WeddingDay Magazine - Grand Rapids Fall/Winter 2022 Issue

PHOTOGRAPHY

Onyx and Opal Creative Co.* Frankenmuth, MI onyxandopalcreativeco.com

VENUE

Whippoorwill Farm* Sparta, MI whippoorwillfarmvenue.com

PLANNING & COORDINATION

Emmaleigh White Wedding & Event Planning* Mason, MI ewhiteweddingplanner.com

VIDEOGRAPHY

Peace Love Films* Fort Wayne, IN peacelovefilms.com

On the Cover

FLORALS & BOUQUET PAINTING

Huff and Bloom Floral Co.* Grand Rapids, MI huffandbloom.com

DRESS

America's Bride* Walker, MI americasbride.us

HAIR & MAKEUP

BÜK Weddings* Kalamazoo, MI bukweddings.com

MENSWEAR SuitShop

*WeddingDay preferred vendor

CAKE Froehlich's* Three Oaks, MI shopfroehlichs.com

BEVERAGE DONKEYS

The Tipsy Burro* Ada, MI thetipsyburro.com

STATIONERY

K. Creative Co. + Studios

RENTALS

Delicate Dishes & Alpine Events

MODELS

Amanda Pasternak & Tyree Taylor of Point Modeling Agency

facebook & youtube: WeddingDay Magazine instagram & tiktok: @weddingdaymagazine pinterest & twitter: @weddingdaymag

OWNER & PUBLISHER Kaitlyn Smale

EDITORIAL

Allyson Hutchison - Content Writer

ADVERTISING SALES

FROM THE EDITOR

With the holiday season upon us, it's the perfect time for reflection on all we're grateful here at WeddingDay. Time can often fly by so quickly that we don't get the chance to sit back and appreciate all that is around us! With that said, I want to take this opportunity to shout out all of the incredible people we've collaborated with, to make the production of this issue possible.

This September, we had the chance to host our third annual Photographer Collaborative Style Shoot Event at The Collins Off Main in Chelsea, Michigan. It was a gorgeous day packed full of creativity and fun, working with planner Ryan Abney of RA Event Design and Lead Photographer Ashley Auger of Heirlooms and Lace Studios. We also hosted an incredible group of guest photographers, who had the chance to network, learn and add a collection of beautiful images to their portfolios. Be sure to check out each of their photo spotlights from the event throughout the pages of this issue!

Jordan

Taylor - Regional Account Executive Diane Homer - National Sales Representative

WeddingDay is the Midwest’s leading integrated bridal planning platform, engaging couples across the Midwest by utilizing content marketing, social media and print to provide maximum brand exposure for its vendor-partners. We also utilize tools such as bridal shows, e-marketing services, sponsorships and contests.

Any and all materials published in WeddingDay are the sole property of said publication, without exclusion. Editorial and/or advertising content, including all design, copy, photography, illustrations and artwork shall not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of WeddingDay.

For permissions and reprint requests, please email info@weddingdayonline.com

The publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any claims or opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of WeddingDay.

Advertising and Editorial mailing address: P.O. Box 10172 South Bend, IN 46680

For Advertising information: Jordan Taylor, Regional Account Executive jordan@weddingday-online.com

Secondly, we are BEYOND thrilled to announce the winners of our 2022 Style Shoot Design Contest, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals. From themes inspired by stories to designs incorporating dark and moody elements, we could not be more impressed with all of the custom shoots that were entered! Stay tuned for blog features on weddingday-online.com from even more of the teams that submitted a shoot for this year's contest.

Wedding planning—although exciting—can be hard and overwhelming. We're here to take a bit of that stress away! Whether it's a photographer you're looking for or inspiration for your entire wedding theme, we can help with that. Read on to get your planning started, and congratulations on your new journey!

KAITLYN SMALE

OWNER & PUBLISHER kaitlyn@weddingday-online.com

Wedding Florals

Photo credit: Mae Photo Co

Located on the fifth floor of CityFlatsHotel, CityVū Events offers an open floor plan, outdoor patio, and stunning views of Holland’s scenic Downtown, Windmill Island, and Lake Macatawa. Our adaptable facilities can accommodate up to 150 guests and features on-site catering. Our team of dedicated event specialists is waiting to help plan your wedding weekend. From selecting items from our chef-crafted menu to designing a room layout, and organizing an event timeline, we are here to guide you through the steps of planning your gathering in CityVū Events.

Katie VanderWal

LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KATIE VANDERWAL

When you hire a photographer to capture you and your S.O.'s big day, you want to be sure it is someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Katie VanderWal from Love Photography is person-focused and relationship-motivated to ensure that she returns stunning photos to her couples that will last a lifetime.

With a deep love for making long-lasting connections with her clients, Katie sees you and your spouseto-be as unique individuals and will do everything in her power to make you feel that way. Boasting many years of experience and mastering the art of photography in any lighting, Katie will curate a show-stoppingly beautiful gallery that represents you and your loved one as you truly are! We were lucky enough to chat with Katie about her skills and Love Photography’s origin. Read on to learn more!

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"I have always thrived off of human connection, whether it be from the sidelines while the interactions happen or in the thick of it. I also wanted a creative outlet for capturing my kids’ fast-moving childhood. I am kept motivated by the creative process! I love to brainstorm and execute ideas. The fact that the ever-changing world has so much potential for creativity keeps me motivated."

Tell us about your experience/skills.

"I started my photography journey in 2012 on a very basic Canon DSLR. I slowly built my skill set by working for experience as payment at other professionals’ weddings. I quickly learned that composition and light (both natural and artificial) were just two factors in the entire process of creating a photograph. Connecting with the subject on a personal level is the most important factor of wedding photography. Any professional can take a picture, but it takes a special kind of person to create a memory.

My technical skills took about five years to polish. Through years of mentoring and observing, I’ve learned how to manipulate and control light, even in the harshest of conditions (hello, full sun!). I enjoy playing with light as well, in ways that make the subject pop or stand out in unique and interesting ways. I am also a HUGE empath."

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a couple look forward to when booking you?

"Each and every client has a different set of needs for their wedding day, but the common thread is the same: to curate a beautiful gallery of images that will tell a story for years to come. I hope to accomplish this, and I promise to curate a beautiful and lasting relationship with my clients. I love interacting with my couples and getting to know them personally. Brides can look forward to a stressfree photography experience and an upbeat photographer-turned-friend who will curate a gorgeous wedding gallery that tells a story."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"I have three options for wedding collections that begin at $2200, with elopement/micro-weddings beginning at $350 per hour. The unique factor comes in because I know light! I know how to create lasting, creative portraits that tell a story, and I take the relationships I build with my clients very seriously. This is what sets me apart from other photographers in my market. I also actually hand-write thank you cards, anniversary cards and send little surprise gifts showcasing their wedding photos every now and then."

Tell us about your favorite part of the job. What keeps it fun for you?

"My absolute favorite part of this job is that it doesn’t feel like a job to me, especially because of the lasting connections I make with my couples! They ask me back for their first home sessions, maternity sessions and family sessions. It truly is a gift that I do not take for granted. I live for human connection and this is what keeps it fun for me. The fact that I can create awesome images for people to save for their future generations speaks volumes, and I care deeply about whoever happens to be on the other side of my camera."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"For me, I love the fact that each one of us is so unique in our creative style. I also love that there are many of us who are more than willing to share our craft and help each other grow in our creativity and business savvy."

What’s the most common question you get from couples?

"Pricing is the most common and usually first-asked question I receive. I have prepared a beautiful Wedding Client Guide that I send to couples after the inquiry is made."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"My tips are: 1) Make sure you connect with your vendors immediately. First impressions really do matter. 2) Ask questions. No question is out of line, dumb or redundant. A professional will answer tactfully and with respect to your asking in the first place. 3) Ask to see full galleries before choosing a wedding photographer, especially a gallery in a low-light or tough lighting situation.

Try not to sweat the little things! Have a trusted family member, coordinator or friend handle the details. Keyword: trusted. Make sure your connection with them is genuine before you entrust your big day’s details to them! Having help is a game-changer in enjoying your wedding day!"

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of.

