Say 'Yes' to the Dress

I have known for quite some time EXACTLY what I was looking for in regards to my wedding dress.  The only problem has been...FINDING THAT DARN DRESS!  I really didn't have to try on very many dresses, because I was able to eleminate several by just looking at them.  Some might call me rediculous, but hey, it saved a lot of time and hassle.  Soooo....after trying on about 10-15 dresses and visiting about 5 places, I have finally purchased my dress!  Thank you to all of you that were brave enough to tag along with me on these ventures.  I am sure you wanted to kick me a few time, but I love you for being so helpful and understanding.  I can't wait to show everyone my dress in September!!!

It's been too long...

Well, it's been quite awhile since the last post so here are some updates....

- We have our venue set in stone, as in...IT'S RESERVED AND THERE IS NO TURNING BACK!  We can't wait to share Coxhall Gardens with everyone in September.  It's going to be so much fun!

- Our engagement photos are back and are absolutely amazing; thanks to wonderful photographers!  If anyone needs an amazing family photo or any photos taken for that matter, please contact Carignan Gallery in Noblesville, Indiana.  Wade and Stephanie Carignan are such fun and create individuals.

Please visit Carignan Gallery at http://www.cgindy.com/

- We recent met with a DJ, Joel Nowacki, owner of Track Seven DJ!  I really think he would make the reception one heck of a good time!  I PROMISE!!!  Track Seven was named #1 Best DJ on the TheIndyChannel.com A-List in 2009 and 2010.  Congrats on your second win Joel and we hope to be booking you soon!

Visit Track Seven DJ at http://www.track7dj.com/

As of right now I think that is all.  I'm going to look at dresses this weekend, so WISH ME LOTS OF LUCK!


XO,
Sara

Drum roll please....

After a wonderful trip to the Indianapolis Canal and Coxhall Gardens on Sunday, we FINALLY decided on our wedding venue.  BUT...it wasn't going to be that simple!

We dedicated Sunday to deciding on our wedding venue.  With the help of our mothers, Lyla Britton, and Jessica Jacobs, we decided to rule out the Indianapolis Canal.  As much as we looove the Canal, it was just going to be so much more work, extra challenges, and constant worrying was not worth it to us.  Dom and I decided that Coxhall Gardens fit us and would prove to be much more enjoyable throughout the upcoming year. I'm so glad we took family and friends with us on Sunday b/c they were able to point out things that Dom and I hadn't thought of yet.  Everyone agreed on Coxhall!

So...Monday morning we emailed the event staff at Coxhall Gardens(we have been in contact with them in the past few months).  To make a long, roller coaster of emotions and events short....we finally have the date booked for us, we don't have to share it and no one else has it on hold!  HOOOORRRAAAAYYY!

Please feel free to check out the venue in the pictures below.  We are super excited that we have finally nailed down such a large and important part of our wedding.

XOXO,
Sara (and Dom)


About Coxhall Gardens:
The one of a kind 125 acre park also includes two 90 foot bell towers, playground areas, picnicking spots, and more. Coxhall Gardens hasn’t even reached its full potential yet; plans for the future include a reflecting pool, museum, and conservatory.

Hamilton County's  link to the park:
http://carmel-indiana.funcityfinder.com/coxhall-gardens/

Teaser!

Our amazing photographers have just updated their blog with a 'teaser' photo from our engagement photo shoot!

Enjoy and please stand  by for more photos.  ALSO...I encourage you to check out Wade and Stephanie at Carignan Gallery.  They are great friends and photographers!

XOXO,

Sara

T MINUS 365 DAYS!

Today is exactly one year from our wedding date!  I can't believe that in one year from today,  Dom and I will be exchanging our wedding vows.  That brings on a flood of emotions.  WOW!

Please continue to check in throughout the year for updates and (hopefully) LOTS of cool pictures and 'life happenings' for us.

Stay tuned...

Who knew?!

Some of you might be aware of this, but apparently Columbus, Indiana is known for their great architecture.  Please, let me be the first to admit that I DID NOT know this fact.  That being said...Dom and I made a last minute trip to Columbus, IN tonight after locating a couple of AMAZING venues.

