Diva With A Fork Has A New Website

We've launched our new site! Visit us at www.divawithafork.com!

Eat, Drink and Entertain,
Eileen

2010 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Photo Courtesy of Creative Loafing

 Since 1995, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival has masterfully brought together leaders in the culinary and wine industries to tempt a plethora of taste buds. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the festival. If you've yet to experience this gastronomic extravaganza...hurry! Sunday, November 14, 2010 is the last day to enjoy this year's festivities.

Photo Courtesy of disneyparks.disney.go.com

Newbie to the event? Well, have no fear! I've scoped out the twenty-seven booths that fill International Marketplace, each featuring delectables for your sipping and sampling pleasure from around the globe. Take a look at my list of sensational items your lips won't want to miss!

ARGENTINA

Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree 

As we approached Argentina's booth, the smell wafting through the air lured me like a mouse to cheese. The chimichurri sauce added a pop of color to the dish and a burst of flavor to the tongue.

CHINA

Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick 

Photo Courtesy of insidetheMAGIC

Large chunks of chicken infused with a flavorful BBQ sauce. I loved how I was able to enjoy BBQ, without having to think about sauce dripping everywhere.

SOUTH AFRICA

Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree and Mango BBQ Sauce 

This sauce has some kick! It paired extremely well with the sweet potato puree and the tenderloin.

GERMANY

Apple Strudel featuring Werther's Original Karamell Sauce

If it's not chocolate I'm craving...it's some type of apple pastry. This one hit the spot.

Spatlese Riesling

Sweet and Sassy...just like me!

UNITED STATES

Bison Chili with Wild Mushrooms, Cabernet and Pepper Jack Cheese 

This is gourmet chili at it's best. Who says chili is best with chopped meat?

JAPAN

Tuna Sensation 

All I can say is YUM! If you crave tuna tar tar as much as I do...you've got to make a beeline to this booth for a taste...or two.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr

MOROCCO

Tangerine Mimosa Royale 

My absolute favorite cocktail from this year's festival. Fruity, but not overpowering...simply delish!

BELGIUM

Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Doesn't the picture below say it all? Tastes as good as it looks! 

AUSTRALIA

Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction

The C.P.A. chefy hubby said this dish was amazing! It's the only booth he went back for seconds.

CHARCUTERIE AND CHEESE

MARTINI Prosecco

Bubbly, Crisp, with a light, fruity taste!

Photo Courtesy of Tim Rogerson

Seminars, demonstrations and festival experiences change daily. For more information, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

Eat, Drink, Entertain and Enjoy Life!

Eileen

Captivating Gift Ideas For Any Occasion

Did you know there's an art to gift giving? Registries have made it easy to purchase presents for others with little to no thought. The best gifts though, are ones that require reflection. Ones that ignite emotion...that come from your heart. It's true searching for a gift of sentiment takes time and energy, but fear not! Diva With A Fork has suggestions for presents that will delight, while bringing back the true spirit of gift giving. 

Waterford Wishes Toasting Flutes

 

What's a wedding without a toast? Waterford Crystal dates back to the 1700's and sets the standard for fine quality crystal. They offer an exquisite line of toasting flutes that embody a festive spirit and add sparkle to a couple's wedding day. The design above, is my personal favorite. It reminds me of the effervescent bubbles, one sees in champagne.  I was gifted a set of Waterford toasting flutes by my grandmother as a start to my collection of fine crystal. My husband and I celebrated with them for the first time at our wedding. Someday, I hope my children and grandchildren will toast with them on their wedding day. Then carry on the tradition of their use from generation to generation. These toasting flutes along with other styles can be found at department stores nationwide, as well as, online at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Amazon.com.

Nambe Square Platter

 I'll never forget the moment I unwrapped my Nambe signature square platter and saw my wedding invitation elegantly engraved on its shiny face. I was truly touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift.  Many moons later, this treasure is still a highlight from my past and is prominently displayed in my house for all to see. Established in 1953, Nambe's designs have garnered many awards and are recognized throughout the world. The metal platter shown above is like the one I was given. It and many others can be found at http://www.nambe.com. Nambe even offers personalization services, making it easy to express what's in your heart.

