Are you in the process of planning your own Michigan wedding? Want to share your experience so other brides can learn and enjoy your planning along the way?
0 Comments
I would love to feature your Michigan wedding on Mitten Brides! Here is one of our Mitten Bride's special day - vintage-inspired with a little bit of DIY mixed in. All of these stunning photos are all by Blend Photography, an amazing husband-wife duo out of Ferndale (check them out HERE!). Venue | Waldenwoods Resort Flowers/Centerpieces| Ruby Slipper Design Dress | Bella Bridal Hair | Salon Domani Dessert | Maria’s Italian Bakery DJ | Cinderella’s DJ Escort Table/Signs/Décor | DIY Theme | Vintage Travel with a personalized touch Colors | Navy & Blush The Details When I started planning, I fell in love with the vintage travel theme although it’s been a little over done, I’m so happy I went with it. I really wanted to personalize the day, so instead of just having postcard escort cards, we wrote (well, we printed) personal notes on each one specific to the guests. Instead of table numbers, we had “places” that meant something special to us. My father-in-law actually made the table signs from scrap wood and they turned out great! The table “numbers” were printed on the same paper theme as our invitations (Zazzle.com). We also used the same paper and wood sign holders for other signs (signature drinks, dessert menu, etc.), which really helped draw everything together. I was a little hesitant on the globe guestbook idea (wasn’t sure if it would just smear all over) but it turned out so cute – and such a good keepsake! We got the bottle opener keys online and stamped the tags (which I instantly became obsessed with - you can now find me stamping just about everything!). Our signature drinks were mules, and the Moscow mule of course was a hit. The Flowers/Centerpieces Ruby Slipper Design partners with Serradella Vintage and they couldn’t be more perfect partners. Sandra really understood my theme and made the tables look outstanding. I got so many compliments on everything. Not only are the flowers gorgeous but she pulls in other vintage touches to make the décor stand out. I had an idea to use Serradella’s barrel bar as a standing high top area for guests to mingle around during dancing (some folks just like to enjoy a beer and not be on the dance floor, so I wanted somewhere for them to hang out while not having to sit at their dinner table). The Venue I can’t say enough great things about Waldenwoods Resort. Not only is it an amazing venue (you barely need any décor as the room IS the décor, and the lake is just simply adorable for the ceremony), but the ladies that work there are just so helpful. We were debating an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and I’m so happy we took the chance and went outdoor. We just made sure to have some blankets on hand for guests ($2.50 at IKEA!). The other plus about the venue is it has so many lodging options right on-site. It was fantastic as we had a ton of out of town family. I would recommend Waldenwoods to anyone – but contact them fast as they book up quickly! Cinderella's DJs
Josh at Cinderella’s was such an amazing DJ and master of ceremonies. He took care of us and we never had to worry about anything. He is such a professional, affordable, and all-around nice guy. He truly ran the show and I don’t know what we would have done without him! Photography Jen & Rob at Blend Photo are super sweet and easy to work with. They make everyone feel relaxed and got so many “moments” and candids, which is exactly what we were looking for. where to say "i do" in DetroitPIQUETTE PLANT The Piquette Plant has been a favorite for years and it's easy to see why after you look through a few pictures. It boasts an amazingly unique & historical vibe. This Detroit wedding venue provides plenty of space (two floors), parking (secured), and flexibility (for all those catering needs!). The building is operated as as 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, preserving not only the building but the Model Ts that call this place home. Check out more here. DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS (DIA) Looking for a Michigan venue that's a little more upscale yet unique? Why not get married in an art museum? A popular event and wedding venue, the Detroit Institute of Arts (known to locals as the DIA) provides a ballroom-like feel but with so much more. You need very little decor for this breathtaking venue and have an endless backdrop for photos. DETROIT MERCANTILE I recently saw this new wedding venue in my daily Michigan weddings search and was so inspired. If you're looking for a place that represents the city and state of Michigan well, the Detroit Mercantile is it. Even if you've got a venue picked out already, check this place out for Michigan-made products and vintage Detroit finds (just down the street from Eastern Market!). rehearsal dinner or after partyThere's a little bit for everyone in Detroit! Need somewhere to host your rehearsal dinner or perhaps an after-party? Check out these three places in downtown, two of which are in the always happenin' Corktown. Gold Cash Gold: A southern-inspired menu is sure to fill the bellies of your bridal party. They also have some delicious craft cocktails to toast to your big day. For smaller parties, check out the Chef's Table! The Whitney: Looking for something a little more formal? This historic mansion is the perfect spot for a rehearsal dinner or an after party (check out the GHOSTBAR, an exclusive upscale lounge). Batch Brewing Company: Keep it simple & fun! A great spot for a rehearsal dinner is a brewery. It allows your guests (and you!) to sit back and relax before your big day. Check out Batch located in Corktown for a good beer and just-as-amazing food. capture the momentNeed a Michigan photographer to capture your wedding day? Michelle and Chris Gerard take absolutely stunning photos that you'll be looking at for years to come. Not only are they super talented, they offer a "Detroiter" package for anyone who lives within the city! How awesome is that? entertain out-of-town guestsHave folks coming from out-of-town or looking for something to do for your bachelor or bachelorette party in Detroit? Check out The Detroit Bus Company. They host an array of tours including art tours, city tours, bar tours, and history tours. A "Welcome to Detroit" is a great one for out-of-towners while "Drunks of Antiquity" looks like a fun night out for the boys. So many options to choose from!