Our first stop was the Factory 12 Event Loft. (website link here)  This building, which once housed a sewing factory, has so much character, is exactly what we want in terms of style and originality, and has so much to offer.  So, what is the downside?  It's just not convenient for anyone attending the wedding...including Dom and I.  As much as I would love to use the venue, I'm afraid it just wouldn't be a smart decision for us.  Candie, one of the owners, was so incredibly kind and generous.  She stayed late to show us the venue and answered all of our questions.  I know she would be a tremendous help along the way.  I'm grateful that she introduced us to a new place and something we will definitely recommend to others and possibly use down the road for another event.

Here are just a few of the awesome things about this loft:

• 10,000 sq. ft of event space
• Exposed brick walls
• Wood posts & beams
• Hardwood floors
• Large windows
• Skylight
• Ambient lighting

Empty, prior to being set-up

Empty, prior to being set-up

Set-up for a receptions of approx. 200 people

The ceremony for this wedding was going to utilize a little less 

than half of the space for the ceremony.

I encourage all of you to contact this venue if you EVER want a place with character, charm, attitude, and history.

Our second and final stop for the evening was The Inn at Irwin Gardens.  The Inn at Irwin Gardens is a luxury Bed and Breakfast, built in 1864 and originally owned by Columbus banker and businessman Joseph I. Irwin. The Italianate design was remodeled in 1880. Today, the home features intricate woodwork and moldings, a brick exterior, and two-acre garden.

The impressive main staircase just within the front entry way, within the Columbus, Indiana, luxury Bed and Breakfast.

The formal front parlor is just one of the rooms that is much the same way it was originally in 1864, right down to the original furnishings.

A portion of the classic white tiled pristine cooks kitchen within the Inn at Irwin Gardens remains much the same way it was in 1864.

The formal living room is still complimented by many of the original pieces of furniture.

A working original elevator rests on the main floor within the Inn at Irwin Gardens.

Cozy up in a luxurious suite in The Inn at Irwin Gardens. This 1864 mansion absolutely stunned me with its beauty and historic elegance. Ornate woodwork, original furniture and the overall grandeur give the inn an air of romance. Each suite has a private bathroom and the W.G. Irwin Bachelor’s Suite includes a round shower with an oculus above it to let in the natural light. I have never seen anything like it!

The sweeping veranda and breathtaking gardens adorned with flowers and fountains complete the enchanting setting. A visitor here will feast on Belgian waffles, homemade bagels and quiche in the mornings and will have free run of the gardens, parlors and library. It was obvious to me during my tour that the inn is a great place for relaxation, reconnection and romance.

An overall of the garden looking toward the mansion to the West of the historic property....

An elephant sculpture from the 1904 St Louis World's Fair is a true focal point in a portion of the beautiful gardens of the historic property....The Inn at Irwin Gardens is luxury Bed and Breakfast, built in 1864 and originally owned by Columbus banker and businessman Joseph I. Irwin.

Refresh yourself just outside the Irwin Gardens at One Body One Soul Spa, housed in a quaint historic cottage. Take a yoga or pilates class to exercise both body and spirit or enjoy a facial or massage with your significant other. Just walking through the cottage made me want to come back for a day of relaxation.

We are super bummed that this location just isn't going to work for us.  BUT...you better believe that I will be staying at this B&B very soon.  It might just be the 'wedding planning' getaway that we need in a few months! The owners are wonderful people and will be happy to make you Eggs Benedict for breakfast (my fav).  Husband and wife, Jim and Eve Jackson, will welcome you with open arms!

Useful Links:

http://irwingardens.com/

http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/irwntour.html

http://library.indstate.edu/newsletter/sep03/irwin.html

The Canal

Dom and I haven't had a lot of time to visit any of our desired venues lately, so we took advantage of Labor Day.  Although several places were closed, we headed to Indy to visit the Indianapolis Canal, Holcomb Gardens, and at least look at the outside of the Indiana History Center.  All of the venues were amazing and the weather was perfect for our day of walking.

Let me know what you think of these venues.  Have any of you ever attended any weddings at Holcomb Gardens, History Center, or on the canal?

Below are photos of the Indiana Historical Society located directly on the Indianapolis Canal.  We would utilize the outdoor terrace for our reception.  Check them out here!

I failed to take any pictures when we went to Holcomb Gardens.  This venue is located on the campus of Butler University and it really is amazing.  I think I was just tired and ready to find a place for our wedding!  For your viewing pleasure, here are some photos that I 'borrowed' from some kind soul on the internet.  Thank you Mr./Mrs. Photo Friend!

We would love to hear your feedback!

Love, 

Sara