©2012 Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events

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Hi, I’m Geomyra. Wedding planner, wife to Phil, Payton’s mama, baker, shopper and so much more! As we all wear many hats and there aren’t enough hours in the day, I’ve created an e-book to get you inspired during this time of joy and giving. I’m thrilled to share this collection of my favorite recipes, gift suggestions and packaging ideas. There’s even a playlist that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Those familiar with my blog know that I have an enormous sweet tooth. I can often be found in the kitchen whipping up new recipes to satisfy cravings. The recipes featured here are not only super yummy, but also super easy. As my late mother used to say, “If you can read, you can cook!” These desserts are a sampling of recipes from various chefs, as well as recipes that I’ve personally created over the past few years. As gift giving is one of my favorite things, I have selected my most beloved products that are sure to please everyone on your list. If you’re in need of gift suggestions for your bridesmaids, boss, dad or spouse, there are numerous items for every budget and for everyone. I’ve also created an Amazon Store where you can easily find most of the products highlighted throughout this guide. I‘ve included songs from my holiday playlist at the bottom of each page. From Martina McBride to The Temptations, my playlist is sure to fill you up with holiday cheer! Be sure to comment on the Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Event blog for a chance to win some of the items featured. Tell us, which recipes and gifts are your personal favorites? Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Jennifer Chase Photography

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My Baking Essentials 4

Yummy Recipes

The Best Chocolate Cake Ever 5 My father-in-law loves this chocolate cake. Recipe adapted from Hershey's Black Magic Cake recipe.

Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake 6 One of the best strawberry shortcake recipes I have found via Magnolia Bakery.

Chocolate Cheesecake Biscoff Bar 7 I love cheesecake and Biscoff cookies. Finding a recipe that merged my two favorites, priceless.

Double Peanut Butter Cookies 8 Magnolia Bakery’s peanut butter cookie recipe is my favorite, hands down.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 8 My husband’s favorite dessert. He can eat a whole batch all by himself.

Geomyra’s Sweet Potato Pie 9 A recipe I created a few years back when I was craving my grandmother’s sweet potato pie. Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding 10 Paula Deen’s spin on traditional banana pudding.

Mini Apple Pies 11 Adapted from Abigail Johnson Dodge’s “Mini Pies” cookbook

Marvelous Mixed Berry Crisp 12 An original recipe I created this past fall.

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds 13 I can snack on cinnamon roasted almonds all day long.

Packaging Ideas for Your Homemade Goodies 14

Wrap it Up 15

Gift Ideas for Everyone 16 *Prices and availability subject to change without notice

Resources 24

About Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events 25

“All I Want For Christmas is You” Mariah Carey

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After discovering these tools, baking has become so much easier and even more fun! Here are a few of my favorite baking helpers:

1. Rubber Spatulas: A rubber spatula is a great tool for combining ingredients and scraping the sides of a mixing bowl.

2. Mixing & Prep Bowls: Mixing and prep bowls in various sizes serve multiple purposes in the kitchen.

3. KitchenAid Stand Mixer: The heart of my kitchen is my KitchenAid stand mixer. My life was forever changed once I received the mixer as a wedding gift.

4. Apron: I love making a fashion statement in my kitchen in the form of an apron.

5. Round Baking Pans: Nine inch baking pans are the perfect size for layered cakes.

6. Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring dry ingredients, I like to use metal measuring cups.

7. Glass Measuring Cup: A glass measuring cup is needed for measuring liquid ingredients.

8. Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps measure out the perfect sized cookie. An ice-cream scoop is great for measuring out cupcake batter.

9. Baking Sheets: I have a half dozen baking sheets in our kitchen.

10. Measuring Spoon: I hate having to search for loose measuring spoons. I love KitchenAid’s all-in-one measuring spoon.

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“Ave Maria” Celine Dion

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Ingredients: 2 cups sugar

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons King Arthur Flour Black Cocoa, optional

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup strong black coffee (I use Folgers Gourmet Black Silk K-Cup)

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or one 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Set aside. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa(s), baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. 3. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes; the batter will be thin. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. 4. Frost as desired. To save time, I use Duncan Hines Chocolate Buttercream frosting or a homemade Oreo frosting.

“Baby, It's Cold Outside” Dean Martin

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Directions: To make the cakes: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour three 9 x 2 inch round cake pans,

then line the bottoms with waxed paper. 2. In a small bowl, combine the flours (self-rising and all-purpose) and set aside. 3. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter

until smooth. 4. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. 5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 6. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla

extract. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not over beat. Using a rubber spatula scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended.

7. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Let the layers cool in the pans for 1 hour. 9. Remove cakes from the pans and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. To make the cream filling: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. To make the berry filling: Gently toss the berries with the sugar to evenly coat the fruit. To assemble the strawberry shortcake: When the cake layers have cooled completely, spread one third of the whipped cream filling over the bottom cake layer, followed by one third of the berry filling. Repeat with the remaining layers. Yields (1) three layer 9-inch round cake.

Serve soon after assembling & enjoy!

Glass Trifle Bowl: The Pampered Chef

Ingredients: Cake: (Makes three 9 inch round cakes)

1 ½ cups self-rising flour 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Filling: 2 cups heavy cream ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Berry Filling: 2 pints (4 cups) ripe strawberries, sliced in half 2 tablespoons sugar

“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” Nat King Cole

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Crust

1 ½ cups crushed Biscoff Cookies (about 27 cookies)*

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

6 tablespoons melted butter 1. Mix cookies and sugar together. 2. Add butter and stir until combined. 3. Press mixture into a 13 X 9 pan.

Cheesecake

3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

3 eggs

8 oz. sour cream

1 tablespoon vanilla 1. Preheat oven to 325°F 2. Cream the sugar, cream cheese, and flour with an electric

mixer on medium until light and fluffy. 3. On medium low, add eggs one at a time, mixing well with each

addition. 4. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until just combined. 5. Pour on prepared crust and bake for about 45 minutes. 6. Remove and cool. 7. Prepare ganache.

Chocolate Ganache 8 oz. heavy whipping cream 2 oz. butter 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

1. Heat cream and butter on stove until just before boiling. 2. Remove from stove and pour over chocolate, stir until completely combined. 3. Add confectioners’ sugar and beat with a wire whisk until combined and smooth. 4. Pour over cooled cheesecake. 5. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 6. Cut into bars and serve.

I’ve always been a fan of Biscoff cookies and cheesecake. Two of my favorite indulgences merge for the perfect decadent treat. Recipe yields about 30 bars.

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” Whitney Houston

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Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup peanut butter at room temperature. (I prefer Jif brand) ¾ cup sugar ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup peanut butter chips (I prefer Reese’s brand)

For sprinkling: 1 tablespoon sugar (I prefer coarse sparkling sugar)

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, the baking soda, the baking powder,

and the salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and the peanut butter together until fluffy. 4. Add the sugars and beat until smooth. 5. Add the egg and mix well. 6. Add the milk and the vanilla extract. 7. Add the flour mixture and beat thoroughly. 8. Stir in the peanut butter chips. 9. Roll into balls then place on an ungreased cookie sheets leaving several

inches between for expansion. 10. Using a fork, lightly indent with a criss-cross pattern, but do not overly

flatten cookies. 11. Sprinkle with sugar. 12. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies may appear to be

underdone, but they are not. Remove them from oven when very slightly browned around edges.

13. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 1 minute, then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Ingredients: ½ lb. (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 ¼ cup Firmly packed dark brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. 3. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. 4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt;

mix well. 5. Stir in with spoon: oats, raisins and pecans; mix well. 6. Drop by rounded teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. 7. Bake 10 - 12 minutes or until golden brown. 8. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, remove to wire rack.

Recipe yields about 4 dozen cookies.

“Give Love on Christmas Day” Jackson 5

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Ingredients: 1 (1 pound) sweet potatoes (about 2 cups) or you may substitute with 1 (15oz) can of Glory Sweet Potato Casserole ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar ½ cup milk 2 eggs ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell. (Note: You may have enough batter to fill two pie shells).

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Boil sweet potatoes whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.

Or you substitute with 15oz can of Glory Sweet Potato Casserole. 3. Break apart sweet potatoes in a bowl. Or place the 15oz can of Glory Sweet Potato Casserole in a mixing bowl. 4. Add butter and mix well with mixer. 5. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. 6. Pour filling into an unbaked pie shell(s). 7. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a soufflé, and then will sink down as it cools.

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Mariah Carey

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Ingredients:

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

6 to 8 bananas, sliced

2 cups milk

1 (5 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding

1 (8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping thawed or equal amount

sweetened whipped cream. (I use Cool-Whip)

Directions:

1. Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

2. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using an electric mixer.

3. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.

4. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. 5. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until

well blended. 6. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the

remaining cookies. 7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” Christina Aguilera

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To make these mini pies, you will need a mini pie make such as Breville’s Personal Pie Maker.

Ingredients: 2 Golden Delish, Cortland or McIntosh apples, diced 4 tablespoons butter ¼ cup brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoon cornstarch ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 Pillsbury Pie Crusts

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.

2. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter. 3. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring until tender. (About ten minutes) 4. Reduce heat to low and add the sugar mixture to the already-softened

apples stirring until sugar is melted and the apples are glazed. (About two minutes)

5. Remove from heat and add vanilla. 6. Set aside and let cool for ten minutes. 7. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pre-heat pie maker. 8. Working quickly, fill the pie crusts with apple filling and top with pie crust. 9. Bake for about ten minutes until crust is browned. 10. Serve with a side of vanilla ice-cream

“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” Ray Charles

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Ingredients: Filling:

1 cup Blueberries 1 cup Raspberries 2 cups Strawberries, hulled and halved lengthwise ½ cup sugar

Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

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cup sugar

1/3

cup firmly packed golden brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Position a rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat to Preheat oven to 350°F. Have ready a 2.5 quart ceramic or glass pie dish or baking dish.

Directions: For the Filling: In a large bowl, stir together the rhubarb, strawberries and sugar until well mixed. Pour into the baking dish, and set aside. For the Topping: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, sugars, cinnamon and salt until well blended. Stir in the melted butter until evenly moistened crumbs form. Spoon the crumb mixture over the filling. Bake the crisp for about 35-40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm. Note: The crisp can be cooled, covered with plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Rewarm in an oven at 250°F for 15 minutes before serving, preferably with a substantial scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” Jackson 5

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Ingredients:

1 egg white

1 teaspoon cold water

3 cups whole almonds (I use Fisher’s 3 cup bag)

3 tablespoons white sugar

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.

2. Beat the egg white and water until frothy with a whisk in a medium bowl.

3. Add the almonds, and stir until well coated.

4. Mix the sugars, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Sprinkle over the almonds.

6. Stir the almonds until they are well coated.

7. Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet that has been

lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.

8. Roast the almonds for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so.

9. Allow to cool, then store in airtight containers.

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds make a great snack and hostess gift!

“White Christmas” Drifters

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“It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Johnny Mathis

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“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams

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A bottle of wine from your favorite vineyard always makes a great hostess gift. A few of my favorite wineries are Chateau Morrisette Winery, Chateau

Ste. Michelle Winery and Horton Vineyards. All three vineyards offer great

wine at affordable prices.

Skybar Wine Chill Drops are a must for wine drinkers. The Chill Drops allows you to enjoy a cold

glass of wine within minutes!

It was love at first sight when I first saw the Metrokane Rabbit Wine Opener. Uncork a bottle of wine easily within seconds.

$34

$50

Pottery Barn’s Bohemian Bottle Stoppers are a great gift idea for those looking for a

personalized gift option. (Set of 2)

$39

“Jingle Bell Rock” Elvis Presley

$10

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Keurig Vue Brewing System

I’m not a big coffee drinker to say the

least. Every now and then when working

late hours, I have to grab a small cup.

If we have guests and they want a cup of

coffee, tea or even hot chocolate,

I am ready to brew a fresh cup with my

Keurig machine. I love the fact that I am

able to brew a single serving at a time,

which cuts down on waste.

Breville Juicer

I have become a recent fan of juicing. My

best friend has been juicing for many

years, and now I understand why. I love

the fact that I know exactly what is going

into my body by making my own juice. A

bonus is that my daughter loves the fresh

juice better than the store bought stuff!

A few weeks ago I was gifted

“The Complete Book of Juicing” by

Michael Murray. This book offers great

recipes and tips for novice or expert

juicer enthusiasts.

$230

$200

“Joy to the World” Broadway Inspirational Voices

$9

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1. Philips Sonicare DiamondHead Toothbrush is the gift you didn’t know you wanted. $176 2. DIY Homemade Citrus Scrub enriched with Almond Oil and Vitamin E is party favor that I gave at my birthday party this year.