"In August of 2022, I traveled to Big Sur, California to shoot stunning imagery for an elopement styled-shoot. It was an incredibly soul-fulfilling experience, and the images that I created were breathtaking!"

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"I always start with humor! I’m known around my market as someone who is so relatable, fun and has a great sense

of humor. But I also get the job done! I calm the nerves of customers by backing up my experience with gallery samples, 5/5 reviews, references from past couples if they desire, liability insurance and meaningful conversation. My goal in meeting new clients is to find a way to truly relate to them, whether it be through similar social circles, common interests or our favorite memes (one question on my inquiry questionnaire is “Favorite Internet meme”, and that generates some laughs!)."

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future?

"I would absolutely love to see my business grow into a partial destination wedding business. Travel refreshes my soul, and I enjoy working with couples who share that same passion. I adore local weddings as well, so a good balance of both local

STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Love Photography by Katie VanderWal

Within the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan lies Gable Hill; a barn nestled in the woods, surrounded by Streater’s Mill Pond and set upon 13 picturesque acres.

At Gable Hill, we accommodate events for 200 guests including weddings, family reunions, and work-related functions. Ample space for catering services has been provided within the barn for your convenience.

For weddings, a lovely outdoor ceremony area overlooks the pond and within a short walk is the bridal cottage where wedding parties can relax and prepare for their day in comfort. No detail has been overlooked in order to make any event at Gable Hill a memorable one.

Michael Koch Photography

Christopher Deau Photography

Stay Gold Photography

Shelley Mueller Alyssa Pung

BECKER'S BRIDAL

There can be a lot of pressure put on finding the right wedding dress for your big day. Between picking somewhere that you will feel comfortable and making sure they have an extensive enough inventory to allow you to try on all the different styled dresses you want to, it can be difficult to know where to go even if you have a good idea of what you want your wedding dress to look like.

Having served their community since the 1930s, Becker’s Bridal is more of a family member or friend than just a bridal shop. They have an extensive inventory despite being located in the small town of Fowler, Michigan. Their team of skilled bridal dress experts knows how to make you feel welcomed and loved during your fitting and strives to get you the best possible dress for your wedding day! We were able to speak with owners Shelley Mueller and Alyssa Pung about Becker's Bridal's unique salon and dress finding experience. Read on to hear more from Alyssa herself!

Can you tell us about the history of Becker’s Bridal? How have you grown over the years?

"Our legacy is a great point of pride for us. As we understand, we are America’s oldest bridal salon and have been owned by the same family for five generations. At the turn of the century, we were a popular general store, and in 1934 a local woman approached my great grandmother to bring back a wedding dress for her from a buying trip. So, we joke that at that time you could come in for a barrel of pickles and a wedding dress! In the ‘70s, my grandparents expanded our old bank building into an official bridal salon and changed the name to Becker’s Bridal. Since then, we have experienced countless renovations and in 2012, New York Times bestselling author, Jeffrey Zaslow, wrote the book, The Magic Room: A Story About the Love We Wish For Our Daughters based on our store, our history and our brides. Since then, we have had two more expansions, a secondary outlet location in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing, Michigan and the addition of The Phoenix at Becker’s Bridal, the first ever bridal and celebratory lounge, located in store above the existing salon."

What inspires you about your business? What keeps you motivated every day?

"We serve over 3,000 brides a year. It’s incredible to me that we get to be even a small part of that many people’s special life memory. It also means no two days are the same. We get to hear about so many different love stories, and seeing new designs constantly is also a bonus!"

What sets your bridal salons apart from the others?

"Most stores average inventory selections of several hundred gowns in certain size ranges. Here at Becker’s Bridal, we carry several thousand dresses in store in sizes 2-32 and typically don’t duplicate styles meaning you will see more here with us than if you stopped at say, ten different stores. We also are central to all of Michigan, but in a town of about 1,100 people, so we can offer exceptional selection, while welcoming you to our tight-knit family tradition. Becker’s Bridal has become a household name and a destination for brides not only all over the state but from across the country and even the world. The energy here is so special we have even hosted three proposals! And, of course, there aren’t many bridal stores where you can celebrate saying 'yes' in an entirely dedicated enchanted forest with champagne, charcuterie and lunch!"

What is the wedding dress shopping experience like for your clients? "Our goal for a bride’s appointment is to find the dress of her dreams but also have fun doing it. We attempt to pair our brides with stylists of a similar vibe and from there the two work together to create the dream. We have an open inventory, so not only is the stylist pulling based on her knowledge and experience, but we also let the bride look through our racks and pull gowns that speak to her. From there, it is 90 minutes of the stylist dressing, listening and feeling inspired. Once the bride starts getting in her feels, we also have our famous Magic Room and another gorgeous 360 degree waterfall viewing room where most brides are overcome with actually envisioning themselves on their wedding day. To celebrate, we have fun gifts like T-shirts or other promotional giveaways after saying 'yes' and, of course, to complete the experience, a visit to The Phoenix, where we gesture signature drinks like The Magic Mule and Merry Me Margarita."

both locations can accommodate immediate wear by selling a dress right out of our collection the same day! Other common questions relate to dress styles, trends and how they’ve changed or maintained the same over the years."

What are the best tips you have for brides who are dress shopping? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"My best words of wisdom are simple (but sometimes the most difficult for the bride to channel) and that is to trust your instincts. So many brides get caught up in the pressure of pleasing a vision, ideal, family member or friends. At the end of the day, a bride is only happy when she listens to her gut on what makes her happiest to wear. It’s ok if it is your first store, it is ok if it isn’t your mother’s favorite and it is ok if it isn’t what you pictured yourself in! It will make the process so much more enjoyable and the memories of your wedding so much happier if you choose the dress that speaks to you when all the other noise is removed!"

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"We really aim to treat them like our friends and family. We get lots of brides nervous for various reasons and can be easily overwhelmed when walking into such a large store with so many dresses. But we assure them we can guide them and once they get started, it’s not so scary. And that’s true. Once you get going and put on a few dresses that give them confidence, it becomes fun. The best approach for anxiety is to be gentle, calm and laid back. We also strongly recommend a weekday appointment, for a more intimate experience and weekends in bridal are usually always a packed house."

What do you love most about the wedding industry?

"There is no other industry like this one. One where most people come in the happiest they have ever been, and they are about to explore the most beautiful type of merchandise to find the most important garment of their lives. Our industry operates on emotion and survives on love."

What’s the most common questions you get from brides? What are your answers to them?

"Honestly, our most frequent questions are not super exciting because they are mostly logistical. Things like, 'what are your price points?' and 'what are lead times?' My answer is here at our Flagship store, we start at about $1000, with the average gown sold between $1200-$2000 and our outlet starts at about $699. For lead times, it is best to choose a gown about 12-16 months in advance. This allows about a 7-10 month production schedule and around 3-5 months for alterations. Of course,

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of.

"I have grown up in this business. I played here as a child and they put me on the payroll when I was 15! Not only do I hold the experience of 20 years in bridal, I also carry with me the inherited wisdom and knowledge of my grandmother and great-grandmother while still learning from and with my mother every day. Ten years ago, my husband became a part of the legacy and while working with the closest people in your life can have its challenges on top of an already demanding field, I am proud to say we use our combined talents, with the help of our staff, to thrive greater each year."

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future?

"Long term: to be here for another 90 years!"

Johnson Photography, LLC

Beckham Photography, Bottom BLUSHINGBEAUTYANDCO@YAHOO.COM | WWW.BLUSHINGBEAUTYANDCO.COM On-Location Bridal hairstyling, servicing the Michiana Area

Right: Shayne Culp Photography

True Color Photography

FEATURED WEDDING

The Real Wedding of LAUREN

PRUITT EUGENE & WES EUGENE

Eclectic Industrial

Not wanting to be pigeonholed into one specific theme, Lauren and Wes focused on their jewel-toned color scheme and the eclectic and industrial interior of their venue. Out-of-the-box venues were the first ones on their list. They wanted their wedding to be unique and highlight both of their families’ heritages. Lauren and Wes fell in love with the mid-century modern style of their venue but finding other vendors proved to be a challenge for these New York residents. Lauren’s parents mostly took the lead on curating their special day, but Lauren and Wes were able to video call with some of their amazing vendors, like Phern Joy, their talented photographer!

