Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Years!

The staff at The Center would love to say a big thank you to our 2013 brides! We had an incredible year working with all of you and we can't wait for the weddings already scheduled for 2014!! If you are going to be an upcoming bride and are still looking for an event space for your wedding or reception contact us at 513-824-7274 or info@mcacenterllc.com to schedule a tour today. Let's make 2014 a wedding year to remember!
 
We would also like to use this post as a throwback Tuesday (we couldn't wait for Thursday!) and look back at the wedding we had on this very night a year ago. Hannah and Andy tied the knot on December 31, 2012 with a fun New Years Eve themed wedding and reception. Nothing brings in the new year like a newly married couple! Don't believe us? Take a look for yourself!








Photos taken by Shelby Street Photography

Want to hear more about Hannah and Andy's NYE wedding? Read more here.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Maid of Honor Spotlight


Maid of honor speeches are something we, here at The Center, look forward to. It's a special time in the reception when the bride's sister or best friend gives her blessings to the newly married couple. Several speeches contain inside jokes between the maid of honor and the bride, others contain words of wisdom and even some may rap to the beat of an Eminem song. OK, the last suggestion did sound a little far-fetched, but that is what the bride's sister did in this viral video. Take a look:




While not all speeches may be this off-the-wall, each maid of honor speech gives the guests a chance to smile, laugh and possibly even cry as they rejoice in the fact that the bride has found someone so great, even her best friend or sister gives the thumbs up. So no matter if you want to make your speech more traditional or you want to entertain the guests with a rap, remember that this is your maid of honor time to shine. 





Friday, December 27, 2013

Food for Thought Friday

Whether you're an adventurous or a more traditional bride, it's important to have appetizers that reflect your personality. Finding these unique starters, however, can be difficult. Well have no fear, The Center is here to help you pick out the perfect appetizer that best describes you!


1. The Southern Belle:
Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Shooters

www.ajeventsblog.com 

These fun shooters would be the perfect way to show the guests a little Southern hospitality as they walk into our dome entrance from the cold weather outside. The double shot glasses filled with tomato soup and topped off with a piece of a grilled cheese sandwich would provide all the comforts of home to any guest.


2. The Class Clown:
Popcorn Bar

www.thebridesofoklahoma.com

Is your wedding a little more out-of-the-box? Try lining The Center's walls with tables consisting of decorative bowls filled with different kinds of popcorn. You can provide the normal, buttered popcorn or make one of these unique recipes to give that bar an extra pop!

  • Snickers popcorn:
    • You will need:
    1. 8 quarts air popped corn (about 2 cups of kernels)
    2. 1 cup salted butter
    3. 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
    4. 1 teaspoon salt
    5. 1/2 cup light corn syrup
    6. 1 teaspoon baking soda
    7. 1 cup salted peanuts
    8. 30 "Fun Size" Snickers bars coarsely chopped
    9. 3 oz melted semi sweet chocolate (optional)
    • Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 200°
    2. Over medium heat boil butter, brown sugar, salt and corn syrup for 5 minutes.
    3. Remove from heat and stir in your baking soda.
    4. Pour over your popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
    5. Transfer to waxed paper lined counter and sprinkle peanuts on top. Stir until all is coated evenly.
    6. Transfer popcorn into a large roasting pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
    7. Remove from oven and stir in your coarsely chopped Snickers. Return to oven for 3 more minutes so the Snickers begin to melt slightly into the popcorn.
    8. Remove from pan and transfer popcorn back to wax paper to cool.
    9. Drizzle melted chocolate on top of popcorn if desired.
    10. Let set and store in an airtight container.
  • Carmel Coconut Marshmallow Popcorn:
    • You will need:
    1. About 8 cups plain popcorn, popped
    2. 1/2 cup butter
    3. 1 cup brown sugar
    4. 2 Tbsp corn syrup
    5. 1/2 tsp vanilla
    6. About 1/2 bag miniature marshmallows
    7. 1-2 cups shredded coconut, toasted*
    • Directions:
    1. Line a clean, flat work space with wax paper. Then, in a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla, stirring constantly, until bubbling and melted. Stir in the marshmallows until melted and smooth.
    2. In a large bowl filled with the popcorn, pour the mixture over the popcorn and gently toss to coat thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly onto the wax-paper and immediately sprinkle with toasted coconut.
    3. Allow the mixture to set for about 20-30 minutes before eating. The mixture will remain sticky and more “wet” than traditional caramel corn, but the popcorn will still retain that crunch. (Think of the gooeiness of rice krispies as you pour them into the pan–that’s what this is like). Store this mixture airtight for up to 1 day for best freshness.
**Note: to toast coconut, place coconut in an even layer on a rimmed, foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300 for 5 minutes, stir, then bake for another 3-4 minutes, stir, and continue baking & checking FREQUENTLY to prevent burning. Toasted coconut is light golden brown in color, burns quickly, and the best indicator is your nose! If you smell it, it’s usually done.**

