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Featured Wedding of the Week: Sara and Steve Stifano

August 7, 2018 by icehouse Leave a Comment

For most couples, when they start planning their wedding they don’t plan on making it “eh” or “just alright” they want to “knock it out of the park” and that is just what this week’s Featured Wedding did. Sara and Steve first met on a softball team so they made sure to add plenty of personal touches such as: a Louisville Slugger bat that everyone signed instead of a traditional guest book, and they even had a team huddle during the reception!

A common struggle when it comes to wedding planning is how to make your day as personal as possible. Sara and Steve had no problem with that. To get their family and friends involved, instead of having the DJ make all of the announcements, they had three friends introduce the wedding party, father-daughter dance, and cake cutting. This is just one example of how you can get your loved ones involved.

For Sara and Steve their wedding planning process was slightly different from most. While they both live in Rhode Island, Sara is from Kentucky and that’s why they decided to get married here in Louisville. They only had an opportunity to see the venue twice in person before their wedding. Thanks to plenty of emails, Facetime sessions, and phone calls, when it came down to it “the entire day was practically perfect, our guests were raving about everything, especially the food!” – Sara Stifano

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it takes a village to pull off the perfect day and we could never do it alone. This wedding was no different. Here is a list of all the vendors that help make Sara and Steve’s day so special!

Photographer: BG Photography

Florist: Nanz & Kraft

Planner: Ice House and Crushed Ice Catering

Dress: My dress was from Lara’s Bridals & Formals

Shoes: Kelly & Katie (from DSW)

Hair and Makeup: The Blushing Belle

Bridesmaids dresses: Morilee

Venue: Wedding and Reception were at the Ice House

Music: Family friend

Officiant: Family friend

Cake: Gigi’s Cupcakes

Wedding Backup Plans: What To Do and Why They’re Important

July 30, 2018 by icehouse Leave a Comment

Anyone that dreams of the perfect outdoor wedding with the perfect flowers, the perfect pictures, and a perfect first dance under lights strung from trees, also has nightmares of rain and storms. What can you do to insure that your day goes off without a hitch? Aside from a traditional rain dance, or saying a prayer to the Big Man upstairs, there is not much you can do to stop mother nature. This is why it is CRUCIAL to have a back-up plan! Just ask J-Lo she would know all about this…

No matter what venue you choose, make sure you discuss weather back-up plans. These can be anything from rain delays where you wait it out, tents, or moving the entire ceremony/reception inside. At the Ice House we have multiple back up plans. If you are planning on having your ceremony or reception on our roof-top garden or outdoor terrace, we can always move it inside to our mezzanine or to the main hall. Most venues will have an indoor back-up plan as well, just be sure to ask them about it.

Tents are always a good back-up plan, just know that with most companies they usually have a 24 hour notice policy to guarantee they have time to set the tent up properly. This is not always the case, of course it varies from vendor to vendor, but if the chances of rain on your wedding day are high it’s usually better to play it safe rather than sorry. However make sure to plan for the tent in your budget. It will be much easier on your stress level to have money left over instead of not enough money to pay for the tent.

Rain is not the only weather issue, cold fronts and heat waves can play a major role in outdoor weddings as well. If that is the case there are always heaters, blankets, fans, misters, etc… Not only will the guest appreciate your efforts to keep them comfortable but there are plenty of ways you can work these items into your décor or theme. Pinterest will be your best friend for cases like this!

If it’s going to be a hot outdoor wedding these are just a few options to keep your guests comfortable and cool! Fans make great programs/wedding favors, refreshment stands are a perfect option to keep your guests hydrated, and make for a great photo-op!

If you’re afraid it might get a little chilly depending on the time of year, there are plenty of options when it comes to keeping your guests warm. Such as: using blankets as your wedding favors, setting up a hot chocolate stand, or having a s’mores station set up around a fire pit!

So no matter the weather just remember, it’s your special day and nothing can rain on your parade! Not even the rain…

(Photo Credits: Pinterest)

Summer Weddings: Why We Love Them!

July 6, 2016 by icehouse Leave a Comment

Picking a date for your wedding is a big decision. You may be trying to land a specific day, one with special significance to you and your partner, but often times it comes down to what the venue has available. Many couples shy away from summer dates thinking either spring or fall has better Louisville weather, availability, etc. However, there are so many upsides to choosing summer for your big day and here’s why we at the Ice House and Crushed Ice Catering love summer weddings!

