Mid Michigan Bride 2013 by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Mid-Michigan

Bride

2013 Edition

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Mid-Michigan

Bride From the Editor I took my first photography class in High School, and was instantly hooked on the process of creating a print from start to finish. I built a darkroom in my basement, and continued to work on my photography skills after graduation. In 2005, after taking a few photography classes at Lansing Community College, I jumped into the photography business. I shot my first wedding, and worked as an intern for the City Pulse. In 2006, I started working for a new publication that the Lansing State Journal was launching â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Greater Lansing Woman Magazine. Since then, my photographs have also been featured in the Featured Photo: Lakeview Banquet Center Laingsburg, MI

Lansing State Journal, and I continue to cover social events and fundraisers for the GLW. I wanted to bring together all of the wedding related companies I have worked with during my eight years of business in the Lansing area. I hope you find the resources and information in this magazine useful in your wedding planning process! Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS 2013

A Piece O’ Cake

Props to You!

Beneath It All

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING CAKE

ADDING DETAILS TO YOUR WEDDING DAY

LINGERIE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

by Kelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/ designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Lauren Long, owner of Curvaceous Lingerie

Pop of Color

Symbol of Love

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Kevin Wheat, owner of Wheat Jewelers

page 4

ADD A POP OF COLOR TO YOUR WEDDING DAY

page 12 Look of Love

page 8 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT RING

page 14 One of a Kind

page 10 Shop ‘til You Drop NINE STEPS TO A FLAWLESS BRIDAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Katie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell

page 16 Style Session

SPECIAL MOMENTS BETWEEN BRIDE & GROOM

SEVEN TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION

TELL YOUR STORY WITH AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Rebecca Eldridge Old Town Marquee

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

page 20 Now Trending

page 22 Location,Location, Location

NINE WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2013

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VENUE

Rebecca Eldridge Rd I Do

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

page 26 Details of the day: You spend a lot of time planning your wedding, and all of the little details that make it special. Capture the moment with photos!

page 28

page 24 Picking Petals PICKING THE RIGHT FLOWERS FOR YOUR WEDDING Dawn Hall, owner of Petal & Forrest

page 30 Farm Fresh

RUSTIC OUTDOOR VENUES by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

page 32

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

A PieceO’Cake

Choosing the right wedding cake Kelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron

Congratulations, you are engaged to be married! This is meant to be an exciting time, one that you will look back on with fond memories. Inevitably, some stress may creep its way into your planning process, but do not let it overshadow all of the joy and love that goes into planning your wedding day.

When it comes to choosing all of the details of your day, remember to stay true to who you are. Your wedding should be a reBlection of you and your Biancé and the life you share together. When it comes to designing your wedding cake, please keep these helpful tips in mind, hopefully they will help guide you and make the process a piece of cake!

or a dainty three-‐tier with sheet cakes to serve your guests, it’s best to share this with your cake designer so that they are able to work with you to meet all of your needs. Is the wedding cake of your dreams completely out of your price range? Please do not walk away discouraged, reach out to your cake designer and ask how you can make the cake of your dreams work for you. Perhaps changing the size of your cake or the design would help your budget. Clients frequently ask about sheet cakes, or kitchen cakes. A Piece O’ Cake provides double-‐layer sheet cakes, which means that the slice of cake that each guest receives is the same size piece of cake served from the wedding cake. The beneBit is that you can save on cost and your guests will not feel like they received a smaller piece of cake than another guest. continued on page 6

The wedding cake should be a reBlection of the couple and the overall essence of the wedding. Would you describe your style as modern and non-‐traditional? Perhaps a geometric or topsy-‐ turvy cake would suit you perfectly. Or are you leaning toward a classic and romantic theme? Then you might be attracted to the traditional white wedding cake with beautiful blooms. “Keep in mind that

your wedding cake will be a centerpiece at your reception.”

