Bailey & Gabriel | Weber’s Boutique Hotel, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Taking a quick walk down memory lane here! // Wedding Day - October 2nd, 2021
The high of watching your vision come to life and witness all the pieces come together is like no other - any wedding planner will confirm this to be true. What is even better however, is watching all your family and friends come together from all across the nation to celebrate!
Bailey and Gabe are both graduates of the University of Michigan, but lived in Boston while they planned their wedding. While there were quite a few logistics to figure out, everything and everyone all came together so wonderfully!
The essence of the wedding was simple and modern, yet romantic and timeless. We worked to bring together copper and floral pieces with rust and navy colors to create a space that complimented the venue and season, and Bailey and Gabe’s taste.
Having your wedding at a hotel or destination with onsite accommodations allows the unique opportunity to have everyone and everything done in the same place. From getting ready to getting to bed, no one has to worry about driving anywhere! It also makes it really easy as a vendor to get from space to space when everything is in the same building!
Gabe and Bailey both got ready with their crew in their hotel suites, and then met right out front for their first look!
The ceremony was in the East and West Ballroom.
(Also, lesson learned, always pack heavy duty double stick tape to tack those finicky aisle runners in place!)
After the ceremony, the guests moved up to The Habitat Lounge for cocktails while the wedding party scooted to The U of M Law Quad to take wedding photos before dinner.
Back at Weber’s in the Atrium Ballroom, a candy bar and polaroid station waited for guests!
After dinner, the party began! DJ Bryan with Prestige Entertainment did an awesome job. The dance floor was packed ALL NIGHT! Both Gabe and Bailey’s family and friends let loose and really partied through the end of the night!
Thank you both for such a fun and memorable day you guys!
Wishing you a continued lifetime of happiness!!
Our Team:
Photography: Michelle Lippert Photography
Venue: The Weber’s Boutique Hotel
Florist: Kathy Peters, The Harvester Flower Shop
Dress: The White Dress, Brighton, MI
Hair: Jessica Degler, Family friend
Makeup: Tiffany Elie Makeup Artistry
Officiant: Denise Tucker, Perfect Day Celebrations
Catering: Weber’s Boutique Hotel
Wedding Cake: Weber’s Bakeshop
DJ: Bryan Galvez, Prestige Entertainment
Gloria & Han | Shinola Hotel, Detroit, MI
Modern and Chic - utilizing timeless colors with modern design makes Gloria and Han’s Wedding one that can be featured for years to come
Wedding Day - December 19, 2021
Ivanna & Stanislar | DiBrova, Brighton, MI
Wedding day - September 10th, 2022
Ivanna and Stas’ wedding day perfectly reflected both the energy and sanctity of their Ukrainian culture.
In a day filled with love, power outages, constant high spirits, rain, and eyes fixed on both each other and God - I don’t think this day could have been more perfectly imperfect.
It was a textbook reflection of “it is what you make of it”. I don’t think I heard a single person complain when the rain poured down at the beginning of the evening, or when the power went out The band just kept playing, and everyone just kept dancing! It was seriously a blast!
The day begin at their family home where they took part in some Ukrainian wedding traditions, such as the chopping wood, the first look, and the blessing
Then everyone moved to Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hamtramack, Michigan
When a couple finds peace and strength in both God and each other, the result is simply incredible.
Shortly after, we all drove through some ruthless Michigan September I-696 Traffic (which I know everyone in Metro Detroit knows the vibe).
We got to DiBrova Ukrainian Camp in Brighton where we were greeted with some heavy rain.
Everyone took it in stride and in turn, we had the most intimate reception
Seriously, looking at this again just makes me feel so full - the flower girls running through the rain, and everyone nestled under the tent humming away with friends and family.
A moment for these traditional Ukrainian bites!
And another moment for these sweet girls!
The Wedding Party
I don’t know the ins and outs of it, but I’m officially convinced that Ivanna and Stas are classically trained ballroom dancers - such a classy and lively first dance!
They also chose to do their father/daughter mother/son first dances together which was really sweet to see them side by side.
Then the party really began!
What a blast of a day, I went home late that evening feeling SO full!
Ivanna and Stas, you are both such beautiful human beings and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this beautiful celebration. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
xo,
Sam
So thankful for another awesome vendor team!
