Absolute Living

THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

It's May, and we are all coming out to play! No matter where you find yourself in the metro region, our monthly guide has exactly what you and your family are looking for.

SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER

Summer's right around the corner, and we all want to look and feel our best! Fitness expert and personal trainer Lydia Sweetser sat down with us for this informative Q&A.

DR. TARA EMERICK OF EMERICK ORTHODONTICS

2023 ABSOLUTE WEDDING GUIDE

Your wedding day will be among the most special in your life. We've done the work to find you the best industry professionals for all aspects of this most beautiful day.

GLUTEN–FREE GOURMET

Cozy up to gluten-free at Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop in Zionsville.

Publisher / Editor

JUSTYNA PEÑA

Marketing Director

EDUARDO PEÑA

Assistant Editor

MATTHEW HUME Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER

Art NICK PEÑA

Marketing Coordinator ISMAEL PEÑA

Circulation USPS & ABSOLUTE LIVING MAGAZINE

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Through July 29

Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawn Long-Sharp Gallery

longsharpgallery.com

Although Andy Warhol is well known for his prints and pop art, a series of his expressive line drawings created in the last decade of his life is on display at the Long-Sharp Gallery. This downtown Indianapolis gallery specializes in works by contemporary masters as well as regional, national and international artists.

AGENDA

May

By SuSaN Salaz

May 11

The Baccarat Room Experience

Charles Mayer & Co. shop.charlesmayer.com

Celebrate in style at the Baccarat Room at Charles Mayer & Co. with your favorite French cocktails like the Race Car and Kir Royale, served in iconic Baccarat crystal. You can also experience the new Cire Trudon fragrance introduction and a two-day trunk show with Steve Mazza of Mazza Fine Jewelry on May 11th and 12th.

May 13

Midtown Block Party Midtown Plaza, Carmel midtownplazacarmel.com

Stop by Midtown Plaza in Carmel for their annual block party. This community gathering place along the Monon Trail features an interactive play area and is perfect for a party with food and drinks, live music and a movie, games and activities, and more.

May 21

Etiquette Meal

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop aspasiabakeshop.com

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop makes learning proper dining etiquette fun and delicious with a four-course meal from their dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Guests will learn 80 points of etiquette throughout the dinner, which includes soup, salad and bread service, entrée and dessert, because good manners will never go out of style.

May 27

AES 500 Festival Parade

Downtown Indianapolis connerprairie.org

This year’s 500 Festival Parade is Fueling May with floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities and all 33 IndyCar drivers competing in the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to see the city come to life as it does only in the month of May.

June 4

Summer Concert Series: The Brothers Footman University Green, The Village of West Clay vwcownersassn.com

There’s nothing like music outside on a warm summer night. Join the Village of West Clay for a concert on the lawn by the Brothers Footman. This Indianapolis-based rock and soul group will get you grooving with your neighbors on University Green.

May 20-21

OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair

Indianapolis Art Center indyartcenter.org

Summer fun starts at the annual OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair, featuring renowned artists, music, food and activities, all on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center. The all-access weekend VIP pass gets you into the fair as well as the May 19th preview party, VIP parking and the VIP deck with complimentary refreshments.

June 3

Sip & Shop

Carmel City Center

carmelcitycenter.com

Join Carmel City Center for a summer Sip & Shop with promotions, sales and complimentary white wine tastings and signature cocktail at several of the shops. This month, drinks will be served at Out of the Blue Polish Pottery, Addendum, Canine Cloud Nine, and the recently opened Little Tulip Tree baby and children’s boutique.

June 9

Zoobilation

Indianapolis Zoo indianapoliszoo.com

Party with a purpose at the city’s premier black-tie fundraising event for a Wild Encounter among the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. With live entertainment on multiple stages, exquisite cuisine and 15 bars throughout the exhibits, guests can indulge in a luxurious experience they won’t soon forget.

Get in shape for summer with Lydia Sweetser, fitness expert and personal trainer dedicated to helping motivated individuals improve their physical and mental health, one workout at a time.

Lydia Sweetser

By SuSaN Salaz

Shape Up

for Summer

How can we get our bodies looking our physical best for summer?

The best and most effective way to tighten and tone our bodies for summer is lifting weights! Doing strength training three to four times a week will make a huge difference on how you look and feel this summer. I like to start a workout with an effective warmup, then move through six to eight movements—breaking up the muscle groups into push and pull, upper and lower body exercises.

What about cardio?

Your body needs both cardio and strength training to create your desired physique. I have found that for a lot of my clients, separating the cardio from strength training helps drive progress. My two personal favorite cardio workouts are steady state cardio and HIIT.

