Let them Eat Cake..........................

One of the best things about planning your wedding is the cake tasting. The thought of tasting tons of sugary, moist, sweetness is a dream come true for most brides and grooms. Do your research and find quality bakers in your area. Check around with other brides, visit bridal shows and check out bakers websites. Many bakers offer special days for brides only - where their shops are closed except for bridal appointments.  Make sure to grab your future groom (trust me - you won't have any problem getting him there) and let the tasting begin.

Many bridal couples have questions about the frosting types. Here's a little help for you.......

Ganache:

A rich creamy chocolate filling made of chocolate and cream, used for confections such as the filling of truffles

Fondant:

An icing made out of gelatin, confectioners sugar and water. A very smooth and maleable icing that dries hard. This icing is also called rolled fondant because it has to be rolled on to cakes.

Buttercream:

The most popular wedding cake icing is made of butter, confectionery sugar and milk.

Ganache Photo Credit: Dessert Deli Bakery
Buttercream Photo Credit:

Weddings by Tara Guerard

Looking for some wonderful wedding inspiration? Then, look no further than Weddings by Tara Guerard.
Many of you may have already experienced Southern Weddings: A New Look at the Old South by Tara Guerard. Her new book will not disappoint you.
From the inside flap:
With impeccable style and taste, premier event designer Tara Guerard takes us on a guided tour through twelve dream weddings. From a formal Southern soiree to an ocean island affair, Tara shares the tools and tricks of the trade she's learned from over a decade of working in the industry. Every chapter imparts fresh information using specific weddings as examples and inspiration.
Tara Guerard is a consummate entertainer and shows readers how they can plan their wedding, with topics ranging from choosing a venue to choosing colors; deciding on hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, or a formal sitdown meal; and decorating the altar, the table, or even the bride's shoes! By carefully selecting themes and masterfully integrating details, you will learn how to make one of life's most important celebrations infinitely memorable.

Beautifully designed pages and vibrant photography bring each wedding abundantly to life in this book that will bring hours of inspiration and pleasure.

Tara Guerard Recognized as the Southeast's premier event designer, Tara Guerard has earned a national reputation for her exceptional ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life's most anticipated occasions.


Clients across the United States- from celebrity hosts to hometown brides-seek out Tara for her signature graciousness infused with a decidedly modern flair. Since opening the doors of Soiree by Tara Guerard in Charleston, South Carolina, over a decade ago, Tara has been noted as a leading arbiter of entertaining and style. In 2005, she was selected as a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride Magazine. Soiree's work has also been featured by a wide range of media, including Elegant Bride, Food & Wine, Southern Accents, Southern Living, InStyle Weddings, Town & Country Weddings, and Martha Stewart Weddings. One of her events was featured on the Style Network.


In addition to her client work, Tara is a sought-after speaker for national forums on floral and event design. She has appeared before exclusive audiences at venues including the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville Lifestyles magazine's "Bridal Ball," and the Walters Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Tara lives in Charleston with her husband, Russell, and their young sons, Aiken and Myers. For additional information and to view a selection of Tara's events, please visit www.soireebytaraguerard.com.


Liz Banfield An accomplished editorial photographer, Liz Banfield's images can be seen in Martha Stewart Weddings, Elegant Bride, InStyle Weddings, Town & Country Weddings, Real Simple Family, Southern Accents, and Country Living. She travels the globe shooting fabulous weddings for stylish clients, and lifestyle images for clients like Target, where her photographs are displayed in stores worldwide. At home she enjoys documenting the lives of her two young children, Grier and Charlotte.

Be sure to get your copy today......As always, e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique brides may borrow the book from our wedding library!

Crate and Barrel Wedding Party in Indianapolis

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

When:  Every Sunday in February  (February 7th is booked)

Time: 9am  - 11am

What:  A private party for Brides featuring coffee, breakfast items, mimosas, presentations, demos, tour of the store and a SPECIAL GIFT just for YOU!!!!

R.S.V.P to 317.818.9900  - Tell them Erika from e-vents sent you!

