mmm... sweetcakes

When Marie & Lauren from Sweet Cakes Events reached out to us, I immediately went to to their website and fell in love. Truly. Their paper designs mesh perfectly with the delicious sweets they create. All perfectly coordinated without being over the top. Then... imagine how happy I was to find this on my front porch after a long day of Christmas shopping with two kiddos:



A gourmet s'more kit. Hello??? Do you SEE the size of those marshmallows? Y-U-M. It was packaged beautifully... almost to pretty to eat! Trust me it is as tasty as is it pretty.

If you need any sweet treats or lovely designs for an upcoming party, shower, etc. Check out Sweet Cakes Events Ltd. You will not be disappointed.

You can follow Lauren & Marie on Facebook here.

patrice + james featured on Style Me Pretty!

I love checking out all of the wedding goodness in my google reader in the morning, but even more so when I see a beautiful wedding of ours staring back at me. Style Me Pretty featured our very own CEP clients, Patrice + James wedding.

Patrice + James were married Labor Day weekend this year and we could not have had a better day! It was simply amazing. The entire event was flawless and so much fun. See the post on Style Me Pretty to hear about it in the bride's own words. And for those of you who love the details... check out the gallery of images.

This wedding is hands down one of my all-time favorites. Thank you Patrice + James for including us in your amazing team of vendors!

more goodness from lifetime films - jenni + michael, the highlights

Can't wait to see the entire video. Love Matt + his staff. So talented + great to work with!

Jenni + Michael's Highlights from Lifetime Films on Vimeo.

jenni + michael... the trailer | Cincinnati + Dayton Wedding and Event Planners

Jenni and Mike's wedding trailer by the fabulous Matt Pine of Lifetime Films....

Publish Post

Somebody yelled "WHO DEY" at my wedding! from Lifetime Films on Vimeo.

two left feet?

Do you (or your fiance) have two left feet? Maybe you have considered dancing lessons to help prepare for the first dance when all eyes are on you but it just seemed too pricey. Well we found a great deal that starts @ 9am this morning. Arthur Murray is offering discounted dance lessons via CincySavers. Here is what you get for $30.00... yes $30.00

One (1) certificate valid for two (2) 30-minute private lessons for one person OR a couple PLUS one (1) 60-minute practice/party session for one person OR a couple. This is a $139 value for only $69. New students only. Ages 18 and over, please.

Sounds pretty good huh? Visit the link here - limited number available so you'll have to act fast.

anne + matt = engaged!

Anne + Matt are getting married in May of 2011. Anne is originally from Anderson Twp (my kind of girl!) but they are currently living in Boston. So what a perfect place to have their engagement session. They flew the incredibly talented Nathan from Fyrefly Photography to Boston for their pics and they turned out amazing. Here is a peek of my favorite... For the rest check out Nathan's blog.

Introducing Paige...our newest intern!

We're so excited to finally introduce our newest intern, Paige. She actually introduced herself to us at Michelle + Jeff's wedding in October of last year and asked about a possible internship (gotta love a girl with drive!). We let her know to watch the blog and we would be hiring an intern for the following summer. And wouldn't you know it - she was the first to respond with her top ten list (see below) + she sparked our interest. After her interview, we knew she would be a fabulous fit! To get to know Paige a little better, we'll let her share a little more about herself as well as how her first wedding with CEP went.

Originally from North Carolina, I call Kentucky my home. A graduate of Dixie Heights High School, I continued at Northern Kentucky University. Come December, I will graduate with a Public Relations degree. With that, its time to start thinking what I want to do in my near future. When my sister got married this past October, it made me realize how much I enjoy every aspect of weddings. I've always been told when you grow up, do something you love. Doing what I love brought me to Cincy Event Planning.

Being a part of the event planning industry, it allows me to do what I enjoy doing everyday; share and organize important daily and or once in a lifetime events. Weddings, in particular, grab my attention. Every couple has a different idea of what their perfect day entails. With all the different variations, it’s a new job everyday!

This past month I was fortunate to join Jenni and Michael Stadtmiller on their wedding day. With the help of the couple and their friends and family happiness, it allowed my first experience as a wedding planning assistant seem easy. Knowing that not all events can go as smoothly and fun as this past event did, I still look forward to the challenges and special events of the next clients.

Ten things you didn't know about Paige (but now you do!):

1.Come fall of 2010 I will be graduating from NKU with a Public Relations degree, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

2.I'm one of seven (5 girls, 2 boys) making me work best under chaos-and my mother is a single parent so you can only imagine.

