WM
Spring 2013 westmichiganstyle.com
S T Y L E West Michigan STYLE Magazine
Mother’s Day Gift ideas inside
Balancing Act Husband and wife team Rachael Ruiz and Brice Bossardet
Celebration at CityFlatsHotel
Spring bridal trends Bridal party gift ideas
From
DeVries
Each spring we look forward to the renewed energy that warmer weather invariably injects into all of us. And this spring we’re especially excited to bring the second issue of WM Style to you. Because of your wonderful response to our inaugural issue, we’ve been able to expand and include even more great content. In this issue, our focus is City Celebration, and we’re bringing you the best advice and ideas from across West Michigan for planning a downtown wedding. In our feature section, be inspired by our own re-creation of a downtown celebration at CityFlatsHotel. In Checklist, discover seven things you should consider when planning a downtown wedding. And in Ideas, we’re offering you our favorite suggestions for unique and fun bridal party gifts — all from West Michigan. We also know that along with wedding planning come jewelry and fashion choices. So in Trends, Renee Austin Wedding shares the latest in wedding fashion. And in Ask the Jeweler, we explore the benefits of going local when purchasing an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewelry. We even recently had the opportunity to sit down with local celebrity couple Rachael Ruiz and Brice Bossardet to talk about the balancing act of marriage, family and career. We share our interview with them on page 12. As always, WM Style is dedicated to offering West Michigan residents like you the latest in style advice and solutions for everyday living. Our goal is to do this by highlighting the expertise of local talent and businesses within our pages. We’re extremely grateful to all of the vendors and businesses that came together to make this issue happen (see page 2), and we want to thank each one for all the great work they do every day serving West Michigan.
This spring we hope you take the time to enjoy the beauty that comes with the change of seasons, and we anticipate that you’ll find this issue of WM Style to be full of valuable insights and helpful information. And as always, we look forward to catching up with you on your next visit to our store!
Dan and Dave DeVries
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 1
Publisher DeVries Jewelers
Editor-in-Chief Dawn Pick Benson, dpb communications
Creative Director Jim Hossler, Hossler Creative
Photography (Cover and Feature Articles) Kelly Braman, Kelly Braman Photography
Videography
West Michigan Style magazine is dedicated to showcasing West Michigan businesses and utilizing local talent. Video and photography for this issue’s feature stories was shot on location at CityFlatsHotel and Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids. View our behind-the-scenes video and additional photos on our Facebook page or at www.westmichiganstyle.com
Phil Palacios, Palacios Pictures
Contributors | CityFlatsHotel
Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, CityFlatsHotel inhabits what was once the legendary Fox Jewelers Building. The five-story hotel, designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification, features 28 conceptually unique guest rooms. www.cityflatshotel.com
Reserve Wine & Food
At Reserve, we focus our efforts toward dialing into the heart of the dining experience to provide a clear, deliberate and honest representation of what happens when you bring together quality product and passionate people. www.reservegr.com
Renee Austin Wedding
Renee Austin Wedding is West Michigan’s premier bridal salon, featuring the latest designs in bridal couture for the fashion -forward bride. Our wide selection of exclusive gowns accommodates even the most discerning of tastes. www.reneeaustinwedding.com
Leigh’s Fashions
Leigh’s is an upscale women’s specialty store in Grand Rapids. By offering the best in apparel, accessories, jewelry, shoes and cosmetics, we can expertly enhance your style. www.leighsfashions.com
Fitzgerald’s
From beach to boardroom to black tie, Fitzgerald’s offers our clients everything they require to dress successfully in every aspect of their lives. www.fitzs.com
The Rouge Salon
The Rouge Salon and Spa of Allendale is West Michigan’s superior hair-styling & hair-care specialist — perfect for the styleconscious mom, dad, daughter and son. www.therougesalon.com
Posh Petals
Posh Petals is inspired to model your arrangements to reflect your tastes. Our inspiration can come from a variety of sources — a color pallette, bouquets in a photograph or an event description — that will be uniquely expressed through your flowers. www.poshpetalsfloral.com
Kelly Braman Photography
Kelly Braman Photography’s unique, vintage-modern style has quickly made her one of Grand Rapid’s most desired wedding photographers. Though primarily commissioned as a Grand Rapids wedding photograper, her experience and unique style have led to work throughout the state and beyond. www.kellybramanphotography.com
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Palacios Pictures
Grand Rapids-based filmmaker Phil Palacios applies the art of filmmaking to documentary and corporate communication. www.palaciospictures.com
dpb communications
Writer, editor and content marketer Dawn Pick Benson believes stories have the power to move people. Inspire others. Even change lives. Her passion is helping companies and organizations tell their stories — effectively. www.dawnpickbenson.com
Hossler Creative
An award-winning content, design and production company. Providing creative services for multi-platform web or print campaigns, publications, television commercials, short films and photo shoots. www.hosslercreative.com
Thank you to all the West Michigan businesses that contributed to this issue of WM Style magazine.