Waterford Cake Knife and Server

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

Waterford offers a lovely cake knife and server that can be purchased as a set or individually. Engrave the couple's names and wedding date on the knife or server's stainless steel, for an impressionable touch. Both items ooze an understated elegance, making them a marvelous accent to a decadent dessert table.

Your Memory Lane Art Prints

Courtesy of Your Memory Lane

This past January, I was emphatic about finding the perfect anniversary gift for my CPA chefy hubby. Over the years, he's become more and more difficult to shop for. While scouring the Internet, I came across Your Memory Lane, a company that specializes in custom designed print art. Provide them with specific events, places, people, symbols, etc. of meaning for the recipient and Your Memory Lane will fashion a one-of-a-kind, mesmerizing piece of art. It's the perfect gift for any occasion! 

 Personalized Growth Chart

Rosenberry Rooms is a divine online boutique for gorgeous baby gifts. Adorable personalize growth charts, wall art, clocks, furnishings and more can be found in an a variety of prices and styles. It's a fabulous site to indulge a posh tot! 

Live, Love, Laugh and Give From the Heart!

Eileen

Welcome Bags Set The Stage For Your Event!

Photo Courtesy of Favors and Flowers

Welcome bags a/k/a hospitality bags are a lovely way to embrace family and friends who have traveled from afar, to attend your celebration. They set the tone for the fabulous festivities you have planned for your guests. So, it's important to put some creativity into the design. 

Photo Courtesy of Southern Weddings

Yes, it's true. There's just no way around it. Welcome bags do make an impact, but I wouldn't stress about them. I see the eyes rolling! Easier said than done, right? Wrong! Simply plan in advance by using my guide for success.

3 - 4 Months Prior

Choose the Style, Color, Theme, Etc. of Welcome Bags and Tissue Paper
Searching for canvas totes? I suggest Lands' End. For beautiful paper bags in all shapes and sizes and tissue paper in every hue you can imagine,  I love shopping online at  Nashville Wraps!

Photo Courtesy of Unbeatable Sale

Create a List of  Perishable and NonPerishable Items 
I usually include Bottled Water, Individual Bags of Chips, Pretzels, Cookies,Chocolates, Peanuts, Bananas, Apples, Granola Bars, Breath Mints (A must when I'm shopping for client's and always a hit!), Theme Items, Etc.

Having a beach themed event? Why not add suntan lotion, a bright beach towel, inflatable ball,  flip flops, etc. Expecting guests with young children? How about supplying  Uno game cards, crayons or colored pencils, coloring books, Mad Libs and puzzles.
                                                               
2 - 3 Months Prior

Order Bags and Tissue Paper
Estimate and count anyone that might attend...then add a few to the final number, in case of that last minute addition or a bag  ruined in transit.

Order Custom Gift Tags/Labels
Customizing is a popular way to make a chic statement, without spending a ton of money. Remember to use good quality paper if printing these yourself. Check out wiskergraphics. This company allows you to format your text with their graphics and then print your gorgeous creations at home or the office!

Order Custom Water Bottle Labels
This is a personal preference, but one I feel is worth the money. Search etsy.com for vendors offering a multitude of shapes, sizes and styles.

Photo Courtesy of Mitzvah-licious

1-2 Months Prior

Compose  A Short Welcome Letter
It's customary to include a short note welcoming and thanking people for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend your event.

Create A Weekend Itinerary
Guests want to know where and when they have to be someplace. When prepared in advance, it alerts the host to any potential scheduling  issues and gives them ample opportunity to make changes. See the adorable example below for inspiration.

Photo Courtesy of Lori Decter Wright and Project Wedding

Visit Your Local AAA Office
If the schedule allots for guests to have time to themselves during their stay, maps and brochures for popular city sites are a must. AAA offices around the country make them available to members free of charge.

Purchase Labels and/or Gift Tags
If printing these yourself, make sure to order more than you think you'll need. If a mistake happens, they'll be no need to worry. 

Photo Courtesy of tinyprints

3 - 4 Weeks Prior

Purchase Paper For Welcome Letter
Order online or find a specialty paper store in your area. Once again, always order more than you think is needed...just in case! The Paper Mill Store or paper and more! offer huge selections at great prices.

