Chandeliers and Cake Zen

Last night Jen and I attended the Indy Getting Hitched premiere party at the wedding/event venue Community Life Center at Washington Park East. While the space is beautiful on both the inside and the outside, I couldn't shake the fact that it is located right in front of a cemetery and CONNECTED to a building that holds funerals. It just seems like an ominous place to hold a wedding/reception. But if you can get past the things I've mentioned, and for the right price, even I could, then it would be the perfect venue. There are many gorgeous chandeliers that glitter and catch every bit of light in the room and would probably make for some breathtaking photos. I also loved the rich tones that occupy the space which far exceed the average "ballroom" at a convention center or hotel. It truly was a beautiful space, but then there's that cemetery...

Photo from Community Life Center

I apologize for my somewhat negative review, so let me make it up to you by telling you about an event that has probably changed my life. Within the venue, various vendors (whoa, that's a lot of 'v's) were set up with their booths. I don't like cake. I never have and probably never will. As we were browsing, Jen and I stumbled upon Cake Zen. There were some cupcakes that were very aesthetically pleasing, but I didn't try them. However, I will say that I was very tempted because words like "chili powder" and "pow!" were being used to describe them. There were also mini lime meringues in adorable little double shot glass sized glasses. I also don't like meringue. BUT this meringue was different. The second the spoon touched my palette, I almost died from excitement and content at the same time. It tasted like someone crushed a pearl, mixed it with silk, threw in a dash of magic, and dropped it on my tongue. It even shimmered as though there really were pearls in the recipe. It was, hands down, the best pie-esque, nay, dessert I have ever had the honor and privilege of enjoying. From now on, I will always compare other desserts to this one, which is extremely unfortunate for all those to come after, because I'm fairly certain nothing will compare, and now I really wish I had tried the cupcakes. Someday, when I get married, I'm giving Jama a call. Not only are her culinary skills superb, but she was sweet as can be. Cake Zen gets 1,246 thumbs up (I realize I don't have that many thumbs, but if I did, they'd all be up).

Photo from Cake Zen Blog

Jaimee

Five Romantic Ideas For Your Wedding

Romance seems to be a resounding theme of every wedding, and rightfully so!  So how do you crank up the romance factor as you and your new spouse make the ultimate commitment to love? We at Four Leaf Events have compiled a list the top five romantic moments and details we have personally seen at a wedding over the recent years to inspire you.  


1. HAVE YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY AT NIGHT
I will have to admit this first tip comes straight from the storybook of my own wedding.  There is something magical that happens when evening comes and romance seems to burst alive.  The anticipation of waiting to marry my husband until sunset not only made my wedding day more relaxed, but also very fulfilling.  I was able to take in every moment.  The evening chill welcomed guests to snuggle close under the dim street lights and the candle-lined aisle.  Whether your evening ceremony is indoors or outdoors, there is something truly special about the quiet and stillness of the night.

Grise Photography

2. READ LOVE LETTERS TO EACH OTHER DURING THE CEREMONY
Anna and Kedric promised their lives to each other through traditional vows, yet nothing was more touching than the personal love letters they read to each other during their August ceremony.  Their guests were touched by the readings as their true love for one another became perfectly obvious.  Couples writing their own vows often times get caught up in expressing their love through beautiful words that they forget the promises for the future.  The best practice would be to stick with traditional vows that suit you as a couple and read separate love letters to express your undying love.

Sarah & Brad Photography

3. HIRE AN ACOUSTIC MUSICIAN
The sound of a single instrument echoing through a church hall as a bride makes her way down the aisle causes a hush in the audience like a dream sequence in a movie.  Caleb tunneled in on his bride Loretta walking toward him as a solo violinist played Trumpet Voluntary during their wedding last summer.  No flashy distractions, just a groom and his bride.  Choose an instrument that moves you the most.  Popular choices have been guitar, violin, cello, piano, and even trumpet.

Nathaniel Edmunds Photogaphy

4. SERVE DINNER BY CANDLELIGHT
Sure dinner by candlelit seems obvious, but we are talking about more than just a few votives scattered on the table.  Linsey and Justin had their wedding in the heat of a Texas summer storm, causing the power to go out at the reception hall just before the guests arrived.  What else was there to do besides light the entire room with nothing but candles!  This last minute alteration created an intimate and crazy romantic atmosphere that the guests and the new couple would never forget.

Sir Harrison Photography

5. WOO YOUR NEW SPOUSE
During a marriage it is important to remember to do continue doing the things that you did to win over your spouse in the beginning.  What better time to start this practice than on your wedding day?  Whether it be through a gift delivered pre-ceremony, a stolen moment during the ceremony, a surprise performance at the reception, or a secretly planned honeymoon afterwards, the gesture will not go unnoticed as an act of true love.  Bring on the romance and be the one who sweeps them off their feet for all to see!

Dawn Fisher Galleria Studios

Inspired by love, 

Jen

FLE Anniversary: Caleb & Loretta

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone!  We have a very special Four Leaf Events anniversary for you today.  Loretta and Caleb were married last year over the holiday weekend in Noblesville, Indiana.  The tiny old church, historic buildings, country backdrop, and intimate reception could not have been more perfect for a Fourth of July family gathering.

