Friday Photography Showcase

Every Friday, we will feature a very special Indiana wedding  photographer on our blog. While most hail from the Indianapolis area, there are MANY wonderful ones across our beautiful state. Most of whom will travel to take the best pictures of your wedding. From traditional photographers to candid photography, I am sure you will find one to suite your style.

For our very first feature, I am proud to introduce DeFabis Photography. I am so happy to be a sponsor for the DeFabis Photography's Most Engaging Couple of 2010 contest which begins on March 2, 2010. This is such a fun contest and the prizes are AMAZING. Be sure to head here for more details on how you can be a part of this contest!

DeFabis Photography host monthly Open House events so bridal couples can view his work and have a chance to talk with Joe about their specific wedding. Each Open House is on the first weekend of the month. The next one is on March 6, 2010 from 10am - 2pm. You can register here.

More about DeFabis Photography from their website:
If Indianapolis wedding photography is one of the most important considerations for your special day, DeFabis Photography’s Indianapolis wedding photography should be your first choice.



With a true dedication to providing clients with the utmost in beautiful imagery, Joe DeFabis and his associates create the most innovative wedding stories using The Wedding Book.



They masterfully blend today's most popular photographic styles to suit your needs. From exciting black and white photojournalistic images to romantic views that burst with color, your album will be just what you've always dreamed of. The quality is unmistakable.


Indianapolis wedding photographer, Joe DeFabis doesn’t just take the photographs, he tells your wedding story and The Wedding Book becomes an exquisite heirloom and a symbol of lasting beauty. Experience the innovation of DeFabis Photography’s wedding photography in capturing those subtle moments of your day for memories of a lifetime. For the best in elegant bridal photography, choose DeFabis Photography and you won't be disappointed.

Inspiration Tuesday

Never Have I Fallen

Your lips speak soft sweetness

Your touch a cool caress

I am lost in your magic

My heart beats within your chest

I think of you each morning

And dream of you each night

I think of your arms being around me

And cannot express my delight

Never have I fallen

But I am quickly on my way

You hold a heart in your hands

That has never before been given away

- Rex A. Williams -

 

Photo: Heidi & Brad Ferrar

Big Huge Labs

You've taken tons and tons of photos with your dear heart - both amateur and professionally done. You've sent the same old single stle photo to your friends and family. If you are looking to change it up a bit, then you should check out Big Huge Labs. They offer a large selection of layouts for your photos. I often use the mosaic version for my blog. It creates a collage with all of the photos I'd like to share in one simple display. I've just recently discovered the "Photo Booth" option. What a fun way to share the photos from your bridal shower, bachelorlette party or other special pre-wedding events. Your bridesmaids and friends will love receiving a single strip of the fun times.


Photo credit: Joy Marie Photography

Inspiration Tuesday

What Is It That I Love?

If asked why I love her I would say

It’s the sway in her hips,

the thickness in her thighs.

It’s the lust in her lips,

the love in her eyes.

It’s the softness of her skin,

the silk in her hair.

It’s the twist in her walk;

it’s the sweetness in her talk.

It’s the way she loves me

that makes me love her each day.

That is what I would say.

- Justin Hutchins -

 

Photo: The Bride's Cafe 

Linens, Linens everywhere........

Let's talk linens. Visit any rental company website and you will find tons of variaties of linens. From Bengaline to Crush to Imperial to Moire, you will find it all. It can be a little unsettling not knowing what each type is and why you may want to choose one over the other. You'll find a multitude of colors on each website.


 The best advice I can give to you is to visit your local rental company or order a swatch if you are ordering on line. Your idea of gold may not be the same as the linen company ships to you. Better to be safe than sorry. I offer several swatch books for my bridal couples to touch and feel. I still suggest visiting your linen rental company.