Print Labels and/or Tags
If printing them yourself, give enough time for mishaps. If you find you've taken on more than you can handle, there's still time to hire a printing professional in your area to take the pressure off your hands.

Shop for NonPerishable Items
Set aside anything you buy together in a cool, dry place away from pets, small children and direct sunlight. 

Request Help for Delivery of Hospitality Bags
The week leading up to an event is hectic. Ask a trustworthy friend or relative to deliver hospitality bags to the hotel.

Photo Courtesy of Project Wedding

2 Weeks Prior

Finalize Welcome Letter to Guests 
Print letter, sign each one and set aside with the nonperishable items. Why? Trust me, I've heard horror stories of letters being misplaced by people. Keep everything together!

Assemble Hospitality Bags
If fashioning a large number of bags, why not invite a few friends over for an "Stuffing Soiree?" Gab with the girls, sip a glass of wine, while organizing welcome bags! Once completed, set the bags if possible in the same area the non-perishables were stored. Have your designated friend or family member deliver the bags to the hotel the night before your guests arrive.

The Week of The Event


Shop for Perishable Items
No one enjoys spoiled fruit! Choose fruits that stay fresh longer, like apples, bananas and oranges. Place them in the hospitality bags no earlier than the day they are to be delivered to the hotel. 

Confirm Procedure with Hotel for the Delivery and Distribution of  the Welcome Bags
Find out which staff member will be responsible for accepting and storing the hospitality bags once they arrive at the hotel. Bags should be clearly marked with the individual, family or couple's name. This provides the hotel's staff guidance at check-in. A host can also stop by the front desk to view who hasn't arrived and/or didn't receive their treats upon arrival.

Photo Courtesy of Project Wedding and Navy and Lavender

Happy Entertaining!

Eileen

Diva With A Fork - New Logo Design

Diva With A Fork has a divalicious new logo thanks to Leelou Blogs! 

 Stay tuned...this is just the beginning! Our new website will be launching soon!

Three Cheers...Stone Crab Season Is Here!

Photo Courtesy of fla-keys.com

It's official...today begins stone crab season! I can't wait to sink my teeth into a chilled jumbo claw, dunked in mustard sauce. If you've  never tasted these succulent claws and are up for an adventure, head down to Marathon in the Florida Keys. There you'll find the Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, the supplier of stone crab claws for the famous,  Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida. Beware though before you venture...if your vision of dining out must include waiters in tuxedos, fine china and crystal, you won't find that at Keys Fisheries Market and Marina. People go there for the fresh seafood at a price that can't be beat! Order at the counter, then dine alfresco while savoring the sunset's breath-taking views. It's no fuss dining and worth the trip in my opinion.  If you can't break away for a visit, head over to your local seafood market or purchase stone crabs online.

Photo Courtesy of George Stone Crab

Although some enjoy them heated with drawn butter, I relish mine chilled with mustard sauce. I'm planning to celebrate the start of the season tonight with a family feast. Why not start your own tradition by having one too? In fact, here's the mustard sauce recipe I found online and love. Now all that's needed are your family, friends and of course...lots of mouthwatering stone crab!

Eat, Drink and Enjoy,

Eileen

Trend Alert...Whoopee Pies Are Taking Over!

Photo Courtesy of Raisincake.co.uk

 

Whoopee pies are quickly stealing the spotlight from cupcakes and are becoming the "must have" dessert at events. Considered a comfort food by the people of Maine, whoopee pies originated with the Pennsylvanian Amish. The Amish created these divine darlings from leftover batter. Legend has it they were named whoopee pies, because the Amish children would exclaim, "Whoopee!" when finding one in their lunch bag. 

 

Like cupcakes, whoopee pies can be made in an assortment of flavors, satisfying everyone's inner dessert diva. Check out the recipes for Chocolate and Mint Whoopee Pies courtesy of Chef Elgin Woodman from A Joy Wallace Catering Production, as well as, Cousin Jonnies Red Velvet Whoopee Pies from Johnnie Gabriel

Chocolate and Mint Whoopee Pies

Recipe Courtesy of A Joy Wallace Catering Production

 


Serves: 28 


Ingredients:

Cookies

• ¾ cup Unsalted Butter

• ¾ cup Dark Brown Sugar

• 2 Eggs

• 3 cups Flour

• ¾ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

• 2tsp Baking Soda

• 1tsp Salt

• 1 ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp instant coffee

Filling

• ¾ cup unsalted butter

• 1tsp Vanilla

• ½ tsp mint Extract

• ¼ tsp Green Food Coloring

• 2 ¾ cups Confectioners’ Sugar

• 2 ½ cups Marshmallow Fluff

Optional: Chocolate Jimmies to coat the outside of the whoopee pie.
 