“Take others' advice with a grain of salt. The wedding is about the marriage of two people, which should be the focus. Also, don't compare your wedding to someone else's wedding. Throw a fantastic wedding for you and your partner, not for social media or external factors.”

THE EASIEST GUIDE TO

changing

your last name

AFTER THE WEDDING

Y our newlywed bliss can quickly come to an end when it comes time to endure the dreaded task of changing your last name. The legal process can often take the romance out of taking your significant other’s last name. If you get yourself organized with the proper documents, the process can be less strenuous, allowing you to continue to revel in your newlywed happiness.

1.

GET THE ORIGINAL MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE

The original license should come from the clerk’s office where your license was filed. One should automatically be sent to you a couple weeks after the wedding. The original document should have a raised seal and your new last name. Also, it’s a good idea to request copies.

2.

REQUEST A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

If you visit the Social Security Administration’s website, you can find an application for a change of name here. This is a free service. Print the application, fill it out, and include any required documents. You can either take your application to a nearby Social Security office or mail it in. You should receive your new card with your new last name in approximately 10 days.

3.

APPLY FOR A NEW LICENSE AT THE BMV

Getting a new license from the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office requires a few documents, namely your old license, the original marriage license and your new Social Security card. Remember to change your address if you have moved after the wedding.

4.

CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME WITH YOUR HR DEPARTMENT

When your new Social Security card comes in the mail, meet with your HR manager at work to switch your name over. This includes payroll, 401k, your insurance benefits, stocks etc.

5.

UPDATE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION

The easiest way to do this is to visit your local branch in person. Take your new license, your marriage license and your new Social Security card, and ask for your name to be changed on your account. Request new checks, debit cards and credit cards with your new name.

6.

UPDATE YOUR LAST NAME ON OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNTS

As time goes on, you will remember more accounts that your last name must be changed on. Remember to keep all of the necessary documents within reach to easily change your name.

The Blue Teal is designed to make your special day amazing! Featuring indoor and outdoor ceremony sites, bridal suite, flexible event spaces and a giant natural stone fireplace.

The Spohn Ballroom in downtown Goshen features beautiful views, modern amenities and a classic elegant atmosphere.

B. Graves Photography

Alyssa Baumgartner

Photography

Tandem Wedding Productions

A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole

For WeddingDay’s fourth annual Style Shoot Design Contest, our participants had the chance to utilize the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year, Very Peri, in their choice of three different themes: Old Hollywood, Inspired by Stories and 'Til Death Do Us Part.

We'd like to give a huge shout out to all of this year's participants. As usual, picking a winner proved to be a very difficult decision for our team to make! Read on to check out this year’s winner, and to see two other amazing shoots who also blew us away and captured these themes beautifully.

SPONSORED BY:

Our team of winners created a moody and edgy Alice in Wonderland-inspired shoot from our theme Inspired by Stories. Planner Cyndi Basker of Celebrated Events explains, “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is so full of characters, charm and imagery that I loved the idea of re-interpreting those elements from the book into a wedding with a fairytale-loving, edgy couple as my inspiration.”

We love how this team incorporated the Pantone Color of the Year, Very Peri, into their design.

From Chantel Miller Storytelling’s beautiful photos, you can see the pops of this bright color in the flowers, butterflies, chinaware, cake and even the bride’s ring. The way Very Peri is highlighted so it stands out against the dark and warmer colors in the palette makes it all the better!

The team could not have had a more perfect venue to host their ethereal shoot! “The location was chosen due to the oversized and exotic plants, flowers and trees that were throughout the space. It gave a kind of otherworldly feel that I felt was a perfect backdrop for the shoot,” Cyndi shares. “There were also winding paths that felt very much in keeping with the dreamlike 'down the rabbit hole' theme of the shoot.”

Knowing Alice in Wonderland is a very whimsical story, the tablescape and décor had to match the playful theme. AAYS Event Rentals provided the team with some perfect rentals, alongside some items from the team's personal collections. Mismatched chinaware and tea cups adorned the table along with black accent plates and silverware. One of the biggest nods to the theme was the checkerboard floor, which is referenced heavily in Lewis Carroll’s books. And did you see this showstopping cake? We think it's the perfect mix of beauty and darkness!

Last but not least, take a look at that gorgeous gown! Cyndi raves, “A big trend in bridal gowns for 2023 is a combination of cottagecore, ethereal and English country/Bridgertoninfluenced style. I felt this style was perfect for the mood of our shoot partly fairytale, partly dreamy and ethereal.” The dress couldn’t suit the bride and the shoot any better! BÜK Weddings made sure to incorporate elements of the story in the model's hair and makeup look. The large, whimsical updo borders on high fashion while a mix between dark makeup and details like rhinestones to catch the light made up the bride’s beautiful look.

Inspired by our moodier theme, 'Til Death Do Us Part, Unveiled Weddings and Events and their runner-up Style Shoot Design Contest team wanted to create a shoot that incorporated the darker vibes of that promise as well as a bit of dazzle and disco to set themselves apart!

This shoot truly hones in on the small details, including skulls and skeletal markings on the dinnerware, coffins in the seating chart and tiny disco balls to decorate the tables. We also love how the team incorporated numerous vinyl records into the décor for an unexpected twist!

We have to talk about that tablescape!

Decorative skulls were a common motif across the shoot as a whole, especially in the reception. The silverware pops amidst the rest of the table décor that mostly consists of darker dinnerware.

Very Peri, the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year, was utilized mainly in the hydrangeas in the floral arrangements. The bride also had a Very Peri ribbon attached to her bouquet. One of the most unique uses of Very Peri was utilizing various shades of this color in the table décor and stationery, designed by Your Little Details. However, our favorite periwinkle detail is even more unique than that. “Of course the ‘til death’ neon sign was the perfect peri shade,” Michelle of Unveiled Weddings gushes.

The statement piece of this shoot is definitely that cake! The black frosting and skull motifs really bring the dark and moody vibes of the shoot to life, but the baker made sure to not overwhelm it with the edgy details. She added golden shimmers and silver jewel details to the tiers for a little bit of sparkle. And we love how the icing gives the impression that the cake is melting, as if its time is near!

Wanting the bride to really stick out, the team chose a dress that contrasted with the moodiness of the shoot. They wanted a dress that combined both soft and alluring beauty. We think this lacy, sheath-styled dress perfectly nails the look they wanted, especially with the full-lace back! The makeup artist used the same moody blue color on her eyes to make them as striking as the flowers, while the hairstylist decided a classic updo with simple side braids was a look that would complement this scene beautifully!

Theme: Inspired by Stories

Inspired by the beloved regency-era story of Bridgerton, this Style Shoot Design Contest finalist team embarked on a mission to create a gilded age garden scene at a historical, venue in small-town Ohio. After finding this lightcolored, late 19th-century building to use as their backdrop, they were ready to transform the grounds around the shoot into a scene from an earlier time with modernity blended into it.

Not wanting to overwhelm the scene with only pastel and delicate colors, the team used Very Peri, the Pantone Color of the Year, to ground the scene while still keeping it feminine. They included Very Peri in the flowers with periwinkle flat scabiosa and roses that leap out of the photos among the blush and coral flowers around them!

FINALIST

The team felt like they got lucky finding a venue that aligned perfectly with their vision. The light-colored stone and plush greenery around the outside of the building made the outdoors the best place for their shoot. However, the rain threatened to destroy their elegant and delicate details more than once during their shoot. But, all in all, the team was happy to have found a venue that met their regency era needs!

We all know that décor is what brings the theme to life. Being sure to include all kinds of antique furniture and dinnerware, the creative team nailed this shoot! We also love the ornate centerpieces to hold the flowers. To pull off the gilded age look, the team included wax seals, ribbons, lace and a furniture lounge setup. Our favorite aspect of this shoot was the desserts! Macarons are such a delicate and elegant dessert and the tarts also supported the theme. The cake is truly the statement piece, though, with the gold-painted floral adornments on the sides!

