Real Wedding 2010 | Joey & Chris

I have been looking forward to Joey & Chris' wedding since chatting with Joey last November. The couple chose to work with the pastor who had married Greg and I in 2007, and I knew it was one ceremony I wouldn't want to miss.

Working with Joey and her mom, Shari, on this wedding was a treat. No detail was overlooked, and Joey & Shari are one of the most organized mother/daughter teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

From the beautiful alençon lace linens to the lush peonies, and the amazing favors representing each of their childhoods and their present life together, including Sarasota water, Michigan cherries & wine, and Jacques Torres chocolate - guests were spoiled all night long. After dinner, wedding cake, accompanied by a delicious dessert buffet & coffee bar was put out for guests to enjoy.

The night's entertainment including both The Cangelosi Cards and music from Andrew at Music Host Productions kept the dance floor packed all evening. Since Joey & Chris met while swing dancing, many of their friends share this passion as well, and danced until the wee hours.

And when people were not on the dance floor, they were lined up to partake in the Fourth of July themed photo booth, provided by their photographer, Jen Kroll. Joey collected tons of fun props to keep their guests laughing all night long - the mustaches were a huge hit!

Congratulations to Joey & Chris!

The Details...
Pearls Events Coordinators | Aletha, Stephanie & Megan
Ceremony | Ford Ballroom at Amway Grand Plaza
Reception | Pantlind Ballroom at Amway Grand Plaza
Officiant | Jennifer Browne
Makeup Artist | Julie Strating
Hair Stylist | TreAvanti
Flowers & Linens | Stems Event Design
Photographer | Jen Kroll Photography
Videographer | Coastline Studios
Band | The Cangelosi Cards
Disc Jockey | Music Host Productions
Pastry Chef | Amway Grand Plaza
Rentals | Events by I. Candy

Real Wedding 2010 | Cory & Ryan

Cory & Ryan were married on one of those gorgeous days in June where the sun never stops shining! Christina & I began our day at Thousand Oaks Golf Club by setting up details created by Syd Design.

I headed to St. Robert's Parish in Ada to meet the wedding party. Since Cory & Ryan did not see one another prior to the ceremony, photos of the ladies and guys were done separately. St. Robert's sanctuary is stunning, and filled with friends & family it is my favorite part of every wedding I attend.

After the traditional receiving line, guests made their way to Thousand Oaks Golf Club for cocktail hour, while the wedding party hopped on the trolley for photos with their wedding photographer, Kristine Crawford. Ben & Tony from Deep End Films were also on hand to capture all the fun on video.

When the wedding party arrived at the reception, they were announced into the gorgeous room filled with beautiful white pintuck linens, four uniquely different floral centerpieces scattered throughout the room, perfectly coordinating day-of-stationery and the cake, which the bride designed herself. It was an absolutely lovely wedding which the bride and her mom planned together. I was thrilled to be a part of it!

After an absolutely scrumptious meal, the band, Trilogy, kept the guest floor packed the entire evening, and between the dancing, the photo booth, and the outdoor patio for cocktails all night, their guests have a wonderful time.

Best wishes to the happy couple!

The Details...
Couple | Cory & Ryan, 06.19.2010
Pearls Events Coordinators | Aletha & Christina
Bride's Hair | Panopoulos Salon
Ceremony | St. Robert of Newminster Parish
Reception & Wedding Cake | Thousand Oaks Golf Club
Photographer | Kristine Crawford Photography
Videographer | Deep End Films
Ceremony Soloist | Ginger Child Smith
Invitation Suite & Wedding Day Paper | Syd Design
Event Designer, Florist & Linens | Stems Event Design
Entertainment | Trilogy
Guest Experience | ShutterBooth
Transportation | Macatawa Area Express

Real Wedding 2010 | Emily & Tyler

Listening to wedding ideas from the bride & her mom last October, I knew Emily & Tyler's wedding was one their guests would remember for years to come. And when Mary, Megan & I arrived for rehearsal, I was smitten with the location. Two tents were nestled among the trees, and the ceremony site was situated in front of the pergola - an instant setting for a magical evening. And magical it was...