www.levycreations.com West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 3
Photo by Kristin Anne Johnson
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West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 5
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City
Making downtown the backdrop for your big day.
Celebration Words - Dawn Pick Benson / Photography - Kelly Braman / Styling - The Rouge Salon / Jewelry - DeVries Jewelers Dress - Renee Austin Wedding / Flowers - Posh Petals / Location - CityFlatsHotel
I
t’s your big day. So by all means — celebrate. And what better place to do that than in the heart of downtown?
guests can access everything they need, including hotel rooms, restaurants and other activities, is also important.
When it comes to celebrating your wedding, a downtown venue offers the perfect blend of style and convenience. “A downtown location is ideal for a wedding celebration,” says Katie Vogelheim, event coordinator at CityFlatsHotel. While a city center venue provides the energy and sophistication that many brides want, Vogelheim says the ease with which
Maggie Torongo, owner of Renee Austin Wedding agrees. “Brides love to have everything close — from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception. Everything can all be within walking distance.” So with this in mind, we set out to discover some of the key elements in creating the perfect city celebration.
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Downtown drama.
Flair & Simple.
A Casablanca gown showcases romantic soft ruffles with lace in between. Paired with classic pearls, the look equals timeless elegance.
If you’re considering a downtown wedding, you likely love the magic and energy created by the hustlebustle of the city. So when it comes to your big day, there are oh-so-many ways to extend that vitality and excitement into your own City Celebration!
It’s in the details.
Add a coordinating belt to draw attention to your waist.
Glam it up.
Sassy glitter heels will light up the night.
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Finishing touches.
A touch of Mirabella lip color and lip gloss will help you shine all night long.
Make a statement.
A bold diamond drop necklace adds old-world glamour.
Rock On.
With a diamond Pippa engagement ring from Naledi.
Location. Location. Location.
Every space is unique, so choose one that can serve as a gorgeous canvas for making your wedding-day dreams come true. (pictured: CityFlatsHotel Ballroom)
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Vintage floral centerpiece, Posh Petals
Pascal fresh water pearl necklace & pearl drop earrings, DeVries Jewelers
Floral bouquet, Posh Petals
Maevona Poppy engagement ring, DeVries Jewelers
Outside CityFlatsHotel on Monroe Center in Grand Rapids.
Wtoo champagne wedding gown, Renee Austin Wedding
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Checklist
things to consider when 7planning a downtown wedding. 1. Parking. When selecting a downtown venue for your
wedding ceremony or reception, choose a place with onsite parking or a nearby parking ramp. Valet parking is also a nice additional perk.
Two West Michigan Locations www.cityflatshotel.com
Grand Rapids
2. Guest transportation options. “If your
ceremony is a bit of a distance from your downtown reception venue, consider renting a shuttle, such as the GR Hopper,” says Katie Vogelheim, event coordinator at CityFlatsHotel.
3. Weather. Vogelheim suggests offering valet parking,
especially if your wedding date is during a colder month. This helps guests get in and out of their vehicles with ease, and it negates the hassle of parking and then walking in inclement weather.
4. Room availability. Find out whether your venue offers
overnight accommodations. Guests can relax and enjoy the evening’s events even longer when they know their room is just steps away.
5. Guest experience. If you’re expecting out-of-town
guests, a welcome packet will help facilitate exploration of the best of what West Michigan has to offer. Provide a special gift bag for them with items such as a map, coupons and a few local magazines that offer event listings. “Help make it like a vacation for them,” says Vogelheim.
