Dave + Gabie Benson

I'm excited tonight to feature the wedding of good friends Gabie + Dave Benson!

{Awesome Photos by Chad Franz Photography}

The Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis was perfect for this couple. They truly ended up with their dream location after some glitches with their first vendor...an example of lemons turning into lemonade! Black and white classic elegance was throughout the room, and made for a perfect evening that this couple personalized perfectly for them!

Fun!

Gabie says:
"It was also important to me that we disregard tradition to make the day fit for us. I had both of my fathers walk me down the aisle. We were married by a close friend of ours and wrote our own vows. I had two father-daughter dances, and insisted that Dave dance with my mother and I with his father."

I love this! Those personal touches that make the day yours are wonderful...and those things that you will remember forever.

One of their favorite moments from the day was the walk to the hotel at the end of the night. Gabie says, "It was a combination of pure relief and romance!"

Gabie threw in this piece of advice for newly engaged couples...

"Get help! Having someone (a friend, relative, or hired coordinator) manage the logistics of the day really allows you to enjoy it. Don't forget, the wedding isn't the end, its only the beginning!"

So true! Big hugs to you both!

Fun for Friday!

By now, you've probably seen this on You Tube...the awesome bridal party entrance of Jill and Kevin on July 19th to Forever. If you haven't, you have to check it out!

Awesome!

Check this out: Wedding Etiquette

In today (Thursday's) Indiana Daily Student I was interviewed by reporter Lea Wilcox about guest etiquette at weddings. We covered some important topics including attire, gifts, open bar and seating, RSVPing, and taking photos during the ceremony.

I think these are all important tips for weddings goers and I was honored that I was interviewed.

Check it out!

{photo by SB Childs Photography}

Summery Additions to Your Big Day!

{photo from Martha Stewart Weddings}

Even though it hasn't really felt like summer, especially summer in Bloomington here lately (I'm not complaining! Its been wonderful), I love these summery ideas (Summer Good Things) for weddings from Martha Stewart.

From sorbets, to ice creams, cold drinks and other summer inspiration (think sea shell bouquets)...these ideas are great. I think many are actually do-able too which makes them extra-wonderful (her how-to's and recipes...amazing!)!

I think its worth a conversation with your caterer, baker, coordinator or maid of honor about how you can bring the best of the season, and some fun, personalized touches to your big day.

Happy Planning!

Congratulations Mr + Mrs Cost!

Saturday was a great day all around! Ryan and Andrea's wedding was perfect and so much fun. Their friends, bridal party and family were all awesome. Here are a few pictures of the IU Auditorium with the fun and summery bright colors of pink and orange in the Foyer and bright green in the Hall of Murals.

The floral was beautiful from Artful Blooms, including some great creative touches and gorgeous bouquets.

Nick from Cake and the Caterer did the cake. It was delicious!

Oh, and for those that were following my step count on Twitter...the total for the day was...drumroll please...28,606 steps!

Eric + June's Wedding Photos

I'm so excited to post this link to Eric and June's wedding from May in Greencastle.

Check out Stefanie and Brock's (SB Childs Photography) photos on their blog.

Here is a sampling...

Stefanie and Brock are great to work with and a lot of fun...
The storms stayed away and they caught some amazing shots. Thanks for sharing you two!

Enjoy!

Fall '09 Bridal and Bridesmaids Collections

{Silk tricotine Sophia short dress from JCrew}

Brides search for months and months for the perfect dress and perfect bridesmaids dresses. I have talked to brides (and we all know stories) of brides who look and look, second guess and think about dresses. Of course you want to look your best & make sure the girls look and feel great....so it deserves this time and energy.

But also look to your favorite stores for great options!

For example, JCrew has introduced their Fall Collection and Ann Taylor has great, new options as well.

Both include modern, chic styles in great colors and styles that fit many body types. Many also coordinate in color and style so all of your girls don't have to match. And, don't forgot those accessories...cute shoes and other items are also available, of course!

As an extra, I also love that they have "real wedding" pictures on their website. You can see how those orange dresses fit and look on real women.

Indy-Area Boutiques

For Indianapolis area boutiques (no, you don't have to go to Cincinnati or Chicago), check out these great options that brides I know have bought dresses at:
Bliss Boutique, Brownsburg
Nancy's Bridal, northside of Indianapolis
Something Old, Something New Bridal Studio, Pendleton
Sophia's Bridal, southside of Indianapolis (many private labels)

If you additional boutiques you love, let me know by leaving a comment!

Happy Shopping!

Reflections...

As I reflect on the amazing couple I met with yesterday who just recently got engaged, Laura, a dear friend who is starting a new adventure in Boston, and on the funeral I'm getting ready to leave town for, a quote I recently saw in O Magazine comes to mind. So often in life we dive in, head first to the great unknown, excited, a little scared, perhaps anxious, hopeful, or sad. But, we do go forward, one step at a time...I think this quote captures what so many women (and men for that matter) feel often...

"Every one of us is called upon, probably many
times, to start a new life.
A frightening diagnosis, a marriage, a move, loss of job...
And onward full tilt we go, pitched and wrecked
and absurdly resolute, driven in spite of everything
to make good on a new shore.
To be hopeful, to embrace one possibility after another--

that is surely the basic instinct...
Crying out: High tide!
Time to move out in the glorious debris.
Time to take this life for what it is."
~Barbara Kingsolver (another DePauw grad!), from High Tide in Tucson

Summer Vacation...

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days...or a week! Time has gotten away from me...

{Jon and I at the lake recently}

{the renovated lake house...a "small" family weekend project}

Jon and I took a quick trip to see his family in Louisville (yum, homemade meatballs!), my sister and her husband visited for July 4th weekend, the baby robins were born (or hatched I guess!) on our back porch and Jon and I have had some time to enjoy summer! Its been nice...though I have thought about this blog and weddings (a lot!) and I am getting back in the swing of things...

For now, here are some great things from around web:

I agree with this bride who blogged for The Bride's Guide (one of my favorites!, from the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings)...in the end it is the details that you think about a lot...keep close track of those ideas from early on in your engagement. Its worth dedicating space to in your wedding binder or journal as she mentions. Check it out here.

Wedding Bee is looking for new bloggers ("New Bees"). If you have a unique perspective, willingness to share details, be open and write for them..they are accepting applications. I know a few of my future brides (and many of my past ones) would be excellent! Check it out!

I recently came across Magpie Designz and ordered a couple of necklaces for newly married friends and new moms. They are perfect! Mapie Designz features personalized, hand stamped jewelry. I love the originality and sentimentality that comes out in every piece (they are also packaged in a cute eco-friendly pouch). Prices are reasonable and production time was quick…her etsy shop is here .

Check out this awesome, beachy, breezy, beautiful summer wedding from Brides.com…I love all of the white, the lanterns up the pathway and the details!

And, last…an awesome photo slideshow {by amazing photographer Shea!} of dear friends Sarah and Patrick’s wedding back in May! Happy 2 month Anniversary you two!

Enjoy!