HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Dear Friends-
Fill your heart with new hopes, reach out for new opportunities and celebrate the New Year!

The team of e-vents: a wedding and event planning company

Vendor Spotlight - Wedding Paper Divas

As some of you know, I LOVE getting mail (not bills). Always have - from the time I was a little planner. I especially love getting my mail now that I am a wedding and event planner. I receive all sorts of great items from vendors which can be shared with my clients.

Yesterday was no exception - I received some beautiful stationary samples from Erika Barnes with Wedding Paper Divas. The colors are vibrant and simply gorgeous. The quality of the card stock is 5 star.

Here is a little bit about the company from their website:

"Wedding Paper Divas was created by three friends who share a love of giving and receiving high quality stationery. Seeing paper and hand-written notes increasingly taking a back seat to email and digital communications, we set out to restore the excitement and the days of announcements, invitations and "just-because" notes in everyone's mailboxes. Having worked in ecommerce in Silicon Valley for many years and sharing a passion for new technology that makes people's lives easier and more convenient, we were inspired to build a website that made shopping for paper fun, easy and even better than the store shopping experience. As recent newlyweds ourselves, we were especially drawn to the wedding market after personally going through the frustrating experience of trying to shop for unique, high-quality wedding invitations online. Since our parent company, Tiny Prints, launched in Spring 2004, we have been very fortunate to serve our very loyal and passionate customers who share our same appreciation for giving great stationery. We love what we do and find great joy in helping brides-to-be find the perfect design and paper that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.Wedding Paper Divas, a recent addition to the family to Tiny Prints, offers only exclusive designs and stationery found nowhere else online or offline. We work with well-known to up-and-coming artists who design wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations and thank you cards just for Wedding Paper Divas. And because we use the latest in digital printing technology, you are guaranteed the highest quality printing and extremely fast turnaround.Please also visit our family stationery brand, Tiny Prints, for fresh, modern photo cards, announcements and invitations for all of your family's special occasions."

The Valentine's Day cards are one of my faves. Couples married in 2008 can share a special Valentine wish with their family and friends and include a picture from the honeymoon or even one of their favorite wedding day shots.

Make sure you stop by their site and see all they have to offer. You will NOT be disappointed.

Thanks, Erika for making my day yesterday!

Have a Love-ly Day!

Photos: Wedding Paper Divas

HOLLY & WILL are MARRIED!

What a beautiful wedding on 12/27/08. Holly was a gorgeous bride and Will made for quite the handsome groom. The weather was absolutely wonderful - a balmy 65 degrees in Indy in December!

More details and lots of pictures later!

Wedding Trends for 2009

As we look forward to the new year, there are many happy brides just beginning their planning process. I have recieved lots of questions concerning trends for the new year. Here is my list of some of the trends for 2009:

• Smaller weddings with fewer guests

• Destination weddings or destination type weddings closer to home

• Accent colors on dresses and cakes with the most popular being greens and blues

• Increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services

• Increased use of green and echo friendly products and services

• Simplified decorations, centerpieces and wedding invitations

• Increased use of online RSVP’s vs. traditional mail-in RSVPs

• Off-peak weddings; Mornings, Afternoons, Fridays, Sundays, October becomes the new June

• Buffet meals, Hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions

• Cheesecakes, cupcakes and miniature cakes

• All-inclusive packages

I especially love the idea of the off- peak weddings. Your pricing can be drastically reduced when going off-peak.

Photo credits: The Knot (top photo collage)

Mark Eric Photography (bottom photo)

Glitz and Glam (or how to clean your ring)

This holiday season will see many a newly engaged woman with a sparkling ring on her finger. I love seeing engagement rings! The beauty and promise of the future they hold continue to thrill me. I still love looking at my ring and remembering what it means. I always keep my ring cleaned. I was thrilled to find a blog post on From I will to I do on how to keep your ring clean. I tried it and it works. Shinier than EVER! Head on over to see the post, but make sure you grab a cuppa something - believe me you'll be there reading for awhile. She has some GREAT things on her blog.

