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

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!

top 5 favorite bouquets: Andrea from Peppertree

What most people think of when they think of the change in seasons, is weather. This impacts not only the clothes you wear (especially if you live in the Midwest or Northeast) but also what flowers are available on a month to month basis. In my “Top 5” I’ll review my favorite bouquets for every season as well as my all time favorite, for any season.

WINTER
Many people think winter is a very difficult season for flowers, but that isn't entirely true. Many flowers are available and most beautiful in the winter. Here are some of them: Anemone, Daffodil, Heather, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Tulip, & Viburnum.

{Megelaine Photography}

This bridal included white anemonies, white freesia and white lisianthus accented with loops of beargrass. The bride also wanted me to include a special pin for her grandmother.

SPRING
Spring, as summed, is the season of plenty. Everything seems to be in bloom and its no mystery why it's the favored time of the year for weddings. Some of the flowers available in the spring are: Anemone, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Iris, Larkspur, Lilac, Lilly of the Valley, Narcissis, Peony, Ranunculus, & Tulips.

{Kevin Swan Photography}

This bridal includes of my favorite flowers for Spring, the peony. There is just something special about a peony and I can hardly resist including it in my May and June weddings. As well as the peony, roses in champagne and off white also compliment the simple but timeless color scheme.

SUMMER
Summer brings about bright colors and hearty varieties. One thing to be sensitive about in this season, please ask your florist what varieties will be least susceptible to the hot weather, especially if you are having an outdoor wedding. Some flowers I would suggest for this season include: Bachelor's Buttons, Cosmos, Dahlia, Daisies, Delphinium, Gladiolus, Hydrangea (although they can be difficult in direct sunlight), Larkspur, Ranunculus, Scabiosa, Stock, Sunflower, Tuberose, & Zinnia.

All of the colors of Summer, these bridemaids bouquets include purple lisianthus, green roses, orange mini calla lillies, orange and red dahlias and green cymbidium orchids. I love being able to work with bright colors in the summer.

FALL

Although Fall is one of the more difficult season to find a variety of flowers locally, it’s my favorite. I love the rich colors that seem to be everywhere. Although I like stepping out of the box with color and shape, I can’t help myself to not use browns, oranges and reds in a fall bouquet. Fall flowers include: Amaranthus, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Cosmos, Dahlias, Delphinium, Hydrangeas, Scabiosa, & Zinnia.

Gerbera Daisies, scabiosa, hypericum berry and dahlias created the bulk of this bouquet with a few chocolate cosmos thrown in for drama. The tone on tone color scheme never gets old.

ALL YEAR

You might be surprised and the amount of wedding flowers that are available all year round. Here is a list: Alstomeria, Aster, Bouvardia, Calla Lily, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Delphinium, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Iris, Larkspur, Lily, Lisianthus, Orchid, Rose, Stephanotis, Stock, & Veronica.

I know it’s no fun, but my favorite flower is still a rose. There are applications I don’t like them in, particularly corsages, but they just make a beautiful bouquet. There is something so utterly classic about an all rose bouquet, nothing beats it. The best part is that you can have one any day of the year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peppertree Floral
Downtown Bloomington on the corner of 6^th and College.
www.peppertreefloral.com

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!

it takes a village...

On Saturday night Derek, Leigh-Ann's father, said, "Things happen...but it's how you handle them that matters." That's very true. Something always happens, and it takes the team to pull through and make the ceremony, reception and all aspects of a wedding perfect, just how the couple had dreamed.

Yesterday I reflected on how it takes a team to pull off a wedding. For example, a few vendors:

the florist--truly bringing a bride's vision to life with the floral

the photographer--capturing every special moment to keep for a lifetime; staying in close touch with me through the day to make sure we're set on timing and they are ready for those important moments {to left, Morgan capturing the cake cutting Saturday)
the venue staff--bringing physical elements of the event together, keeping guests safe and assisting when needed to execute the events of the evening
the caterer--the food! the meal and cake are often times really important to the couple (especially the groom). sometimes the food is never remembered, though sometimes guests walk away remembering the food, the customized menu that reflects the couple and is prepared, plated and served flawlessly. the caterer often times handles linens alongside me and the couple...linens can really transform a room
the music -- the added detail that sets the tone of the event...during the ceremony and the reception. (see my previous post about G and LA's wedding...keeping the party going all night long) alongside food, guests also remember if the dance floor was full and the night was fun

A quick look at Geoff and Leigh-Ann's team from June 6:

Karen, Artful Blooms -- worked very closely with Leigh-Ann, her mom, and me, to take Leigh-Ann and Hilda's breath away when they walked into the room for the first time. Seeing Leigh-Ann smile when she first saw her bouquet was awesome!

