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
Top Sources of Inspiration for Planning a Wedding
Planning a wedding has countless details and pieces to remember. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you have a vision in mind, you can start creating a mood board filled with wedding inspiration.
Most people create their mood board on Pinterest. You can follow my Pinterest boards here. However, you can create your mood board filled with your wedding inspiration on multiple platforms such as a series of folders on your desktop, a wedding website, or kicking it old school with a physical board.
Look for images that showcase the overall sense of what you’re trying to create (modern, chic, bohemian). Then, as you get further along in your planning, you can fine tune specific elements such as table settings and flowers for inspiration which can help you when briefing suppliers and sourcing elements.
What is important is that you compile all of your inspiration onto one organized platform. Do this so you have something to reference when you’re actually executing tasks and ordering items for the wedding.
As we said, it can be overwhelming to start and actually find something that will be perfect for you and your future spouse’s wedding. So today we will start with where to find inspiration for your wedding.
Where to find inspiration for your wedding
Your lifestyle
Your wedding is a reflection of your fiancé and you after all! Look to see what you and your spouse enjoy and find inspiration from that!
Whether it is hiking, going to the beach, or watching movies, you can incorporate those themes into your day.
Think also of your home/bedroom and the textures, fabrics, and colors you enjoy. If you are planning a black and white traditional wedding, but your bedroom is full of bright and bold style, is that really a reflection of you?
Photography by Abby Rose Photo
Your venue
If you already have your wedding venue picked out, it might be easier to walk through and see what design elements and architecture are already present that you can surround your own decor and theme around.
You can also often view past weddings that were held in your venue. With this, you can see what past brides have done that have or have not worked.
It is so much easier to work with your venue’s design and enhance it’s beauty than work against it.
Family Wedding Photos
I am sure your grandmother or aunt or mom would love to walk through their wedding album with you. If you are looking to incorporate more traditional elements into your wedding, it may be a good idea to see what your family did that you can modernize and personalize to bring into your own day!
Craft or Hardware Store
Make a date of it! This is such a fun one for me personally. Take your future spouse to a craft or hardware store and make them really feel a part of the planning process. This is a great idea for a DIY wedding. Just walk around Hobby Lobby and soak in all the different types of fabrics, decor, colors, etc.
Sometimes just touching the fabrics or physically holding paint swatches together can really start to bring your ideas to life!
Make sure to really take note of the variety of colors and textures found in your favorite pieces. Use these paired with your mood board to really bring your inspiration to life!
Design experts
Personally I follow experts from all around the design world, not just the wedding industry. There is so much insight to gain from those who dedicate their livelihoods to modern and innovative design.
Perhaps there is an interior designer who showcases earthy yet modern design you adore. You can shift that same design into your wedding with earthy florals and modern tablescapes.
I also follow Pantone for inspiration on popular colors and how they can be used. Pantone is really one of the best when it comes to how to appropriately and beautifully use color for any use, including weddings! They also have a style trend report that shows all the most popular colors that have been and they project for the upcoming seasons.
Another favorite is Pantone’s color of the year.
Photographers
Whether you have or have not chosen a photographer, they are the ones who have some of the best eyes for a wedding. They are trained in knowing what does and does not look good in a wedding, and are experts in capturing the mood and beauty of each event.
Follow what your photographer and other wedding photographers have captured. Maybe your photographer is really good at capturing bright bold colors and you love the way those look. Maybe you love the images a photographer captures of the dramatic black and white moments.
Use these images from the professionals as inspiration for your own day. What’s even better is you know they have expertise in the mood you’re aiming for if you decide to book a photographer based on those inspiring photos!
It is important to remember that inspiration does not just come from wedding decor or other weddings. It can come from EVERYWHERE.
Incorporate pieces from outside the wedding world into your vision board to help drive that mantra!
Wherever you get your inspiration for your wedding, ensure it is an authentic representation of you and your future spouse - and keep it organized!
Any other ideas on where to get design inspiration?
Let me know in the comments below!
Love,
Sam
How to Create a Wedding Vision Board
Begin to organize your thoughts and visions into your own mood board in this detailed “how to”!
Vision boards are a perfect and clear way to show your wedding party, vendors, and even your fiancé, what you want your wedding to look and feel like!
A Romantic and Elegant Fall Garden Wedding
What is a Vision Board
A vision board, also often called a mood board, is a visual tool to compile all the colors, moods, and themes that will be the essence and design of your wedding day. It is an organized presentation of all the concepts and design you would like your wedding to be centralized around. It should be organized enough that anyone viewing it from your grandmother to florist can understand what your wedding should feel like.
This is not a cut and dry exact depiction of your actual wedding, it is simply to showcase the vibe you are aiming for. It will not necessarily have the exact dress you will be wearing or the exact bouquet of flowers, it will simply show a collection of what you are visualizing.
For example, you may be imagining an intimate and romantic fall wedding, yet you are also visioning classy elements. You may gather a collection of delicate and simple flowy dresses and bouquets filled with bold florals such as roses and white poppys. You may also have silk ribbons and silver/gold touches in the centerpieces.