No matter how old your ring is, make sure to go to your jeweler regularly to have the prongs and diamonds inspected. all reputable jewelers will clean and inspect your ring for free if you purchased from the. It is so worth the time to do this. As your ring ages, you will no doubt bang it on something. Getting it inspected will insure that all stays put. also- be careful in pools and hot tubs. The chemicals can loosen your stones.
What hints- tips do you have for keeping your ring cleaned? Please share and.....

Have a LOVE-ly day!

Photo credit: Jonathon Thrasher Photography

MERRY CHRISTmas

The e-vents team wishes you and your family the Merriest Christmas of all. Take the time to share the joy of the season with your loved ones.

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

What family traditions do you and your family observe for the Holiday Season?

Every Christmas Eve, my husband and two yorkies enjoy a nice little dinner and a Christmas movie. Then, the next day my extended family gathers at my sister and brother in laws home for gifts and dinner. We have such a great time. This will be baby Gabrielle's ( my niece)first Christmas that she will enjoy ( she's so much fun right now). Brandon (my nephew) is getting older, but I so enjoy my time with him. In fact, his gift from us this year is guaranteed to make everyone laugh - Rock Band World Tour ( shhhhh - don't tell him yet). We don't have any unusual family traditions, but I LOVE our traditions none the less. What are your traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? I'd love to hear them and so would my readers.

Have the Merriest Christmas of All!

Erika

I am so honored that Jenny from Practically Perfect gave me this award.

The award says that "This blog invests and believes in proximity - nearness in space, time, and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

Thanks, Jenny. I am so happy to have met you in the blogging world and hope to continue our friendship!

I'll pass the award on to:

Chicole::Intermixed

Le'Penn Designs

Bridal Opulence

The Bridal Party

Tiffany the Coordinator

Crossroads Cottage

K Sherrie + Co

Italian Wedding Customs and Traditions

It is customary in Veneto for a couple to walk to the wedding chapel together. While on their way to their nuptials, the townspeople place obstacles in the brides way. This is done to see how she will react to domestic situations. For example - if she picks up the broom placed in her way, she will keep a clean house. If they place a crying child in her way and she stops to help, they believe she will be a wonderful mother.

In other regions, the couple is given a log to cut in half using a double handled saw. This demonstrates their partnership in love and marriage.

Sunday marriages are considered to be the luckiest.

The actual wedding ceremony (sposalizio) is performed by a priest or civil authority. Old church tradition warns against marrying during Lent or Advent. A lengthy celebration begins with mass , then dancing and feasting into the wee hours.

Food for fertility -

Confetti ( candy coated almonds wrapped in mesh bags to throw at the couple.

Twists of fried dough powdered with sugar tied in a bow which is called a wanda.

The food at the wedding is just as important as the wedding iteself. Guests are served as many as 14 different courses along with wine and other beverages.

Guests are served sweet liquor and strong drinks by the Best Man before the dinner. This gives the guests a chance to taost the happy couple with "Per cent'anni "which means for one hundred years.

Desserts are a HUGE part of a traditional italian wedding. Many times, there is no wedding cake.Instead, there is a cookie cake. The bride and groom begin a line of dancing guests and everyone takes a cookie as they pass by. Non-dancing guests are allowed to take cookies after the cookie dance is finished. Why not have an espresso and cappucino bar set up for your guests as a nice addition to the desserts?

Use regional colors for your wedding decor. Think of Tuscany. Another option would be to incorporate the colors of the Italian flag - red,white and green. Think - red roses, white linens and sage- if the tradional bright colors aren't to your liking.

photo credits: jules photography

New Series

Dear Readers,

e-vents is starting a new series featuring Wedding Traditions from all around the world. I think it is such a wonderful element to include a little bit of your family traditions into your wedding. Unfortunately, many of the traditions have been lost as time has passed. Why not incorporate them into your wedding? This is the perfect way to share your heritage with your guests. It is also the perfect way to honor your loved ones and to learn about your future husbands background. The research can truly be amazing. Share a bit of the traditions in your programs.

