Autumn Lin Photography

Introducing Autumn Lin, the talented photographer I worked this weekend at Le Parker Meridien wedding I coordinated. Autumn Lin and her two associates where on top of their game capturing every emotion in its moment. The following are not photos from this weekend's wedding. These are actually photos of Autumn on her wedding day.

Her artistic and photojournalistic style can be seen in several publications, including: The Knot, The Knot: Best of Weddings and Bride.

Japanese Wedding Sake Tradition

Yesterday I had the pleasure of making a wedding fabulous at Le Parker Meridien Hotel, New York City. The bride was Japanese and the groom American. The couple chose to incorporate the Japanese wedding sake toasting tradition. The sharing or toast of sake symbolizes a formal bond between the bride and groom. It is one of the oldest traditional Japanese wedding ceremonial customs dating back to the 8th century.

The sake was poured into masu cups from Takara Sake USA Inc. The masu cups imparted a delicate hint of cedar to the sake and were hand crafted in Japan in old world style. These square wooden sake cups have been used in Japan for centuries to celebrate life, love, friendship and happiness and are commonly used for new year celebrations, weddings and company gatherings. And at $3 each, they're a score and make fab favors.

Romanticos Gourmet Chocolates created the favors. Two orgasmic truffles, per guest, in a simple organic box with a couple of wood sticks in a rustic knot and a tag with a special message.

And check0ut the centerpieces. I must commend Carroll's Florist for creating these lovely works of art. The actual centerpieces were enlarged versions (base vases were 6"x6" each & total centerpiece height approx 36"tall) of what you see in the image to the right. Ms. Mary Ellen Santulli is the super talented floral designer at Carroll's and can create any floral centerpiece your heart desires. When you call, tell her you read about her on my blog!

Wines for the 10 Course Chinese Wedding

Q: I'm looking for a couple of suitable yet inexpensive wines to serve at my Chinese banquet. The food is typical of a 10-course Cantonese meal (similar to the food served at Chinese wedding receptions). What ones would you suggest?

A: It's almost given to have wine or some sort of beverage alcohol at any Chinese celebratory banquet. In the past, you'd most likely find cognac or brandy on the table but nowadays, with the heightened interest in red wine (benefits), you are more likely to see a bottle each of red and white wine on the table. The challenge in finding the right wine to pair with the traditional Chinese banquet is the delightful mélange of flavours, something that has long been regarded as a minefield for wine and food pairing. In the past, you would have been given two choices: serve an off-dry Gewürztraminer or no wine at all. In my opinion, however, you do have a choice. Just keep in mind that due to the wide range of flavours, you'll need to choose at least one red and one white wine. Also, I suggest including a dessert wine.

Let's start with the food. The traditional 10-course meal usually begins with a cold appetizer dish that may include cold meats such as barbecue duck and pork and cold seafood such as jellyfish. Then it is followed by a procession of dishes that may include: soup (sometimes shark fin), whole steamed fish in a soya-based sauce, crispy-skin chicken, braised lobster or crab, vegetables (stir-fried or braised), other seafood such as shellfish, fried noodles with shitaki mushrooms, and fried rice. The flavours range from mild to spicy and even sweet and sour, creating an overwhelming taste experience for some.

Now for the wine. Two important rules of thumb in choosing the right wine for the meal: 1) white wines should have little or no oak, good acidity, and a hint of earthiness; 2) red wines should have restrained tannins and forward fruit to go along with an earthy quality. Pick dry whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc because they will go well with the shellfish, soup and fish dishes. For a complementary red wine (especially for the meat dishes), a Pinot Noir, light-bodied Shiraz/Syrah, or a blended wine from the South of France are all good. Both your red and white should also go well with the vegetable and noodle dishes.

Finally, we can't forget the dessert. Most often served is the red bean soup or other sweet soup-like dish served hot. This is accompanied by petit fours consisting of sesame and/or almond cookies. A late harvest Riesling (or Optima and Ehrenfelser) would be the crowning touch here with the dessert.

We'd like to thank Bruce Mathisen, Product Research Editor at BC Signature™ Liquor Stores for this informative answer.

Addressing Invites to Single Friends

Q. How do I address my wedding invitation envelopes to single friends who aren't dating someone steady, friends who are dating someone steady and friends who are living with someone but aren't married?

A. For a friend who is not dating someone steady: Mr. Alexander Jones
For a friend who is dating someone steady: Miss Harley Jones & Guest
For friends who are living together but arent' married: Mr. Alexander Jones & Miss Savanna Smith

Where are the Hanging Candles in NYC?

Q. I live in Manhattan and am having a hard time finding hanging candles for my centerpieces. I would prefer the non-wax kind. Any suggestions?

A. Try Jamali Garden , located on 28th Street in the flower district. The decorative treasures you'll find there are numerous and priced well. They carry soy, dripless, LED and standard candles of all shapes and sizes.

Antiqued glass hanging lantern - $3.99 each or 12 for $36
3in D x 4in H

Iridescent hanging votive holders - $18 for set of six
3in D x 4in H




Cone Tea Light Holders - $3.50 ea. or 24 for $60

The black metal ring allows these tea light holders to hang. Choose Red, Clear, Amber, White Frost, or Green. Complete Unit 8 1/2' H x 2 1/2' W.

This is just a small sampling of what Jamali has in stock. Another good online source for candles only is Candles4Less.com. You'll find a large selection of candles at great prices.

Oh, it's hot out there!

Yep, it's hot out there! So, I'm staying in (the AC is oh so fab) and answering questions from the numerous perplexed brides out there. Q&As will be posted on this blog. We'll also be posting stylish & unique wedding findings so check us out regularly!

Feel free to submit your questions to: Blog@simplydazzlingevents.com.