Bridal Beauty: How to Look Like a Goddess on Your Big Day

Bridal Beauty: How to Look Like a Goddess on Your Big Day

Ah, the wedding day. It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were a little girl (or boy). The day you finally say “I do” to the love of your life. It’s a day filled with love, laughter, and, of course, bridal beauty.

But let’s face it, getting ready for your big day can be stressful. There’s the dress, the hair, the makeup, the skincare – the list goes on and on. So, to help you look your best on your wedding day, we’ve put together some random tips and tricks for bridal beauty that will make you feel like a goddess. You deserve all the good!

Exfoliate with Coffee Grounds

We know what you’re thinking – coffee grounds? But trust us. Coffee grounds are the perfect exfoliant for your skin. They’re rich in antioxidants and caffeine, which can help to reduce inflammation and tighten the skin. Plus, they’ll leave you smelling like a freshly brewed cup of joe – wouldn’t that be something!

Create a Face Mask Made from Avocado and Mayonnaise

Who needs expensive face masks when you can make one at home using avocado and mayonnaise? Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also an excellent way to hydrate your skin and give it a healthy glow. Just don’t eat it – even if it looks like guacamole.

Use Beer as a Hair Rinse

Yes, you read that right. Beer can be used as a hair rinse to give your locks a shiny, healthy glow. Plus, it’ll make you feel like you’re at a frat party – but with much more class.

Use Mascara as Eyeliner

Out of eyeliner? No problem. Just use mascara instead. It’s the same thing, right? Plus, it’ll give you a bold, dramatic look that will turn heads.

Don’t stress too much about the little things – after all, your love is the show’s real star. So go ahead, embrace your inner goddess, and enjoy your special day. Cheers! Contact Villa Ragusa for tips on how to make your day truly special.

Mocktails: The Art of Creating Delicious Drinks Without the Hangover

Mocktails: The Art of Creating Delicious Drinks Without the Hangover

Who said cocktails are only for those who drink alcohol? Mocktails are the perfect alternative to cocktails for those who prefer to stay sober but still want to enjoy the fun of mixing and sipping a delicious drink. Whether you’re a designated driver, pregnant, or just taking a break from alcohol, mocktails are the perfect solution.

What is a Mocktail?

A mocktail is simply a cocktail, but without the alcohol. Just like a cocktail, it consists of a combination of mixed ingredients to create a delicious drink. The only difference is that it doesn’t contain any alcohol. Mocktails can be just as flavorful and exciting as cocktails, and they’re perfect for any occasion.

The Art of Mocktail Making

Making mocktails requires a certain level of creativity, as you must come up with delicious combinations of flavors and ingredients that are both refreshing and satisfying. It’s all about getting the right balance of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness and the right combination of ingredients.

One of the keys to making a great mocktail is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh fruit juices, herbs, and spices can make all the difference in your mocktail’s flavor and aroma. You can also use syrups, bitters, and flavored waters to enhance the taste of your drink.

Mocktail Recipes

Here are some mocktail recipes to get you started:

  • Virgin Mojito – Muddle fresh mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add ice and top with sparkling water. Add a dash of sugar syrup for sweetness.
  • Strawberry and Basil Lemonade – Mix fresh strawberry puree, basil leaves, and lemonade in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Watermelon and Mint Agua Fresca – Blend watermelon chunks and mint leaves in a blender. Strain the mixture into a glass and top it with sparkling water.
  • Ginger and Grapefruit Spritz – Mix ginger syrup, grapefruit juice, and sparkling water in a glass. Garnish with a cut of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
  • Lavender Lemonade – Mix fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water in a pitcher. Serve over ice with a sprig of lavender for garnish.

So next time you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a refreshing drink, try mocktails – your taste buds will thank you! Villa Ragusa knows!

The Must-Haves of a Successful Wedding Reception

The Must-Haves of a Successful Wedding Reception

The wedding reception is the bee’s knees of a successful wedding ceremony. People remember the food and reception activities as much as the newlyweds walking down the aisle. In essence, both activities complement each other – they are not separate.

Wedding receptions are what fond memories are made of, and if you’re creative enough, you can push the boundaries with theme tweaks. Make the reception the talk of the town – nothing’s impossible. Here are some of the must-haves for your next wedding reception.

A Unique Theme

The problem with most wedding reception themes is that they are a copy from a magazine, show or online source. The chances are that most others saw the same thing, which sheds some excitement that comes with originality.

There’s nothing wrong with borrowing ideas from publications but personalize some elements. Here’s where creativity comes in handy.

Exciting Venue

No doubt couples have different ideas of perfect venue, but some elements make a venue perfect for guests. Most of the focus is on the guests.

The ideal venue should be easy to find, have a pleasant ambience and decor, and easily accommodate the guest-list crowd. It should have sufficient room for dancing, lounging and relaxing.

Villa Ragusa, tucked away in Downtown Campbell and in a small-town-friendly atmosphere, is glamorous and accessible for your wedding reception. It has a modern touch of classic European-style renovations.

Superior Quality and Delicious Food

Excellent quality and tasty entrees are the first impressions that every reception worth its salt should have (Villa Ragusa has several to choose from). It tells what to expect for the rest of the evening – name something more exciting!

