Boone County Magazine February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023

MAGAZINE

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2023

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT JOSH BROWN CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

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COFFEE & CONVERSATION

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SENSATIONAL SETTING

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is a The Sixpence Marries Traditional Welcome Local Addition for Gluten-Free & Contemporary Wedding Venue Customers Concepts

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A BLOSSOMING BUSINESS

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TREMENDOUS TRADITIONS

Zionsville Flower Shop is Your Charming Wedding Traditions Both Tried and True, Destination for Any Floral Needs and New to You

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Tilly’s Tea Room Celebrates Afternoon Tea & So Much More

Shop Brick Street Bridal

THE PERFECT TEATIME

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Boldly Chic Events Takes the Stress Out of Wedding Planning

Stacy’s Merle Norman Boutique & Spa Nearing 20 Years as a Lebanon Mainstay

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5 TIPS TO HELP FIND A WEDDING THE THIN LINE: FRANK WOLFE III PHOTOGRAPHER Whitestown Police Officer Receives Officer of the Year Award

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COFFEE & CONVERSATION ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP IS A WELCOME LOCAL ADDITION FOR GLUTEN-FREE CUSTOMERS Writer / Julie Yates Photographer Krystal Dailey

location in October 2020 and found it at the 146th & 421 location. The area is severely lacking in amenities for surrounding residents, and the traffic flow is advantageous. We began negotiations for the space in January 2021 and started our internal buildout in June 2022. The landlord provided a shell and our general contractor built out my vision,” Eva Tomlinson says.

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop, located at 3091 US 421 North, is a dedicated glutenfree coffee and bake shop. It’s not just a bakery offering a few gluten-free options; it has a menu that encompasses breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything served is delicious and if someone didn’t know before hand, they would be unable to detect that “We have taken advantage of the building the sweets and savories sold are completely height to integrate an upper level in the gluten-free. space, and incorporated a semi-private event area for special events. Bible studies, When owners Eva and Jeff Tomlinson birthday parties and other meetings can opened Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop, be held in the event room for a nominal they envisioned a place where people could $100 an hour food and beverage fee, comfortably visit with each other and share not including alcohol. We also conversation. The shop is named after host special events such Aspasia, a woman who lived during the as cake and cupcake golden age of Athens. She was influential decorating in Greek culture, especially in matters of government and politics. Her significant other was Pericles and she hosted people such as Socrates and Plato who would gather to debate and talk.

“We started looking for the perfect retail

demonstrations and rent out the upper level and the entire space for parties, receptions, celebrations of life, etc.” Tomlinson says.

Outside of the building there is a patio with outdoor furniture and a firepit. When weather allows, it’s a cozy spot to enjoy a charcuterie board with wine, beer or coffee.

Flights of wine and beer are available, and pairings are suggested to enhance everything served. Think noshing on a chocolate cupcake while having a glass of port wine.

The drive-through window opens at 6:00 a.m., but for those not in a hurry, the inside space is open until 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Customers enjoy lingering over cups of espresso coffee drinks made from beans supplied by the local Julian Coffee Roasters. To accompany both hot or iced teas and coffees or nitro cold brews, customers opt for the popular cinnamon rolls, raspberry crumble bars, coffee cake, and many other scrumptious baked goods.

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During the day, for lunch or an early dinner, the eatery has several choices. Warming soups such as roasted tomato basil, hearty chili, and potato are crowd pleasers. Also available are flat breads, salads, and pita with either classic or red pepper hummus.

Customers can buy various baked goods to take home such as rolls and sandwich bread.

Bagels and croissants are currently being developed and will be sold soon.

Aspasia is a safe spot for those who have celiac disease. Almost everything except cookies are produced at the shop’s production facility located at 9830 North Michigan Road. In addition, a wide assortment of dairy and nut free options

are available and items such as dairy-free key lime pie and dairy-free cheesecake can be special ordered. Customers can go online and purchase goods to be shipped nationwide.

“I worked in trade compliance for 25 years, 17 of which I had my own business.

When I sold it, I decided to do something fun. I’m gluten intolerant and that was the inspiration behind this bake shop.

Through a lot of trial and error I developed the recipes and blended the flour myself. I pulled from several family recipes and did hours of research,” Tomlinson says.

