Extra, Extra Read all about it!

Circle City Planners made the front page!!!!

As the tough economic times continue into the summer, the question on every ladies mind is, "How can I have an affordable wedding?"
This question has grown to be so loud that John Tuohy of Indy Star,wrote an article: "For Richer or Poorer: More Weddings on a Budget" Tonya was probed for her experience with this cost-saving tip.
A favored money-saving tactic is the most obvious: reducing the number of guests. Another thrifty ploy is to skip the traditional Saturday wedding in favor of "off-day" nuptials. Couples also are snipping around the edges on other expenses, such as dresses, flowers, food, drinks, invitations and limo rides.
"Gone are the days when every Tom, Dick and Harry from Dad's office got to come to weddings," said Tonya Shadoan, owner of Circle City Planners, a wedding planning firm in Fishers.
To help whittle the guests, planners use an A-list and B-list strategy, a blunt but effective wedding weeder. "We wait to see how many people RSVP from the A list, then we know how many invites we can send to those on the B list," Shadoan said.

These were Tonya's quotes. If you want to check out the entire article click here http://www.indystar.com/article/20090427/LOCAL/904270350

Isabella's 1st Birthday Party

I can't believe that my lil' one is already one. It seems like just last week she was just a tiney tiny baby. How time flies.

So the pressure was on with planning Izzy's party. I can't count how many times I heard " The wedding planner is throwing a birthday party,can't wait to see what she is going to do.

Well, because of my husband things were kept pretty low key. He said no to the zoo party, no the clown, no to the park idea and a big NO to dressing up like Elmo. So we ended up having the party at my mom's house. They have a trampoline for the kids to jump on, a swing set and one of the most gentlest horses in the world, Vickie. Lexis and Kristina love riding her.

Saturday morning Izzy let Matt and I sleep in until 9:15am! It was unbelievable we are usually up no later than 7:30-8:00am. I fed Isabella and I sent Matt off to pick up the cupcakes from The Flying Cupcakes. He calls me 15 minutes later and says they aren't ready. I screamed WHAT! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY AREN'T READY! Then took a deep breath and went into planner mode. Things like this happen and you just have to deal with it. Gigi, the owner of the flying cupcakes promised she would have them ready by 1pm and said that she was soooo sorry. In the end, they were definitely worth the wait!

Once Matt got back we packed up the car and headed over to my mom's house. After Izz had lunch and went down for a nap I went straight into decorating mode. Hanging the banner & streamers and decorating her high chair. I had my mom, Fred (my step-dad)and Matt helping me. At one point, I was on a roll telling them when your done with that we need to do this. My mom said I was getting a little bossy, I called it anxious.

Once everything was just perfect(did I mention how cute Isabella's cupcake was) friends and family started to arrive. Everyone ate, drank (spiked pink lemonade for the adults, a must at any kids birthday!) and had a good time. The kids hit the pinata, and then we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Isabella. She didn't put her face in the icing but I think she really liked the cake. After that I helped Izzy open her gifts. It was a wonderful day.

After everyone has left and my mom's house was pretty much back in order, I sat down and looked at Matt then Isabella and thought-so much in just one year wonder what will happen the next 12 months?????