Popcorn recipies provided by: http://www.somethingswanky.com/40-perfect-popcorn-recipes/

3. The Health Nut:
Veggie Cups


www.pintrest.com


Do all the sweets and desserts you have lined up make you nervous? Start your guests on a health kick by adding some vegetables to your reception menu! These healthy treats are a great way to allow your guests to snack in The Center's fabulous dome room while waiting for the main course. By pouring ranch dressing or vegetable dip in a small glass and adding some peppers, carrots, celery, etc., you have a small garden in the palm of your hand!

No matter what your personality is, give your reception some character. It's your day; why not make everything (even the food) reflect you?!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Holidays!

The staff at The Center wish you and your family a very safe and happy holiday!



The Center will be closed December 24th and 25th for the holiday. We will be back in the office Thursday, December 26th and ready to hear about those Christmas engagements!

To schedule a tour of The Center, please contact us at info@mcacenterllc.com or (513) 824-7274.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Meet Laura!






Q: How did you become a part of The Center?
Before joining The Center I was the development intern for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati. There, I learned the ins and outs of event planning and fell in love with the industry. My advisor at RMH knew I wanted to continue in the event planning field and put me in touch with Alana and The Center. As soon as I stepped into the event space for my interiew and learned more about the weddings and corporate events held here, I knew this was the place for me!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from the University of Dayton in May with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Here, I was active in Phi Beta Chi, the Honors Communication Fraternity, and was the Secretary for the Locks of Love service club. As a recent graduate, I was eager to move from my hometown of Akron to Cincinnati to see what this city has to offer (I found that it offers a lot less snow).

Q: What are your hobbies or non-work related activities?
A couple of years ago I learned how to crochet/knit and I have been addicted ever since! Within this past year, I have already made two blankets and a countless number of scarves. When I'm not crocheting, I enjoy spending time with my friends, my boyfriend and going to Akron to visit my family.

Q: What's your favorite part of the job so far?
As a recent addition to The Center I am so excited to work closely with the brides in order to make their dream weddings/receptions a reality!

Q: Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
I love how brides are starting to choose different dress styles for each of their bridesmaids. I think it makes each bridesmaid stand out and look confident. Along with this, the use of wild flowers for a bouquet is also unique and edgy. I love how little details like these can change the entire flow of an event and allow the bride to make the wedding her own.




Q: Tell us 10 random facts about yourself.

1. I aboslutely love country music. I am determined to move to Nashville one day.
2. I helped break a Guiness World Record for the World's Largest T-Shirt. I spent four hours helping unfold a t-shirt larger than the size of a football field.
3.  I have a bunny name Moo, he is adorable and I'm obsessed with him!
4.  If I could I would eat pasta for every single meal.
5. I have two older brothers so I grew up playing video games and watching Star Wars.
6. My guilty pleasure is reality TV. I can tell all sextuplets apart in Jon & Kate Plus Eight and I can tell you why I think Jef from Emily's season should be the next bachelor.
7. I am really good at the computer game minesweeper.
8. My parents have a Golden Retriever name Maizy. They are in love with her and one year for Christmas my brothers and I gave my mom a blanket with Maizy's face on it.
9. I go crazy if I don't use lotion right after I wash my hands.
10. I love ghost stories and could watch the show Ghost Adventures for hours.




Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Ask the Experts: Studio58Media + the Best New Wedding Trend!

As much as we love photo booths there’s a new trend in the world of weddings that we are OBSESSED with! Want to know what we’re talking about…



Slow Motion Video -- Shelli + Brad -- Studio58Media from Studio58Media on Vimeo.

Studio58Media recently announced they offer a Slow Motion Wedding Video Booth! We were dying to learn more and lucky for us, Jeff Cooney from Studio58Media couldn’t wait to share the exciting news!

