The Academy Awards

The Academy Awards provide one of the best opportunities for people watching on the planet. For weeks, some of the top stylists in the world have been preparing what they hope will become the hot new trends in hair and fashion. For me, the focus is always on the shoes. Let's face it, the closest most of us will come to an Oscar night will be our wedding day. I would love to have you think about adding some fun and colorful shoes to your wedding attire. Here are just a few of my favorites courtesy of "Style Me Pretty".




P.S. Don't forget: life is short buy the shoes.

Great Date Destinations around Grand Rapids! Part 2!

In our last post, we introduced you to Reserve Wine Bar- a great date destination for the couple looking for an upscale night out on the the town. Today, we want to introduce you to something a little different: The Electric Cheetah! 

The Electric Cheetah is a great date night option for the couple who wants to try something new. They are known for a few things, in particular. First, they do not have a liquor license, but instead, offer a huge variety of root beers! Second, they serve wonderful homemade sweet potato fries with a rosemary seasoning-- from rosemary grown in-house! They're served with a whole plateful of dipping sauces! Wonderful! Third, they employ the services of many local companies. Their meat and produce is raised locally, and their bread is baked right down the street! Because of this, their menu is constantly changing, so be sure to stop in often! Their wait-staff is friendly and the atmosphere is great for a one-on-one date, or a double date!

The Electric Cheetah is a great, fun, exciting restaurant! If you try it, and love it (and how could you not?) be sure to check out their sister restaurant, Uncle Cheetah's Soup Shop, offering a variety of homemade soups, daily! 

Find the Electric Cheetah at: 

1015 Wealthy St. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Or

Visit them online at: 

www.electriccheetah.com

Great Date Destinations around Grand Rapids!

Whether dating, engaged, or married, dates are an important time for any couple. One-on-one time is important to a relationship, and we want to help encourage our friends to get out and go on a date! Here at Grand Volute Ballrooms, we are experts when it comes to anything and everything Grand Rapids, and we have a few out of the ordinary date destinations. While every couple has their stand-by restaurants, these places are unique to Grand Rapids, and are sure to aid in an unforgettable date night for you and your sweetie!

Today, we'll focus on an upscale date destination. We want to introduce you to Reserve Wine Bar. Reserve offers a variety of food options ranging in price from 7-16 dollars, so there is something for everyone! They also offer wine varieties from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Italy, and France, just to name a few. 

The environment is warm and romantic-- definitely a great date destination. Stop by and settle in for the evening, or stop by for a quick visit before a night at the theater. Either way, Reserve has a wonderful time in store for you. 

Visit Reserve Wine Bar at: 

201 Monroe Ave. NW

Grand Rapids, Mi 

49503

Or Call them at: 616-855-WINE

Cheers, from Grand Volute Ballrooms, and Reserve Wine Bar! 

New Segments: Monthly Flowers!

Here at the Grand Volute Ballrooms, we are always looking for ways to make your life as the bride and groom-to-be easier. This month, we are beginning something new-- a monthly flower segment. Each month has its own flower-- February, surprisingly, is not the rose! The flower of February is the violet! Now, if you're like us, you might be thinking "So what?!-- How am I supposed to incorporate violets into my wedding?!" Well, after doing some research, we were pretty surprised at the ideas that others have done. Have your flower girl sprinkle violets, or incorporate them into your bouquet. Maybe February is a special month for you-- incorporate violets into your wedding flowers in memory of a passed friend or family member who's birthday was in February, for example. Either way, we were especially impressed with some of the arrangements that some brides had designed for their weddings. Below is one of our favorites, that we found on somemomentsofpleasure.blogspot.com. 

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day from Grand Volute Ballrooms!

We hope that you have a wonderful day! 

Be sure to let us know if anything exciting happens today!! 

Valentine's Roses

How do you choose a rose and know that you are buying a good, quality
fresh product? That's a great question, especially with Valentine's Day
right around the corner. No one wants to look at a vase of roses with
their heads drooped over on February 15. Many things factor into the
quality of fresh flowers on a high volumn week. The growers will want to
cut as much product as they can, and sometimes that means they are sending
out immature blooms. Those would be the very tight, small, hard roses you
sometime see. We florists call those "bullets" and they never open. At the
wholesale level, in order to handle the volume of product, the roses may
sit in a tightly packed box in the cooler a few days longer than normal. A
rose can sit a couple of days without water, but too long and it will
affect it's ability to draw water up the stem. The signs of a rose under
stress would be dry, blackened or fallen foliage and a veiny, wrinkley look
to the petal. A rose under stress can look okay sitting in a florist
cooler, but once it comes out into room temperature, it will droop it's
head. Look for roses with bright green fresh looking foliage, no dark
spots on it's stem and a bloom that is just starting to open, but yet firm
in the center. Shop with that knowledge and enjoy your Valentine's Day.