“Since we have been open, the reception

from the local and extended community has been wonderful. Customers can drive thru, dine in, walk in and carry out, or order online for pick up or delivery. We are happy to help the local community; if someone needs a gallon of milk to take home and they don’t want to make a separate stop, we are glad to sell it to them” she says.

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is located at 3091 US 421 North and the phone number is 317-344-2169. Visit aspasiabakeshop.com for more information and to order online.

Additionally, Aspasia Production Kitchen is located at 9830 North Michigan Road and their phone number is 317-663-4538.

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A Blossoming Business ZIONSVILLE FLOWER SHOP IS YOUR CHARMING DESTINATION FOR ANY FLORAL NEEDS

Donna Lennox-Hobson, Owner

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer Krystal Dailey

Zionsville Flower Shop, Donna LennoxHobson’s charming floral store, has been open since June 2020. Located at 70 South Main Street, it is a sister shop to Lennox’s other business in Mariemont, Ohio.

Passersby enjoy the fully decorated outside of the building, but the inside is a treat for the eyes as well.

Other evidence of Lennox-Hobson’s talent can be seen in Bender’s Alley, which is adjacent to the shop. It is decorated seasonally and never disappoints those who happen upon it. An aura of magic and whimsy are felt within the space.

to funerals. Weddings hold a special place in her heart. She has been lucky to find love twice.

After her first husband passed away, the Indianapolis native returned to the area upon reconnecting with a former neighbor.

They had known each other as young parents raising families. After getting married, she opened the shop in Zionsville, but still maintains her Ohio store.

“The floral business is cyclical like many industries and runs on about a five-year cycle, kind of like the fashion industry.

Eventually, we all return right back to what we have known in years past. As the owner of a flower shop, if you are willing to hold onto certain items that you love, eventually, they come back in style,” Lennox-Hobson says.

With more than 30 years of floral industry experience behind her, Lennox-Hobson understands the role flowers play in celebrating life’s milestones, from new births Lennox-Hobson shares that currently,

wedding flowers are simpler today than in the past. The trend today is different than the formality of tightly designed bouquets.

Likewise, different varieties other than the old-style orchids, gardenias and liliesof- the-valley are in favor. However, she is willing to be on the cutting edge and follow a bride’s lead yet glad to give suggestions if need be.

The goal is to help each couple create their own beautiful wedding pageantry.

While Lennox-Hobson expects to see the continuing growth of what she calls ‘barn style’ venues, she is also seeing brides choosing fabulous country club or hotel locations, which are much more elaborate in nature.

“I am beginning to see a return to the more formal aspect of a wedding and in fact, did my first tussy- mussy (Victorian style nosegay held in a small container)

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bouquets for a New Year’s Eve wedding in probably 20 years! Trending back as well is incorporating more color in the bouquets and accompanying florals, versus what we have seen in recent years of creams, whites and blushes only. It’s up to us as professional floral designers to embody that of a true artist of floral designs,” Lennox-Hobson says.

“The Flower Shop develops relationships with brides and all of their influencing partners to invest in what will be their beautiful day of celebration! It is up to us as curators of beautiful florals to be able to help them create a budget that merges with their wish list, as well as their absolute must haves,” Lennox-Hobson says.

Zionsville Flower Shop is located at 70 South Main Street. You can reach the shop at 317-344-2716. You can also find them on Facebook under Events & Florals of Zionsville aka: The Flower Shop and on Instagram @events.florals.zionsville.

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From left to right Debbie Bossi, Sharon Moore & Kristen Sowell

THE PERFECT TEATIME

TILLY’S TEA ROOM CELEBRATES AFTERNOON TEA & SO MUCH MORE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Sharon Moore says the story of how she came to open a modern style English tearoom in Indianapolis is a good one.

“My story is ridiculously crazy,” Moore says.

It’s not so much crazy as it is magical in the way life’s pieces fell into place. In 2003, Moore moved from her native Newcastle, England, to Indianapolis to work in motorsports as a BBC television producer for Champ Car. After having her children, Max and Matilda (Tilly), she couldn’t travel as much so she began thinking about launching a new career. She contemplated what would be a good fit.

