We love New Creations by Kate. Her work is beautiful! Check out this Q & A we did with her, and if you are looking for a florist make sure you take a look at her work!

Tell us something unique about yourself? I started my first business, at 14 years old, boarding horses on my families mini farm in NC. I knew from very early on that I always wanted to be self-employed.

How did you get started? Growing up, I knew that I would do something in a creative field.  I loved designing and decorating and thought in college that I would be an interior designer.  Throughout college I worked for a few different designers and one actually taught me how to design with flowers. At that time, we were designing high end dried and preserved flowers for homes. 

I loved creating different arrangements and knew that this was something I would probably continue. After graduating college, my husband encouraged me to start my own floral design business.  Within a couple years, I was doing all wedding work. It has now been 12 years and I love it!

What are some new trends you are noticing with bridal bouquets?  The new trend is definitely loose and organic in style.  We have finally moved away from the round ball of Roses to more textural blooms, berries, and foliage.  Pinterest has done wonders for educating brides on the different styles of bouquets. 

Do you have a minimum for couples to use you?   Our minimum is 3k, but our average wedding starts around 5k.  It really depends on the amount of flowers that are needed. If you have 8-10 tables and a very small bridal party, 3K is enough for a beautiful design. If you have 30 tables and you are wanting dramatic elevated centerpieces, you need to be planning on 8k+.  Each year we have cut back on the amount of weddings that we do so that we can really cater to the bride who is wanting a boutique style florist.  We typically only book one wedding per weekend, so that we can focus on the attention to detail that we believe our clientelle deserves. 

What is some advice you can give to couples for deciding their floral for their wedding day?  Your flowers should enhance any of the colors you choose for your dresses and décor.  Not everything needs to be matchy matchy! Often brides think that if their wedding colors are for example, navy and white, than all the flowers should just be white.  Often, it is so much prettier to mix it up with some colors including pinks, merlots, or purples.  Maybe even some unexpected berries in orange or touches of yellows.  We have found that our happiest clients are those who give us a style or look they love, and then give us the freedom to choose the specific blooms, etc.  When we have the freedom to switch up an order because our supplier found something unusual or extra beautiful, we do!  It is important that a couple choose a florist based on their portfolio and then TRUST them.

For almost three decades Gary Hovland has been doing illustrations for the nation’s top magazines and newspapers. Mostly focused on editorial “humorous” images, Gary has also long been creating colorful and whimsical maps. For years Conde Nast Traveler and Germany’s Manner Vogue used his maps to reveal unique shopping markets in the world’s great cities. Now Gary is working directly with couples and wedding designers to create one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn and painted maps for weddings.

Q: These maps are quite charming! What media do you use to create them?

A: I guess I’m still a hold-back. I use a quill pen and India ink to make the drawing, and then watercolor to paint it. For my paper I use the archival French Arches watercolor paper –it’s by far the best for washes. And of course I work with the computer to scan the images, and if necessary make changes in Photoshop.

Q: Your hand-lettering is beautiful…but I wouldn’t call it ‘calligraphy’.

A: I’ve studied more formal calligraphy and use a variety of typefaces in my work…but for the maps I guess you’d say my style is “hand-drawn”. I think this is a good look to convey a hand-crafted feeling.

Q: How do you begin creating a custom map?

A: Well, at first I work with the client to get a feeling of how formal or informal their wedding will be. Then I have them define the city or part of the city that will be their focus – the wedding venue, the rehearsal dinner restaurant, reception hall, etc. I make a layout of important streets, rivers, and city landmarks, and then start to develop small graphic icons to define all of the important elements. In my recent Fort Lauderdale map, the defined area had no iconic landmarks – but I was able to define the character of the city with palm trees, tropical flowers and a dolphin!

Q: You indicate important streets and rivers, but it looks like it would be hard to navigate exact streets.

A: Depending on what the client is looking for, I will create as much detail as requested. But usually clients are looking to create a general feeling of where important events will take place. Most everyone today will use their smart phone to find the exact location.

Q: I’m wondering how the maps are used…would the couple include the map with their invitation?