Contributed by: 

Gail Vander Laan, Florist
www.gvlfloral.com
gail@gvlfloral.com
616.364.8954

Engagement Session Attire-- What do I wear?

InFrame Bride Magazine is THE resource to find answers about all things concerning the world of wedding photography.  Not sure what to wear for your engagement session? Here are some tips: 

Keep it simple. Avoid busy clothing with distracting patterns. If your shirt could talk, it should be whispering. Steer clear of bold stripes; logos or ruffles that can add unwanted bulk. Dark colors are most flattering, but black can wash out a pale complexion. Opt for navy blue instead. 

Be yourself. Don’t reinvent yourself for the photo shoot. The photos should reflect your personal style. Wear something in which you feel comfortable and confident. 

Make-up is a must. At a minimum, consider a concealer or light powder to even out your skin tone; you’ll be happy with the result.  Add in a touch of mascara to lengthen your lashes. 

Compliment each other. Remember fourth grade, when you and your best girl friend wore matching outfits? This is not fourth grade.  Pick a color scheme that both your wardrobes can accommodate.  Coordinate your outfits together, but leave the matching fanny packs at home. 

Mix it up. Changing accessories during the shoot adds variety.  Try subtle wardrobe changes like adding a scarf or switching out your necklace or shoes to add some character. Remember to keep it simple. 

InFrame Bride: Pick Your Perfect Photographer! Images by Grand Rapids, MI based wedding photographer Belle Rempert.

Molten Lava Cake Recipe!

Let's face it-- on Monday, every restaurant from here to there, and everywhere in-between will be packed with couples celebrating Valentines Day. Try something different this year, and stay in! Now, this doesn't mean staying in and doing the same-old, same old, it's staying in, and creating a romantic wonderland  for you and your sweetie. 

Cook her (or him!) a lovely meal; try something new, or your significant other's favorite. Get a bottle of wine, buy some flowers, light some candles, eat some chocolate... it can be wonderful! And much cheaper, if you do it the right way! 

We have a wonderful molten lava cake for you to try, if you need ideas. It is "restaurant good"-- possibly better! Surprise your darling for a dessert at home, instead of at the restaurant, even if you do go out! Seriously-- it's that good. Let us know how you like it, if you try it!  

MOLTEN LAVA CAKE

4 ounces unsalted butter

1 bar (4 ounces) Ghirardelli 60% cocoa Bittersweet baking bar

2 whole eggs

2 egg yolk

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cake flour

1. Melt butter and chocolate in double boiler

2. Whip eggs, yolks, sugar and vanilla with a mixer for about 10 minutes on high speed

3. Fold melted chocolate and butter into egg mixture

4. Fold in flour until just combined

5. Butter and sugar 4- 6oz ramekins, then spoon mixture into ramekins

6. Bake at 450 degrees for about 9-10 minutes. The center will be quite soft but the top and sides will be set

7. Let sit out of the oven for about 5 minutes, then unmold onto a plate.

         8. Serve with a few raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

eightWest

Did you miss us on eightWest? 

If so, click the picture below! 

We will be back on eightWest on February 15! 

Wedding Giveaway Details!

We, along with Fantastic Finds Bridal Salon, MiraBella Confections, Crescent Street Floral, Mani's Photography Studio, Diverse Sounds, Decor Elegance, Printing Paradigms, Affordable Limo, Men's Warehouse, ShutterBooth, Elegant Linen Design, Hampton Inn Grand Rapids Airport, icon Filmworks, Forever Twogether, and Mary Kay, are giving away a free wedding!! 

The package includes: a reception for 150 people, bridal gown, cake, fresh floral, photography, DJ/Entertainment, Decorations, Invitations, Transportation, Tuxes for the Groom and two groomsmen, a photobooth, linen and chair coverings, a wedding night stay in a hotel, videography, officiant, and a facial and makeup for the Bride. 

To register, attend the West Michigan Wedding Association Bridal Show, in Grand Rapids on February 19 and 20. For more detailed information, visit: www.westmichiganweddingassociation.org or call 1-8660294-8979. There will be a booth dedicated to registration. The winner will be announced on February 21, on 105.3 HotFM, on the Todd Chance Morning Show. 

Let the registration begin!