Meet Ashlee!

CCD Intern: Week One

I have only worked one weekend so far, however, I think I might have picked the right, most chaotic, busiest weekend EVER to start my internship. This past weekend CCD had three weddings all on Saturday and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous for the challenge. However, Tiffany and Carrie make it easy and allowed me to catch on and jump right on board in the design business. The first task I took on was helping with the centerpieces for Jocelyn's wedding, which let me tell you might have been the COOLEST flowers and arrangements I had ever seen. I had my first experience wiring and taping roses, which we came to find out I need a lot more practice in taping. I am looking forward to the many many weddings ahead of me this summer and really hope to learn everything there is to know about CCD from Tiffany.

As Megan said in last weeks blog, Diva Live is this weekend and Tonya will be sharing all her knowledge on weddings with everyone. The other CCD intern, Stacy, and myself had the honor of picking out the necessities to finish the table decorating contest. Although neither of us knew exactly what chargers were and whether we should choose gold or silver. Once we did figure it out, it was so fun being able to choose everything from candles to menu cards for the event. I am really excited for Diva Live and to learn so much from Tonya this weekend! I will make sure that we let everyone know how the event goes this week and take many cool pictures!

Ashlee, CCD Intern

Visit www.divaweddingcoach.com for more information regarding Diva Live and other educational programs!

One Blustery Day in May!

Earlier this week we posted some pictures from our "Pretty in Pink" Crowne Plaza wedding from Saturday, so today I wanted to showcase the other wedding from this weekend. Traci was a sweet bride with some SERIOUS style!!! Love the vintage feel to her jewel toned wedding. This took place in a tent wedding out at Cox Hall Gardens in Carmel (Catering and set up managed by the Ritz Charles) on the world's WINDIEST day!!! The smile on Traci and Andrew's face shows that everyone at the Ritz Charles, Circle City Designers, and friends and family did a GREAT job of dealing with the weather and put on a great event! No one expected it to be 56 degress and blustery on the second week of May, but Traci was a smart bride and had a plan B. That tent created a beautiful backdrop for the couple's reception. Thank goodness she planned for that!!!

Adding fabulosity to your flowers, Tiffany

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Owen!

WOW! It finally came, Jocelyn and TC got married. Jocelyn couldn’t stand it one minute longer. She was so ready to get it over with (in a good way)! After planning for over a year, the anticipation and the anxiety of everything falling into place is now over. It went so smooth and everyone had a ball.

From the beginning of the planning process, every detail was planned out as the dream team was formed. There were a few hiccups along the way, but that’s to be expected in any planning. Melody and Jeremy from Carpenter Photography (www.carpenterpd.com) captured the day as it unfolded. Tiffany, from my very own Circle City Designers (www.circlecitydesigners.com) put together the cute FUN centerpieces to make the room complete. The famous floral ball was hung by Scott and his team (www.evansav.com). Jocelyn’s mom and dad surprised her with the floral ball (she wanted it sooo bad). Not only was this a surprise, but it made her cry when she walked into the room. I love that! The Tiffany blue sashes with hot pink accents were the perfect colors for this fun loving couple.

The cake and the cupcakes by Emily were to die for, as the guests didn’t leave a morsel. And last but not least, Dave and Rae (www.daveandrae.com) kept the crowd on their feet and dancing all night long. They have got to be my favorite band (am I allowed to say that?) Randi and Kelly shut down the evening for me after a 12 hour day! Thanks ladies. (a special thanks to my interns Danielle and Megan for the chair cover help).

I will miss the Eglen’s, what a fun dynamic family. They are so sweet! Now, Mr. and Mrs. Owen can officially move into their new home in Carmel with Braxton (their family dog/baby)! Good luck! Call me when you get back from the Bahamas.