Why is it important to have a plan at the gym?

Walking into the gym without a plan is like walking into the grocery story with no list. If you don't know what you need, that’s okay! Hire someone to help you get started or to spark your interest again. Having a third party involved in your plan goes a long way when it comes to seeing results and reaching your goals.

Do you have any tips for healthy eating?

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Cook go-to staples like meats, carbs and roasted veggies ahead of time to have on hand so you can easily

customize your lunch each day. Mix it up with different toppings, sauces or condiments. Creating balance will help curb cravings, so make sure each meal has some sort of lean protein, carbohydrate, vegetable and healthy fat source. Hungry for mac and cheese? That's fine, just measure how much you eat, and add grilled chicken and steamed broccoli to fill up faster and stay satisfied longer. Also a little dark chocolate never hurt anyone—just don't eat the whole bar in one sitting.

What role does mindset play in staying motivated and finding confidence?

Mindset equals your thoughts plus your actions. It starts with you. Ask yourself what your “why” is. Do you have an event coming up you want to look your best for? Did your last doctor visit not go the way you had planned? Did you try on a suit or a pair of skinny jeans that no longer fit the way you remember? Once you establish that “why” you will be able to get to the gym even on days you don't feel like going. You only regret the workouts you didn't get off the couch and just do. Motivation can be fleeting, so make a plan, seek out ways to stay focused, and have someone hold you accountable.

For more fitness tips and inspiration from Lydia, follow @lydia_sweets94 on Instagram. To schedule personal training sessions, online coaching and in-home workouts, email lydia. sweetser@gmail.com or text 312-857-5718

DR. TARA EMERICK OF EMERICK ORTHODONTICS ALL SMILES

By SuSaN Salaz | PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | artwork By eduardo Peña

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The spring wind blows through Dr. Tara Emerick's hair as she zips through the Village of West Clay in her pink golf cart, pulling up in front of her pink building in the heart of Village Center. Inside the doors, the office is pink too. She embraces her femininity, and pink has become her brand. While constructing the space, which opened in 2021, the boardcertified orthodontist (pregnant with her third child at the time) admits to painting 20 different colored swatches on boards in her backyard to find just the right shade of pink. "I love pink," she says, certain hers is the only pink orthodontics office in town. "I wanted to create a building that looked happy and welcoming and was a place that my patients would want to come to," says Dr. Emerick, who believes orthodontics should be an enjoyable experience.

In color theory, pink represents kindness, compassion and nurturing. Dr. Emerick radiates those values naturally. As a child, she was introverted and teased about the gap in her teeth. However, she is grateful

While Dr. Emerick's love of pink inspires the aesthetics of the office, that isn't the only noteworthy aspect of her practice. Emerick Orthodontics is a leader in orthodontic technology in Indiana, offering digital scanning, remote monitoring, and advanced treatment applications, including LightForce and Inbrace.

to have had a kind orthodontist who not only straightened her teeth but gave her the gift of self-confidence. "My new smile really boosted my self-confidence and brought me out of my shell," she says, adding that in high school, she went from rarely smiling to being voted "Best Smile" in her graduating class.

"I always knew that I wanted to help others the way that my orthodontist had helped me, so dentistry—and orthodontics in particular—became my mission," says Dr. Emerick, who delights in the positive influence she can have in her patients' lives. "I love having the ability to improve someone's self-confidence and create a smile that they can be proud of," she says.

Emerick Orthodontics stands out—not just by being pink—but by using today’s most cutting-edge orthodontic technology. "If it is going to improve my patients' treatment outcome or experience, I will do the research and take the time to incorporate it into our office,” says Dr. Emerick. For example, her practice was the first office in the state to offer Inbrace, a new class of lingual braces. Fixed to the back side of your teeth, Inbrace utilizes a comfortable and efficient smart wire that is digitally designed with an orthodontist's prescription, treatment planned specifically for the patient. "With Inbrace, the braces are completely hidden, so it is our most aesthetic treatment option," explains Dr. Emerick, who, due to her experience with the product, was recently asked to speak on behalf of Inbrace at a national orthodontic conference to educate other orthodontists on this new technology.

Dr. Tara Emerick, her husband Jonathan and their three children Harper (4), William (2), and Saylor (1) have lived in the Village of West Clay since 2017. For Dr. Emerick, having a practice in her neighborhood has always been her dream. She says, “I always wanted to create an orthodontic practice that promotes self-confidence and empowerment, is family-oriented and is the best part of everyone’s day.”