“Being from England, I was complete foodie,” Moore says, who in February of 2015 opened Tilly’s Tea Room in Fishers in a tiny house with just 35 seats. Not long thereafter, the landlord sold the building, forcing Moore to come up with an alternative plan. Fate intervened when a friend told her about an opportunity to move her business inside of Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis.

“In Indiana, everyone remembers the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, so this was a nod to tradition,” Moore says. She opened Tilly’s Tea Room & Café in July of 2016.

“In England, we have Harrods with the tearoom, so this seemed like a good fit.”

The elegant new location more than tripled the seating capacity. This means that it can host bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties and corporate events Those who are hosting parties can bring in décor or balloon arches.

“It was a blessing in disguise coming here because we would have outgrown the Fishers space so quickly,” Moore says. “Not to mention, we never would have survived COVID in that small space with the social distancing requirements.”

A lot of the bridal showers involve 30 to 50 people, birthday celebrations often have 20 attendees and networking events sometimes have 50+ people. Recently, a woman who had her baby shower at Tilly’s Tea Room last year came back to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday.

Parties typically involve an English afternoon tea complete with table runners and fine China. Guests can also partake in a full mimosa bar, champagne bar, or selection of wine. Plus, the tearoom offers a full list of hors d’oeuvres. Many of the brides will have champagne on arrival with hors d’oeuvres then seat their guests for afternoon tea.

Though there is not an official dress code at Tilly’s Tea Room, guests do tend to dress in their Sunday best.

“It’s afternoon tea. That’s what makes it special!” Moore says. “There aren’t many places you can go with a nice dress and a hat or a fascinator and not look out of place. It’s fun, elegant and stylish.”

Tilly’s Tea Room has a loyal following, with many regulars who come in with a group of friends to enjoy afternoon tea, soups, salads and paninis.

“It’s a nice, quiet place to spend a few hours and relax,” Moore says. “It’s not like a hectic coffee shop.”

Prior to the pandemic, people came in during the week for sandwiches, salads and soups with most people opting to indulge in afternoon tea on the weekends. After COVID, however, they serve many more afternoon teas than they do regular lunch menu items.

“I think people were so fed up with living in sweatpants 24/7 that they looked forward to getting dressed up and treating themselves to afternoon tea during the week and not just on the weekend, Moore says, who is currently in the process of getting FDA approval to be the only clotted cream

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supplier in the U.S. Moore laughs when she describes the process.

“That sounds disgusting, but it’s not,” she says. She explains that if you went to a cream tea, your scones come with a jam or a curd.

You cut your scone in the middle, then add jam followed by a dollop of clotted cream.

When Moore first opened in Fishers, she wasn’t able to order the clotted cream, so she was flying it in from an English woman that had a dairy farm in North Carolina, which was an expensive endeavor. So, Moore began the process of getting the FDA approval.

“English scones aren’t like American scones,” Moore says. “English scones are dry and crumbly with sugar on top while ours is a cross between an American scone and an American biscuit.”

Moore’s favorite part of running Tilly’s Tea

Room is helping people celebrate special moments in their lives. She’s committed to charity work as well, supporting Gleaners Food Bank, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and several cancer charities.

“It’s nice to be able to help on a philanthropic level,” Moore says. She also likes to celebrate big happenings in England.

For instance, when Harry and Meghan got married, Moore hosted an afternoon tea in which guests dressed up and wore their finest hats. She’s planning a similar event for King Charles’ coronation, which happens to fall on May 6, the same day as her daughter Tilly’s birthday (the tea room’s namesake).

A ridiculously crazy story, perhaps, but also very much kismet.

Tilly’s Tea Room & Café is located on the 3rd Floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-816-0171 or visit tillystearoom.com

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WHAT’S THE PLAN? BOLDLY CHIC EVENTS TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF WEDDING PLANNING What about brides who think they can do it all on their own? Painter says a great wedding planner is there to assist in as Planning a wedding is daunting, even for the much or as little as each bride wants. Some most organized brides. While it’s only one may only want assistance the month before day in a lifetime of memories, it’s one of the the wedding, while others desire help with biggest days of many people’s lives. So, who every detail. can you trust to help guide you through the wedding planning process?

