Local Wedding Wednesday - Engagements (Part II)

I have said before that I LOVE Michigan and all of its seasons. I especially love when couples embrace the weather around them and venture out whether sun or snow, warm or cold.

This week I was going to do a post of The Four Seasons, but I received so many pictures that I am going to have to split it up by season...today is very fitting - Winter!
 

(J Weddings of GR)

(J Weddings of GR)

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Back Yard Wedding? Consider This...

When having a backyard or off-site wedding reception there are a lot of details that need consideration. Hosting an event at an unusual location, or one that is not normally the site of special events, you may need to bring in multiple rental items including tents, tables, chairs and possibly electric.

 

Here are a few things to consider:

Do you have enough space for the guests you are invited to be out of the elements if needed? If not, you will need to rent a tent or structure to sheild from the hot or cold depending on the time of year.

Does the venue you are using have enough restrooms to accomodate your guests? If they are hooked up to a septic tank can they handle this amount of use? If not, you will need to bring in restrooms, either in the form of a Port-o-Jon or something like a Royal Restroom.

Are you planning on having a DJ or other music that will need electric? These vendors may have specific wattage or outlet needs, a generator may be required.

Will parking be an issue? If so, consider hiring a valet service to work your event. Talk to a local church or business about using their parking lot for the cars and have the valets drive them back and forth.

Are there neighbors on either side of the venue that will complain of noise from your event? If so, let them know in advance of the event so they can leave if needed, OR invite them to the party!

 

Some religions will not marry couples outside of a church, talk to your pastor or clergy member to find out their regulations.

 

Will there need to be a lot of work done of the landscaping/yard to get it in "wedding worthy" condition?

 

 

Nothing is lovelier than an intimate backyard wedding. But before you jump in with both feet, make sure you have considered all that will need to be done and weigh that against the benefits. If you are willing to put in the time and effort you will not regret the decision.

 

 

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Get To Know - Chic Chair Covers

This week I am featuring Bianca from Chic Chair Covers. Bianca and I met the summer of 2009 and immediately hit if off, we even both have Boxers! Here is a little about CCC.

Chic Chair Covers, LLC (CCC) offers white banquet style chair covers and organza sashes in a variety of different colors. The owner, Bianca Tompsett, runs the business from her home in Allendale where she meets with clients to see the chair linens and find the perfect sash color to compliment the event's decor.

Bianca, a graduate of Ferris State University's College of Business, has a passion for weddings and events in general. With five years of experience working directly with events, from planning to advertising, she knew she wanted to have her hand in events in some way. After planning her own wedding in 2007, she realized the wedding industry is where she wanted to focus her energy.

"I've been a guest at far too many receptions where the couple uses chair linens, but the sashes are on the floor by the end of the night. One thing you'll notice about our high quality organza sashes is that they're slightly thicker than most sashes, so it stays on the chair and holds it form better than others," Tompsett said.

Bianca offers many services for free that other chair linen providers often charge extra for. She personally sets up the chair covers with her team, as well as steams them on-site, for no extra charge. She takes pride in the finished product, as it adds a lot to the ambiance of the room.

"I can remember my wedding day distinctly. One thing I definitely didn't want to deal with was setting up chair covers and sashes. I just wanted to focus on getting ready, staying relaxed, and having a good time. So, we ended up paying someone to do the set-up for us....which added up quickly! That is why I opted to offer free set-up and steaming of all chair covers and sashes. That way the room will look crisp and clean, and the bride doesn't have to lift a finger," Tompsett said.

When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. She enjoys traveling, photography, party planning, and anything design related.

For more information, visit:
Main Website: http://www.chicchaircovers.com/
Blog: http://chicchaircovers.blogspot.com/

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Local Wedding Wednesday (Engagements Part I)

For the next few Wednesdays I am going to mix things up a bit and feature engagement pictures instead of weddings on the Local Wedding Wednesday post. I love to see the creativity and personality both couples and photographers put into engagement sessions, so fun!

This week's engagement theme is WHO WE ARE...

Next week...Enjoying The Seasons

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A Lakeshore Engagement

Sometimes, I wish I would have had someone hiding in the bushes or behind a tree taking pictures of my husband proposing to me. It was so emotional and happened in a blur that I would love to have something physical to remember it by. Jodi from J Weddings of GR sent me these images that captured this couple's engagement and I thought it was too sweet not to share.

Do you have any photographs from your engagement? We would love to see them!

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Not Just for February

Happy LOVE Day!!!

One of my favorite color combinations is pink and red. It is often reserved for Valentine's Day because it reflects the colors of love so well. Sometimes we get caught up in "what traditionally is" that great opportunities are missed. Pink and red are clean, crisp, bold colors that I would love to see used in decor year round.

By adjusting the shade or tone of a color you can change the entire look of a color combination. When you think of red, white and blue does your mind automatically go to the Fourth of July? With just a small adjustment of the blue you use you could have a completely different look, like this:

(inspiration board from Style Me Pretty?)

