Favor Friday!

What Type of Bride are You?
 

Picking out favors for your guests depends on your own style and taste. Are you bohemian chic, whimsicial, modern, or a traditional bride? Check out Etsy's designs below! We're sure you will find the perfect amount of YOU in their unique details and exclusive designs.

For the summer fun bride, hand these packaged wrapped Smore's to your guests. They'll be sure to enjoy these simple, but tasty treats!


Etsy.com
These are customizable!

For the elegant bride, these customizable wire wine charms will add the perfect touch to a sophisticated affair.


Etsy.com
You can pick your charm color!

For the rustic bride, treat your guests to an engraved leaf magnet. It will remind them of your wedding on a beautiful fall day.


Etsy.com
Engrave your leaf with a unique message!

 

Intern with The Center

Let’s face it, you’re the life of the party. Your perfect job involves planning weddings, parties, and corporate events. You thrive on detail. You love working with people… people love working with you… it’s a match made in heaven.

You may be the intern that The Center is looking for this fall!

The Center

The Center (http://www.thecentercincinnati.com) is located in, you guessed it, “the center” of downtown Cincinnati, and is an exciting, thriving, event venue. Due to continued growth, we are looking to add another intern to our team. We are looking for a passionate, energetic young professional to assist with a wide variety of events over the next few months.

We are looking for you if:

You are currently in college or a recent college graduate.
You are a social media guru, and actively use Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Instagram and Pinterest.
You have a passion for writing and are upbeat and professional.
You thrive on being organized and detail-oriented.
You remain calm under pressure.
You can do some “not too heavy” lifting and assist with setting up for events.
You are available on evenings and weekends.
You are available through November, and are interested in potential growth opportunities!

What you can expect from the paid internship:

You will receive valuable mentoring from The Center’s experienced staff!
You will be exposed to beautiful and unique events.
You will meet a variety of amazing vendors.
You will receive a behind the scenes view of the coordination that goes into events.
You will have fun every day!

If you are ready to sign up for this internship opportunity, please email employment@mcacenterllc.com and include your resume and a brief description of why this position is perfect for you! All resumes must be received by July 31, 2013 in order to be considered.

Bride Spotlight - Jessica St. Clair

One of our fabulous brides, Jessica St. Clair, is providing us with information to help future brides plan their wedding at The Center! Her big day is coming up on September 28th. We cannot wait to see what she has in store for our space! So, if you need help planning your wedding at The Center, tune into our blog for Jessica's posts. Questions are welcomed!
 
 

Photo courtesy of Kandice Smith Photography
Do you want beautiful pictures like Jessica?
Check out Kandice's facebook page
 

Why did you choose The Center to host your wedding?

　

　 　I chose the Center for multiple reasons. When I first stumbled across The Center's website the first thing I noticed was that it had hardwood floors! They are beautiful and exactly what I envisioned. I also loved the fact that I could do a completely DIY wedding there. I can put all my crafty wedding projects to work and not have to worry about the decor of the room clashing with my chosen decorations. The whole "blank slate" idea really is great when you are a DIY bride!　

　 　The ladies who work at The Center were also a big reason I chose to have my wedding there. They are so sweet and I am excited to get to spend more time with them as my wedding approaches!　

　 　We really wanted the "downtown wedding" without the "downtown price" and I really think we nailed it by going with The Center! Yes, weddings are expensive but if you play your cards right and don't mind doing a lot of stuff yourself, you can keep it to a small fortune, instead of a large one :-) The Center allows us to get the full feel of an awesome downtown space without having to deal with the hotel "minimum" prices and allows us to find our own caterer who better suits our budget.　

 

What stuck out to you about The Center that other venues do not have?　

 

I already mentioned the hardwood floors that The Center has. Too many times I would view a reception space and the carpets are just horrible. I could never look past the way the carpets were and the patterns that were made for the 70's, not 2013.　

Most venues have a "package" deal which if you aren't a DIY bride would probably be a great thing. Myself however, it wasn't quite what I needed. I needed a space that I could make my own and that's exactly what I get to do at The Center.

More to come!

　

 

Lemon Drops on the Rocks

Lemon Drops on the Rocks

Source: Martha Stewart

 

 

Ingredients:

 

3 cups vodka

2 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (10-12 lemons)

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons superfine sugar

Ice, for serving

Thin lemon slives, halved, for garnish

 

Directions:

 

Combine vodka, lemon juice and sugar, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves

Transfer to an ice-filled pitcher

Add lemon slices and serve

Please Don't Stop The Music

This Wednesday, check out our favorite songs for the bridal party's entrance to the ceremony.

