Destined to be an artist and entrepeneur, Jefferey Woods, in 2005 launched his business WOODEYE STUDIOS ECCENTRIC GLASSWORKS.

Jeffery Woods experimented with a variety of art forms before finding his artistic calling. Inspired by two well-known glass artists, Michael Joplin and Debra May, and their popular workshop in Tuscon, Arizona; Jeffery was able to bring together two of his favorite art mediums, glass carving and pen & ink drawing to create what he considers to be, functional art.

As you can see below, his functional art is amazing!! I have seen these glasses in person and I can pretty much guarantee the first time you lay your ‘wood’ eyes on them that you will let out a…WOW! Now it is your turn to be inspired and bring a little flair to your home with his collection of cocktail glasses, ornaments, vases, and even a gorgeous sink! I agree with WOODEYE STUDIOS, “Art does not have to be a special occasion, so why not add some to your table today!”

Below, you can see these glasses in action at one of my recent weddings. The bride & groom chose to have a ‘Hot Rods & Humor’ themed wedding with a purple, black, & silver color palette. As, you can see, these WOODEYE STUDIOS ‘Tribal Flair’ Champagne Glasses in purple were the perfect touch and brought just the right amount of fiery sizzle to their wedding!

Above Photo Courtesy of www.michellewalker.com

I encourage you to explore the different designs and glass products WOODEYE STUDIOS offers and to visit their website at www.woodeye.com

Just double your bubble, play your hand, and give your guests a chance to win the Candy Jackpot!

BEAU-COUP WEDDING FAVORS offers a wide selection of candy favors in creative packaging. From mini candy bins, to gumball machines, and even gumball slots, candy lovers just can’t keep there hands off these irresistibly sweet favors!

Those who know me well wouldn’t be surprised to find out these mini candy machines are some of my favorite wedding and party favors. As Beau-coup puts it, these favors will have guests of all ages squealing “Goody gumballs!” with every spin.

To view these candy favors, gifts, and more…visit BEAU-COUP wedding favors at www.beau-coup.com

While we are on the subject of candy and bubblegum…
Dare I admit, I am a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. If I were a character I would be none other than the infamous, obsessive, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde. I would risk everything for…a piece of bubblegum! Take a stroll down Wonka lane, or should a say…take a peek through the glass elevator and revisit Violet’s demise! Then, take a moment to share…

Which Willy Wonka character would you be?

All rights belong to Warner Brothers.

If BRAD KRATEN isn’t bowling with his two little girls, then it is likely you will find him firing it up in the kitchen of Park Place Restaurant in Cupertino, where he resides as the Executive Chef.

When I sat with Brad for this interview, he ordered a few items for me from the menu to sample. One of the menu items was a smoked and seared Pork Belly with a Sweet Balsamic Gastrique. Now, you are probably thinking…Pork Belly? Don’t second guess…it was outstanding! One of Brad’s self-taught passions is the old world culinary art of Charcuterie (1). Very often, Brad experiments with making his own sausages, pates, smoked fishes…and pork belly! When it comes to his smoked salmon, most guests just can’t resist asking for more!

BRAD KRATEN worked his way to the top and honed his culinary techniques through well-known SF Bay Area kitchens, such as The Agenda, Viaggio, and the former Spago. Brad has a soft spot for helping children in need and supports and serves on the board of a nonprofit that helps at-risk youth, The El Cajon Project. As you can see, Brad Kraten is a culinary inspiration; and lucky for us, he has shared a few of his fiery kitchen secrets and favorites! Read the interview below!

Q: What is your favorite comfort food that you eat at home?
A: BBQ Short Ribs.

Q: What food are you most known for?
A: Definitely, my Smoked Salmon.

Q: What piece of kitchen equipment can you not live without?
A: A good, sharp knife. I recommend the Shun or Wüsthof brand carried at www.surlatable.com

Q: Do you have a kitchen tip for the home chef?
A: Clean as you go! There is nothing worse than having a pile of dishes and not being able to relax and enjoy your guests company.

Q: What culinary book do you enjoy reading and recommend?
A: The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan-This book can be found at www.amazon.com.

Q: Do you read any food blogs?
A: I have a few ‘foodie’ blog favorites. Check out the following blog links:
Playing with Fire and Water, Ideas in Food, and Chadzilla.

(1) Charcuterie - IPA:ʃarkütəˈri/ -is the branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork. To read more about Charcuterie, visit the definition at Wikipedia

Whose got the best selection of them all?

If you are looking to make your event, wedding, or trade exhibition stand out from the rest, then BLUEPRINT STUDIO COLLECTION is the be all and end all when it comes to event rental furnishings. They are based in San Francisco and service the Bay Area, plus destinations throughout the United States.

BLUEPRINT STUDIOS furnishing collections, with names from Soma, to Milano, to Barcelona, and more, include a vast selection of seating, tables, and accent pieces ranging in trend-setting styles, designs, and colors to create that perfect lounge environment.

No dud apples to be found here, just luxurious damask lounges, yellow mirrors, leather couches, and ruby red chandeliers!

I am a HUGE fan of this company and their furnishings. I think they are by far THE best lounge act in town! Visit www.blueprintstudiocollection.com to request pricing information and availablity.

A new issue!! Some of the highlights in this new issue of Modern Bride include…

Just Married, Again - Read a story of a husband surprising his wife with a blowout vow-renewal reception.

