semiprivate events: one in the traditional dining room for 34 guests, and another for 65 guests that combines the bar space and high-top tables. A seasonal patio will accommodate 40. We are so excited to test this kitchen out!

Southern Kin Cookhouse

Assembly row continues to grow with this ne dining experience! Southern fare is headed to Somerville with Southern Kin Cookhouse, a comfortable new venue slated to open in the spring. The menu will feature more than 100 American whiskeys and comfort food such as pulled pork biscuits. The 5,000-square-foot space, equipped with audiovisual capabilities, will seat about 100 guests in an environment of reclaimed wood and crimson textures and accents. In nicer weather, a wraparound patio will hold more than 60 guests. We bet they have some chicken and waffles on their menu--at least we hope so because it's our favorite. Can't wait to feast at this cookhouse!

A Taste of Rock-n-Roll

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is taking his popular coffee line and expanding into the café business. Located at the intersection of Routes 1 and 1A, the 1,500-square-foot Joey Kramer’s Rockin’ and Roastin’ Cafe will appeal to the breakfast crowd. Opening in early April, it will offer diverse coffee options alongside fresh baked goods and breakfast sandwiches. The venue seats about 20 people. A seasonal patio spanning an additional 1,500 square feet will seat 22. Perfect way to start your day and a neat place to meet up. The décor alone gets us inspired, we can only imagine what some coffee might do!

Row, row!

In December, the public rowing club Community Rowing opened up its new indoor rowing studio for private events. Located on the second floor of the Harry Parker Boathouse, the 500-square-foot space is available for drop-in rowing classes or for private events. For private event rental, it seats 35 theater-style or holds 50 for receptions. Teambuilding sessions for as many as 12 people are available, with classes taught by rowers training for the United States Olympic team. A bonding experience unlike any other! We love this idea!

So once snow is no longer on the radar and it's warm enough for flats, get everyone together for a taste of spring at any of these wicked awesome Boston venues and devour the details of a one-of-a-kind outing!

Wedding Wednesdays: Say 'I Do' to the Right Insurance

Happy Wedding Wednesday! And welcome to our new site design. We hope you love it as much as we do! Big thanks to my boyfriend Chris and his colleague Tristan for making this happen. We finally feel like our blog is complete and couldn't be happier to show readers what we're all about through our awesome look! Now, on to the good stuff. This Wedding Wednesday we wanted to share some tips on the wedding insurance planning process. It is something that you may not think of but should really consider doing. And here's why!

What Is Wedding Insurance?
Basically, wedding insurance protects a couple's investment from circumstances beyond their control, and reimburses expenses incurred. For example, if your limo driver doesn't show up and you have to book another one the morning of the wedding, for three times the price or if your reception space goes out of business, a month before the wedding, and you lose your deposit and have to book another space, with wedding insurance you can protect yourself from financial losses like these.

Why Get Wedding Insurance?
Consider this scenario...Becky and Mat spend months planning their winter wedding. But on the wedding day, their reception site is made inaccessible by an ice storm. Tragic but with the right wedding insurance policy, the couple can postpone their wedding and receive every penny they lost (less the deductible)—including money for the invites, cake, catering, attire and nonrefundable deposits for ceremony musicians, a floral designer and other vendors thanks to wedding insurance.

How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost?
A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings and deposits usually costs anywhere between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. General liability insurance, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents, costs around $185. Not a huge cost to budget for. And better to be safe than sorry.

You can also get free wedding insurance if you book your wedding venue through The Knot Venue Concierge, where $27,000 in free wedding insurance coverage is included in the policy. How amazing is that? We always utilize The Knot for updates on all things wedding. We highly recommend creating an account with them as you plan your wedding.

Do You Really Need Wedding Insurance?
Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered. For instance, your reception site or your caterer may already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Ask your vendors for a copy of their policy, and then figure out where you aren't fully covered.

When Should You Get Wedding Insurance?
The sooner the better because let's say you put a deposit on your wedding reception hall 12 months prior to your wedding date and then it burns to the ground a few weeks before the big day. With wedding insurance, you'll be sure to get your deposit back. Most insurance companies have limitations on how far in advance you can purchase insurance so just check that policy out before deciding on which insurance to go with.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?
Problems with the site, weather, vendors, key people, sickness or injury are the top concerns come wedding day. There's usually a specified maximum amount, which can be claimed under each section, and a deductible also applies. Be sure to find out the details of your insurance plan. Couples can also take out supplemental policies to defend against damages incurred by other wedding-related items such as photography, videography and gifts in addition to a basic policy.