Morgan, Morgan Matters Photography -- so fun to work with, able to capture every moment, tear, and laugh.

IU Auditorium Event Staff -- I cannot say enough good things about the professional and student staff at the Auditorium. They are an amazing group of people...

the IMU Catering Staff -- taking the extra time to customize a flavorful and delicious meal for Geoff and Leigh-Ann alongside impeccable service with a smile on their face...also willing to go the extra mile to be part of the team...

Brett, the Dance Machine -- as I said yesterday, Brett can easily gauge the crowd and knows how to keep the party going all night long. Brett pays attention to all the details and works closely alongside me to execute the evening.

And, I am blessed to call these vendors and outstanding professionals colleagues and team members. It takes a team to make it happen and I am lucky enough to coordinate weddings with professionals that are truly amazing, and part of a team. Not only those listed here but so many of the vendors in Bloomington. I often spend a lot of time confirming, communicating, and double-checking with these vendors-- I can be the piece of the puzzle that brings them together. I also handle the problems when things don't go perfectly. But it takes all of us, doing our job, to execute the day as a bride has dreamt since she was 12.

Source for Invitations and More!

Andrea Lutz, owner of Peppertree Floral + Events , has opened her cute, cute storefront in downtown Bloomington, check it out next time you are down there! (down from the Hilton Garden Inn, next to Argentum Jewelry on College Ave).

She has great floral selection in her walk-up case, candles and other gifts as well as custom designs. Andrea is incredible with flowers—sophisticated and timeless with clean lines and great ideas! She has a ton of energy, takes customer service seriously, and is so fun to work with.

Andrea is also carrying a few lines of invitations if you’re looking! This is great news for Bloomington! She has a perfect area for you to sit at and browse the many choices. She is carrying several different styles, brands and price points.

Happy Planning!

Local Vendor: Grise Photography on Engagement Photos

Today I'm excited to be debuting local vendors in the Bloomington area as guest bloggers. I'm starting with a great photographer who I've been fortunate to work with on fun weddings in the past and am looking forward to working with her again this summer, Jenny Grise of Grise Photography. She's very talented and provides tips on Engagment Photos here today...thanks Jenny!
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I recommend choosing solid colors that work with your skin tone/eye color. Black is always good, as is chocolate brown and other dark colors. Jeans look great in pictures, especially darker washes, and be sure to compliment one another! As Stacy & Clinton say on one of my favorite TV shows "What Not to Wear", "You don't have to match, you just have to 'go'". :-)

There are many amazing spots in Bloomington for engagement photos! There's the campus, of course (one of the Top 5 most beautiful in the country for a reason!), but don't forget to look beyond this to places like Oliver Winery (gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!) and downtown Kirkwood. I love the contrast of beautiful couples and industrial locations, so even graffiti-filled alleys can look totally great in pictures.

Tips:
1) Just be yourself! It's up to your photographer to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but it's up to YOU to truly be yourselves. You know who you are and how you are together. Natural smiles & laughter look best! No fakes!
2) Think of it, not as a portrait session, but as a casual date with your fiance(e) (and oh, there happens to be someone following you around with the camera). Take a walk together like you normally would. Bring your pets if you've got them.
3) Be up front with your photographer before your session about the kind of photos you'd like. Be sure your photographer matches the style you're into. Artsy & creative or more traditional. Send along some photos before your session of other engagement sessions you liked. This is not insulting to your photographer, but actually quite helpful in determining what you like! Maybe even send along a short bio of the two of you or meet in person so your photographer can really get to know you before your session. This aids in getting the best, most personal shots.

Jenny Grise
Wedding Photojournalist
Grise Photography

http://www.grisephotography.com/
www.grisephotography.com/blog/
jenny@grisephotography.com

PS: Jenny was featured on one of my favorite blogs-Elizabeth Anne Designs in March, check out her beautiful photography here: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/03/16/real-weddings-clay-tiffany/