Imagine my delight when I was first invited to A Classic Party Rentals monthly open house!  There you can view their linens  and other rentals while enjoying tasty goodies from area caterers and  meet other vendors. If you missed an open house, they have even captured it on video "A Classic TV".  Best? They are offering  an appreciation gift - $10 off every $100 you spend if you register and attend the event.

More from their website:
Registration is now open for our next monthly open house event
Tuesday, March 2nd
5:30pm to 8pm
Enjoy delicious food and drink as you browse our showroom full of party ideas designed by Detail + Design and wonderful tasty treats from Thomas Caterers of Distinction as well as wine tasting from International Wine Market . Also a special thanks to BMG Event Productions for supplying the lighting, DJ Jim Cerone, Wedding Entertainment Director for providing our music, as well as Brand Photodesign and videographer - Roger Muller for agreeing to capture our event.
In addition, just for attending this event we would like to show our appreciation by giving you $10 OFF every $100 you spend with A Classic this holiday season. Just RSVP below and we will reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Be sure to R.S.V.P here for the March event.... I'll see you there!

Photo Credit: Sarah Carter Photography
Florals photos 3 & 4 created by A Bride's Choice Florist

Best Chocolate in Town............

So, are you trying to find that something sweet and special for your valentine? If you waited until the few hours before to get started gift buying or just need an additional goody, then be sure to stop by Indianapolis' very  own - THE BEST CHOCOLATE IN TOWN.  The shop is located at 880 Mass Avenue - downtown Indianapolis. Not in the area? You can also order online here.
I was given my first taste as a birthday gift and have been a HUGE fan ever since.  My favorite: Pecan Turtle squares. Some of their other items include:

*Truffles-40 delicious and interesting flavors
*Caramels-Sea Salt (practically famous), Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate
*Toffee-Buttery Crunchy Toffee in almonds or no nuts at all
*Dipped Pretzels, Grahams, Oreos
*Peanut Butter and Coconut Bon Bons
*Chocolate Covered Popcorn
*Kangabars-Crispies, peanut butter, honey in milk chocolate
*Peanut Butter Crunch-this is habit forming
*Gelato- Provided by Gelato Da Vinci!
*Sugar-Free Chocolates!!!
 
From their website:
The Best Chocolate In Town, Inc. was founded in 1998 by Elizabeth Garber. Elizabeth brought her fine arts background and her love of chocolate together to create this specialty chocolate company. She and her staff promise to bring you premium quality chocolates as well as friendly service. All our chocolates are hand-made and hand-packed at our commercial kitchen and retail space on Mass Ave in Indianapolis. Not only can you find our chocolates online, you can find them in gourmet gift baskets, coffee houses and gourmet food shops. You can also find our truffles on the dessert menu at R Bistro, one of the top restaurants in Downtown Indianapolis. You can find our Dark Chocolate Guinness Truffles at the Chatterbox Jazz Club on Massachusetts Avenue as well.

They are opened today from 11-7pm and Sunday from 11-4.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

What can I say? I LOVE Valentine's Day. It is probably my favorite non-religious holiday. My deep affection for the holiday dates way back to my childhood. I remember making Valentine's Day boxes. These cute little boxes held our Valentine's Day cards from classmates.  With white wrapping paper and decorated with red and pink construction hearts, these boxes held the most wonderful cards in the world. I also remember  receiving Valentine's Day cards and Chocolate Turtles in a heart shaped box from my father every year. I still miss this - after almost 15 years. You may think my husband and I go all out for Valentine's Day. We don't.  Our day is simple, we usually enjoy a wonderful dinner at home just enjoying the day and each other and our pups. I do believe that you should show the ones you love how you feel every day, but isn't it fun just to have this one extra special day of love? How will you enjoy your day?

Great things happening for e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique coming in March. Be on the look out for our brand new website and a super fantastic contest with Indy area wedding vendors!

Inspiration Tuesday

A Special World

A special world for you and me

A special bond one cannot see

It wraps us up in its cocoon

And holds us fiercely in its womb.

