Rebecca & Brian’s Engagement Story
May 16th, 2012 {No Comments »}

Rebecca Ivic & Brian Britt

Wedding Date:   May 20, 2012

Rebecca & Brian’s Story ~

Brian and Rebecca met on February 20, 2009, while attending Purdue University as Master’s students.  During a departmental event at a local restaurant, Rebecca was seated next to Brian, and unknowingly ordered the same dish as him, a quesadilla a la carte.   That sparked a converation about everything from art styles to video games, which lasted well into the evening.

Neither Brian nor Rebecca knew if the other was single, so under the innocuous premise of being “gaming buddies” they arranged to meet again.  Their relationship quickly blossomed into love, and the two have been inseperable ever since.

On May 20, 2010, exactly 15 months after their fateful quesadilla encounter, Brian took Rebecca to the Indianapolis Museum of Art with the intent of finding a piece of artwork that she liked and proposing marriage next to it.  Rebecca, being an artist herself, mercilessly critiqued every piece in the museum in succession.   After waiting out a rainstorm, the two retreated to the gardens outside the museum, where Rebecca also claimed distaste for the outdoor artwork.   Ultimately, giving up on the art connection, Brian took Rebecca to a secluded bridge behind the museum, where he professed his undying love on bended knee.

 

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

 

Posted in Weddings |

~Mary Hession Surprise Birthday Party~ September 2, 2011
May 9th, 2012 {No Comments »}

Did you know A Touch of Elegance does more than just weddings?  We are expert planners for ALL of your events!  We had the privilege of coordinating a surprise birthday party for an aunt of a dear friend of ours, Erin Hession (check out  her photography website: www.erinhessionphotography.com), at D’Amore downtown Indianapolis September of last year.  Mary, the birthday girl, was in for a treat, as were several lucky pooches, but I’ll explain that later!  Several months of planning produced a party to remember!  There were so many fun details that really set this celebration apart.  With so many exciting elements, I’m sure it would be hard for even Mary to pick a favorite!

 

Even Buddy made an appearance at the party!  Buddy is Erin Hession’s “furbaby”!

Meet one of Mary’s dogs. His name is Rudy!

There were cute “doggy” details everywhere!  I love the fire hydrants in the bathrooms!

Classic Cakes really outdid themselves with Mary’s birthday cake!

Setting The Mood and Holy Cow Cupcakes provided the sweets for Mary’s candy and dessert bar!

Among some of the most unique elements to Mary’s birthday, the Nitro Grasshopper was certainly a hit!

The above photograph is a picture of the Nitro Station (see below for the finished product)!

Indiana Ice Studio created the most perfectly posed Greyhound to honor the “Guest of Honor”!

Along with a candy station for the humans, there was also a buffet for dogs where owners could pack a “doggy bag” to take home!

Only one thing could be worse than being in “the doghouse”, and that is having to wear “the cone of shame”!  No one knows it better than Bob Ridge from Indy Visual who showed us how to wear it well!!  Lots of fun props were provided by Strike A Pose Photo Entertainment that guests could wear while taking their turn in the photobooth!

Lots of yummy hors d’eouvors were served throughout the evening. This is Bruschette brushed with Olive Oil and dressed with Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic and Shaved Parmesan.

These little cups are Vermont White Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Pan Fried Sandwich with Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup.  They were DELISH!!!!

These are Mozzarella en Carrozza with Caper Mayonnaise.

These bites are one of four pizza choices that were offered during the evening.

SURPRISE!!

After making her way around the room greeting all of the friends and family, it was time to get the party started!  The sun had set meaning the view from D’Amore’s floor to ceiling windows was the beautiful city lights.  DJs Direct set the mood with just the right music, and the staff of D’Amore opened the Italian food stations for Mary and her guests to enjoy!  Pictured below is one of three pasta options on the pasta-tini bar.

There was also Steak & Potato: twiced baked peruvian with Beef Tenderloin topped with bacon, creme fraiche and scallions.

No birthday is complete without candles!  Before cutting the cake, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” and Mary blew out her candle!

The ice cream was Mint Chocolate Chip on a Nitro Station with yummy chocolate sprinkles!

Even the birthday girl took a turn in the Cone of Shame!