The Center: We have loved watching these videos. How exactly does the slow motion video work?
Jeff: Slow motion videos are incredibly fun!  We shoot the videos at 240 frames per second in 1080p high definition.  Some cameras are only capable of 60fps, but with 240fps you can really get some great shots with the slow motion.  We set up a backdrop and some LED lights and the booth is ready to go!  
Guests come up to the booth, grab some props and we give them a countdown… 3...2...1… and then the wildness begins.  
We actually replay the slow motion footage on a big screen TV immediately after they get out of the booth so they (and everyone else!) can watch their amazing slow motion clip.  Everybody has a BLAST participating!
 
The Center: How long does it take to set up the booth?
Jeff: It only takes about an hour or so to set everything up (camera, lights, backdrop, props, etc.)
 
The Center: Are props provided by Studio58Media?
Jeff: Of course!  We have a set list of things we bring (hats, masks, balloons, streamers, etc.) but are always open to suggestions if the bride has some ideas that would look amazing in the video.  We don’t make you pay extra for props either -- they are always included!
 
The Center: Can you give us an idea on about how much a client can expect to pay for their slow motion wedding video and what it includes?
Jeff: Our packages include 2 or 3 people to run the booth (depending on the event).  We’re typically there for around 5 hours, but have other packages with more hours of coverage as well.  We always make sure we get everything set up BEFORE guests arrive so everything will be nicely set up and organized by the time they show up.
We’re offering a special 10% OFF discount for weddings at The Center and you mention this post.  Just contact us (www.studio58media.com/contact-us) to get the ball rolling!
 
The Center: What a great deal! Thanks, Jeff! How quickly can the video be edited and will the bride and groom get to see the video first?
Jeff: We pass out info cards at the wedding to everyone that participates in the slow motion video booth with a link to the website where they can watch their video.  We’re typically able to complete it in only 48 hours -- we do it quickly so you and your guests can watch the video as soon as possible.  
 
The Center: What kind of reactions have you experienced with some of the guests first encountering the slow motion wedding video booth?
Jeff: Most people think it’s a regular photo booth and then are amazed to find out we’re actually shooting VIDEO!  People weren’t really sure what to do at first so we give some ideas/instructions to the first few groups of people that participate and from then on out everybody LOVES it!  We’ve seen some pretty awesome ideas that guests have come up with that have made some really amazing looking shots in slow motion.
It’s always fun seeing some guests sort of stand on the ‘outskirts’ just casually observing… but then eventually they cave in and have a blast in the booth themselves.
 
The Center: From a vendor’s perspective, although it looks like a blast (& we would love to join in) it seems like it could get pretty messy. What measures are taken to keep the venue clean?
Jeff: This was one of our biggest priorities!  We knew a lot of venues would quickly hate us if we left the place trashed so we ALWAYS provide all the cleaning.  We provide a covering for the floor to help with a majority of the cleanup.  We also bring a broom and vacuum cleaner with us as well to help get anything else we need to clean up. We always try to leave it looking better than when we arrived.


The Center: What’s your favorite part of running the booth?
Jeff: We just love seeing how much people love participating in the slow motion video booth.  Not everybody wants to be on the dance floor all night long, so this gives people an amazing alternative at the reception (instead of just sitting at the table).  The booth is packed ALL night long!  A bride sent me a message on Facebook while sitting in the airport on the way to their honeymoon just to let me know she’s already gotten so many calls and messages with people saying how much they loved the slow motion video booth.  Nobody had even heard of them before let alone actually seen one at a wedding - but they loved it! 
We always consider it a huge honor and privilege to get the opportunity to even play a small part in the biggest day of the bride & groom’s life - that’s why we love what we do!  

Monday, December 9, 2013

Colorful Inspiration for the 2014 Wedding Season


 

As we approach engagement season, we want to share with you the 2014Pantone Color of the Year, “Radiant Orchid.” Pantone describes this color as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones” and “inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.” What a perfect color to bring in to your wedding plans!
 
We love this versatile shade because it can be used in numerous color combinations. Pantone’s fashion report for spring 2014 includes placid blue, violet tulip, paloma, hemlock, sand, freesia, cayenne, celosia orange, and dazzling blue. Each of those colors make a great pair with “Radiant Orchid”, as well as others. There’s a ton of flexibility allowing you to incorporate the feel and look of your wedding.

Not sure where to go from here? No worries! We will be supplying you all kinds of colorful inspiration on our 2014 Color of the Year pinterest board. Even better, The Center offers a great blank canvas for you to put your creativity to work! Let us know your thoughts on the Pantone Color of the Year by leaving a comment!