I heard about this adorable rental company a year ago from a friend and fell in love with their vintage rentals. They offer an array of items you can rent for your wedding, shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and more -- guaranteed to make your venue look fabulous and give your guests something to rave about. From sofas to farm tables to smaller items like suitcases, china, and vases, A Touch of Whimsy Events has it all. Just look at how their benches are used for this outdoor ceremony and make the space so intimate and original. Located in Farmington, the event rental & design company not only offers rentals of their amazing vintage finds, but also provides styling services as well. Farm tables are super popular in recent years and most rental companies book up fast. Most think of farm tables for rustic weddings, but they can also be used in various ways to change up the look of your venue (think bohemian-inspired style). Another popular event trend is using china which is the perfect small detail to add to your decor. They are a great idea for showers or rehearsal dinners with a smaller group. But if you're planning a larger event, A Touch of Whimsy Events offers 400 mismatched dinner plates. This is a detail that definitely won't be overlooked by your guests.
Check out their website for pricing & inventory, or you can find them on Facebook. Happy planning, mitten brides! Looking for some unique and local favors for your Michigan wedding? Here are some cute ideas for each season...all from Michigan-based companies! Summer: Traverse City CherriesWhat's more refreshing during an outdoor wedding on a hot summer day? Juicy cherries from Traverse City! Did you know Michigan produces 70-75% of the tart cherries grown in the United States? The National Cherry Festival is held in July up in Traverse City each year, making cherries a great summer wedding favor! Fall: Cider Mill Caramel ApplesA delicious treat for your wedding guests during a fall wedding are caramel apples from your local cider mill (my personal favorite, Parmenter's in Northville). Add a cute tag for a personalized look. Winter: Sanders ChocolateNothing is better in the chilly Michigan winter months than some hot fudge or a piece of chocolate. Serve your guests some mini Sanders hot fudge or chocolates. So many flavors to choose from to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth. Spring: Michigan Honey & JamHoney & jam make great favors year-round but fit spring-themed weddings perfectly. There are many local honey and jam businesses throughout the state but if you're not sure where to get some, check out Heart of Michigan in Howell which sells all Michigan products, including Vesper Farms Pure Honey and the amazing American Spoon preserves from Petoskey (a much closer drive, too!).
Every week, Mitten Brides is going to feature a city in the metro-Detroit area that could be the perfect city for you to host your wedding! Howell is our first feature city! Howell is in Livingston County (about 30-45 minutes from most tri-county cities) so it's a perfect distance for bride & grooms that want something close by and a more rural or different feel. where to tie the knot: All Saints Historical ChapelThis adorable little historic chapel is located right in downtown Howell, across the street from the Howell Opera House, making them both a perfect combination for your big day. where to celebrate: Howell Opera HouseI can't say enough about the Howell Opera House. The venue boasts plenty of natural light and has a very artsy feel to it. Lined with brick walls and adorable lighting, it makes the perfect backdrop. Guests are greeted in the main entrance which can be used to serve coffee/drinks/treats and even allows for pictures or old family wedding dresses to be put in the display windows for guests to view as they walk in. The main plus of the Howell Opera House is the upstairs -- the perfect unique place to get some amazing photographs in. rehearsal dinner or after-partyHowell provides many options for rehearsal dinner or an after-party (including Mr. Bs, Block Brewing Company, and Aubree's Pizza) or head 10 minutes down the road to Downtown Brighton. Stillwater Grill, Brewery Becker, and POUND! bar are all great options to host your wedding guests for some food & drinks.
Just a Pretty Typeface: Personalized Gifts & AccessoriesAs soon as I saw the Just a Pretty Type Face Etsy page, I fell in love with Kayla's work. Not only does she have great bridesmaid and girly gifts, she also has some adorably witty sayings on them (like the Yoga tote show below!). Everything is reasonably priced and make great gifts for not only bridal parties but co-workers, newly engaged friends, birthdays, or your significant other. A must-have in my opinion is the "my wedding planning tote" to stay organized. Check her out and support local businesses in the mitten! Simply Written Blackboard Signs & LetteringSimply Written is a local & professional lettering business located in Northville, MI. Diane, the owner, has an amazing talent and creates the most gorgeous signs. Perfect for wedding signage (dessert table, welcome signs, programs, and menus). Why pay for multiple programs and menus when you can have it creatively displayed, while adding to your wedding decor? Prices start at $10 and move up depending on the size & customization. Check out Diane's work here on Facebook or her website.
Referrals and Googling "Michigan wedding venues" may be the most popular ways to find venues, but you may miss out on the perfect venue you're looking for. One way I discovered new and different Michigan venues during my own wedding planning was to look at (aka stalk) local metro-Detroit wedding photographer sites/blogs. There are so many unique venues that don't advertise or put themselves on The Knot (no need to if you're booked over a year in advance). I found so many unique venues in my search. Here are just a few of the non-traditional wedding venues around metro-Detroit. Planterra Conservatory (West Bloomfield, MI) |
Thanks for stopping by!We're looking to share the best wedding finds in the mitten state to help others plan their big day. Find us here:Archives
July 2016
Categories |