In & Around My Blogging Community

It always makes me smile when I see my fellow bloggers giving away great things. I know I love winning contests, and here are two you don't want to miss out on...

Jennifer at Earthly Affair has a giant giveaway in honor of Earth Day. See the entire blog post here for the amazing prize loot! Send entries to win by Monday, May 4th to: info@earthlyaffair.com

Kristin of Bridal Buzz is giving away one Microsoft Ofice 2008 to one lucky Mac user. You can see the whole post here. To enter, visit her blog and comment on this post with your name and an idea of how you would use the software suite. One winner will be chosen at random on Friday May 1st, 2009, at 12:00 pm EST.

Spotlight | En Vida Studio

I really do enjoy meeting all of the awesome vendors West Michigan has to offer, and I owe thanks to the Michigan Wedding & Event Professionals group that I head up on the West side of our glorious state.

Through MWEP, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Tipperman of En Vida Studio last December. When we finally got a chance to sit down for coffee months later, time flew by - I had such a great time chatting with Michelle! She also brought a couple albums to peek through, and the eye candy was lovely.

I was happy when she sent me over some images to accompany our blog Q+A - I couldn't wait to post. Enjoy!

How long have you been photography weddings?
I've been photographing weddings for about 5 years, 3 years as an associate photographer and about 2 years as an independent professional. I finally received my B.A. in Photography from Grand Valley in 2008! It only took 6 years and 5 different universities! We have moved a few times for my husband's job, but we are happy to be settled in Grand Rapids.

What inspires you as you work with your clients?
It is always the people - their unique personalities, stories, pasts and futures. I love getting to know my clients and everything that makes them unique. It's such an awesome challenge to find ways to express who people are through a photograph and I consider all the visual qualities possible. Location, color, texture, feel, expression, and style all play a major role. My goal is that my photography will express more about my clients then what is clearly visible.

Why did you chose to photography weddings?
I love weddings - the energy, connections, excitement, and honest love. Weddings are a special opportunity for families to come together and share their love for one another. I enjoy the whole process involved in the planning and I love to hear all the detail about the dress, flowers, locations, and all the special touches that make every wedding unique. I feel blessed to share in one of my most important days in my clients lives.

If you could shoot a wedding for anyone who would you pick?
I guess there wouldn't be any one person or couple, but I do love to photograph couples who are really adventurous, able to ignore the camera, and truly express their love for one another. These weddings are the most fun and creative for me, because they always have a way of just coming together and the breath-taking moments happen on their own.

Do you have one "gotta get it" shot at every wedding?
There are always things that I look for throughout a wedding, but I really try to tailor my photography to each individual client and wedding. Some clients are more comfortable being in front of the camera and each wedding has its own style or feel. I enjoy working with the couple and creating unique photographs that they can cherish forever.

What is your favorite way to spend a non-working Saturday in the summer?
I love the lake - swimming, boating, kayaking, wake boarding - anything on the water!

Spotlight | Dooby Design Group

I recently came across some photos of the hippest design studio in Ypsilanti, Michigan which lead me to Aisha Holly of Dooby Design Group. After drooling over her space, I contacted her to find out more. Dooby Design Group is a Michigan-based full service design studio specializing in custom invitations, floral, event decor and specialty linens.

If you're on the Eastside of Michigan and are looking for help in designing your next event, check out Dooby Design Group and don't forget to visit Aisha's blog for the latest news. I hope you enjoy our little Q+A with Aisha.

Where are you located? Do you work with out-of-town clients?
We are based in Ypsilanti, Michigan but work with clients nationwide.

How did you get started in the business?
I've always had a passion for design, remembering my days back at Fashion Industries High School in New York City. I officially decided to create my own event design studio while planning my own wedding in 2007. The most rewarding thing is doing what you love to do!

What inspires you as you design?
I'm inspired by high fashion, intricate patterns , modern architecture, linens, textures and papers. I love to invent or re-invent fresh new looks. I have a passion for events, inspiring design, appetizing type, lovely paper, luxurious flowers, delicious food, and all things fabulous. I believe outstanding design makes every celebration an event to remember.

How does the process work with a client? How long does it take?
Each project begins with a consultation either by phone or in person. In our initial meeting, this is not only an opportunity for you to see the collection of work but it is also a chance to get to know you and your event tastes, style and individual personality.

Once your project details have been agreed upon, you will be provided with a contract that identifies the total cost, deliverables, and time schedule for the project.

The total time it takes from conception to completion is about 2-4 months. We recommend meeting to discuss concepts, anywhere from 6-8 months before your wedding date.

