More BRIDAL SHOW photos

Many of you have requested to see more pictures from the showcase. We had such a great time with everyone and bonded with many great vendors and brides in the Indy Area.

Did I mention all of the great food brides and attendees were able to sample?

The florals from Enflora were out of this world!

Photos by the fabulous lemongrass photography

Eventology '09

I am thrilled that Eventology '09 is almost here! I pride myself on keeping up-to-date on the most current information in wedding and event planning. As well as learning and sharing from others in the field. E'09 is the brain-child of Indy's own, Katasha Butler of k sherrie + co. Speakers include: Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner and Blue Orchid, Terrica Skaggs of Fabuluxe and Saundra Hadley of Planning....Forever events. These ladies each have so much to teach and share. I can not wait to hear from them all. There will also be some of my favorite wedding planning and wedding industry people in attendance:

Andria Lewis--Andria Lewis Events (TN)

Aletha Vandermaas--Pearl Events (MI)

Eliana Baucicault--By Your Side Events (GA, NY)

Heather Crabtree--Outstanding Occasions (AZ)

Kelly McWilliams--Weddings by Socialites (FL)

Lara Casey--Editor in Chief of Southern Weddings Magazine/Lead Planner of Bliss Event Group (The South)

Monica Gill--White Box Weddings (WI)

Latrice Cushinberry--Bridal Opulence

Tami Brown--Just Celebrate Events (CA)

Le'Trice Penn -- Le'Penn Designs (MI)

and so many more.

Be prepared for my full on recap of the event right here along with pictures.

Wedding vendors: Don't miss out on the Networking Event on Tuesday night - a MUST!!!

Visit here for more details.

From the website:

Are you ready to take your wedding business to the next level?Are you looking for ways to leverage your brand and increase your company's reach?Do you want your business to thrive regardless of the economy?I am proud to present Eventology 2009, an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding professionals. Eventology 2009 will bring you real-life, applicable marketing and business information to use to enhance your wedding planning business.Three highly successful and renowned wedding planners will be discussing their insight and perspective on how to create and cultivate a prosperous wedding business. Chat with Saundra Hadley of planning forever events on How to Close the Deal: Sales Methods for the Wedding Industry. Discuss how to Turn Brides into Fans: Nurturing Your Relationships with Clients with Terrica Skaggs of Fabuluxe, Inc. and iWed: International Network of Wedding Designers. Lastly, learn how to Leverage Your Brand to Reach Today's Bride: Marketing in a Post-Modern World with Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner.You do not want to miss this educational and networking workshop! Learn the science behind running a successful wedding business, as the reality is if you're not running a profitable business, it's just one big expensive hobby.When: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 to Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Let's talk makeup .......

Many of you know about the wonderful makeup artistry of Bridal Beauty by Blush - NaShara Mitchell. Her work is awesome! If you ever have need for a makeup artist for any special event, please be sure to contact Bridal Studio by Blush - you will not be disappointed. I recently used her and I must say I have never felt lovelier. She recently wrote an article for the e-vents newsletter and I thought I'd share it with everyone here:

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! The words every bride should hear on her wedding day. You've paid attention to every planning detail from linen and flower selection to the placement of the seating cards and sweet treats for the guest gift baskets. You've scoured wedding magazines and every boutique online and in town to find the perfect wedding dress, tiara, earrings and shoes; however, have you considered your wedding day makeup and beauty regimen? Your wedding day makeup is an accessory that should add to your overall wedding wardrobe and deserves particular attention. Makeup can do many things, but on your wedding day, makeup should not turn you into someone unrecognizable. Do you really want to look back at pictures and wonder, "What was I thinking?!?!" You should look like you, only better. Just like your hairstyle and bouquet, your makeup should match your personality, style of your wedding dress, as well as your wedding theme, location, and the time of day.

