WeddingWire recently announced it’s Bride’s Choice awards for 2010. The Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by over 500,000 newlyweds. Being a recipient of this award means that TwoFoot Creative is among the top 5% of all wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community! This is our third year in a row receiving this designation.
Allison and Matt were married at Heavenly Scent Herb Farm on September 6th of 2008. It was a gorgeous wedding, everything went perfectly throughout the day, and their photographer Ksenija Savic was phenomenal to work with. In the current issue of The Knot Michigan, their wedding is featured on 4 pages!
To see more photos and information from Allison and Matt’s wedding, you can visit my previous blog posts here and here. TwoFoot Creative provided Day-of Coordination services for this wedding.
Congratulations Allison & Matt, I am so excited to see your wedding in print!
Molly and Dave were married on May 22nd at the Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, MI. TwoFoot Creative provided full-service wedding coordination throughout the planning process, which Molly definitely needed being an out-of-state bride! It was wonderful working with them and their families, so I am very excited to share their feature in the current issue of The Knot Michigan magazine! It went through their entire wedding budget, to show other local brides what you might expect to spend on a similar size/style wedding.
For more ideas and information about Molly and Dave’s wedding, you can see their Save the Date magnets here, their invitations here, and their seating chart here. You can also see their bouquet painting from CurlyArt here.
Wedding decor is something your guests will immediately notice upon entering your ceremony site, cocktail hour area, and reception venue. It can range from simple to extravagant, but should always be a reflection of who you are as a couple and how you want your wedding to feel. The best florists and decorators are those that can mesh their vision with yours to create something amazing. They are able to guide you through the options, asking questions to identify what you like and don’t like, and explain to you the seasonality and unpredictability of the floral industry.
A florist should never promise a specific color or flower - they have no control over weather, shipping, availability or other factors which will influence what is available on your wedding date. They can, however, promise a certain look. They can show you backup options in case your favorite color or flower happens to be unavailable. They can tell you which flowers hold up best in the heat of the summer or during mid-winter frosts. That personalization (and support of a local business) is what you can’t get by ordering online or through national chain retailers.
So, what are some of the latest decor trends in the wedding industry?
Fabulous Events, based out of Waterford, Michigan is one of the nation’s largest linen suppliers. Few know that they also dabble in the creation of amazing decor as well. As far as linens go, Bill Hamilton of Fabulous Events tells us that ‘there has recently been a considerable color trend with the use of the colors hot pink and orange; it’s everywhere and everyone wants it. Many of the events that we have been assisting our clients with have been incorporating these two colors together into their events”. Another color trend seen all over industry blogs lately has been black and white with a punch of color - yellow, Kelly green, red and turquoise are a sampling of those chosen.
Hamilton goes on to state “Bling has also become a central part of our clients’ expression. Though some of these linens can become pricey, we have recently added beaded runners to our inventory as a less expensive way to incorporate some glitz.” Other ways to add some bling to your wedding include rhinestones attached to menus, table numbers and place cards, gems scattered on the tables, crystal pins in your bouquets, and hanging crystals from your centerpieces.
According to Hamilton, “Another trend spilling over into the wedding industry, which started from corporate sector, is the spandex chair cover and spandex table linen. We have increased our inventory of spandex chair covers by almost 100%. This hip and trendy chair cover has changed the way we perceive a wedding to look. The traditional wedding is almost becoming a thing of the past, with more brides creating a look that is central to their own personality. At Fabulous Events we listen to our clients, ask probing questions and design a look that is not only personal, but unique to them.”
According to Heather Wilkin of MPE Events in Livonia, “Green has been a very popular color lately. Brides have been using many different shades of green, because it works well as an accent color and compliments many other colors. Many brides are using it as their third complimentary color in natural combinations like ivory, brown, and green or in brighter combinations like eggplant, brown, and green. There are a wide variety of green flowers you can use to pull in color, like green hydrangea, bright green tea roses, and green cymbidium orchids just to name a few.”
Wilkin and the rest of the MPE Events team has also seen an increase in the number of brides requesting uplighting around their reception rooms. This is typically a par can or LED light that is placed along the walls and washes color up the wall to the ceiling. “It really adds the ‘WOW’ factor to a room and creates a lounge-like feel to a reception, especially once the guests start dancing. Uplights can be almost any color, so a bride and groom can match it to their wedding colors or use a softer amber color just to create a glow to the room,” suggests Wilkin.