Happy Birthday Mary! It was a thrill to celebrate with you!  We wish you a terrific year and many many more!

Thanks to all of the vendors that helped create a birthday to remember! 

Photography:  Erin Hession Photography – Erin Hession – www.erinhessionphotography.com

Bakery:  Classic Cakes – Ilene McHone – www.classiccakescarmel.com

Bon Bons:  Holy Cow Cupcakes – Karen Sutton – www.holycowcupcakes.com

Caterer/Linens:  Thomas Caterers of Distinction – Vince Early – www.thomascaterers.com

Candy Buffet:  Setting The Mood – Jamee Bryant – www.settingthemood.biz

Decor:  Setting The Mood – Jamee Bryant – www.settingthemood.biz

Disc Jockey:  DJs Direct – Jeremy Gearries – www.djsdirect.net

Ice Sculpture:  Indiana Ice Studio – Stephan Koch – www.theicestudio.com

Invitations:  April Foster Events – April Foster – www.aprilfosterevents.com

Photo Booth:  Stike A Pose Photo Entertainment – Kyle Nicholas – www.strikeaposeindy.com

Videography:  Indy Visual – Bob Ridge – www.indyvisual.com

Venue:  D’Amore Events of Indianapolis – Kelly Robertson – www.damoreindy.com

 

Posted in Weddings |

Kristen & Patrick’s Engagement Story
May 4th, 2012 {No Comments »}

Kristen Busenbark & Patrick Cummings

Wedding Date:  September 2, 2012

Kristen & Patrick’s Story ~

 

In March 2011, Kristen & Patrick took a vacation to Sanibel Island, Florida with their close friends Abigail and Matt. Sanibel is very near and dear to Kristen as she grew up visiting the island with her family. It was on this trip that Patrick knew he would propose to Kristen, and he would do it in Sanibel. When they returned from the trip, Patrick began the ring search. In order to not spoil the surprise Patrick began his search while Kristen was in Africa on a service learning trip. Ring in hand, it was time to plan the proposal.

Kristen and Patrick planned to go to Sanibel for a week over Labor Day weekend. The day before leaving for Sanibel, Patrick nervously called Kristen’s parents to ask their blessing. Thankfully, they said, “Welcome to the Family!”

When they got to the island Patrick began making his plans and if you know Patrick well enough, he tends to have some lets say, grandiose ideas. Scrapped ideas included spelling “Will you Marry Me?” in seashells and burying the ring in the sand. Wisely he decided to keep it simple. The second night on the island, Kristen and Patrick made their way to the beach to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, Patrick pulled the ring box out of his pocket and asked for Kristen’s hand in marriage. She of course said yes, and immediately began jumping up and down, followed by tears of joy. Kristen thought it was the perfect proposal and was so touched that Patrick knew how important Sanibel was to her.

That night they went to one of their favorite island restaurants, Doc Ford’s. Although it rained the next few days while they were on the island, it couldn’t dampen their mood. Kristen couldn’t take her eyes off the ring and they both enjoyed the rest of their vacation on Sanibel, at Disney World and Universal Studios.

 

 

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~Ryan and Jennifer Reef~ July 31, 2010
May 4th, 2012 {No Comments »}

“I’ll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you,
I’m so glad that I found you.

I’ll be there with a love that’s strong,
I’ll be your strength,
I’ll keep holdin’ on. (holdin’ on)
Yes I will.

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter,
Togetherness, girl, is all I’m after,
Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.” 

Excerpt from: “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5

Jennifer and Ryan wed on a bright July afternoon at the gorgeous French Lick Springs Resort.  The mood was ripe with excitement about life ever after as husband and wife as the above song, Mr. and Mrs Reef’s first dance, suggests!

Jennifer and her girls enjoyed a morning of pampering at French Lick Springs Resort with hair and makeup appointments.  When all of the final touches were complete, it was time for Jennifer to step into her stunning wedding gown.  Then, with bouquet in hand, it was time to meet her soon-to-be husband in the upper lobby for an intimate and memorable early reveal.  They then had their photos taken by the talent of DeFabis Photography around the resort.

 

Guests began to arrive at the lower gardens where Jennifer and Ryan would tie the knot!  They provided water for their guests as they enjoyed the beautiful outdoor July ceremony.  Their custom labels were a perfect touch!