The Solemates High Heelers

I am reposting this because today, I lost a heel cap. Why? because I wasn't wearing my trusty Solemates guards.........

I found these fantastic items while reading An Atlanta Brides blog. I only wish I had known about these when my office was downtown and I had to maneuver around grates and the sidewalks literally CHEWED up my heels. Mind you, I am sure Tony from CENTO Shoes didn't mind. Anyway, getting back to the subject of this post....SOLEMATES High Heelers. These cute little things protect your heels from city grates, cracks and sidewalks. They also are great for outdoor weddings where you may be walking in the grass. They come in clear,white and black. From the website: "By increasing the surface area on the base of the heel, it reduces the pressure on this area and prevents the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks! " Becca Brown and Monica Murphy are the brains behind this patented gem of an idea.

HIGH TEA 2010

My first event  that I planned  and made me realize I wanted to start my own company was a tea party. We actually called it a HIGH TEA (and still do) even though what we are enjoying is AFTERNOON TEA. 
HIGH TEA defined ..............
This British tradition is a late-afternoon or early evening meal, usually quite substantial. It originated in the 19th century as a simple, early workingman's supper. High tea can be served buffet-style or set on a table. It includes a variety of dishes such as cornish pasties, welsh rabbit, scotch woodcock and various other meat and fish dishes. Also included are plenty of buns, crumpets, biscuits and jams, as well as an elaborate array of cakes and pastries and, of course, steaming pots of hot tea. (from Answers.com)

AFTERNOON TEA defined...........
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. (from WhatsCookingAmerica.net)

This is the 10th year anniversary for our annual High Tea here in Indianapolis at the historic Canterbury Hotel. Jame Thompson, catering manager for the Canterbury Hotel has assured us this one will be the BEST ever.

My friend and fellow wedding planner, Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites is hosting a Mothers Tea Party in sunny Florida. I think this is a brilliant idea! How fun to host a vintage tea party for your bridesmaids luncheon? The vintage photo is  from another fellow planner, Aletha Vandermaas of Pearls Events, blog.  She's featuring the Tea Party as a Bridal Shower option. Don't you love it????

I also love this idea as a way to celebrate Mothers Day. Grab your best hat and gloves and a few girlfriends and enjoy a spot of tea - English style!

Photos: Kelly McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites
and Aletha Vandermaas, Pearls Events

The Perfect Gift for Your Perfect Guy....................

You've been racking your brain, checking out the web and asking everyone what to get your new husband for a wedding day gift. Why not give him some boudoir photos? This hot trend has really taken off lately and as you can see they are sizzlin' HOT..... Think this may be a little too risque for your taste? Don't worry - you have complete control over how much or how little skin you show. It is super important to find a photographer that you feel comfortable with. This may be your wedding photographer or another one you choose. I love the shots done in hotel rooms. Find a hotel that suits your style and see if you can rent the room for a few hours(make sure you explain what you are doing). Most photographers who have done a lot of boudoir photo sessions will have a list of hotels. So, go find something sexy to wear and let the shooting begin. Trust me - you and your new husband WON'T regret it.

This just in.........

Photo Credit: 1. Erin Hession Photography

                              2. Amanda Wilcher Photographers

How to give a toast.....................................

I found this great piece from www.guyville.com . Enjoy!!!!

