Wonderful Week for Local Brides!

Last week wrapped up with an amazing set of local vendors that I am so excited to tell you about. I am going to start tonight with my very first venue.

The Secret Tearoom

What a cute place! I was walking with my beau on State Street, after meeting with the fabulous Andrea Halsey (more to come about her later...) and the cutest lunch spot caught my eye. I immediately thought, this would be the best place for a bridal shower or tea!

My experience of The Secret Tearoom began with a shirmp blt sandwich served with fresh fruit, delicous pasta salad, and double-brewed berry tea.  While enjoying my lunch I couldn't help but notice the soft Frank Sinatra over the speakers and the bubble of the small waterfountain in the middle of the restaurant.  It was the most beautiful, relaxing setting. 

Honestly, it made me feel like a bride just sitting there, sipping my tea.

I am learning an important balance between being a "modern" bride vs. being a sweet, southern lady.  If you want to get in touch with that Southern Lady side... this is the place to go.

That is why I am recommending The Secret Tearoom as a beautiful place to have your bridal shower, tea or bridesmaid's luncheon.  At around $13.00 per person, you can customize your event menu and enjoy wonderful teas with your girls.  Just make sure to book your party atleast 6 weeks in advance. 

For more information on The Secret Tearoom, visit their website http://www.thesecrettearoom.com/ or better yet, visit them on State Street!  The Secret Tearoom is open for lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:00-3:00p.m.  It is located at 412 State Street in Greensboro.

Let Them Eat Cake!

So, I am as guilty as the next bride of sitting in front of the tv with Food Network on drooling over the fabulous fondant cake creations on shows like Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss... and thinking to myself... "Wow.  I would LOVE a cake like that for my wedding but there couldn't possibly be a baker that talented in the Triad."

WRONG!

I am so happy to report that the "cake veil" has been lifted for Greensboro! 

Meet Cakes by Chloe

Meeting with Chloe Lee of Cakes by Chloe was a blast the other day.  She is so sweet and down to earth, but she definitely has a great sense of style.  We talked about her training at Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking Program at Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, her Greensboro roots and her process for making the perfect cake for your perfect day.

Cake advice for the local bride:

3-6 Months Out

Go ahead and lay the foundation of your wedding before you go cake-shopping.  Details about decor, time of day, event space, dress and flowers play a large part in the overall asthetic of your wedding, and therefore cake.  This is why waiting until 3-6 months til the wedding is the perfect time to have your cake consultation.  Come to you consultation with elements of your style that the baker can work with and be inspired by.

Inspiration is Everywhere

Let your cake be a representation of who you and your betrothed are.  Have fun with your cake and be open to the baker's ideas and suggestions.  They are the expert, let them turn your thoughts into a masterpiece.

Cake Should Taste as Good as it Looks

Are you having a sit down dinner with steak and red wine?  Then maybe you should consider a Chloe's Chocolate Grand Marnier cake with a richer flavor.  Or for a outdoor Spring wedding with passed hor d'oeuvres and Champagne, try the Lemon & Lavendar.  Make sure your cake flavor matches with your menu.

Why I love Cakes by Chloe

One meeting with Chloe and you will be sold.  The girl only uses the absolute freshest ingredients and makes everything from scratch.  She doesn't skimp on design or quality and that is most important when it comes to your big day.  She has a flair and a style that is so unique but knows how to turn a simple cake into a work of art. 

To view more of her fabulous creations, visit her website www.cakesbychloe.com and become a fan on her Facebook page. 

Beautiful Flowers for a Beautiful Bride

What is one thing that a bride brings with her down the isle other than hopes and dreams of the future?

Flowers!

If you are wanting to plan a local wedding, a great place to find some of the freshest, most beautiful flowers in Greensboro is The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.  My fiancé took me to the market for the first time two years ago to pick up some local produce... But they have so much more than just beans and tomatoes!

We had he chance to stop by Sunday afternoon and walk through the isles of the market lined with vibrant orange Poppies, indigo Iris and luscious red Roses.