WEATHER: Yes, you take the risk of it being a bit hot, but chances are that the day will be warm and beautifully sunny. By choosing summer, you’ve just opened the door to a whole other group of venues that offer outdoor spaces. The options to do an outdoor cocktail hour, rooftop ceremony, or even a garden-party type reception are available. Not to mention the photos ops that are presented for an outdoor space. Which brings us to our next point…

bar, Brunch Wedding, cocktails, Crushed Ice Catering, Event Planning, Event Spaces, Exclusive Caterer, Louisville Catering, Louisville events, Louisville wedding, Rehearsal Dinner, Rooftop Event, Rooftop Wedding, Uncategorized, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception, Wedding Trendsbar, cocktail hour, Crushed Ice Catering, Crushed Ice Events, Curshed Ice Events, East Terrace, event planning, Honeymoon, Louisville catering, Louisville events, Louisville wedding, Main Hall Package, mezzanine, Photography, Rooftop Garden, rooftop wedding, stations and bars, Summer Wedding, The Ice House, The Ice House Lounge, up lighting, Weather, wedding catering, wedding ceremony, wedding checklist, wedding planning, wedding reception, wedding show — Guests enjoy cocktail hour on a beautiful July evening at the rooftop garden.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Just think about the fun that your photographer could have being outside! Not only is the natural lighting a huge benefit, but day-of photo op locations are now endless. You don’t need to worry about taking off and putting on jackets, rosy cheeks, or goosebumps, but you can take advantage of the natural greenery, flowers and sunshine through the clouds. You’ll really appreciate the photos after it’s all said and done.

COLOR/DRESS: Fall and winter weddings limit themselves to a darker color palette. Although this could lead to a more “romantic” or upscale wedding, your options for bridesmaid dresses are limited. The decision of long versus short dresses may be made for you. Summer offers a huge selection of color options from linens, dresses, suits & ties, and flowers. Plus, flowers are in abundance and your florist will be excited to put together bouquets or centerpieces full of color to stand out and make an impact.

GUESTS: Most people usually save their vacation days for summer and have an easier time traveling during this time. If you’re expecting more guests to be available, generally summer is a better option.

COCKTAILS & FOOD: When it comes to picking out your food and bar menu, you really can’t go wrong in the summer. Foods and ingredients are their freshest and generally make everything tastier. Caterers like Crushed Ice Catering and our Chef Lawrence Agnew take advantage of the freshest locally grown foods for a top notch meal. To top it all off, pick a signature cocktail that reflects the personality of you and your significant other. Your guests will surely appreciate a refreshing beverage unique to you!

HONEYMOON: Now lets not forget about the honeymoon! Having a summer wedding gives you a good chance to schedule your honeymoon directly after the event. More destinations are available during the summer months and traveling back and forth is easier. However, since the weather is good locally, you don’t have to travel to a tropical location. You can have your honeymoon is a big city or out in the country based on your preference.

The Ice House could be the perfect summer wedding venue. From the rooftop garden to the terrace directly off of the main hall, we aren’t short on beautiful outdoor spaces. Our exclusive caterer, Crushed Ice Catering, provides the highest quality fresh food, and summer guarantees the best ingredients for you and your guests. On top of the awesome space and food available, during the month of July we offer a 20% discount for the venue pricing which means more flowers and fun for you! See, summer isn’t so bad after all!

Cheers!

Madeleine

Event Planning: Assigned Seating vs. Open Seating

September 28, 2015 by icehouse Leave a Comment

Assigned Seating vs. Open Seating

By: Natalie Dedas, Sales & Events Coordinator

I have recently had a number of clients have that “oh no” moment when it comes to even contemplating about doing a seating chart for their wedding reception. As your event coordinator, I couldn’t understand more.

What’s the problem? At times it can be hard to try and please everyone attending the wedding, and as the host you want to do your best to accommodate everyone’s specific needs. It’s easy to stress over who goes where and how many people you should put at each table. Seating charts should not have this much power over you! It’s time to take charge. Every family dynamic is different. You need to decide what is best for your group and proceed forward, with coffee in hand of course.

There are pros and cons to assigned seating as well as opening seating. Let’s look at some of these closely…

Open Seating

Pros:

Takes no time to put together

Guests can choose where they want to sit

Extra tables can be available

Not awkward

No complaints

Cons:

Guests walking around asking, “Is this seat taken?”

Seats can get stolen

No guaranteed seats

Can be chaotic

Assigned Seating

Pros:

Organized

Everyone has designated seat

Less confusion

No extra tables

You can control who sits next to who

Keep certain people separate from one another

Cons:

Can cause multiple headaches

Very laborious

Extremely time consuming

In our Main Hall Package event space at The Ice House, we an open layout with a second level mezzanine for extended seating upstairs. Even though this is a separate space, it overlooks the first level, it is not located in a separate room. This is a great area to utilize for that specific group of people you know could care less where they sit, they’re just there to have a good time. For example: your college buddies, neighbors, family friends or children.

You can please all of your close relatives by seating them on our Main Hall level next to your immediate family and the bridal party. Always remember if you choose to go with the open seating route, you must have reserved signs for your family tables.

Another helpful tip: If you are doing a full three course seated dinner and you have multiple dietary restrictions, it is in your best interest, your caterers and your guests to do assigned seating. You want to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible in knowing that the caterer is fully aware of their dietary needs ahead of time. They will definitely thank you for this later!