We'll travel the world as we reveal wedding traditions across the globe.

Would you like to include your wedding pictures in an upcoming segment? Just email them to me (see the email address to the right) and I'll include your photos in the segment specific to your tradition. Be sure to let me know who your photographer and planner was so I can give full credit.

I hope you enjoy the series!

Photo credit: Roxanne Parker

Friday Fave - Kate Spade

Brides (or anyone) looking for some beautiful jewelry need look no further than the new jewelry line at Kate Spade. They have a WONDERFUL selection of items sure to please just about anyone. I became a fan of Katie ( as my friends and I like to call her) about 10 years ago. Her purses and shoes are absolutely gorgeous and well made. imagine my delight when I found out about the new jewelry line. These items are perfect as bridal jewelry as well as Attendants gifts.

Many of you will remember my post about brooches a few posts back. Here are two that are to die for from the Kate Spade collection:

Looking for a bracelet? Try this on for size:

Just for fun- here are some other gorgeous KS items:

THE BEST PART? You can get 30% off now at Kate Spade. Hurry sale ends soon!

What about gifts?

I have been asked many times - "Should I send my gift to the couple or take it to the reception?"

While my take on this it is much better for all involved if you have the gift sent to the couple BEFORE the wedding day. The bridal couple doesn't have to worry about having someone in charge of transporting said gifts to the couples new home. The giver doesn't have to worry about carrying the gift to the site. There are no worries that the couple may not receive the gift.

Most stores offer free shipping on bridal registry gifts. Traditionally, gifts are mailed to the couples new home address or to the address on the R.S.V.P. envelope. ( Brides - just be careful of what address you use.)

Even though that is my preferred way, it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask the couple or someone close to them what they prefer. I have NEVER been to a wedding where the couple doesn't have a gift table and an attendant to accept gifts.

What's your preference- I'd love to know!

Have a LOVE-ly day!

photo credit: Potterry Barn

Please sign on the dotted line ....or the IMPORTANCE OF VENDOR CONTRACTS

I can not say this enough......make sure you have signed contracts from all of your vendors. Although I am sure all of your vendors have the best intentions, anything could happen that could ruin your day. With a contract, you'll have some sort of recourse. I can not tell you how many times I have referred to a vendor contract when planning weddings and events. Most times, just to review specifics. However, there have been several times where I have had to gently remind the vendor of the promises made to my client.

Before signing your contract, make sure the following are included:

*Day, date and time contract is signed
*Day, date, time and location of wedding ceremony and reception
*Delivery dates, times and locations
*Complete list of services to be provided, including the number of hours, breaks, etc.
*The appropriate attire for the vendor
*The name of the contact person or person in charge of your wedding
*The bride's name and contact number
*The groom's name and contact number
*The mother of the bride's name and contact number
*The name of the wedding consultant and contact information if applicable
*Alternative service or merchandise in case of a problem
*Amount of deposit paid and payment schedule
*Cancellation and refund policy
*Last date to make changes to services or provide final guest count

I would also suggest that you research the company your vendor will use in case of an emergency. Who knows, it could be Cousin Lenny who only uses disposable cameras - who wants that???

Be sure to read the fine print as well. Remember, you don't have to sign the contract right away. Take your time to look it over and then sign.

Make sure you keep all copies of contracts in a safe place and review them often.

If at all possible, pay by credit card. There are special federal consumer protection laws that protect all payments made with a credit card. If you can prove that the service that you contracted for were not provided, you can usually get your credit card credited for the amount of the deposit.

Have a LOVE-ly day!

photo credit: ARTFOOL

We have our winner for The Special Guest contest!