“You want to enjoy your wedding day,” Painter says. “You don’t want to worry about Megan Painter, a lead planner for Boldly setting up the guest book or managing the Chic Events, says hiring a wedding planner vendors, or finding the bridal party for is essential to the outcome of the big day. photos. We’re there to handle everything She says word-of-mouth referrals are behind the scenes so a bride experiences as the best source for finding the perfect fit little stress as possible. When you choose a between a bride and a wedding planner.

Boldly Chic Events planner, we’re with you the whole day of the wedding. We also bring “While some brides come to us through two assistants to ensure someone handles online inquiries, many of our brides have every detail.” attended one of our previous events,” Painter says. “Some have been bridesmaids Painter says she’s often asked about the at a friend’s wedding, and they’ve seen us in difference between a venue coordinator action. Asking a friend or family member for and a wedding planner. She says a venue a referral is one of the best ways to find the coordinator only handles tasks related to perfect wedding planner.” the venue, while a planner is the third brain Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

for the bride and the groom. She says she produces a highly detailed itinerary for the wedding day and mitigates any unforeseen issues before the bride ever gets wind of a problem.

“We know pricing is a huge factor in planning a wedding,” Painter says. “Many brides come to us with a budget, and we work within the budget to determine where to allocate those dollars where they’re the most important to the bride. We sit down and come up with something personalized for each client.”

Using a wedding planner is an additional cost on an already expensive day, but Painter says the price comes with years of experience and a passion for the industry.

She says the Boldly Chic team never wants a bride to look back and wish they did something different.

“We spend so much time working with our clients, we end up having relationships with

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them long after the wedding day itself,” Painter says. “We know it’s one day, but it’s one day you remember your entire life. That’s why we’re so passionate about creating the best weddings possible.”

Boldly Chic Events is a wedding planning service in Indianapolis and New York City, established in 2010 by Owner Lori Solomon. For more information, visit boldlychic.com.

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TIPS TO HELP FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Writer / Michael Durr Photographer / Jessica Strickland

Many brides and grooms might find it daunting when tasked with finding a wedding photographer. Having captured many weddings myself and having the experience of finding a wedding photographer to capture our own wedding, I wanted to provide some tips on what to look for when you begin your search.

TIP 1: CHOOSE A STYLE One of the most important things when looking for a wedding photographer is finding a style that you like. All photographers bring a certain look to their work, and you want to be sure that your expectation matches the style of your photographer. You can look at a photographer’s Instagram account, but I would advise going a step further and browsing their website to really get a sense of the style of photography they provide. A word-of-mouth referral also goes a long way. If you know someone that hired that photographer, don’t be shy about asking how their experience was.

TIP 2: PLAN AN INITIAL MEETING If possible, I recommend meeting your photographer in person or via FaceTime if in person is not possible. It is likely that the person you will spend the most time with on your wedding day will be your lead photographer - even more so than your future spouse.

They will be at your side from the makeup chair to the sendoff and you want to be sure you enjoy their presence and that they are someone with whom you’re comfortable. During this meeting you should get a clear understanding of costs and what is included with the fees. You will also want to ask if there will be a second photographer. A second photographer will cost more but it offers an incredible value. If you are someone that likes creative angles, candid moments and incredible portraits, a second photographer is well worth it. Some look at it as an added insurance policy, so no moments are missed. There is no doubt that wedding budgets can be tight but investing in a good photographer will pay dividends for years to come. After the day is over, the images will tell the story of your wedding forever.

TIP 3: BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION Not all couples want to have an engagement session, but if you are considering it, I would give you two thumbs up on making that happen. This will give you the opportunity to tryout your photographer. It provides a firsthand experience of how they work and how they interact with you and your fiancé. It is a great way spot any red flags and at the same time, provides you with some great images that can be used for a save the date, signature album or prints. It is also that first step in really creating a relationship with your photographer.

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TIP 4: PLAN AHEAD Once you have officially booked your photographer you will want to schedule a follow up meeting or conversation about the wedding day itself. The flow of the day can be challenging to plan, but your photographer’s opinions and recommendations are crucial. They will know how long certain things will take, like family photos or couples’ portraits. They will be able to spot any unrealistic time constraints and will be able to help alleviate some of that pressure that can build up on the wedding day. Having a photographer that is flexible and understanding is important and by this point, you know they have your best interest at heart.