 

Bridal Party Entrance

Source: Bridal Guide

 

Traditional:

Trumpet Tune-Purcell

Autumn-Vivaldi

 

Popular:

Cafe del Mar-Nalin & Kane

Clair de Lune- Ocean's Eleven soundtrack- Alan Silvestri

 

Modern:

Forrest Gump Suite- theme from the film

Now We Are Free- Zimmer and Gerard

 

 

Autumn (Vivaldi)

 

 

Clair de Lune- Ocean's Eleven soundtrack

 

 

Forrest Gump Suite- Alan Silvestri

Tasty Tuesday-Vendor Spotlight

This past weekend, The Center had the opportunity to work with Executive Chef Stephen Spyrou and his team at Vertigo Catering. From his Shrimp Shooters to his Baccon Tots, the room was filled with smiling faces and full stomachs!

 

Vertigo Food Services, LLC

 3115 Gloss Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45231

 

Vertigo Catering is a small catering operation in Cincinnati. Their goal is to create a one of a kind event to ensure your food is exactly what you ordered. With unique presentations and various menu options, your guests will love stacking their plates. Not to mention, you can customize your own menu! If you don't like what you see, they are willing to work with you to create the perfect dish.

A Sample Menu:

 

Hot Appetizers

Chicken Quesadilla ($1.35 per person)

Baccon Tots ($6 per dozen)

 

Cold Appetizers

Shrimp Schooters ($1.85 each)

 

Entree

Carver Beef- Herb Crusted Prime Rib ($12.99-$29.99 per person)

 (comes with choice of two sides, tossed salad and dinner rolls with butter)

 

 

 

Must have Monday

It feels nice to check items off the ongoing list of costly accessories to ensure your big day is complete. Many times brides forget about the little things that can solve a last minute disaster while they're busy picking out the color of their cake. Here at The Center, we've put together an emergency kit to ensure the bride to be's nerves stay calm during a last minute rush.

So, pick up your things and get ready for anything!

 source:modelbride

 

1. Waterproof Mascara

 

Do you want raccoon eyes? Even if your'e not a crier, on your wedding day, you could be a blubbering mess!

 

2. Deoderant

 

It's a party! This means there will be dancing and drinks which can leave you feeling hot. So keep a mini deoderant stick in the ladies bathroom for yourself to use, just in case!

 

3. Mini sewing kit

 

Sequins, beads, and buttons, oh my! A sewing kit will fix any minor issues with your one of a kind dress.

 

4. Compact mirror

 

Are you having greens for dinner? In case spinach gets between your pearly whites, carry a compact mirror to make sure you're picture perfect.

 

5. Wipes

 

From chocolate to wine, a baby wipe will make a spill disappear!

Blue Hawaii

Blue Hawaii

 

Source: Martha Stewart

 

Ingredients

 

 3 ounces pineapple juice

3/4 ounce rum

3/4 ounce vodka

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce blue Curacao1/4 ounce simple syrup

Ice

Cherry and Pineapple Wedge (for serving)

 

Directions

 

In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple juice, rum, vodka, lemon juice, blue Curacao, and simple

syrup.

Shake and strain over ice.

Serve with a cherry and a pineapple wedge.

 

Please Don't Stop the Music

What's Your Style?

 

It's safe to say that reception music is at the top of every bride and groom's list when it comes to their big day. But what about the ceremony? Music is an important attribute to various points of your wedding. The right type of music will catch your guest's true emotions. Have you thought about pre-ceremony music, bridal party entrance music, the bride's entrance music, and recessional music? The Center staff has done some of the work for you, whether your are traditional or modern! Check out the tear-jerking  tunes below to ensure there won't be a dry eye in the house.  

 

Pre-Ceremony Music

Source: Bridal Guide

 

Traditional:

Water Music-Handel

The Wedding Song-Paul Stookey

 

Popular:

Bitter Sweet Symphony-The Verve

A Day Without Rain- Enya

By Your Side- Sade

 

Modern:

Clocks-Coldplay

Rainbow Connection-Sarah McLachlan

 

 

 

The Wedding Song ( Paul Stookey)

 

 

Bitter Sweet Symphony (The Verve)

 

 

Clocks ( Coldplay)

 

Boi Na Braza

Boi Na Braza

Source: Boi Na Braza 

 

 

This week, The Center's Event Coordinators have the opporunity to try Boi Na Braza's delectable feast. It's our pleasure to share with you, the many reasons why Boi Na Braza should be your next restaurant choice.

 

Located at 441 Vine Street, the Brazilian Steakhouse is nestled in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, just beneath the Carew Tower. It's only a short walk from The Center! Take a look at the photos below that depict the ambiance Boi Na Braza has to offer.

 

 Interior of Boi Na Braza

 

              

                                                Dining Room                                                

 

Salad Bar

Bar

                                                                                                     

Private Dining

                      

 

                         

Must Have Photos

Must Have Wedding Photos

 

The most important day of your life deserves to be documented in the most appealing ways. Check out are must have photo-ops that every bride and groom should take to capture moments that will spark memories.