Directions:
 
Cookies | Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs one by one until fully incorporated. Follow by adding the vanilla to the mix. In a second bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Take a third bowl and dissolve the coffee in the buttermilk. Add ½ the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then continue by adding half of the buttermilk mixture. Slowly incorporate all of the ingredients together. Finish by adding the rest of the dry ingredients and then the rest of the buttermilk. Scoop the batter onto a nonstick pan forming 56 circles. Cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. You are looking for the cookie to be firm on the outside but still be soft in the inside. Allow to cool.

Filling | Make a butter cream by mixing the butter, sugar, vanilla, mint extract and food coloring. Fold in the marshmallow fluff. Place the filling in the cooler to stiffen.

Assembly:
Place a small scoop of marshmallow fluff on a cookie and top with another cookie. Roll the sides with jimmies.

Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Times

Cousin Jonnie's Red Velvet Whoopee Pies

Recipe courtesy of Johnnie Gabriel

Serves: 24

Ingredients:

Pies:

•  3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cups canola oil
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Filling:

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), softened
• 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening (recommended: Crisco)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Pies:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets. Sift the flour, baking soda, and cocoa together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla.
Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and eggs together in a large bowl until they turn pale and double in volume. Add the oil mixture and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately in 5 small additions, starting and ending with the flour.
Drop the batter by teaspoons onto the baking sheets, allowing 1-inch between drops, as the cookies will spread. You'll be making 48 cookies. Bake until the cookies are firm but not crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to racks to cool. 

Filling:
Put the flour into a medium saucepan and slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until very thick, about 3 minutes. Remove the flour mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
Cream the sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Add the cooled flour mixture and whip until fluffy. Spread some filling onto 1 cookie and top it with another to make a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling. Cover the filled whoopee pies with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Live, Love and Eat Lots and Lots of Dessert!

Eileen 

Hot Products and Services To Make Your Event Sizzle

It should come as no surprise to anyone that I love to shop! I'm constantly looking for the latest trends and hottest items to enhance celebrations large and small. I delight in the prowl and rejoice with every acquisition. I've realized not everyone delights in the search as I do. Therefore,  I'm beginning a monthly post dedicated to sharing Diva With A Fork's picks for amazing products and services that can add sizzle to your next affair.

Check out October's finds...

Chameleon Chairs

 

Chameleon Chairs add glamour to any event. Available in a variety of luxurious fabrics and styles, these chairs are the perfect enhancement to any tablescape. Move over Chiavari Chairs...these babies are bewitching!

BarCandy

Photos Courtesy of Brides Magazine

Liz Green is an award winning mixologist and the creative genius behind BarCandy. BarCandy is a company offering luscious edible martini and champagne glass inserts in a sinful array of flavors, as well as, bartending services. Imagine the pleasure your guests' are sure to encounter, when sipping delicious cocktails from these decadent glasses. Edible martini and champagne glass inserts are available for shipping anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. For a pricing and a list of BarCandy's sugary flavors, visit http://www.bar-candy.com.

Spandex Centerpieces

Koyal Wholesale offers these stunning showpieces in thirty-eight eye catching colors and in a multitude of sizes and shapes. These centerpieces create an alluring ambiance for any affair.

Square Crystal Chandelier Trees

Your tables will sparkle with these head-turning beauties! Crystal Chandeliers add shimmer to romantic decor designs, as well as, ignite a sleek, sexy, modern look. Many online stores carry them. The one above I discovered at http://www.save-on-crafts.com.

Personalized Aisle Runner

One of my favorite online stores to find unique supplies and party favors is beaucoup. Recently, they've added a new product I'm thrilled to share...affordable custom printed aisle runners! Adds a touch of personalization to your wedding ceremony. What can you do with a customized aisle runner after the wedding? I recommend framing it to adorn a wall in your new home as husband and wife! Once back from your honeymoon, cut the aisle runner to a size of your choice and have it framed. It's home decor, as well as, a keepsake you'll treasure forever. 