Congrats to Practically Perfect! Please e-mail your address to erika@e-ventswedding.com and I will mail out your prizes!
Thanks to everyone who participated.

Special Guests Contest

I want to personally thank all of my special guests for following my blog and for always leaving such awesome feedback. I really do appreciate each and every one of you. Since you all are so great, I have decided to conduct a special drawing for my Special Guest.

The winner will receive a few of my FRIDAY FAVES:

• $10 Starbucks Gift card


• Black Blumebox

How to enter: Just leave a comment on this post - it can be anything you like that is wedding related.

Who can enter: My Special Guests Only - but don't worry, you can become a Special Guests just by clicking on the link to the right.You MUST be a Special Guest to qualify.

The winner will be selected by Random.org and will be announced on Dec. 13th!

Good luck and thanks again for the follow.

FRIDAY FAVE

I have a brand new fascination- vintage brooches. Thanks to one of my brides who is all about vintage and class. I remember my mother and grandmother having jewelery boxes FULL of and wearing them. When I was little, I used to LOVE to play with them while "hosting" my cocktail parties (complete with bread hors deourves and kool-aid martinis).

These beautiful gems looks gorgeous as an addition to your headpiece , on your bouquet, even used on a bracelet. Before venturing on line or to the stores, why not check with older relatives and see what they have. I think you'd be surprised to find some real treasures within your own family.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of these brooches. Did you wear a brooch for your wedding? Will you? If so, we'd love to hear your story!

Photos: Fashion Jewelery for Everyone, Earthly Adornments

e-vents CONTEST

With the start of one of the biggest engagement times of the year, e-vents: a wedding and event planning company is having an Engagement Story Contest!Did he get down on one knee?, were you surprised?, we want ALL of the details! The more details the better.Who is eligible?Anyone with an engagement story from 10/31/2008 - 1/31/09

What do I need to do to enter?

1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to erika@e-ventswedding.com (engagement ring pictures are an added touch)

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to erika@e-ventswedding.comPlease note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?*$750 0ff on e-vents: a wedding and event planning company planning services (Platinum package only)

*Dinner for two @ Harry & Izzy's - Indianapolis Downtown (value - $100)

*Romantic gift basket full of chocolates, candles and other goodies!

What are the rules?

*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/31/08 to 1/31/09*Deadline ends midnight 1/31/09 - no exceptions

*Winner will be announced on Valentine's Day 2009.
Who are the judges?

*e-vents: a wedding and event planning company owner, Erika Gregory

*Indy area makeup artist, NaShara Mitchell of Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush

*Managing Partner from Harry & Izzy's, Jeff Smith

*VOTES cast on our blog, http://events-egrego160.blogspot.com/ by readers.

Prizes to be delivered no later than February 28, 2009.So, enter your story or share with friends who may be getting engaged!Be sure to pass along and don't forget to visit us on the web - http://www.e-ventswedding.com/

Photo credit: megan w photography

Entertaining with a Flair........

Looking for something different as a gift for your friend, the bride? Why not purchase a gift certificate. Not just an ordinary Gift certificate, but one she will be thrilled to receive. Pam Monahan of Entertaining with a Flair has the perfect present. She is offering gift certificates customized for your bride. I love this idea. Even more so after meeting with Pam for an event and seeing how passionate she is about her company and products. She has the most beautiful linens I have ever seen. Check out her the info she has supplied on her gift certificates:

Gift Certificates for the Bride

In order to help her plan without a lot of restrictions, why not help her by giving her a gift certificate that she can use in planning her big day.

You can select any denomination and she can use it toward a variety of items such as chair cover rentals, linens, tabletop rentals, favors, custom packages or any decorating services.
Gift Certificates for the Bride In order to help her plan without a lot of restrictions, why not help her by giving her a gift certificate that she can use in planning her big day. You can select any denomination and she can use it toward a variety of items such as chair cover rentals, linens, tabletop rentals, favors, custom packages or any decorating services.
Since we are a boutique party rental company, we can customize a gift certificate just for you. We are located in Indianapolis, and are an accredited member of the Indiana Better Business Bureau.