6. Proximity of vendors. A downtown destination likely ensures plenty of area vendors to choose from as well as short delivery times.
7. Location. Consider a location with restaurants, shops and
boutiques within walking distance. According to Vogelheim, this allows guests to grab a snack if needed, and it gives them plenty to do if there’s a time gap between the ceremony and reception.
- Located in downtown Grand Rapids, inhabiting what was once the legendary Fox Jewelers Building - A five-story, 28-room, boutique hotel - Features conceptually unique guest rooms, each with creative layouts and lush, yet eco-friendly materials - Interior furniture and décor designed and manufactured with local materials - Uses green materials, technologies and practices to reduce its impact on the environment - A ballroom that blends historic architecture with modern style and can accommodate up to 200 guests. - On-site catering with menus planned by an executive chef
Holland
- Located one block from downtown - 56 eco-friendly rooms - Each room design and layout is unique - Interior furniture and décor designed and manufactured with local materials - Full-service restaurant and bar - In-house, 24-hour coffee shop - The first hotel in the Midwest to achieve LEED Gold Certification - Suites available
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 11
Rachael dress $1,238 Etro necklace $384 Alexis Bittar handbag $398 Kate Spade
Brice sports coat $495 JKT New York pocket square $55 Geoff Nicholson sport shirt $179 Bugatchi Uomo belt $49.50 Martin Dingman pants $198 MAC Jeans
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watch $2,595 Oris
Balancing Act Words - Dawn Pick Benson Photography - Kelly Braman Styling - The Rouge Salon Rachael’s Wardrobe - Leigh’s Brice’s Wardrobe - Fitzgerald’s Location - Reserve Wine & Food
Husband and wife team Rachael Ruiz and Brice Bossardet talk about marriage, family and juggling two very successful careers.
Sitting down to a glass of wine at Reserve for a talk with WM Style magazine.
For Rachael Ruiz and Brice Bossardet, life is a true balancing act. As parents of two young
girls and a couple with equally demanding careers — Rachael as host of WOOD-TV’s eightWest and Brice as a broker and Ford model/actor — managing it all adds up to a genuine team effort. We recently had the chance to sit down with them over a glass of wine and hear their story.
Y
ou’re both extremely busy. What’s can’t do everything. We’re fortunate to have a your secret to balancing career and few great “go-to” support people in our lives, family? my mom being one of them, and it really Rachael: Early on, we realized we makes it possible for us to try to do more. needed to work together to get a system in Our families are very supportive, and we’re place. I sometimes worked weekends and blessed to have them. nights, so it was important to figure out how to manage our time — reserving time Brice: We have the opportunity to go to a lot for each other and the things that were of events, but we pick and choose a lot more important to us. now. Some things are It’s changed a little fun, but we just say “It’s the little things that bit now that we have no because it’s more become the big things when important to be with kids because our priorities have shifted. you really live in the moment.” our kids. We sometimes call it tag teaming. We try to get together every Rachael: On a given day, we have about 20 week and look at our schedules. For example, things that we’d like to do. But we really have before I accept an opportunity that’s outside ask, “What are the top 3 that have to happen of my regular work day, I talk with Brice today?” And then we go from there. about what he has going on as well, so it’s a little different now. What do you love most about life right now? Brice: Spending time with our girls and So defining priorities is key? watching them grow every step of the way. Rachael: When you’re both busy and you We were married 10 years before we had start a family, you have to realize that you our first child, so it’s been a blessing to 14 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers
concentrate on them now. It’s the little things that become the big things when you really live in the moment. What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you as a couple? Rachael: When we were on our honeymoon cruise, we sat at a table with three other couples that had been married for a long time. One woman’s advice was, “Be flexible.” It was the simplest thing anyone had ever told me, but it stuck with me. You have to learn to be flexible in life, especially when you want things a certain way. Some things just aren’t worth fighting for. Some things are. It’s crazy how simple it is, but it’s something I always go back to. You’ve been married 14 years — since 1999. Any advice for young couples? Brice: Make sure you’re mentally prepared and ready for the commitment. Know what it means to dedicate your life to someone and to make that promise. And if you haven’t, and you’re at that altar, you better get there quick! Rachael: Understand the commitment. When you make a vow before your friends and your family and God, know what that means because every day is not going to be easy. You’re going to be challenged. There are going to be high moments and low moments. And truly that’s what makes the ride. Realize it’s a commitment, a lifelong commitment, no matter if it’s a rough patch or you’re having the time of your life. WMStyle
Careers.
