Culinary Crafts

Wednesday Wisdom: Spotlight on Distinctive Inscriptions Calligraphy

Wednesday, 2 November, 2011

Today I’d like to share one of our favorite (and brand new!) vendors with you!  Its none other than Distinctive Inscriptions Calligraphy!  The owner, Ashantai, is a master of his craft and we are so excited that he has added such panache to the Utah wedding market!  He has kindly shared some photos and a bio with us so check it out!

“Three years ago, a co-worker, upon noticing my handwriting in my laboratory notebook (I moonlight as a chemist) commented: ‘Did you write that? Wow, man, that’s pretty cool! You should do calligraphy. People do wedding invitations and envelopes using calligraphy.’  Initially, I thought little of this.  Then on a whim I bought a calligraphy pen: ‘Let’s see where this goes…’ I thought. I found I liked it. A lot. Like, a whooolllleeee lot!   When I recognized I was developing an enduring passion for calligraphy, I bought a book for instruction and contacted professional calligraphers for advice and help. One, Michele Papineau, responded in kind.  She has since become my mentor and a friend. My start to my calligraphy passion in a nutshell.

Since then my passion for calligraphy has literally flourished. I am thrilled to write names and quotes in exquisite lettering styles and fanciful flourishes. While it brings me great joy to me to hand letter in any manner, I am thrilled to do both place cards and envelopes. I believe the place card puts one’s name on the marquee. Lauren Brady of The Write Image stated, ‘Invitations tell a story — the moment the envelope is opened guests know what type of wedding they will be attending.’ I agree.  Since the invitation tells the story, calligraphy presents exquisite opening scenery, the prelude to an enchanting and intimate engagement. I believe my calligraphy provides that very scenery!

Fonts and flourishes, pens and ink, and styles and swirls enrapture me!  I have developed an exquisite love affair with my calligraphy pens, creating art in a variety of styles, from the whimsical to the formal to the fancy flourish. All of my lettering styles are done by hand with brass dip nibs and ink or water-based pigments such as gouache. I produce quality work and take pride in my keen sense of attention to detail, engaging my clients to encompass their vision.  It is pleasing to receive compliments on my work. Most rewarding, however, is to see the ebullience and scintillating effervescence on the faces of clients when they receive their completed works of art.  As one client stated to me: ‘My guests are saving their envelopes.  They are so beautiful!’  I responded in kind, ‘That’s exactly what I want.  Enthralling impressions, Enchanting memories.’
My desire is to create the same impression for you, enhancing your intimate engagement with works of art and enchanting your guests.  I would be thrilled to do so.

-Ashantai

Ever notice how ‘What the Hell?’ is always the right answer?’
-Marilyn Monroe

Thank you so much Ashantai for sharing you talent, works, and a little bit about you with us!  Calligraphy is such a great detail to set your event apart and really elevate the look and feel of everything from the invitations to the place cards!  We hope this inspires you to check out Distinctive Inscriptions Calligraphy!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Monday Musings: Spotlight on Scenemakers and Diamond Rental

Monday, 17 October, 2011

What do you get when you combine the vision of Mary Crafts, the rental operations of Diamond Rental, and the award winning design of Scenemakers?  A breathtaking masterpiece to be long remembered!  Two of the FANTASTIC vendors at Mary and Rick’s reception were Diamond Rental and ScenemakersScenemakers was responsible for the AMAZING site design!  And Diamond Rental was responsible for all the BEAUTIFUL rentals!  I mean, remember that tent?  That detail alone was DROP DEAD GORGEOUS.  And the way they were designed to frame the reception?  AMAZING!  Take a look!


Scenemakers and Diamond Rental made Mary and Rick’s reception a night their guests would never forget.  Such a breathtaking venue, stunning rentals from Diamond Rental, and Scenemakers‘s design was the icing on the cake!  They both took Mary’s vision of “Surround Tents and Open Courtyard” and turned it into a reality.  Just what Mary and Rick dreamed!  Dinner and dancing under the stars!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photo credits: Pepper Nix Photography and ZumaPhoto

 

 

 

 

 

Vendor Spotlight: Valet Parking Services

Wednesday, 10 August, 2011

Today, I’d like to spotlight another one of the fantastic vendors from Mary and Rick’s wedding.  Valet Parking Services (or VPS for short)!  VPS provided valet parking services for both the wedding ceremony and the reception the next day.  And, at the reception, they drove the guests directly to the reception site via golf carts. How awesome is that?  Check it out!