Knowing your wedding style is the Birst step in choosing your wedding cake. Trends come and go, so being true to yourself and your vision is essential. Next, know your budget. Having a budget, whether big or small, can help relieve stress. Whether you want a six-‐tier round wedding cake,

A Piece O’ Cake Bakery Le Bon Macaron 4966 Northwind Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 333-6881 www.apieceocake.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

A PieceO’Cake

Choosing the right wedding cake Kelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron continued from page 5

At A Piece O’ Cake we want everyone to have the cake of their dreams and we work hard to make that a reality for every budget. This tip applies to any wedding service: always express your concerns and ask questions. A wedding cake is such a special dessert. Guests look forward to not only tasting a spectacular dessert, but also seeing it! Keep in mind that your wedding cake will be a centerpiece at your reception. We’ve had brides remark how their guests formed a line around their cake, taking turns ‘oohing and ahhing’ over the dessert they would regrettably cut into later in the evening! At A Piece O’ Cake taste is equally important as the design. We Birmly believe that a wedding cake must be as delicious as it is beautiful. Please take advantage of consultations. This is your opportunity to meet the cake designer, design your wedding cake, sample cake Blavors and receive a quote for their services. Every bakery has something different to offer, visit as many bakeries as you’d like so that you have options. To make the most of your consultation be sure that you bring along color swatches, photos of your dress and photos of cakes that you like. A Piece O’ Cake offers

complimentary consultations and we encourage everyone to come in and meet us. Our cakes are custom, so the more inspiration provided the better when it comes to designing a custom wedding cake. Dessert tables are becoming increasingly popular. They can be unique and beautiful and they encourage guests to mingle around the desserts! Check with your bakery to see if they offer additional desserts such as French macarons, sugar cookies, brownies or pies. In the Fall, it’s popular to have a dessert table featuring cakes and pies. If your bakery does not offer the dessert you’d like it is “Dessert tables can perfectly be unique & beautiful, acceptable to and they encourage seek out another guests to mingle vendor for around the desserts!” additional desserts. Finally, trust your vendors. You’ve chosen your vendors because you’ve fallen in love with their product. Remember that you have hired them to provide you with a service and more than anything they want you to be happy. When you choose your vendors choose those that you feel you trust and leave it in their capable hands! When your wedding comes, you will be so relieved that you’ve hired vendors that you trust. Above all, have fun, enjoy the planning and always keep in mind the reason for the party–the marriage. Congratulations!

A Piece O’ Cake Bakery Le Bon Macaron 4966 Northwind Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 333-6881 www.apieceocake.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

(above) Britta & Mert used a Hello Kitty umbrella on their rainy wedding day. (below) Nick & Lindseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo booth props.

Props To You!

Adding details to your wedding day Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Don’t forget to take a photo that you can send with your thank you notes.

(above) Zach & Andrea used letters for each table setting. I pulled the letters to spell “LOVE” and asked the bride to make the “V”.

(left) Nick & Lindsey’s UP theme wedding

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Beneath It All

Lingerie for your special day Lauren Long, owner of Curvaceous Lingerie

For centuries the Bridal and Lingerie Industries have gone hand in hand -‐ Both worlds are devoted to ultimate femininity. Creating the ultimate experience. It is the mission of each industry to bring about excitement, satisfaction, and pleasure. You are meant to feel your very best as a bride, from the inside through each layer of clothing to the outside. Christian Dior once said, “There is no fashion without foundations,” and there is no better day than the day of your wedding to give a boost to that experience.

once your gown has been selected (or you have narrowed down your choices) you need the proper foundations to make that gown lie against your body that much better. Consider long-‐line bras with stocking holders or a garter belt to give you structure (we carry several options). If you gravitate towards more Bitted or lace gowns, consider a overall body smoother, like the Spanx Simplicity high-‐waisted convertible slip to minimize lines with a seamless edged thong by Commando. If your gown already has heavy ruching, or is made with a thicker structure like a The element of correct (or sexy) corset back, consider something fun like Nippies: undergarments creates conBidence in every one time use nipple concealers available in lots of woman. There is also a sense of well-‐being fun designs! Imagine your grooms’ surprise knowing that what you are wearing beneath your when you slip out of your gown and he discovers clothing reBlects the best image you can reBlect of silver sequined hearts...Then encountering a cute yourself. star-‐studded Hanky Panky lace thong decked out with the word ‘Mrs.’ or ‘Bride.” Solution-‐Binding is a huge part of the Your fun does not stop the wedding night under garment process for your wedding gown -‐ however -‐ long before your wedding you will 10

need to start thinking about your honeymoon lingerie as well. Many of our brides indicate the night of the wedding they want something a bit more traditional, but as the honeymoon gets underway they’d prefer something more fun or daring to wear. Usually i’d recommend identifying your best feature and highlighting it with the right outBit. Think about which physical attributes you have that you’re comfortable exposing outright, and those that you would prefer to keep hidden initially. This is extremely important because choosing the best lingerie for your body will make a huge difference in “Remember, a you confident woman is a making feel sexy and sexy woman, and if comfortable. you portray yourself Remember, a conBident as a gift for your woman is a husband to unwrap sexy woman, and if you that makes the experience all the portray yourself as a better.” gift for your husband to unwrap that makes the experience all the better. Ponder too your fabric choices -‐ some fabrics like chiffon in a babydoll style will be Bigure forgiving, whereas a sleeker silky satin has more of a tendency to show those little bumps. What feel to you prefer? What materials does your Biancé prefer? Is he a lace man (usually more visual) or a silky kinda guy (touchable)? More than likely you’ll be wanting multiple outBits anyway, so sometimes giving yourself the best of both worlds is the way to go. And deBinitely keep color in mind! Yes white can be sweet and black can be hot, but what about that great pink color you wear every other day? Give yourself a pop. Be bold.

