Epting Events

Happy New Year!

guest — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:38:51 +0000

Greetings from Epting Events! We hope everyone had a fabulous holiday with family and friends. Life has been busy here in the Epting office and we apologize for lack of blog presence over the past few months! 2011 was an incredible year for us and there were many memorable parties, weddings, fundraisers, and tailgates.

To kick off 2012 (and in honor of Ashley’s recent trip to the Big Apple) we thought we would feature Southern food in New York! You don’t have to be in the South to experience great Southern food and that’s especially true of Pies & Thighs.

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Pies & Thighs serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu is full of true Southern classics like fried chicken, shrimp & grits, pulled pork, brisket, and cornbread, but you can also find new items like the Chicken Sammy and Chicken & Waffles! We think the Chicken Sammy would make a wonderful hors d’oeuvre and the Chicken & Waffles would be perfect for a brunch!

One especially mouth-watering item from the menu is the Buffalo Chicken Biscuit. Friend and drizzled with hot sauce and honey butter this choice is sure to knock the socks off any Yankee!

If by now you’re craving a southern dish fix, you can always stop by Harry’s Pig Shop right here in Athens!

By: Marilisa

// Photo sources: 1. here, 2. here, 3. here, 4. here //

Tagged: Ashley Epting, Harry's Pig Shop, Southern Food

Cocktail Recipes: King of Pops

guest — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:10:30 +0000

King of Pops

King of Pops is a relatively new group, that makes extraordinary, very yummy and unique popsicles. The group is based in Atlanta, and is coming on strong all over the Southeast. We have worked with them on events, and naturally all the guests were raving about how wonderfully delicious they were. For the Athens townie, you may have seen their chocolate sea-salt popsicles or margarita ones for sale at Transmet and places alike.

Well last night, I met the Charleston branch. The Charleston Bridal Association hosted a networking event allowing the vendors to show off their goods. What better way for King of Pops to do that than a “Poptail”? They combined a blueberry, cranberry or raspberry, mint lemonade garnished with a lemon slice, fresh blueberries, some mint AND a popsicle in that flavor as a stirrer. My heart was instantly won over, and I am absolutely kicking myself for not getting a picture of their creation.

Photo courtesy of King of Pops Facebook

King of Pops uses seasonal ingredients for their tasty creations and also serves some flavors year-round. If you want to use them for your event, they can even create a custom concoction. The best part is… Epting Events can arrange all of this for you in Georgia, North and South Carolina!

Here are some of their flavors (There are over a 100!):
Arnold Palmer
Banana Puddin’
Chocolate Sea Salt
Coconut Lemongrass
Grapefruit Mint
Mexican Chocolate
Raspberry Lime
Strawberry Lemonade

If you’re dying to try one, (which if you’re not,you’re crazy) you can find them in local restaurants in Athens and Atlanta, for sale on the street in Folly Beach, SC and around Asheville, NC. Check out their website for their exact locations.

Photo courtesy of King of Pops Facebook

We can’t wait to see what they come up with next, and to have them at an event again soon! Stay tuned for a Real Wedding post with King of Pops working it!

Tagged: Charleston Bridal Association, Epting Events, Epting Events Charleston, Epting Events Greenville, Epting Events South Carolina, Gourmet Popsicles, King of Pops, King of Pops Asheville, King of Pops Athens, King of Pops Atlanta, King of Pops Charleston, Lee Epting, Lee Epting Catering, Natalia Scott, Poptails, Transmet Athens Georgia

Real Wedding: Heather + Sam

guest — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:48:36 +0000

Heather and Sam had a two year engagement, and for a DIY bride that means two years to find lots of inspiration and getting the creativity spinning. Heather and Sam had a vintage wedding with so many intricate details handmade by Heather. I love the way Heather asked her bridesmaids to be part of her big day. OnceWed has the DIY instructions here.

We love any wedding photographed by Our Labor of Love, and this one is no different. Below are some pictures from Heather’s DIYs to the ceremony. For more about Heather and Sam check out Southern Weddings Blog!

Our Labor of Love Photography

Credits – ::Catering & Floral Design:: Epting Events ::Venue:: The Hill ::Photography:: Our Labor of Love

Tagged: DIY Bridesmaid Invitation, DIY Wedding, Epting Events, Epting Events Floral Design, Heather and Sam, Our Labor of Love, Outdoor Weddings, Southern Weddings Magazine, The Hill, Vintage Wedding, Weddings in Athens Georgia

Extra, Extra Read All About it…Epting Events

guest — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:24:47 +0000

Check out Epting Events in the latest Catersource Magazine! We are thrilled to be able to showcase our unique pieces from some of Athens’ greatest vendors. Special thanks to Chuck and Denise (Cloud9 Event Designs) and Heartwood Furniture Company for all your support and creativity!