After their ceremony, the bridal party and guests made their way inside to the Clifton Ballroom for dinner and dancing.  Complete Music kept the party going all night long while everyone enjoyed the fun wedding staples of cake cutting, toasts, all of the special dances, and bouquet and garter tosses!  The couple also surprised their guests with a yummy Nacho Bar Late Night Snack!!

 

 

Jennifer and Ryan are a beautiful couple and we are so honored to have had the opportunity to help make their wedding dreams come true!  But we couldn’t have done it without the INCREDIBLY talented staff of the following vendors;

Ceremony/Reception Venue:  French Lick Springs Resort – Carrie Gee – www.frenchlick.com

Wedding Gown/Tuxedo:  Bridal Superstore by Posie Patch – www.posiepatchbridalsuperstores.com

Florist:  Bokay Florist – Angie Kenley – www.bokayindy.com

Disc Jockey:  Complete Music – Rick Hannon – www.djlouisville.com

Bakery:  French Lick Springs Resort – www.frenchlick.com

Gumball Machines:  Things Festive – www.thingsfestive.com

Linens:  BBJ Linen – Ariana Gonzalez – www.bbjlinen.com

Party Time Rental -  www.ptrinc.com

Photography:  DeFabis Photography – Joe DeFabis - www.defabisphotography.com

String Quartet:  Sarah Sivers – Sarah Stivers – www.sarahstivers.com

Videography:  Complete Video – Rick Hannon – www.djlouisville.com

 

Posted in Weddings |

Keriann & Chad’s Engagement Story
May 1st, 2012 {No Comments »}

Keriann Kaminski & Chad Rebhotz

Wedding Day:  August 25, 2012

Keriann’s Story~ 

Posted in Weddings |

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April 24th, 2012 {No Comments »}

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~David and Lindsay ~ October 8, 2011
April 23rd, 2012 {No Comments »}

October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came – The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band  – George Cooper

Marked by the beautiful changing leaves and crisp autumn air, October 8th was indeed a party, one to celebrate the marriage of Lindsay and David!  

Lindsay and her girls had an early start that Saturday morning with hair and makeup appointments by the incredibly talented staff of Karen Hall and Company.  After their appointments, the girls then made their way to Immaculate Heart of Mary to step into their dresses and put on the finishing touches! 

Dianne Frewer of A Fitting Creation altered Lindsay’s STUNNING gown and helped her into it on her big day.

 

After the girls received their bouquets from Kathy’s Kloset, they were ready for their photos at the church.  After their pictures were complete, it was David and his guys’ time in front of the lens!

Lindsay’s 3 flower girls were beautiful in their matching dresses, sashes and bows!

Once photographs were complete, David and Lindsay’s guests arrived at Immaculate Heart of Mary ready to be a part of the beginning of their “happily ever after.”  With a beautiful bouquet in hand, Lindsay took her father’s arm and together made their way down the aisle to the regal tune of Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke.

David and Lindsay, now newlyweds, spent time together taking photographs around the grounds of their reception venue, Laurel Hall, as their guests enjoyed hors d’oeurves and beverages at the cocktail hour.

Laurel Hall is the perfect backdrop for this GORGEOUS couple!

Lindsay and David kept with the fall theme and used these miniature pumpkins for their escort cards!

Their cake from Classic Cakes tasted just as wonderful as it looked!

 

Lindsay surprised her new husband with a Groom’s cake showcasing his love for the Indianapolis Colts!

Lindsay and David slow danced under the beautiful chandelier for the first time as man and wife to “You Are” by Jimmy Wayne.

The night continued with the fun wedding staples of a bouquet toss, garter toss and lots of laughs on the dance floor with family and friends!

Lindsay and David stole one more kiss under the moon at Laurel Hall.  The party was coming to an end and eventually they too would depart.  October 8th was the first day of their lives together and one they will cherish forever.

 Mr. and Mrs. Kiefer’s romantic October wedding was made possible by the AMAZINGLY talented vendors listed below!

