I’m embarrassed to admit how long I’ve been holding to this recipe. Remember when I went to visit my Grandma’s house and we made cinnamon buns? That’s how long. Trevor and I didn’t even have a wedding date picked out yet. And now here we are, as newlyweds, and I’m proud to say that I finally made my Grandma’s honey castella cake recipe.
Is it just me or did it get colder the second the calendar switched from August to September? Not that I’m complaining though, fall is my favourite time of year. I’m starting to crave warm sweaters, comfy boots and fuzzy pajamas – not all as one outfit, mind you. As for food, my taste buds are leaning towards hot mugs of tea, pumpkin spices and all the chocolate I can cram into my face without getting a headache. That last one may not be weather-related. We think it’s just a side-effect of too many kale salads in August.
I’m back! After one glorious week of wedding madness, along with a healthy dash of family and friends, and one week of honeymoon bliss in New York City, I finally have time to sit down, flip through photos and reflect on everything.
We had a fantastic wedding photographer who also did a great job on our engagement photos. However, since our wedding photos will not be ready for a couple months, I included two beautiful photos taken by our friend Emily, who is also a talented photographer.
Our August 16th wedding took place at the White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Everything was perfect, from the beautiful sunny weather to the friendliness of the staff and, of course, the delicious food. As a nod to the Niagara area, each of our guests took home a little glass bottle of loose Niagara Peach Green Tea and instead of a wedding cake, we had mini pumpkin cheesecake, strawberry rhubarb and blueberry pies. To have something to cut, we had a small Saskatoon Berry pie. Trevor was thrilled when we found out they were able to source out Saskatoon Berries for us. (Saskatchewan guy at heart!)
After a salmon and roast strip-loin supper, we had a good laugh and teared up over the speeches made by our wedding party and both sets of parents. Right after the speeches, we opened the dance floor. Trevor was the one who chose our first dance song “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes. I’ve loved this song since the first time he played it for me and the lyrics have always been a perfect fit for us. The father/daughter and mother/son dance was to “Fine As Fine Can Be” by Gordon Lightfoot, which was very emotional moment for both parties. The mood lightened up once the dance floor was open to everyone and soon I had to ask Kacie, my sister/maid of honour, to help me out of my wedding shoes so I could dance properly.
The dance floor was packed for most of the night, especially with the kids who seemed to enjoy the bubbles and glow-sticks we had set out. We danced until the late hours of the night and then happily retired to our honeymoon suite at White Oaks. A jacuzzi tub was waiting for us and I was never happier to pull all the bobby pins out of my hair, wash my face of all the make-up and soak my tired feet.
Greetings from Niagara-on-the-Lake! I bet you’re surprised to see a recipe posted this week. I almost didn’t plan on anything since we’re going to be married tomorrow, but I managed to find time on the weekend to make muffins and since their existence in our kitchen barely lasted two days, I thought it would be a crime if I didn’t take a few photos and schedule a posting of the recipe. I made them on a whim for an easy breakfast since the last few days have been pretty busy and it’s always nice to have a quick grab-and-go healthy snack.
Yes, I’m posting two chocolate recipes in a row. I blame all the DIY projects we did this past weekend. I swear, I never want to tie another ribbon bow again.
Besides cramping my fingers making endless bows, I’m also trying to break in my wedding day shoes. I’m realizing that this is something I should have started months ago, but there is no time like a week before the wedding.
That seems to be our motto lately. 🙂 You are looking at the King and Queen of Procrastination here, folks.
Canadian food blogger, baking and eating her way through life. Musical theatre fanatic. Personal finance nerd. Sometimes runner/yogi. Green smoothies are pretty amazing.