Stay tuned...more fabulous finds are coming to Diva With A Fork in November! 

Happy Entertaining,

Eileen

**Have an item or service to showcase? Contact us at divawithafork@yahoo.com. All products and services submitted for consideration will will be subject to approval. Products and services containing vulgar language and/or pornography will not be considered. Vendors approved for publication on the Diva With A Fork site, will be notified of their acceptance.**

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - The Miracle Workers

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers couples a choice of three masterfully designed collections and over thirty-five venues with panache to host their big day. Those two accolades alone should be reason enough to recite your vows at Walt Disney World, right? Perhaps, but fabulous affairs aren't created by themselves. Behind every stunning affair, are a team of experts that have devoted an astronomical amount of time and energy to bring a person's dream to fruition.
 

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings has assembled a team of  individuals who are masters of their craft. They take seriously the fact that couples are entrusting them day-after-day, to create flawless weddings with no room for error. The second day of my visit, I had the pleasure of watching a few of these dynamos in action as they prepared for a wedding reception in a ballroom at the Grand Floridan Resort and Spa. Inside the ballroom, Korri, Meredith and I perused childhood pictures of the bride and groom as Michelle Wenzler, Senior Wedding Planner meticulously placed the finishing touches on each guest table, while calmly delegating jobs to various team members. Stopping briefly to greet us, she explained that the wedding reception we were watching come together had been designed by the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings team in less than four weeks.

Rose Dizon, Floral Event Designer, was the visionary for the opulent floral designs that embellished the room. You could tell she took great pride in her efforts as she scrutinized over each centerpiece to ensure every flower had been perfectly placed. Gazing around the room, I was in awe of these amazing people and their determination to organize a wedding of this magnitude in such a short period of time. From a customized seating chart, personalized menu cards, wedding programs, a monogrammed cake topper, elaborate floral designs, beautiful linens...the room was ravishing!   

As I cruised down I-4 towards Tampa that night, I realized I not only had debunked the myth of a "Disney" wedding, but become their number one fan! Style, talent, dedication...Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings has it all!

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - Collections That Share Your Love Story

As you stare at the dazzling diamond upon your finger, sparks of excitement ignite within...you're getting married! It's time to embark on a journey that will kick off the next chapter of your life. Whether you are planning to say your vows in an intimate ceremony for two or in the presence of five hundred family and friends, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers three dazzling collections (Escape, Wishes and Couture) that can be easily customized to fit a couple's artistic vision, as well as, their budget.

Escape Collection

This package is designed for the couple planning an intimate affair for up to twenty of their closest  family and friends.

(Monday - Friday) Starting at $4,750.000***
(Saturday - Sunday) Starting at $7,500.00***
*21% Service Charge Applied To All Food and Beverage
**6.5% Sales Tax To Be Applied

 

Wishes Collection
Created for weddings of twenty-one guests or more. Couples choose from a variety of floral, decor, linens, lighting, entertainment, photography packages, etc. for a personalized wedding that embraces their love and spirit. Pricing for the Wishes Collection is based upon a customized wedding event.


Functions After 2 PM (Monday - Thursday) Starting at $12,000.00***
                                        (Friday - Sunday) Starting at $15,000.00***

Functions Before 2 PM (Monday - Sunday) Starting at $10,000.00***

*21% Service Charge Applied To All Food and Beverage
**6.5% Sales Tax To Be Applied

Couture Collection
 David Tutera, the charismatic, celebrity event designer, best-selling author, star of WE channel's, My Fair Weddings and a man whose talents inspire my own creativity (Can you tell I am a huge fan?), has married his exquisite sense of style with the gifted talents of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. The result...gorgeous, one-of-a-kind weddings fit for royalty! Couples choosing the Couture Collection have the opportunity to meet with David Tutera at his studio in New York, making this a true VIP experience.

Pricing begins at $65,000.00 plus 21% service charge and 6.5% sales tax.

*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings is excited to be celebrating its 20th anniversary! To commemorate the occasion, they are offering for a limited time, the Memories Collection at a special price of $1,991.00. It's perfect  for couples renewing their wedding vows.  This package includes: a solo violin musician, three consecutive hours of transportation, a bouquet of your choice and one hour of professional photography coverage.