And we just have to talk about that dress! The 19th-century style included empire waistlines while square necklines and sheer bodices are everything in the modern yet regal look. All three of the dresses in this shoot share at least one of the pieces of that oh-so-familiar look we see in Bridgerton, especially the lace gloves! As for the model's hair and makeup, the team decided to go with a simple, natural look. With classic curls and a faux bob, the bride’s face was beautifully framed. She was also styled with lighter makeup to ensure her natural beauty was highlighted in every photo!

PHOTOGRAPHY: TAYLOR FORD PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE: THE 1898 VIDEOGRAPHY: SAGE ROSE VIDEOGRAPHY FLORALS: LISSETTE FLORAL DRESSES & MENSWEAR: J. COLLECTION BRIDAL DRESS DESIGNER: CHRISTINA WU HAIR & MAKEUP: SWEETLY PINNED JEWELRY: LAUDICK'S JEWELRY STATIONERY: WHIMSICALLY WARM LLC CAKE & DESSERTS: SPENCER'S SUGAR SHOP FURNITURE & RENTALS: ASPEN JEAN PLANNING & JOYOUS OCCASIONS LLC CHAMPAGNE: WINE FROM ONE HOPE, PAINTED BY WHIMSICALLY WARM LLC

THE ONLY

YOU WILL EVER NEED wedding planning checklist

the best guide for the midwest bride

the only wedding planning checklist you need

9 to 12 Months Before

Discuss and determine a budget with your partner

Document budget in WeddingDay’s budget checklist

Gather “ideal” guest list from partner’s family and your family

Narrow down the guest list as needed to determine venue size and cost estimate

Choose a date and reserve a venue

Select a ceremony site and an officiant

Choose the members of your wedding party

Hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator if desired

Create an email folder for wedding-related correspondence, a Pinterest board for inspiration, and an actual folder for receipts and vendor contracts

Book your main vendors (florist, photographer and DJ/band, etc.)

Have an engagement party to celebrate with friends and family

2 to 4 Months Before

Book your makeup artist and hair salon for bridal party and yourself

Choose a hairstyle and book a consultation and trial run appointment

Pick a bakery, attend a cake tasting or two, and order your cake

Buy wedding favors for guests and gifts for wedding party

Organize your information to obtain marriage license

Purchase your wedding bands

Order tuxes for groom, groomsmen and/or ushers

Mail invitations!

6-8 Weeks Before

Send invites for rehearsal dinner to family, wedding party and select guests

Attend food tasting with caterer or venue and finalize menu

6

to 9 Months Before

Go wedding dress shopping for your dream dress and order immediately

Hire a catering company if the venue does not cater in-house

Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses with the bridal party

Design your wedding website with pertinent information

Decide on a honeymoon destination and renew passport

Book your wedding day transportation (limo, bus, carriage, etc)

Create gift registry

4 to 6 Months Before

Finalize guest list using WeddingDay’s guest list checklist

Gather postal addresses of invited guests

Design, print and send save-the-date announcements

Shop for and rent necessary rental items such as decor, chairs, tables, etc.

Purchase wedding invitations or hire designer to create invites

Start planning your ceremony with music selection and readings

Meet with your officiant regarding ceremony and required premarital counseling

Finalize honeymoon travel plans

Implement workout regiments and diet, if desired

Meet with florist to finalize flowers

Begin beauty treatments (teeth whitening, facials, etc.)

Send DJ and photographer list of songs and list of musthave photos

2-6 Weeks Before

Color and trim your hair

Have a trial run of your formal hair and makeup

Schedule meeting with all vendors to plan and finalize details

Create seating chart and wedding-weekend itinerary

Print guest name cards, programs, menus and extra stationery

Have your final dress fitting

Write down your vows and reception speech

Send finalized guest counts with menu choices to caterer

1 Week Before

Re-confirm all plans and times with vendors and wedding party

Create an envelope tipping system for vendors

Inform wedding party of any required duties

Pack for the honeymoon

Kelsey Naab

CAPTURED BY KELSEY

The worst thing that could happen to a couple would be booking a photographer, going through the stress of planning a wedding, feeling the joy of your wedding day, then getting your pictures back to realize they weren’t at all what you expected. Overly posed photos and cheesy smiles fill your wedding photo gallery, and you know that you can’t use those photos for anything and wish you had a different experience.

Captured by Kelsey knows that feeling all too well and will do everything in her power to make sure it never happens to any of her clients. With her main goal being to get to know her couples and their expectations for their wedding photography, Kelsey is a photographer that wants to stick with you from engagement through your wedding and even beyond! We got the chance to chat with her about her passion for photography and the skills she brings to her industry.

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"When my husband Adam and I got married in 2009, I booked our wedding photographer entirely through emails (YIKES)! I was planning an Ann Arbor wedding while living in Costa Rica—and video calls were not the norm that they are today. The experience was not a good one and our memories are not preserved the way I envisioned or expected. When I look at our wedding photos, I see way too many posed photos, and a couple who is uncomfortable because they didn’t know their photographer. I can’t tell you how much I wish we had had a different wedding photography experience.

When I decided that I wanted to become a wedding photographer, I knew that my couples had to have an experience that would leave them feeling valued, loved and served from our first meeting to well beyond their wedding day. I’m committed to providing an experience that I wish I could go back and have."

Tell us about your experience/skills. "Photography has been a hobby and passion of mine ever since I got my first camera back in middle school, but I officially started my photography business in 2017. At the time, I was still a full-time high school teacher as well as a wife, mom to my three year old son and pregnant with my daughter. Like any Type 3 Achiever would, I dedicated all of my available time and brain power to getting real-world experience with some amazing local photographers and soaking up as much photography and business education as I could from nationally known photographers. My communication, planning and organization skills from teaching have helped me create a stressfree experience for my clients—they can relax and enjoy their wedding day knowing the details and memories won’t be missed. I’ll never be done learning and growing, but after five years I’m confident in my craft, the client experience I provide, my style and my mission."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique? "I offer engagement photography, wedding photography, wedding album and wall art design services, a modern photobooth and drone photography to my couples. While I love being a wedding photographer, I pride myself on also being my couples’ forever photographer. I offer exclusive portrait photography sessions to my past wedding couples so they never have to go through the process of finding a photographer they can trust their memories with again. Basically, I’m not a 'Have a nice life together' photographer, I’m an 'I can’t wait to capture the next chapter' photographer!"

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a couple look forward to when booking you?

"I want my couples to be filled with excitement and peace when I walk through the door on their wedding day because someone who knows and truly cares about them will be there to capture their story! My couples know that their wedding photos will look and feel like their memories. My editing style is bright and timeless, and I love capturing the authentic and emotional moments that unfold during a wedding day".

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"It’s impossible to not love getting to celebrate one of the best days of peoples’ lives on a regular basis! I am also consistently impressed by the creativity and passion that all of my fellow vendors put into their crafts and so honored to capture it all!"

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

“'Have you photographed a wedding at our venue before?' is a common one. Obviously my answer to this question is dependent on the truth. I would caution couples from making this a deal-breaker question though. Can it be helpful if your photographer is familiar with the space and staff? Sure, it can be…but it also can stifle a photographer’s creativity if they photograph in the same location too often. If there are certain aspects of your venue that are important to you, share them with your photographer so they won’t be missed. If it’s truly important to you that your photographer has seen your venue in person before your wedding day, we can always connect with the Venue Coordinator and set up a tour or schedule your engagement session at your venue. Capturing the venue isn’t the most important part of your photographer’s job—capturing your love, the people and the moments most important to you matters so much more!"

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"Take the time to know what your vision and priorities are before you start booking anything. At the end of it all, you deserve to have your wedding day be exactly what you want it to be and have no regrets. Then, adjust your budget and expectations based on your priorities. If having all the people there is what’s most important to you, you’re going to have to allocate more of your budget toward your food. If your memories of the day are what’s most important to you, plan to invest more in your photographer."

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"This is at the core of what I do—I get to know them! I take time to get to know my couples’ as individuals, their love story, their values for their present and future. Having a connection with your photographer is how the magic happens. Relationships and trust are how you can be comfortable and be you in front of the camera."

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing?

