The Crafted Pour Bartending: Elevating South Florida Weddings One Sip at a Time

In the world of weddings and events, the smallest details often create the biggest memories — and for Ruddy Peña, owner of The Crafted Pour Bartending LLC, every pour is an opportunity to make a celebration unforgettable. With a passion rooted in family, storytelling, and impeccable service, Ruddy and his team have built a reputation for crafting drinks that are as memorable as the moments they accompany.

From Family Favor to Flourishing Business

The Crafted Pour Bartending story began in the most heartfelt way — with family. Ruddy’s journey started when his family volunteered to bartend a relative’s wedding. “Our family business got into weddings and events because we share a genuine love for bringing people together — and bartending allows us to do that in the most joyful, personal way,” Ruddy shares.

That first event revealed just how much impact a well-crafted drink could have. “We loved the energy and loved how our signature cocktails became a conversation starter,” he recalls. “That experience sparked a passion — and a mission: to create an experience where drinks tell a story, and every pour helps shape a memorable evening.”

Pouring Passion Into Every Event

From elegant weddings to private celebrations and corporate gatherings, Ruddy and his team thrive on variety. But weddings hold a special place in his heart. “Weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events are our favorites,” he says.

One wedding memory in particular has stayed with him — a touching moment during the reception. “The father of the bride gave the most emotional speech. I was standing at the bar with tears rolling down my face while pouring wine.” It’s those genuine, human moments that make the job so rewarding.

Service That Goes Beyond the Glass

One of Ruddy’s proudest career moments came during a packed New Year’s Eve shift. Amid the buzzing crowd, he noticed a couple celebrating their anniversary but struggling to get their drinks. “They seemed overwhelmed by the crowd. I took it upon myself to ensure they had a memorable experience. I crafted a special cocktail just for them.” The reaction was unforgettable. “Their gratitude and the joy on their faces when they received the drinks was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the power of personalized service and the impact it can have on guests’ experiences.”

Even when things don’t go as planned, Ruddy focuses on solutions. During one particularly busy wedding reception, a key ingredient for a signature cocktail ran out. “I quickly assessed the situation and communicated with the team to identify a suitable alternative. We decided to offer a complimentary upgrade to a premium version of the cocktail.” By personally informing guests and showing transparency, the team turned a potential problem into a moment of exceptional service. “The guests appreciated the thoughtful gesture, and the event continued smoothly without further issues.”

Looking Ahead

With many years in the bartending business and a deep love for mixology, Ruddy continually seeks to expand his knowledge of spirits and cocktail techniques. “I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and staying updated on industry trends, which allows me to offer guests unique and high-quality drinks.”

His future goals are ambitious yet grounded in his commitment to excellence:

• Expanding services to include specialized events and themed experiences.

• Building strategic partnerships with event planners, venues, and local businesses to increase visibility and referrals.

• Enhancing his online presence through social media and a professional website to reach a broader audience.

  
  

Whether it’s a handcrafted signature cocktail or an unforgettable guest experience, The Crafted Pour Bartending brings heart, artistry, and professionalism to every celebration. As Ruddy puts it: “It’s about creating an experience where drinks tell a story, and every pour helps shape a memorable evening.”

Capturing Life’s Most Treasured Moments: Behind the Lens with AR Treasures Photography

For Andy and Rachel, the husband-and-wife team behind AR Treasures Photography, capturing weddings isn’t just about photos and videos—it’s about honoring the legacy of love.

From Social Work to Storytelling

Rachel, who spent 14 years working as a social worker, found herself drawn to photography as a way to experience a different side of life. “Once I got into photography as a profession, I loved the idea of getting to be there for one of the best moments in life instead of the worst,” she shares. That powerful shift in perspective was the spark that led to the creation of AR Treasures Photography. “Andy and I both consider it a privilege to capture such a special day for families to treasure for generations,” Rachel says. “That’s actually where we got our business name.”

Nature as the Perfect Backdrop

The couple’s deep appreciation for nature shines through in their work. “We really love the outdoors,” they say. “From the beach to the jungle and everywhere in between, we love to have a natural background while photographing love.” Whether it's a windswept cliffside elopement or a sunny beach wedding, Andy and Rachel thrive when surrounded by fresh air and authentic emotion.

A Wedding Straight Out of a Movie

One unforgettable wedding they captured took place at the Bamboo Gallery, and it felt like something out of a fairytale. “There were gardens, fountains, and palm trees in every direction,” Rachel recalls. “The couple was so incredibly in love, and there was this air of pure joy and beauty everywhere you looked—even in the drone footage.” The day was made even more memorable by the couple’s unique additions: their dog, dressed in a tuxedo, and a litter of kittens from the greenhouse, all of which made their way into the photo gallery.

