It! Inspiration: RED

The bold color of love is commonly passed over when choosing a theme for a wedding. We love these shades of red for the eye-catching, confident and romantic aspects it brings to an event.

Red silk crinkle chiffon strapless bridesmaid dress by Watters; White cake with red ribbon and roses from Project Wedding; Red table setting by Rebecca Thuss; Bouquet of red calla lilies and dahlia roses from Project Wedding; Steve Madden sandals found on Project Wedding; Wild Hibiscus Royale champagne garnish by Wild Hibiscus; Red velvet and vanilla cupcakes on The Knot; Neha Stationery by Ceci New York

xo

Kelly

Event Destination: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There are many reasons we love The Waters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (no, it's not the cheese — though we do adore a good fromage). There's the intricate moldings, the glittering gold chandeliers, and the endless water views... But mostly, we relish in its storied foundation.

Overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Winnebago, The Waters dates back to 1903, when noted architect William Waters built the Georgian Revival building for the Oshkosh Yacht Club. Regarded as the finest clubhouse in the Midwest, it opened just two days before the year’s Inland Sailing Championship. These regattas became the social events of the summer season.

The City reclaimed the building during the Great Depression and later sold it to American Legion Post 70, who owned and maintained the property as their clubhouse for more than 60 years. The facility was completely renovated and converted to a special events facility in 2008 by current owners Bill and Beth Wyman, who paid careful attention to historic details. Accommodating up to 300 guests for private events, The Waters is still home to the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70 and the Oshkosh Yacht Club.

Here, a gorgeous setting combines with Midwestern hospitality combine to create the ideal atmosphere for wedding ceremonies, receptions, board meetings, awards banquets, reunions or celebrations. Check out www.thewatersoshkosh.com for more information.

It! Interview: Bill Porter Music

Bill Porter, music agent/promoter

Describe the range of musical acts you represent: Bill Porter Music specializes in wedding music, representing Palm Beach variety dance bands of all styles and genres for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Which are the most popular acts for Palm Beach weddings? The Bobby Pruitt Show, SOLID☆GOLD, The Shop Band, Hot Brass Monkey.

How can a couple incorporate specific song requests into the reception when working with a live band? Always review special song requests with the band in advance. Never assume a live band knows your special songs. A live band will normally learn 3 to 4 new songs. The most important is the first dance. Once you have decided on the band, ask for their play list to start your selections.

Tip: A family friend should always be with the bandleader to assist with names during the wedding party entrance.

Check out this video clip of SOLID☆GOLD by clicking on the picture! To listen to The Bobby Pruitt Show and more musicians represented by Bill Porter Music, visit http://www.billportermusic.com/artist_sample.html.

Spirited Sweets from the "Boozy Baker"

The It! Girls are not known for turning down a glass of champagne or a delectable dessert. Combine the two and we just might start planning our own weddings! Lucy Baker, author of "The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited Sweets" has all the right moves for the home hostess who loves to end a fabulous meal on a high note.

Heart not fluttering yet? Here's a sample recipe:

Plum Biercake

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 large egg
* 3 tablespoons molasses
* 1 cup German doppelbock beer
* 4 small plums, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut into wedges

Preparation

This cake is a grown-up version of gingerbread that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The cinnamon and molasses lend it a festive note that’s perfect for the holidays, yet the plums are decidedly summery. Beer, of course, knows no season. Doppelbock is a very strong German lager with a dark color and rich, malty flavor.

The recipe comes together fast, and the cake will last for up to three days well wrapped on the countertop. Leave a knife nearby for easy snacking.

To make the plum biercake:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter, or spray it with nonstick spray. (A square pan will work too.) Dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and the molasses. Alternately add the flour mixture and the beer to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat just until smooth and combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the plum wedges in rows on top of the batter. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack and then cut into squares and serve.

Tips
Shake it up: Can’t find doppelbock? Substitute another dark, richly flavored beer, such as a porter or stout.
Serving Size

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Meri Meri, quite cute for a party!