The entrees’ presentation should also have class, and the attention to detail should be worth your phone’s photo gallery. Villa Ragusa adds unique drinks to the set-up. We also allow you to use an outside caterer if you so prefer.

The Benefits of Villa Ragusa Event Space for Event Planners

The Benefits of Villa Ragusa Event Space for Event Planners

As an event planner, you must look for new and innovative venues to host your events. Our event space offers a unique and memorable backdrop for any occasion. Plus, our experienced team will work with you to ensure your event is successful.

Size of the Event Space

You can’t very well have a big party in a tiny space – unless you want your guests to be cramped and uncomfortable. But who wants that? Nobody, that’s who!

Determine how many people you plan to invite, and once you have the number, you can start looking for an event space that will comfortably accommodate all of your guests. And trust me, it’s worth taking the time to find the right size Venue.

Because there’s nothing worse than an overcrowded room – except maybe an empty one. Villa Ragusa gets you sufficient space for a crowd of 650 people, and that’s often more than you need.

Ambiance

The term “ambiance” can be challenging to define, but we all know it when we feel it. Whether planning a small dinner party or a large corporate event, the right atmosphere is essential for creating a memorable experience.

A converted warehouse might be perfect for an edgy fashion show, but it probably wouldn’t be ideal for a gala fundraiser. Likewise, an elegantly appointed ballroom might be just the thing for a black-tie affair, but it would be out of place at an outdoor concert. The key is to choose a space that complements the tone of your event.

Services and Amenities

When planning an event, you must ensure that the venue you choose has the right services and amenities to make your event a success. After all, you don’t want your guests to be left without a place to sit or not have enough outlets to charge their phones. And food and drink are essential for any event, so you’ll need to ensure a catering kitchen on-site.

Of course, if you’re planning a truly unforgettable event, you’ll want to choose a venue with all the bells and whistles, like a dance floor, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, and an in-house event planner. Whatever your needs, Villa Ragusa has the services and amenities you need to make your event a success.

Champagne Toasts at a Wedding

Champagne Toasts at a Wedding

The champagne toast has become an important cog in the wheel of a wedding reception. The toast gives the people closest to the newlyweds to say something and show their appreciation. In most cases, the best man is the first to toast, followed by the maid of honor, but this is not cast in stone.

The bride or the bridegroom can ask anyone to toast the champ, dip in nostalgia over old memories and bring a tear to heartfelt sentiments.

Several people wish to raise a toast for the bride and groom, and in the absence of a solid plan, everything can go up in the air. Therefore, each toast should not last more than a couple of minutes.

The Basics of Raising a Toast

You’d wish you had a written speech when you rise to give a toast, and all eyes are on you with anticipation. To avoid the little embarrassing mishaps and uncomfortable chuckles, have a notecard where you write and refer to the important points.

Make sure that everyone has their glass before you start with the pleasantries. If the champagne is in bottles, let the attendees know that they can now fill their glasses before you start with the walk down the memory lane.

Test the microphone and make sure it is working alright and review your notes before you begin. Throw an acknowledging glance at the couple to refresh your memories, and then start with the pleasantries. Go slow on the exaggerations and humor. It could turn embarrassing.

The rest of the toast should be delivered by glancing at the couple, your notes, and the crowd. After your speech delivery, ask everyone to raise their glasses to the couple as you raise yours. Tap it with the glasses of those close by. Hug the bride and the bridegroom if you are close to them, and then pass the mic to the next in line to toast as well.

Villa Ragusa has the amenities and champs to make the wedding reception the most memorable event. Our caterers are always ready to give a hand whenever necessary.

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Traditionally, it was the responsibility of the bride’s parents to host the rehearsal dinner. Still, surprisingly, couples are gradually taking over these pre-nuptial parties and customizing them to fit their needs and budgets.

That means it may be up to you to make it a completely casual affair or an intimate one. But whatever direction you choose, keep the following in mind.

Responsibility for the Dinner

As mentioned earlier, hosting the pre-nuptial dinner can be done by the couples themselves or either side of the family. Sometimes, it can even be by a family friend or a friend of the couple. But if the couples and their families are super traditional, the groom’s side of the family will foot the bill.

Keep it Simple

The night before your big day is not usually the time to go on a celebratory spree. Keep it simple and leave the best for the wedding day. You don’t want to tire everyone or treat everyone to a celebration that overshadows the main event.

Invitations

The rehearsal dinner is an entirely different affair from the wedding. This also applies to the invitations, as they don’t have to be too formal. Use phone calls or word of mouth, but make sure to send out invitations between four and six months before the event.

Decide on a guest list before sending out the invitations. Do you want family members alone or with a few friends in attendance as well?

Other people to include in the wedding rehearsal list include the ushers, officiants, and some out-of-town guests. What size of the crowd is sufficient? Keep this at the back of your mind when drawing up the list. If you are not careful, the bridal party and some families can add up to quite a sizable crowd.

But all in all, Villa Ragusa has the amenities and services to accommodate a wedding rehearsal dinner crowd of up to 600 people. Talk to us today!