And of course, red and green go well together and not just for Christmas. By using a lime green and adding some other citrus colors you can get a bold combo for any time of the year.

Never be afraid of playing around with colors and creating new and unique combinations. A great way to do this is to visit a paint store and look through the paint chips, holding them up against each other and mixing and matching.

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Get To Know - Park Place Design

Park Place Design

1. What type of services does Park Place Design offer?

I offer wedding and event floral designs trendy, fun, chic, with the personal touch every bride needs.

2. Where are you located and what area do you service?

The areas I service are from the Lakeshore to Lansing, all of Mid Michigan. I will travel out of state if asked. I am located north of Battle Creek, in the Hickory Corners area.


3. How long have you been business? How and why did you get started?

I have been in the wedding biz over 22 years I managed a high end bridal store for 15 years. I did design work on the side as a hobby. It really started to take off and so did my dream of becoming a wedding floral designer so I ran with it 7 years ago quit my job and started my dream, Park Place Design!


4. What do you think sets you apart from other vendors in the industry?

My designs are set apart from the rest as I am very trendy and know what the bride is looking for. The days of babies breath and ferns are OUT. The fun new way to look at flowers is in. I know my brides loved my work when they write me letters and send me amazing photos.


5. Is there anything that you specialize in?

I am into reusing, recycling, and reducing my carbon foot print. I also bring that into my work. I compost all greens not used, I grow all my own herbs and succulents that I use in my wedding work. I feel really good about it.


6. When you’re not busy working, how do you like to spend your downtime?

In my down time I am a busy mom of 4 wonderful kids my oldest is at college, my youngest being in 1st grade and a 17, and 9 year old, I have NO down time. But I love to craft, scrap book and I also enjoy helping in my kids' class rooms. I must admit though, I do spend a lot of time promoting Park Place Design!

Contact Info:

Tracy Park, Owner

Website: www.afforableelegancefloral.com

Phone: 269-721-3351

Email: greatflowerlady@gmail.com

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Local Wedding Wednesday

A few little beauties from around the block...

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Get To Know - Stella & Dot by Livvy Zimmerman

1. What type of services do you offer?

Stella & Dot offers a wide range of vintage-inspired and runway-driven jewelry styles. We have several styles for every woman, including brides and bridesmaids. The jewelry is sold by independent Stylists at home trunks shows and on Stylists’ personal websites (www.stelladot.com/livvy). At trunk shows, guests can try on the jewelry and get style tips/suggestions from the Stylist, who also offers exceptional customer service! You may have seen our jewelry on several celebrities and in several fashion magazines such as InStyle, Lucky, Oprah, Cosmo and more. This doesn’t mean it isn’t affordable–half the line is under $50!

2. Where are you located and what area do you service?

I am located in Holland, MI and I service the West Michigan area. I also have a team of Stylists throughout Michigan and several other states. If I am not within driving distance of you, I will find you as Stylist who is!

3. How long have you been business? How and why did you get started?

I have been a Stylist with Stella & Dot since April of 2009. Anyone can become a Stylist for just $199, which buys you a Starter Kit full of business supplies and a $350 jewelry gift certificate to order your samples, plus half off any additional samples you would like. I signed up because I love the jewelry! Over a year and a half later, I have built a team and a sizeable income from doing trunk shows and coaching my team.

4. What do you think sets you apart from other vendors in the industry?

Stella & Dot is changing the face of direct sales. It’s fresh and modern from every aspect, from the amazing jewelry designs, the high quality standards, the incredible technology (for customers, hostesses and Stylists), the remarkable training and more. Our founder and CEO, Jessica Herrin, is a brilliant entrepreneur who also co-founded WeddingChannel.com, which was bought by The Knot. Jessica is constantly raising the bar, breaking records and making big plans to be a huge, global brand. She has assembled a dream team staff and most recently received a $37 million investment from Sequoia (who also invested in Google, Apple, Zappos and other highly successful companies). Our hostess rewards are very generous and our trunk show average is far higher than industry standard, earning our average hostess $250 in free jewelry and 4 half price items. Our home trunk shows are casual and fun, with no pressure, no sales pitch and no stuffy presentation. We create a boutique in your home for you and your girlfriends to shop and play.

5. Is there anything that you specialize in?

We specialize in helping women style their own lives! From helping customers find the perfect necklace to helping hostesses earn free jewelry to helping other women become Stylists and build their own business.


6. When you’re not busy working, how do you like to spend your downtime?

My husband and I really enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures. We love Europe and all of its gorgeous scenery and delicious food! I also enjoy networking, spending time with family and friends and doing graphic design, which is my education background.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!! Leave a comment here on the blog before Monday at 8pm to be entered to WIN this Vintage Cluster Ring!

Contact Info:

Livvy Zimmerman

Email: livvy@dutchstudio.com

Website: www.stelladot.com/livvy

FB Page: www.facebook.com/somethingsparkly (Check out her page for specials, sales, giveaways, promos and more!)

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