April 18, 2009
Randi and Whitney

What a beautiful day! You never know in April whether it’s going to be 30 degrees or 80 degrees, we lucked out with what I would say was the prettiest spring day. I loved helping Randi on her wedding. She is such a doll and wins the CCP most organized BRIDE for 2009! The maid of honor said it best in her toast when she retold the story of when Whitney and Randi fell in love. She said, “I knew he was the one for her when he bought her a box of multiple colored sharpies and she got so excited!” I’ve never seen a bride so organized in my life. Everything was marked, categorized, labeled, and store perfectly for the huge set up at the INDIANA STATE MUSEUM. What a day! We started at the St. Maria Goretti in Westfield with 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen plus the ushers and flower girl/ring bearer. With so many girls they had to start hair and make up at 7AM, that makes for a long day needless to say. Randi lives not even 1 mile from my house, that makes it nice when you to connect with one another; what a cute house. They have been so busy setting up for everyone coming in from out of town. Their bedroom looks so nice, I love it. A few of the bridal portraits by Jennifer Driscoll were taken in her new sexy chase lounge. After the girls were dressed and ready to go, we headed off to the 2:30 ceremony. A special thanks to my new friend Pat at the church for helping coordinate the wedding party. Randi had her grandfather (which she lived with for 8 years) walk her half way down the aisle and then her father picked her up half way to finish the processional. I admit I did get choked up when I left Randi in her bridal suite and asked her if she wanted to be alone or send her grandpa in. She asked to see her grandpa, so I went over to him and told him that his beautiful granddaughter was waiting on him. For some reason, knowing how much they meant to one another I started to cry. The cool thing about this job is you never know when you will have a moment that touches you so much. That was my moment for the day. Good thing my friends from Northern Light Film, John and Jennifer didn’t capture that one. The rest of the day was busy running around loading in and setting up for the reception. The load in at the museum went very smooth, expecting the worst turned out to the smoothest part of the day. Who would have ever guessed that we could load in and set up in 45 minutes including 185 chair covers (thanks Stephanie from S & S Creations)? My team did an amazing job. Kelly and Stable lead the pack at the museum and just kept smiling saying yes to our requests. Brian Whitis rocked it out by keeping the dance floor packed all night (loved the gobo Brian). At the end of the day, everything was perfect and I got that special smile and thank you from my bride and groom when they just gasped after looking at the room. That’s why I love my job. Off to Jamaica baby for a week, have fun kids.

PS. CCP first: I ate the biggest piece of Heavenly Sweets cake in my career, it was a corner piece Brian. YUMMMMM it was so good. Thanks Tanya!

We are off to LA for a week for another conference. Watch for an update of Isabella’s 1st birthday party, my 21st birthday again, and our ROCKSTAR conference! All coming soon, thanks for your support.

Circle City Planners in Nuvo

Hello all, I wanted to post an article written in the Nuvo. Check it out at http://www.nuvo.net/news/article/nice-day-green-wedding

Nice day for a green wedding
Circle City wedding planners Darcie Kornmeyer and Tonya Shadoan -
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Indianapolis resident and recently married Britter Matthews-Cook sees the effects of waste every day and works in ways big and small to combat it.

Her career at Ray's Trash Service has given her even more of a reason to incorporate socially responsible habits into all aspects of her life. Matthews-Cook says it was just natural that when she was planning her wedding, its ecological footprint was always on her mind.

In order to create her dream "green" wedding, Matthews-Cook employed many clever tactics to make her wedding eco-friendly and stylish. It's a trend that is becoming more popular with couples, allowing them an abundance of green alternatives for their big day.

Although not everything can be green, use these following suggestions to lighten the global impact of the wedding day.

Adopt a "less is more" mentality
Although an old, familiar adage says, "Go big or go home," eco-friendly brides should opt to "Go green and save green." A small, intimate ceremony uses far fewer resources. Fewer guests equal less food, fewer dishes and fewer place settings. Fewer people will have to fly or drive to the event. Fewer decorations will have to be rented or created for a one-time-only occasion. Across the board, resources will be saved. This intimate ceremony will also allow the newlyweds to move around the room more easily, spending more time with the people with whom they have chosen to spend their special day.

Less paper equals fewer dead trees as a result of your nuptials. To save resources, opt out of some major offenders: menu cards and seating charts. Guests often don't miss what isn't there. Instead of printing individual menus and table charts. Indianapolis wedding planner Tonya Shadoan, owner of Circle City Planners (www.circlecityplanners.com), suggests printing one, large image that all guests can see. The money usually put into these finishing touches can be put toward something else, like a free-range or organic meal.

Let guests see it is an eco endeavor from the start
To some, a wedding invitation isn't complete without the invitation, response card, reception card, save the date note, registry list and inner and outer envelopes. To others, it is an egregious waste of paper. Rest assured, though, that classy invitations can still be had. For a stylish and one-of-a-kind twist, salvage old post cards from vintage stores and flea markets to use as RSVP notes. Not only will these rescue these artistic treasures, but postcards need no return envelope. Instead of save-the-date cards, encourage guests to RSVP by phone or online. Web sites such as eWedding.com provide couples with free Web space to create a custom wedding site. These wedding sights can be used for wedding party communication, RSVPs and links to online wedding registries.

Twisted Limb Paper (www.twistedlimbpaper.com) in Bloomington knows a thing or two about green wedding invitations. This local company hand makes its paper from 100 percernt post-consumer waste. They are made in-house, eliminating shipping, and embellished with ferns, flowers or grass cuttings. These invitations are rustic, unique and, best of all, not wasteful.

Find the perfect double-duty, green location
Although it may seem that where the nuptials take place has little to do with the environment, it does. Cookie-cutter "wedding factories" provide a one-stop shop for brides but often pull resources from far-away places to reduce prices. These establishments sometimes provide strict catering and florist lists, taking away personal choices. Support local restaurants, non-profits or landmark buildings by making them your wedding locale. Incorporating your community into the wedding will make for a memorable experience and be good for local businesses.

In order to maximize green potential, Matthews-Cook says brides must not be afraid to ask questions. In addition to checking the venue's recycling policy and composting practices, she recommends meeting with staff to find their willingness to incorporate green elements into the event. In the case of her reception, The Crown Plaza Union Station (www.crowneplaza.com/ind-downtown) supported her desire for an eco-conscious wedding.

"The chef was extremely excited about making a free range meal," Shadowan said.

Use local products when possible
Living in the heart of the Midwest has its advantages. Hoosier brides can find resources at their fingertips for nearly every aspect of their wedding, and local food is just the start. From Indiana's beautiful springtime peonies to full, summer roses, brides should have no trouble finding the perfect flowers close to home. If using fresh flowers, avoid floral tape and green oasis, which are toxic, not biodegradable and create more waste. Consider using potted plants as centerpieces instead. Old mason jars or antique bowls make a nice alternative to traditional pots.

Don't stop there, though. Take local products to the next level by making the location a theme in itself. Circle City Planner's suggests making Indiana-themed guest bags as well. "People love destination weddings," says Shadoan "so why not make Indiana a great destination for guests?" Indiana popcorn, wine from one of Indiana's 30-plus wineries and eco-friendly Endangered Species Chocolates all make tasty treats for out-of-state wedding guests.

Inspire other with thoughtful favors
These trinkets are often forgotten by guests or thrown away shortly after weddings. Instead of traditional favors, try giving back on behalf of your guests. Matthews-Cook, for example, made donations in her guests' names to local animal charities. These personalized favors not only give guests a glimpse of what is important to the couple, but also promotes active awareness of local and global issues.

Still want to leave your guests with something? Give guests organic coffee, chocolates, flower seeds or fair-trade lotions or soaps. Shadowan suggests using bags that could be used as shopping bags to present the favors or hotel bags. These bags are not only made out of recycled materials, but are durable enough to withstand post-wedding, daily use.

Be unique
Don't be afraid to be an individual. Eco-friendly weddings may not have all the extravagancies of typical weddings, but this isn't a typical wedding. It is different for a special reason, but can still be stylish and affordable. Best of all, it's socially responsible and a thoughtful way for newly married couples to start their new lives.

Circle City in New York City!

For those of you who don't know me I am Laurenne, Tonya and Darcie's assistant/blog writer! Last weekend I was lucky enough to celebrate my bachelorette party in NYC, where i was born and raised, and I thought I would share our wild time with you! I went with my mom and sister and met up with 12 of my college/childhood friends. The weekend started off with a bang when three of my friends who came in a day early were on the today show and actually met Matt Lauer, Meredith Viera and Al Roker! We stayed in an amazing hotel, 3 blocks from time square. We were literally in the heart of the city. We arived on friday and even though the weather was miserable, my friends and I had a great time walking around midtown and doing what we do best...SHOPPING! My sister Rachel, my friend Emily and I got trapped in a DOWNPOUR waiting for a cab...but we still had a great afternoon.


That night my friends and I met up with my dad and stepmom for a delicious sushi diner at my favorite sushi place in the city called Haru which is located right in Times Square! The food was amazing and it was great to have some time to sit and catch up with the girls. After we were all stuffed we went to a great bar/club in SoHo called Mc.Governs. We all had a few drinks and then proceeded to literally dance the night away. We didnt make it back to the hotel until around 4 and my feet were sore but it was still a great time!





Saturday morning we all met in the hotel lobby around 10am and we spent the whole day walking around NYC and SHOPPING. We went to all my favorite stores (Zara, H&M, Club Monoco, as well as several shops in SoHo). We probably walked 5 miles from Times Square all the way down to China Town. All of my friends found some great items and my friend Amanda even bought he first pair of Manolo's (we all know what a big deal that is for any girl). I was really neat for me to take my friends through the neighboorhood where I grew up because most of them an never seen it. After a long day of walking and Shopping we all returned to the hotel to change and get ready for diner/the night out.





We ate diner at an amazing restaraunt in Little Italy called Cafe Napoli. The servers there were great and were very accomodating to our group of 15 LOUD ladies! After diner we returned to the hotel where the girls had planned a surprize for me. They had decorated one of the rooms and had made Tshirts for everyone. They had bought a cake from my favorite bakery (magnolia bakery...if you have never been you have to go). They had games planned and chamagne poured and i was blown away by the effort that everyone had put into the night.



After playing a few games in the hotel room (and getting a visit from hotel security for being to loud) we decided to take the party out to a club downtown called La Caverna. Once there my riends presented me with a list of things I had to do...some of which will never be repeated, and I am proud to say that I accomplished most of the list! After MANY shots and drinks and embarassing challenges we returned to the hotel completely exhausted.




I know that this was not your average bachelorette party, but it was amazing and I can not thank my friends enough for comming to NYC and planning an amazing weekend for me. It was a great girls weekend and I only hope that Matt has as much fun at his bachelor party, well maybe not as much fun! :)


Don't forget to come and see Circle City Planners this weekend at Brides Against Breast Cancer. It will be a great event that supports an important cause!

Wanna be stress free on your wedding day???

4 Steps to reduce Wedding STRESS
Putting the FUN back into Wedding Planning again!


Today’s weddings can be complicated, but they don’t have to be! We have noticed lately that our clients are stressed about the budget, stressed over bridesmaids drama, stressed over the overall vision, and just plain WORRIED! Take these 4 easy steps to put the FUN back into your planning.


CELEBRATE! After you are engaged it’s time to celebrate. Don’t run out to a dress shop OR find the perfect reception location. Enjoy your time and take a moment to enjoy the engagement. If you just can’t stand it, change your status on FACEBOOK and go out and buy every bridal magazine available.


GET EVERYONE INVOLVED. Set a budget and stick to it. Once the budget has been established, now is a good time to go out and start interviewing wedding planners and searching for the perfect ceremony/reception venue. But STOP, first have all financial participants (mom, dad, groom, bride, etc.) attend those very must have meetings. Wedding Planner, Catering Venue, Photographer, Videographer: appointments are a must.


BE ORGANIZED. Once you start signing contracts take a moment and get organized. First go out and buy a 3 ring notebook (not a fancy planner) and start filing all of your contracts and other financial documents inside the binder. Carry it with you everywhere you go. Set up a separate checking account just for wedding expenses. Set up an easy to understand excel spreadsheet for everyone to use throughout the payment process.


GET CREATIVE. This is your time to shine with your creative ideas. If you’re NOT creative, find someone who is: your favorite aunt, your mom, your girlfriend, or anyone who has a Martha hand. Get them on board, and ask them to help you create those fun, fancy menu cards, favor boxes, and other fun items to make your wedding memorable. Ask your bridesmaids over for an Invitation STUFFING PARTY and buy all the junk food you can stand. Stuff yourselves silly. Get them involved too!

For more creative tips sign up for our TOP 10 TIPS to Make Your Wedding Fabulous!
www.circlecityplanners.com

Wedding Love,
Tonya

Tonya Shadoan is the owner of Circle City Planners. Brides are taken on the CCP journey exploring their wedding vision as our planners guide them through each step of the planning process. Tonya has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant™ and is a Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and International Special Events Society. © 2009 Circle City Planners, LLC