"One of the amazing things about being my couples’ forever photographer is that my business will continue to grow naturally over the years as I get to capture more and more portrait sessions for my wedding alumni. I absolutely love getting together with my couples year after year to capture the newest chapter of their love stories— pups, babies, adventures, seniors…there’s so much more to come!

Also, after being a secondary educator for 13 years, I have a heart of a teacher that will never go away. I can see myself mentoring other photographers in the future and possibly expanding my business to include photography and business education for other creative entrepreneurs."

" W HEN I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO BECOME A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, I KNEW THAT MY COUPLES HAD TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD LEAVE THEM FEELING VALUED, LOVED AND SERVED..."

STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Captured by Kelsey

PERFECT

Plan your special celebration at Four Winds New Buffalo! With over 22,000 square feet of flexible event space, Silver Creek Event Center is the perfect venue for your wedding. Whether you want an intimate ceremony for 20 or a lavish reception for up to 600 guests, we’re here to help you create an unforgettable experience. You can host a five-star rehearsal dinner at Copper Rock Steakhouse or plan a party at Kankakee Grille at Four Winds New Buffalo or Four Winds South Bend. Then relax in style in one of our 415 deluxe hotel rooms at Four Winds New Buffalo. Looking for even more excitement, try your hand on the gaming floor with the best selection of slots and table games. To make event plans and for more information, please contact our experienced Sales and Catering Team today.

Coming Soon to Four Winds South Bend Now accepting reservations for hotel, spa & ballroom Events. Opening Spring 2023.

NEW BUFFALO 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-926-5219 newbuffalosales@fourwindscasino.com

SOUTH BEND 3000 Prairie Ave South Bend, IN 46614 574-931-3557 southbendsales@fourwindscasino.com

Tushona Monét Photography

Harvest Love

Shoot

For the second year in a row, WeddingDay has hosted our Photographer Collaborative Style Shoot Event where photographers from all around the Midwest are invited to gain style shoot experience and grow their connections with other experts in the wedding industry. Working with lead photographer, Heirlooms and Lace Studios, and Chelsea, Michigan venue, The Collins Off Main, this team was truly top-notch! Take a look at the results from this autumn day, and read on to see how you can get involved in our next collaborative style shoot!

The main idea behind this shoot was a challenge to create an autumnal celebration with unique colors. “The inclusion of robin's egg blue with mustard and terracotta was a refreshing take on autumn tablescaping,” Ryan Abney of RA Event Design explains. “People think of fall and they automatically expect to see orange, brown and yellow. My goal was to take the bold versions of these colors and pair them with an unexpected color choice, such as robin's egg blue.” Inspired by items you would see in nature, this unexpected palette was a beautiful twist on the traditional autumn color scheme!

The Decor '

Curated, the Collection provided the perfect décor for this shoot. Ryan raves, “The table was embellished with a rust/terracotta runner, and then focal points of the table were wood taper candle holders in differing heights painted to match the color palette.” While the mustard napkins and gold flatware complement the runner, the robin’s egg blue plates and beautiful paper products from Zé Design Studio pop off the images in contrast. Cloud Nine Bartending also provided the deep red drinks that align with the table décor.

The Collins Off Main was selected for our shoot because it is virtually a blank slate ready to be dressed up with any theme and/or color scheme! There are plenty of white walls to accent your beautiful décor and large windows to fill the space with natural light and make it feel bigger. The Collins also offered the black chairs in the ceremony setup. It was a dream for Heirlooms and Lace Studios to photograph because of the wonderful lighting options and the blank walls to make the colors of the shoot pop.

The Looks

Check out those beautiful gowns from Becker’s Bridal! “I went whimsical and modern with one couple while staying classic with a twist for the other couple,” Ryan shares. The whimsical couple was styled with a fairytale, off-theshoulder gown and a blue suit with mock neck shirt for a unique twist. The edgier couple donned a white pantsuit with a full skirt and a classic black suit. EV Artistry styled stunning hair and makeup looks that were subtle and classic to highlight both of the brides’ natural beauty. Ryan shares, "Soft and natural makeup looks are difficult to achieve and this team did a stellar job!"

The Cake

To say we're obsessed with this cake is an understatement! “The cake was a work of art with layers that featured differing design elements,” Ryan raves. The top and bottom layers feature the robin’s egg blue color while the second layer is a fun, confetti-like design that incorporates all of the colors of the shoot. To make it even more unique, Homestead Kitchen used a spacer decorated in flowers to make the top tier look like it was floating above the rest of the cake! And how cute are the figurine cake toppers?

The Florals

Flowers are the easiest way to communicate colors and themes, and Flowers for Dreams did it beautifully! They incorporated all the colors and unique textures into the table décor and bouquets. Since we had two couples for this shoot, Ryan wanted one bouquet to have more whimsical flowers and one bouquet to have an edgier look. Floral boutonnières for the grooms were designed to match each bouquet.

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHY: HEIRLOOMS AND LACE STUDIOS VENUE: THE COLLINS OFF MAIN CONCEPT, DESIGN & PLANNING: RA EVENT DESIGN FLORALS: FLOWERS FOR DREAMS DETROIT (FLOWERSFORDREAMS.COM)* DRESSES: BECKER'S BRIDAL (BECKERSBRIDAL. COM)* HAIR & MAKEUP: EV ARTISTRY (EVONLOCATION. COM)* MENSWEAR: SUITSHOP STATIONERY & SIGNAGE: ZÉ DESIGN STUDIO (ZEDESIGNSTUDIO.COM)* CAKE: HOMESTEAD KITCHEN (HOMESTEADKITCHEN. NET)* TABLETOP DÉCOR: CURATED, THE COLLECTION BARTENDING & SPECIALTY DRINKS: CLOUD NINE BARTENDING DAY-OF CATERING: SMOKEHOUSE 52 BBQ (SH52BBQ.COM)* MODELS: AMBER STRAUGHTER, RONNIE NEYLAND, MARAH ROBINETTE & AARON NOBLE *WeddingDay preferred vendor

Bottom Left Photo: Heirlooms and Lace Studios, All Other Photos: Kara Hanes Photography

Photo: Heather Sherrill

Photography, Planning: Meg McCormick & Lilly Krambeck

Jessica Strickland Photography

Chantel Miller

CHANTEL MILLER STORYTELLING

Picture this: you just got engaged and are looking for vendors who can help make your day a success. You stumble upon a photographer who offers to help you with your planning process and nailing down a timeline while also collaborating with you to understand what your expectations and desired style of photography are. Now, what if I told you that you could get all of that with one photographer?

Chantel Miller Storytelling is more than just a photographer. With a vision for telling your story through her photographs, Chantel is there to be involved in your wedding day instead of just snapping pictures of it. She loves hearing from her couples about their wedding planning process, seeing pictures of her brides’ dresses and sending tips she’s picked up to help your wedding run smoother. We had a chance to sit down with Chantel and learn more about how she came to love photography and capturing her couples’ stories.

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"Growing up, my mother always had a camera in hand, capturing our lives. I never realized how much I would appreciate that as an adult, and now, it is my own passion to capture milestones of lovely clients so they, too, can remember their stories as they look back on photographs I captured. I look at my images as fine art rather than simply a gallery of photographs, and that is what motivates me to continue creating a unique experience for clients and keeps me inspired as a creative."

Tell us about your experience/skills. "While I do have a B.S. degree in both Graphic Design and Photography, I have been a full-time designer in branding and marketing since 2017. However, in 2020, my 'part-time' photography business grew faster than I knew what to do! As of 2022, I have gone all in with my business to focus on telling stories and it has been the best decision. I now have over 50 weddings under my belt and countless editorials as I continue to grow in this industry."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique? "Wild enough, I actually began my photography career in the athletic industry capturing your favorite D1 football and basketball teams. However, now I mainly focus on capturing Midwest weddings and engagements. I also offer creative editorial portraits and destination weddings. Again, something that sets me apart is the experience I offer, especially my couples. After booking, they receive a welcome gift in the mail, a complimentary engagement session to get to know me and a 45+ page welcome guide with tips and tricks I’ve learned to help them plan out their wedding day. I like to tell my clients I’m not just a photographer, I am a visual storyteller, and in order to do that well I am very involved with the details of the wedding day."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"I love capturing everyone’s unique story. It sounds so cliché, but everyone has such a different creative vision for their portrait session or wedding! I LOVE that the clients who hire me are very original and artsy themselves, so it makes every project something new. Last year, one of my grooms surprised his bride with a custom addition to her dress. When she was a little girl, she used to wrap up in her blanket and pretend it was her wedding dress. So the night before the wedding, he had her mother sew a piece of the blanket over her heart inside the dress. No one else knew it was there but me and the couple. Stories with intention and pure love…that is what keeps this fun for me!"

