February 18, 2020

in Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

REAL WEDDING: ELI + MAGGIE

THE DETAILS

Date: September 29, 2018

Ceremony Venue: Private Residence

Reception Venue: The Vineyard at 12 Corners

Color Scheme: Greens, Ivory, Burgundy, Gold, Dusty Blue

Design Inspiration: Classy, with a minimalist, slightly boho vibe

THE HIGHLIGHTS

So many gorgeous moments to highlight from Maggie + Eli’s outdoor, late September wedding celebration. The family lake house ceremony setting for the I Do’s was naturally personal for their immediate families and were overjoyed to share it with all of their guests. Champagne sipping and string instruments welcomed guests on their arrival. Truly remarkable views of Lake Michigan from the backyard, with a beautifully decorated traditional chuppah that brought focus to the altar. The reception took place not far from there at 12 Corners Vineyard with non-stop, 360 views of plump grapevines just as harvest season was approaching. Outdoor fall weddings in a vineyard – it’s one of the best combinations, especially for guests used to city living.

Fall vibes were all over the design – with outdoorsy farmhouse tables being the foundation, the classy gold chiavari chairs and flatware, and unforgettable coziness of lush greenery, rich burgundy and dusty blue tones. Hundreds of candles in varying pillared heights lay scattered down dining tables paired alongside gold mercury votive candles. The romance as guests sat down for the reception was unparalleled. So intimate, even with as large of a guest count as it was. The night time hour introduced comfy fleece blankets and Adirondack chairs around a firepit and a photobooth station. There really was never a dull moment for guests to experience something fun.

Generally being big fans of flowers, they wanted each nook and cranny of the venue to have consistency and a polished finish. The tent ceiling was no exception, including a 5ft diameter floral chandelier suspended over the dance floor – where guests danced the night away. Other pieces that continue catching our eye are the flower crowns for the bridal party ladies, trendy signage be it the ones with acrylic form or the printed paper products showing loads of personality, and the sea glass name cards for the 36-guest head table! Including dates at the head table seating arrangement has been a popular selection. We love how much it adds a grandiose look to such an important table and brings functionality too.

VENDORS

Photo: Kati Mallory

Design, Logistics + Wedding Planning, Day of Coordination + Rentals (farmhouse tables, wine barrels, specialty linens, lounge furniture, firepit): 1928 Planning Co.

Floral: Flowers By Anna

Lighting Design: Schades of Light

Other Rentals: Taylor Rental (chiavari chairs, gold silverware, ceremony tent, ceremony chairs)

Baker: Sweet Mandy B’s

Entertainment: Style Matters DJ, Hipstr Photobooth

December 3, 2019

in Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

WEDDING DESSERT: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

We won’t lie to you, we’ve tasted our fair share of wedding dessert delicacies and live for a good slice of red velvet cake (don’t be shy on that cream cheese frosting)! We’ve really seen such a shift in couples steering themselves away from the traditional tiered wedding cake, and for a variety of reasons. Some say “we just aren’t cake people” or “we have a lot of food allergies and kids to accommodate” but simply put, the millennial getting married wants to give their guests an experience in everything from the bar atmosphere, entertainment factor, and by all means, the food vibes. Here we’ll bring our insight to the wedding desserts we see and help you find your perfect match.

The Sweetheart Cake

We feel like sweetheart cakes get a regular sighting at our weddings. These petite, single or two-tier cakes are perfect for capturing the traditional cake cutting ceremony, without the need for a size cake that’ll serve 150 guests. Fear not, your guests still get to splurge on other wedding desserts.

Insider Tip: If you aren’t interested in serving other wedding desserts and want to stick to cake, still consider a sweetheart cake to be on display for photo opportunities and “the cut”, but serve guests sheet cakes that have been tucked away in the kitchen. The guests never have to know, and you just saved yourself some money.

Photo: Justine Montigny | Baker: Love and Macs

Sugary Comfort Food

Comfort food at weddings has been going strong, with barbeque entrees and macaroni and cheese sides. Seeing it as a wedding dessert takes the midnight snack treats you always look for at home and gives your guests so many comfy options to enjoy: cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies and double fudge brownies.

Photo: Kati Mallory | Baker: Sweet Mandy B's

Photo: Let it Be | Baker: Mimi's Cupcakes

Sophisticated Bites

These elevated desserts are for sure conversation starters and hit a different level of sophisticated and refined tasty treats. Think macaroons, bite-sized panna cotta, fresh fruit tarts, creme brulee, and mousse cups. People will love the variety and want to try a little bit of everything so be sure to account for that in your quantities (and trust the baker’s recommendation).