Strategically, Curvaceous opened its doors not long ago inside The Wedding Bell bridal salon of Okemos. We did this to fulBill a demand that was not being met. The idea of sending one of our brides an hour away to go shopping for items beneath her gown or or her honeymoon began to almost be irritating! We have amazing women here in Lansing -‐ brides, and the everyday women need an intimate place to shop that caters to their desires. Whether it be hard to Bind bra sizes or that perfect peignoir set let Curvaceous be your destination!

Curvaceous Lingerie 5100 Marsh Road Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 881-8466 www.curvaceouslingerie.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

(above) Jennifer’s classic red roses. (right) Red shoes & brightly colored flowers.

Pop of Color

(below) Amy’s red shawl adds a pop of color to her autumn wedding.

Add a pop of color to your wedding day Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Mary & Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridesmaids dresses pop in bright colors.

(above) Colored chair sashes with rhinestone accents.

(right) Andreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand painted blue shoes.

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Symbol of Love

Tips for choosing the right ring Kevin Wheat, owner of Wheat Jewelers

Where do I go? How do I start? I really don’t know much about diamonds. You don’t have to do this alone. You should be able to breathe easy and concentration on getting the perfect diamond and setting (ring) design for your sweetheart. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether you’re paying inBlated prices or buying a poor quality diamond. Wheat Jewelers will help you through the entire experience, without stress or anxiety.

• Are you comfortable with having her with you – as all ladies enjoy this. Or perhaps a sister or a best friend of hers can give you ideas and helpful hints. • Don’t be afraid to ask the jeweler any questions you may have. Wheat’s purpose is to keep you informed and know you have the best information needed for you to make a decision. • Have an idea of your budget and what you want to spend. The amount is not meant to make you uneasy. Having a ballpark Bigure allows Wheat associates to give you an idea of how this can be spent between the diamond and setting to your choosing. Our sales people at Wheat’s will not pressure you into going beyond the budget you set for yourself. Be honest with yourself. If you Bind rings for less than you expected, take a breath before you jump and buy. Make sure you’re comfortable with your purchase.

Before we start the process of choosing the perfect stone and setting there are a few things that will help you and your choice. • Take a quick look at the jewelry she now wears. Perhaps she likes bold things which are modern cuts or perhaps classic, soft decorative things or she’s a no frills kind of gal and just a solitaire diamond would suit her. • Does she have a preference for gold, platinum or perhaps palladium?

After all that, let’s talk about how to go about buying the diamond and ring. Many stores will show you rings with the diamond already set in it. Wheat Jewelers does not sell this way. Preset stones limit your options and allows for pressure situations. The seller is looking only to sell that speciBic ring. At Wheat Jewelers the diamond and setting are sold separately. This allows the customer to look at the diamond in any size or shape he may choose.

You have met the woman you want to marry. That was the easy part. Now having found the perfect woman, you need to Bind the diamond that suits her perfectly. Just as your love for each other is unique, no two diamonds are alike. The ring you choose is the endearing symbol of love between you two.