What do you love about the industry you work in?

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

"I get a lot of initial questions about timelines and traveling. Around two months before your wedding day, I send out a day of wedding questionnaire and help you build a custom day of timeline! This is an absolute necessity to me to help your day run smoothly and create a less stressful wedding day! As far as travel goes, you name the location and I will be there! I have several flat rate travel fees to make the booking process easier and less stressful for you."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"My wedding guide goes a lot deeper into this subject but build a day-of timeline that feels true to you and your partner. Do not just choose a first look because it makes your photo timeline easier, and do not let anyone else’s opinions alter your wedding vision. This is YOUR day, so you do you, boo. I also recommend surrounding yourself with the people you love most on your wedding day including your photographer. You spend more time with your photographer than anyone else on your wedding day, so make sure you find the one that works with your personality as much as your preferred editing style."

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a couple look forward to when booking you?

"My number one goal as a business owner is to help my clients feel comfortable to be themselves in my presence. When you are able to allow someone to trust you enough to let their true personality shine, not only am I able to capture their most true selves, but they are able to relax and have more fun throughout the entire process. I want to give my clients a whole EXPERIENCE. Many of my brides will text me during the planning process to show me their dress, or talk to me about their anxiety, or just need an HONEST opinion. If I am going to ask them to be REAL in front of my camera, I need to be REAL with them. Many of my clients come out the other side as friends!"

"I love not only being able to meet new people but being able to travel the world! I am based in the Midwest but have captured love stories in the mountains of Alaska, at waterfalls in Oregon, on the beaches of Hawaii and, next year, in the city of Paris, France. This industry has also helped me build a community of friends who have my back and can collaborate with on wonderful projects!"

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of. "Part of my goal in making people feel comfortable with me is keeping myself humble. Whether I am shooting a highend, black-tie Chicago wedding or a laid-back backyard elopement, I am more proud of the fact that I make every type of client feel the same way when all is said and done. The biggest feedback I get from clients and even their guests is how comfortable I made them feel."

"I value honesty and I tell my clients that from the beginning. If there is something specifically that you are insecure or anxious about, tell me! We are all human, and it is important to bring the imperfect human connection back into the process. I use my engagement sessions as well as coffee dates or zoom calls to get to know each other so that by the time wedding day is here, we can joke around and relax!"

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future?

"This first full-time year in business has proven to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. It is a scary thing taking the leap, but when you have the time to pour your heart and soul into your work, it blossoms! I look forward to improving my client experience for 2023 and 2024 couples and really honing in on the artistic editorial style of capturing a wedding day. This is more than just a little business for me. I live to create beautiful things and cannot wait to see how I interpret that in the future."

STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Chantel Miller Storytelling

Beth WatermanPhotography

STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Kara Hanes Photography

Allison Francois Photography LLC

Cynthia Boyle Photography

A BOLD AND ROMANTIC NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Colorful,

Timeless Whimsy

Jessie Silva, the photographer for this shoot, has been dreaming of planning a shoot at the Grand Rapids Public Museum since 2019. After COVID derailed style shoots, Jessie was finally able to bring her vision to life this year. “Since the Meijer Theater is a fairly basic theater set-up, I wanted to bring in a lot of florals and colors to fill it up and brighten the space. I did not have a defined vision at first other than a lot of bold colors,” Jessie explains. The biggest struggle she faced was finding the dress. First, she found a beautiful blush bridesmaid dress with floral details, but Jessie couldn’t help herself after Instagram recommended this white gown with beautiful pops of colorful florals!

WHAT WE love

Jessie teamed up with talented planner and coordinator Brittany Chesney of 1945 Event Co. to bring this whimsical style shoot to life. We love the way all the décor brings a bright splash of color into this timeless venue!

VIDEOGRAPHY:

FILMS FLORALS: ALEX NAZAR FLORAL WHITE DRESS: IRIS BY SASSI HOLFORD FROM WHITE BRIDAL BOUTIQUES PINK DRESS: BELLA BRIDESMAIDS HAIR: LAUREN SUZANNE SALON MAKEUP: ROSEHAND ART & CO. MENSWEAR: DUNHILL TUXEDOS *WeddingDay preferred vendor

© Scott Tibbles Photography

Kayla Kurkowski

CLEVER CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY

When you get engaged and start planning your big day, you want to be surrounded by people who love and support you, and that includes your vendors. Oftentimes, there are vendors who are more than happy to put on different hats to make your wedding day a success because they all love love and want to see you relaxed on what should be one of the happiest days of your life!

Booking Clever Candid Photography means you get more than just a photographer. Kayla Kurkowski, the girl behind the camera, strives to give you an unforgettable photography experience by going above and beyond to be not just your photographer but also a friend to lean on throughout the wedding planning process. Read on to hear more about Kayla and the unique experience she offers!

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"I was inspired by everyone’s love stories. I love watching and being a part of those little moments in someone’s day. Knowing that I play such a big part in someone’s extra special day keeps me motivated to keep going, keep learning and keep expanding my network, knowledge and resources for all my couples."

Tell us about your experience/skills.

"I just hit my 10 year mark in September of 2022. I started out shooting horses and riders along with horses and special needs kids back when I was in high school. Over the years, I’ve transitioned into an overall photographer and, in 2019, I made the official transition into a full-time wedding photographer."

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a bride look forward to when booking you?

"I want to give my clients an outof-the-box experience. I want them to know that I am here for them through it all, from start to finish. I am a best friend type photographer. I will be there to help get everyone in line, to help fix your popped button or put lidocaine spray on your bridesmaids’ feet because those adorable shoes are killing them."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"I have a large variety of packages that allows me to help couples in all budget brackets and couples with different timelines and needs. I have a videography package and add-ons along with al la carte things like leather bound albums, happily ever after photoshoots (one year anniversary shoots) and extra USBs for the mothers."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"I love to be goofy with my couples. I love to sing along with their songs during the reception. I have my tradition even after all these weddings that I still take a shot with all my couples at the end of the night to celebrate them and to say we are officially done. I love to just share those little moments with them."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"I love how much everyone overlaps and helps each other out. I love that all the different professionals pair together and refer each other out and help one another."

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

"'How many photos do you guarantee?' I guarantee 50 photos per hour/per shooter. But that is the minimum, I always tell my couples that you will more than likely get more than that."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"Talk to your vendors, trust them when they try to help you with your timeline. We have been doing this long enough to know that we need more than 30 minutes for photos between the ceremony and the reception. We also don’t need four hours either."

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of.

"I am proud of the awards I have won because of my amazing clients. I have been able to start Clever Candid Photography from the ground up and been able to create something amazing for those around me."

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"I remind my clients that I have years and tons of weddings under my belt. I know and have seen it all. I can help with anything that they need to make it go smoother. From chasing the cats (the family members that wander off), to getting family members to cool it and let the couple enjoy their day, to just being there for the most nervous. There is nothing that can surprise me at this point when it comes to a wedding, so let’s do this! We got this!"

What

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STYLE SHOOT EVENT

Attendee Spotlight: Clever Candid Photography

Where we invite you to be unapologetically yourself All are welcome here

FRANKENMUTH, MI | ONYXANDOPALCREATIVECO.COM

Penny Ralene Photography

Romance in the French Countr y side

The Vision

“My vision for the shoot was soft shades of blue with pops of pastel pink. I really wanted to create an elevated look using unique wood chairs and vintage detailed dishes,” our planner Emmaleigh, of Emmaleigh White Wedding & Event Planning, gushes. The team of amazing creators was able to elevate this cover shoot to something you would see if you were to get married in the French countryside. This stunning theme made it easy for both Onyx and Opal Creative Co. and Peace Love Films to capture the shoot beautifully!