A Love Story Told in Two Parts

Another standout moment in their career came when a couple asked them to document not just one, but two weddings—2.5 years apart. “During the pandemic, they had an intimate, gorgeous backyard wedding at a historical mansion,” Rachel explains. “A few years later, they hosted a big wedding celebration with all of their friends and family, including four wardrobe changes! Both of their weddings were so full of their personality and love. It was such a gift to be asked back to capture both days.”

Racing to Save the Day

Like any seasoned wedding pros, Andy and Rachel know that things don’t always go according to plan. One memorable day involved a ceremony down on the greens of a golf course—beautiful, but far from the getting-ready room. “During the ceremony, the groom was whispering with this panicked look, asking if the rings had been brought down,” Rachel recalls. “Once I realized they weren’t there, I knew I was the only one who could go get them.” A lifelong runner, she sprinted up the hill and into the second-story suite, grabbed the rings, and raced back just in time. “I handed them to the best man seconds before the officiant asked for them,” she laughs. “The bride and groom like to say I ‘saved the wedding.’”

Life Behind the Lens

When they’re not photographing love stories, Andy and Rachel are living one of their own. Their blended family includes three teenage daughters and two beloved pets—a dog and a cat who “happen to look alike,” they say. “Which makes sense to us, since they’re brothers.” Their shared love of animals is only matched by their passion for adventure. “We love to travel and experience new places,” Rachel says. “So far, our favorite place we’ve been is Hawaii.”

Andy also enjoys gardening and capturing nature’s beauty through drone footage, while Rachel finds joy in movement and challenge. “I’ve been a runner all my life, and recently I’ve been doing some ultra races,” she says. “This past year I’ve also fallen in love with ninja warrior training. I’ve been working on getting stronger so I can enjoy swinging to new obstacles.”

More Than a Business—A Calling

Whether they’re sprinting up hills to save a ceremony or swinging across ninja obstacles in their downtime, Andy and Rachel pour passion, heart, and care into everything they do. With AR Treasures Photography, they’re not just snapping pictures—they’re preserving the moments that matter most.

Bringing the Energy: Meet DJ Brandan Widner of BrandanV Entertainment!

In the vibrant world of weddings, nightlife, and unforgettable celebrations, BrandanV Entertainment is a name that consistently brings the energy—and the magic. At the heart of it all is Brandan Widner, a passionate DJ whose journey from neighborhood block parties to major music stages is nothing short of inspiring.

A Passion Sparked Early

Brandan’s love for music started young—really young. “Growing up, we had a family friend who DJ’d all of our parties and weddings,” he recalls. “It was right then I got bit by the DJ bug.” That early exposure lit a fire in him that never faded. By the age of 12, he was already playing music at local events, using a small but mighty collection of vinyl records and CDs. Even then, it wasn’t just about pressing play—it was about reading the room, feeling the energy, and creating a vibe.

Favorite Events & Musical Milestones

Today, Brandan’s style blends technical skill with genuine heart—and he thrives on events that let him connect with people. “My favorite events would be nightclubs and weddings,” he says. “There’s something electric about the club scene, and something deeply meaningful about being part of someone’s big day.”

Over the years, Brandan has built a résumé packed with standout moments. One of his earliest highlights was DJing a Sears fashion show as a teenager—an experience that proved his talent could shine in unexpected places.

One of his proudest accomplishments was being selected as an artist for Winter Music Conference/Miami Music Week—not once, but three times. “I’m most proud of being a three-year artist for Winter Music Conference,” he shares. The prestigious event draws talent from around the globe, and Brandan’s repeated appearances cemented his place in the industry’s spotlight.

Lessons in Growth

Of course, even seasoned professionals face challenges. Brandan is quick to own his mistakes—and learn from them. “I had one wedding where I played the first dance in the wrong key,” he admits. “After it was done, I felt so bad I gave some of the money back.” That moment, while tough, speaks volumes about his integrity and dedication to doing right by his clients.

Building a Brand—and a Vibe

After relocating from Chicago to South Florida, Brandan wasted no time making his mark on the local scene. From South Beach clubs pulsing with energy to elegant weddings in West Palm Beach, his versatility and talent earned him a reputation as a go-to DJ for all kinds of events.

Today, Brandan is the owner and creative force behind BrandanV Entertainment LLC, offering professional DJ services that are anything but ordinary. “With BrandanV, it’s not just music—it’s a vibe,” he says. And it shows. Whether he’s spinning for a packed dance floor or curating the perfect soundtrack for a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony, Brandan brings a mix of skill, soul, and unmistakable style.

Final Beat

Brandan Widner isn’t just playing songs—he’s creating experiences. With a background that blends decades of musical knowledge, a passion that runs deep, and a client-first approach rooted in professionalism, BrandanV Entertainment continues to raise the bar for weddings and events across South Florida and beyond.