LightForce, custom-made 3D-printed clear braces, is another new orthodontic technology Emerick Orthodontics has brought to the area. "I design the patient's prescription digitally based upon my treatment plan, and that prescription is transferred to the bracket design," says Dr. Emerick, describing the process. The brackets are then 3D printed with a shape and size customized to each tooth for that patient. "It is truly the most customized form of braces treatment that is available today," she says, crediting the treatment with faster, more comfortable, more predictable, and more efficient tooth movement.

Other vanguard technology applications Emerick Orthodontics implements are impression-free digital mouth scans and in-house 3D printing for making retainers or very minor aligner cases. They also offer remote monitoring for aligner patients, which utilizes a digital scan sent right from their smartphone. It is excellent for patients out of state, away at college, or with a busy lifestyle that doesn't allow for regular office visits. "Remote monitoring really helps us to fit orthodontic treatment into everyone's lifestyle," says Dr. Emerick.

Devoted to helping people, Dr. Emerick cherishes getting to know the people she serves not only as patients but as neighbors and friends. "My dream has always been to have a practice in the community where my children grew up," says Dr. Emerick. "I knew I wanted that close community feel with family and friends close by." Her kids now love

hanging out at "Mommy's office," where they can pick out toys from the treasure chest and color at the coloring table. "I just like having them a part of it and showing them that I'm doing what I'm passionate about, what I love," she says, hoping her children will be proud of what she does and how she helps the community and touches lives.

Dr. Emerick recognizes that orthodontics has traditionally been a male-dominated field and is thankful things are shifting and that more females are graduating from residency programs. Her career choice inspires her passion for women's empowerment, one of the core values at Emerick Orthodontics; she strives to serve as a role model to young girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. "I strongly believe that happiness stems from being your most authentic self," she says, "so our mission is to promote the highest level of self-confidence in all of our patients."

Being a mom is a great joy in Dr. Tara Emerick’s life, so in honor of Mother’s Day, Emerick Orthodontics is offering a special promotion—moms, dads and any adult will receive $500 off clear aligner treatment through June 30. Look for the pink office at 12863 Broad Street in the Village of West Clay, in Carmel, Indiana, and stop by for more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation. You can also visit emerickortho.com and follow @emerickortho on Instagram.

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2023 Absolute Wedding Guide

By SuSaN Salaz

A wedding is a celebration of love, commitment and unity, not just with your partner, but with the merchants and vendors you’re depending on to execute all the details of your special day. By entrusting the event—and every milestone leading up to it—to the experts, you're tapping into an invaluable source of knowledge and industry know-how.

Gaby Noel of GC Photography spends the entire day with her couples, giving her a unique perspective into the holistic integrity of the day. She stresses the impact a good team can have, noting the importance of finding vendors that not only collaborate well with the couple but with each other. The seasoned professionals highlighted here have worked tirelessly to hone their crafts while forging solid relationships with others in the industry, always keeping the bride and groom in mind. From discovering the perfect engagement ring at Petite G Jewelers to creating a luxurious gift registry with the Registry Consultants at Charles Mayer & Company; from designing a gorgeous aesthetic with bouquets and floral arrangements by JP Parker to hosting a stunning event at The Sixpence; and of course, capturing all the fun and intimate moments with GC Photography, these pros are at the top of their game when it comes to weddings. The level of dedication and enthusiasm they bring is unparalleled, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement that lets you relax and savor the day.

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Petite G Jewelers

Boutique Jewelry Shop

Almost every wedding first begins with an engagement ring, and Petite G Jewelers gives a one-of-a-kind experience to bridal clients. “We strive to treat each client like family, someone you can count on and know will help you find the perfect engagement ring,” says marketing director Molly Moreau, adding that on-staff jewelers and designers are ready to create or complete any style of ring.

The boutique jeweler, owned and operated by Dana Friedman and located in the Meridian-Kessler/ButlerTarkington neighborhoods, offers a range of earth and lab-grown diamonds but can also incorporate heirloom

diamonds or gemstones in a custom engagement ring or bridal set. Moreau says that oval and radiant diamond shapes are trending right now, but the classic round and emerald-cut diamonds are always in high demand. Moreau suggests Megan Thorne, one of Petite G’s favorite designers, for those looking for something exquisite right out of the case. “Her engagement rings and wedding bands are all custom made,” says Moreau, describing Thorne’s designs as carefully crafted in recycled 18K gold and ethically sourced diamonds—often using salt-and-pepper diamonds.