TIP 5: ENJOY THE DAY When the day finally arrives, your photographer will be the one to be sure you have the memories that will last a lifetime. The day goes fast and trusting your photographer to deliver on the expectations you set should make you feel at ease. Power down that cell phone and let the pros handle it. Your main objective on your wedding day is to slow down and enjoy it.

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SENSATIONAL SETTING THE SIXPENCE MARRIES TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY WEDDING VENUE CONCEPTS Writer / Taylor Dixon Photography Provided by Aubrey Lynn Photography & Kae Marie Photography

Shelby Dempsey, co-founder and designer of The Sixpence, likes to remind couples of the fifth, and often forgotten, final item in the classic wedding-related English poem - as the saying goes, you should wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.

“The tradition is that you wear a sixpence in your shoe on the day of your wedding for good luck,” Dempsey says. “So we’ve stockpiled sixpence coins. They don’t make them anymore. They stopped minting them a long time ago, but we have a sixpence coin to every couple that gets married at The Sixpence, just as a nod to that tradition.”

Dempsey has been traveling the world photographing weddings since 2016 with her company, Amavi. During that time she saw brides across the globe make their dream weddings and engagements come to life. When she would shoot weddings in her own community, Dempsey realized she had a unique perspective to offer the wedding scene back home in Indiana.

Dempsey broke ground on The Sixpence with her husband, Seth, and parents, Chris and Tana Henry, on their 17-acre property north of Zionsville in November of 2020. Since its opening in June of 2021, The Sixpence has hosted 132 weddings.

The property is home to three outdoor ceremony spaces - the Grotto, the Lawn, and the Pavilion, an 8,000-square-foot barn facility that seats up to 300 guests. There are also two other buildings, the

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“ A BIG PART OF THE DESIGN FOR THE SIXPENCE WAS CREATING A BEAUTIFUL, ELEVATED BLANK SLATE, SO THAT ANYBODY WITH ANY STYLE, ANY UNIQUE VIBE OR COLOR PALETTE OR ANYTHING, COULD COME INTO THE SIXPENCE AND CREATE THEIR OWN WORLD.”

Homestead and the Workshop, that can serve as spaces for the bridal party to get ready. The property also features a pond, a creek and gardens on-site.

Christmas Market that allowed for attendees to engage with local vendors at the venue.

The event raised $6,000 for local nonprofit Hearts for the Homeless.

“I really started The Sixpence project because I felt like there was an opportunity here to create something that was a little bit fresh, and it was so important that it was purpose-built,” Dempsey says. “A big part of the design for The Sixpence was creating a beautiful, elevated blank slate, so that anybody with any style, any unique vibe or color palette or anything, could come into The Sixpence and create their own world.”

“The community here has been such a support for us and we’re so grateful and humbled by that,” Dempsey says. “Then because its family owned and operated, you can see we just all care so much, and I think that that makes a huge difference.”

Dempsey also relished the opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in. In December The Sixpence hosted a

The Sixpence is located at 4400 North 1000 East in Whitestown. To learn more, visit thesixpence.com or call 317-296-8200.

In the coming year The Sixpence has various networking and open-house events scheduled quarterly.

TREMENDOUS TRADITIONS WEDDING TRADITIONS BOTH TRIED AND TRUE, AND NEW TO YOU Writer / Alli Donovan Photography Provided

Weddings are all about love, and the start of a new life with your partner. Much of the fun derives from wedding traditions that many brides dream about since childhood. Many wedding traditions run much deeper and are much more complex than people might realize.

Wedding traditions stem from many origins - English, Roman, Greek, Indian and more.

But do we, as brides, understand their meaning?

However, couples that follow this rule also get a beautiful tradition - seeing your soonto-be spouse’s reaction along with the rest of your guests when you walk down the aisle.

Also, the first look has become a monumental photo moment - a very intimate photo captured between the bride and groom with no one else around. Couples enjoy spending time together, getting those photos and making memories privately before the ceremony.

2. WEARING A VEIL It is said that wearing a wedding veil originated in Ancient Rome. The veil would disguise the bride from evil spirits that would try to ruin the wedding.

Believe it or not, traditions have changed over time. However, there are simple ways to balance new and traditional wedding elements, if that’s what you choose to do.