Any advice to brides-to-be planning their wedding?
It only happens once, make it the most memorable day ever.

Describe the perfect weekend...
The perfect weekend would be relaxing with a cup of tea with milk while in bed and watching my favorite design shows.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
My favorite flavor ice cream is pistachio.

[all photos copyright Aruna B. Photography]

Spotlight | Jill Devries Photography

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jill of Jill Devries Photography a few weeks ago after hearing about her through Heather. Heather's sister booked Jill for her wedding and after seeing Janae's engagement photos, I couldn't wait to meet Jill and see more of her work.

Although Jill is quite new to the industry, she is passionate about people and it shows in her photography. Jill and I did a Q+A together, and I hope you enjoy it as much as the photos above.

How long have you been shooting weddings?
I've been shooting weddings for about a year and a half, loving it more and more each time!

What inspires you as you work with your clients?
I am definitely inspired by personalities, interactions, and love... just like every other photographer! Everyone has a unique story, one that deserves to be told and celebrated, and that is so cool and inspiring to me.

One of my favorite quotes is by the writer Thomas Merton "Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us, and see the beauty in ordinary things." I feel like that kind of sums up my style -- finding unexpected moments, capturing the play of light on an object, or the fact that even someone's shoes can tell a story... you really can find beauty and wonder anywhere you look -- as long as you are looking for it. So I guess you could say... everything inspires me!

Why do you shoot weddings?
People & relationships are the most important thing in my life, so it feels really natural for me to turn my camera in that direction and to document people's stories & significant moments... and weddings, of course, are such an important day in people's lives! I love telling the story of a whole day from start to finish -- the excitement, the stress, the laughs, the love, the celebration. The little moments not when people are posed for a formal photo, but in between -- that is when true personalities and emotions really show. I love the way weddings bring friends & family together. Wedding photography, for me, is a joining together of my passions... people and art. I just love it.

If you could shoot a wedding for ANYONE who would you chose?
I'd have to say Tec & Chelsea Petaja... they had my dream wedding. I lovelovelove everything about it. The flowers, the dress, the invites, the colors, the setting, the details... oh and the couple is smokin' hot. No wonder they were on the cover of Southern Weddings mag! Tec is a talented photographer & Chelsea is a DIY queen... creative & stylish clients like that are totally my favorite. You absolutely can't beat Jose Villa's photos, but I would've relished the chance!

Do you have one "gotta get it" shot at every wedding?
There are so many incredible moments during a wedding day, but one that always stands out to me is capturing the bride just before she walks down the aisle. I especially love the interactions between a father & daughter in that moment. It is a pretty bittersweet moment for a lot of dads -- this fascinating blend of the ache of giving their beloved daughter away, but the thrill of seeing her so in love. As for the bride, well... her whole life has been leading up to that exciting moment... there is nothing like it. Strong emotions definitely make for captivating photos.

What is your favorite way to spend a non-working Saturday in the summertime?
An ideal summer Saturday would be walking to the farmer's market to get some fresh flowers & groceries... follow that with a lazy day at the beach, then an evening spent hanging out & relaxing on the porch with friends and a tall glass of Oberon. Hopefully I could fit a bike ride and some kayaking in there somewhere, too! Michigan summers are the best!

Weekend Eye Candy

What a beautiful day for a West Michigan wedding - September 27, 2008 was picture perfect and Dusty Brown captured the wedding of Jennifer & Scott in all its glory. The reception was at the amazing Cascade Hills Country Club and Modern Day Floral designed all of the flowers - I love the bridesmaids bouquets - what a great mix of color!

Happy weekend!

Getting in Shape for your Big Day

Is you're wedding coming up soon and you're still looking for your toned upper arms? Are you looking for a personal trainer in Grand Rapids to help get you in shape for your wedding day? Do you hate the idea of committing to a gym membership?

If you answered yes to any of those, get in touch with Erin at Bremer Total Training. Erin did four sessions with me last year and she's absolutely wonderful. She didn't make me feel badly because I cannot run a mile without dying. And we worked out at her home studio so I didn't feel self-conscious and did I mention she's SO nice?!

Erin will get you in shape, or at least get you on the right track, to looking fab in your wedding gown & in that honeymoon bikini. Check out Erin's blog for healthy tips & tricks and workout ideas.

Spotlight | Syd Design

I was first acquainted with Abbey of Syd Design through her husband, Mac, and met them at the MWEP meeting in December. Abbey and I decided to attend Eventology together - where I learned that she is the perfect travel partner! To say the least, I had a complete blast with Abbey and look forward to watching her grow her business in West Michigan.