A: Yes, some couples do print the map on a card and include it with their formal invitation. Other people send it out as a “Save the Date” card, and one bride created a beautiful “Itinerary” folding card which included my map and a detailed itinerary which I hand-lettered for her. I’ve even seen people print the maps on matching tote bags, for bridesmaids goodie bags!

Q: I’m sure people would like to know about pricing…are you affordable?

A: I love doing these maps, and they’re a good deal. For a custom map with maybe 6-8 icons I am charging only $350. If you would like to purchase the original watercolor art, I would ask an additional $150. For more complex maps, please just ask!

Q: Well Gary, how can someone find you on the web to contact you?

A: I set up a site on Etsy.com that showcases my maps – you can go to www.Etsy.com and find me at GaryHovlandDesigns. Or go directly to my site at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/105024745/hand-made-color-wedding-map. I’d love to answer any questions you might have!

Iorio’s Gelateria is an awesome locally owned gelato shop located on the University of Michigan’s campus, right down the street from the Original Cottage Inn on E. William Street. Iorio’s has a variety of flavors that changes on a regular basis, always keeping things fresh and interesting.

Not only does Iorio’s serve customers in their store, they also cater events – especially weddings! Iorio’s works personally with the bride and groom on a one on one basis to discuss what flavors the couple would like at their reception. Couples are able to customize flavors as well, mixing flavors together and custom naming any flavors they want, creating a unique gelato cart.

Similarly to when customers walk into the store, the bride and groom can sample any and all flavors they want in order to decide what flavors would work best on their special day. The couple has the choice of having the gelato served out of a specialized cart at their wedding, with guests able to pick from the variety of flavors the bride and groom have chosen or they can have gelato dropped off in quarts or gallons to the kitchen staff at a venue and the gelato can come out with your cake or cupcakes.

Written by Jillian Madden, TwoFoot Creative – Ann Arbor

Holly & Peter’s Royal Park Hotel wedding was so beautiful, and they could not have been more fun to work with! Here is the awesome highlight video from Epic Motion – enjoy!

I was excited to attend the A2Y Chamber year-ender, and delighted to find out that Pinkberry does off-site catering! They had a station there with samples for everyone to try – it was a huge hit! The below FAQ is taken from their website to give you more information about this new venture. They have a storefront at Briarwood Mall, so if you’re interested (or in the mood for frozen yogurt) go check them out!

Does Pinkberry bring a machine to the event? Some stores have the ability to Swirl the Pinkberry Goodness right at your event, so if you are interested just let us know and we’ll determine if we are able to swirl on site and give you additional pricing details.

What is the difference between Full Service and Drop Off? Pinkberry has 2 kinds of Catering Options – Full Service and Drop Off. For both options your Pinkberry is swirled fresh right before your event in the sizes and flavors you choose. We usually bring 6 topping choices – we recommend 3 fruit and 3 dry toppings. For Full Service our Team Members stay at your event to top and present each Pinkberry to your guests just like we do in the store. For Drop-Off, Team Members set-up your Pinkberry and toppings in a designated area and your guests will top their own swirly masterpiece.

How much does it cost to have Pinkberry cater? Services and prices may vary by store. So that we can give you the best information for your event, complete the request form for Full Service or Drop-Off. If you’re not sure what you need yet send us an email at Catering@Pinkberry.com and we’ll help you select the best choices for your event.

How do you keep the Pinkberry cold? We bring the pre-swirled Pinkberry to you in branded, insulated coolers. There is dry ice in the coolers that keep your Pinkberry chilled to the perfect temperature.

What kind of events can Pinkberry cater? We can cater just about any event – Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, School Events, Premieres, Wrap Parties, Craft Services, Employee/Client Appreciation Events, Holiday Parties, Private Dinners. You name it!

What if I don’t live by a Pinkberry? Can Pinkberry still cater my event? Although there are many Pinkberry locations, there may be places that Pinkberry Catering can’t reach yet. We want to ensure that when we Swirl Pinkberry to you that we have maintained the integrity of the product so that you have the one of a kind experience you are used to. If you are too far away from a Pinkberry store, the yogurt may suffer in transport and we only want to deliver uncompromising quality to you.