I found this great piece from Guyville.com - Enjoy!
At some point during your life you'll have to make a toast. A toast is defined as "something in honor in which persons usually drink." It's also defined as "sliced bread browned on both sides by heat." But let's stick with the first one. (ed. Note: we do not cover 'how to make toast' here)
There are two stages to making a toast.
Making the Toast
First, know the specifics of the event. Is it formal? It is a picnic? Does the toast concern one person or a couple? If you are wearing a bow tie and cumber bun (that big ribbon around your stomach), then you'll want to make the toast more eloquent, as you will no doubt be surrounded by people you may be hitting up for money or interviewing with in the future. If you're outside in casual wear, the toast can be casual. By casual, we don't mean attempting to wing it on the spot. Prepare ahead of time.
Don't sweat creating the toast from scratch. Use part of a famous speech, a poem, a quote or even a portion of a love letter in your toast. Use substantial and meaningful words, and eliminate feeble words like "kinda," "nice" and "awesome." Feel free to use humor in your speech, but if you don't feel particularly funny, don't go for the laugh. It is your job to highlight the honored guest, not to work the room like a lounge act. Stories about the guest of honor make great toast material, but don't tell a tale where you have to be an insider to understand. Remember, entertaining yourself should be your least priority. Another note: embarrassing stories make for great laughs and do make their way into toasts, but there is a thin line between gosh-gollie embarrassment and the story about the stun gun and the pony.
Most importantly, this toast is about the honoree, not about you. Avoid stories where you end up talking about yourself. Keep the "I" rule in mind- keep the amount of I's in your toast to a minimum.
Executing the Toast
Practice giving the toast. Say it a few times until you can give it fluidly. If you are using a notecard, be sure you know if well enough so you can keep going if you lose your place.
Keep it brief. Technically, you are entitled to go on as long as you like, however, the longer you talk, the more chance you have of losing your audience's attention (especially when the open bar is nearby). Some of the most poignant toasts are a single line or two.
Direct your toast toward the guest (or guests) of honor. Speak loudly and slowly so even those in the cheap seats can hear you.

Photo Credit: J. Scott Photography

Calling all brides..............................................

GET MARRIED SEEKS REAL BRIDES FOR ITS NATIONAL WEDDING PROGRAM

Casting call for brides-to-be to appear on Get Married’s show on WE tv

      Get Married’s national wedding program is looking for passionate brides to appear on its television show. Throughout the half-hour program which airs every Saturday at 9:30am ET/PT on WE tv, host Stacie Francombe—Get Married’s CEO and founder—helps brides identify and match their personality with their unique bridal style. Brides are guided through an array of bridal experiences and participate in inspiring challenges with wedding professionals and experts.

Interested brides-to-be are encouraged to apply by visiting www.getmarried.com/omg where additional details are posted. Brides across the country could be saying “OMG! I’m going to be on TV!”

“Get Married’s show is all about the bride. By incorporating real brides in every episode we make a connection with our audience, showing them that every wedding element is attainable regardless of your style,” said Stacie Francombe, CEO and founder of Get Married Media. “Get Married’s show helps brides create the ultimate wedding that reflects their unique and personal style.”

Get Married’s television show on WE tv, a women-centric network dedicated to the wedding genre, is among an audience of brides seeking bright, innovative ideas and inspirations. Available in nearly 74 million homes, WE tv is the premier source for women looking to satisfy their curiosity with fascinating, original stories and entertaining content. The series will also simulcast to an additional three million on Wedding Central, a 24/7 multiplatform, interactive programming service devoted to weddings, dating and romance.

About Get Married Media

Get Married Media, a national, integrated tri-media wedding planning resource that reaches passionate brides on TV (WE tv Saturdays at 9:30am et/pt), online here and in print (Get Married magazine). Get Married connects brides with local and national wedding vendors and industry experts through entertainment and news.

Get Married magazine (circ. 300,000) - the new shopping and trend guide for the savvy bride - moves beyond the traditional ways of delivering a bridal publication - from the newest interactive technology and latest trends in bridal shopping and style to a colorful, fresh voice in the wedding genre. The first issue is FREE in single copy here.

Closely integrated with the TV show and Get Married magazine, the online portal at http://wedding.getmarried.com/ offers brides an interactive experience, including a wedding shop that sells wedding invitations, wedding favors, accessories and products as seen in the magazine, as well as a wedding blog (bloggerbrides.com), video segments from the show, articles, image galleries and wedding planning tools.