Ceremony Venue:  Immaculate Heart of Mary – Joellen Mills – www.ihmindy.org

Reception Venue: Laurel hall – Stephanie Miller – www.laurel-hall.org

Wedding Gown Alterations:  A Fitting Creation – Dianne Frewer – www.afittingcreation.com

Tuxedos:  Men’s Wearhouse – www.menswearhouse.com

Photographer:  Danny Iskandar Photography – Danny Iskandar – www.dannyiskandarphotography.com

Hair and Makeup:  Karen Hall and Company – Karen Hall – www.karenhallandco.com

Bakery (Cake):  Classic Cakes – Ilene McHone – www.classiccakescarmel.com

Catering:  Mills Catering – Jessie Tollinchi – www.millscatering.com

Florist:  Kathy’s Kloset – www.kathysklosetofflowers.com

Linens:  A Classic Party Rental – www.aclassicpartyrental.com

Disk Jockey:  Track Seven DJ – Joel Nowacki – www.track7dj.com

Transportation:  Aadvanced Limousines – www.317limousines.com

 

 

Posted in Weddings |

Kacy & Ryan’s Engagement Story
April 19th, 2012 {No Comments »}

Kacy Winegar & Ryan Gady

Wedding Date:  July 13, 2013

Kacy’s Story ~

 

When it happened…

Friday, February 10, 2012

  

How it happened…

Our Story: 

Ryan and Kacy grew up in the same hometown and became friends in high school. They kept in touch throughout college, and one weekend, they both happened to be home (St. Patrick’s Day to be exact). While spending time with friends, it was pretty clear that something had changed…there was suddenly a spark in what had always been just a friendship. As they say, the rest is history . The couple finished college at their respective schools and both headed to Bloomington to attend IU for graduate work: Kacy in Speech-Language Pathology and Ryan in Optometry. Kacy graduated in 2010 and has been working at IU Health Bedford since. Ryan will graduate this May. Ryan had been searching for residencies to complete in Ocular Disease upon graduation and was interviewing in many locations. He was interviewing in Memphis the weekend of Valentine’s Day and San Francisco the following weekend (which was Kacy’s birthday). Ryan felt bad about missing both special weekends and was trying to come up with an alternative plan to celebrate when Kacy suggested she just take a couple of days off work and go with him to Memphis. This worked out pretty well for Ryan–he had always wanted the proposal to be a BIG surprise and done everything to throw Kacy off track. Since Kacy suggested the weekend getaway, he felt she wouldn’t suspect he was planning anything out of the ordinary. In the meantime, he had already ordered a ring and been tossing around proposal ideas with one of Kacy’s close friends.

 

The Engagement:

As soon as they arrived in Memphis, Kacy was ready to give Ryan his Valentine’s Day present as she was bursting to tell him what it was the entire drive down there (surprises aren’t her strong suit), but Ryan said he wanted to wait until they finished with the evening’s festivities before exchanging presents (Kacy agreed at first, but then couldn’t wait and gave Ryan his present anyway–but Ryan wouldn’t budge). The couple decided to go to a nice dinner and then head out to the famous “Beale Street” to check out the live music/blues scene. Expecting nice weather and smooth sidewalks, Kacy wore a dress and high heels. Much to her dismay it was very cold, and many streets in Memphis happen to be made of cobblestone/brick. Ryan having stopped several times to let Kacy catch up, save her from impending doom as she rolled her ankle on the sidewalk and listen to her complain approximately 235 times about how cold she was, made the polite suggestion that they go back to the hotel to change into warmer, more comfortable clothes before heading out to Beale St. Kacy insisted on going ahead with their plans. Ryan–knowing her weaknesses–lured her back to the hotel with the promise of opening her birthday/Valentine’s present early. When they got there, Ryan had propped up the present in the corner of the room. It was a picture frame matted with three maps in the shape of hearts and below each they said, “we met, “she said _____”, and “we live.” The first map was of Rochester, IN (their hometown) and the second was Memphis, TN (proposal site). The 3rd heart was left with a question mark as Ryan and Kacy aren’t sure where they will be settling. After opening the gift, Kacy had figured out what was happening, turned around and Ryan was there smiling and began his speech. After, he got down on one knee and asked Kacy to marry him. Of course, she said YES! They filled in the blank for the middle phrase “she said ____” as YES together—Ryan said he didn’t want to be presumptuous and fill it in before Kacy officially answered—as if there were any doubts .