Now for the ring; where do I start? offer a 25-‐35% savings in price compared to Wheat Jewelers website www.wheatjewelers.com traditional diamonds. offers an educational tool that will explain to you These two diamonds are unique and the grading system of diamonds commonly available only at Wheat Jewelers. Along with these referred to as the 4 C’s. Cut, clarity, carat, and diamonds, we have 20,000 traditional diamonds color. The site explains the style of ring you may available. be looking for or how you can design your ring “on site” with a designer at Wheat Jewelers is an award Wheat Jewelers. You can “Just as your love for winning family owned jewelry also review a guide to assist each other is unique, no store and manufacturer. We you in buying the right ring. have been serving our two diamonds are alike. customers for over 30 years. Wheat Jewelers understands the need for The ring you choose is Along with the owner, Kevin our customers to be relaxed the endearing symbol of Wheat, the store has 3 comfortable. We feel our gemologists, 2 goldsmiths and love between you two.” an association of designers display of rings and diamonds allows you the who assist us and we hands on exposure and the time you need to continually add new designs to our selection. accomplish this quest. Time? With a display of 3000 rings and the We highly recommend our website ability to show you over 20,000 diamonds, you www.wheatjewelers.com to continue to add to need plenty of time to leisurely peruse these your diamond knowledge and ring designs. It items. This is most important when your affords you the opportunity to continually review attention begins to focus on the detail and you the information you need to purchase the perfect realize there is no pressure from us to make a ring for your special day. quick decision. Whether your purchase is done on the Birst visit or you need additional visits, Wheat Jewelers primary concern is your comfort and trust as we help you make your decision. Three thousand diamond engagement rings and the ability to design your own requires you being relaxed and away from pressure. We often hear “I like this section of the ring but I saw another ring where I like this instead. Can I bring the two together for my ring?” The answer is yes! Or another one – “I saw a picture of a ring I like. Can you make it for me?” Again yes, and know we can save you money on the price! Does Wheat recommend any speciBic diamonds? Yes, we recommend The Star 129 (www.star129.com) and Yehuda Wheat Jewelers (www.yehudadiamonds.com) diamonds. Both of these diamonds offer an opportunity to purchase 4990 Marsh Road a unique diamond. The Star 129, with its 129 facets, offers Okemos, MI 48864 visually great light performance beyond what we (517) 349-0101 may see in the standard 58 facet diamond. Yehuda diamonds are visually enhanced diamonds www.wheatjewelers.com (enhancement cannot be seen with the eye) and

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Shop ‘til You Drop

Nine steps to a flawless bridal shopping experience Katie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell

Congratulations, you’re ENGAGED!! This is one of the most exciting times of your life! You have found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with and you can start to see the vision of yourself walking down the aisle. One of the most exciting things to plan is what you and your attendants will wear for your special day. Some brides take the correct steps and have a FLAWLESS and STRESS FREE experience. However, some brides miss these steps and end up having a Stressful, unenjoyable experience that turns their big day into a big nightmare. The Wedding Bell has been dressing brides and bridesmaids for 25 years, and I have 16

helped brides Bind their dream dress for over 10 years. These are 9 steps that I have found to be KEY in having your own Blawless experience. 1. Start with an open mind Bridal consultants are trained and ready to help you select your gown. They have seen the dresses in the bridal shop on many different people and body styles. We encourage our brides to look around the store and select gowns that they are attracted to, we also encourage our brides to allow us to select some gowns for them to try on based upon what they have told us about their wedding, the venue, style and their body type.

Many times brides will see a picture of a gown in a magazine and get Bixated on that dress or style. They begin to only try on a certain styles and limit themselves. Once they allow a consultant to show them something that they may really like they are surprised to Bind that they may like how it Bits their body or venue more.

of following her heart. This usually ends in the bride being unhappy a couple months later when the dress arrives realizing she should of stood up for what she wanted initially. We know that many people want to be apart of helping the bride choose the gown. We instead recommend bringing only the most important and helpful people to your appointment to select your wedding gown. Then, once the gown is selected and purchased, 2. Know your venue and style bring others who want to be apart of decisions to Two very important questions that you will be select bridesmaid’s dresses or asked when shopping is “where to one of your Bittings to is your wedding” and “what is “We encourage brides maybe help select a bustle style or the style of your wedding”. This to bring with them perhaps to an accessories is crucial information for your consultant to have to help assist only people closest to appointment to help you select you will wear for jewelry, you in Binding your gown. A them, people that they what veil and headpiece. These consultant will guide you to cannot choose a decisions are smaller and won’t very different dresses if your cause you to select a wedding wedding is on a beach in wedding gown gown that you don’t love or Jamaica, a cathedral in Chicago, without.” walk away frustrated or angry or a small church in the country. The style of your gown may also change if with a family member or friend. your wedding will be a casual, intimate family event at noon or a large, formal evening affair. We 4. Select your gown before selecting your have seen many brides unsure of their venue get bridesmaid dresses frustrated when they Bind a gown they love but Choosing a bridesmaids dress for your wedding can’t say “Yes” because it wouldn’t Bit one venue does not have to be a difBicult task. A key element they have in mind. Save yourself and your family to Binding a style for your girls is Birst taking into time and frustration by knowing the venue and account the style, fabric, and formality of your style before shopping. wedding gown. Brides who have not selected their gown Birst can spend several hours getting their 3. Bring the right people (leave the children bridesmaids together selecting the perfect dress and then having to start over because the dress at home) selected didn’t go with the bridal gown. Your This is probably the step that can frustrate the bridesmaid dresses certainly don’t have to match bride the most. Bringing family and friends with your wedding gown, however, you create a style you to purchase your wedding gown is very when you select your gown. Your bridesmaid important to most brides; however, bringing the dresses should translate the same style as your wrong people can create an atmosphere of criticism, frustration, and sometimes anger. We continued on page 18 encourage brides to bring with them only people closest to them, people that they cannot choose a wedding gown without. We also encourage brides The Wedding Bell to only bring people that will put the bride’s opinion before their own. We have seen many 5100 Marsh Road brides pass on their dream dress because Okemos, MI 48864 someone like the aunt of the groom made a (517) 349-0063 comment about it and made the bride feel bad. We have also seen a bride settle for something that www.theweddingbell.net her new Biancés mom wanted her to wear instead