The Venue

Choosing this venue was an easy decision for the creative team behind this shoot. “Whippoorwill Farm is a beautiful space for all couples to celebrate their special day,” Emmaleigh raves. “They are a family run venue and have the most energetic and positive attitudes.” This 1890s farm setting offers a variety of unique and stunning spaces—including two barns, a grain bin, apple orchard and more for you to host your special day while also giving you the opportunity to work with owners who are focused on creating a day you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

'

The Decor

We have to talk about the gorgeous rental items that brought our whole shoot together! “I rented chairs, linens and chargers from Alpine Events and dishes, flatware, goblets, candlestick holders and a sign from Delicate Dishes. They looked just as I had envisioned they would,” Emmaleigh gushes. “They complemented one another perfectly.” We love how these unique items came together to create our French Countryside wedding. And the delicate stationery that K. Creative Co. designed is just perfect!

The Florals

The flowers were chosen because they are commonly found in classic gardens and create a romantic atmosphere—garden roses, hydrangea and delphinium. “Waxflower and spray roses were used to give texture while Italian ruscus greens were used to give movement and a touch of whimsy to the bridal bouquet, arrangements and floating arbor installation,” Elizabeth, of Huff and Bloom Floral Co., shares. The color palette selected for the shoot and flowers were specifically pastels that created a soft, romantic ambiance.

The Looks

There couldn’t have been a more perfect dress for this cover shoot! America’s Bride provided this beautiful gown that came with an elegantly beaded bodice and detachable sleeves, making it the best of both worlds. Emmaleigh explains, “It was fun to be able to shoot some shots with and without the sleeves to show future brides that you can sleeve it up for the vows and dance freely at your reception.” As for hair and makeup, the team gave creative freedom to Christina of BÜK Weddings. Since the shoot was so elegant, the team decided to keep her beauty look more simple with a low ponytail and natural makeup with a reddish lip color. Our groom was dapper in his light blue suit from SuitShop, complementing the color palette perfectly!

the scenes

View the video at: youtu.be/ KZqAkrJAMoc

The Cake & Drinks

Believe it or not, the cake and the dress actually complemented each other. The beading on the gown was the same pattern that Froehlich’s used on the cake.

“The cake was a beautiful two tier white and blue cake with a stunning design dancing up it. It was delicious too! We all got to enjoy some after the shoot concluded,” Emmaleigh admits. Another unique addition to our shoot was The Tipsy Burro’s adorable beer burros that distributed drinks, making this celebration all the more fun!

Photography: Scott Tibbles Photography

Meet the Cover Team

Emmaleigh White

EMMALEIGH WHITE WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING

Emmaleigh White is a certified wedding and event planner located in Mason, Michigan. She launched her wedding and event planning business in 2018 shortly after her own wedding. She has always had a passion for party planning and loves seeing everything come together. When she's not planning weddings, Emmaleigh loves to spend time with her family. She says, "I’m always writing lists. It's therapeutic to me and though it may sound a bit cliché to say, I have the best job in the world! I have a love for weddings and have my couples' very best interest at the heart of what I do."

Megan Hansen

ONYX AND OPAL CREATIVE CO.

Onyx and Opal Creative Co. delivers a classic, timeless photography style, Owner Megan Hansen is an emotive photographer, who loves to show the emotions of a wedding day. Capturing everything from laughing with your best friends while getting ready, to the tears as a dad watches his baby girl walk down the aisle, she aims to provide an excellent experience—not just pretty photos.

Amber Kober

WHIPPOORWILL FARM

Amber is married to her high school sweetheart, a fifth generation farmer. Together, they have five kids four girls and one boy. While the men live out their dream job, Amber is happy to be able to finally live out hers that she can share with the girls. Also being a cosmetologist for over 20 years and having a little background in photography and floral really adds to her resume as a venue owner!

Jessie + Dave Schmoekel

PEACE LOVE FILMS

Jessie and Dave are best friends partners in literally every sense of the word. They work together, raise their kids together, support each other’s hopes and dreams and laugh together...a lot. They love capturing all of the special moments of a couple’s big day, and that’s because they love love and sharing those memories with their couples! Jessie and Dave say, "Just know that if you hire us to capture your big day, we will pour all of that love into creating a video that you can treasure for a lifetime."

Elizabeth Annie Huff

HUFF AND BLOOM FLORAL CO.

Huff and Bloom Floral Co. is a boutique floral design firm built upon a love of flowers and sharing that joy with others. Elizabeth Annie Huff, owner and lead designer, specializes in organic, garden-style bouquets, arrangements, and floral installations. Being a part of someone’s special day and designing the flowers that will tell their love story is a dream come true for the design team at Huff and Bloom Floral Co. When Elizabeth Annie isn't arranging flowers, you can find her painting, gardening, or cuddling with her dogs.

Jennifer Elenbaas

AMERICA'S BRIDE

Jennifer Elenbaas is the owner of America's Bride, a bridal salon located in Walker, Michigan. Their flagship location features world class gowns, three massive runways and thousands of dresses while their outlet offers hundreds of off-the-rack gowns, mostly under $999. Full alterations, lay-a-way programs, bridesmaids and tuxedo rentals, head pieces, veils, custom ordering and custom alterations are also available in-store!

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Team BUK

BÜK STUDIOS & CO./BÜK WEDDINGS

A studio is where an artist creates, and BÜK Studios & Co./BÜK Weddings is definitely a studio! Their team is made up of artists of all different types and skill sets, most of them being cross-trained in various areas. Their offerings include hair and makeup services, engagement and wedding photography bundles and bridal shower spa skincare packages.

Chef Drew

FROEHLICH'S

Froehlich’s Bakery & Deli, located in Three Oaks, Michigan, is well known as a destination for people in search of simple, fresh, nourishing and authentically delicious food. Daily, they create a variety of breads, pies, pastries, unique desserts, soups, salads and deli sandwiches. Froehlich's also offers an assortment of house made jams, jellies, pickles and specialty foods; along with full service catering, special occasion cakes and dessert bars.

Katy Eriks SUITSHOP

Katy is the Business Development Manager at SuitShop. Before joining the team, she was one of SuitShop’s first brides. As steadfast supporters of love in all of its many forms, SuitShop offers $194 suiting options made for anybody and every body, regardless of body type, race or gender identity. SuitShop is your one-stop-shop for all things suiting perfect for any special occasion and especially well-suited for wedding planning. Their team is available to help you embrace your confidence and your look with virtual appointments, in-person fittings, free swatches, a free 7-day home trial and their data-backed online Fit Finder. Plus, suit your entire group with ease using their wedding management dashboard!

Kayla Davison

K. CREATIVE CO. + STUDIOS

Kayla is the creative mastermind behind K. Creative Co. She specializes in custom wedding stationery with attention to the finer details offering letterpress, foil and digital printing methods. She also designs custom wedding signage, cocktail napkins, programs, vow books and custom wedding monograms.

Shannon Reincke

THE TIPSY BURRO

The Tipsy Burro is a pair of charming little donkeys who transports beverages, treats, favors or other goods at parties and events. They are sure to lighten the mood and kick-off any wedding, party or corporate event surrounding the West Michigan area in style. Dressed to impress, and melting hearts everywhere they go, The Tipsy Burro will make your event the talk of the town!

Kirsten Smith

DELICATE DISHES

Delicate Dishes rents a carefully selected premium assortment of vintage china, stemmed goblets, glassware, serving pieces, flatware and more for your small or large event. Whether your look is vintage, boho, rustic, glam, elegant, shabby chic, modern, classic or formal, their pieces will make your event unique and special. Owner Kirsten looks forward to working with you to make your dream event a reality!

Carey Bisonet

ALPINE EVENTS

Carey Bisonet is the President and Owner of Alpine Events, which he acquired in 2016. Carey and his team of experienced professionals all share the same passion—helping you create the best event possible. They say, "We love our industry, and nothing beats the ear-to-ear smile we see on our clients’ faces when everything goes as planned."

Jerry Clark

Engaged in the Midwest

CONGRATS TO OUR RECENTLY ENGAGED COUPLES! DID

RECENTLY

Submit your engagement story to us at weddingday-online.com/submityour-engagement and we may feature you on our social media channels or in the next issue of WeddingDay!