To read the whole article, click here.

Tagged: Catersource, Catersource Magazine, Cloud9 Event Designs, Epting Events, Epting Events Chaffing Dishes, Heartwood Furniture Company, Lee Epting

Please Locate Your Nearest Exit

guest — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:13:32 +0000

Ah, the wedding exit! As in all facets of life, the exit is a vital part. So, how does one decide on their exit strategy for quite possibly the biggest day of their life? I mean seriously, there is not pressure at all…

Well, there are several ways to go… traditionally, elegantly, with a bang,or totally wild!

People can shower you with small items: rice, confetti, ticker paper or rose petals…

Photo by The Knot

Guests can create a bubble walkway…

Photo by Nancy Hellsten

With fireworks, sparklers or lanterns…

Photo by Elite Bridal Concierge

Photo by A Flair for Affairs

Photo by Libby James

Or people can absolutely cover you in silly string! What doesn’t sound fun about that?

Photo by Diana M. Lott Photography/The Knot

The good news is, you can exit in style on any budget and leave a lasting expression!

Tagged: a Flair for Affairs, Bubbles wedding exits, Confetti Wedding Exits, Diana M. Lott Photography, Elite Bridal Concierge, Epting Events, Exit your wedding in style, Fireworks wedding exits, Lee Epting, Lee Epting Catering, Libby James, Nancy Hellsten Photography, Silly String Wedding Exits, Sky lanterns wedding exit, Sparkler Wedding Exits, The Knot, unique wedding exits, Wedding Exits

Planning Your Wedding Just Got a Little Easier… Thanks to Athens CVB

guest — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:53:27 +0000

www.visitathensga.com

Planning your wedding means lots of details and lots of stress to create your perfect day. Athens CVB is an amazing resource at your fingertips for your hotel blocks, brochures and guides of Athens for gift bags and out of town guests, group tours and planning activities for your guests before and after their stay in Athens.

Here is the best part, you can email the CVB with hotels you are interested in having a hotel block and they will do all of the negotiating and then send you the hotel information for finalizing any additional details.

Q: What is the process for working with the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau to secure hotel block bookings?

A: First, contact the CVB and be prepared to share the following information:

What is the date and location of the ceremony and reception?
How many guests do you expect? How many of those do you estimate will need to hotel rooms? For how many nights?
Do you have a preference about hotels in Athens?
Do you have any special requests (e.g. bridal and/or family suite; banquet room for brunch the date after)?

Then:

The CVB will contact the hotels of your choice to inquire about availability and rates then get in touch with you to communicate what we have learned.
You will consult the summary of responses from hotels with the groom and your families to determine your preferences based on rates and availability.
Please get back in touch with the CVB to let us know what you have decided.

Q: How does the contract process with Athens hotels work?

A: The CVB will put you in touch with the respective sales manager(s) for the hotel or hotels that you have chosen. we will step aside at this point. Here’s what will happen next:

The hotel(s) will contact you to ensure that they have all necessary details and contact information regarding the event. You will need to provide a credit card to secure the rooms but *you are not responsible for the booking of the rooms.*

You will finalize your requests regarding room types and the exact number needed.

You will establish a cut-off date; after that date, neither the rate nor the availability can be guaranteed. *Be sure to communicate both the hotel name(s) and the cut-off date to your guests.*

Q: How can the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau help me with my planning
2-4 weeks before the big day?

A: Contact the CVB to request free Athens travel literature to provide to your out of town guests. Examples include:
Athens Visitors Guide
Flagpole Guide
Local maps, regional brochures, etc.
Please allow three – five business days to fulfill the request.

AND, check out the CVB Online Calendar of Events.

You can enter the dates your guests will be in town for your wedding.

Then, click on the printer-friendly button for a list of events to send to your family and friends or post on your wedding website. You’ll want to share news about hip and happening cultural events taking place in town during your event!

As I’m sure you are already experiencing, wedding planning is very time consuming, and to have free help is quite possibly the best thing! Contact your local CVB, and see how they can start helping you!

Tagged: Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, Athens CVB, Free wedding planning tools, Hotels in Athens, how to book hotel blocks for your wedding

What’s Cookin’?

guest — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:15:18 +0000

It’s officially harvest time at Lee Epting’s property, the Hill, and what better way to share a harvest than with family and friends at Harry’s Pig Shop? Come check out our daily specials. We’ll be cooking up potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes; if we can grow it, we can cook it! We’ll be creating unique dishes and serving some traditionally. Have a great summer and eat well!