At It! Weddings & Events, we generally leave the baking to the pros, but I can't help falling in love with these new designs from Meri Meri. For the DIY host or hostess, bespoke paper goods are a must, adding an air of sophistication, polish — and even good humor.

Children's parties will get a stylish boost from these themed — yet cartoon-character free — cupcake sets, centerpieces, plates and napkins. And the guest of honor is sure to adore their lovey dovey selections for bridal and baby showers.

Find them at Sur la Table, or order online from Meri Meri.

xo
Aime

It! Interview: Face Time Beauty Concierge

Name: Juli Stein

Profession: Makeup artist, Face Time Beauty Concierge

What she's obsessed with: Make-Up Forever HD foundation! It is simply amazing! You can either use a small amount for light coverage or more for a flawless photo ready finish. I love their color palate - there is a shade for every complexion.

What is so 2009: Overdone 80’s makeup is so last year! As an artist, I love to experiment with color but prefer to use it in a much more subtle and personalized manner.

What kinds of cosmetics do you use? I never leave for a job without a few key products, like the Make-Up Forever HD foundation, MAC Lipglass and Urban Decay eyeliners. Additionally, to compliment these old standbys, I have created my own line, Red Cosmetics, with my own personal touches. This line will enhance other major brands and was created based upon my personal favorites with all complexions and color tones in mind.

How do you feel about airbrushing? I have mixed feeling about airbrushing. For younger skin, it is amazing, with extreme lasting power and a flawless look. However, airbushing tends to dry out more mature skin and cake in any fine lines on the face, which is the exact opposite effect you are generally trying to achieve. A makeup artist should be well trained in airbrushing and be able to explain to a client what is best for that particular skin type before application.

How does a bride determine her signature look for the evening? Every bride should have a make-up consultation prior to her wedding date. At the consultation, the bride and artist should collaborate on the look desired. The artist should help the bride determine if she wants to look like an enhanced version of her natural look or, if she is more of a risk taker, whether she should be a little more dramatic and try a red lip or sexy smoky eye. A bride should NEVER go into a wedding feeling uncomfortable with her choices or her makeup artist!

Should she go all out, or stay within her comfort zone? I have personally seen too many make-up artists push their “signature look” on a bride, only to have the bride later look at pictures and realize that they unhappy with the finished product. As an artist, I want every bride to feel their absolute best, in the look that is right for them.

What is the best way to keep makeup looking fresh throughout a long wedding ceremony, reception and afterglow? The absolute best way to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day is to keep your makeup artist on hand to do touch ups whenever needed. However, if that isn’t in the budget, I recommend that every bride have her own “fluffing bag” complete with blotting papers, powder, blush and lip gloss. Let your maid of honor carry it for you, and don’t leave her or it out of your sight!! Last but not least, no wedding is complete without waterproof mascara -- an absolute MUST for every member of the wedding party!!!!

Belle & Maxwell's expands, adds open kitchen and dinner menu

Belle & Maxwell’s, a popular restaurant located on the famed Antique Row in West Palm Beach, underwent a complete expansion and renovation in early July 2010, doubling to 1,800 square feet to seat up to 70 guests.

An oft-selected venue for celebrations such as birthday parties, ladies’ luncheons and baby and bridal showers, the restaurant is available for private parties and catering. All of its coffees, specialty teas, scented soaps, jewelry made by local designers, cookbooks and hostess gifts are for sale. Its signature pies and cakes can be also purchased for parties and holidays.

A new open kitchen, a coffee and wine bar and two new restrooms complete the expansion. And beginning Aug. 17, Belle & Maxwell’s will also be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. In September, Sunday breakfast and brunch menus will be added.

“The focus has always been on using the freshest produce and ingredients,” said Executive Chef Michael Hackman.

Named for the original owner’s two dogs, Belle & Maxwell’s began as a traditional teahouse and cafe in 1995, offering an assortment of special teas from around the world and mostly vegan breakfast and lunch menus. In 2004, when proprietor Michelle Taylor assumed ownership, she added non-vegetarian items to the already successful repertoire of homemade soups, salads, quiches, chef-made sandwiches and desserts.

Belle & Maxwell’s is located at 3700 South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.