Are you a natural woman and wear little to no makeup on a daily basis or are you a makeup diva, who does not leave the house without a full face and false eyelashes? For those who are lip balm and go queens, playing dress up weeks in advance will help build your comfort level with makeup and the enhancements a little mascara and powder will add to your photos. For the makeup divas, it's a matter of finding the look that works for you. Leaf through magazines, visit cosmetic counters, or meet with your makeup artist to find, try out, and select an appropriate look. Be sure to take snapshots of each of your looks so you not only see how the look will appear in photographs, but you can also capture the memories and fun you had along the way. Whether you ultimately decide to complete your own wedding day makeup application or involve a professional makeup artist, it is very important to pick one feature and highlight it. If you are having a morning wedding, highlight your glowing skin and try to enhance the soft, muted, dewiness of the morning with complimenting soft, natural colors. If you are having an afternoon wedding, add a little more color and definition to your eyes or lips, but be mindful of your skin. The sun is at its highest in the afternoon and will create shadows across your face if your ceremony is outdoors or if you take any outdoor photographs. Glowing skin can easily turn into skin that is unattractive during the afternoon heat, so powder is a must. If you are having an evening wedding, drama reigns supreme. The universally flattering smoky eye with false eyelashes is perfect for this late nuptial hour. Not a fan of smoky eyes, try a true red lip color matched to your complexion paired with a very soft eye for a look of elegance. Classic beauty is always in style. In considering your wedding day makeup look, it is also important to create and maintain a good beauty regimen. A well executed makeup application starts with smooth, healthy, and glowing skin. Your lifestyle and diet have the largest impact on your overall health and resulting skin complexion. Increasing your water intake, exercise, and sleep and limiting caffeine and alcohol are part of a balanced beauty regimen. Proper cleansing, moisturizing and limiting sun exposure are also important. It is best to consult with a dermatologist, aesthetician, or nutritionist at least 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding day in order to create a plan for optimal results. A smile and confidence are still the reigning wedding day beauty accessories. A bride is the essence of perfection when she is clothed in the radiant glow that comes only with the confidence of understanding and showcasing her inner beauty. Whether naturally polished or fully made-up, your smile and the twinkle in your eyes from knowing that you are preparing for a lifelong marriage to your beloved, not just a one- day wedding celebration, will have every guest gushing, "Isn't she lovely."

~NaShara Mitchell~


Bridal Beauty by Blush
NaShara Mitchell
blushartistry@gmail.com

Spa Day 2009

Indy area ladies - it's almost that time of year. Yes, e-vents annual Spa Day event in June 2009.
This year the event is being held at the beautiful La Beaute' Spa du jour on Saturday, June 6th. Attendees will enjoy wonderful spa treatments in a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy wonderful spa foods from Dining Divas Caterers. Be sure to head over to the website and choose your treatment or treatments!

The European philosophy of skin and body care is founded on a simple guiding principle - that beauty is more than skin deep. Truly effective skin and body care should not only improve the skin's appearance, but provide holistic and lasting health benefits for the body, mind and soul.At La Beauté, we fully embrace this philosophy. Our skin and body care treatments not only help you maintain a youthful appearance, but enhance circulation, improve oxygen flow and detoxify your entire body - for health benefits that last a lifetime.We also believe that lasting beauty and health cannot be achieved by following the latest trends, but rather through personalized application of proven products and treatments by skin and body care experts. To achieve this goal, we proudly feature ... Superior skin and body care products created by leading dermatologists in Europe and America. European-trained estheticians who have extensive knowledge of our products and therapies.Time-tested treatments developed by skin and body care experts throughout the world.A serene environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

If you are interested in attending the event, please email me - erika@e-ventswedding.com.Be on the lookout for more information in your email box and our newsletter. Reservations must be made early as space is limited.

THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - sneak peek

Thanks to Kathy Strukel and Jesse Vogel......

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A BRIDAL SHOW......

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.
* Grab a bag. 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.

* 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?
*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!

THE INDY AREA VENDOR SHOWCASE - BRIDAL SHOW 2009

Don't miss out on this event! Brides and others will be able to view the newly renovated Sheraton - City Centre Indianapolis. The event will be held on the entire 21st floor featuring the Panorama Room - with spectacular views of Monument Circle. Come and see the new space as well as sample tasty food treats from The Sheraton Catering and Dining Divas, champagne, non-alcohoic beverages (margaritas,pina coladas,etc) and wonderful cake samples from Heavenly Sweets and Cakes by the Pound. Fabulous hourly door prizes and THE SIGNATURE BRIDAL SWAG BAG for the first 100 registered brides.

When: Sunday, March 29th

Time: 12pm-5pm

Where: The Sheraton City Centre

31 West Ohio - 21st floor

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Cost: $5/person - a portion of the proceeds to benefit THE PINK ENVELOPE PROJECT a division of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pre-purchase tickets here.

