Baseball game, that is.  This couple held their wedding reception in a ballpark – during the game.  Lifelong Cubs fans, the couple wanted to have casual fun for their reception.  Their guests enjoyed the game – tickets and food provided by the couple.  They all had a blast.

Their photographer, Hannah Fehrman Photography, captured their day from the 6am jog to the last inning.  the entire day reflected their taste and style.

As it should.

For Kyleen and Brian, less is more in their daily life and their wedding day. For them, it was a day of celebration – of their love, their friends and family.

The guests were among some of downtown Indy’s most well know.   Of course, the dinner and dancing was superb.  The champagne toast was touching.  The evening was elegance punctuated by classic simplicity.  The guests left this upscale event remembering how glad they were to have this couple among their friends.

The bridal party was an intimate group – maid of honor, flower girl, ring bearer and best man. The wedding cake? One flavor – caramel cake with white bakery frosting.  And it was just perfect!

After all, sometimes “more” is… well… just more.

Explore these questions and more with this favorite blogger of mine, Linnyette Richardson-Hall.  Check out her series called,

The RealityCHECK Series: How Much Wedding Can You Get For $$$$?

Not a traditional cathedral, church auditorium girl?  Want a spot that offers some unique fun for the reception as well?  Not all of these options will work here in the Indianapolis area, but we do have a regional airport in Fishers (think hangar and runway) not to mention the Speedway.

Keep in mind, you’ll want to garner permission for many of these options:

* a culinary school

* a subway platform

* playground swings

* a science lab

* a ski slope

* your alma mater

* a baseball/football stadium (Go Colts!)

* an aquarium

* a pumpkin patch

* a bowling alley

Send us photos of your cool venue and we’ll post them along with your story!

I loved this post from the ultimate wedding expert, Susan Southerland. Sneakers at a wedding.  Really?

She addresses the concerns of the bride – “what about the pictures?”. She also speaks to the MOB – “what about propriety?”.  This will make you think.  This will make you smile!

Here are some time honored words of wisdom from Stephanie Thompson,  a wedding planner in Canada.  I love following her sense of style so check out her website.

“Your Maid of Honour should be that special friend or family member who you feel you are closest with. The Maid of Honour should be responsible, organized, and someone you can count on to talk you through any stress you may come across. The Maid of Honour has many duties. Although, these duties vary from wedding to wedding, here are a few tasks she may be required to do:

• Help you pick your wedding dress
• Help with invitations, seating cards, and wedding favours
• Plan your wedding shower and bachelorette party
• Deliver a toast at the wedding
• Help you make sure that you are looking your best at the wedding for photographs
• Carry the grooms ring for the ceremony
• Sign the marriage certificate

Sometimes it is impossible to decide between two people. So don’t pick between them, ask them both to be your Maid of Honour. Yes, they will have to divide the duties, but it will lighten the work load for both of them and everyone will be happy with the end result.

Also, keep in mind how far the Maid of Honour lives from you. If she lives far away, it may be difficult for her to perform her duties. She’ll have to travel more and that can become financially draining and exhausting.

Your Maid of Honour is an important part of your wedding day. Make sure you choose wisely and don’t be pressured into picking anyone you don’t feel comfortable having. This is your special day; choose someone who is special in your life.”

Wedding Design Specialist, Stephanie Thompson, publishes “Wedding Wishes” weekly e-magazine with 3500+ subscribers.  If you are looking for more wedding design & planning tips sign up here to get my FREE Special Report “7 Easy Ways To Get Wedding WOW Factor” at www.stephaniethompson.ca.

Our second week of splurge worthy shoes include flats for the bride who values comfort but doesn’t want to sacrifice style and colorful heels that will brighten up any wedding day.  Missed Part One?  You can check it out here.

Fabulous Flats

Colorful Heels

Top Row: Rosella by Christian Louboutin via Net-A-Porter, Fiona by Kate Spade, Turquoise Sequined Flat by Giuseppe Zanotti via Bluefly

Bottom Row: Couture Bow D’Orsay by Valentino via Bergdorf Goodman, Hyde by Badgley Mischka via Zappos Couture, Double Platform Pump by Casadei via Endless

If you love your curves and want to show them off, bridal gown designer Sophia Tolli will make you smile.  Her designs use the artistic placement of fabric and embellishments which naturally lead the eye where you want it to go.

The slimming draping and exceptional fit are two qualities Sophia embraces for her designs.  Recently, my favorite Sophia Tolli gown is “Patsy”, available in sizes 0-28.  This A-line Paris satin gown features a striking crisscross satin draping across the bodice.  This gives a dramatic affect to the strapless neckline.

Sophia adds, “My collection has two distinct feelings: soft classic romanticism and traditional bridal drama. My signature style will always be gowns with an exceptional fit and cut.”  Her strapless gowns also include removable straps – nice touch.

For the Indianapolis area, her gowns can be seen, by appointment, at Nancy’s Bridal Boutique.

Fabulous shoes, and artistic pictures of said shoes, are THE wedding trend.  No bridal style is complete without the some red carpet worthy kicks.  So for this week’s Splurge Worthy round up we are featuring some favorites.  Given my shoe fetish, there were more beauties than I could feature in one post, so the second installment is next Thursday!

Classic Wedding White

All That Glitters

Top Row:  Elia by Badgley Mischka via Endless, Keedan by Kate Spade, Krista by Kate Spade via Zappos

Bottom Row:  Tahiti by Jimmy Choo via Net-a-Porter, Glitter Slingback and Glitter Pump by Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus

Lauren’s memories are gathered from some very personal, family moments.  She also finds herself reminsicing on some of the funny things, the laughter and display of friendship from her wedding day.  Here’s her list:

1.  A romantic rehearsal dinner at a quaint Italian restaraunt.

2.  When my mom gave me Nana’s crocheted hankie right after I put on my dress.

3.  Michael waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

4.  Getting sprayed with rice and flower petals!.

5.  The head table in the early evening sunlight as the sun was setting.

6.  Seeing my parents dance together.

7.  The toasts – nothing beats everyone gushing over you and roasting you at the same time.

8.  Rehearsing our choreographed dance.

9.  Watching my bridesmaid Libby catch the bouquet.  She’s now engaged to a groomsman!

10.  The convertible ride after the ceremony.