Real Wedding ~ Jessica and Josh

Three years ago I was blessed to work with Kristin and Graham, a wonderful couple. Through their wedding I got to know Kristin's family and was blessed again this year to work with Kristin's sister Jessica. Jessica and Josh are absolutely and completely in love and you could see it in every glance and smile they shared. As much as I love to see all the details come together for the ceremony and reception, I adore seeing the love for the marriage itself. Congratulations Jess and Josh, I wish you all the best and was honored to help you on your big day.

Day Of Coordination:  Events by September's Bride

Ceremony: Cornerstone United Reformed, Hudsonville, MI

Reception: Sunnybrook Country Club, Grandville, MI

Photographer: McConomy Photography, Hudsonville, MI

Florist: Elements of Elegance, Allegan, MI

DJ: Dance Tracks, Grand Haven, MI

Cake: Fun Cakes Rentals, Grandville, MI

Decor and Chair Cover Rental: Decor Elegance, Jenison, MI

Shoe Fabulous!

 Gorgeous, royal blue, sparkly stilettos. Is that too many adjectives? It was too hard to pick just one.

Local Wedding Wednesday

Today's images focus on one of my favorite Michigan features, Lake Michigan. We are so blessed to have this gorgeous shoreline within our reach.

WeddingWire Rated

It's true, brides love us!

Shoe Fabulous!

I love when a bride shows off her bright pink shoes,

but there is something to be said about simple and elegant.

Local Wedding Wednesday

Here are some fun shots from around the area this week...

This has got to be one of the coolest jump shots I have seen. Love the groom!

 

This image is one of the reasons I love and recommend doing a first look.

 

Such a cute couple, plus the marina is fantastic!

Make a Weekend Out of It

In Michigan we have many gorgeous cities and towns that draw brides and grooms to hold their nuptials here. In many cases, these venues are chosen because of sentimental reasons, childhood memories or family vacation homes. The Michigan lake shore has a large array of beach rental houses, resorts, lodges and banquet facilities to choose from. Many of these venues have on-site lodging available for you and your guests as well, making them ideal for entertaining large groups.

A major question that arises when hosting guests for a destination wedding is how much do you need to entertain them? Your location will help to determine how many pre-scheduled events you will need to host. If you are within walking or short driving distance to a nice town area that your guests can go into to eat or shop, you will not need to host every main meal. If the venue you are using for the wedding has restaurants or is a Bed and Breakfast this will help as well. Hosting a casual welcome dinner the night before the wedding for any guests that have already arrived is a great idea. For any of your closest friends and family sticking around the next morning, I suggest having a small intimate brunch, even possibly using this opportunity to open any gifts you may have received.

On the day of the wedding most guests will be on their own earlier in the day due to the wedding itself being such a large event that. This is a great time for them to adventure out and see why you chose this area for your big day. Putting together a welcome basket for the guests is a very courteous touch, including favorite restaurants, shops, and locations for them to check out; include a map and mark these locations. Another favorite thing of mine is to include locally made products in these baskets, such as wine, fudge or even fresh produce.

When planning a destination wedding, do not feel that you need to have an itinerary for your guests’ every moment. Plan a couple of things as a group and then give them freedom to explore on their own. By doing this they may make memories of their own in your wedding location and might consider it in the future for their own special event!

Shoe Fabulous!

This pair of stilettos is FABULOUS! I would love to see the bride and dress that went with these shoes.

Local Wedding Wednesday

Nothing is better on a wedding day then a couple in love :)

Shoe Fabulous!

What girl doesn't love shoes and look for any and every excuse to wear a gorgeous pair? And what better occasion than a wedding? On Fridays I will be featuring some fabulous footwear for everyone to enjoy.

Local Wedding Wednesday

I love an amazing professional wedding image. One of the reasons is because they know of the most fabulous locations and backdrops for brides and grooms to pose.

Local Wedding Wednesday

Happy couples on the blog today...