3. My biggest fear: Fish. Yes I know.. But 100% true. As I get older, the fear gets worse.

4.I love to ski! Every year my family travels out west for a ski adventure, something that I'm always looking forward to!

5. I've been dating my boyfriend since my sophomore year of high school - 6 years now!

6.Every night before I go to bed, I watch two episodes of Friends, and once I'm finish with all 10 seasons, I'll start all over again, that's when my friends call me a loser.

7.I'm OBSESSED with monograms. I have mine painted above my bed! And own way too many bags with the pNg on it...

8.I use to be a PC, but last year that changed. I'm now a Mac, even though I have NO IDEA how to work it.. I just now learned how to right click on it, impressive I know.

9.Although I love to ski, I would go to the beach any minute, any day! Although I wont go in the ocean, because of the fish, I'm perfectly content laying by the pool under the sun with a margarita in hand!

10.I love love love shoes! But being a size 5 I can't find any! Kids shoes are my best options, I guess that saves me money.

Kelly + Mark featured in Cincinnati Wedding Magazine

Love seeing our brides in print! Kelly + Mark's incredibly hip downtown affair is featured in Cincinnati Wedding Magazine. Check out the online version here.

Brandi + Mike = Engaged

I've been working with Brandi + Mike (ok, mostly Brandi) for many months now on their upcoming August wedding. Such a sweet couple - the fabulous Amanda Egan captured them perfectly! Seriously, how cute are they? I think my favorite might be the last one.

What to Wear Wednesday | Cincinnati Wedding Planners

Today's outfit is for an unofficial "event" - Meet the Parents/Meet the In-laws. The dress is young + fun but still conservative enough to please any future mother-in-law. Add the zebra print shoes and a few accessories and you have a near perfect mix of modern + sophisticated and dare I say a bit demure?

Dress - Anthropologie
Shoes - American Eagle for Payless
Earrings - Sam Moon
Headband - Forever 21

Total Cost - $128.29

fab friday finds - FREE Pottery Barn Wedding Decor Event | Cincinnati Wedding + Event Planners

Pottery Barn is hosing a free wedding decor event. A perfect way to get some new ideas. Class size is limited so you need to call your local store to sign-up and reserve a space. (Kenwood location- 513.794.0705) You'll receive 10% off any item featured and have a chance to register to win a Dream Wedding registry. Sounds like a fabulous afternoon to me!

Jenni + Michael = Married

After a morning of very heavy rain, the skies opened up to make sure that Jenni + Michael had a perfect wedding day. I loved working with this couple, who were so laid back and giddy in love. They just wanted to be married, and nothing could ruin their day. Jenni was quick with a shoulder shrug, or "whatever" when it came to making decisions. A truly relaxed bride, and it showed! The couple had an amazing ceremony and reception at Paul Brown Stadium. The city was the perfect backdrop for their sweet and romantic ceremony, and glowed for a fun night of dancing. The day was full of laughing and smiling. You guys have amazing families and an amazing wedding day to remember for a lifetime. Congratulations!

Check out the always talented Varland Photography for more photos.

A special thanks to the MANY other talented vendors who made sure this wedding day was a huge success. Lifetime Video, Shutterbooth, Party Pleasers, Robin Wood Florists, Tres Belle Cakes, Gallant Coach, and Heidi McKenna

Tools + Tips Thursday - Marriage License | Cincinnati + Dayton Wedding and Event Planners

One thing many of our couples nearly forget about is the marriage license. Not just applying for one, but actually remembering to bring it. We always include it on the checklist for our final meeting so we can bring it to the rehearsal. If it doesn't make it to the final meeting we put it on the rehearsal checklist. This makes just one last thing you have to remember on your wedding day! Also remember to ask your officiant if he/she is going to mail it or if you need to have someone else mail it for you - after all, you want to make sure everything is legal, right?

In Hamilton County, you can apply up to 60 days ahead of your date, but no worries if you wait until the last minute, the marriage license is issued the same day - there is no waiting period. To speed up the process, you can even fill out most of the information online before going in person. You can find out all you need to know about applying for a marriage license in Hamilton County here.

What to Wear Wednesday | Cincinnati Wedding Planners

I love the cut of this dress, the height of the shoes (hello fabulous legs!) + the shape of the earrings. This outfit would be perfect for a summer engagement photo shoot. I'm imagining some great shots with an urban backdrop.