Its fingers spread like fine spun gold

Gently nestling us to the fold

Like silken thread it holds us fast

Bonds like this are meant to last.

And though at times a thread may break

A new one forms in its wake

To bind us closer and keep us strong

In a special world, where we belong.

- Sheelagh Lennon -

 

Photo Credit: East Hill Photography

Jeremy VanAndel Photography

I had the pleasure to work with Jeremy VanAndel a few weeks ago at my annual High Tea. Jeremy was a delight to work with. How would I describe his work? A blend of classic and artistic.  I love Jeremy's wit. You absolutely MUST follow him on Twitter and Face Book. Check back soon for photos from the High Tea.


Photo Credit: Jeremy Van Andel Photography

PEARLS

Pearls appear to be showing up all over the place now - AGAIN. Traditional pearls are classic for weddings. Often, these are ones passed down from your mother or grandmother. What a beautiful way to include a bit of your family jewelry into your wedding day accessories. Now, we are seeing more trendy pearls making they way into wedding wear. The big chunky ones add a bit of hip, cool, chicness to your attire.

Here is a bit about different types of pearls from essortment.com:

There are a lot of different styles of pearls. Just because it's not the standard round white pearl, doesn't mean it's not a pearl. You have the round pearls, which range in different colors; baroque pearls, which are round-shaped or pear shaped. You never know what shape it's going to be. You have sea salt pearls and fresh water pearls and those are the one's that look like pearls. They are real funny yellow tint. They are natural pearls, they are just fresh water pearls, so they don't grow as round and they don't look as perfect as sea cultured pearls. Then you have the Tahitian pearls, which are grown only in Tahiti and they are black or silver. Some have a purple hue to them, but those are natural too. There are so many different colors and a variety of pearls out there and just because it's not a standard one, doesn't mean it is not a real one.

 
PHOTO CREDITS:
1 & 3 Carla Ten Eyck Photography
2. Jeremy Van Andel Photography
4. Times to Remember Photography

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HOLLY & WILL

THE COLOR OF LOVE

The Color Of Love: Red is the symbolic color of Valentine’s Day. But, whether you choose to marry on the holiday or not, incorporate this look into your day!

Valentine’s Day might be the most “commercially” romantic day of the year, but my guess is if you plan to wed in 2010 then your date takes the cake. So while you might not say “I Do” on this banner date, what if you want to incorporate hints of the holiday into your big day?

Red is not only the symbolic color of Valentine’s Day but certainly the most romantic color in the bridal palette, representing love in many languages. But the color can be overused and oversaturated at an event, so use it accordingly (and sparingly in some places) and your wedding day look will be engrained in guests’ minds for decades to come.

Before you accent your bouquet with Black Magic roses, consider all the options - you’d be surprised at just how many are out there.

Black Baccara
This rose is as close to black as you can get and as the bloom opens, the color extends from black to a deep blueberry and burgundy. Velvety in texture, this rose stands out – but beware, not for the faint of heart.

Black Beauty
There is really something alluring about near black buds. This hybrid rose is slightly smaller than the ‘Black Baccara’. An all around dark burgundy, sought after for its unique beauty.


Black Magic
Black Magic roses are a deep, deep red (think Ashlee Simpson’s wedding). Place these beauties next to Baccara and Beauty roses, and you can see that they are the lightest of the three, but a valid member of the dark rose family. If you love the idea of a mysterious ambiance but aren’t quite head over heels for something too dark, this is your flower.


Ruby Red
A cluster-like bloom of cheerful cherry red. This rose takes the cake if you want to celebrate with color, but still want that romantic rouge.

Cherry Parfait
Swirls of white petals with a broad cherry-red edge are sweet and delicate. Spring has sprung with these little ones!

Chrysler Imperial
This stunning beauty captivates people with a powerful rich rose fragrance matched with velvety red petals. Large headed full flowers are supported by straight stems and paired with dark matte-green leaves.