Participating Vendors:

Cocktail Sax Jazz Band

lemongrass photography

Enflora Florist

Heavenly Sweets

Dining Divas

Indy Photo Booth

Entertaining with a Flair

Setting the Mood with Jamie

BBJ Linens

Connie Duglin Linens

Goldberg Photography

Cc Elaine Bride Chic

eyeMax by Kiralee

Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush

Westwood Paper Company

Roger Muller Videography

My Bar to You

Four Season Travel

Tommy Bahama

Arbonne

Fitness Now

The Guyer Institute

Indianapolis Wedding Blog

the simple dj

katie and kristin photography

Cakes by the Pound

Soul Purpose

Clenapure

Hodges Massages

Starr Strung jewelry

baby and me gifts

JC Disc Jockey Service

Eclipse DJ Service

La Beaute Sap du Jour

Sweet Occasions

Flowers by Melissa

Air- Tan

cdk management

Bustle

the simple dj

Carpentar Realty

Mass Mutual Financial

Lia Sophia

Studio 135

Sprinkles Wedding Favors

Concept Design Studio

Markey's Audio/Visual

Be sure to stop by the e-vents room for beautiful tables scapes and a special treat for the bride and her friends!

FRIDAY FAVE - a revival

If you are planning a honeymoon to a tropical resort or any warm weather place, these items from Tommy Bahama are sure to please. I remember buying all sorts of warm weather gear for our honeymoon - great tried and true classics. Most of which I still use today. I had these great dreams of riding horses on the beach . Very romantic -right? Wrong! My husband and I along with 50 of our new "friends" rode the horses thru Negril and then made our way to a not so sparkling bit of water/beach. Needless to say, we did not make it to the water. However, I must say I looked pretty cute aboard my horse with my fabulous tropical gear. The items pictured above remind me of that whole vacation. Anyway, enough of my vacation story.

I love the straw hats and the flowing feel /look of the materials. Don't they just scream HONEYMOON????

Tommy Bahama also has a wonderful fragrance collection!

Indy Brides attending THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - BRIDAL SHOW 2009 have a chance to win a WONDERFUL fragrance basket from Tommy Bahama. You will also see some of their great items as they are presenting at the BRIDAL SHOW!

AND...... the first 100 brides to register on line will receive an extra special gift from Tommy Bahama in the SIGNATURE BRIDAL SWAG BAG. Makes me wish I were a bride again:) ( same hubby - of course!

Be sure to sign up at http://www.indyareavendorshowcase.eventbrite.com/ soon. The showcase is March 29th from 12pm-5pm @ The Sheraton - 31 West Ohio Street - Indy.

SOPHIA's BRIDAL, TUX & PROM by Vara Fore, e-vents intern

Sophia’s Bridal Tux & Prom


A little about Sophia’s Bridal Tux & Prom. They are in their 3rd year of being open. They’re a small boutique store, so you’ll get more of a “family” atmosphere rather then a large warehouse or department feel.

If you’re looking for your perfect wedding gown, please come see us. We’re located on 31 & Southport Rd; South of Indianapolis (Southport/Greenwood area). Also, check out our website: http://www.sophiasbridalandtux.com/ to experience our small boutique feel and why we’re so different from others.
We have a lot of current trends in our store. We have everything from classic lace, princess, elegance, and modern. Here are a few of our dresses we carry in our boutique.

Some big trends in bridal gowns are pleats, ruching, and lace. A lot of these dresses have great detailing on the bodice as well as throughout the gown. Another big trend is not having your dress white. Most of our dresses actually come in ivory, champagne, or off-white, brides tend to like these colors much better in the end.
I guarantee that you will fall in love with that “the one” gown. So call and make an appointment today!

{Vara Fore}

From I will to I do - BLOG POST

Brides.com is one of THE go to resources for brides to be, MOB, Bridesmaids, wedding planners and many more wedding related professionals. I love going to the website as well as directing my clients there.
Anne Chertoff is the brilliance behind the blog From I will to I do. You all MUST head over there and read her blog. Believe me, you will be hooked. She offers LOTS of valuable advice, current bridal events and more. Here's a little about Anne from Anne:
I’ve worked at Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, iVillage Weddings and I’m currently the Senior Editor at Brides.com. I’m always on the look out for great products and talented vendors. If you have an interesting product or service, or a wedding planning question you want considered for this blog, please e-mail me.
Anne Chertoff has kindly posted about THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - BRIDAL SHOW 2009 on her blog " From I will to I do". What an honor! Thanks again, Anne.....