VENDOR TEAM
Photography: Steven Pham Photo
Videography: New Signature Films
Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Ukranian Catholic Church
Reception: DiBrova, Brighton, MI
Tent/Rentals: Great Lakes Tent and Rentals
Florals: Amy, MI Honeybee Flowers
Band: Klopit Ukrainian Band
Catering: From Scratch Catering
Transportation: Lavdas Limousines
Lauren & Alexander | Family Home, Rochester, MI
Wedding Day - July 30th, 2022
Lauren and Alex had an intimate backyard wedding at Lauren’s childhood home, and my gosh it was as if we stepped into a dream.
This was honestly such a treat for me as there is a special place in my heart for weddings at private residences. Yes, a heck ton more work is involved, but the reward, THE REWARD, is incredible!
Lauren and Alex are two of the most down to earth people you could meet. Their wedding was a perfect reflection of their ethereal, yet grounded, personalities.
When discussing the atmosphere they wanted for their wedding, Lauren described Bill and Fleur’s Wedding from Harry Potter (iykyk), but with a modern twist and colors, including soft blues and pinks, and pops of golden orange, LOTS of wildflowers, and a beautiful peaked tent with loads of glowing string lights at the end of the night.
There was such a sense of peace that morning on the property as the flowers were laid out and the tent was silently waiting, but the moment you stepped inside Lauren’s parent’s home, you were reminded of the excitement that is a wedding day - the buzzing of the ladies in the bedroom upstairs, and the gentlemen casually relaxed downstairs.
The First Look
Some Bride and Groom Moments together before the ceremony started.
Let’s hear some commotion for the dress!
The Ceremony, officiated by Alex’s twin sisters, Toni
The reception
Then of course, the GOLDEN HOUR
Holy smokes - pair Erin with a beautiful couple and a sunset that won’t quit and you get literal magic.
Overall, this day was perfection. I am continually grateful for the honor of taking part in this little bit of magic.
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
XO,
Sam
So thankful for our awesome vendor team!
VENDOR TEAM
Venue: Private Residence, Rochester, MI
Photography: Erin Schmidt Photography
Florals: Mallory, Flowers by Mallory
Tent/Rentals: Knight’s Tent Rental
Catering: Kristina’s Catering
Hair/Makeup: Kathleen Berg Beauty
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Music/Sound/Video: Michael’s Entertainment
Planning & Coordination: Wholehearted Events
Samantha & Brandon | Highlands Detroit
Wedding Day - Saturday, June 11th, 2022
I can’t believe it has been a year since Sam and Brandon got married downtown Detroit and they are now celebrating their first anniversary!
I was also very pregnant at Sam and Brandon’s wedding - and so thankful for how easygoing they were about it. Again, I have the best couples ever.
My little one was due on June 28th. Sam, Brandon, and I agreed - “If you’re still in, I’m still in” and we continued on. Sure enough, their wedding came on June 11th, and baby hadn’t, so I was able to be there for their wedding day! Despite being 8 months pregnant, I was so so glad to be able to witness the day we all had dreamed of and planned for!
Samantha and Brandon were married on the top floor (Floor 72) of the Renaissance Center in Downtown Detroit at Highlands Detroit.
360° views of Downtown Detroit and Windsor, Canada. - Need I say more?
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Michelle Lippert as photographer again for this wedding and I was so thankful to have someone I could count on on the vendor team during a time I needed it most. (side note, Michelle announced she is now expecting her own little one - so exciting!!)
She did an amazing job working with the logistics of endless elevators, a large wedding party, and a tight timeline. She perfectly captured all the beautiful and sacred moments of this day.
The florals that Amy from MI Honeybee Flowers put together… are you kidding me??? so pretty.
Samantha and Brandon had a Jewish wedding, and I was so honored to help plan and witness a wedding with such a special and sacred set of ceremonies. The first being the signing of the Ketubah.
The Ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract signed before the ceremony. It outlines the responsibilities of the groom should anything happen that would prevent him from continuing to be married (death or divorce). It outlines how he would provide for her even after those circumstances with food, shelter, and finances. It is a very ancient tradition with the oldest surviving ketubah dating back to 440 B.C.E and written in Aramaic¹!