Don’t forget, there’s always a happy medium by doing assigned tables. You have a relaxed way of seating your guests in “groups” rather than sticking them at a table with potentially a bunch of people they may not know. This is always an easy route, it pleases all and most importantly allows you to keep a level head. Not to mention its always good to have a bit of organization!

Cheers!

Brad + Erik = Love Wins

July 8, 2015 by icehouse Leave a Comment

Before the Supreme Court ruling, at the Ice House, we have always been supporters of LGBT Fairness and Marriage Equality- After all, Love is Love. We are a founding member of FEVA – Louisville’s Fair Event Vendors Alliance.The Ice House was not the only vendor in the Wedding Industry that was thrilled to hear the Supreme Court’s Judgment on June 26th. Businesses, Individuals and Organizations of all kinds flocked to Social Media to post their praise. Our Facebook “share” of the ruling happened to be one of our Facebook’s Page most-liked posts of all-time.

Shortly after the announcement, I received a text from our Captain Server, Brad who has worked for us at the Ice House for numerous years. His Partner, Erik and he decided they wanted to make it official and needed a place to do so. Coincidentally, Wednesday July 1st just so happened to be their 16 year (Yes, 16 YEARS) Anniversary. So Brad and Erik tied the knot here at the Ice House, with very few close friends and family – marking our first same-sex gay marriage within our walls.

I had an opportunity to talk to Brad and Erik and ask them a few questions….

Erica: First things first- how did you meet?

Brad: I always said that we should’ve known each other long before we did (we met online). We went to the same high school, lived in the same neighborhood, and even lived just a few blocks apart once we moved out of our parents’ houses. We finally met at Applebee’s.

Erik: When we were going back to our cars, I asked if I could kiss him. It worked.

Erica: What was your first reaction when you heard about the Supreme Court Ruling? (Warning: Language)

Brad: I was working and my brother texted me saying “Congrats on the victory”. I thought he texted the wrong number, so I texted back “What? For painting my bathroom?” He screenshot CNN’s headline and sent it to me.

Erik: I texted Brad shortly after “Supreme Court says F*** You to Marriage Bans”

Erica: What is the relevance to the Ultimate Hitchikers Guide?

Erik: It was actually not our first choice. Our first choice was Edgar Allen Poe’s complete collection. Then Brad found Hitchikers, and we both knew.

Brad: It is the funniest and most sarcastic, serious story about life that you can ever read. If you notice, we have hand towels in our belt loops. It’s a reference from Hitchikers that you should never be without your towel.

Erica: What was the most memorable moment of the ceremony for each of you?

Brad: I have to say right after the announcement. I made a mention that blood might make a relative, but family could be anyone and we have the most amazing family made of friends.

Erik: I got confused at one point about who was supposed to hold the ring. I had to ask what I was supposed to do, then turned to the crowd and said, “It’s my first time”. They laughed.

Erica: How did you celebrate after the Ceremony?

Brad: We went to dinner with our small group. We had the best time drinking and sharing food and just talking. No better way than a small group of family.

Erik: Just the realization that after 16 years together as a couple legally considered single, we can now say we are a legal family. Finally, Love Wins! What a reason to celebrate!

Fun Fact – Brad & Erik were the FIRST same-sex marriage license in Bullitt County! We were so excited to have an impact on Brad & Erik’s special day. We hope that we have many more LGBT unions like theirs.

Erik said it best – Finally, Love. Wins.

It is so ordered.

All photos taken by Embrace the World Photography

Builders Exchange Holiday Party

December 17, 2014 by icehouse Leave a Comment

Cocktail Hour & Seated Dinner

We hosted The Builders Exchange holiday party where guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on our second level mezzanine where Crushed Ice Events passed appetizers and they were surprised by a wonderful performance by the Dickens Carolers! After cocktail hour, guests moved into the main hall for a lovely seated dinner.

ACLU Corporate Event

April 25, 2014 by icehouse Leave a Comment

The ACLU corporate event was hosted int he Main Hall, utilizing all of our event space. After cocktails, their guests headed up to the Mezzanine balcony to enjoyed a delicious seated dinner. Our Mezzanine is the ideal location for an intimate dinner with close business colleagues.

Our wonderful Crushed Ice Events chefs prepared an amazing seated dinner for 80 people. Our capacity for a full seated dinner in our Mezzanine space is 80 guests.

Many enjoyed the guest’s favorite parmesan crusted chicken with baby roots vegetables and parmesan grits. While many of our vegetarians enjoyed the southwestern quinoa stuffed bell pepper. Our chefs at Crushed Ice Events always prepare vegetarian dishes for a seated dinner option. We always like to know ahead of time, what are the allergy restrictions and dinner preferences of your guests, however if we are told during the dinner we need another vegetarian option we are always prepared!

Featured Wedding of the Week: Sara and Steve Stifano

Wedding Backup Plans: What To Do and Why They’re Important

Summer Weddings: Why We Love Them!

Event Planning: Assigned Seating vs. Open Seating

Brad + Erik = Love Wins

Builders Exchange Holiday Party

ACLU Corporate Event

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