gift registries...

I've found myself coming across unique gift registries here lately...of course there is always the fabulous crate & barrel, restoration hardware, macy's, target, and more...but some couples might have everything they need to start their life together...

A unique gift registry might be a good option...here are some options that I have come across lately:

Locally:
The IMA in Indianapolis
They have a gift shop that has a wide array of items, and they've started a gift registry!
Some great gift ideas, jewlery, hostess gifts, holiday presents, and more as well.

Different Drummer in Bloomington
Most people in Bloomington are aware of the Different Drummer, the cute little shop just off of College Mall Rd. They have started a gift registry program as well...cute home accessories and more await...

Other online options for different types of gifts:
Donations...
Many couples are couples are choosing not to give favors at their wedding reception, but are instead choosing to give a donation in honor of each guest.
Charity Gift Certificates, gives couples options, as well guests to donate in the couple's honor
Most specific charities have similar giving options as well.
The IDoFoundation also does this...

For the honeymoon...
Honeymoon Wishes...this website is a service that allows you to register for pieces of your honeymoon or destination wedding and guests can purchase them for you (a masssage, champagne, a night on the town, a romantic dinner, car rental, etc).

Send Us Off...this site has a similar idea to Honeymoon Wishes, but it can provide more "outings" and things for you to experience together such as a hot air balloon ride, a guided tour, riding a camel, etc.

You can also consider unusual registries...such at local nursery for plants, trees, and shrubs for a new home or art at a local gallery. Likely, many places wont have registry programs in place, but many will work with you to set something up for you and your guests.

Happy Planning!

top 5 favorite cakes: David from Blu

#1)
This cake is one of my all time favorites. In part because it's beauty really comes from nature and the bold colors the flowers bring. In creating it, I discovered that it can be nice to step away from the traditional shapes wedding cakes often have. This cake represented the couple perfectly. They had a small reception catered in the back yard of their lovely home surrounded by friends, family, and fresh flowers. Simple elegance to be sure.

#2)

This cake was part of a celebration in IU's Alumni Hall. It's a grand hall with very tall ceilings, length, and a large stage. It can be a daunting space to decorate but Bari Kuhlman, IU Memorial Union's coordinator accomplishes the job each and every weekend. We created this cake to fill the space. It was the first thing guests saw when they arrived. It stands out initially because of it's size the varying heights of the different tiers but the real focal point is the hand made chalice and flowers on top. Hours and hours went in to creating this non-traditional topper made of sugar. The off whites and ivory go very well with the burgundy colors that help fill the room.

#3)
This was just a beautiful cake for a beautiful couple whom have become regulars at our chocolate studio. The truth is the dark brown color of the chocolate ganache makes just the perfect backdrop for the Fall colors of the burnt orange and yellow orchids and lilies. Sometime the challenge we have in designing the cakes is to not interfere too much with the natural beauty surrounding us! This is one such example. This cake was organic and vegan.

#4)

I love this cake for one simple reason, the hand-painted calla lilies on the side. One our cake designers, Scott Jackman, is a painter who translates his artwork into edible sugar couture. The cake highlighted the understated beauty of the table decorations created by Artful Blooms - also red and white calla lilies.

#5)
I have been joking since we started creating cakes 7 years ago that I can't wait to make a cake that requires a ladder to get to the top. This is it. We were asked to create a one-of-a-kind cake for a bride and groom from Indy who held their reception in the atrium of the West Baden Hotel. I can't think of a more grand setting. The cake had to meet the expectations of the space. Over 8 feet tall, this cake fed almost 400. We had a scouting mission to initially investigate the space. We took elements from the surrounding decoration, colors, columns, stained glass, to make this cake that looks like it belongs here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blu Boy
112 E. Kirkwood Ave.

www.bluboychocolates.com
334.8460

amazing photos!

Stefanie & Brock from SB Childs Photography took awesome shots of me for my website....and we got some of Jon and I! They are so great, I just had to share!




And behind {well next to} a successful woman is her husband...I just love this one!

From downtown Bloomington to a field by our house...

There are more on their website blog...check them out!

Have a fabulous week!

sandals destination weddings by martha!

{Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings website}

Have you ever considered a destination wedding?
Sandals resorts have recently partnered with Martha Stewart to bring 6 beautiful themed weddings to their resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia & Antigua.