Wedding Love and Hugs,

Tonya

10 Tips for Looking Great in Your Wedding Photos!

1. Do a trial run with your hair stylist & make-up artist before the wedding. Look through the make-up artist's portfolio and really look at each image. Does the client's skin look flawless? Are they shiny in photos? Is the make-up blended well? Do the brides in their portfolios look the way you want to look? If so, then you've probably found a great make-up artist for your wedding day make-up. Have them do your make-up before the wedding though so that you can see if you enjoy working with them and so that there are no unpleasant surprises. Some make-up artists include a trial run in their wedding day fee, others charge extra, but I think it's an extra expense that is well worth it. (This goes for your wedding day hairstylist too) Peace of mind is everything when it comes to your wedding day!
2. Find a make-up artist that specializes in airbrush make-up. Airbrush make-up is no longer reserved for the red carpet stars! Brides all over the country are seeking airbrush application because not only is it light weight make-up that makes the skin appear flawless, but it lasts much longer than traditional make-up and it helps avoid the forehead shine in your photos. Karen Hall & Company specializes in airbrush make-up in Indianapolis and travels all over the Midwest and beyond for weddings, contact her today for a consultation and trial run!
3. Avoid red lipstick on the wedding day. Unless you are doing a very specific, themed look for your wedding (old Hollywood glam, for example) I always suggest that my brides avoid red lipstick, especially if they like the look of black and white photos. Not many people think about this, but the red pigments in the red lipstick will actually turn your lips black in black and white photography. Just another tip from a seasoned pro. ;)
4. Hire a full-time professional photographer. Everyone is looking for ways to save money on their wedding nowadays, especially in our current economic climate, but fabulous photography is absolutely priceless. A professional photographer will guide you through the entire wedding process with ease, know what to expect on the wedding day, have back-up equipment on them, be able to handle all kinds of lighting situations, and know how to pose you to make you look your absolute best. Did you know that by turning your body at an angle and shifting your weight to your back foot while pointing your other foot forward, you can instantly lose 10-20 pounds through the camera? Yep, it's true. A seasoned pro should be able to tell you these kinds of tricks and secrets so that you look AMAZING in your photos.
5. Avoid salty foods at your rehearsal dinner. The night before your wedding is not the time to begin to feel like you're retaining water! We all know how awful that feels so just remember to keep your salt intake low the night before the wedding so that your dress fits perfectly the next morning.
6. Remember to eat breakfast and stay hydrated! So many brides forget to eat the morning of their wedding or they don't stay hydrated throughout the day. Most people get pretty cranky when their blood sugar is low or they begin to feel dehydrated so don't forget to take care of yourself. We always bring a small cooler of cold waters and some granola bars with us to take care of our brides and grooms in case they forget to eat or drink, I think it's the small things that mean the most. ;)
7. Bring a touch up kit with you on the wedding day. We always suggest that our clients include powder, lipstick, lip gloss, a comb and a mini can of hairspray in their touch-up kit or purse. Have your maid of honor be in charge of keeping it nearby in case you need a quick touch-up after the ceremony.
8. Wear comfortable shoes! I can't tell you how many of our clients have been overly appreciative of the extra slippers that we include in our emergency kit once they realize that their shoes are killing their feet half way through photos. Make sure you wear your wedding day shoes around the house to break them in, and don't forget to put grippy steps on the bottom of your shoes so that you don't slip and fall down the aisle. Some brides opt to bring a second pair of shoes (or slippers, flip flops, etc) to the reception so that they can change their shoes after the grand entrance into the reception, which I think is a great idea!
9. Have someone carry your garter for you. Most of the garters that we've seen are really tight and totally uncomfortable. Put it on your leg for a photo during the getting ready process and then give it to a trusted friend (or put it in your purse/touch-up kit) to carry with you throughout the day, and then put it on right before the garter toss at the reception. That way you aren't uncomfortable all day long.
10. Smile and have a good time! Laugh and let loose in front of the camera; just be yourself and show off that wonderful love that you have for each other. The happiness and affection will show through in the photos that you'll treasure for a lifetime!

Guest Blogger,

Erin Hession- Wooton

www.erinhession.com

CCP Intern: Week 3

The past few weeks have been a great learning experience for me. This week I learned about linens. I had the opportunity to sit in on a meeting with one of our linen representatives, Lori Kochendorfer, from Connie Duglin. I could not believe how many options there are for linens. Sure, I knew there are different colors, sizes, and a few patterns, but there is much more to it. There are different fabrics and textures and different styles of chair covers. You can create any combination and design exactly what your bride wants!

We have Diva Live coming up which is a weekend-long event where Tonya will share her expertise with up and coming wedding planners, including myself. One of the activities at Diva Live will be a table decorating contest and I had the honor of choosing the linens. I picked some fun and colorful linens so it will be interesting to see how the tables turn out! Also, I will be helping with my first event this weekend at the Crowne Plaza! I will be sure to let you know what it’s like and how the weekend goes!

Megan, CCP Intern

Live Your Passion!

Connie Duglin Linens

Three Weddings, Three Brides, One Beautiful Weekend!

Circle City Designers had an awfully busy weekend marrying off three lovely ladies! Beth was married at the Mavris downtown with some tropical flare. Jen was my pretty in pink bride who had a big party down at the Rathskellar. And the sweetest bride I have ever had, Lauren, had her big day at the Meridian Street Methodist Church and reception at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I was honored to work with Morgan Matters, from Morgan Matters Photography and Bob Ridge, from Indy Visual on this IMA event, and I cannot wait to see all the gorgeous shots these guys took! For now, here is a sneak peak from Morgan….We will post more once I receive them!! Enjoy!!

Morgan Matters Photography
Indy Visual

Tiffany

D' Elegant Weddings by Lynn

I have always felt that every bride should feel like a princess on her wedding day. She should have an assortment of shoes that inspires her the desire to step her feet into a pair of these glamorous shoes. It would be as if she was about to walk down the aisle on a runner made of red carpet. Now, I have seen brides in shoes that just do not compliment their wedding dress. Therefore, I wanted to make sure that brides have a selection of colors and designs, making every bride feel extraordinary on her wedding day. Furthermore, when that special moment comes and friends and family gather around as the groom takes off her garter, everybody will say, “WOW,” those are some awesome shoes, and the bride will have memories of that magical moment captured in their wedding album, to show-off forever.

Royal Creations, Elegant Memories

Linda Williams

Assortment of Wedding Shoes by D'Elegant Weddings by Lynn