In Your Shoes

Ok ladies… seriously… I got engaged this year and all I can say is Holy Moly Wedding Planning!!

We’ve been planning weddings for a couple of years in-store and it sure has been an eye opener walking in a Bride’s shoes during the process this time around. When my clients drop off the face of the earth, I now know where they go! Planning a celebration is tough work, and I’ve found that the only way it’s actually possible is with a super awesome support system. We all need someone to vent to, and oh boy am I thankful for my family, and my gals—some people have 1 or 2, but I can say I have 8 awesome ladies behind me (Thank God!).

In the midst of all the crazy wedding prep, my nearest and dearest took the time to throw me the sweetest Bridal Shower, and it was just what I needed. You’re probably wondering… “Well how hard can wedding planning be? Don’t you do this for a living?” Well let’s just say I did this to myself when I decided to get married within the year—we got engaged in March 2016 and set the wedding date for October 2016…. for a wedding in Italy. I do not recommend this at home.

But like I said, thank God for my girls to keep me sane! They put together my sweet Italian brunch with the help of the sis Julia, my mama Dalliah, and my unofficial twin, the lil’ bro Raul. I’m one grateful gal! The countdown officially begins: Italia, here we come!

The Beautiful Table Set Up. Food and FLowers, My Fave!

These Beautiful Ladies and Mini Me, Thank You!

Life Wouldn't Be Complete Without Cake Tasting and a Donut Tower

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…In Bahrain

Perfect weather! Finally. It’s not too cold and not scorching, just yet. And yes, anything under 18 °C is considered cold in these parts—don’t judge.

Warmer weather for us means a slew of outdoor gigs that need to be set up, but when I’m not elbows deep in flowers or perched on a ladder I love having a bunch of friends over in our roof-top garden for a barbecue. I like to keep my food and décor simple: a couple of salads, a refreshing beverage, some candles, maybe a printed tablecloth… nothing to fussy (Mainly because I’m a bit lazier on my day off… like I said, don’t judge!).

Time Out Bahrain got in touch  with us a few months back for more tips on outdoor entertaining and for more in-depth planning tips you can check out the article here. 

Fruits as Decor

Simple Flowers and Candles

Always have Nibbles!

For me one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt over the years is to make sure you have something ready for your guests to nibble on and drink when they first arrive. It’s a no brainer, I know, but something that is easily overlooked when you’re dashing around hiding laundry and putting away piles of paper.

One of the first things I do ahead is prep a drink station and usually it’s as simple as lemon-infused water. But when I do get the time, I like to fancy things up with a fresh-pressed juice. You can juice the below at home although there’s really nothing wrong with cheating and getting fresh juice from your neighbourhood juice man!

Pomegranate Agua Fresca

4 Pomegranates – Juiced and strained through fine mesh strainer to remove any pips

3 Oranges, juiced

2 Limes, juices

¼ cup Simple Syrup*

1 cup Ice

A Large Pitcher

Add juices, simple syrup, and 2 cups water to your pitcher and mix. Top off juice mixture with 1 cup of ice and taste, your juice should taste refreshing and only slightly sweet, adjust with more lime juice or simple syrup as needed.

Remember, the ice will continue to water down the juice so don’t add too much to start! Do keep a an ice bucket and tongs handy for guest to top off their drink with more ice.

*To make simple syrup heat 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Cool completely before using or storing. Makes about 1 cup of syrup.