Wedding Weekend in Indy

Brides/Grooms be sure to check out the following Bridal Shows happening this weekend in Indianapolis:

January 9 (Saturday) 11:00am-4:00pm - Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show, Scottish Rite Cathedral - Indianapolis

January 10 (Sunday) 11:00am-4:00pm - Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show, Scottish Rite Cathedral - Indianapolis

and mark your calendar for these upcoming events in January:

January 17 (Sunday) 2:00pm-5:00pm - Winter Bridal Show "Love is in the Air", Montgomery Aviation - Zionsville

January 31 (Sunday) 12:00pm-5:00pm - Here Come the Brides Bridal Show, Crown Plaza at Historic Union Station - Indianapolis

Photo: Brooke and Pedro Photography

Martha Stewart Weddings 15th Year Anniversary

A big congratulations and an even bigger THANKS to Martha Stewart Weddings on their 15th year anniversary! Thanks because I have learned so many wonderful things and have been able to share them with my brides and grooms.  If you haven't already, you MUST go purchase the Anniversary issue of the magazine immediately! It is chock full of wonderful ideas as well as flashbacks of the past 15 years. I think you'll really enjoy the "Our Best Ever GOOD THINGS" feature.  Enjoy browsing thru Aww-Inspiring real weddings. MS Weddings always has the best goodies and you can always download the fabulous clip-art from their website for your own wedding. Some of my favorite downloads have been the daily agenda sheets for destination weddings. These fab sheets are delivered to each guests room (think - cruise sheets) each morning which detail what is happening each day as well as fun things guests can do. 
Little known fact - my very first experience with Martha Stewarts wedding was when I made my sisters small wedding cake from Martha's wedding cake recipe. Trust me when I say I am NO BAKER - love to cook - but BAKE. This cake was both delicious and beautiful. 
What is your favorite Martha thing? I'd love to read about it.
 In the meantime, I'm off to enjoy a wonderful weekend in front of the fireplace with a latte and my MS magazine................

Bridal Shows 2010

'Tis the season for bridal shows. The first one of the 2010 in Indianapolis is January 3,  at The Ritz Charles - (more details below). The Ritz Charles always has an amazing show and I am sure this one will be no exception.  Everyone is full of renewal and grand thoughts for the new year. As a bride (9 years ago), I was able to go to several shows in my area. I liked both the smaller ones and the larger ones. The small one where there may just be a few vendors has a more intimate feel. I would strongly urge you to try to attend one of the smaller ones first. You may just find your vendors there. You will definitely have more 1:1 time with your vendors. The larger ones are a little more tricky. I remember being completely overwhelmed when I attended the first one as a bride. I always prepare my brides for their first bridal show. The trick is to go prepared and to understand that there will be ALOT of people at the larger ones. Lots of vendors AND lots of other brides, MOB, Bridesmaids,etc. Below are some pointers to keep in mind when you go. They are in no particular order:

*Pre-register. Chances are you're going to have to pay a few dollars to go in. Most times, you can pre-register online and save some money, so do this if it's an option. It will also save you some time at the door. That means more time on the floor to research vendors.

*Check with your wedding planner for free tickets. Most times, the bride and groom receive free tickets.
* Grab a bag or two. If you're handed a bag when you enter, take it! You're going to be collecting lots and lots of paper with vendors information on it and it's nice just to be able to slip into the bag. My brides LOVE the bags they receive at the vacation booths. Your second bag can be used to discard some of the items thrust upon you that you don't want and have a hard time telling the vendor "no, thanks". Just remember to recycle.
* Take a pen. This way as you collect those pieces of paper you can make a star on the ones you like, so if there are a lot of vendors you can remember who's who when you get home.
* Ask questions. That's what bridal shows are all about -- getting to talk to the vendors. Find out exactly what they mean by on their handouts. Ask details about the packages they offer or how flexible they are about customization for your wedding. Also, make sure they have your date available. If there is a vendor you are really interested in hiring, make sure you grab a business card, info and make an introduction. It is very likely that they will remember something about you. You'll have more time later to chat if you can schedule something with them a few days after the show.

* Avoid entering your name into every drawing. Most times, you will only receive a lot of solicitation phone calls from vendors you really are not interested in anyway. Only enter if you are really interested and won't screen their calls.

* Limit the people you take with you. You will have a ton of vendors to review and this is truly for you and your groom. I would suggest taking: the groom, planner, mother or anyone who is close to you and you feel will be helpful. Just make sure to keep your number to two extras per show.