How to get married in Indiana

I was recently reading Monica Gill's The Milwaukee Wedding Blog a blog division of her The White Box of Wedding Design blog. She has lots of GREAT information on both blogs - be sure to check both out for inspiration and information. The topic was how to get married in Milwaukee. This made me think that I should post something for my Indiana brides concerning the same.

INDIANA COUPLES

ID Requirement in Indiana: Drivers license or identification card or other id showing current address and date of birth. Bringing a certified copy of your birth certificate is recommended because some counties require it if you are younger than 30.

Indiana Residency Requirement: Indiana residents must apply in the county in which one of them lives.
Previous Marriages: You will need to know how the marriages ended (death, divorce, annulment) and the month and year the marriages ended. A few counties require a copy of the divorce decree if divorced within the last two years.
Covenant Marriage Option In Indiana: No.
Waiting Period in Indiana: None.
Fees in Indiana: Indiana residents: $18; residents of other states/countries: $60. Personal checks not accepted. CASH ONLY - BRING CORRECT CHANGE
Other Tests: No other tests are required in Indiana to get married.
Proxy Marriages in Indiana: No.
Cousin Marriages in Indiana: Marriage between first cousins is permitted if both individuals are at least sixty-five (65) years of age. (I guess it had to be said - Erika)
Common Law Marriages: No. Indiana does recognize common law marriages legalized by another state.
Same Sex Marriages:No.
Under 18:A certified copy of your birth certificate is required. If you are 17 years old you must apply for the license with both parents (or the person with legal custody). They will need to sign the consent portion of the application. If you are 16 or 15 years old, you must petition the Circuit Court via a "Permission to Marry" form. The cost for filing this petition is $124.00 even if the Judge refuses to allow the couple to marry.
Officiants:Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town.
Miscellaneous:License is valid for sixty (60) days.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:Vital Records SectionState Department of Health2 North Meridian StreetIndianapolis, IN 46204Phone: (317) 233-2700
PLEASE NOTE:State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Colorsplash Design Studio - Jamie Brokus

I'd like to send a special thanks to Jamie Brokus of Colorsplash Design Studio for our awesome new logo.

I absolutely LOVE it! It was a hard decision because she offered so many GREAT concepts. Eventually, my team of distinguished voters chose the perfect one!

Here is a bit about Colorsplash Studio:

WE DO everything in your wildest dreams.

Website Design. We create fully customized website designs with style and function that impact the audience you want to reach.
Website Development. So you have a great web design, now it's time to make it work. Color Splash Studio programs your website to function on a wide variety of platforms. Whether you want to manage your own website content or have us maintain it for you, we will find the solution that is right for you. You dream it up, we make it come alive.
ECommerce Solutions. Color Splash Studio offers fully customized ecommerce solutions. Storefront solutions includes administration areas allowing you the convenience of adding, deleting, and modifying items in your store.
Graphic Design. Color Splash Studio designs for a variety of projects, from small projects such as business cards to multi-page, full-color catalogs.

Looking for a new logo? How about letterhead and a brochure to match your new website? If you are looking to begin branding, Color Splash Studio is your answer.
Illustration. Color Splash Studio offers customized graphics to reflect the personality of your business. We specialize in character design, fashion and mixed media.

Visit Colorsplash Studios here for more ideas.

Thanks, Jamie! YOU ROCK..........

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT - LEMONGRASS PHOTOGRAPHY

I absolutely love great photography. I could and have sat for hours looking on line at photographers websites. Imagine my thrill when I was introduced to Jessica Milano - Limeberry of lemongrass photography. Lindsey Scrivner of Bustle Event Design introduced us and I fell in love with her photographs. Her work is fresh and captures the true essence of every person she photographs. She loves her work and it is quite evident. That is one of the many reasons lemongrass photography was chosen as THE OFFICIAL photographer for THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - Bridal Event. You all may remember the feature we did on Molly Milano, e-vents assistant. Well, Jessica and Molly are sisters! I am so happy to know each of you.

