Recently we got the chance to stop by Cornman Farms and check out this soon to be venue. If you have ever eaten at ZIngerman’s you have probably tasted something that was grown at the farm. In 2004, Chef Alex created a family garden for a way to spend time with his family, and in 2005 this family garden became Cornman Farms.

The property is located in Dexter, and it sits on 42 acres of farmland.  You will be able to rent out the house on the property for private dinners, showers, or your rehearsal dinner. Your ceremony could take place in front of the white old farmhouse with a beautiful large front porch. This spot just took my breath away. There are huge trees that cover the spot with shade, so your guests can sit in comfort.

After your ceremony guests can enjoy walking around the property, through edible and English gardens, by the custom fire pit, and by their smokehouse. The smokehouse could be used for a pig roast for your rehearsal dinner, or even the dinner at your wedding. Your reception can be held in the (soon to be) newly renovated barn where on the bottom level is the bar and dinner and dancing on the top floor. If your guest list is bigger than 80 people, you have the option of putting a tent on the property.

Honestly there are so many different options for this venue that we can’t wait to help a couple plan there wedding here! Their estimated opening date for bookings is 2014. I know this place is going to be one of those venues that couples are going to fall in love with. You support a local business, and you can have everything in one place but not feel like you’re trying to cram it all in, and the property is beautiful.

We love the University of Michigan, and we are definitely a big fan of the University of Michigan Museum of Art, so when we heard that the Natural History Museum had opened it’s doors to weddings we had to write about it! One of our couples is planning a May 2013 wedding in the space, we can’t wait!

Your ceremony might take place in the rotunda which is on the first floor as well as in the Hall of Evolution on the second floor.  If you think your guests will enjoy exploring the rest of the museum during your event they can do so, as long as you let the museum know in advance.

The capacity is set at 100 guests to enjoy a seated dinner, or 125 for a strolling reception. They don’t have a kitchen so you would have to bring a caterer in that can also build a kitchen on site or travel with one (in their truck). They have a list of approved caterers and we work with a lot of them so we can help you choose one that would fit your needs and budget for your event.

One thing to take into consideration when thinking about this venue is there is no air-conditioning so you probably want to look at this place for late fall to early spring and avoid the hotter summer months!

We are excited for our first wedding at the Museum in May of 2013 – stay tuned for pictures!

Written by Melanie King, TwoFoot Creative – Ann Arbor

Originally an old warehouse, The Cheney Place near downtown Grand Rapids, is becoming new again. This 45,000 square foot building will be converted into two 9,000 square foot banquet halls holding up to 300 people each.

The space has undergone renovations but has kept true to its industrial style that they hope will attract the younger generations.

Some of the features include, original maple wood floors, wooden support beams, steel-frame single-pane windows and an old freight elevator to transport guest to the second floor.

It is basically an open canvas, with lots of free space perfect for large weddings and allowing the bride to create whatever she has envisioned.

The Cheney Place rental rates range from $2,000 to $3,000 while there is no kitchen facilities or catering service charges included.

A unique feature of this new banquet facility is an original talking machine or phonograph on display, staying true to the type of manufacturing company The Cheney Place used to house. There are already a few weddings booked for this venue this summer season.

Written by Britt Frantz – TwoFoot Creative, Grand Rapids

Watermark Country Club is a beautiful property perfect for a wedding in a fantastic location, lying just outside the hustle and bustle of the city of Grand Rapids, MI.

In 1998, it was totally redesigned, adding a brand new 20,000 square foot clubhouse. They offer event space both inside and outside on the luscious green landscape.

Within the country club, there are five different rooms to hold a ceremony and/or reception accommodating up to 300 people. Outdoor tented events can accommodate up to 500 people.

One of the prime features is the award winning culinary team that can cater to your dream wedding. They offer menus that are customizable to your desires.

Bridal party photos can be taken on the course by means of golf carts for transportation. The great, friendly staff at Watermark will be sure to make your day runs smoothly and everything you had pictured it to be!