Wedding Insurance Typically Doesn't Cover...
A change of heart. In other words, cold feet don't count. So figure that out before you start planning. Watches, jewelry or semiprecious gemstones or pearls (even if they are attached to clothing) may not be covered. While your wedding rings may be covered by the policy, your engagement ring probably will not. Go over all of the items on your wedding list and crosscheck to see what might not be covered. If it's too big of a risk not being covered, decide if you really want to include it or not.

Just keep in mind that every insurance policy and every wedding scenario is different. Research and find which works best for you, coverage and budget-wise. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent and have him or her explain the nuts and bolts to you. You want to make sure you understand every detail of your policy. We hope this has been helpful! Visit The Knot for additional information and join an open forum to ask any questions. Now go on and devour the details of your wedding insurance plans.

Transforming Grief: Watching Technology Evolve in the Funeral Care Profession

Not to be morbid, but this is something that you're going to see much more of. In this day and age, we are constantly connected via technology. We have it in the palms of our hands every single day. And just like most places with an online presence, funeral homes are also a business with plans to evolve through the web.

The nature of grief is transforming. Those involved in this industry are finding that innovation in death care stands to bring people together. For instance, with more physical distance between mourners and their loved ones, the grieving process is increasingly going online, thanks to tools like Facebook memorial pages, online guestbooks, and funeral service livestreams. These created connections are all becoming standards for those in the funeral business to have.

One company providing tech services to funeral businesses is funeralOne. funeralOne is a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the funeral care profession. funeralOne's core services include strategic funeral home web site design, personal funeral service consulting, and funeral tribute video software. Committed to delivering innovation, funeralOne collaborates with its clients to help them reach their full market potential. With deep industry expertise, broad resources and a proven track record, funeralOne can mobilize the right people, skills, and technologies to help clients reach their customers in new ways. Helping those in the funeral care profession will in turn make for an easier grieving process for those who've lost a loved one.

You will also see that some cemeteries are even going high-tech. For instance, geotagged, interactive headstones can make it easier to find burial places of loved ones and easily call up more information about their lives. Sort of unbelievable right? But this is the world we live in.

Ultimately, how to go about grieving is a personal choice. But the reality is that as the world technologically evolves, businesses like funeral homes will continue to adapt with hopes of making saying goodbye to a love one easier. For more information in the advancement of funeral services check out this article by Julie Kliegman, a writer for The Week. And continue to watch out for the way funeral services devour the details of the ever-growing connection the world has via technology.

Wedding Wednesdays: NOLA-inspired Fat Tuesday Feast

Whether you're tying the knot in New Orleans or just want a Mardi Gras celebration of you own, a Fat Tuesday feast makes for a wicked wedding reception! Fat Tuesday is all about the fried foods, creole-inspired cooking and frozen drinks. A combination all will love. Get feasting with these NOLA-inspired catering ideas!

Beignets

A must-have. This traditional dessert is a classic and it tastes as good as it looks!

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail Shooters

That creole spice gives these shooters a kick. Just the kind of flavor your guests will be looking for!

Frozen Hurricane Drink Station

I mean, who doesn't love a frozen cocktail? This totally reminds us of every Fat Tuesday we've been to!

Biscuits with Cinnamon-Sugar Butter Appetizer

Sweet and savory! A great treat for your guests as passed hors d'oeuvres.

Boudin Balls with Creole Mustard Dipping Sauce

The crunch on the outside with the flavor of the ground sausage on the inside makes this a perfect combination. Your guests will be asking for more of these!

Mini Muffulettas

How cute are these? This perfect hand-held sandwich makes it easy to dance and eat at the same time! Time to shake what ya mama gave ya!

Barbecue Shrimp

A staple in creole cuisine. Make sure you get your fair share before your guests eat them all up!

Fried Okra

Who doesn't love a veggie when it's fried? This tasty snack will be everyone's go to when they're fueling up for the dance floor!

Caviar and Scallion Pancakes

Oh you fancy, huh? Treat your guests with this delicious dish. But make sure they're not going overboard on the caviar!

To-Go Grits

The perfect favor! This traditional meal is a memorable way to send your guests home and keep them talking about your wedding day!

We can't wait to try some of these ideas ourselves. Devour the details of your NOLA-inspired wedding and feast like it's Fat Tuesday!