Jessica was kind enough to answer a few questions about her company. I've sprinkled in few of her shots, but take a look at the site for much more!


e-vents: How long have you been in the business?
Jessica Milano- Limeberry: Lemongrass started in 2006, after I graduated from DePauw University. I began doing mostly portraits, but have since moved into weddings, which I love!

e-vents: What was the inspiration for the name of your company?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: Lemongrass was actually the color of my wedding! My favorite color is green, and when we picked a color, it was named lemongrass green, and it stuck! Our last name is Limeberry, so it seemed only fitting!

e-vents: What services/products do you provide?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: I specialize in both portraits and weddings, and offer a wide variety of guest books, albums, canvases, and prints.

e-vents: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: When I started Lemongrass, I thought it would be a great side business, but it has grown so fast, and I am so grateful! I think my greatest accomplishment is seeing the faces and reading the emails from brides who love their pictures. Knowing that they will be able to look through their album for the rest of their life, and still feel the love and excitement they felt on their wedding day, is so rewarding!

e-vents: What is the current trend in your industry?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: I actually thing the big “trend” is to be trend-less! To me, and to the industry, it is important to make the images personal. I do all of my work on location and I work really hard to find a location that fits with that specific person or couple, and a place that will help them feel comfortable. It is my top priority that everyone’s photographs are personal and when they look at them they say, “that is so us!” This makes everyone’s images different, and keeps me on my toes, always striving to come up with new things.

e-vents: Describe your photography style……
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: My style is fresh, light, and a little classic. I want to produce images that will be beautiful forever. I love to mix a little photojournalism in with a more contemporary style. I like the focus to be simple, and don’t crowd the image with tons of extras. I like a modern, crisp, clean look.

e-vents: Suggestions for clients when preparing for a session ?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: The most important thing is to feel yourself! Wear clothes make you comfortable and confident, and try to forget about me or the camera. Make the day special, eat your favorite foods, pamper yourself, get a manicure, get your makeup done, even if it isn’t your wedding day! Enjoy your self! Don’t worry about looking at the camera and smiling or saying “cheese”, just do what is natural, laugh, hug, kiss… the smiles will come naturally, and they will be beautiful!

e-vents: Suggestions for couples- to- be?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: Love every second you are together! Weddings are so magical. I have been to the most amazing weddings and the best advice I can give, is to make it about you! Don’t worry about pleasing 300 people, just make it special to you. Weather you have a huge budget, or a tiny one. There are so many small personal touches, that can really make a wedding over the top. Even if that is just having your favorite food at the wedding, or having a non-traditional first dance, or going to a special spot for your pictures, little things can make a big difference!

e-vents: Final words?
Jessica Milano - Limeberry: I am so honored to be a part of peoples lives, whether it is their wedding day, their baby’s first pictures, high school graduation, or getting together with their entire family for that always overdue family photo. I couldn't have a better job, or have the opportunity to work with more beautiful, wonderful people.

Jessica, thanks again for stopping by and sharing.

Readers, please be sure to check out more on the lemongrass photography website. Stop by and visit her at her booth at the showcase as well.

You're engaged ....now what ?

I've received a few excited phone calls from brides this week. All of whom were engaged over the Valentine's Day weekend. Isn't that sweet? I have always loved Valentine's Day even if it's just a romantic homemade dinner for two at home watching a great movie. Imagine how great it is for a young lady to get proposed to on this special day!

The next steps may seem overwhelming to you. My advice? Just relax for a few days and enjoy the moment. Some brides may already have ALL of the details figured out and just need to insert the groom. Others may have been taken completely by surprise. Either way, step back and savor this special time. Kiss each other LOTS!

Next, tell your parents. You should do this in person and ideally both of you will be there to share the wonderful news with them. Traditionally, the bride's parents are told before the grooms, but these days either way is fine.

Purchase a journal. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. You'll have a flood of emotions going on right now. A lot of brides these days are doing blogging instead of the traditional journaling. You may still want to purchase a nice paper journal. You can also keep all of your wedding ideas in your journal. And it's great fun to go back years later and reminisce about this special time in your life!

Announce your engagement. Many newspapers still list engagements. Check out your local newspaper for details. If you live in a different state, be sure to list them there as well.

You'll also want to share with your close family and friends.

Set the date. You'd be surprised to find out how difficult it is to plan a wedding when you DON'T know the date. So, take a bit of time , grab a calendar and your fiancee and select a date that works for you both. Don't rule out Friday's or Sundays. Many places offer GREAT deals for non-Saturday weddings.

We'll share even more in later blogs about the next steps you should take.............

Until then, have a love-ly day!

Featured couple: Rachael and David

Vendor Spotlights

Don't forget to check out our sister blog The Indy Area Vendor Showcase for info on some of our favorite vendors. We also have contests and other super things going on over there.
Drop us a line....we'd love to hear from you!