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Shop ‘til You Drop

9 steps to a flawless bridal shopping experience Katie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell continued from page 17

wedding gown. A specialized bridesmaids consultant will be able to assist you in Binding the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids whether they all wear the same style or coordinate different styles.

pressing, at no extra charge just a few days before the wedding, and most take it directly to their venue so they never have to take it home where there might be a peeking Biancé or pets. Knowing what a bridal shop offers not only at your Birst appointment but also through the entire process will help you make an educated decision before buying your wedding gown.

5. Know what the bridal shop has to oﬀer When looking for a store to purchase your wedding gown make sure to know what the next steps after the arrival of your gown will be. A few 6. Wear the proper undergarments questions to consider are, does the bridal shop Like Oprah says the right undergarments are the store your gown after it’s arrival (do they foundation for every outBit and your wedding charge?), do they offer on site alterations, do they gown should be no different. Your wedding gown provide bridal bags and is one of the most important things steaming? you will ever wear and your “Choose your Many stores will vary on wedding day is when all eyes are bridesmaids wisely. on you…and your groom of course! these answers and it is important for you and Make sure to choose Curvaceous Lingerie has opened your pocketbook to inside The Wedding Bell and has people who are closest know in advance. Most brides need to feel to you and who will everything of our brides at The completely comfortable under Wedding Bell choose to make your wedding their gown. Curvaceous offers long store their gowns in our line bras, shape wear, beautiful day stress free.” bridal bags with us pieces for your honeymoon, upon their gown’s hosiery and more. Lauren Long, arrival. Most also use our highly rated, in-‐house owner and expert undergarment specialist can seamstress. Our brides then schedule a Binal assist you in Binding the perfect piece to take the Bit of your gown from good to great! 7. Do some research You’ve probably looked through countless magazines and websites and are getting an idea of what you desire for your big day. Bring in any pictures you have or show us your Pinterest board on your phone. This will help your consultant help you Bind the perfect dress. Also, if price point is one of the biggest factors for you in making your selection let your bridal consultant know what you want to spend on your gown or bridesmaids dresses.

8. Pick bridesmaids who won’t cause you stress This seems like a no brainer but you would be surprised how many brides have a frustrating experience because one of her bridesmaids is having an attitude about the dress style, procrastinating on buying her dress, or waiting until the last minute for her Bitting. Choose your bridesmaids wisely. Bridesmaids are not only close friends and often family, but also the ones who will be attending to you on your wedding day. Make sure to choose people who are closest to you and who will make your wedding day stress free! 9. Plan early The most important step to having a Blawless, stress free day is PLANNING EARLY. Planning early offers many beneBits. First, you can have what you want. Some brides push their decision till the last minute and end up not being able to get what they want or having to pay extra fees for rushes. Second, planning early is also essential for bridesmaids. No bride wants her bridesmaids dresses coming in a week before the wedding. Who wants that stress?? Remember to plan in time for alterations. Finally, when you plan early any issues that may arise can be resolved.

Although rare, it happens, whether it is human error, weight gain, pregnancy, fabric defect etc.… problems can arise. Planning early ensures that the bridal shop can work with you to remedy any problem that may come up. Planning early saves you stress and ensures a Blawless Wedding Day! As Bridal Season approaches we look forward to meeting all of the soon to be brides! Come Bind out why our brides love The Wedding Bell and refer their friends and family. You can make an appointment right through our website at www.theweddingbell.net or just give us a call at 517-‐349-‐0060. We look forward to helping you Bind the dress of your dreams!

