Kenzie's Closet Dress Drive

 

The Center Cincinnati is excited to announce that it is teaming up with Creative Invites and Event and Curate Boutique to host a dress drive for Kenzie's Closet! 

Kenzie's Closet is a magnificent organization that makes it possible for young ladies from low-income backgrounds to attend their proms. They receive a gorgeous dress of their choosing, a bag, and shoes at no cost to them.

The Center was so touched when we learned all the ways that the volunteers and employees ensure that each client feels like a star when she enters into Kenzie's Closet, we could not wait to get involved!

We would like to extend an invitation to all of the ladies out there to sort through your closets and bring a gently-used, prom-style dress into Curate Boutique between November 15th and November 25th. (Perhaps an old bridesmaid's dress?!) When you do, two wonderful things will happen. 

1. You will receive 20% off a new dress at Curate Boutique this holiday season.
2. You will be helping a young woman attend her prom, when she might have skipped due to financial worries.

 

 

There will be a kick-off party on November 15th at Curate Boutique in Hyde Park. Think fall fashion, fun, and refreshments! Bring in your dress or monetary donation and mingle. We can't wait to see you there!

Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

Halloween's just around the corner, and with all the spooooooky jack-o-lanterns around town, we need a drink.....made from the leftover pumpkin, of course! Silliness aside, this pumpkin pie cocktail is delightfully spicy and sweet, and the perfect drink to serve to your friends while you hand out candy or host a costume party. Enjoy this treat!

Ingredients (makes one drink)

1-1/2 ounces spiced rum
1 ounce pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon (0.3 ounces) Grand Marnier
1 scant teaspoon (about 0.2 ounces) simple syrup
Splash of bitters (such as Angostura)
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of allspice

Directions

1. Pour all contents in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake thoroughly.
2. Strain into a martini glass straight up.
3. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Recipe and photograph from http://www.yumsugar.com

Spotlight On Sites

Fear Not, Future Brides and Grooms!

The Center's Little List of Sites That Are Helpful When Planning Your Wedding is here....and while the name is long and confusing, the content below features sites that can simplify any wedding task, from choosing your colors to finding your caterer. Be sure to check out the reviews of The Center while you're browsing these helpful sites, and bookmark them to add your own review later! Feedback helps us grow!

Wedding Wire

100 Layer Cake

Wedding Bee

Martha Stewart Weddings

Project Wedding

 

Spa Cooler

Ah, it's almost Friday and a weekend of gorgeous weather is waiting for you! Here's a cocktail recipe that is almost as simple and refreshing as that truth, courtesy of Liquor.com.

 

Ingredients (makes one drink)

• 2 oz VeeV Açaí Spirit
• 1 or 2 sprigs Fresh mint
• 6 thin slices Cucumber
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• .75 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)

Garnish:

Cucumber and mint

Glass:

Rocks or cocktail

Directions

1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. 
2. Shake, and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a mint sprig.

Recipe courtesy of http://liquor.com, Photo courtesy of http://www.palmbeachillustrated.com

Decorating At The Center

Recently, we have spoken with several potential clients at The Center who have asked us the same decorating question: "Where do we start?" 


One reviewer was truly flattering in her response to decorating our spacious venue and her approach prompted some encouraging tips on our part :

"I have found that most event centers and reception facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area look and feel the same. This translates to your very special event looking and feeling just like everyone else's very special event....And then, there is The Center. It is quite simply, a breath of fresh air to Downtown Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati area. I loved this space when it was the home to the Contemporary Arts Center years ago, and have often wondered what would become of it. When I found out that it was going to be renovated and transformed into an event center, I couldn't contain my excitement. At the first opportunity, I booked the space for a corporate event for 500+ people. I found the contemporary space to be stunning as is, and yet it is also the perfect blank slate to transform the space into anything that you can imagine. I have used this space for several corporate events, and every event is unique. With Fountain Square as the backdrop through one of the main room's large picture windows, it gives guests a beautiful view of Downtown Cincinnati. I honestly can't imagine hosting an event elsewhere else."

With a blank canvas space like ours, it can be daunting to approach the topic of decor. But we do not see it as a roadblock, we see it as an opportunity! The beautiful thing about a blank canvas is that you can paint it any color you like. The Center is open and modern because we want our clients to be able to personalize their event.  Below are some ideas and references to other post to get you started on your journey to making your event everything you want it to be!


