Recent Posts

Love Story: Heidi & Tristan’s CT & Watch Hill, RI Engagement Session

Engagement, Love, Stories Documented  //  

A few months ago when we began planning Heidi and Tristan’s engagement session, Heidi expressed her concern about the cold weather. They were a little concerned with what the weather might be like in late October in New England. Understanding their concern, Ryan and I quickly remembered back to that same weekend last year when we found ourselves in a huge snowstorm in Boston. What are the chances that would happen again? Thinking the chances were slim, we planned ahead promising to make the most of whatever the weather may be. Little did we know, Sandy had a challenge for us.

As we arrived in Mystic, CT, last Sunday (a day earlier than planned), we turned the corner and saw Heidi calmly resting on Tristan’s shoulder.  No one else was in site in this absolutely adorable coastal town.  As we parked our car and opened the door to a huge wind gust, we were greeted by a police officer with a megaphone warning us (and all of the other people who had already left town) of the mandatory evacuation that was in order for 7:00 p.m. in that exact area.

Ryan and I looked at each other. After a minute of silence where I think we finally came to terms that Sandy was actually real, we looked at each other and said, “are we crazy?!” The real answer is probably yes… but it was also at that exact moment that I found myself thanking God for the adventures in our lives and for placing Ryan by my side to show me calmness whenever I start to worry.

We met up with Heidi and Tristan on the street corner in front of Bank Square Books. We had a very similar moment where we all acknowledged the fact that we were a little crazy! But, at the same time, we promised to make the most of it as we recognized how blessed we were to have those few hours ahead to soak in the gorgeous New England coast. We took in the beauty right along with Heidi and Tristan as they shared a cozy date at the Watch Hill Yacht Club that included some of their New England favorites… Dunkin Donuts, of course, along with hot cocoa!

We finished up Heidi and Tristan’s engagement session with a glass of wine and hot cider at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI. We reflected on the beauty of the area with a sense of nervousness of what Sandy may bring. However, we left with a sense of confidence that whatever Sandy delivered, the loved ones beside us are the only things that truly matter.

I have to admit… I am a little emotional as I write this post. Knowing there are so many people who are still deeply impacted by Sandy… our hearts are heavy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was affected by Sandy. It is our prayer that everyone (especially those that were affected by Sandy- and especially especially those in the Mystic, CT and Watch Hill, RI areas) can use these images as a source of inspiration and hope as they work to rebuild the beautiful surroundings in their lives! But most especially, we hope the images provide a source of comfort in knowing that all that really matters are the people by your side.

Heidi and Tristan… we are so grateful for you. Thank you for sharing your favorite New England treasures with us on this incredibly memorable adventure!

DIY Beer Tasting Party Project by Liz and Ryan

Brew for Two Beer Sampler DIY

Celebrating the Everyday, Liz's DIY  //  

Good Morning! We are continuing our theme of DIY projects this week with details on how we made the fun Brew for Two Party Favors for our guests that came to our Brew on the Roof Party.  We started with a few empty beer cartons, gray spray paint, and printer labels.  Simply download our Brew for Two labels here and create your own for you next tasting party.

DIY Beer Tasting Party Project by Liz and RyanSee more from our Brew on the Roof Tasting party:

Style Me Pretty Feature
Brew on the Roof Party and Giveaway
Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake
DIY Cake Flags

 

Love Story: Katie and Dan’s Baltimore Wedding

Love, Stories Documented, Wedding  //  

Leading up to their wedding day, Katie and Dan were juggling busy schedules while doing everything they could to find a way to see each other. They lived over an hour apart from each other and it wasn’t unlikely that they would only get to see each other on the weekends. Every time we were with Katie and Dan, they shared their excitement for that one day that they could live life side-by-side. That day when they would no longer have to say bye to each other in hopes that the next weekend would come quickly.

For Katie and Dan, their wedding day marked the first day of the rest of their lives living side-by-side each other! No longer wishing the weeks away… now they can truly enjoy every single minute together!