The Wedding Bell 5100 Marsh Road Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-0063 www.theweddingbell.net

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

(above) Elise & Michael’s sunset kiss. Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath. (below) Andrea & Zach’s lakeside kiss. Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

Look of Love

Special moments between bride & groom Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Mary & Ian share a special moment together. MSU Alumni Chapel, East Lansing.

(above) Britta & Mertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lakeside kiss. Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

(left) Amy & Craig share a tender moment before their wedding ceremony. Private residence, East Lansing.

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

One of a Kind

Seven tips for planning your wedding reception Rebecca Eldridge, Old Town Marquee

One of the biggest decisions while planning a wedding is selecting the reception venue, as it accounts for a large portion of your wedding budget. Here are several budget conscious tips to think about when planning your wedding reception: 1. Get married any night except Saturday A popular new trend in wedding planning is choosing to host your wedding on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. In addition to saving money on the reception venue, you are likely to also Bind cheaper deals for caterers and other wedding services. Old Town Marquee offers price breaks for both Friday and Sunday events.

2. Choose to host your reception at a nontraditional location Receptions at unique and non-‐traditional locations are increasing in popularity. Steering away from the ‘cookie-‐cutter’ approach for your reception will make your special day even more memorable. There are many added beneBits to planning a reception at a non-‐traditional venue in addition to saving some money. 3. Book your wedding reception at Old Town Marquee This one-‐of-‐a-‐kind event venue located in Old Town Lansing has nearly 7,000 square feet of event space. With original hardwood Bloors, Chicago brick wall interior and Art Deco tin

ceilings, Old Town Marquee is a Mid-‐Michigan other half love? Consider putting thought in to a favorite for weddings, receptions and other gift to your guests that says ‘Thank you for events. For more information about the different supporting us’ over and over again. Drink glasses, wedding packages, visit candle votive holders, picture oldtownmarquee.com or call “One of the biggest frames are all items that you and an Event Specialist at your guests can hang on to as a decisions while 517-‐853-‐5880. constant reminder of your planning a wedding is special day. 4. Provide your own table selecting the reception Old Town Marquee looks décor and centerpieces venue, as it accounts forward to helping you plan Thanks to Pinterest and an for a large portion of your special day. With a unique array of DIY wedding decoration sites, there are your wedding budget.” list of preferred vendors, Marquee staff can help you keep numerous unique and budget within b udget a nd help you design your special friendly ideas for creating centerpieces and day that everyone is sure to remember. decorations for your wedding and reception. Instead of costly Blowers or linens, think outside of From the perfect venue, to invitations, favors, and the box and use hurricane glasses, candles and décor, Old Town Marquee is your one-‐stop-‐ mirrors. You’ll be amazed at what you can create (boutique-‐)shop for all things to make your event yourself…and how much money you’ll be able to simply perfect! save! 5. Limit the guest list Many caterers and banquet halls charge per-‐ person, causing the difference between 150 and 200 guests to be signiBicant. A good rule of thumb is to not invite more guests than you can spend one minute of time with. For instance, if you invite 300 guests, spending one minute with each person would take over Bive hours. 6. Consider the cuisine Food encompasses one of the biggest expenses at the reception. Instead of a sit-‐down meal, consider a buffet. A buffet can still be formal, and it cuts down on the amount of staff needed. Also consider planning your wedding for earlier in the day. This allows more Blexibility for a brunch or a smaller meal. Lastly, limit your options. More meal options cause your bill to be higher. Instead of offering three or more dinner options for your guests, choose one to serve to everyone with a vegetarian option for some guests. 7. Favors: The gift that keeps on giving Most favors can cost between $1.50 and $3.00 per person depending on the item and the number purchased. Ditch the chocolates and bubbles. Get creative! What are some items that you and your

Old Town Marquee 319 E. Grand River Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 853-5880 www.oldtownmarquee.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013 Lindsey & Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vintage picnic engagement session. Cooley Gardens, Lansing.

Style Session

Tell your story with an engagement session Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Props provided by Tammy Sue Allen Photography.

(above) Sidewalk chalk wedding date. Great option for a Save The Date announcement!