Whatever it may be, your mood board will showcase the essence of what you would like your wedding to visually look and feel like.
Where to create a mood board
Many people, including myself, use Pinterest. It is user-friendly and filled with ideas from thousands of creative brides and vendors.
BUT there are SO many other fantastic places to create a mood board!
However, Pinterest is really only the start. It is possible to simply save a collection of photos, but I highly suggest you put it somewhere online where other people such as bridesmaids or your wedding coordinator, or even your fiancé can easily find it and know what your specific goals are.
I have seen other brides use a variety of other methods to create their mood board!
Canva
So many free resources, and super user friendly (this is not sponsored - I swear!)
Powerpoint or Adobe InDesign
Super easy to input photos in a clear and concise manner!
iCloud or GoogleDrive folder
Give your partner easy access to it as well as important vendors.
Physical poster board
I love this idea to keep it old school and print out images and pair them with dried florals. This is a super cute keepsake to save after the wedding!
I have also seen brides create vision boards on a wedding website such as through Zola, TheKnot, or Squarespace.
Wherever it may be, I cannot stress enough to organize, organize, organize. It may be one month before your wedding and you need to finalize your order with your florist. It is imperative that you know exactly what you are envisioning and where your inspiration board is.
To start your vision board, follow the below process.
Identify Mood Words
Perhaps you have heard that most communication is about 93% nonverbals? That means only 7% percent is about the actual words! This statistic is typically referring to spoken communication, but it can refer to the communication tool for your wedding vision too!
Junebug Weddings shared the awesome idea to use this in assisting with your wedding vision!
When starting your mood board, it is important to start with some words to express the vibe you are trying to create. When starting to consider what you want your wedding to feel like, start identifying and noting key mood words. This isn’t just what the wedding will look like, but what everyone will feel when they’re experiencing it.
The first step in making a wedding mood board is identifying guide words that describe how you want your day to feel. Here are some words you may use:
Intimate
Down to Earth
Adventurous
Nostalgic
Cheerful
Cozy
Bright
Carefree
Light-Hearted
Romantic
Poised
Wild
Once you have a feeling, you can start crafting that into an actual look with a second set of words. Pair them with a one or a couple of the below words:
Elegant
Classic
Bohemian
Quaint
Whimsical
Minimalistic
Modern
Colorful
Lush
Glamorous
Industrial
Vintage
Rustic
Lastly, add some context to the above words.
What season is the wedding taking place?
How will this season affect the feel or look of your wedding?
This may cool your wedding down or warm it up.
Where is the wedding taking place (venue, region, landscape, etc.)?
What does that location look like?
How can your wedding compliment the look and feel of its location?
Once you have selected and organized words for what your wedding will look and feel like, you will have a much easier time finding photos and further inspiration for your mood board. It’ll turn your planning experience from finding a group of pretty photos into a thought out collection of what your actual goal is.
Develop Colors and Textures
After you have curated themes and words for your wedding, add some color! This will help guide your planning even further. What colors and textures fall into that feeling you’re trying to create? For example, if your guide words are: Breezy and Cheerful Bohemian Summer Garden Wedding, what colors do you envision with each word as well as the theme as a whole?
What textures make sense in the context of these words? What kinds of plants, materials, and fabrics help tie the look of your day and the feel of your day together? What colors do you associate with this mood? Gather photos and inspiration that capture that.
This doesn’t have to be wedding photos of tablescapes and wedding gowns. It could be any sort of design photos! You can gather inspiration from a whole slew of interior designers, musicians, graphic designers, and other artists.
Of course your wedding will be a depiction of you and your spouse’s personal goals.
Searching for alternative forms of inspiration can help you achieve your unique and personalized vision!
Synchronize Big and Small Details
Now is when you can start adding your elements and details to start making things more real and tangible.
Big elements can be anything physically big like your ceremony arch or wooden tables, or more overarching pieces like fresh olive branches throughout. These elements can help pin-point more precise overall pieces to execute your wedding vision.
Then you can start considering small details to fill in those gaps. This can be anything from gold dinnerware to cozy blankets as wedding favors.
Adding these big and small pieces is extremely helpful for your wedding vendors (like your wedding coordinator 😉) or wedding party. They can use these more specific examples when considering exactly what needs to be ordered or styled around. This can be anything from your rentals to particular florals that will execute the mood you are envisioning.
Photography by Tauri Baum Photography
Don’t get lost in the small details
When focusing so heavily on planning details, it can be easy to get lost and sidetracked. It is important to often to take a step back and look at the big picture.
Is everything flowing smoothly?
Does this vision board as a whole accurately represent the guide words you first developed? Are things sporadic or cohesive?
Doing this early and frequently will ensure that when it is time to execute those details, both you and your vendors know what the goal and mood is.
Remember, this is not a cut and dry exact depiction of your wedding, it is all about the mood and vision!