We loved having creative freedom while working with the couple's fantastic vendors which included our vendor buddies Nathaniel Edmunds Photography, bouquets by the sweetest Royal Creations, yummy food by Dodd's Catering, Ace Party Rental, and Forest Park.

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

A single violinist played the bridal party and bride down the aisle.  In a church as small and old as this one, that simple sound made a beautiful statement.

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Four Leaf Events Money Saving Tip:  The reception details were created from recycled green wine bottles collected from family and friends throughout the course of their engagement.  The gorgeous green hydrangea was gathered from a friend's garden the day before.  Very budget savvy!

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Bonus Tip:  The couple served a summery and refreshing non-alcoholic signature drink to their guests before dinner. 

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

The wine bottle theme continued with custom labels on the serving wine that included a picture of the couple and their logo.

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

A wonderful thing about getting married over Fourth of July weekend is all of the fireworks that are sure be be around as your evening comes to an end.  Caleb and Loretta were serenaded with an orchestra of fireworks from all around town as they rode to their hotel at the end of the night.  Very romantic!

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Caleb & Loretta

July 3rd, 2010

Happy One Year Anniversary, Loretta & Caleb!!!  I love you and miss you and wish you nothing but an endless lifetime of happiness... and lots of babies soon! =)

Jen

Foto Friday: SB Childs Photography

SB Childs Photography

This photo by SB Childs Photography popped up in my news feed about ten days ago and I was instantly in love!  I thought it was precious enough to stand on its own in a Foto Friday post.  You simply must check out the rest of these amazing photos on Stephanie & Brock's BLOG POST! 

Jen

FLE Shoot

I was going through my pictures this weekend, and found some long-lost pictures from the first shoot Four Leaf Events did almost two years ago.  These pictures showcase just a few of the, incredibly unfair amount of, talents that our Jen Barnette possesses. These pictures depict several services that Four Leaf Events offers to make your day that much more special. She made the gorgeous veil that the first bride is wearing by sewing a beautifully light lace onto the two flowers that she pieced together, petal by petal, and topped it off with iridescent beads in the center.  It is both eye-catching and simple at the same time.  

Our second bride is wearing a couple different pieces that were tailored specifically for her, by Jen.  The dress she is wearing was a simple, white, A-line wedding dress, and Jen added a full, beautiful, tulle skirt that gave the dress an incredible princess look and feel--that may have been somewhat influenced by the Vera Wang dress that Kate Hudson wore in the movie "Bride Wars," which we were slightly obsessed with for a period of time.  She also made the purple flower belt in the same way she made the veil, but rather than iridescent beads, Swarovski crystals were used in the center.

Four Leaf Events offers a variety of services to make your day special and uniquely yours.  If you are interested in learning more about how you can benefit from FLE helping you on your special day, click here.

*This was an immensely fun shoot, and we would not have been able to do it without our beautiful models, nay, muses, who also happen to be our sisters.

Jaimee

Foto Friday : Jasmine Star Photography

Today's featured pictures don't come from a local photographer--I only wish she was local, but a fairly well-known photographer in the world of weddings, Jasmine Star.  Her talent and ability to capture the most beautiful, tender moments on the hectic, chaotic days, that most weddings are, is undeniable.  
I love browsing Jasmine Star's blog, and I love the personal touch she gives by writing a little about each experience with each couple in each post.  If you'd like to see the entire engagement shoot of Shannon and Jody, the couple in today's featured photos, click here.  Or if you're interested in seeing the entire wedding day shoot, which is absolutely beautiful, click here.

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Jasmine Star Photography

Just because Jasmine Star isn't a local photographer, doesn't mean her pictures aren't absolutely worth sharing, and I am sure this will not be the last time she is featured. I know I won't be able to help myself.

Jaimee

Catering Creations

There is a catering craze on the uprise that I am simply crazy about: interactive food stations!  While the idea of food stations in lieu of a standard catering line is nothing new, caterers have become more creative about how they serve and what they serve your guests.

Thomas Caterers of Distinction has raised the bar once again for catering in Indianapolis.  I have always enjoyed their plated meals at weddings (hello, carrot souffle!), but I was recently blown away at the Snappening.com Launch Party at the always fabulous D'Amore event space.  

www.mollyconnor.com

If you are planning a cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception, imagine your guests mingling from station to station of artistically displayed miniature snacks.  Thomas offers a wide range of creative and unique "minis" such as my 3 favorites:

          -Mini Tacos served alongside Mini Margaritas

          -Mini Grilled Cheese Wedges on Tomato Soup Shooters

          -Bite-sized Meatloaf & Mashed Potato Pancakes (your entire meal in one bite!)

www.mollyconnor.com

www.mollyconnor.com

The desserts at the launch party seemed to be the hit of the evening and the true interactive stations.  Thomas had servers roasting s'mores on clothes pins, PB&J Nitro Pops crafted and frozen before your eyes, and the most entertaining was the caramel corn smoker pops dipped in dry ice.  Brides and grooms could build an entire dessert reception based off of creative treats that will leave guests surprised and enthused.  Champagne Pop Rock Push Ups anyone? 

www.mollyconnor.com

Rather than only leaving you hungry for lunch, I would like to invite you to be original and have some fun when you choose your menu.  Your guests will thank you and you will be happy for any even more unforgettable day!

Jen