Did You Know...?

• All Wishes Collection minimums can be met through a variety of means, including food and beverage, decor, floral, entertainment, photography, videography, additional transportation and venue rental provided by Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. 
• Space can be tentatively held for your Wishes Collection wedding at Walt Disney World 18 months prior to your wedding date. Escape and Memories Collections have different booking guidelines. To learn more, contact Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings (407)566-2313.
• All prices provided for this post were provided by Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and are subject to change without notice.
• Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers a one-stop-shop for all your planning needs! Walt Disney World Resort offers culinary, floral, photo, video, transportation and entertainment that bring to fruition the wedding of your dreams. For more information, speak with a Disney Wedding Coordinator - (407) 566-2313. 
• October and November are popular months for Disney weddings.
• The Disney Difference
• New Custom Wedding Website for couple's saying "I do" at Walt Disney World!

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - Magical Venues That Bring Your Event To Life

Close your eyes and imagine the wedding of your dreams. What do you see?  Are you marrying your beloved on a gondola in Venice? Or saying your vows under the stars with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Perhaps your surrounded by your loved ones in a castle centuries old? With help from the cast of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, your dreams can come true!

Korri, Meredith and I spent weeks discussing my visit to Walt Disney World and what I wished to accomplish while there. With a background in event  planning and design, my questions and requests weren't  typical of press. They were ones asked by a peer with an appreciation for the effort it takes to transform the ordinary to the extraordinary. One of the elements that sets Walt Disney World a part from other destination wedding locations is its vast portfolio of unique venues, capable of hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions from intimate to grand.

It was hot and humid the morning I walked into Franck's Bridal Studio to meet Korri and Meredith for the first time. I was happy to find myself in the presence of two upbeat, talented and engaging ladies. After acquainting me with Franck's newly redesigned bridal studio, we jumped in a car and took off for the American Adventure at EPCOT.

Before I go on, let me fill you in on something...

I am a big fan of Walt Disney World! No, my house is not decorated with Disney decor, but I grew up with parents who loved taking my brother and I to the Magic Kingdom. I can still remember an afternoon in 1980, when my family and I rode the monorail to a cement platform that is now the monorail station for EPCOT. We gazed in amazement at a large silver ball being erected in the middle of a vast sea of dirt. In 1982, a week before it's opening to the public, I experienced Spaceship Earth for the very first time.

As we entered the rotunda of the American Adventure, again my mind flooded with memories. I'd strolled around the ornate room many times while listening to patriotic songs performed by the Voices of Liberty. Candles, rich colored linens, china, crystal, decoratively folded napkins elegantly displayed in the center of each guest's plate, floral arrangements...this place had such possibilities! The American Adventure can be utilized for parties of 100 guests or more. It seats up to 230 guests comfortably with a dance floor, when occupying the first and second floors of the rotunda.

Stepping out into the sunshine, we walked to Italy Isola, an outdoor space offering exceptional views of EPCOT's nighttime fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The area is full of character and is perfect for a cocktail or dessert party for 100-150 people or an ambrosial buffet  for 50-60 guests.

Back in the car, we headed to Disney's Boardwalk for a peak inside the Atlantic Dance Hall. Couples looking for a non-traditional atmosphere, with a high energy feel and enough room to dance the night away, will adore this venue! The Atlantic Dance Hall has a seating capacity for 130 and is available for buffet style service only.

The tour continued at Disney's Wedding Pavilion located next to Franck's Bridal Studio. This non-denominational pavilion was designed to comfortably seat up to 300 guests, showcases picturesque views of Cinderella's Castle, has a state of the art sound system, organ and video cameras discreetly placed throughout the room, allowing videographers to capture every angle of a ceremony.

A short walk from the Wedding Pavilion brings us to the doors of  Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It's ballrooms are designed with the same understated Victorian grace and charm the adorn the resort. Couples seeking a polished, romantic, atmosphere with antique accents will fall in love with this gem of a space!

With over 35 venues, each gushing with it's own distinctive flair...it's no wonder over 30,000 couples have celebrated their happily-ever-after with the help of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings.