2011 is about to be in Full Bloom!

The new year is hours away! If you will be a beautiful bride in this coming year, congratulations!! We've been keeping our eye out for some of 2011's hottest trends and we've come to a conclusion: budding blooms are making a statement. From dresses to diamonds, flowers are going to be more than just decor in the upcoming months! Check out these photos that show some examples: Monique Lhuillier gowns, shoes with budding beauty, and even a flower inspired veil that you can purchase on Etsy!

We hope you have a great time tonight ringing in the new year and realize that 2011 is going to be nothing short of FABULOUS! We can't wait to share it with you!!

Happy New Year!

XOXO

So he POPPED the question over Christmas... Your ENGAGED now what??

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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 FREE TOP 10 TIPS to Make Your Wedding Amazing!
http://www.circlecityplanners.com/

Happy Planning

Welcome To CCPink!!!!

CCPink is officially out! We are so excited to have all our current brides be our first sorority class of 2010/2011. And the exciting part is that our clients from last year get to be a part of the fun by being big sisters to our new girls! Thank you alumni, wedding professionals, friends, family, and our newest pledge class for coming to our open house last week! YOU made it such a huge success!

BIG thank you to Thomas Caterers of Distinction, everyone at Evans Audio Visual, Indy Photo Booths, and Party Time Rental. Our place has never looked so FABULOUS!

Enchanted Winter Wedding Ideas!

Ho, HO, HOOOOLY moly, you’re planning a wedding!!! What is SO fun about winter weddings is how you can completely transform a space with lighting, linens, and decor. It’s easy to have a pretty literal translation, in terms of design, of Christmas when planning a winter wedding. However, its so much more fun to take certain elements of the season but really make it FEEL like a glamorous, elegant wedding. Here are my tricks for creating the right ambiance while staying true to the winter season!

*Choose clean, neutral palettes, like whites, golds, silvers, or greens or blues.

*Think of “ice,” “snow,” and the converse, “fire,” and “warmth” as you choose decor elements.

*This is a great time of year to incorporate things like branches, crystals, snow, silver and gold balls, candles, and other elements that aren’t “just flowers.”

*Lighting is key. This the one season where it will be dark enough during your entire wedding to appreciate candlelight. People crave warmth when it’s cold outside, so create a fireplace feeling anywhere you can. Candles could line the aisle during your ceremony, centerpieces could have various sizes of pillar candles, floating candles, or even hanging votives on branches. Uplight the walls, and pinspot the centerpieces in soft amber to bring a coziness to your space.

*A cool, modern alternative to the traditional candle comes from a company called Electric Firefly (http://electricfirefly.com.au/)

*Consider things like hot cocoa stations, snow cones, warm, hearty meal choices and signature drinks and desserts that scream winter.

*Most importantly, have FUN planning!!!

- Tiffany -

Should I do a 'First Look'? Wait...What does that even mean?

The 'First Look' on a couple's wedding day is a growing trend and for some, hard to swallow. Many couples want the walk down the aisle to be the first time they see each other. However, more and more couples are opting for the 'First Look'. So what is it?

A first look moment is where the bride and groom essentially get to spend a few close minutes together before their big day. Photographers will choose the perfect spot - something secluded, beautiful, and with the perfect lighting. Once everyone is ready, the groom will be set up with his back turned towards the bride. Then photographers will make sure the bride looks absolutely gorgeous, bring her around the corner and let her walk towards her man-to-be. She will say his name and as he turns around, some of the most powerful emotions will flood over both of them. For a groom to see his bride for the first time is incredible. They can laugh, cry, and realize in that blissful moment that they will spend the rest of their lives together. Photographers use their long lenses to shoot so this can be as intimate a moment as possible. Photographers are absolutely wonderful at staging this moment capturing all of the bride and groom's wonderful emotions! And now, the couple is so excited to get to see each other at the aisle. Not to mention, having a 'First Look' before the wedding allows the bride and groom to go straight to the reception and have a great time instead of waiting an hour or two to get pictures done!

It may not be your cup of tea and that's okay, but it's an incredible moment that is always an option!

Spring Intern Search is TONIGHT!

Hello, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed the first snow!! Tonight is the BIG NIGHT! We are calling on everyone we know. Tell your neighbors, your family members, and your acquaintances that tonight is our Spring Intern Search with l'Evento! We are on the hunt for great talent. Circle City Planners needs an Events Intern and a Sales/Marketing Intern. Circle City Designers, our floral division is seeking a Floral Design Intern. l'Evento is searching for a Sales/Communications Intern. These spots are great ways to get to know the industry and get a foot in the door! I can speak from experience, as CCP's fall intern, that it is a great experience and I am continuing with CCP into the Spring! Everyone is so excited for tonight and seeing what great interns we can find!!!

7 p.m. hosted by l'Evento Event Resource Boutique

21 S Rangeline Road

Bring your resume and dress to impress!

Check out our Facebook Page, Circle City Planners, under the Events Tab for more details or email me with questions: joely@circlecityplanners.com

Joely

Our Interview with WIBC Radio!

On Friday, November 19th, I had the privilege of chatting with Indianapolis' very own WIBC radio, 93.1 FM about the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate and how it's affecting trends in the wedding industry! You can listen to the short interview by clicking the link below.

Click Here to Listen: TONYA SHADOAN WIBC INTERVIEW

Wedding Love & Hugs,

T

We just can't wait for Prince William and Kate!

The wedding of the year will SURELY be that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. We've been waiting eight years for this royal ceremony! Check out the news article below:

http://abcn.ws/ajzqsc

Meaghan & Andrew

Meaghan & Andrew

November 13, 2010

Historic Union Station at the Crowne Plaza

What a year 2010 has been! Meaghan & Andrew were a special couple to me because they were my last couple for 2010 to be married! I also worked with putting together their design elements and helping them find a great team of vendors for their wedding day. Meaghan and Andrew were such a laid back couple and easy to work with all along! I also got to work with Meaghan’s dad Terry and mom Jill on several occasions throughout the process. Such great parents!

The whole day was at the Crowne Plaza! This made the morning nice and relaxing for the bride and her bridesmaids as they got ready right on site. I was able to oversee all of the design being put together as well as help Meaghan and all of her bridesmaids get ready for the big day. I was really lucky to have three great assistants’ for the day, Kelly my assistant, our CCP intern Joely, and a Ball State student Samantha who job shadowed me. All three were such a great help with everything including our big room flip!

After Meaghan and Andrew shared a private moment in the Grand Hall that was ceremony ready, the picture taking started. Abby Veldman and her husband found some great spots to capture photos of everyone. Bob Ridge of Indy Visual also captured some pre wedding highlights of the couple. The ceremony was just beautiful with the lily wall created by Tiffany of Circle City Designers and Brian Whitis added the white up lighting to complete the look. After the ceremony, a quick flip of the room was amazing! Up lights to pink, add awesome design elements from Circle City Designers, light the candles everywhere and set the mood with music from DJ Brian Whitis. It was picture perfect! The merlot and ivory linens were just perfect from BBJ and the cake from A Slice of Heaven Cakery looked great in the middle of the dance floor. Guests enjoyed the photo booth courtesy of Troy Hill and the fun candy bar! The rest of the night went off without a hitch and Meaghan and Andrew enjoyed the time of their lives. The Crowne Plaza staff is always outstanding! They always make it so easy on us to run an event there!

Meaghan and Andrew will be off on their honeymoon after Andrew’s coaching season is over for basketball. Congratulations!!!

Randi J

How do I tell you I love you?

I LOVE you, now.. how do I TELL you??

Writing vows can be an amazing opportunity to share your love and excitement for joining your life with your fiance’s with all the people in your lives. It’s a wonderful way to make your wedding personal, intimate, meaningful, and memorable. Creating love from your own words is NOT for everyone, but for those who choose to brave it, here’s some tips.

*Research famous quotes on the quotes for inspiration. Famous love stories often touch the heart just as much as your own words could. Using familiar quotes in your vows creates a bridge for your guests to share in your love. They know exactly what you mean because they know the words you speak.

Who could say it better than Shakespeare? “A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.”

*Movies can be a great way to take our traditional ideas of love and marriage and put a modern spin on them. Quoting a romantic comedy we all have seen is great way to share a memory of you and your fiance, and help them connect with your feelings for each other. Use the movies, books or music that are special to the two of you to become the muse for your vows.

Can’t forget Billy Crystal looking into Meg Ryan’s eyes spouting the words, "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

*Look into your heart. Pull out old cards you have written each other, read letters your grandmother wrote to your grandfather while he was away in the war, remember words you spoke the first time you told her/him you loved them. What are the things you want to promise them? What makes them THE ONE? What do you see in your future together? Sometimes its just remembering the past to remind you of what you want to say about your future.

quick tips:

*Keep your vows to about 1-2 minutes. You want to be confident when you say them, and having to remember something very lengthy will affect your nerves.

*Don’t have notes to keep you on track. Speak from your heart. If it doesn’t come out perfectly as you practiced, just go with it :)

*Look him/her deep into the eyes. They will feel your sincerity, and so will your guests.

*Discuss the vows with your fiance beforehand. You don’t want to have different expectations for this moment. It might be your nature to be funny or witty, and theirs to be sweet and sappy...You don’t want disappointment or surprises on your wedding day. Its OK to talk about this without giving away what you will say.

*End your vows with I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Adding fabulosity to your florals, Tiffany

We're on the hunt for spring interns!

Ladies & Gents, tell all you know about our Spring Intern Search! We have teamed up with l'Evento Boutique to find four great interns for next semester. It's difficult to find good talent in this industry so we are opening our doors up wide. The four positions that will be needed are an Events Intern for CCP, Sales/Marketing Intern for CCP, Floral Design/Decor Intern for CCD, & Sales/Marketing Intern for l'Evento Resource Boutique. If you have any friends, family members or acquaintances that are looking to get a foot in the door in the events industry, this is the perfect opportunity! We appreciate all your support and hope you will help us get some great people to attend the search! For mor edetails or info on the positions, please visit our Facebook page. The Search is listed as an Event, under the "Events Tab" and all info is located there.

The search will be held on Monday, Dec. 6th, at 7 p.m., hosted at l'Evento Resource Boutique in Carmel. (Address: 21 S Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN, 46032.) All potential interns must bring their resumes, portfolio if possible, and of course, dress to impress! We can't wait!

P.S. We hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to have such supportive friends and fans! But after all that turkey, you better make the most of Black Friday and get some bargains!!

Votes are in! Our new kitten's name is CHANEL!

We just couldn't wait any longer to give our little princess a name! You sent the votes in and the results are clear: her name will be CHANEL! It fits perfectly - she is sophisticated, sassy and perfect for our office! Thank you all for taking the time to help us give her a name. You will have to stop in and give her a visit! Thank you everyone!

Look at our new kitten! Voting results so far...

Our new mascot has arrived to the office! She is getting acquainted today and is loving her new home! Here are pictures of her with her pink blankie and our intern, Joely. She is so tiny - she can fit in your hand! We still need your help in choosing a name for her. Here is an update on the results so far... We have had over 30 people vote already! 'Coco' is winning with 51% of the votes... and a close second is 'Chanel' with 43% of the votes! 'Diamond' has been added as a name choice on the survey, also! Please keep casting your votes so we can give her a fabulous name! Contest ends on December 14th!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VOTE!

Help us name our new office mascot!

Sally & Dale's Wedding Video!

Sally & Dale - 9.5.10 from IndyVisual on Vimeo.

Sally and Dale were married on September 5, 2010 at the Sangiovese Restaurant in Indianapolis. Check out their wonderful video from Indy Visual. Thank you Sally & Dale for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Darcie

Our NEW office mascot!! Help us name her!

We are so excited to announce our NEW Circle City Planners office mascot!! She is a beautiful Himalayan, Persian Kitten that will be arriving the first week of December.. She is sure to love our new office, being so chic and adorable herself!

..But we need your help! We need all of our fans to vote on what we should name her... Something fabulous, of course! Click on this link to be directed to cast your vote for her name - The survey will come to a close on December 14th. The countdown begins!

Click Here --> Help us name our new office mascot!

Linens Aren't Just For The Table Anymore!

I’ve decided I would like to start my own trend this year :) So, to all those brides who haven’t decided what they would like to do for their centerpieces, here’s the HOTTEST trend.... (That I’m about to start :) )

Step #1: Rent cute little cylinder or cube vases from Circle City Designers.

Step #2: Take a piece of your bridesmaids dress fabric or another print, pattern, or style of fabric you love, and go to a craft or fabric store.

Step #3: Find a fabric that is really close to the one you have you have brought, buy enough to cover the vases you have rented and then bring it to our designers to create your one of kind, personal centerpieces!!! Now, you have created the perfect palette!

Step #4: Go ahead and throw a few yards of this fabric down the head table for a grand statement, or underneath your cake for a big WOW!

Why is this a great idea? You haven’t spent a ton of money on expensive glassware, but you’ve still created an elegant, formal look that is totally unique to you! You have created centerpieces that can perfectly blend with each element of your big day! Linens, stationary, menu cards, programs, etc...create a cohesive look! You can take the fabric from the centerpieces after the wedding and have them sewn together into a blanket or comforter for your couch or bed. What a warm, wonderful way to remember the day you say “I do” by snuggling up with your husband!

Footzyrolls!!

Footzyrolls are the perfect shoe for your next event! They are cute, comfortable, and roll-up in your purse! They have been seen at HUGE events like the Oscars, The Golden Globe, and the Sex in the City 2 Premiere! Check out the comments our expert panel has to say about Footzyrolls!

Wedding Love and Hugs,

Tonya

Tonya- "Just bought my first pair last week. I keep them in my car, you never know when you need to slip out of those heels!"

"I sent these to my close friends as a small gift and they just loved them!" Randi

"This would be a GREAT idea for an outdoor wedding so your heels do not get dirty. Or use footsyrolls for a shoe check next to the dance floor."- Darcie

"Well, Im not prone to wearing heels, being 5'9 already, but I DO think these are super cute and comfy!" -Tiffany

Be bold!

Sometimes a bride comes to you with an idea or color scheme that you just aren’t sure about. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to get just a little more comfy with two colors I would have never put together in the fall. But, I was SOOOO glad we did! What an awesome event at the Montage at Allison Pointe! Turquoise and hot pink and BLING! This place was DECKED out in gorgeous white damask linens, chair covers with turquoise sashes, and we made the room POP with big Manzanita branches and hanging crystals. It’s amazing how a little food coloring can transform a centerpiece! One of my favorite pink roses, “Hot Princess,” was the perfect choice for Miss (Now…Mrs.!) Katie because she truly was the Belle of the ball! What was so great about using this color scheme is that it was SO Katie. Lesson learned? Be bold; go with what makes you happy. This wedding was a knock out success!

Adding fabulosity to your florals,

Tiffany

No Rhinestones Please! -from Colin Cowie

I enjoy fashion shows immensely, and the recent bridal shows in New York were certainly exciting. It always fascinates me how hard the designer works to create a collection—hundreds of hours of designing, refining and sourcing. The day of the show is usually frantic with styling and last-minute changes. The designer aspires to communicate a look but also wants an edge—and if the hair and make-up is wrong, neither will come across as intended. And on top of having to direct all the models, make-up artists and stylists, deciding who sits where is another stress test. Magazine editors, celebrities, clients and friends all need the "right” seat. When it all comes together, it's like live television—only one take, with all your fans, customers and critics in the audience. The music starts, the models come out to ooh's and aah’s—and in less than 15 minutes it's over and time to rush off to the next show!

As always, there's more to come!

Purple orchids + Crazy weather +Basketball court=AMAZING Wedding

Sarah and Chris
October 2,2010
Stonegate Community

The title says it all. It was an Absolutely AMAZING Wedding. I planned Sarah's big day in a little over four months. She knew that she wanted to get married in her parents backyard and thought it would be nice to have the reception in the Stonegate Community as well. Our first thought was a tent but in the end we decided the Community Meeting House was the best option. Once Sarah's "dream team" of vendors was in place she gave all of us the freedom to do what we thought would look and be best for her wedding. Clients like this are FABULOUS!

The design dream team including Circle City Designers, Evans A/V, Party Time Rental, Card Ink, Tom's Custom Trees and of course myself worked together to transform both event spaces. The ceremony setting was magical and the reception space was even better. The basketball court was totally transformed into one of the most amazing receptions spaces to date. The entertainment dream team including Jim Cerone, Jan Alridge Clark, Ken Knowles and Lauren Walawender did a fantastic job. Laurel Pitt and her staff from Hoaglin Fine Catering put together a wonderful and delicious menu. And I can't wait to see all the amazing shots that Nate and Tiff from Nathaniel Edmunds Photography were able to take.

The only person who wasn't working well was Mother Nature. The morning of the wedding was cold and rainy. It wasn't exactly what we planned but as always we had a backup plan in place. That morning, when I arrived at the Mitchell's, I went over the plan B with Sarah and her mom as Kathy Moberly was applying the ladies makeup. I knew that both of them were very concerned about the weather (I was too) but I told them that I would make the final call at 2pm.

A little before 2 o'clock we had a major bridesmaid dress crisis. The zipper broke and my sewing and safety pinning skills were not cutting it so I called my dress savior Karen White. Luckily, she was able to come on-site and fix the dress! THANK YOU Karen.

After that crisis was averted it was too late to turn back so I made the call that the ceremony was taking place in the backyard as originally planned!! I sent Carrie, one of my wonderful assistants to the drug store to pick up umbrellas just in case.

As guests arrived to the ceremony they were greeted with mugs of hot chocolate and escorted to their seats. Sounds of our vocalists and harpist filled the air. The sky was clear and the sun was even starting to peek through the clouds. After Sarah's nephew, her twin brothers, and her youngest brother walked down the aisle it was time for Sarah's big entrance with her dad. The ceremony was beautiful. The sun started shining so bright as Sarah and Chris exchanged their rings. Of course I cried! Thank God Reverend Patrick didn't speak three minutes longer because after all the guests cleared the backyard- it started raining.

Wedding Love and Hugs,

Darcie