Cooking with The Bikini Kitchen

My sister-in-law, Jaime, and I came across a deal on Groupon for The Bikini Kitchen, hosted by Joyce Nichols-Moore.  The class description promised us delicious comfort foods cooked in a healthy way without sacrificing flavor.  Well kudos to you Joyce, you definitely showed us that Health Food does not automatically equate to tasteless and bland dishes.  Everything we cooked was so delicious and easy to make and Joyce made the class very entertaining and chock full of great tips for a healthy lifestyle.  I also learned 3 very important things:

1)  I like salmon - who knew?

2)  Almond Meal may be a new staple in my household.

3)  Avocado + Cocoa = a delicious pudding.  Yeah seriously, I'm not joking!

If you ever have the opportunity to take one of her classes in the NYC area or in her base kitchen in King of Prussia, definitely sign up!  You won't be disappointed.

http://thebikinikitchen.com/

The Biking Kitchen on Facebook

Jaime is ready for the class!

The lovely Joyce!

Sauteed veggies and Crispy Salmon.  So simple, yet so full of flavor!

Joyce getting the crust ready for our dessert.

MARRIED: Michelle + Margaret | City Hall Restaurant

Love is a very beautiful thing in this world and there was plenty of love surrounding Michelle and Margaret on their September wedding day.  I spent a little time with these two and their beautiful daughter, Marlenny, at their engagement session earlier this year and I could see how deeply they cared for one another and how they couldn't wait to make it official.

Vendor List

Venue: City Hall Restaurant

Hotel/Getting Ready Site:  Hyatt Regency - Jersey City

Wedding Planner:  Events by Christa

Florist: Mel Furukawa

Limo: Erik Estrella
Favors: Jesslyn (friend)

Makeup/Hair: Natasha Dean

Michelle's Gown and Shoes: David's Bridal

Margaret's Suit: J. Crew  

The girls started off their beautiful wedding day getting dolled up at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City.  You certainly can't beat this view from the bridal suite!

Every girl needs her accessories.

Michelle gets zipped up with a little help from her mother.

I adore these shoes!

A little moment shared with her mother before heading off to the wedding.

Always daddy's little girl.

I absolutely love this photo of Michelle's parents with Michelle looking on in the background.

We have arrived at City Hall Restaurant where both the ceremony and reception took place.  This was my first time here and I absolutely loved it.  Everything from the decor to the food was outstanding!

I also want to give a very special shout out to my girl Christa from Events by Christa for the amazing job she did organizing and executing this wedding.  Every detail for Michelle and Margaret's big day was just perfect and the event as a whole couldn't have ran more smoothly.

The Granite Room all ready for the ceremony.

Margaret arrives at the restaurant and is all smiles =)

A beautiful first kiss filled with nothing but love and devotion.

I felt so honored when Michelle and Margaret asked for me to sign their marriage license as a witness alongside their Christa.  Not only did they allow me to capture the memory of their wedding day, but now I was a real part of making it official.  Thank you both for including me in this - it really meant a lot to me!

The Granite Room has been transformed for the reception and it look my breath away with its simple and intimate feel.

Before they shared their first dance as a married couple, Michelle and Margaret said a few heartfelt words to their guests which brought tears to everyone in the room, myself included.

Michelle takes the floor with her happy father...

...and Margaret graces the dances floor with her proud uncle.

Time for cake!

And the rest of the evening was the true meaning of "Dance Party".  The floor was packed all night long!

The evening wouldn't be complete with out a little garter/bouquet toss!

These mini cupcakes made by their good friend Jesslyn were the perfect send off for their guests and they were sooooo good!

Congratulations again to you both and thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your marriage celebration.  It was a true joy to work with you and witness your love for one another!