Hot Chocolate
These warm chocolate burnt-red and orange blooms grow in clusters and look fabulous in low and lush arrangements. Large and loose, they repeatedly flower throughout the year to compliment a romantic summer night gathering or a winter wedding. Almost good enough to eat – ahh, but most rose varieties are edible!

Lavaglut
Large overflowing clusters of deep velvety red seem to continually 'erupt' from a background of smooth green leaves, creating a look that is sure to wow!


Lover’s Lane
Even though the color is deeply saturated, this bloom is surprisingly bright thanks to its lightly colored reverse side. A striking example of the classic garden rose. Pluck in the earlier stage of blossoming to enjoy as it opens and settles into a stunning end result.

Scentimental
Uncommonly lovely, this is an absolutely unique rose. Its checkered red and white petals are one of a kind. Some are burgundy with white splashes and others cream and red combinations. Very little excess foliage allows for a rightful central focus.

Altissimo
A darling little bud of a flower, long lasting and single-petaled, consists of a cherry red hue with a yellow center. A very summery flower, perfect for the mason jar wedding or outdoor summer celebration.


These are just a select few of the coveted red rose varieties. With hundreds of other variations, including the Amore, Happy Hour, Temptation, Red Corvette, Rodeo, El Toro, Valentine, and Cherry Lady; sweethearts’ wedding options are truly endless.


“That which we call a rose; by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare
 
 

 

Thanks to our friends from GetMarried.com for this post.....

Be sure to visit their website for more fabulous information. Are you watching the Get Married TV Show?
You should - it has tons of helpful hints for planning your wedding. Don't forget the Get Married magazine!  All e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique brides ALWAYS receive the latest copy......

Paloma's Nest

Every bride I know wants to find the perfect gift for the attendants, hostesses, etc. in their wedding.  You want something unique - not the typical gifts. You want something handcrafted. You want something GORGEOUS. Then, I would suggest you head straight over to Paloma's Nest and peruse her lovely assortment of handcrafted ceramic bowls and other items. I fell in LOVE with the bowls when I first saw the ring bearer bowl. What a special and different way to have your ring bearer carry your rings to the alter. Later you can use the bowl as jewelery holder on your dresser. I then started seeing her other lovely creations and thought these would be perfect girlfriend gifts!  Best? You can get them customized! Maybe you and your friends share a special word  or special song- use it on the bowl........  Trust me, they will adore you.

KISS & TELL

One of Indy's finest makeup artist, Crystal Haffner of Beauty by Crystal, is hosting this super fun event to get your lips in tip top kissing shape for Valentine's Day!

When: Friday, February 12th  and Saturday, February 13, 2010

Where: Splash Salon

What: Lip Treatment make-up application

Cost: $35  - but wait, bring a friend who isn't a client already and receive a FREE lipstick!

Appointments ONLY.........

There are only 12 spots - so, make sure you call 317.340.4269 or email crystal@beautybycrystal.net  right away!

A bit about Crystal from her website:

Crystal got her start in make-up artistry while completing her degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California in 2000. Quickly gaining experience on Rodeo Drive with many luxury lines at Barney’s and Nieman Marcus, she took a job with Christian Dior in Chicago as traveling make-up artist for all Marshall Fields accounts. Upon her relocation to Indianapolis, Crystal kept her artistry honed as a freelancer. Her love for make-up then took her to Saks Fifth Avenue where she excelled as a sales consultant and artist for a make-up and skin care line. After her husband and she had their first son, Crystal formed Beauty by Crystal in the summer of 2005 and began doing what she loves as a full-time artist (and full-time mommy) in Indianapolis. With the experience of having worked with every major make-up and skin care line in the world, every skin color and skin type, you’ll find that Beauty by Crystal provides unparalleled skill and responsible pricing for in-home consultations, formal occasions, master classes, high fashion, runway, commercial and bridal make-up artistry needs. Some of Crystal's most recent clients have been the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ESPN, FFA, and NCAA.