In many cultures, the veil represents a bride’s modesty. More recently, veils have come to reflect style, and allow the bride to make a statement with her dress and accessories.

1. THE FIRST-LOOK TRADITION AT THE CEREMONY A controversial tradition, to start off. The tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding stems from a time in certain parts of the world when brides and grooms were not permitted to see or meet one another until their wedding day.

With the progression of modern times, this tradition has transformed into a superstition, and it is supposedly bad luck for a groom to see the bride before she walks down the aisle.

3. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE Perhaps you have heard the following saying: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.”

This rhyme originated in England. It was believed that all of these pieces were necessary to either be on the wedding dress or held during the ceremony, to bring a happy marriage to the bride and groom.

Examples include heirloom jewelry, blue hair clips or new shoes. This tradition has now extended past the bride, and grooms or members of the wedding party might incorporate one of the pieces for the day.

Each piece of the rhyme does have a distinct meaning. If brides want to incorporate this into their upcoming wedding, we have done the research on the meanings.

• Something old: This piece represents continuity or perpetuity. This can be for your marriage, your vows, your family or simply the continuation of your love.

• Something new: Something new offers positivity for your future lives, entering your new marriage with something you don’t already have.

• Something borrowed: This involves bringing good luck to the newlyweds.

• Something blue: Many in England believed that blue stood for love, purity and fidelity three qualities that created a solid marriage.

• A sixpence in her shoe: Many people are not aware of the meaning of the final ingredient of this old rhyme. A sixpence was a British coin that was decommissioned in 1980. It represents prosperity for couples as they start their lives together. Many couples

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still find a sixpence to put in their shoe, but people often substitute the coin with a penny.

4. WRITING A LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SPOUSE One tradition that many have incorporated into their weddings is exchanging a handwritten letter with their partner. This process allows you to sit down and put words to paper about your love, memories, your promises, and everything you are feeling as you begin your big day.

Lucky for us, brides.com provides a step-by-step guide for creating a wedding letter for your partner.

Be sure to include: • Your reason why you love your partner and want to spend the rest of your life with them.

• Your hope for the day.

• Your promise for the future.

• Your “I fell in love” memory.

• Your proudest moment.

The guide also recommends being genuine, including little details and keeping a running list of anything you want to include.

5. FREEZING YOUR WEDDING CAKE This tradition originates from Great Britain. Fruitcakes were common in Great Britain for wedding cakes. Fruitcakes could be preserved well, and couples would save the top tier for their first anniversary or their child’s christening. A common reason for this tradition is the good luck it brings to couples one year later.

6. CARRYING THE BRIDE OVER THE THRESHOLD This tradition is believed to have originated from the ancient Romans. The bride would convince her family that she was not very excited to leave her father’s home. Hence, she was dragged over the threshold to her new groom’s home.

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THE PERFECT WEDDING DRESS JUST FOR YOU SHOP BRICK STREET BRIDAL Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Krystal Dailey TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 23

Natalie Miller, Owner

“We close our store when we have bridal appointments,” Miller says. “That allows the bride and her bridal party to have a one-on-one experience with our consultant.”

H

This intimate atmosphere puts the bride at ease when trying on gowns, particularly aving grown up in Zionsville, if the gowns don’t fit perfectly. Plus, this Natalie Miller always felt ensures that no two brides are trying on the that this was a picturesame gown at the same time. perfect town. When she moved away after high school, she dreamed of one day “They appreciate that because it can feel returning to her roots but was unsure of awkward comparing yourself with another what she wanted to do with her life. She bride,” Miller says. “Private appointments was interested in fashion and design, but it allow the bride to really focus on herself and wasn’t until she was shopping with her sister her style.” for her sister’s wedding gown that her vision came into focus.

One unique aspect of Brick Street Bridal “I realized that I wanted to own a bridal shop of my own,” Miller says, who opened Brick Street Bridal on N. Main Street in 2020. Although it was nerve racking starting a new business during a global pandemic, the fact that it was a private boutique worked in her favor. The store takes 60- to 90-minute appointments one at a time, which enables brides and their entourages to enjoy an intimate shopping experience.

is that they invite brides to go through the dresses on the rack.