The Two "L"s 

This event at The Center features bold linens and bright lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

When you begin to envision the decor for your event,  consider two things: linens and lighting. Linens provide a great deal of ambiance, whether it's a playful or professional atmosphere you're looking for. If you're overwhelmed by the neutral decor in place at The Center, contact your caterer or rental company for a list of their linens, and you'll soon be swimming in colors and designs.

Lighting can also provide those pops of color and design mentioned above. Companies like Party Pleasers contruct gobos (lighting designs on walls) that can act as wall accents or even wall coverings for your event. Check out this example of an image projection they constructed for an aisle runner!
Another option is to consider are LED light boxes that can coat your wall or your drapery in a flood of colored light, or hide behind an opaque bar for a soft, colorful glow.

Soft-seating and Drapery

 

Our spacious venue can overwhelm couples looking to host more intimate weddings, and our best advice is to embrace the space and look into drapery and soft seating. Rental companies can provide floor-to-sealing drapery for events and create "rooms" out of any space. They can partition off sections of the room or just act as a textured background on the walls of the space, drawing your attention away from the perimiters. 

 

Soft seating is also a great way to occupy space in a functional way. Your guests can relax away from their meals and the dancing, and even if you only opt for one or two pieces in our dome room, they are sure to be used. We've never seen soft seating unattended!

 

Centerpieces

 

 

 

A magnificent way to personalize your event is to focus on where everyone's eyes will be when they sit at the table. Aside from the food, and each other, there will be a centerpiece before them while they eat and converse. Use your centerpieces to pull focus inward and embellish your tables!

 

 

 

Music

 

 

 

Last, but not least, don't underestimate the power of music. Music brings wedding guests together, very literally! When the lights are turned down and everyone is on the dance floor, the only decor you will need is a DJ (and a disco ball, if that's your style)!

 

 

 

 

Pre-wedding Dates

We know that planning a wedding can sometimes be overwhelming! But, it's important not to lose sight of what's really important, and that's celebrating the love and life of two people just beginning their journey together. In honor of a lifetime of great memories to come, here are a few fun ways to spend quality time with your beau or belle while preparing for your wedding day:



Take a cooking class together

Committing a couple of hours to cooking with someone you love is a great way to relax and enjoy each other's company, while learning something you can take forward with you into your life together.

Check out The Glendalia's Cooking Class Calendar, The Learning Kitchen, and Jungle Jim's for openings!

Do-It-Yourselves Project

Working on something together is a great way to remind you both of what you love about your fiancé. Little projects can help showcase your partner's strengths and create sweet memories. There's only one rule: whether it's painting a bird house or planting a tree in the front yard, make sure to take pictures of your work and send them to us at The Center! ;)


Play "Tourists" in your own town

Whether you were both born and raised in the place you call home, or you're new to town, it can be a lot of fun to let your city surprise you! Pick out a couple of "attractions," pack a bag, and set out to explore and take tons of cheesy photos for an afternoon.

Find Water

If you're like us and you live in Cincinnati, this shouldn't be too difficult! Find a body of water, natural or man-made and spend an afternoon fishing, sunbathing, swimming, or kayaking with your fiancé!


Train for a Race Together

Cincinnati is home to some of the most amazing walks and races! You can sign up for anything from a 5K to a full marathon, and training together is the perfect way to make sure you both look your very best when you're posing for pics at The Center on your wedding day.

Write A Song

Maybe, even as you read this, a love ballad has already started to write itself in your mind. Or...maybe a parody of a popular song is more your speed! Either way, write a song with your fiancé; whether you keep it to yourselves, dance to it in your kitchen, or sing it at your wedding, music is a fun, free way to bring you closer and get you laughing.

Wine & Whiskers

The Center was happy to be a part of the Wine & Whiskers event held by The League for Animal Welfare this past weekend. In addition to a fantastic wine tasting and an auction, a few furry guests made appearances and everyone had a roaring good time. It's such a rare gift when we, as an event venue, get to host organizations like LFAW in our space. The big-hearted staff and volunteers really worked hard to raise money for their shelter and the night seemed to be a great success!

A Little About The League...



"Founded in 1949, the League for Animal Welfare (the League) is a privately funded, nonprofit organization providing much-needed care for unwanted, lost and neglected cats and dogs in our community. As the oldest and one of the largest no-kill shelters in the area, the League serves the Greater Cincinnati area through initiatives to reduce the number of homeless animals and to help people better care for their pets. Using the resources of its dedicated staff, supporters, and volunteers, the League provides the medical care, behavioral training and socialization needed to match homeless animals with lifelong homes. The League’s shelter has the capacity to care for approximately 40 dogs and 100 cats with the goal of permanent placement in appropriate, screened, loving homes. Volunteers foster additional dogs and cats and bottle feed kittens and puppies in their own homes (http://www.lfaw.org/about-us/)."