While it sounds very business, it also serves as a promise of the married couple to provide for each other and commit to each other in this life. Many couples, including Sam and Brandon, choose to display theirs in their home as a reminder not only of their wedding day but of this commitment to one another.
After the Ketubah was the ceremony! The natural light coming in created a glowing veil around the couple and their family. I was in awe.
MAZEL TOV!
The rest of the afternoon and evening was filled with lively celebration and dancing.
The band was awesome, the food was excellent, the spirits were high - what more could you ask for?
Congratulations on your first year of marriage, Sam and Brandon! Missing your energy and wishing you both a continued lifetime of happiness!
So thankful for our awesome vendor team!
VENDOR TEAM
Venue: Highlands Detroit
Photography: Michelle Lippert Photography
Florals: Amy, MI Honeybee Flowers
Hair/Makeup: IDo Crew Detroit
Band: The Crasherz Band
Cake: Heather Landau, Oak Park, Heather’s Homemade Cakes
Planning & Coordination: Wholehearted Events
Honorable mention: Sam scolding me for getting on the floor 8 months pregnant while I fixed her dress, and me not listening lol
Amanda & Alex | The Henry Ford Museum
Today is the first FULL day of Spring! While this wedding took place in the late summer, the florals could make anyone swoon ANY time of year.
Even with Alex halfway across the world in Kuwait serving in the Army and Amanda working through a rigorous school program, these two were the epitome of “make it work with love”.
Throughout the whole planning process, they were always so thoughtful and down-to-earth. My kind of couple! Even with the immense time difference, they were both just looking forward to that end goal of being together in the same place, something many of us take for granted.
And when the day of their wedding finally came, man you could feel that sense of “finally..” - the biggest breath of fresh air.
Shelby Monnette captured this weekend and man she is so freaking good at capturing the perfect emotions of weddings. I cannot recommend her enough if you are looking for someone to not just take pictures, but to capture moments.
All of the first looks of the bride were so heartfelt. From her father, to the groomsmen, to the groom himself, words can’t describe..
After the ceremony, the wedding party took a private Model T Car and carriage ride to Greenfield Village to snap some shots before the ceremony
The florals were perfectly in season and created the most perfect frame for the moment. You already know I’m a sucker for wildflowers and perfect florals, these had me beside myself.
Their ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Henry Ford Museum.
It was a MOMENT
Then onto the reception!
Very random fact: the food at The Henry Ford is TO DIE. One would not expect a museum to have such incredible food, but every time I’m fortunate to dine here, they do not disappoint! Just a little note when you’re choosing venues - haha!
Signature Henry Ford shot. A modern couple with a classic love ~
The bride, groom, and all the guests danced hard. Both Amanda and Alex ended up rocking all the way to the ground at one point.
Such an indescribable energy. Party of the year!
Thank you Amanda and Alex for so brightly demonstrating what genuine love looks like. It was such a joy working with you and I wish you a continued lifetime of happiness ♡.
Vendor Team
Photography: Shelby Monnette Photography
Venue: The Henry Ford Museum / Greenfield Village
Florals: Ching Tan, Design Quintessentials
Videography: Ben, Mike Staff Productions
Hair: Tori Finzel, TMK Hair Care
Makeup: Jordyn, Detroit Glam
DJ: James, Mike Staff Productions
Wedding Cake: Elite Sweets in Livonia
Some more shots of the day because I just couldn’t pick a favorite…
honorable mention:
XO,
Sam
Katherine & Benjamin | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
A moving ceremony led into a memorable evening. Coordinating Ben and Kat’s wedding at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids was an honor like no other.
I must say, the couples I have the fortune of working with are seriously the most beautiful souls one could ever meet. Looking through these photos and reliving this day I feel just overwhelming joy!
One thing I remember particularly was when I met with Kat and Ben the evening before their wedding day to grab a couple things. Typically, the day before someone’s wedding, I anticipate nerves and scrambled thoughts.
However, Ben and Kat were different. When they were finally together that evening after a hectic day, they were both in this sweet peace together. They were sure that this was the path God meant for them and I could tell. I knew this was going to be a great day.