For under $5, exfoliate and pamper your skin with natural ingredients. Recipe for Salt Scrub on the GLWE Blog. 3. Pottery Barn Classic Terry Robe: A plush robe is a nice way to wrap up and stay warm throughout the year. $80 4. His and Hers Ugg Slippers: It’s no secret that I am a fan of Uggs. After working long hours the day of a wedding, my Ugg slippers are

my best friend. $100

“Let it Snow” Boys II Men

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“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Broadway Inspirational Voices

As I am always cold, I make sure I have my CoolMax Travel Blanket packed away in my carry-on bag prior to boarding a flight. $35

For a quick weekend getaway, the Royce Leather Euro Traveler Duffel and Overnight Bag is a great choice. $270

After being forced to follow the 3-1-1 rule, I have found Nalgene® Wide-Mouth Leakproof Bottles to be a great buy. From $.80 each

RuMeID™ QR Decals & Luggage Tags are a best bet for easily identifying your belongings and protecting your personal information. $13

Philips Attachable Battery Pack is an item that you will always find in my purse. When I am on the go, I always have a backup source of power for my overused iPhone. $25

ITW Compressible Vacuum-Seal Travel Roll Bags allow me to pack up to two times more items and keep my clothes organized. They also protect against dirt, mold, odor and moisture. $13

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Zinio is my preferred way to read magazines. My O Magazine and Martha Stewart

Weddings subscriptions are now downloaded on my iPad through the Zinio app.

Looking for a gift idea for that busy family member? Try gifting them an Amazon Prime

membership. I’ve had an Amazon Prime membership for the past six years. I love the

convenience and free two-day shipping option.

I recently discovered HuluPlus when I was trying to catch-up on season one of Scandal.

For only $7.99 per month, Hulu and Netflix memberships are a great gift idea for that

person on the go.

I’ve visited various Massage Envy Spas over the past few months. Massage Envy’s

easily accessible locations and affordable prices make gifting a membership an

excellent option.

“O Holy Night” Martina McBride

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The iPad may just be my favorite gift ever. I don’t leave my house without my iPad tucked in my bag. With my favorite apps, I can read emails, keep up with social media, book travel, listen to music, read books and manage my clients on the go!

“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee

From $329

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1. I start my day with scripture readings and prayer. “Jesus Calling” is a daily devotional that I use to guide my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. There is also an e-book option available that a few of my friends use.

2. I recently finished reading “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey. The practical advice and insight is great for those trying to get out of debt or get ahead of the game.

3. My husband and best friends are all currently reading “The Purpose Driven Life.” The book was recommended to me by various people and it is proving to live up to the hype.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Ray Charles

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1. I’m embarrassed to say that the first time I ever played Scrabble was on my iPad. Now, I can’t get enough of the game. Although my best friend always seems to beat me, I love Scrabble and am able to learn new words.

2. I gifted my husband the BodyMedia LINK Armband for his birthday so that he could closely monitor his workout progress. Using the armband he is able to track everything from temperature, sweat, steps, calories burned and sleep quality, every minute of every day. The BodyMedia LINK Armband is clinically proven to improve weight loss by three times.

3. Taboo is a must for any holiday gathering in my family.

“Santa Baby” Ertha Kitt

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“Silent Night-The 1980 Album Version” The Temptations

My Holiday Playlist is available on Spotify.

The Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events Amazon Store was exclusively created to help you locate the items mentioned throughout this guide.

You can find links to the gift wrapping images. On my GLWE 2012 Holiday Guide Pinterest Board.

Photo credits can also be

located on my Pinterest board.

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and the GLWE Blog for additional information and resources.

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Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events is an award winning wedding and event management company specializing in personalized service and attention to detail. We work with you to ensure that your dreams become a reality. We understand that love is in the details and we will take care of every element of your special event to reach perfection. From our initial consultation you will have the confidence needed for a stress free planning experience.

The team’s formal education and over six years of planning experience have equipped us with the knowledge and skill-set needed to gracefully bring two families together. From the breathtaking reception location, tantalizing menu options and jaw-dropping décor elements, we will design an event that intimately depicts your distinct personalities and the connection you share. Collectively we will produce an event that showcases your love and style while paying attention to the finest detail. Working together we will craft an event that is uniquely yours with emphasis on creating an unforgettable and unparalleled experience for you and your guests.

Your love is once in a lifetime.

Your wedding day should be as well.

“You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Thurl Ravenscroft

A special thank you to Phil, Dalayna, Rachel, GLWE clients, family and friends for your continued love and support. Thank you to my daughter Payton

who encourages me to purse my passion and live each day with purpose.

Connect With Me!

Jennifer Chase Photography