*Allot enough time. For a larger show, this means at least 3 - 4 hours. You don't want to feel rushed. Why not make a day of it and have brunch or dinner afterwards?
*Go later in the day.  The busiest time is at the very beginning of the show. Rest assured the vendors will still have plenty of items on hand to pass out to you.
*Take your camera or camera phone.  For photographing some of the displays.
* Have a plan. Most times, the same vendors will be at each show. If you believe you will be overwhelmed by the size of the show, then just visit a few vendor categories to visit.
*Wear comfortable shoes! Whether comfort to you is sneakers or stilettos, just be sure to wear what is comfortable for you. ( My husband thinks I am crazy because heels are MUCH more comfortable for me) You will be walking A LOT and most times the flooring is NOT carpeted.

What tips have you found helpful? I'd love to hear them!

January 2010 Shows:

January 3, 2010 Indianapolis Monthly Bridal Show

Ritz Charles

Carmel, Indiana

Admission: FREE

11-3PM

More info here

January 9th & 10th 2010 Perfect Wedding Guide

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Indianapolis, Indiana

Admission: Free for Brides and Grooms (must register)

11-4PM

Register here

January 17, 2010 Ace Party Rental, LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Indianapolis Executive Airport

Indianapolis, Indiana

2-5PM

More info here

Photo credit: Lemongrass Photography

e-vents Engagement Contest 2009

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? Did he take you on a special trip, Did you propose to him? Did he involve family and friends?  We want ALL of the details! The more details the better.

Who is eligible?

Anyone with an engagement story from 10/01/2009 - 1/05/10


What do I need to do to enter?

1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to egrego160@gmail.com

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to egrego160@gmail.com  

3.) Engagement story must be at least 250 words.

4.) Wedding must take place in 2010 or 2011 and be in the Indianapolis area - including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Avon, Brownsburg.


Please note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?

Month of  wedding coordination package  from events: a wedding and event planning boutique (based on availible dates in 2010).  $1200 value

Complimentary admission to ALL  e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique  Bridal Boutique wedding workshops.

 

What are the rules?

*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/01/09 to 1/05/10

*Deadline ends midnight 1/05/109 - no exceptions

*Winner will be announced on this blog on  1/14/10.

Who are the judges?

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

* The Grooms Guide owner, Shaune Shelby.
*VOTES cast on our blog,  by readers. Be sure to send your friends and family here to vote!

Good luck to each of you!

Photo credits:  The Amazing Brooke and Pedro Photography

BTW - If you haven't seen Brooke and Pedros website, you MUST click the link above for some true eye candy.

Wedding Weekend Buzz in Indy

The next few months will be FULL of wedding related events (bridal shows, open houses,etc.) in Indianapolis. I want to be sure our Indy brides and readers are kept abreast of all of the happenings in and around Indy. Be sure to send us any special wedding related event you may know of at erika@e-ventswedding.com  and we will post each Thursday night!

Bridal Happenings for 12/11/09 thru 12/13/09:

L'EVENTO Event Resource Boutique

21 S Range Line Road, Suite 100

Carmel, Indiana 46032

317-564-4856

info@leventoboutique.com

Be sure to stop by and see Heather Lapham Kuhn at her beautiful new boutique. Tell her we sent you.....

Classy Engagement Photoshoot

 

Many of you know my love of great wedding photographer's websites and blogs. I could spend most of the day viewing the sites. Lucky thing that I get to do this when researching photographers for brides or for info for this blog. I really enjoy the fun and flirty engagement shots most couples do. However, when I came across these photos from Megan W. Photography, I was IN LOVE (again) with the dressed up  engagement photos of Matt & Erica. Erica is a girl after my own heart with her Tiffany bracelet, stilettos and pencil skirt.
One of my all - time favorite Indiana photographers is Megan Wynn-Grandi.  Her photography seems to really give you the feel of love for each couples she photographs. You can also tell she really connects with her couples. I can not stress to brides how important it is to connect to your photographer. You will be spending A LOT of time with your photographer and you need someone who will make you and your fiance feel comfortable.

Photos Courtesy: Megan W. Photography