 

 

 

Posted in Weddings |

Matthew & Jamie ~ March 24, 2012
April 18th, 2012 {No Comments »}

 Check out Matthew &  Jamie’s BEAUTIFUL Wedding

Captured by the FABULOUS Erin Hession Photography

Click Here To View Erin’s Blog

 

 

Posted in Weddings |

~Bill and Kendra~ Friday, May 14, 2010
April 16th, 2012 {No Comments »}

It has been said that the color yellow represents optimism, happiness and energy while the color blue, being the color of the sky and sea, gives a sense of depth, stability, loyalty and peace.  The two together are a remarkable combination bringing together bright optimism and fresh sincerity.  Surrounded by the color and emotion of vibrant yellows and blues, Bill and Kendra experienced the joy of joining their lives in marriage on an appropriately bright, sunshine filled May afternoon.

Kendra and her girls began their day getting their makeup and hair done at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Regis Hair Salon both located at Castleton Square Mall.  After a morning of pampering, it was off to the Sheraton (Keystone at The Crossing) to finish getting ready!  All of the girls were dressed and ready when the Carey Limo Minibus arrived to transport them to the Montage, except for Kendra, who waited to step into her gown until they arrived at The Montage.

Kendra bought her gown from Nancy’s Bridal Boutique and Dianne Frewer with A Fitting Creation made it fit perfectly!  The corset back made for some great laughs as the girls worked together to get it just right!

Having her gown laced up and beautiful bouquet from Wedding Flowers in hand, it was time for Kendra to begin her photographs.

Bill and Kendra’s rings are stunning!

Soon after Kendra’s photo shoot, guests began to arrive and it was time for Bill, Kendra, and their bridal party to prepare to walk down the aisle!

Bill and Kendra decided to use a signing mat in lieu of the traditional guest book.

The couple chose to honor passed family members with a photo and a rose placed on chairs during their ceremony.

Before Kendra walked down the aisle she and her mother shared a meaningful hug.  It is every mother’s dream to see her daughter become a bride and for Donna today was no different.  There truly are no words to describe the joy of sharing moments like this with the ones you love most.  With the song of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiso’ole beginning to play, mother and daughter, arm in arm, walked down the aisle.

After their gorgeous ceremony, Kendra and Bill began taking photos together while their guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the Riesling Patio.

They are quite a stunning couple!

After their photos, guests were invited to take their seats in the Riesling Room for dinner catered by Kahn’s Catering.  After the bridal party introductions, a brief welcome, and prayer, dinner was served!

Bill and Kendra dined with their guests at a sweetheart table.   It was a fun and intimate way to celebrate with friends and family their new life together!

Bill and Kendra cut their cake and shared a toast with one another to their bright future together!

Bill, Kendra and their guests enjoyed dancing along to the beat of the music during the reception.  Lively entertainment was provided by Sunny Moon that evening.

Although the sun had set, the air was still warm enough to enjoy a breath of fresh air and a great conversation on the patio which was romantically lit by candles and white string lights.

CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. ZENISEK!  It was an honor to work with you and we wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and joy!

Bill and Kendra’s day was perfect, but we could not have done it alone!  Below is a list of all the FABULOUS vendors that used their expertise and experience  to make the Zenisek’s dream a reality!

Wedding Gown: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique – www.nancysbridalboutique.com

Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse – www.menswarehouse.com

Gown Alterations:  A Fitting Creation – Dianne Frewer - www.afittingcreation.com

Hair Stylist:  Regis Hair Salon  – www.regissalons.com

Make-up Artist:  Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio – www.merlenorman.com

Ceremony & Reception Venue:  Montage at Allison Pointe – Jenny Oden – www.themontage.info

Caterer:  Kahn’s Catering – Jenny Oden – www.kahnscatering.com

Pastry Chef:  Kyla Garcia – Kyla Garcia – www.simplisticsweets.com

Florist:  Wedding Flowers – Jan Johnson – www.weddingflowersdesignstudio.com

Photographer:  Megan Bryant – Megan Bryant – www.meganbryantphotography.com

Linens:  A Classic Party Rentals – Mike Wiggins – www.aclassicpartyrental.com

Entertainment:  Sunny Moon – Sunny Moon - www.sunnymoonDJ.com

Transportation:  Carey Indy Limousines – www.careyindiana.com

 

 

Posted in Weddings |