Their bridal collections begin at $1,000 and go up to $5,000. Couture collections begin at $5,500 and go up to $9,000. Some brides come in with a strict budget while others have an unlimited budget. The most Miller has ever had someone spend on a gown is $12,000, though the average price is usually around $2,000.

“We’ve had brides who have an unlimited budget and still get the lower-budget gown because it doesn’t matter what budget you have as long as you find a gown you love,” Miller says.

The store also offers a selection of off-therack dresses that are under $1K for the budget-conscious bride or for someone who needs a gown right away. These gowns are heavily discounted (around $400 and up) but are in great condition.

Brick Street Bridal carries the following designers: Lihi Hod Couture, Temperley London Bridal, Omélie Bidal, Rings by Justin Alexander, Brydealo, and their newest—Zuiu Ila, a Taiwanese designer.

They also sell accessories such as veils, earrings, necklaces, hair combs, headbands, tiaras and belts to add a bit of sparkle to plain gowns.

Currently, Miller is seeing brides gravitate towards timeless, simplistic, classic dresses.

Also popular are 3-D floral lace pieces that go over the top of the dress. Many brides are opting to shy away from white and ivory gowns and instead choosing non-traditional colors like vintage rose, soft pink and sand.

“They find these other colors compliment

24 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

their skin tone and hair color or it really makes the lace and beading pop on the gown,” says Miller, who recommends that brides begin looking for their gown a year before their wedding as it can take six to eight months to order a gown and an additional two to three months for alterations.

of gowns a bride can try on, we do have a limit on the amount of gowns they can try on in a certain time period.”

Miller has had brides try on as few as four gowns and as many as 18. On average, most brides pull between eight and ten dresses during their appointment time.

Prior to the appointment, Miller asks a bride to share her inspiration photos so that “As consultants we feel out the bride’s Miller can pull some dress options that align emotions as she’s trying on dresses,” Miller says. “We listen to the words she uses when with the bride’s style preferences. describing them because that’s very telling.”

“This gives us an idea as to what gowns to point out to them,” Miller says. “It allows the Miller notes that many brides will try on a gown and comment on how beautiful it is. bride to make the best of her time because But then they put on a different gown and while we don’t have a limit on the number

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gush, “I love this!”

Miller always lets brides know that there’s a difference between a pretty dress and a wedding dress.

“You’re going to try on a lot of pretty dresses, but there is only that one wedding dress for you,” Miller says. “It has to make you feel like a bride and you have to love it enough to show everybody on your wedding day!”

Brick Street Bridal is located at 40 N. Main St., Zionsville, IN 46077. For more information, call 317-344-0116 or visit www.brickstreetbridal.com

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ONE-STOP SPA SHOP

STACY’S MERLE NORMAN BOUTIQUE & SPA NEARING 20 YEARS AS A LEBANON MAINSTAY

“After being open for a couple years I decided it was important to become a licensed aesthetician so I could take my business to the next level,” Dempster says. After going back to school and passing the state board exam, Dempster added full-service facials, waxing, lash lifts and extensions, and other spa services. The business also specializes in bridal and special-event makeup.

Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Stacy’s Merle Norman Boutique & Spa, a mainstay in downtown Lebanon for wedding and special-event makeup, is a family affair for Owner Stacy Dempster.

“I opened the store with my wonderful mom in 2004,” Dempster says. “She worked with me for many years and has since retired, but my beautiful daughter, Ashlyn, is now working part time and doing eyelash extensions here.”

The added services made a noticeable difference in Dempster’s business. “Since the store is located in a small city, I needed to make it a one-stop shop,” she says. “I want customers to come in for a facial or makeover and be able to get a new outfit or a gift while they’re there.”

In 2020, after 16 years of operating in the original space, Dempster moved her business across the street and transformed it into an upscale boutique and spa, making it the perfect backdrop for pampering on your wedding day or for a special event. The building maintains much of its historical character and beauty - one of Dempster’s goals when renovating the space.

She credits her loyal employees for helping the new space and maintaining success.