Congratulations Meghann + Dustin! 08/10/2013


Congratulations to one of our wonderful couples on their recent wedding! Meghann and Dustin held their ceremony and reception at The Center on August 10th , 2013. This DIY Bride and Groom really let their personality shine with all of the personal details they added to their wedding. Michelle with Blue Dahlia Events, helped pull all of the playful details together, showcasing the fun-loving couple.
 

Meghann put together the backdrop for their ceremony using different strands of fabric. The backdrop was also used to frame the doors of the reception hall once the ceremony was finished and a portion used for a photo booth backdrop.
 
One of our favorite features of this wedding was the custom-made wedding paper set. Guests were greeted with silhouettes of the couple on the seating chart. Matching table numbers and menu cards could be found throughout The Center.



Leading up to the special day, Meghann and her family collected brightly colored mismatched vases to showcase the cheery mix of flowers from Two Little Buds Florist. Yellow Chevron runners featured from Prime Time Party Rental, and festive string lights from Party Pleasers tied the playful event details together.
 


 
Guests enjoyed a delicious meal provided by McHale’s Catering and yummy Cake from Bonomini, as they danced the night away with tunes from Party Pleasers. A photobooth by Ohh Snap! allowed guests to  discover their creative sides while posing with friends and family. Jeff Hill Video and Luna+Lou captured the exciting day on video and film.
 
Thank you Meghann, Dustin and your families for keeping us laughing throughout the planning process. You two are truly a joy to be around and we wish you the best for years to come.
 
For more details on Meghann and Dustin’s big day, we’ve included a vendor list below and a link to our Facebook page.
 

 
Meghann and Dustin’s Vendors:

·         Wedding Coordinator: Blue Dahila Events
·         Venue: The Center
·         Photographer: Luna+Lou Weddings
·         Videographer: Jeff Hill Video
·         Florist: Two Little Buds
·         Catering: McHales
·         Baker: Bonomini
·         DJ: Party Pleasers
·         Photobooth: Ohh Snap!
·         Hair: Swayne on Main
·         Makeup: Brideface


 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Meet Alyssa!


Q: How did you become part of The Center?

After graduation, I spent a year searching event planners and venues in the Lexington and northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area. I stumbled upon The Center and reached out for more information. At the time, a position was not available but I connected with Alana on LinkedIn. A year later, I saw the posting for two open positions for The Center and sent in my resume. I heard back the next day and here I am!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself...
I’m originally from Prestonsburg, which is a small town in eastern Kentucky. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2012, with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Strategic Communications, with a focus in Public Relations. I was a transfer from WKU and graduated college in just three years. I’m a proud Kappa Delta Sorority alumnae. I held several internships during college in the event industry and have always known it was where I belong.





Q: What's your favorite part of the job so far?

I enjoy working with clients from beginning to end. After seeing months of hard work and planning, the end product is always worth it. Weddings are my absolute favorite. I really enjoying building a relationship with the couple and getting to know their story.

Q: What are your hobbies or non-work related activities?

I enjoy reading, watching reality TV, and spending time with family and friends. My family lives three hours away, so I’m very thankful when I get to see them. I also love to travel. It’s something I hope to do a lot more of.

Q: Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
Lighting is everything and can make or break an event. I love seeing a bride bring in cool, outside the box ideas for lighting. I’m not a fan of just having a couple colors so that everything matches perfectly. I enjoy seeing an event that looks really put together and perfect but not in an obvious way.

Q: Tell us 10 random facts about yourself.



1) I danced for over 13 years and miss it more and more every day.

2) I lived in Myrtle Beach, SC for two years when I was in elementary school.

3) I absolutely am in love with the beach and will eventually move closer to one. (Cold weather is not for me.)

4) I am addicted to Pinterest. At last glance, I had over 6,000 pins. (And of course, there is a huge wedding board.)

5) I could spend hours in Barnes and Noble or Joseph Beth.

6) Fall is my favorite season. There’s nothing like wearing jeans, boots, and cute sweaters/layers every day.

7) I’m very OCD and cannot function if I’m not organized. Yes, my planner is color coordinated.

8) I enjoy coloring (yes, like in a coloring book) when I get really stressed out. Maybe it makes me feel like a little kid again, which is why it’s so relaxing.

9) I went on my first cruise this year and am totally OBSESSED. I absolutely cannot wait for our next trip.

10) I treat our dog like he’s our child. He is my best friend and a great listener. Nothing makes you feel more loved than having a dog run up to you when you get home.