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Now Trending Nine wedding trends for 2013 Rebecca Eldridge, Rd I Do

2. Localized Weddings This trend, which is likely to increase in popularity in 2013, allows for the couple to feature favorite local products such as local wines, handcrafted beers, and fresh meat from local farms or bread from local bakeries. In addition to food and drink, using local products With the help of expert wedding bloggers, can be tied into any wedding element, including the RD I Do team has created a list of what’s hot invitations, the venue, Bloral arrangements, in 2013. These nine wedding trends incorporate wedding favors and centerpieces. This is a great colors, patterns and looks from the runway, along way to showcase the best products in the vicinity with increasingly popular reception ideas. of the wedding location, and it is likely to save money on shipping costs. 1. The Color Mint Wedding bloggers unanimously agree that the 3. Patterns color mint will be a huge wedding trend in 2013. Incorporating patterns into wedding décor will Since its debut on the runway in this year’s spring be a popular option in 2013. Chevron and stripes fashion shows, wedding bloggers have been were a popular pattern for every kind of raving about this color. Mint is likely to be seen on decoration during last year’s wedding season, save the dates, wedding invitations, bridesmaid including table runners and bow ties. Even dresses, Blowers and all types of wedding decor. paisley and polka dots may make an appearance Signature cocktails, cakes, centerpieces and in 2013 weddings. wedding favors are also likely to reBlect this wedding trend. Many brides will jump on the 4. The Vintage Look mint bandwagon as they choose this soothing Wedding bloggers are predicting that 2013 will color as part of their wedding palette. see a lot of vintage wedding dresses. InBluences from the Roaring 20s, along with inspiration from the 30s and 40s will likely be popular for next

year’s weddings. Aside from wedding dresses, photo booth or games for guests, this is a great brides will be able to tie the vintage look into their place to do it. Guests will appreciate the change of invitations and décor. pace offered in the reception lounge. 5. Birds 9. Custom Wedding Details The most romantic animal of all time is the perfect A hot trend right now involves an ‘all in one’ venue match for another popular 2013 trend. Birds are that holds the reception and the ceremony. popular in home décor and fashion right now, and Locations like the Old Town Marquee are perfect this is likely to carry over to weddings. The venues to host the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner romantic animal makes for a beautiful and natural and reception. Unusual venues from art galleries, wedding theme. Birds are likely to be noticed on to barns or warehouses are also likely to be an array of wedding popular. The custom detail idea “A hot trend right now can also be incorporated with decorations, from invitations to cake toppers, involves an ‘all in one’ the help of the RD Brides team centerpieces and much at RD ‘I Do,’ as they can help venue that holds the more. create branded products to reception and the leave a lasting impression on ceremony.” your guests. 6. Extended Wedding Receptions The “after party” became a popular trend in 2012, RD I Do is a local bridal and event boutique located inside of Old Town Marquee. RD I Do and is likely to be popular in 2013 as well. The after party can come with its own music, food and specializes in custom save-‐the-‐dates, invitations, accessories, gifts, and more! Their trained staff even a wardrobe change for the wedding party works with numerous vendors and can help Bind and friends. Some couples may choose to divide you the perfect something for your special day. the reception into three different sections, including the cocktail hour, dinner “hour” (typically two hours with the normal wedding traditions) and two to three hours of fun afterward. This extended fun time is an acceptable time for the older guests to go home. This popular trend ensures that there is something for every type of guest. 7. Virtual Guests Sharing your wedding day with guests will be even easier with the help of technology in upcoming years. If a loved one is unable to attend a wedding, couples may opt to “broadcast” their event online via Skype or FaceTime. This real-‐time streaming option will likely increase in popularity during the 2013 wedding season. 8. Lounge Areas Wedding bloggers believe this trend will be quite popular across wedding receptions in 2013. The lounge area serves as an additional space for guests to relax during the reception, away from the dance Bloor. This area, whether it is outdoors or indoors, can feature food, cocktails or a more relaxed setting. If you’re planning to include a

RD I Do 319 E. Grand River Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 853-5880 www.rdbrides.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013 (above) MSU Alumni Chapel, East Lansing. (right) Frank & Megan, University Club of Michigan State University.

(below) Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

Location

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the venue Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

(above) Mary & Ian’s sunset kiss. Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath.

(above) Chris & Katie. Cooley Gardens, Lansing.

(above) Beaumont Tower. MSU campus, East Lansing. (left) Elise & Michael’s MSU wedding. East Lansing.