Dress - Anthropologie
Shoes - DSW
Earrings - Sam Moon

Total - $135.40

fab friday finds - JCrew Flutter Flower Clutch

Modern + whimsical... this clutch is the perfect accessory for any outfit or as a fab gift for your bridesmaids. Two colors left... orange + lilac. Guess which one is my favorite?

Originally $128... now over 40% off... $69.99 @ JCrew

What to Wear Wednesday | Cincinnati Wedding Planners

Today's event? A backyard bbq couples shower. You could wear this as the bride or as a guest. I absolutely LOVE the vintage handbag. Pair this outfit with your favorite pair of hoops for a look that never goes out of style.

Total Cost: $92.79

Dress - Anthropologie
Shoes - Etienne Aigner via 6pm
Vintage Purse - Etsy
Hair Pins - Forever 21

Baseball Birthday Party | Cincinnati + Dayton Event Planners

Our little guy turns two today! Due to our vacation schedule we had his birthday this past Saturday. He loves baseball (well pretty much any sport with a ball!) so it seemed like the perfect theme to start the summer. We started with this invitation to set the tone for the day:



The menu included ballpark fare such as hot dogs, stadium brats, popcorn and of course peanuts. We also had mini Baby Ruth bars and cupcakes for dessert. I think my favorite thing were the favors though - rice krispy treats on sticks with a thank you note tagged to the stick. The note read "Thank you for making my birthday a hit! - Brady." The kids (+ adults!) loved them.



The only thing I would have changed is that we should have done cake before presents (like we usually do). Once Brady opened his Radiator Springs playmat + Mack loader with Lightning McQueen - he didn't want to do anything else.... so we had to bring his cupcake to him on his mat. He was way to busy having fun to slow down for cake.



I could have gone way overboard with this theme, but we had decided to stick to a small reasonable budget for his second birthday... the entire birthday (including invitations) cost less than $100. I think we ended up with a near perfect 2nd birthday!

jules + kevin = happy anniversary!!! (yes that's me!)

I can't believe it's been three years already. Today's weather is actually quite a bit like the day we were married, sunny + hot. I was fine but Kev and his groomsmen definitely felt the heat. I wouldn't change a single thing about our wedding... it was exactly what we wanted + reflected us perfectly as a couple. I am so blessed to have such an amazing man as my best friend and husband.

fab friday finds - Wedding Worthy Shoes under $50

I'm all for fun wedding shoes in bold colors... but these gorgeous neutral tone shoes are stunning. All of these selections from 6pm.com are budget friendly too - every pair is under $50.

Nine West - $31.60

Steve Madden - $49.45

Luichiny - $38.23

RSVP - $49.70

RSVP - $22.14

RSVP - $45.50


And if you want to go slightly over $50... these shoes by RSVP would be stunning @ $59.50

fab friday finds - Fun Wedding Gifts from Uncommon Goods| Cincinnati + Dayton Wedding Planners

Yes, yes, I know most brides + grooms have a registry and for good reason. But sometimes the only thing left on the registry is a wooden spoon or a gift out of your price range. Or maybe you are pretty close to the couple and want to buy something a little more memorable + personable than a gravy boat. Insert Uncommon Goods. It's one of my favorite online shops for fun + funky gifts. Here are a few gifts I found on the site that would be great gifts - at several price points. Make sure you take a look at the site though - there are TONS of great items and not just for brides + grooms.


If you are a bride and like what you see, check out their wedding registry. Some of my favorite gifts came from our Uncommon Goods registry.


from left to right, top to bottom:


Three Wine Men (wine carriers) I love these - especially for a couple that loves wine. Each one is made of steel + resin and sell for $75.00 each.


Custom Brick Memory Vase This is just such a cool idea. You send in personalized photos and they create a custom vase for the couple. Pricier than the other options at $250 but definitely a gift the newlyweds will treasure for a long time.


Table Topic Cards This set of three retails for $27.00. A great idea if you are hosting a shower or the bachelorette party. The custom topics include questions to get to know the bride + groom and the honeymoon set includes topics for the bride + groom to take along with them. Cute, fun + entertaining.


Bride + Groom Family Tree Album Not sure if you are a fan of Who Do You Think You Are (the ancestry show where celebs track down their heritage) like I am, but this is a great economical (only $19!) + thoughtful gift for a newly established family and something to pass on to future generations.