All of the trends are being tweaked and perfected to fit each couple’s likes and interests. Each bride and groom brings a different idea to the table to match their personalities and create a unique event. Putting a spin on the classic color schemes with some new decor items can really make a statement and portray elegance and tradition with a pop of chic fun.
You have selected a venue, picked out your dress, and secured entertainment to make sure your guests have an amazing time at your wedding. Now it’s time to make sure all your memories of the day are preserved through photographs and video.
We will start with photography - this is an area many of my clients rank #1 on their list of vendor needs! Michigan is home to hundreds of photographers, and dozens of absolutely amazing photographers, so this is of course just a sampling of the people you might choose to work with for your wedding.
Amanda Williams Photography comes in on the low-end budget-wise, but she is nothing close to a budget photographer when it comes to quality! She and her associate, Jen, take wonderful shots, and have fantastic personalities to back them up on the wedding day.
Wendy Martin is based out of Dexter, and came from a special education background into the world of photography. She does adorable shots of kids and families as well as beautiful wedding photography. Her pricing is mid-low range, and she can bring a second shooter if requested.
Mod4 Photography is another option, based out of Clawson in a brand new studio. They have become specialists in photographing dogs lately (just check out their blog to see for yourself) in addition to the wonderful and very fun shots they take as a pair of wedding photographers. Their outgoing personalities make for a very relaxed and comfortable experience.
Finally, The Shooting Gallery is one of Michigan’s most popular wedding photographers - and they deserve to be! Dionne and her husband capture the most gorgeous wedding day moments. “I am proud to be a Michigan-based wedding and portrait photographer who strives to capture each unique relationship with a fun, energetic and creative approach”, states Dionne.
Moving on to video, John from Trifoot Productions has worked in the industry for over 10 years, shooting commercials, live-events, music videos, and feature films. He currently teaches video production and editing at Wayne State University, in addition to shooting wedding videos. John’s full-day wedding rates start at $1295.
Take 1 Productions is an award-winning videography company located in Waterford. Joanne and Don Pham are a husband and wife team that was named “One of the Hottest and Most Influential” videographers in the World by Event DV magazine. For couples on a lower budget, they offer True Blue Films - where each associate shooter and editor has been trained by Don.
Epic Motion is owned by Ryan Koral. It’s located in suburban Detroit, but serves the entire Midwest. The company describes its style in this way: “Our unique wedding cinematography includes cinema style digital films that capture, celebrate and preserve life’s most amazing moments. We make memories larger than life so you’ll never forget your special day.” Epic Motion does offer associate shooters as well as the option to work with Ryan himself.
Finally, Lee Thomas Films finishes up our tour of some of the state’s best talent for wedding photo and video services. “Internationally honored for his creative style, Detroit wedding video producer and filmmaker Lee Thomas blends stylish, modern visuals with a candid, natural approach to produce a wedding film that’s fun, vibrant, and beautiful: a true reflection of you and your wedding day”, according to their website. Prices start at $2495 for the shortfilm option (20 minutes), and $3295 for the cinema documentary (45 minutes).
The next installment of this series will feature the latest tips and trends in floral and decor!
You can also view this article on the Buy Michigan Now website! Once the venue and gown have been selected, many brides and grooms next consider the entertainment they will provide for their wedding. This is a component that can truly make or break your event - if people are dancing and feel entertained, they will stay to celebrate with you. Below is just a sampling of the many wonderful Michigan-based musicians, DJs, and performers - it would take a small book to go through all the amazing talent that Michigan has to offer!
Panache Entertainment is a booking agency owned and operated by Jonas Pascua. A University of Michigan graduate, Jonas wanted to put together a group of musicians who could focus on their craft and make money doing it, without having to market and advertise themselves. All performers are recruited after an audition process and are trained to ensure that they use the richest arrangements of music, wear uniformed attire, and have a professional demeanor that lends to the stage presence of all their presentations.
Jonas works with wonderful musicians for classical and non-traditional ceremonies, as well as jazz groups, singers, and larger bands for your event. For those clients looking to book ceremony musicians and then have a DJ at their reception, Panache works alongside Mike Staff Productions, a Michigan-based DJ company for a majority of those services.