Started making a mood board, but a little stuck on inspiration for your goals? Check out my post on Top Sources of Inspiration for Planning a Wedding.
Any other tips on how to create the best cohesive wedding mood board?
Let me know in the comments below!
Love,
Sam
5 Things That Make Wholehearted Events Different.
Hello Everyone!
Things are moving at a different pace during this uncharacteristic wedding season. We all can feel it.
This slowed time however gives brides and grooms and vendors the awesome opportunity to really pour 110% of themselves into each thing they do and choose - including how detailed they are in choosing vendors!
Of course when choosing vendors for your wedding, you are always going to choose the best vendor for the experience you are trying to create! Right now everyone has the gift of time to review everything there is to offer.
Detail and dedication is the name of the game for wedding coordinators and wedding planners.
Here are 5 Things that separate Wholehearted Events and our client experience from others. ♡
You get the best parts of planning a DIY wedding
You get all the best part of planning your own dream wedding! Having a Wedding Coordinator is sometimes something that couples don’t realize can improve their experience immensely!
So many couples love planning the colors and talking to vendors. Many don’t necessarily want to pay the expense of a full-wedding planner and want to plan the details themselves anyway. Some couples love forming relationships with each vendor that will be taking part in their day, and the process of hand picking each type of floral and piece of fabric used.
You may be a planning a wholehearted wedding if - with all the love of planning and pouring your heart into making things perfect, you want to enjoy your wedding day and spend it focusing on what really matters.
Therefore, you need some help executing your big beautiful vision on the actual day and someone to handle any and all last minute issues and emergencies that will come up!.
That is where having a day-of coordinator is the best of both worlds!
You get to create your dream wedding as a true reflection of you and your future spouse, and then actually enjoy the day! I cannot stress enough how important and priceless it is to completely enjoy all of the fruits of your hard work and planning from beginning to end without any stress!
That is something you will cherish forever!
I have been a bride, a bridesmaid, a wedding guest, and of course a wedding vendor - I know what everyone is going through!
Sometimes you want to talk about wedding stuff 24/7, other times you want to just go to a quiet dinner with your fiance and drink a whole bottle of wine. I understand the moms and aunts that have one too many opinions, and I understand the fiancé that sometimes doesn’t care what type of paper the programs should be.
But when it comes to your wedding day, there should not be anything to focus on but your new spouse and the love you share. Let me take care of all the beautiful details you handpicked while you bask in the love from your friends, family, and new spouse. That is what matters the most and that is what makes it a wholehearted event!
Wholehearted Events is a small female-owned company
Wholehearted Events is a boutique-style wedding company. That means we are, and plan to stay, small and sophisticated, focused solely on you and your wedding. Meanwhile, we are also constantly educating ourselves on all the modern wedding trends and design. We are like your little expert in your pocket ready to jump in at any moment and help!
It is important to chose vendors that you know will be dedicated to you and give you every detail you need. At Wholehearted Events, that is our mantra, it is all about you.
I can travel all around Michigan
Before marrying my husband, we did the long distance relationship for FOUR years. I grew up in West Michigan and went to school in Big Rapids and my husband grew up in Metro-Detroit and went to school in Flint. On top of that, we traveled to different areas of Michigan frequently to visit. From Copper Harbor to Kalamazoo, from Holland to Port Huron, and most everywhere in between, we’ve been there! It was exhausting at times, but I have gotten really good at traveling almost every weekend to make it work.
That was our goal: make it work.
I continue to follow this philosophy and “make it work” when it comes to my couple’s weddings, and I love it!
And now I know Michigan like the back of my hand 😉
For inquiries on travel, reach out to me here.
Tauri Baum Photography
I can be extremely flexible with your schedule
Remember I said how I traveled for years? It is that same thing that got me real good at being flexible! And when you have a wedding coordinator, you need someone to be flexible, able to think on their toes, and make things perfect at a moments notice.
It is all about YOUR experience at your wedding
I want to triple bold this and put it on a massive sign!!! Your wedding is going to be one of the BIGGEST and BEST days of your life! Your experience at your wedding needs to be wholeheartedly focused on enjoying your new spouse and the love you share.
We are in the pursuit of authentic marriage rooted in genuine love and devotion. We will do everything in our power to ensure the day is focused on nothing but that.
At Wholehearted Events, we are dedicated to ensuring the best experience leading up to your wedding so that you have the best experience at your wedding.
This comes from organizing everything and being knowledgeable in every detail before the day. We are constantly educating ourselves on the latest wedding trends and innovative ways to organize things smoothly. We will meet with you in person or video chat at least twice, and check-in several times before the wedding to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you ever are lost, stuck, or just need an extra hand, that is what we’re here for!
Then, on the day of your wedding you and your new spouse can kick back with a glass (or bottle) of champagne and enjoy yourselves!
Whatever it may be, we are here for you. And on your wedding day, don’t worry about a thing! We got this ♡
For more info on our client experience, click here.
Love,
Sam
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