Tagged: Harry's Pig Shop, Harry's Pig Shop local menu items, Lee Epting, The Hill

Lasting Party Favors: Plant + Grow Invitations

guest — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:13:44 +0000

I could never turn down attending a wedding that sent me a bouquet of flowers with my invitation! By sending invites on paper that have an array of flower seeds in them, guests can simply fill out their RSVP card and toss the invitation into their back yard! These invitations are not only eco-friendly as they’re completely biodegradable, but they also provide your guests with a beautiful set of flowers to remind them of the fabulous time they will have/had at your wedding! You can choose from dozens of mixes of flower seeds, or just go with your single favorite flower; if you’re big into cooking, there are invitations with choices of herbs to plant too. There are plenty of DIY kits for plantable wedding invitations and also customizable invitations to order: ones with pictures, ones that look rustic, ones that are elegant and romantic…

Photo by: A Fine Press

Photo by Gourmet Invitations

Photo by Invite Site

Photo by Earth Invitations

Another good idea is to attach a small plantable note to your party favors for guests to take with them. As a crazy Mexican food enthusiast (but really, who isn’t?), my favorite twist of this idea is to write a short note of appreciation to your guests on the front of some decorative paper, fold the bottom into a pouch and sew cilantro seeds into them. Then on the back print your favorite guacamole recipe: give your guests the gift of great food. Definitely something unique and cost-friendly for your wedding! By Alexa Munford

Tagged: eco friendly stationery, Renewable invitations, wedding favors, Wedding Invitations

Real Wedding: Elizabeth + Taylor

guest — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:12:32 +0000

I have been dying to show y’all a wedding at the Inn at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina. The house and reception area is perfect for an outdoor, mountain wedding. Elizabeth and Taylor held the ceremony at the Highlands United Methodist Church, with the reception at the farm. The weather was a little unpleasant at first, but the sun came out just in time for their reception. Personally, I think the clear umbrellas added great creativity to the pictures, and you wouldn’t have had that on a perfectly sunny day. Our floral department, Bart Scott and Leigh Frazier designed a beautiful bouquet and reception centerpieces.

The Menu…
~ PICK-UP STATION ~
A Variety of Hummus
With a mixture of vegetables
Baked Vidalia Onion Soufflé
Domestic Cheese Board
Hot Baked Crab Dip with Sherry

~ MAIN BUFFET ~
Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
Pork Loin
Roma Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Grilled Vegetables
Cous Cous
Array of Melons and Berries
Cheese & Sweet Potato Biscuits

~ CARVING STATION ~
Beef Tenderloin
Moser Salad
Fingerling Potatoes
Yeast Rolls

Ashley Felkel Photography

True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach

::Credits:: ::Wedding Coordinators:: Kate and Wendy Messer ::Ceremony:: Highlands United Methodist Church ::Reception:: Inn at Half Mile Farm ::Officiants:: Reverend Paul Christy and Dr. Beth Bowser ::Ceremony Music:: Standing Violinist ::Catering, Cake, Floral Design & Rentals:: Epting Events ::Groom’s Cake:: Taylor’s Mom ::Reception Music:: Groove Collection ::Photography:: Ashley Felkel Photography

Tagged: Ashley felkel Photography, Epting Events, Groove Collection, Highlands, Highlands United Methodist Church, Inn at Half Mile Farm, Mountain Wedding, NC

Unique Stations: S’mores

guest — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:30:52 +0000

There are so many delicious sweets out that there, that it can sometimes be tricky to hone in on one goodie for your guests. One of our favorites is a S’mores Station for several reasons…

1. You have an excuse to build a fire or you can use a fire pit if that is deemed more appropriate.

2. A fire at your wedding (in a positive light, not like the time we accidentally lit the hay bales on fire…) makes for a great photo opportunity and is perfect for a chill, summer night.

3. It gets your guests moving, chatting and just about everyone likes s’mores.

4. You can use your creativity, with different flavored marshmallows and chocolate, or you can keep it old school for a traditional crowd pleaser.

5. You can tie ribbons and decorate the sticks for an even more fun experience.

6. This way you can have S’mores at your wedding! I don’t think it gets better than that!

If I haven’t convinced you yet why this would be a brilliant idea to add to your dessert station or even as a “groom’s cake”, I am officially speechless, but I do have some pictures!

Photo by Utah Bride & Groom

Photo By Undeclared Panache Wedding

Photos By Favor Craver

Photo By Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo By Wedding By Color

Tagged: Epting Events, Groom's Cake, Outdoor Weddings, Outside Weddings, S'mores at your Wedding, S'mores Station, Unique Stations at your wedding, Wedding Dessert, wedding favors, Wedding S'mores