Please contact us today.

Pam Monahan
Entertaining with a Flair
Indianapolis, Indiana
pmonahan@entertainingwithaflair.com
317.576.9547

Be sure to take a look at her website for brilliant ideas!

Starbucks goes (RED) for World AIDS DAY

I know many of you have cut back on your usual amount of Starbucks coffee ( partly because of the current economic state). I have cut back to once or twice a week. If you are like me, then why not make your once a week visit next week on December 1st?

Why?Starbucks in support of World AIDS Day. They're giving 5¢ to the Global Fund for every hand-crafted Starbucks beverage sold on December 1, 2008.*Invite your friends! They're counting on every customer to help make a difference. Together, we can do a world of good.Learn more about Starbucks' partnership with (RED)™ to help save lives in Africa.

* Excludes ready-to-drink beverages and Ethos® Water

Who knows, maybe I'll see you there!

Shopping for your wedding gown

I am sure many of my readers watch SAY YES TO THE DRESS. If you haven't seen it, the show featured famed bridal salon , Kleinfeld's in NYC. It is a reality show , but no one gets kicked off - much to my sisters dismay. I enjoy the show and my husband even gets a kick out of it.

While watching the show recently, I thought I should write about a list of do's and don'ts for gown shopping. I've also added some beautiful gowns from Kleinfeld Bridal bridal salon.

So, here goes:

• Allow your self at least 6-8 months to order your gown.
• Visit the bridal salon during the week when it is much less busy. The weekend crowd is just too much and you may not get the attention you deserve. Be sure to schedule and appointment!
• Don't take a large group of people. You'll likely be overwhelmed by all of the opinions. Chances are you already know what you want in a gown and may feel that you have to please everyone - even at your own expense. I would suggest taking your mother, best friend, or wedding planner. Just try to keep the count to two people if at all possible. You can always take others later after you have made your selection.
• Although you may have an idea of what you want, allow the bridal gown consultant to show you other gowns. They have seen lots of gowns and body types and can find one you may have never considered. Who knows, it may even be the one you choose.
• Take along appropriate undergarments. This is also a great time to have a bra fitting. Remember, you should be fitted at least twice a year.
• Take along dresses shoes. You probably won't know what shoes you'll wear yet, but you should take some along to get the feel of what your dress will look like with heels.
• Take a camera. However, keep in mind that most salons won't allow you to photograph until you actually put a deposit on the gown. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks giving or giving thanks....

As Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching, I thought it only fitting that we give a little thanks!

Info from Wilstar:

Most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the Indians that took place in the autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three-day feast in celebration of a good harvest, and the local Indians did participate, this "first Thanksgiving" was not a holiday, simply a gathering. There is little evidence that this feast of thanks led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since.

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, but Thanksgiving is my second fave. I love that no one expects anything, but many offer everything. My heart is warmed every time I hear a story of how a family has been helped throughout the season. Most of these same people extend their kindness throughout the year. It can be as small as giving someone a few cans of food each week to as large as you want it to be...... I have been extremely blessed to have a loving family and dear friends to share this holiday and all holidays with.

So, what are YOU Thankful for? I'll start the list- please add yours - I'd love to hear and so would my Special Guests!

I am thankful for:

• My husband & family - who have stood behind me ALWAYS and I love you ALL!


• My old friends - you mean more to me than you will ever know


• My jobs- I love that I am able to do what I love (event planning) and love that my other job helps me do it for now!


• My new friends - you all are the best!


• My doggies, Maxi and Coco - Could there be any better BEST FRIENDS!!


• My clients - I wouldn't be were I am without you. Thanks for helping me grow my business.


• For extra - I am extremely thankful that we are in a position to help others, it's not a lot, but every little bit matters.

I could go on and on. But now it's your turn...in only takes a sec!