PhotograPhy By StaCy able

In addition to engagement rings and wedding sets, Petite G offers Lashbrook gentlemen’s bands (which come with a silicone safety ring), beautiful bridal party jewelry, Shinola watches for the perfect groomsmen gift, and anniversary bands for years to come. “Our commitment is for a lifelong relationship with you as your marriage grows and families expand,” says Moreau. “We want you to be able to pass down your special pieces and know they were created with excellent care.”

Visit Petite G Jewelers at 5609 N. Illinois Street in Indianapolis for an exclusive jewelry experience. Find them online at petiteg.com and follow @petitegjewelers on Instagram for news and events.

PhotograPhy By StaCy able

PhotograPhy By ivaN & louiSe

PhotograPhy By ivaN & louiSe

The Sixpence

Wedding + Event Space

Informed by her experiences photographing weddings worldwide, co-founder Shelby Henry sought to create a purpose-built space to meet the diverse needs of today's modern couple at The Sixpence, an intentionally designed wedding and event space located on 17 picturesque acres north of Zionsville.

"It's a true meeting of aesthetics and functionality," says Brooks Daigle, director of marketing and advancement. She explains that captivating vignettes and natural light are prioritized throughout The Barn—the 8,000-squarefoot main event space. Other features built into the venue include ADA-compliant restrooms, private suites

for the wedding party and family, a full caterers prep kitchen and a gorgeous bar with an LED-lit, diamondcut quartzite bar top. "We've created a space with a lot of versatility so that our clients can really host in a way that is true to their story," Daigle adds. Ceremonies can be held inside The Barn's ballroom or in several outdoor spaces, including the accessible patio, a beautiful open lawn, an intimate seasonal garden, and the recently completed wooded ceremony site.

The Sixpence supports its clients by allowing them the freedom to shape the space into their ideal wedding. They offer varied daily and weekend-long rentals, an

open vendor policy and completely custom bar packages, along with an extensive list of included amenities that set it apart from other event sites, such as tables and chairs, setup and teardown, security, customizable rental packages, a full bar and three distinct facilities. In addition, the Homestead (a fully renovated 1851 farmhouse) is available for overnight accommodations, and The Workshop (a deluxe man cave) is the perfect place to relax before or after the party.

The Sixpence is devoted to providing resources and inspiration to clients through their digital platforms and curated public events, hosted yearround. Stay in the loop by following @the_sixpence on Instagram and visiting thesixpence.com to see what's coming next or to schedule a tour.

Flowers play an essential role in the visual aesthetic and atmosphere of your wedding day, and so it is paramount to select a skilled floral professional who can easily handle all the details. Founded almost 40 years ago, JP Parker Flowers has become central Indiana’s premium florist, offering exquisite custom floral designs and first-class customer service. JP Parker brings each couple’s unique vision to life through bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces and pedestal arrangements, garlands, wreaths and venue-specific installations, such as arbors and floral arches, to give every wedding a distinct look. JP Parker prides

JP Parker

Flowers

itself on knowing every venue in town and their ability to maximize the beauty of each space. In addition, they understand how to work within vendor teams and have developed lasting relationships within the industry.

Courtney Montanio and Samantha Soper lead the wedding design team at JP Parker. Courtney says collaborating with brides, hearing their vision and seeing it come to life is her favorite part of the job. Samantha, who has a background in horticulture, enjoys playing with color and expressing a couple’s inspiration with just the right flowers. JP Parker sources high-quality flowers from all over the world through reputable wholesalers, as

well as from local farms in central Indiana, which provide peonies, zinnias, sunflowers and more throughout the summer months.

Elizabeth Snepp, who took over ownership earlier this year, brings her expertise, years of greenhouse experience, and fresh flowers from her Shelby County farm to the operation. However, she plans to preserve the enduring goal of excellent service and stunning designs.

Visit jpparkerco.com for more information or to schedule a wedding consultation with Courtney and Samantha, and follow @ jpparkerflowers on Instagram to see what’s in bloom.

Over the past 40 years, JP Parker Flowers has built a strong reputation for offering exquisite custom floral designs and first-class customer service.

Charles Mayer & Company...

Is there a wedding in your future?

If there is a wedding in your future, Charles Mayer & Company, a legendary retail institution in Indianapolis specializing in distinctive gifts for over a century, features the city’s premier wedding registry. They house an unmatched selection of crystal, silver, china and linen, as well as more casual tabletop options including barware, and decorative accessories. Here, couples work with Registry Consultants to create a customized wish list that reflects their personal style. “Our Registry Consultants can help curate each couple’s inspiration, suggesting ways to dress their choices up or down and to mix in desired color, patterns, and textures,” says owner Claudia Ryan, adding that treasured inherited heirlooms are often incorporated into their design mix.