I am happy to share a small selection of her work, and the Q+A we did together - I hope you enjoy!

How long have you been designing wedding invitations?
I have been designing wedding invitations for four years part time and full time since August 2008, when I left my job as Art Director at a publishing company.

What inspires you?
I consider each wedding a project or assignment, so I actually get most of my inspiration directly from the bride and groom. I get to know a little about the couple, what they are looking for and what type of event they are having which I translate to their stationery.

As an artist in general, I find inspiration through various other types of design, like fabric patterns, furniture or even a swanky new downtown GR restaurant.

How does the whole process work with a client?
The process starts with a consultation where I get to the couple’s style and they decide if my designs are a good fit for what they are looking for. After this initial meeting (or emailed questionnaire if they are not local), it takes about four to six weeks to order in their desired papers and come up with their unique designs. Depending on the timeline, the couple can take home these samples and spend some time with them before making a decision.

Once they have a design direction, we work together to tweek any of the details and choose the right kind of paper, fonts, etc. I always send a final invitation in the mail for the bride to review the final details before printing. The whole process takes a minimum of three months.

What sort of prices are your invitations?
The invitations vary in price range from $2 for a single flat panel on textured card stock up to $8 for an intricate pocketfold. There are many options for all budgets without compromising on quality or design. The average bride spends between $3 to $4 per set.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
TCBY’s white chocolate mousse. This also qualifies under my favorite meal!

What do you do on your days off?
My husband and I are both outdoor enthusiasts, we spend much of our free time rock climbing, hiking, running, skiing, biking, kayaking, gardening, etc. We also enjoy spending time throughout the local community, for example at a market or new restaurant. Grand Rapids has so many local businesses and artistic opportunities; we enjoy taking advantage of this enthusiastic community that we feel apart of.

A Little Love...

I've done numerous question & answer sessions with vendors all across the state of Michigan, but I've never had to fill in the questions myself. Finally, I realize how time-consuming it is to get the right thought down. Mindy & Ben Peterson of Studio 6.23 did a Q&A with me and blogged it today. Check it out!

Huge shout out to my friend Kelly of Kelly Braman Photography for the new head shots of me and Kate!

Real Wedding 2009 | Deanna & Ryan

Deanna & Ryan's wedding day was gorgeous and here is a little sneak peak from their photographer, Amy Carroll. I love the bright yellow flowers - they were a modern splash of color to the otherwise classic color palette of black & gray.

And because everyone loves a great ShutterBooth photo strip, check out the ones from our time in the booth. That's me & Intern Tara, Amy Carroll and Darrin Wassom, plus the couple - Deanna & Ryan. And yes, my favorite prop was definitely Deanna's veil!

Thanks for such a great time, Wade!

Welcome Kate to the Team!

Kate Nguyen came highly recommended from an event professional in West Michigan. And I soon learned why! Once Kate & I sat down for our interview, I had a good feeling she was the right woman to fill the position. Kate has an extensive resume & real-life experience under her belt, which made her a perfect fit for Pearls Events.

Kate has been an event planner in the Michigan lake shore area for over three years, planning events for local companies, non-profits and individuals. It is not only her work, but her passion for planning stellar events. Whether it be a company outing for eighteen people, or a non-profit gala for over 300 guests, Kate brings out the best in the client. And now, she looks to bring that passion to Pearls Events by planning fantastic weddings & social events.

When Kate isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, trying great food and wine and even on her days off, entertaining! Kate lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband, Mat, and their Springer Spaniel, Obi.

Follow Kate on Twitter if you don't already!

Weekend Eye Candy

This is the largest Eye Candy post I've done - thanks to Aruna of Aruna B. Photography of Ann Arbor, Michigan for sending these in to Pearls Events to show off.

Lara & Jerome's wedding day was a reflection of their personalities - organic, colorful, easy-going, but still refined. They got married in the conservatory at the Royal Park Hotel so they could bring the outside in and be surround by the feeling of nature. Their decor was pops of orange, yellow and cream flowers with pale green eucalyptus leaves to keep it sophisticated. The centerpieces included curly willow branches that hung 6² orange lanterns with led lights to give a warm glow to the room at night. The cake played off the bark/organic theme. Each layer was wrapped with individual 5" tall chocolate shavings that looked like twigs.

What's your favorite detail? I LOVE Lara's delicate bracelet and also the centerpieces are amazing!