Blame it on the Alcohol

We had an open bar for the duration of the reception. Our caterer provided bartenders and we provided the alcohol. To keep the drink choices limited and personal, we had a few signature drinks, beers that we enjoy, and wine.

Figured we like to party, everyone likes beverages, and guests would appreciate some free, tasty drinks.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Beer: Firestone Double Barrel Ale, Newcastle (my fave!), Pacifico, and Sam Adams Octoberfest.


Specialty drinks: Chambord Pineapple, Lemon Drop Martini, Jack & Coke (my fave!), White Russian (one of hubs faves and our homage to the Dude in the Big Lebowski).
Wines: Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc Early Pick, Cabarnet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Lemon drop martinis were a hit.


Friends enjoyed the drinks.



Double-fist!


My brother was counting his drinks a la his hands and recorded each in photos. This was his way to keep track instead of the Sharpie tally marks on the arm.


Hubs got caught with indulging in a White Russian.

Sarah K Chen Photography

Of course we had yummy non-alcoholic drinks for the kiddos.


The end, and what a nice ending with a glass of wine and some cupcakes :)

Through the grapevine: Wine Tasting

Gainey Vineyards by mi belle

Santa Barbara Wine Country, a beautiful complement to our beach side city, sits over the mountains in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is sophisticated and modest, has a sprawling countryside unwavering in beauty, and is a great destination to visit when you're in the area. Although not as renown as Napa, the SB wine country has grown with the help of the movie Sideways, Andrew Firestone's celebrity, and coverage of weddings by plenty of local SB photographers.

The countless wineries and vineyards present such amazing locations for weddings. To be surrounded by nature, with unobstructed views, and an intimate feel, ceremonies and receptions here would be a dream. I think that if I did not choose a beach side reception venue, a wine country venue would be the next best thing.

Gainey Vineyard by Mary Jane Photography

Gainey Vineyard by Michael and Anna Costa

Crossroad Estates by Jose Villa

Since we were unable to share a vineyard location with guests, we figured sharing the fruits of this area would be the next best thing. With last weekend's beautiful weather, we decided to take a trip to Firestone Vineyard and purchase our wine.

Firestone Vineyard by Nathanial Thompson

Firestone Vineyard by Katie Moos

The drive was beautiful, almost like we were in another place. With a few websites that provided maps of the area, we decided to hit one vineyard for brand consistency with wine. We chose Firestone Vineyard because of their established history in the area, and our familiarity with the name and the brand.

The vines at Firestone Vineyard.


Grapes on the vine.


Arriving too late to take the historical winery tour, we opted for a tasting in their show room.


Bottles were displayed beautifully through out the showroom.



Besides knowing we should purchase a couple of cases of red and white, we decided to wait on the specifics until we tasted our options. Our wine tasting menu took us through a variety of whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Reisling) and reds (Merlo, Malbec, Cabernet Syrah).




We received wonderful service from the very knowledgeable staff, were explained types of food pairings, and given various options. They even let us taste a few of the wines on sale.

Our cases being wheeled to the car.

In the end we purchased 2 cases of white (Sauvignon Blanc Early Pick & Riesling) and 2 cases of red (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot) wine. We are not close to being wine connoisseurs, but very happy with the knowledge we've gained form this trip.

Where did you purchase your wines? Did region they were harvested, brand/company, or availability help in your decision?


Blog title is from lyrics by Marvin Gaye

A whiskey drink, a vodka drink: More Signature Drinks

Earlier this month we decided on Jack & Coke and White Russian to be on our signature drinks, along with a third to be determined drink that represented the two of us and our wedding colors. We were leaning towards a lemon drop martini or Chambord pineapple (suggested by Angel!). In an attempt to make a decision, and with a long weekend to enjoy, we had a taste test of both drinks.

First up was Chambord and pineapple juice. With a raspberry liquor taste, Chambord (1part) mixed quite nicely with the sweet pineapple juice (2parts).

The blend smooth and fruity and a fun purple color.

The lemon drop martini was up next. We purchased regular vodka (1part) and a lemon drop mix (2parts) for an ease of making the drink.

Glasses rimmed with sugar added sweet to the slight tartness of the drink.

I love the yellow color :)

After a few glasses of each, we realized that since both drinks are girly and fun, and since one is yellow and the other is purple, why not have both as our signature drinks? While the drink total stands at 4, I think this will give our guests some variety to choose from.

I'm really excited to move to wine tasting.

Did you have tastings for any of your drinks: alcohol, beer wine?

Blog title is from lyrics by Chumbawamba

Let's sink another drink: Signature Drinks

My favorite drink? That's easy! I'll have a Jack and Coke, thank you :) Simple and strong, it gets the party off to a good start. For the fiance? He's a scotch kinda guy. But a signature drink for our wedding? Hmm.

Our caterer has given us the opportunity to provide our own alcohol for our cocktail hour and reception. This is great because it allows us to purchase in bulk (saving money) and offer an open bar (saving guests' money). And since saving should be a trend while planning my wedding, the idea of a signature/specialty drink (or 3) is quite enticing.

A signature drink will be prepared en masse, gives us the opportunity to work in our wedding colors, and represents our favorite flavors and personalities. But I don't think we could stick to just one drink. So we're going for three. One for me, one for him, and one for us.

Source: Jack & Coke

The simple Jack and Coke for me. 1 ounce Jack Daniels Tennesse Wiskey and 3 ounces of Coca-Cola on ice cubes in a rocks glass. This ratio can be combined to taste.

Source: White Russian

Since my drink covers the dark alcohol category, a lighter drink would provide balance. The White Russian, a la "The Big Lebowski", is fiance's choice. 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce milk, and one ounce kahlua. Shake on ice and serve in a rocks glass.

Source: Golden Groom and Blushing Bride

A drink to represent the two of us is still up in the air. We definitely want something fresh, tropical, and sweet. Utilizing the alcohol we already purchased (whiskey or vodka) would be ideal.

Source: Purple Passion

A fruity Purple Passion is a mix of 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of grape juice, 2 ounces grapefruit juice, 1/4th ounce simple syrup shaken and served in a cocktail glass.

Source: Lemon Drop

Another one of my favorite drinks is a Lemon Drop Martini. 2 ounces of vodka, some lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Garnish it with some lemon and rim the glass with sugar for a refreshing drink.

Source: Solar Flare

I love the name and the look of the drink Solar Flare. To prepare add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 1/2 ounces of fresh orange juice, 1 tsp of sherry, 1 tsp orgeat syrup, and a dash of Peychaud bitters. More ingredients than the prior drinks, but such a feast for the eyes.

Source: Purple Rain Martini

The name Purple Rain attracted my attention as well, and the color is perfect! 2 1/2 ounces pomegranate-infused sake, 2 1/2 ounces pineapple juice, and 1/2 ounce Chambord sound like such a treat.

Source: Shooting Star

Finally the Shooting Star. Mix 1 1/2 ounce of vodka, 1/2 ounce Massenez Creme De Peche, 3/4 ounce pineapple juice, 1 ounce lychee juice, 1/4 ounce lime juice, and add starfruit as a garnish.

Our last specialty drink has been a bit harder to choose. Everything sounds so tasty and we really want our guests to enjoy it. I think this calls for a drink tasting.

Will you be having a signature drink? If so, what did you choose? Do you have a favorite drink of the ones mentioned above?


Blog title is from lyrics by Billy Idol