What do I need to do to get ready for Pinkberry at my event? When we get to your event location we need a 6 foot table or as much table space as you can give us so that we can set up your toppings. If it is a Full Service event we also need a place behind or near the 6 foot table to store our insulated coolers.

How do I know what flavors and toppings to choose for my guests? Start by choosing your favorites and remember to get a variety. If you want to see what’s in stores now, click on the “Products” tab. The Pinkberry Team Member helping with your party will also help to ensure that you have a great mix that everyone will enjoy!

How did the Brides Project get started?

The Brides Project was brought to the Cancer Support Community by an Ann Arbor resident who saw a Brides Project in Canada. The woman asked the manager of the Canadian store if she could bring this idea to the US and the manager gave her the go. She started blogging about the project and soon enough dresses started arriving at her doorsteps. She realized that this was going to be a lot to handle alone so she brought the idea to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor and they decided to use the idea as a fundraising initiative for CSC.

Who runs the shop?

The Shop is completely run by volunteers and in donated space. I am an intern on the project from the U of M School of Social Work and I help with scheduling and day to day things. We have consultants who have been trained to take the appointments and keep up the shop. We have an in gathering committee that works on prices and the entire inventory. We have a marketing committee that works on both marketing to brides who have already been married to then donate their dresses and also brides-to-be who want to buy a dress from us while supporting the Cancer Support Community. We also have a steering committee that oversees the entire project.

Why should I donate my dress?

You should donate your dress to The Brides Project because not only will it go to some other lucky bride-to-be to wear on her special day but it will also provide support for children and families touched by cancer through the Cancer Support Community. You also get a tax break when you donate your dress. You will also become a part of The Brides Project movement of women helping women! It is an exciting concept and we always want to get more people involved.

What brands do you carry?

We have anywhere from designer to home-made dresses. We have Vera Wang, Justina McCaffrey, Badgley Mischka, etc. We have a wide variety of dresses in all sizes.

What if I need alterations?

We have seamstresses that can meet with you if you need alterations on a dress you find at our shop that you just love. If you find a dress you love but does not fit exactly at your first appointment we will then schedule you a second appointment with a seamstress who can help you figure out how much alterations would cost and how long they would take.

How do I get involved?

There are many ways people can get involved. You can like us on facebook. You can donate your wedding dress. You can volunteer to become a bridal consultant. If you specialize in marketing or sales you can contact us and we get you involved with the right subcommittee. The easiest thing to do to get involved and help the project is to spread the word. Tell your girlfriends and moms and sisters! We want to get the whole community involved!

What are some goals you have for the future?

We hope to have the whole community involved and that brides-to-be think of us when searching for the dress of their dreams.

What is your favorite dress story?

My favorite dress story is one that may not normally get blogged about but really hit home for me. A woman came into the Cancer Support Community a few weeks ago to donate her wedding dress. She was very nice and happy to help us with our project but what was the tear-jerker for me was that two of her family members had just been diagnosed with cancer. Although she was saddened by the news she still wanted to help support the Cancer Support Community by donating her dress to The Brides Project. I think this is one of the major reasons why I love The Brides Project. Although cancer is a very sad and scary thing TBP provides a space where people can still help provide cancer support but in a fun and uplifting atmosphere.

Can I donate other wedding items?

We do not have a lot of space for extra items at this time. We have a few pairs of shoes, some jewelry, and veils but our boutique is getting pretty full.

What is something people are surprised to learn about the Brides Project?

People are normally surprised to find out that The Brides Project is completely run by volunteers and in donated space. It is pretty amazing that we can run a social enterprise with solely volunteers!

JLB Wedding Photography did a fantastic job with Nikky & Emmanuel’s wedding on September 3rd – enjoy the pictures! It was so much fun planning another Nigerian wedding – I am sure you can see why!

Laura & Derek were married at Misty Farm in Ann Arbor, MI back in July. I was so excited to see their pictures on Tracy & Riva’s blog – they did an amazing job with them!
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