 

A surprised first look

 

 

Source:Laura Leppert Photography

 

 

The party picture

 

 

Source: Shelby Street Photography

 

The dress

 

 

Source: Laura Leppert Photography

 

The entrance

 

 

Source: Shelby Street Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Please Don't Stop the Music

The life of the party!

Source:The Knot

 

As a bride, choosing the right type of music to play for your crowd begins when you look for a Dj and a band. There are many misconceptions about the way a DJ and band will arrange your wedding. The kicker is that it is up to you!

 

The Center has outlined some important myths that are just not true about your entertainment:

 

1. They talk too much! A seasoned DJ will talk as much, or as little as you want. Typically, you should give them a list of when it's okay to speak up and when to keep the lips shut. Everything should be coordinated before the event, ensuring there are no slip-ups.

 

2. There is no variety! Surprisingly, a band can work with many different types of music. Ask to watch videos of their previous live performances to get a direct feel for how they play and interact with the crowd. It is a good sign if a band has multiple singers, this shows versatility. If you notice a few of your favorite tunes are off their list, ask them to learn those songs; they typically will learn a handful of songs for your big day.

 

3. Don't mix it up! Many brides want their DJ or band to play older and slower songs towards the beginning of the wedding while the older guests are there. Don't be afraid to blend all types of music throughout the night. This gives your wedding a steady beat which will keep your guests on their feet.

 

4.  Too many breaks! There doesn't have to be a lot of breaks in between live music. If you ask the band to stagger their breaks it will ensure live music throughout the night. This may cost an extra fee, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

5. You can't have both! Be different and hire both. If the band would rather have longer breaks, you can hire a DJ to spin and emcee while they are resting. In case a full session is out of your budget, hire the band for the sit-down reception and have the DJ at cocktail hour. This makes for a nice style transition.

 

Check out "Hey Mr. DJ Entertainment" right here in Cincy!
 

 

For a third year in a row, they have won best of weddings from "The Knot!"

 

Tasty Tuesday

Need breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

 

For today's Tasty Tuesday treat, we're serving up Savor Catering. A delicious catering and event center located in Newport, KY. They are available for morning, mid-day, and evening events. Whether it's for a wedding or corporate meeting, they will produce delectable treats that will leave your mouthwatering.

 

Here's a highlight to some of their menu options for every part of the day!

 

All American Breakfast

~ $14.50 per person ~

Fresh Seasonal Fruit Tray
Assorted Danish
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Fresh Herbs
Bacon or Sausage Links or House Made Goetta
Roasted Red Potatoes or Cheese Grits
Coffee and Decaf

Warm Luncheon Buffet

~ $9.95 to $14.95 per person (varies per entrée') ~ (Note: 12 Guest Minimum)

Salad - Choice of (1) Item
Romaine Salad with Fried Wontons, Bell Peppers, Cashews, and Mandarin Vinaigrette
Traditional Caesar Salad
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette


Main Course - Choice of (2) Items
Vegetarian Lasagna
Stuffed Eggplant
Baked Whitefish with Pan Sauce
Seared Chicken Breast with White Wine Cream Sauce
Chicken Piccata
Moroccan Chicken or Beef
Pork Loin with Cherry Demi Sauce
Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter and Dill


Side Dishes - Choice of (1) Item
Carrots with Herb Butter
Country Style Green Beans
Roasted Red Potatoes
Wild Rice with Sauteed Mushrooms
Cous Cous
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Steamed Vegetables


Dessert - Choice of (1) Item
Fresh Baked Cookies
Fresh Brownies
Mini Cupcakes
Cream Puffs
Banana Pudding

Plated Dinner Menu

First Course - Choice of (1) Item
Classic Caesar Salad with Baguette Croutons
Wedge Salad with Bacon, Red Onion, Tomato and Bleu Cheese Dressing
Seasonal Greens Salad with Dried Cranberries, Radishes and Vinaigrette Dressing
Romaine Salad with Fried Wontons, Bell Peppers, Cashews and Mandarin Dressing
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Main Course
Stuffed Eggplant Roulade $18.50
Pasta with Chicken or Shrimp and Vegetables $24.95
Roasted Salmon Filet with Tarragon Cream Sauce $24.95
Pecan Crusted Baked Whitefish with White Wine Cream Sauce $24.95
Seared Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce $24.95
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Herb Cream or White Wine Sauce $25.95
Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce $32.50
Roast Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Demi $26.95

Duo Plate
Fish and Chicken Plate $32.00
Beef Tenderloin and Chicken Plate $39.75
Beef Tenderloin and Fish Plate $42.25

Side Dishes - Choice of (2) Items
Medley of Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Roasted Red Potatoes
Vegetable Stir Fry
Duchesse Potatoes
Roasted Asparagus
Traditional Whipped Potatoes
Carrots with Herb Butter
Wild Rice with Sauteed Mushrooms
Country Style Green Beans
Classic Potato Gratin
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Four Cheese Macaroni
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Polenta Cake with Mushroom
Cauliflower Gratin
Root Vegetable Gratin