Brice: Broker with Urban Space of Grand Rapids and actor/model with Ford Models in Chicago. He’s currently brokering a large development project on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. Rachael: Host of eightWest on WOOD-TV.
Where they met.
Working at a ticketing event at a local Meijer. She was working on a story; he was working for the ticketing company.
Children.
Two girls: Coco, 4. Collins, 1.5
Best adventure as a couple.
A trip to Thailand. They’re also avid travelers and have been to Paris, Monaco, Italy, Morocco, Hawaii and Mexico.
Favorite West Michigan spot.
Anything that can be experienced with their girls. Local events and outdoor activities are at the top of the list.
Recent food adventure.
Octopus. While out for sushi, Coco wanted to try octopus. The verdict? She loved it!
Where you can find them.
Watch for Rachael each day on WOOD-TV’s eightWest. Look for Brice on billboards, in commercials or print ads around the country. _______________________
Brice
See page 16
Rachael
View our behind-the-scenes video and additional photos at www.westmichiganstyle.com or on our Facebook page.
dress $395 Pink Tartan earrings $35 R.J. Graziano
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Rachael
jacket $525 Escada Sport tank top $26 Skinny Tees jeans $191 J Brand necklace $225 Lordane
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earrings $30 Lordane
Brice
sport coat $450 JKT New York knit polo $95 Psycho Bunny jeans $198 Paige watch $2,550 Oris
www.fredericsage.com
real watches for real people
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Automatic mechanical chronograph Stainless steel case with turning top ring Special linear display for the small second Water resistant to 100 m www.oris.ch
Shop Local. Feel Global. ..... you can find it here!
breton village 1942 breton road se grand rapids mi 49506 616.942.6300 . leighsfashions.com
West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers | 19
Ask the Jeweler |
The Local Advantage When choosing an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewelry, is there an advantage to choosing a local jeweler? According to Dan DeVries, president of DeVries Jewelers, there are several benefits to going local. A superior experience.
“We place a high value on offering our customers a great experience,” says DeVries, whose goal is to make the process of choosing jewelry a fun one. He says he loves to hear engagement stories and always looks forward to a fiancé returning with his bride-to-be in order to introduce her. “A great experience adds to the romance of it all,” says DeVries. “Hands down, weddings are definitely the highlight of our business.”
Knowledge.
A local jeweler is extremely knowledgeable about each piece of jewelry in the store, and the wisdom he or she can offer when you’re looking for the perfect item is invaluable, according to DeVries. “We take the time to understand your needs and your budget, and then we go to work helping you find the ideal piece.” Local jewelers also work hard to keep up with the latest trends, and they take time to discover the little details that can help customers make the right choice, such as talking with a bride about her dress in order to find the perfect jewelry to match.
Options. Local jewelers offer many in-house services that
aren’t available at most chain stores. For example, DeVries Jewelers is able to custom-design settings. They’re also capable of setting a stone or sizing a ring within an hour. “There’s no need to send it off and then wait several days,” says DeVries. He also notes the variety that’s often available at a local store. “We can show you 10 different diamonds within your budget. Here, you can get anything from a wedding band to jewelry for mom to items for your entire bridal party.”
A personal connection.
The kind of personal connection you can establish with a local jeweler is invaluable, says DeVries. Getting to know customers, learning the reason for their visit and who referred them is important. “Whether we know one of your family members or you’re a first-time customer, I always enjoy the opportunity to establish a relationship that hopefully lasts through the years,” says DeVries. He admits that making a large purchase can sometimes be a stressful. “Our goal is to put you at ease and help you make the best choice possible.”
“A great experience adds to the romance of it all.” 20 | West Michigan Style by DeVries Jewelers