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

FRIDAY FAVE

I stumbled across Special Occasions East, LLC while searching for unique ring pillows. Lilyelle creates some of the most beautiful items I have seen in a long time. I especially fell in love with her favor boxes. How cute are they? You can also custom order items from her. Be sure to check them out here and tell them e-vents sent you!

From their Etsy website:

"Special Occasions East, LLC has been providing event favors & accessories to brides for several years. We have two studios in Michigan. We also attend several bridal shows a year, at which we have always had a great response. I am the designer for Special Occasions Favors & Accessories. I worked two years as a wedding consultant/planner. A job which I loved very much! I then moved on to wedding design and set-up, which I currently still take part in on the weekends. I have always had an eye for design and love to create things. During the week my time is split between Etsy and my sweet baby girl. I work at home crafting event favors and accessories so I can spend more time with her. I am very blessed and thank you all for your support!"

Vendor Spotlight - Le'Penn Designs

I love the friends I have met since I started my e-vents. Many of whom I met while reading their blogs (and vice verse) and Twitter.Everyone is so willing to help each other out and it has truly warmed my heart.

One of my new special friends is Le'Trice of Le'Penn Designs. She designs the most beautiful stationary and invitations I have seen. e-vents will be using her designs for our upcoming Afternoon Tea. Rest assured you will see the pictures here. Le'Trice has kindly agreed to share more about her company with my readers. Everyone, please give Le'Trice a warm e-vents welcome!

"Le'Penn Designs is a custom invitation and stationery design studio that creates beautiful and unique products designed to give your guests the "WOW" factor before they even attend your event. Our superior customer service, attention to detail, unique style, and custom designs are exactly what you can expect when working with us. We work closely with our clients to create custom designed save-the-date cards, invitations, programs, place cards, seating charts, menu cards, table signs, thank you cards, monograms, favors and all things paper!
- Le'Penn Designs officially started at the very end of 2006 when my husband, Charles, and I were discussing starting a new business venture and I thought invitations and stationery would be a perfect fit because I have always had a natural talent for design. I had created the flyers and website for my sorority {DST} in college and was always called upon by family and friends to create some type of invitation for them. Our first order officially came in January 2007 and the rest is history! I am amazed at how much the business is growing and I'm anxious to see where we end up 5 years from now. Our business is my absolute passion and it is something that I put all of my energy and creativity into. There is nothing else I'd rather be doing than designing fabulous paper for so many wonderful clients!
-Our biggest design inspiration comes from our clients personality and theme. We build a connection with them in order to know what direction to take in designing their invitation suite. We go over colors, materials, embellishments and styles until we find the perfect fit for them. No two invitations we design are exactly the same so I'm always anxious to get the creative juices flowing for a new design. It's always exciting once we start working on the proofs and all of the ideas discussed at the consultation start to come together."

Make sure you stop by and visit Le'Trice at her blog Le'Penn Designs to see more of her awesome designs.

Le'trice - thanks again for stopping by for a visit. You are welcome back anytime!

It's a Tea PARTY....

Most of you know about the annual tea party that I plan each January after the holidays. The event was planned to give a few lady friends a much needed stress reliever from the holidays. We could sip tea and just enjoy each others company. Oh and did I mention the teacup exchange?

Great minds think alike, my friend NaShara of Chicole::Intermixed is planning Glitz and Glam: A Holiday Tea Party. Her tea party is a way for women to take a break from all of the holiday stress BEFORE it all starts. The The event will offer tips on hair, makeup, fashion, financial and mental all while empowering Dress for Success. The menu itself has my mouth watering. Head on over to her blog for more information. There will be wonderful swag bags for all attendees, but hurry as seating is limited and you WILL NOT want to miss this event!

On a side note, NaShara is one excellent Makeup Artist. I had the honor of having her donate her services to The Bridal Photo Shoot a few weeks ago. As you can tell from the pictures, she does an awesome job! Be sure to check out Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush for more information. She's started a new series - Bridal Beauty A-Z. I can not wait to read all of her beauty tips.