On Friday morning, we woke up and it was SUNNY and HOT. There was not a cloud in the sky. Holy cow, was I thankful I was wrong about it going to rain. (This is that luck with weather I was talking about!!)
I also had the opportunity where I could be with both the groom and bride as they got ready. As the boys played Catan and the girls buzzed about - all morning Ben was asking about Kat and Kat was asking about Ben.
“How is she? Oh my gosh, I bet she looks beautiful…” - UM YES
The ceremony was at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids. I had been here many times before their wedding day, to actually experience a wedding here in such an incredible space was unbelievable…
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the wedding ceremony!
(Not pictured - me in the back also crying because this moment was so dang beautiful)
Kat and Ben chose not to have a first look before the ceremony, so all their guests were given the honor of witnessing their “finally” moment.
We could all feel the confidence and assurance that these two are meant to be.
You don’t even need to decorate when the cathedral is already a masterpiece!!
With Ben being a member of the military, the newlyweds were honored with the traditional Saber Arch after the ceremony!
Ok, but are they literally models or what??
Allie Siarto & Co captured this all so beautifully!
I could not have started my busy season up again any better! Kat and Ben are two of the sweetest, most down to earth people I have ever met.
Congratulations you two!!
Vendor Team:
Photography: Heather and Jesse - Allie Sierto & Co Photography
Videography: Toast Wedding Films
Hair/Makeup: Nora Hess and Teresa Crippen - Work Hard Productions
Florals: Posh Petals Floral
Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids.
Reception Venue: Imperial Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Entertainment: Steve Anzivino Music
Daniel & Caitlin | Thornapple Pointe
Fun and light-hearted wedding at Thornapple Pointe in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it is my absolute goal that the bride and groom are focused only on each other and the celebration on their wedding day. Doing this for such dear friends, it is a mantra of servitude.
My husband and I met Dan in college when Dan rushed the fraternity that John was in. Before Dan even joined, I remember John and I talking about how HILARIOUS Dan was and when we met Cait? - omg it was TWICE the fun! They were perfect for each other, and always so fun to have around.
When they asked me to be their wedding coordinator, I was beside myself. Knowing they trusted me with such a special thing was an honor like no other.
It was seriously the most beautiful day! Sometimes I feel like I have some sort of wedding day blessing where its most always beautiful weather on wedding day.
Robin got this shot of the church before the reception - what a beaut!!
I snapped this beauty on my phone before the ceremony
Seriously?? Look at the sunset we had during the reception!
Dan and Cait chose not to do a first look before the ceremony, so their first time seeing each other was as Cait walked down the aisle. The genuine and full love displayed here was incredible..
It was such a sacred moment.
Typically when you are with Dan and Cait it is in a lighthearted and fun atmosphere, but during this moment, they were so calm and steadfast in eachother in a whole new light. These weddings that make one feel reconnected in your own marriage and its sanctity are the best.
After the ceremony, the celebration immediately began! As a special touch, they had an ice cream truck show up at the church after the ceremony for guests to enjoy!
The wedding and celebration was the perfect reflection of Dan and Cait being both purposeful and poised, but still fun and goofy.
I absolutely loved their centerpieces! A collection of thrifted and scouted delft blue vases and gold accents - plus they were so cool for guests to bring home at the end of the night! Each one was unique and soo pretty!
Without further ado, here are the rest of the photos of the day!
Dan and Cait, thank you so much for the honor of being there to guide your wedding day. It was my absolute pleasure. Wishing you a continued lifetime of happiness!
Wedding Team!
Photography: Robin K Photography
Florals: The Ashley Rose
Ceremony Venue: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ada MI
Reception Venue: Thornapple Point Golf Course (“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” IYKYK)
Catering/Bar: Thornapple Point
Entertainment: Music Host Entertainment
Rachel & Derek - The Lumberyard Event Center
Rachel and Derek’s Wedding Recap from June 2021!
Rachel and Derek’s Wedding was on June 4th of 2021. I clearly have a bit to catch up!
I met Rachel originally when were both working at Panera Bread in Big Rapids, MI. Even elbow deep in broccoli cheddar soup she kept level-headed amid chaos. Little did we know, just a few years later, that loveable Ferris State Football player she was dating would propose to her and I’d be coordinating their wedding??