Mr + Mrs Hand Towels Is it just me or do you love stick figures too? Perfect for the newlyweds new place. $40

Meg + Kevin = Married

I am so excited to share a few sneak peaks from Meg and Kevin's amazing North Carolina wedding. I think fate brought Meg and I together. We met at a friends wedding in Key West a year ago and she jumped at the opportunity to have someone help put her wedding together.

What an amazing wedding weekend in Pinehurst, NC it turned out to be. We couldn't have asked for better weather, 70's and sunny, for a weekend packed with outdoor events. The festivities started with a Croquet/Bocce Welcome Dinner with guests wearing the traditional white attire. Friday the men enjoyed playing golf while many of the ladies caught up at a luncheon on the spa lawn. Friday ended with am amazing Wine/Old World Italian themed Rehearsal Dinner at the Fairbarn. Complete with a surprise Chinese Balloon Lantern release planned by the bride's brother (SO romantic).

Guests began their wedding day festivities mingling at a champagne reception. Then making their way to the sun filled West Lawn where Meg and Kevin exchanged vows under a gazebo filled with beautiful balls of pink and white flowers. The couple entered the cocktail hour, complete with a cigar roller, lead by a bagpiper. Guest moved inside to find their escort cards on a bed of moss and were treated to a 4 course meal that would make any mouth water. After carts full of cheese and desserts made their way around the room, guest where then lead across the hall for a fun filled night of dancing. The Atlanta Party Band welcomed guest who sat on lounge chairs, enjoyed the Martini Luge, Cappuccino bar and candy buffet.

I do not know a more deserving couple of such a lavish, classy, and beautiful wedding weekend.

Can't wait for professional photos from Lacey Gadwill and the video from 28:20 Films. Both such fun to work with!

A special thank you also goes out to Meghan from Pinehurst, Ashley from Camargo Rental, and Allison from Poeme for her amazing talent and hard work!

Be on the lookout for professional photos soon. In the meantime here are some highlights I took with my personal camera.http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsey.england/MegAndKevinSWedding?feat=directlink#

Tools + Tips Thursday - The Unity Candle | Cincinnati + Dayton Wedding and Event Planners

photo courtesy of the knot

A few quick + simple tips for your unity candle.

*Have someone (like your wedding planner) prelight the candle wicks and blow them out prior to the ceremony. Occasionally the wicks can be difficult to light for the first time. Burning off the excess wax covering helps the wicks light easier during the ceremony itself.

*Keep a small tealight lit discreetly behind the main pillar candle or in another hidden location on the altar/table. We often use a lit tealight instead of lighters, matches or candlelighters. The mothers (or designated persons) take the taper from either side of the main candle and light from the tealight. Simple, easy and no worries about getting the lighter to work. There are certain denominations that require lighting from a specific candle at the altar but the overall idea is the same.

*If you are having an outdoor ceremony, be sure to put hurricanes over your unity candles. Ideally the hurricane should be 2-3" taller than the wick of the candle to help prevent wind from blowing out the candle or preventing it from being lit in the first place. Even so, realize that some locations are so windy that it makes it nearly impossible to keep the candles lit. If you are getting married outside and want something to symbolize the union but don't want to worry about candles lighting or staying lit - consider a sand ceremony.

*Anyone can light the unity candle - mothers are the most common, but I've seen both sets of parents light candles as well. Another popular option for couples with children is to have the children light the candles - very little ones can be escorted by another family member to help.

What to Wear Wednesday | Cincinnati Wedding Planners

Today's feature event? The day-after brunch. We've selected a beautiful silk chiffon dress in a bright + fun color from JCrew. Each accessory adds a little shine + a hint of the same orange hue. This would be a perfect outfit to take with you on your honeymoon as well.

The total cost? $144.79.

Dress - JCrew
Shoes - Via Spiga via 6pm
Hair Pins - Forever 21
Locket - Forever 21
Clutch - Forever 21

Patrice + James = Engaged! | Cincinnati + Dayton Wedding + Event Planners

Patrice + James are just about as adorable of a couple as you can get... proof is in their amazing engagement photos in downtown Cincinnati by the fab Tine @ tmphotography. We are looking forward to their September wedding @ the Taft Museum with some of our favorite vendors including Tine, Brideface, Jen Nally, Giddy Ink , Tres Belle + Katie Elfers!

pretty sure this next one is my favorite!