The packages include special martha-esque details in floral, design and decor.

They are all gorgeous and unique...from the seaside, beach theme to the more whimsical, and chic. Check them all out at the Sandals weddings website.

Have a great weekend!

brown county spring wedding

I met with Amelia and Justin this past weekend to talk about their spring wedding at
Brown County State Park...it was great to meet them and I'm looking forward to working with them both!

Amelia had some beautiful ideas that got me thinking about an inspiration board.

Here are some of the ideas and inspiration... pink & taupe with turquoise accents, lodge, intimate, candlelight, peonies, rustic & sophisticated...which turned into this board:

I love taking ideas and something a bride loves and
bringing it to life...look for more inspiration boards to come!

Happy Planning!

loving custom invitations and print materials

I had lunch today with Angela Claxton, owner of lemonseed&co out of Shelbyville.
I’m in love with her work…wedding invitations, print materials for weddings, and invitations for every other type of event as well {not to mention beautiful stationary}. Everything is very custom {think design, colors, papers, envelopes!}, high quality, and she’s awesome…another woman doing what she loves!

Here are some samples of her work:

{the beautiful envelope with the same custom C design above is not pictured, I love it!}

She loves to meet with new clients, show samples of her work, and provide a custom quote.

I also have a collection of her samples and would love to show them to Bloomington area brides or those in need of invites! I can’t wait to show them to you!

Angela, congratulations on your business and I look forward to working with you!

Happy Planning!

Linens & Chair Covers, oh my!

I'm excited to be working a lot more with linens for my clients {and others that just need assistance upgrading or selecting} linens for their wedding or other special event! It's been a lot of fun and I think this is going to continue to be a great addition for my clients.

I'm pumped to be working with Chair Covers & Linens out of Michigan. Most of their products are American made and many are handmade right there.

They have linens of every size, but also chair covers for many different types of chairs and sashes. Their website includes some great tools to see the entire picture for an event, as well as galleries. I've said many times and will continue to do so, chair covers and great floor length linens are two things that can make a big impact on a room and decor.

Take a look at their website and I look forward to continuing to work with them moving forward!
Don't forget I can order samples and show you many different styles and colors in person.

Happy Planning!

our anniversary!

Today is Jon and I's 2nd anniversary! {happy anniversary babe!}

The past 2 years have flown by and they've been pretty great...I'm blessed...

Today, a few photos from October 6, 2007 for you!

And we're headed to the beach for a vacation and to celebrate...we'll be back next week!
Have a great week...happy planning your special day that you'll celebrate each year on your anniversary!

{Photo above from our vacation in Florida, 10/06/2009}

mr + mrs stryker!

Katie and Kevin were married in Bloomington on October 3. It was a perfect day, Katie was gorgeous and Kevin wore his uniform from the Coast Guard.

Navy blue and platinum were perfect for the fall day...

Loved the large head table in the middle of the Tudor Room at the IMU...all of the bridal party and their dates were seated there with Katie and Kevin.
Katie did some great touches, such as this table so they could sit together, a fun appletini ice luge, and a delicious customized dinner with food stations.

Larissa Shroeder, a family friend of the bride's and high school friend of mine did the awesome floral.

It was so fun working with Katie and her mom on the wedding, and the bridal party was so great! It was one great party! Congratulations Mr and Mrs Stryker!

spring colors!...and fun with matching accessories…

Spring 2010 Pantone colors are out! They were released a few weeks ago at fashion week.

Take a look…

These are the colors that the experts say will be big in spring…

See any that you love? Colors you’d use for your wedding?

Also, check out this awesome site to put together the colors for your wedding, Dessy's Pantone Site!

You can explore how colors work together…upload images…and share your ideas and final product with your vendors! It's pretty great...

Dessy is a manufacturer of bridesmaid dresses (cute and stylish ones!) as well as destination gowns, flower girl dresses and more.

{Quilted Tote and Flip Flops from Dessy.com}

They recently released a couple of cute flip flops for only $15. They are must see (and if you buy dresses from there, they could match perfectly, ingenious!)! They also other coordinating accessories such as clutches, totes, & classic pearl jewelry.

Lastly, they have coordinating “doll dresses” for your flower girl. For $25 you can give your flower girl a memorable gift that matches what she will wear on your big day made just for her favorite doll….great idea…

Love it!