“Finding the perfect employees is so important,” Dempster says. “One of my Dempster, a former TV news anchor and most loyal employees, Marsha Truitt, is a reporter for many years, decided she was Helping customers feel their best is what former teacher and has been here for 10 ready for a change when she opened the motivates Dempster. “We want to look our years. Her hard work and love of makeup boutique, now in its 19th year. “I knew best and age gracefully and I’ve had, and still and fashion has been a very valuable asset.” it was going to be a lot to juggle with have, many customers going through tough three young children, but with the help medical conditions that affect their skin “Being a woman in business has posed of my husband, Patrick, I was ready for a or cause hair loss,” Dempster says. To help many challenges through the years challenge,” she says. these customers, Dempster became certified balancing family time while trying to run a in microblading, an eyebrow tattooing Now, almost two decades later, the boutique technique used to create the look of natural business and make it successful,” she adds.

Dempster has poured her heart and soul is a mix of Dempster’s favorite things hair and permanent makeup. into this business and appreciates her family, fashion, makeup, and helping customers employees and customers for supporting feel and look good. The store carries Merle “My goal is to always make life easier for Norman cosmetics and skin-care products, my customers,” she says. “I’ve been offering her dream.

Brighton jewelry, Ambre Blends perfume permanent makeup for years and really You can visit Stacy’s at 116 North Lebanon oils, DeBrand chocolate, Vera Bradley and enjoy it. It makes me feel great when I have Street in Lebanon. Give them a call at 765Simply Southern products, and many other a customer thank me for making them feel 482-3442 or visit stacysboutiquespa.com. items. pretty again.”

26 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022

Award Recipients

COMMUNITY AWARD Recipients HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR: Dr. Thomas Cartwright, MD

HOMETOWN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Missy Krulik, The Heart of Lebanon

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: ZIONSVILLE: Kelly Hine

THORNTOWN: Kelly Fettig

SHERIDAN: Shirley Wiete

LEBANON: Josh Debard

EMERGENCY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Eric Clanton

CHILDREN'S CHAMPION AWARD: Tracy Christner

Chamber Award Recipients NON-PROFIT OF THE BUSINESS YEAR: PROFESSIONAL OF THE The Heart of Lebanon YEAR: Deidra Rausch TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 27

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Hotel Tango

THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT

FRANK WOLFE III

WHITESTOWN POLICE OFFICER RECEIVES OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Frank Wolfe III, a police officer for the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department (WMPD), recently received the American Legion Officer of the Year Award and says he couldn’t be more honored.

“I was hired by Whitestown Police Department in February of 2021,” Wolfe says. “I am a night shift patrolman.”

community and being the positive role model to not only kids, but to adults as well,” Wolfe says.

Wolfe likes being able to help people in need.

Wolfe believes everyone can do their part to make their community safer.

“The best part of the job is saving lives,” Wolfe says. “Literally. When I arrest anyone “I was nominated by members of WMPD for being impaired, I know if I didn't save because of my work ethic, motivation, multiple people's lives, I at least saved one… my positive attitude and my focus on the person who I was able to take from apprehending impaired drivers,” Wolfe says. behind the wheel who could have hurt “I have over 26 Operating While Intoxicated themselves and others.”

(OWI) arrests for the year. The award goes is given to the officer who checks all the Wolfe also likes his role as a positive person boxes as a patrolman.” in the area. It’s a role he has delved into.

People in Whitestown respond to Wolfe Wolfe loves being a police officer. He says being a friendly and reliable police officer. it’s a career he has thoroughly enjoyed.

“I also really enjoy being out in the

“I think the main thing people can do is be each other’s eyes, and be a helping hand to your neighbor,” Wolfe says. “If you see something that doesn’t look normal or looks out on place, call dispatch. If you see something, say something.”

Wolfe is happy to be serving Whitestown and getting to know people better.

“The town of Whitestown is very supportive of all of the first responders,” Wolfe says.

“The kids are well mannered, and the parents are pleasant with each and every

28 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

encounter we have with them.”

Wolfe has been able to develop a lot of positive relationships in the Whitestown community.

“The community has been more than welcoming to me,” he says. “I have formed great relationships with business owners, employees and with a lot of kind citizens of Whitestown.”

When Wolfe isn’t busy serving the Whitestown community, he enjoys spending time with his family.

“I have a wife to whom I've been married for almost six year and two kids, one girl and one boy,” Wolfe says. “When I am not working, I enjoy taking weekend trips with my family, going to the movies (I tend to get a good nap in while the wife and kids watch the movie), and spending time with our church friends, going to sporting events and dinner dates.”

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