Throw an Eco Chic Wedding - Eco-Chic Reception ideas that still say “I Love Earth!”

The World’s 50 Best Honeymoons - The most popular vacation places around the globe. Read this before booking your trip!

The Suite Life - luxury resorts and posh spas…a honeymoon experience you won’t forget!

You might be able to pick up this issue at your local bookstore, or visit www.brides.com

There are many tricks of the trade, and here I will share with you one of them…how to bring a touch of bright light to your event with the use of LED (light-emitting diode) lights made by ACOLYTE.

ACOLYTE FloraLytes™ come in all colors of the rainbow and are available in a submersible model. They can be used to light up decorative glass or marbles, floral arrangements, promotional displays, and even the night sky by hanging from Chinese lanterns or the trees. Oh, starry night!

In the pictures below, I planned the lighting for a walkway using the small LED FloraLytes tucked into and strung through real rose heads with clear fishing line. It not only created a magical starry-night feeling as the guests exited the event, but it was also beautiful while the guests arrived, because it just looked like there were pink roses hanging from the trees. The lights weren’t even noticeable. This design was a surprise for the bride and created such an amazing effect that I can’t wait to do this one again! Surprised she was…and she was all smiles!

Above Photos Courtesy of www.soophotography.com

In the picture below, I created a custom caviar station for an event in Carmel, and you can see that the ice in the square vases with floating gardenias is slightly glowing.

There is endless creativity when it comes to using ACOLYTE LED FloraLytes. Click here to view the colors and details in PDF format or visit their site at www.acolyteled.com

To purchase ACOLYTE products, visit www.partybrights.com

A new MUST-have issue!! Some of the highlights in this new release of BRIDES include…

The Seating Chart - Time-tested strategies for a stress-free reception.

Chicken Goes Glam - Being a chef myself, this feature is great!

Love For Sale - Honeymoon travel tips that will help you afford a dream trip in the real world.

Creating Your Wedding Look - Event Planner Mindy Weiss shares tips on how to make your special day an event that reflects you!

You might be able to pick up this issue at your local bookstore, or visit  www.brides.com

Two of my favorite makeup products that aid in creating that so-called flawless face and were voted InStyle® Magazine’s “Best Beauty Buys 2008″ are created by LAURA MERCIER.®

In 1996, Laura Mercier developed Laura Mercier Cosmetics to benefit women of all ages and skin types. The line is based on a classic, and always current, palette rather than seasonal trends only. This brand also offers skincare, body and bath, and fragrance lines.

To start the application, I begin with applying a makeup primer, then I apply Laura Mercier Oil-Free Liquid Foundation in Blush Ivory, and finish with the Laura Mercier Setting Powder in Translucent. Voilà! A Flawless Face!

To learn the steps Laura Mercier suggests you follow to create your flawless face, then click here or visit Laura Mercier at Sephora to read even more!

To learn more about LAURA MERCIER face products visit www.lauramercier.com or www.sephora.com

More than ever, it is in style for women to wear watches with more presence. Ok, ok! Bling! Well there is a watch company that stands out when it comes to adding sophistication and “bling” to a womens time piece. CHARRIOL has created a line that is worth taking the time to try on. The Colvmbvs Collection.

The inspiration behind this leading brand of fine diamond watches and designer jewelery that features the Colvmbvs collection is Mr. Phillipe Charriol. In 1983, after a decade, he left behind a very successful career with THE Cartier company and pursued his own dreams of being an entrepreneur to create the immediately triumphant jewelery company CHARRIOL and so he began spreading….”The Art of Living the Difference.”

I am a huge fan of the Colvmbvs Collection. It fits me perfectly and its on my list of gotta haves! Ladies, this watch is well worth taking the time to save your pennies! I am looking forward to experiencing “The Art of Living the Difference.” Aren’t you?

To learn more about the Colvmbvs Collection, Other CHARRIOL Fine Jewelry, or to find a local retailer near you, visit www.charriol-usa.com

A few weeks ago, I received a call and was asked a question about Nacho Cheese….

Through the hysterical laughing, I made out the following question: “Is there such thing as a Nacho Cheese Fountain?” Those who called were pretty sure it didn’t exist when they made the call, but thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask and knew it was likely that I would offer up some creative way to serve up yummy nacho cheese at a wedding. As it turns out…There IS such thing as a cheese fountain, aka cheese fondue fountain!!! It is just like a chocolate fountain, except instead of chocolate you will be able to dip various savory items into cascading ripples of warm nacho cheese. Mmmmm…yes, please!

Cheese Fondue Picture from the SEPHRA Fondue’n It! Newsletter

Also, I have discovered that in addition to chocolate and nacho cheese, they have BBQ Sauce and Ranch Dressing Fountains. Recipes for the fondue fountains can be found at the SEPHRA website. Warning: One shouldn’t blog while hungry!

Ranch Fondue Picture from the SEPHRA Fondue’n It! Newsletter

SEPHRA offers a variety of commercial and home edition fondue fountains. Visit their site to learn more about these models and read their newsletters full of recipe ideas and more! www.sephra.com Now, Don’t you feel like taking a dip?

Q&A - Ask Lea McIntosh a question…She likes to find the answer! If you have a question about weddings or are looking for that special something to make your event or wedding special, please email TWC at info@theweddingchat.com We’ll try to help!