The event design was spectacular and exactly what the bride & her gracious mom, Sheri, imagined - tents draped in flowing fabric, chandeliers to set the mood, gorgeous linens from La Tavola, and amazing place settings. Abbey from Syd Design set the stage with the adorable invitations, escort cards, table numbers and ceremony programs. Jenn and her entire team at Modern Day Floral did an outstanding job with every last design detail, down to the dishes, and we were honored to be a part of such a gorgeous day!

And although thunderstorms were in the forecast, only a couple of small showers popped up throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed hors d'œuvres & a family-style meal catered by Grand Rapids' favorite, San Chez. They danced under the stars before the final farewell to the newlyweds with a grand sparkler exit - the perfect way to end a perfect day!

This is only a portion of the preview from Kai Heeringa Photography. To see even more photos, check out their recap blog post here.

It was such a pleasure working with this family! Congrats to Emily & Tyler!

The Details...
Couple | Emily & Tyler, 6.4.10
Pearls Events Coordinators | Aletha, Mary & Megan
Bride's Gown | Custom made by Ruth Andrus
Bride's Hair | Kayley Heeringa
Bride's Makeup | Mary Leslie of Leslie Studio
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen attire | J. Crew
Venue | Private Residence
Officiate | Josh Mateer of Calvary Church
Caterer | San Chez
Photographer | Kai Heeringa Photography
Invitations Suite & Wedding Day Paper Products | Syd Design
Event Design & Flowers| Modern Day Floral
Sweet Table & Cake | Sweet Cakes Design
Entertainment | Entertainment on the Move
Valet Parking | Ellis Parking
Rentals | Cascade Rental & Special Events Rental

Real Event 2010 | Joey & Chris' Bridal Shower

I remember the phone conversation we had about her wedding to Chris planned for Fourth of July weekend in Grand Rapids. Joey, living in New York City for eight years, with tons of event planning experience under her belt, hired us to coordinate her 2010 wedding. Her mother, Shari, hired us to coordinate this sweet, sweet bridal shower in May. The shower was a day to remember for all the guests who were spoiled with a delicious luncheon, followed by the most adorable two-tiered personal wedding cakes I've ever seen.

It has been so much fun listening to all of the wedding details unfold - just wait until you see the wedding photos - I am already looking forward to July 3rd.

The Details...
Pearls Events Coordinator | Aletha
Event Design | Stems Event Design
Venue | Cascade Hills Country Club
Photographer | Jen Kroll Photography

Real Wedding 2010 | Lauren & Greg

When I met with Margo last August, I knew I was going to enjoy planning Lauren & Greg's wedding day with her and the couple. From the amazing location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids & the awesome lineup of vendors, to the delicious meal served & late night surprises for the guests & couple alike - it was an all-around amazing day!

The bride & groom enjoyed their day, the reception details were amazing, and guests danced the night away. Everyone enjoyed the sparkler sendoff of the newlyweds at the end of the night, and I could not imagine a more perfect way to begin Lauren & Greg's marriage!

Congrats to the newlyweds! We were honored to be a part of your big day!

The Details...
The Couple | Lauren & Greg, 5.22.10
Pearls Events Planner & Designer | Aletha
Pearls Events Coordinators | Aletha, Stephanie & Megan
Invitations | Syd Design
Wedding Day Paper Products | Events by I. Candy
Bride's Makeup | Allison Bower
Bride's Hair | The Heitz Salon
Ceremony | St. Robert of Newminster Parish
Reception | Bridgewater Place
Caterer & Bar Service | Applause
Photographer | Kelly Braman Photography
Videographer | Deep End Films
Florist | Forrester Farm
Cake | Sweet Cakes Design
Disc Jockey | Music Host Productions
Transportation | White Knight Limousine & Grand Carriages
Rentals | Special Events & Events by I. Candy