Have a LOVE-ly Day!

We've made a few changes here at e-vents: a wedding and event planning company! We now have a new and what we hope is an easier email address for you to use. Please be sure to bookmark our new web address and to change our email address. Our blog information remains the same.

Introducing:

http://www.e-ventswedding.com

and erika@e-ventswedding.com

Have a LOVE-ly day!

Lead the Way and Be a Follower

I don't really like the title "Follower" for the new feature that Blogger added. So, why not be one of my SPECIAL GUESTS?
I'd love to know who you are and feature you in a special spot on my blog.
Just click the SPECIAL GUEST link to the right to be added and guess what? I'll be your guest as well!

Happy Tuesday!

Indy Photo Booth

I am not a big wedding favor person. At least not the useless ones. Trust me, I have taken my fair share of wedding favors and I do like the ones that can be either eaten right away or donations to a charity. I also really enjoy interactive ones. Mind you , I know it's not my wedding , but I would bet most folks feel this way. Anyway .................

When I first heard about the photo booths being used as favors at weddings, I was beside myself with pure JOY. I adored the photo booths at the mall in my younger days. My best friends and I would make silly faces and just plain have fun in them at the mall.

The Indy Area happens to have one of the finest in the business right here in town - The Indy Photo Booth. I fell in love all over again when I saw them at a local bridal fair. Your guests get to have some fun , take home a GREAT favor and you get to enjoy everyones pictures via CD later.

I am even more thrilled that they will be participating in THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase in March 2009. I can not wait to work with Beth Sexton and her partner, David Johnson on this and many more projects.

Some info from their website:

"Indy Photo Booth Inc, is Indianapolis’ premier photo booth company. It was formed by founders David Johnson and Beth Sexton, after seeing a need for a local photo booth rental company in the Indianapolis area. IPB (Indy Photo Booth) prides itself on its service and its high quality booths. IPB has partnered with a leader in the photo booth industry who has more than 12 years of experience to create the best digital booth in the industry, “The Model 12.” The “Model 12” uses a dye-sub processing, instead of the common laser printing that almost all other digital booths use, so it produces longer lasting and better quality photos. It only takes 10 seconds for the photos to print in the digital booth and you can customize the strips. You also receive a digital CD of all the pictures taken during your event."

Photos courtesy: Indy Photo Booth and website

High Tea 2009

It's just about that time and the planning is underway. Indy area ladies will be enjoy a wonderful afternoon of traditional High Tea at the beautiful and historic Canterbury Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. I don't want to spoil the event surprises for the ladies, but I will share the menu. The event takes place the first Saturday in January. We've been enjoying this event for the past 8 years and it just gets better each year. I think the ladies enjoy the tea cup exchange as much as the tasty food and tea!

Our Menu:

English and Asian Origin Tea Selections

Variety of English Finger Sandwiches:

Tomato and Watercress
Seedless Cucumber and Walnut
Imported Smoked Salmon
Salami with Mustard and Sprouts

An Assortment of Bite-Size English Pastries and Petit Fours

Canterbury Signature Scones served with Preserves, Marmalades, & Fresh Whipped Cream


I found this interesting tidbit of information from What's Cooking:
According to legend, one of Queen Victoria's (1819-1901) ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope (1783-1857), known as the Duchess of Bedford, is credited as the creator of afternoon teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

We have called this event High Tea for so long , but actually what we are enjoying is Afternoon Tea. Whatever you call it, I call it a good time with friends - old and new alike!

More from What's Cooking: High Tea is often a misnomer. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or "meat tea" is dinner. High tea, in Britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. American hotels and tea rooms, on the other hand, continue to misunderstand and offer tidbits of fancy pastries and cakes on delicate china when they offer a "high tea."
Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken in the late afternoon) is also called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room.

Ladies : Look for your invitation in the mail in the next few weeks!