Want to lend a paw? Click here to learn more about how you can help LFAW give the pets they take in a great second chance!

Root Beer Float Cocktail

This creamy cocktail is as easy to make as it is to drink. The Root Beer Float Cocktail takes on an old soda shop classic and brings it new life with a touch of vodka. At first glance, we thought of summer when we saw this tasty treat. But, what could be more delightful than an out-of-season surprise this weekend to remind you of warmer weather?!

Ingredients
Root Beer
1 oz Heavy Cream
1/2 oz Vanilla drink syrup (in the coffee aisle)
1 oz Vodka
Whipped Cream

Directions
Fill a glass with ice. Add heavy cream and vanilla syrup. Top with vodka and root beer.

Photo and Recipe from http://thatswhatwesaid.net/

According to The Center: Wedding Scene Winners

One of the most enduring examples of love and mayhem on the silver screen is the wedding, and consequently, the reception. Here, at The Center, we are lucky enough to see beautiful wedding and reception moments all the time. Today, The Center staff was asked to describe their favorite wedding/reception scene from a film. Here are the responses:

 

Alana:

 

Alana's favorite wedding scene of all time hails from one of the best holiday films around (in this blogger's opinion). This scene, from Love, Actually opens at the pronouncement of the newly married couple and develops into a full-on surprise rendition of "All You Need Is Love," complete with a brass band and chorus. Alana politely requests that, in the future, all of you with musical inclinations attend her wedding undercover and reenact this for her.

 

 

 



Courtney:

Courtney's favorite wedding scene is from a little movie called 27 Dresses. It's the scene where Kevin sees Jane for the first time on their wedding day. Courtney says she loves the scene because of "the look." You know the one James Marsden gives as he sees Jane approaching the alter? Swoon.

 

 

We couldn't find a clip of just the moment,

but turn down the volume and fast-forward to 2:17 for the scene!

 

 

Haley:

Haley couldn't settle on a romantic favorite, but added that one scene that never failed to make her smile was the Wedding Crasher's "Sailing Through The Vows" scene, where John grins as he watches Claire stifle laughter through her friends' nautical vows.

 

 

 

 



Peach, Honey and Cardamom Wine Cordial

Ingredients

• 5 large, ripe peaches, peeled
• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 8 cardamom pods
• 1/2 cup italian honey
• 2/3 cup vodka

Directions

Place the whole peaches in a large glass jar. Add the wine and cardamom pods; the wine should cover the peaches fully. Cover the jar and let stand at room temperature overnight, then refrigerate for 4 days.

Strain the wine into a nonaluminum saucepan. Place over low heat, add the honey and stir just until the honey dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir in the vodka.

Ladle the liqueur into a clean glass bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. Serve chilled. The liqueur will keep for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.

Serves 6 to 8.

 

 

Recipe and photograph from http://www.williams-sonoma.com

Please Don't Stop The Music - Recessional Songs

Last week, we delved into the topic of classical song choices for wedding ceremonies. And, just as the recessional song follows the processional song (and the procession), so have we decided to follow the classical music post from last week with a selection of celebratory tunes to play you out of your ceremony! Without further ado, please enjoy these three cheery choices for recessional tunes.

Katrina and The Waves - Walking on Sunshine

 

All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

 

I'm a Believer - Smashmouth

A Year In Numbers

 

The Center turns two years old today! To celebrate, we've compiled a list of fantastic, "two"-themed happenings and fun fact from the past couple of years!

 

1) The Center Staff visited the zoo (which rhymes perfectly with "two") for an ISES event this year. They followed up their bout of monkeying aroud with this stellar interview.

 

2) Two years ago, The Center Bloggers began their love affair with lists, alphabetized and otherwise. The advent of "The A-B-C's of All Things Wedding" blog series ended just as The Center turned 1!

 

3) Two new hires joined The Center family.Courtney and Haley joined the coordinator team, this year!

 

4) April brought with it the addition of two beautiful signs for our building. One to cheer on The Reds and the other for The Center!

5) Finally, two of our lovely ladies are currently two thousand miles away learning everything they can about the event business in order to take your event and make it an even more spectacular experience.

 

Two more things...

 

                                1. We are so happy about the past two years, and excited for the years

                                    to come!

 

                                2. We're in the celebration business, and our birthday is no
                                    exception, so dont be shy, wish us a happy birthday, have a peice of
                                    cake for us! Wear a party hat! Have a happy Tuesday :)