Platinum Mix Productions is one of the area’s best if you are looking for a DJ. They have been in business since 1996, and are proud members of the Better Business Bureau, American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) & Global Mobile Entertainers Association. A variety of DJs are available for any given date, ensuring that someone will match your event style and personality. Sara Gharacheh , owner of Platinum Mix, is also a phenomenal DJ - she keeps the music going and the chatter to a minimum!
John DeVirgilio, owner of JD Entertainment is another excellent choice in the industry. At a recent event, the bride had given John a CD with their first dance on it. As a precaution, John had his version of that song on backup just in case. About 20 seconds into the song, it began to skip - immediately John switched over to the backup and none of the guests even noticed what happened! He kept the dance floor packed all night that night as well, which is the key to a successful wedding. Prices range from $600-$1200 for your event.
If you are looking to put on a show, Dal Bouey is an excellent choice. Dal Bouey’s dazzling performances can be seen regularly at the MGM Grand Casino, Motor City Casino, and Greektown Casino. She mesmerizes her audiences here and abroad with her electrifying stage presence and sensual dancing techniques. Accenting on the pops and rhythm of the music, Dal Bouey’s dynamic performance rivals any Las Vegas production. Performances are available from 4 to 16 members, with a price range averaging $2,500-$15,000.
I always love re-posting weddings once the professional photos are blogged! Why? Well, it reminds of the wedding day all over again, and because as much as I like taking photos at my events, they never reach the quality of the wonderful photographers I work with!
These photos are from the blog of the lovely Amanda Williams Photography, who I love both as a friend and as a colleague. She captures so much emotion, and makes a couple’s wedding day so enjoyable with her great personality! The above photo is from the beautiful Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, one of my very favorite venues to work at!
Like Amanda said - you two should be in magazines! Hopefully I can get you into one 
My article is up on Buy Michigan Now! I will also copy it here for your enjoyment;) However, I strongly encourage any Michigan-based business to sign up (free!) on the Buy Michigan Now website!
In the first edition of this series, we discussed locating a Michigan-owned and operated venue for your wedding. Once the perfect location is selected, it’s time to think about the dress! The dress should fit the mood you are going for with the wedding overall - and it should reflect who you are. What better way to accomplish both while keeping your business local (and reducing your carbon footprint) than hiring a custom gown designer?
There are several amazing designers in Michigan - and we will start with Bonnie Daws. Bonnie has been designing and creating unique haute couture bridal gowns and evening wear for over 25 years. Bonnie purchases the same bridal silks that are used by high-end designers and works with New York lace importers to obtain the most fabulous laces from around the world. Her designs range from the hard-to-find traditional to the most contemporary, high fashion styles as seen in some of the country’s finest bridal salons and on international runways.
Jules Joyner is another great Michigan gown designer, boasting 21 years in the industry. Her base price starts at $1000, and of course you can get as elaborate as your heart desires from there! She loves custom work because it allows brides to be a part of the creative process with their wedding attire. “I draft my own patterns so my girls can come in with their pictures of their perfect vision…top half of this one and the bottom half of that one”.
Next on the list is Peggendott Originals Inc., a small custom design studio located in Berkley, Michigan. They have been around for over 18 years, operating mainly as a mother/daughter team. One of her past brides describes the experience best: “Thank you for making my vision of a dream gown come to life! I was thrilled with the outcome of my dress - it looked completely different than the day I brought it to you. You could not have done a more beautiful job. I had hundreds of compliments on my gown - still to this day!”
Finally, if you are looking for something completely different, Forest Creek Renaissance Shoppe offers high quality, reasonably priced Victorian, Renaissance and Tudor wedding gowns handcrafted here in Michigan. Susan Sherry, the founder, enjoys dressing up in period costumes and doing research into what people wore during the medieval, renaissance, and Victorian eras. If this describes the theme for your wedding, she should be next on your contact list!
Molly is getting married this Friday, I can’t believe the year has gone by so quickly! I can’t wait to see a full-sized version of her seating chart from Gourmet Invitations in the grotto of St. John’s. I had to share the photo of her chart because I think it’s just adorable!
Tifany of Gourmet Invitations has posted Lorraine’s wedding extras, which included these wonderful little booklets of love poems/quotes and their menu featured in the center!
The other extras (in addition to the many many paper and decor items that Lorraine took upon herself to create) were programs for the ceremony:
Stay tuned for Lorraine and David’s wedding next week - it will truly be Style Me Pretty - worthy!