Written by Britt Franz, TwoFoot Creative – Grand Rapids

I had the opportunity to visit the Players Club recently, and just had to share this awesome wedding venue in Detroit! It just recently opened up for weddings, but as soon as it becomes more known I am sure it will be booked solid. Such a hidden gem!

The entire playhouse seats up to 150 guests and is rented for $3500. The stage can be used for a ceremony (they will even lend you stage equipment for backdrops!), and then guests can head up to the Founders Room for cocktail hour as the dinner gets set up.

The Players Club does have a preferred caterer, but you are not required to use them. Under the stage are their prop and wardrobe rooms from the plays they put on – which would make an awesome location for photos!

We are looking forward to our first wedding at the Players Club!

I visited the Iroquois Club a few weeks back, and it is the most adorable venue! If you want an up-north feel without going up north, this is the place. It is perfect for smaller weddings, rehearsal dinners, or showers. Here are a few fun facts from the Iroquois Club:

We are part of a growing group of restaurants including The Moose Preserve (Bloomfield Hills), Camp Ticonderoga (Troy), Deadwood Bar and Grill (Northville), Beaver Creek Beer and Tackle (Westland).

The famous Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great compliment to any event as dessert, a late night snack or packaged as a favor for guests to take home.

Our Wisconsin Ledge Rock fireplace is a focal point in the room and a perfect backdrop for the ceremony as well.

The server uniforms have a more modern look too. They are styled at Brooks Brothers and wear slate gray slacks with light pink dress shirts.

A few weeks back I went on a limo tour of Detroit through Reception Stars – and it was a great experience visiting a few venues I’ve never seen before! One of the hidden gems is the Scarab Club, a historic building that houses artists’ studios on the third floor, and can be rented out for weddings and other events on the first and second floors.

I just fell in love with the “secret garden” out back. It is a perfect spot for a ceremony, and you can use any of the four sides as a focal point depending on your style – they are very different. They have also put tents out there, and are very flexible with the options available. The inside is a rotating gallery for your guests to enjoy.

On the first level you can get 80-100 seated, and 120 for a strolling reception. If you add in the second floor, you can easily do a strolling reception for 150. The rental rates are very reasonable, at $760 for 5 hours on the first level and an additional $335 for the second level.

On the second level you can see all of the famous artists that have signed the beams – it is a very cool room. They do have a preferred caterer but you can bring in your own as well if you have a favorite. I would just love to plan a wedding there!

Museums are one of the most sought after venues for weddings. They offer a such a creative environment for your guest to enjoy being surrounded by art and history.

This September, our West Michigan/Grand Rapids team will have a wedding at the Grand Rapids Art Museum for the first time. The GRAM is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. It has more than 10 areas where your event can be held.

Our couple will have their ceremony in the starlight Cook Auditorium followed by a Reception in the beautiful Wege Pavilion. The GRAM has such a wonderful staff who make the planning process a great experience. I’m so excited about this wedding and I look forward to planning more events there in the future!

Written by Ashley Mason – TwoFoot Creative, Grand Rapids

One of my clients asked if I’d heard of the Madison Buidling in Detroit, which I had not. So of course, I turned to Google and found an awesome looking space at M@dison.

From their website: “m@dison offers a variety of technically advanced spaces that are perfect for presentations, receptions, parties, performances, meetings, press conferences, team-building and other imaginative events for 5 to 500 people.”

Here is a video from their site as well:

And a few more pictures for you to enjoy!

We are happy to announce TwoFoot Creative is now a Preferred Wedding Professional for The Goei Center and we currently offer a special package exclusive to their clients.

Our Grand Rapids team recently participated in the 2012 Eastern Floral Exceptional Bridal Event held at The Goei Center. It’s one of our favorite venues and now one of our favorite bridal shows. It was a combination of their gorgeous floral displays, a fabulous fashion show, and some of the best hand-picked West Michigan wedding professionals. We had a great time!

If you are hosting your event at The Goei Center, we would be happy to assist you. Contact ashley@twofootcreative.com for more information.