 What an experience for the senses!

Most of the garden plants and greenery are located in Building G, but tucked away at the far end of Building F, I came across the sweetest young lady, Pachia from Lee Flowers.  I talked to Pachia as she was arranging a bouquet of white, petal pink and fuchsia Roses, accented with Star-gazer Lilies.

Want your bouquet to match your eyes?  Just Ask!

For 10 years, they have grown their flowers right here in Greensboro, most outside with a few varieties grown in their greenhouse. Not only do they have already arranged bouquets, but if you want to create a specific color palate of flowers to match your wedding or reception, just ask them!

 From Bouquet to Boutineer, your flowers will be Coming Up Roses!

With about 4 weeks notice, the ladies at Lee Flowers will put together a fabulous set of bouquets, boutineer and floral arrangements for you and for a small fee, they will deliver these on you special day.

 Make her day!

But don't reserve these fabulous flowers for just your big day... Why not run by sometime during the week and pick up a bouquet for your mom or mom-to-be.

For as stressful as this planning time is for you, these ladies are working hard to make sure your day is perfect as well! For just $20 you can brighten their day!

Take some time this week to visit Lee Flowers, Pachia and the other great vendors at the Farmers Market.  They are open Monday - Sunday 7am to 6pm off of I-40 at 2914 Sandy Ridge Road in Greensboro.  You will be happy you stopped by!
- Christina

Look out vendors... I'm on my way!

After a long day at work, I had the chance to unwind this evening with a lovely glass of red and finally got around to flipping through the Spring/Summer  2010 edition of The Knot.  The North Carolina issue highlighted some fabulous local vendors as "Best of Weddings 2010."

I can't wait to check out these vendors in the weeks ahead!

Bridal Salons

Cardinal Bridal and Formal Wear – Greensboro

Divas – Greensboro

Nitsa’s Apparel – Winston-Salem

Cake Bakers

Delicious Bakery – Greensboro

Edible Artistry – High Point

Caterers

Catered Affairs – Winston-Salem

Culinary Visions – Greensboro

DJ’s

DJ Paul Cordts – Greensboro

Florists

Flowers and Gifts – Greensboro

Imagine Flowers – Winston-Salem

Just Priceless – High Point

Reception Bands

Suckerpunch – Greensboro

Reception Venues

Starmount Forest Country Club – Greensboro

Transportation

Sterling Carriage – Greensboro

Videographers

Poetic Reality – Winston-Salem

Stand back big retail chains...

ME & E is in town!

I kicked off the afternoon with a visit to ME & E on Pembroke Road in Greensboro.  Mary Ellen and Elizabeth were just so sweet... not to mention they have one of the cutest stores around!

From their line of letterpress thank you cards, to the beyond-precious baby section and modern coffee cups, this store really has a pulse on the current trends in gifts.

So what does ME & E offer for a local bride such as myself?

 

Triad Bride + ME & E + Aria Handmade Jewelry = a must!

Whether you want to make a statement at your next bridal shower or give a bridesmaid a gift she will never want to take off, this jewelry line at ME & E is fantastic.

AND while you are there, pick up one of the H-O-T clutches they carry.  These colorful bags are made in Australia and would definitely stand out in a crowd.  I am heading back there soon to pick out a new bag for myself!

It's All in the Monogram!

For the traditional bride, or the bride with a traditional mother-in-law, go in and ask for Mary.  This lady is just sewing up a storm in the back with some of the most beautiful monogrammed linens!

She has tons of monogram options to choose from and what a perfect gift!

Think you might get a little teary-eyed at the alter?  Me too! But don't reach for a Kleenex, have Mary whip you up a stunning hankie with your brand new monogram and your wedding date on it to wipe away those tears of joy!

Bridal Bliss!

ME & E is a wonderful place to pick up seriously cute one-of-a-kind gifts for your bridesmaids, mother-in-laws to be and... even indulge your awesome bride self.  So what are you waiting for?  Check them out, I was very glad I did!

-Christina

www.meandestore.com

www.mmamonograms.com