Photo: Kelly Sweet | Baker: Froehlich's Bakery

Photo: Beth Joy | Baker: Froehich's Bakery

Photo: Brick and Pine | Baker: Froehlich's Bakery

Photo: 430 Studios | Baker: Bit of Swiss

Michigan Hits

So many of our couples search for a way to bring a touch of Michigan into their wedding. Locally sourced fruit pies or cider donuts and s’mores scream a Michigan summer and fall night.

Photo: Maiko Media | Venue: Homestead 1835

Photo : Ashley Galminas | Baker: Amanda Marie's Bakery

Photo: Stephanie Gamble | Baker: Mackenzie's

February 7, 2019

in Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

WEDDING TRENDS CONTINUING INTO 2019

Out with the old and in with the new.

Well that may not always be the case. Some wedding trends stay around longer than others, and while we can anticipate there to be a slew of new trends making a fresh appearance in 2019, we will continue seeing some previous trends (and these ones, we love!) Either way, keeping on trend or not, find inspiration below to help you define your signature wedding style.

A STYLE OF THEIR OWN WITHOUT GIVING UP TRADITION

The Sweets

Although we have seen a shift towards the big wedding cakes heading out, most didn’t want to give up a cake tradition entirely. In 2018, these newly revamped cake styles were displayed on a bold linen, a light and bright dessert table or combined with every kind of sugary goodness you could think of.

Evelyn Vaughn (Photo)

Bit of Swiss (Baker) :: Christa Hitchcock (Photo) :: 1928 Rental: (Farmhouse Table)

Froelich’s (Baker) :: Brick and Pine (Photo)

Bit of Swiss (Baker) :: 430 Studios (Photo)

The Guest book

Most couples are ditching the traditional guest book and coming up with their own personal touch to remember the guests that were able to attend their big day. Many of the guest books we saw in 2018 were ones that could be displayed in homes or incorporated into more of their daily life, rather than a traditional bounded book that might not be looked at much again after the wedding day.

Christa Hitchcock (Photo)

Lauren Crawford (Photo)

Samantha James (Photo)

Ceremony Locale

Grandma just doesn’t understand why you aren’t getting married in a church, but once she sees this, she will be very pleased! Having an on site ceremony is very convenient for your guests (and for you!) There isn’t extra driving to manage, no awkward down time in between ceremony and reception, you can re-purpose ceremony decor easily into the reception space and when all is said and done, more time to party!

Journeyman Distillery (Venue) :: Brick and Pine (Photo) :: Snapdragon Designs (Floral)

Journeyman Distillery (Venue) :: 430 Studios (Photo) :: Snapdragon Designs (Floral)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Tifani Lynn (Photo) :: Events by Ludemas (Floral)

Private Residence (Venue) :: Jillian Bowes (Photo)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Evelyn Vaughn (Photo) :: Special Occasions (Floral)

First Look

The decision on whether bride and grooms should see each other pre-ceremony is always up for debate and in depth discussion. Besides asking yourself “is this for us?” this is a wedding day component that some are tweaking just a bit. Many are wanting to atleast have a “special moment” prior to the wedding, whether they are catching a glimpse of each other, holding hands from around the building corner or reading love letters to each other. As wedding planners, we have seen an increase in couples doing first looks for a variety of reasons: easier logistics and getting most photos checked off ahead of time so they can join in on the fun and cocktails after the ceremony!

430 Studios (Photo)

Lauren Crawford (Photo)

Gingertown (Photo)

BIG BLOOMS

Bold Florals

Who doesn’t love a bold floral with greenery? (especially in super adorable wooden boxes) Greenery along with big-bloomed flowers are an impactful way to dress up dining tables as well as giving you a full luxurious bouquet. Can’t find room in the budget for these designs on 20 reception tables? It’s also worth filling in blank space at your ceremony or draped from a ceiling. It’s fresh and beautiful!

Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

Kitty Lee (Photo) :: Black Dog Flower Farm (Floral)

Vineyard at 12 Corners (Venue) :: Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Evelyn Vaughn (Photo) :: Special Occasions (Floral)

Simplicity GR (Floral) :: 1928 Rental (Wine Barrel)

SETTING UP THE UNIQUE FACTOR

Everyone likes to have a little fun and give their guests the ‘wow factor’ at their wedding! Looking for something unique? How about mini beach balls instead of birdseed or bubbles? Everyone loves a photo booth, especially this one on wheels! A game of cornhole anyone? If the venue allows, let’s end this night with a sparkler send off!