Christina & Ryan - June 27, 09

Yesterday we had the perfect day at Windmill Island for Christina and Ryan's wedding. The weather ended up gorgeous, some of us even got a little sunburn. Over the last year I really enjoyed getting to know Christina and Ryan and now that the wedding is done I'm going to miss chatting with them, especially since they are moving to North Carolina! One of my favorite parts of my job is all the fun and amazing people I get to meet. From the families and friends of the couple to the vendors hired for the day. And talking about vendors, what an amazing team we had yesterday, everyone did a fantastic job.

Ceremony: Windmill Island, Holland
Reception: Windmill Island, Holland
Caterer: Pietros
Photography: Clever Creations, Kelli Wiseman
Floral: Ludema's
Makeup: Julie Strating
Hairstylist: Shelley Pike
Dress: David's Bridal
Linens: Special Occasions
Cake: Sinful Cheesecakes
Bar Services: Martha's Vineyard
DJ: DeWitt DJ Service
Officiate: Chuck Martin
Musicians: Grand String Orchestra

My intern Stephanie and I began the day by arriving at Windmill Island late morning to set up the tent. Penny from Special Occasions was already there putting out her amazing linens, the bride chose to do half the tables pink and the other half white with the head table set up as a big square in the center of the room in green. Everything just popped against the white tent. We hung pink paper lanterns along with white in the ceiling of the tent as well. The centerpieces were from Ludema's and turned out perfect. We used pink carnation pomander balls down the ceremony aisle and then brought them inside for the tables as well as wheat grass in white ceramic containers. Ludema's did all the flowers for the day and they turned out amazing! The bride carried light pink peony and the bridesmaids carried white hydrangea, it looked gorgeous.

Pietro's Restaurant of Grand Rapids provided the amazing food. Everything was served family style and there were four courses of incredible. For dessert we set up a buffet table covered in five different cheesecakes from Sinful Cheesecakes and tiramisu and chocolate mascarpone from Pietros, delicious. I think I had a bite of everything. Nate Dewitt from Dewitt DJ Service did an awesome job and kept the dance floor going all night. I can't wait to see the shots from Kelli Wiseman of Clever Creations, I know she got some great ones, the bridal party seemed to be having such a great time with her and I will post them when I can.

Awkward Wedding Photo

Love this awkward wedding photo from as seen on Awkward Family Photos website. Usually I just see babies posed in baskets, never would have thought to put a bride and groom in one!

The Proposal

Come out next Friday, June 19 from 5-8pm and see me at Celebration Cinemas*. There will be a few wedding vendors doing a promotion for the new Sandra Bullock movie "The Proposal". Should be fun! There will be games, prizes, giveaways and a great movie!


*Celebration Cinemas Grand Rapids South - off Kalamazoo and 60th

Unique New Venue

Last week I was invited downtown Grand Rapids to visit and walk through Open Concept Gallery. The gallery has been open for a couple of years but just recently decided to rent out the space for events including weddings and corporate parties. Open Concept Gallery is on the top floor of the building and is an old Masonic meeting hall so the architecture is absolutely gorgeous and very unique. The gallery is within walking distance from almost everything in the downtown Grand Rapids area and is located near easy parking as well for guests coming from outside the city.

If you are looking for a unique space for your next event please check into Open Concept Gallery.

Introducing...

Every year I am contacted by students who are looking for internship opportunities, this year I finally decided to hire one of these students.

Therese Greskowiak will be a junior at Grand Valley State University this coming fall. She is majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis on Event Management. Therese is a member of Phi Mu Sorority where she is involved in planning and organizing events for them. Her love for photography and fashion should help her have a good eye for all the details that go into planning and coordinating a wedding.

I'm looking forward to having Therese along for the ride!

Fun fact: On June 27, Therese will be running for the Pulaski Day Queen! Good luck Therese, we will be cheering for you!

Featured: Marc Photography

I had the pleasure of meeting with Tiffany of Marc Photography in Zeeland this week. Tiffany's husband Andrew has loved photography his whole life and with a little encouragement from Tiffany started Marc Photography. Andrew and Tiffany just recently opened up a beautiful new studio space downtown Zeeland where they shoot everything including newborns, seniors and families. But they true love is the same as mine...weddings!!! Last year Marc Photography experienced a very successful inaugural wedding season and hope to continue that trend into 2009.

This last one is my favorite...so cute!

How long have you been into photography?

Andrew has been interested in photography for as long as he can remember. He introduced it to me after we were married and I have loved it ever since.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

The fact that I get to attend a wedding every weekend! I love weddings... it’s so great to be able to capture such a huge day in somebody’s life.

Is there anywhere specific that you draw inspiration from?

Every type of shoot that we do is different, whether its a newborn session, senior session, or a wedding. We do have other photographers all across the country that we look up to and try to see what they are up to. But a lot of it really just has to do with our location. A historic old building brings out the creativity and really just inspires you itself.

Do you have any favorite locations to shoot at?

Any new location is our favorite location! :-) We love going to new places and really encourage it.

What do you do for fun when you aren't shooting weddings?

Well, I used to scrap book... in fact I have an entire room filled with my supplies, but I simply have no time for that now. I really love to just spend time with my nieces and nephews. Shopping or spending the day at the beach with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law always makes for an excellent day.

If you were to ask Andy, he may say going to Nascar races or playing guitar hero!

New Look

Memorable Events needed a make over, the new logo was just the beginning. Kudos to Jamie Brokus at Color Splash Studios for her great design. I have more ideas of changes to come....