We are so excited for Katie and Dan to be beginning this new journey together! To enjoy the simple things in life… like cooking together! ;)  Katie and Dan, thank you for the honor of capturing your love story. Your wedding day was absolutely beautiful and the perfect way to begin this new journey TOGETHER!  Congratulations!

Don’t miss their slideshow below:

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make Katie and Dan’s day so special:

Ceremony Venue: Mountain Christian Church | Reception Venue: Hillendale Country Club | Flowers: Flowers By Design | Bakery: Yia Yia’s Bakery | DJ: Jason Burns | Hair: Denise Trentzsch (Bride’s Aunt) & Baltimore Bridal Hair | Makeup: Lauren Heiser | Photographer: Liz and Ryan

 

Brew on the Roof DIY Cake Flags

Celebrating the Everyday, Liz's DIY  //  

Happy Election Day! We are about to head out to vote but before we do we wanted to share  a super easy DIY project to +1 your next Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake!  To create your own Cake Flags just download our mini cake flags pdf by clicking here and follow the instructions below.

Finally, if you haven’t checked out our recent Brew on The Roof feature on Style Me Pretty be sure to do so here and enter to win a $25 Williams-Sonoma Gift Card by clicking here and leaving us a comment!

Cook Together Recipe: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake (1)

Ryan Cooks: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake

Entertaining  //  

If you saw our blog yesterday then you may have noticed an AMAZING looking chocolate cake that we made for our Brew on the Roof Tasting Party.  Since we are celebrating cooking together, we wanted to share the recipe for you all to try too!  We’ve even included a downloadable recipe card to add to your recipe collection!

Also, don’t forget to enter our giveaway here for your chance to win a $25 Williams-Sonoma Gift Card.

RECIPE: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake

Cook Together Recipe: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake

INGREDIENTS:

For Cake: 
4 ounces unsweetened Ghirardelli chocolate, chopped
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
14 tbs (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups plus 3 tbsp sugar
3 large eggs, separated into whites and yolks
3/4 cup chocolate stout beer
2/3 cup freshly brewed strong coffee

For Frosting:
1 pound Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Cook Together Recipe: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake (1)

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To make cake:

Step 1: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9-inch diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch high sides. Line bottom of each cake pan with parchment paper round; butter and flour parchment.
Step 2: Place chopped chocolate in medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water and set aside.
Step 3: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl to blend.
Step 4: Using electric mixer, beat butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Beat in lukewarm melted chocolate, then stout and coffee.
Step 5: Beat flour mixture into chocolate mixture in 2 additions, just until incorporated.
Step 6: Using clean, dry beaters, beat egg whites and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in another medium bowl until stiff but not dry. We found that using an electric hand mixer was easier than using a stand mixer for this step.
Step 7: Fold 1/3 of egg whites into cake batter to lighten, then fold in remaining egg whites in 2 additions. Divide batter between prepared cake pans (about 3 cups for each), and smooth the tops.
Step 8: Bake cakes until tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer cakes to racks and cool in pans 20 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks; remove parchment paper and cool completely.

To make frosting:

Step 1: Place chopped chocolate in medium heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Combine whipping cream and espresso powder in medium saucepan. Bring cream mixture to simmer over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally.
Step 3: Pour cream mixture over chopped chocolate. Let stand 1 minute, then whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Chill chocolate frosting until slightly thickened and spreadable, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.
Step 4: Using serrated knife, trim rounded tops from both cake layers so that tops are flat.
Step 5: Drop 1 1/4 cups frosting by large spoonfuls over top of cake layer; spread frosting evenly to edges with offset spatula or butter knife.
Step 6: Top with second cake layer, trimmed side down. Spread remaining frosting evenly over top and sides of cake.

This entire recipe is available for download as a 4×6 inch pdf.  Click here to download and add this recipe to your collection.  Or pin the photo below!

Cook Together Recipe: Ghirardelli Chocolate Stout Cake (3)