Such a nice touch for guests!  Many of the guests said that they had never felt so pampered at an event before!  Having a company like VPS take care of your guests is a great way to elevate your wedding – and such a wonderful way of showing your guests the appreciation you have for them.  You should definitely considering having valet parking at your event, especially if the parking is far away from the event site, or if you are having a large wedding and need a professional to help park the guest’s cars efficiently!  Thank you again to VPS for having a top notch, professional staff and for making Mary and Rick’s guests feel like a million bucks!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photos provided by Pepper Nix Photography and ZumaPhoto

Vendor Spotlight: Pepper Nix Photography and ZumaPhoto

Monday, 23 May, 2011

Today, I’d like to do a vendor spotlight on the FABULOUS photographers of Pepper Nix Photography and ZumaPhoto!  Not only are these amazing photographers responsible for many of the event photos on our website, but they are also teaming up to document Mary Crafts’s wedding extravaganza!  Definitely check this out!

Such breathtaking photos!  We at Culinary Crafts are always AMAZED by these talented artists!!!

Check out more amazing photographs on our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Vendor Spotlight: Swanovation Custom Ice Sculptures

Tuesday, 3 May, 2011

Today I’d like to showcase one of our favorite vendors and also give you some tips on using their GORGEOUS creations.  Who am I talking about?  Well, Swanovation Custom Ice Sculptures!  With summer weddings coming up, ice sculptures are a perfect addition to any party and can be used in many different ways.

1. One of the best ways to use an ice sculpture is to incorporate it into a drink station!  Not only does this make a signature cocktail/mocktail that much more awesome and unique, it gives your guests a fun, interactive way to get their drink chilled.  Not to mention they are totally beautiful ice sculptures that can be made to match any style and incorporate monograms, logos, or designs too!  Who doesn’t want a cool, delicious drink on a warm summer night?  I know I would!!

2.  Another way to use ice sculptures is to display food that needs to be kept cold.  Think fruit, shrimp, or chilled hors d’oeuvres.  Not to mention, they can be made in virtually any shaped vessel and incorporate the Bride and Groom’s names or monogram to boot.  How gorgeous does the food look in these? Yum!

3.  Lastly, ice sculptures can be fantastic centerpieces or even showpieces to any event.  I mean, take a look at that gorgeous sculpture above!  What a STUNNING way to amp up your wedding.  Even chilling drink favors for your guests make a wonderful focal point!  The mini aluminum soda bottles are so eye catching in this AMAZING ice sculpted case!  Love!

I never cease to be amazed by the masterpieces Swanovation comes up with!  I hope this inspires you to think about the fantastic ways an ice sculpture could elevate the style and gorgeousness of your wedding.  Happy planning my friends!

Check out our website for more ideas at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Vendor Spotlight: Something Vintage, Something Blue

Tuesday, 19 April, 2011

Photo credit: Ashlee Raubach Photography

We work with SO many talented and wonderful vendors and today, I’d like to give a little shout out to our friends at Something Vintage, Something Blue!  A lot of brides and grooms out there want a way to get to their wedding without having to worry about bringing their own car (shaving cream and toliet paper is a hazard of so many newlyweds!!!) But that doesn’t mean you can’t have something unique and stylish!!!  That’s where Something Vintage, Something Blue comes in.  They specialize in finding only the most beautiful and one of a kind cars so you can truly feel like royalty.  Check out their gorgeous selection!

Photo credit: Elizabeth Taylor Frandsen Photography

Photo credit: Ashlee Raubach Photography and Jeppson Photography

Photo credit: Aria Photography

Simply gorgeous!!!  They also rent the cars for photo shoots.  So if you are thinking of adding a little something extra for your engagement or bridal session, think about one of these beauties.  Plus, how fantastic will you feel sharing the stage with something so unique?!  We love you Something Vintage, Something Blue!  You are truly AMAZING!

Also, remember to check back for our new contest coming up VERY soon!

Don’t forget to check out our website for more ideas, tips, and vendor partners! www.culinarycrafts.com