An array of artisan designed exclusive products, from contemporary to transitional, all updated for today’s modern couple, are available at Charles Mayer & Co. These are designs and brands not

found anywhere else in Indianapolis, including Baccarat, William Yeoward, Juliska, Anna Weatherley, Herend, Bernardaud, Christofle Silver and many more. Ryan believes that luxury is an experience that everyone deserves and can enjoy. “Beautiful dinnerware or a wonderful goblet is not meant to be hidden in a cabinet or only saved for special occasions,” she says. “We want our couples to love and use their gifts and to enjoy them for years to come.”

In addition, Charles Mayer & Co. offers an assortment of unique gifts for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members, as well as hostess gifts for engagement parties and bridal showers. Gift options include engraving, monogramming and complimentary gift wrapping. Shop beautiful things for a beautiful life at Charles Mayer & Company, located at 5629 N. Illinois Street and online at shop.charlesmayer.com and @ charlesmayerco on Instagram.

GC Photography

by Gabrielle Cheikh Noël

Gaby Noël brings experience and artistic vision to each wedding day she photographs through classic images that will be cherished forever. With a BFA in photography from Indiana University and almost 15 years shooting weddings across the country, Gaby and her team know how to navigate the day and understand what to anticipate, finding the intimate moments rather than following a standard "timeline" photo format. "We see what people actually enjoy after—what they print, what they put in albums, what they hang, what they share," Gaby explains, adding that this data helps her discover and recognize the moments that require her camera's attention.

Gaby loves getting to know the couples and learning more about their family dynamics and friendships before the big day. "It's valuable to know and understand how they interact together and what makes them feel good together," says Gaby, who is also discerning of

insecurities and able to shield the couple from moments that might feel unnatural. "I want to know what will make their day feel extra special and what kind of images will make her grandmother happy-cry," she says.

After the wedding, Gaby sits down with the couple to design archival heirloom prints and albums that can be looked back on and handed down for generations. Gaby says, "I like to imagine that, years from now, they will host their family for the holidays and watch as their grandchildren wander through their frameadorned halls and relish in the stories of their history." GC Photography offers packages that include engagement photos and boudoir shots, and she often follows clients beyond their big day through first babies and family photos over the years.

Connect with Gaby online at gcphotography.com and on Instagram @g_cphotography.

Gluten-Free Gourmet

At Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop in Zionsville, gluten-free tastes delicious.

By SuSaN Salaz

When Eva Tomlinson started baking to accommodate a gluten intolerance several years ago, she realized glutenfree could be good. She began by testing recipes, adapting family favorites and developing her own flour, and soon realized good gluten-free food was something she could share with her community.

Everything at Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop, which opened last year, is made from scratch in their dedicated glutenfree production kitchen.

"Dedicated gluten-free means we don't have any gluten, any items or any type of gluten at all in our production kitchen or our bake shop," says Eva, explaining that aspect is essential, especially for celiac people who cannot manage any crosscontamination.

The menu offers light breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, local coffee from Julian Coffee Roasters and even gluten-free beer and wine. Signature sweet and savory baked goods include the popular salted caramel

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"Amazing cakes, including carrot and red velvet, are modified from old family recipes, and custom cakes can be ordered for any celebration. "

brownies, butterscotch blondies and raspberry bars, as well as loaves of bread and rolls. At Aspasia, amazing cakes, including carrot and red velvet, are modified from old family recipes, and custom cakes and cupcakes can be ordered for any celebration, including gorgeous tiered wedding cakes that are 100% celiac-safe.

Guests can conveniently pick up orders at the drive-through window, enjoy the outdoor patio, relax inside the bright and airy café or venture upstairs to unwind in front of the cozy fireplace. With semi-private and private event space, Aspasia often hosts special events such as wine dinners and cake decorating demonstrations, but is also available to reserve for parties and gluten-free gatherings.

Stop by Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop at 3091 US 421 N. in Zionsville, or visit aspasiabakeshop.com for more information, menus and online ordering. Follow @aspasiabakeshop on Instagram for the latest news and tasty specials.

THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION

If you’ve been staring at your walls and wondering how changing the color would make a difference, perhaps we can help. Have your local painting team at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis refresh the home you love and show you the power of fresh color.

We’ll provide a worry-free painting experience that fits your needs – complete with safety and cleaning guidelines to keep you and our painting teams safe. Schedule your on-site or remote estimate today to get started on your spring project!

*Offer applies to your residential painting project of $4,000 or more. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current estimates or proposals. Available at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis. Expires 5/31/23.

indianapolis.certapro.com