Rachel and Derek had to postpone their wedding celebration a year due to the pandemic, but that did not stunt the excitement. On their wedding day, I was reaffirmed these two were the perfect balance for each other. Their joyful-spirits were perfectly reflected throughout the day from the partying during photos to their so sweet first dance.
Look at these two!! So sweet!
Their wedding party was nothing short of a fun-loving band of liveliness, Derek and Rachel leading the laughter. You could tell that everyone was having a blast and this truly was a celebration!
It was such an honor going from a bushy tailed associate to being the one in charge of ensuring Rachel and Derek’s wedding went perfectly. I was truly beside myself watching the two of them glide gracefully through the day, smiles never leaving their faces.
The Pizza Truck provided by Camzies was delicious! You all know if pizza is involved that I am ALL IN.
Naber & Girls Bartending were awesome, cannot recommend them more if you are looking for a mobile bartending service in West Michigan!
Then the sparkler exit at the end… this night was unforgettable beginning to end!
and OLIVIA, was AWESOME! Here are some more of the moments she perfectly captured..
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
Our Team:
Photography : Olivia Schoen Photography
Venue : Lumberyard Event Center, Wayland, MI
Catering : Camzies Pizza Food Truck
Bartending : Naber & Girls Bartending
Cake : NattyCakes Michigan
DJ Entertainment : DJ Jeff, EZ Entertainment
Talk about a Winter Wedding to remember!
Throughout the day I was reminded how much of a blessing marriage is as I watched Tom and Callie flow through the day with such a devotion and love for each other …
Callie and Tom met in college at Central Michigan! With their shared devotion to the Lord and the Catholic faith, they were literally a destined match with their fun and adventurous spirits. After dating for 2 awesome years and doing the distance thing while Tom finished school at CMU and Callie worked in Detroit, Tom popped the question! It was so sweet and the whole family was overjoyed!
On Saturday, January 18th, 2020 the morning began with a classic Michigan snow storm. The kind that closes everything and makes driving a nightmare. I’m sure if you live in Michigan, you know what I mean…there was already over a foot of snow by 8am and it was still expecting another 12 inches by Noon!
Classic Winter Wedding material!!!
John and I took his Jeep to the beautiful stained-glass venue of Shriner’s Silver Garden Event Center where they were already shoveling the snow away. Callie and Tom had brought me here once before and I loved it, but something about the day of the wedding with the snow falling down densely but slowly made the day so much more magical! After each floral, candle, and cake plate were set out, John and I were finally surrounded by the fruits of all of Callie and Tom’s hard planning and creativity. Excitedly, I rushed through the 12+ inch snow to the ceremony at Our Lady Queen Of Martyrs Catholic Church.
Throughout the day I was reminded how much of a blessing marriage itself is as I watched Tom and Callie flow through the day with such a devotion and love for each other already. The ceremony was beautiful. Callie’s father, a deacon of the church, officiated the ceremony. He incorporated his blessings to the couple while also adding in the comedy of The Princess Bride. “Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday”.
Everyone in attendance could feel the joy. It was perfect.
The reception was a blast! Bold purples were everywhere highlighted by the colors of the stained glass and fairy lights. With the falling snow outside, it felt like a winter wonderland all day! I’m not sure I saw Callie and Tom take their eyes off each other once?
The table numbers were an adorable personal touch with each number having a fun fact about the couple about that number such as “Table 15: The number of dresses Callie tried on before saying “Yes!” to the dress”. It was a special treat to set each one out and feel like I was getting to know them even more! In true “Princess Bride” fashion, Callie and Tom had their wedding cake adorned with a “As you wish” sign and even cut their cake with a sword! I will forever remember this day ♡
Thank you Callie and Tom for such a beautiful day and allowing me to be a part of it! I am still beaming over the love and perfection!
If you’re interested in having a picture perfect wedding without the stress, reach out to me here!
Such a fun wedding party!
Congratulations Tom and Callie!
♡
Vendors:
Photography // Sunny Days Photography
Ceremony Venue // Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church
Reception Venue // Silver Garden Event Center
Wedding Coordination and Styling // Wholehearted Events, LLC
Florals // Dynasty Flowers in Berkley