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Picking Petals Picking the right flowers for your wedding Dawn Hall, owner of Petal & Forrest

A wedding would just not be the same without Blowers!

day. The same Blowers can be arranged in many different ways. For example, if you are planning a contemporary wedding, the Blowers, designs and Flowers reBlect your style, taste & personality. arrangements they are suggesting should reBlect They can be Blirty & fun, elegant & sophisticated, that. Request a written quote with line item rustic & eclectic, simple & subtle, or exotic & edgy. pricing and an inspirational photo page. If the If chosen & designed correctly they will help to Blorist you are meeting with is grumpy, inBlexible, create the most memorable wedding day. or arrogant run for your life! Ten tips to help you pick the right petals:

2. It is your wedding day, no one else’s Your mom, sister, best friend and even your Blorist will all have great ideas, but in the end it is your 1. Find the right florist for you Florists are not one size Bits all. Although a good special day. If you do not like a particular Blower, color, or design style let them know (in a loving Blorist will Bit most. Make sure your Blorist understands you and your vision for your special and kind manner of course). 30

3. Know your budget Be prepared to share your budget with your Blorist. He or she will then be able to guide you in the appropriate direction, getting “creative” with your budget if needed. 4. Know what you like Magazine pages, Pinterest boards, online photos, color swatches etc will all help to provide your Blorist with a snapshot of your vision. Do not worry if only some (or none of it!) seems cohesive, your Blorist will be able to pull it all together for you.

8. It’s all in the details Ribbon selection, bouquet size/shape, types & sizes of containers all make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your special day.

“Flowers reflect your style, taste & personality. If chosen & designed correctly they will help to create the most memorable wedding day.”

5. Consider the season Take availability of Blowers into consideration. If you are getting married in the fall, traditional spring Blowers such as lilacs & lily of the valley are probably not your best choices.

9. Do not overdo it Flowers are not cheap–let them be the true centerpiece on your guest tables. Be thoughtful when choosing your napkin color & fold, party favors, menu cards, & table numbers. All should complement one another without taking away from the main focus–the Blowers. If you are unsure, consult your Blorist.

10. There is no right or wrong You really cannot go wrong with beautiful Blowers. Do what you want on your wedding day as long as it is all in good taste!

6. Not everything has to match The groomsmen’s ties do not have to match the bridesmaid’s dresses and neither do the Blowers. It is nearly impossible to match a particular Blower to a particular dress or linen fabric. Nor is it necessary. Think about designing your wedding similar to designing a room. Start with the main colors of your wedding and then add accents of color, textural interest, and/or a little something unexpected. 7. Loosen up Flowers should be fun. Do not get caught up in every Blower type, size, shape, name etc. You will drive yourself crazy. Similar Blowers can create similar looks. Be Blexible within reason. If you are dreaming of an all peony bouquet then you should have an all peony bouquet. Also, if the Blorist you are meeting with is grumpy, inBlexible, or arrogant run for your life!

Petal & Forrest 1491 Haslett Rd. Haslett, MI 48840 (517) 512-0444 www.petalandforrest.com

MID-MICHIGAN BRIDE 2013

Farm Fresh

Venues for your rustic outdoor wedding by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Meridian Historical Village 5151 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 Full historical center with a chapel, barns, and other historical buildings. http://www.meridianhistoricalvillage.org/weddings.html Red Tail Farm 5180 Zeeb Road, Dexter, MI 48130 Red Tail Farm has the rural, natural beauty that will make your wedding day memorable. The barn seats up to 75 guests for a sit-‐down dinner or 100 for a buffet. It can accommodate 120 guests for a walk-‐around reception. http://www.theredtailfarm.com/ 32

Woldumar Nature Center 5739 Old Lansing Rd. Lansing, MI 48917 Sunrise pavilion is a great spot for a wedding ceremony! http://www.woldumar.org/rentals.php Peacock Road Tree Farm 11854 Peacock Rd. Laingsburg, MI 48848 Great venue with lots of options for locations -‐ creekside wedding chapel, gazebo, pavilion and barns. http://www.peacockroadtreefarm.com The Country Mill Apple Orchard 4648 Otto Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813 Country Mill Apple Orchard offers apple orchard ceremony options and orchard barn banquet hall receptions. http://www.orchardwedding.com Lakeview Banquet Center 5942 Round Lake Rd. Laingsburg, MI 48848. This venue on Round Lake has a nice outdoor ceremony space available right on the lake. http://lakeviewweddingsandreceptions.com Wheatfield Inn 2335 N. Williamston Rd. Williamston, MI 48895 Outdoor ceremony options available. http://www.wheatBieldinn.com Brookshire Inn & Country Club in Williamston 205 W. Church Street Williamston, MI 48895 Outdoor ceremony options available. http://brookshiregolfclub.com Fenner Nature Center 2020 East Mount Hope Ave. Lansing, MI 48910 Available for parties, various rental spaces available. http://www.mynaturecenter.org

Mid-Michigan

Bride