Marissa + Garrett / Sara Dobbins

Neha + Tarang / Brooke and David

Julia + Evan / Thistle & Lace

Photography

Michelle + John / Jean Smith Photo

Gretchen + Victor / Ross James: Photographer

Erica + Will / Marissa Rae Photography

Alyssa + Brandon

Vendor Guide

BAKERIES & DESSERTS

Azucar Rococo Schiller Park, IL, 773.799.1845 azucarrococo.com See ad on page 48.

Froehlich's Three Oaks, MI, 269.756.6002 shopfroehlichs.com

Homestead Kitchen Westland, MI, 734.956.5924 homesteadkitchen.net

See ad on page 69.

MI Great Lakes Cakes Fenton, MI, 586.610.5560 migreatlakescakes.com See ad on page 28.

Sea Salt and Cinnamon Muncie, IN, 727.481.4024 seasaltandcinnamon.com

Sweet T's Cakes & Confections Richland, MI, 269.615.8021 sweettscakesandconfections.com See ad on page 122.

BEAUTY & SPA

Blushing Beauty & Co. Mishawaka, IN blushingbeautyandco.com See ad on page 19.

BÜK Weddings & Co. Kalamazoo, MI, 269.491.7603 bukweddings.com See ad on page 113.

EV Artistry Michigan, 734.956.0602 evonlocation.com

Hitched Suites

St. Joseph County, IN, 574.220.0941 hitchedsuites.com See ad on page 13.

The Mane Bloomington Bloomington, IN, 317.430.4508 themanebloomington.com

The Pretty Committee

Grand Rapids, MI, 616.831.0046 prettycommitteebeauty.com

See ad on page 7.

BRIDAL SALONS & DESIGNERS

America's Bride Grand Rapids, MI, 616.224.0056 americasbride.us

See ad on page 114.

Badgley Mischka USA badgleymischka.com

Becker's Bridal Fowler, MI, 989.593.2595 beckersbridal.com See ad on page 18.

The Bridal Studio - Corktown Detroit, MI, 313.756.7616 thebridalstudiocorktown.com

The Frock Bridal House Bloomington, IN, 812.668.2841 thefrockbridal.com See ad on page 78.

Sarah Kolis Custom Designs Detroit, MI, 248.842.4551 sarahkolis.com

The Wedding Shoppe Berkley, MI, 248.541.1988 theweddingshoppe.net See ad on page 21.

BRIDAL SHOWS

Bridal Spectacular South Bend, IN, 574.243.4060 indianabridalspectacular.net See ad on page 30.

Engaged Indiana

Throughout Indianapolis area engagedindiana.com See ad on inside back cover.

Southwest Michigan Bridal Show Kalamazoo, MI, 269.349.2091 swmibridalshow.com See ad on inside front cover.

CATERERS

City Barbeque Indiana and Ohio citybbq.com

Nelson's Catering Wakarusa, IN, 574.862.2184 nelsonsbbq.com See ad on page 27.

Smokehouse 52 BBQ Chelsea, MI, 734.562.2565 sh52bbq.com

ENTERTAINMENT

The BBQs DJ Collective Michiana the-bbqs.com

Gaska String Quartet South Bend, IN, 574.229.0422 facebook.com/gaskastringquartet See ad on page 49.

Meg Rodgers, Harpist Saint Joseph, MI, 269.429.6377 megrodgers.net See ad on page 56.

FLORISTS

B. Petal Company Pierceton, IN, 260.591.0789 bpetalcompany.com

Crystal Springs Florist Benton Harbor, MI, 269.925.1167 crystalspringsflorist.net See ad on page 15.

Design Quintessentials

West Bloomfield Township, MI 248.973.8966 designquintessentials.com

Flowers for Dreams Detroit, MI, 313.230.0393 flowersfordreams.com/detroit See ad on page 57.

Huff and Bloom Floral Co. Grand Rapids, MI huffandbloom.com See ad on page 120.

Lopshire Flowers

Fort Wayne, IN, 260.493.1581 lopshireflowers.com See ad on page 84.

SunflowerKate Florals

Columbus, OH, 614.285.3826 sunflowerkateflorals.com

Tori Leigh Events

Indianapolis, IN, 317.602.6886 torileighevents.com See ad on page 55.

Truer Design

Grand Rapids, MI, 616.460.8776 truerdesign.com See ad on page 4.

JEWELERS

Diamonds Direct Indianapolis, IN, 317.575.8555 diamondsdirect.com

Impress Jewelry Creations Granger, IN, 574.855.4491 impressjewelers.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amber Knight Photography Bloomington, IN amberknightphotography.com

Amelia Kinser Photography Indiana, 765.416.2496 ameliakinserphotography.com

Beth Waterman Photography Indianapolis, IN, 317.370.7472 bethwatermanphotography.com See ad on page 99.

Captured by Allison Indianapolis, IN, 317.989.4864 capturedbyallisonphoto.com

Captured by Kelsey

Ann Arbor, MI capturedbyk.com See ad on page 52.

Caroline Brewer Photography Indiana carolinebrewerphotography.com

Chantel Miller Photography Bristol, IN chantelmillerstorytelling.com See ad on page 74.

Clever Candid Photography

Fraser, MI, 586.808.2854 clevercandidphotography.com See ad on page 96.

Dave Thompson Photography

Elkhart, IN, 574.238.9890 davesphotoworld.com

Elisha Kaldahl Photography

Indianapolis, IN, 317.513.1984 elishakphoto.com

Jessie Silva

Grand Rapids, MI, jessiesilva.com See ad on page 90.

Kara Hanes Photography

Grand Rapids, MI, 616.835.6143 karahanesphotography.com See ad on page 80.

Laura Spencer Photography Saint Joseph, MI lauraspencerphotography.com

Lindsay Elaine Photography Kalamazoo, MI lindsayelaine.com

Love Photography by Katie VanderWal

Allendale, MI, 616.201.8102 lovephotography-mi.com See ad on page 10.

Moonrae Photography Detroit, MI, 812.606.6222 moonraephotography.com

Onyx and Opal Creative Co. Frankenmuth, MI, 989.262.8290 onyxandopalcreativeco.com See ad on page 100.

Phern Joy LLC Grand Rapids, MI, 616.747.0354 phernjoy.com

Thistle + Lace Photography

Elkhart, IN, 574.612.5363 instagram.com/ thistleandlacephotography

Vilma Maria Photographer

Fort Wayne, IN, 260.609.0703 facebook.com/ vilmamariaphotographer See ad on page 83.

PLANNERS/COORDINATORS

1945 Event Co. Bath, MI, 517.488.2720 1945eventco.com

All in the Details Indianapolis, IN, 317.821.7526 detailsindy.com See ad on page 98.

ARC Design Studios Detroit, MI, 586.322.3968 arcdesignstudios.com

Emmaleigh White Wedding & Event Planning Mason, MI, 517.703.4334 ewhiteweddingplanner.com See ad on page 101.

EXL Events Co.

New Buffalo, MI, 219.628.4360 instagram.com/ leigha.exleventsco See ad on page 14.

Ivory by Design Hand Made Greenwood, IN, 317.300.4231 ivorybydesignhm.com See ad on page 76.

Love Story Weddings and Events Northern Indiana & Chicago lovestoryweddingevents.com

Styled Event Design Clarkston, MI styledeventdesign.com

Unveiled Weddings & Events Valparaiso, IN, 219.512.5620 yourunveiledevent.com See ad on page 46.

Weddings by Katie + Co. Blaine, MN weddingsbykandco.com

REGISTRIES

Crate & Barrel Indianapolis, IN, 317.818.9900 crateandbarrel.com

Williams Sonoma Indianapolis, IN, 317.848.1431 williams-sonoma.com

RENTALS/LINENS

AAYS Event Rentals Mishawaka, IN, 574.256.1110 aaysrental.com See ad on page 31.

The Best is Yet to Be Event Rentals Bloomington, IN, 812.361.1682 thebestisyettobeeventrentals.com

Blue Blossom Rentals Fishers, IN, 317.449.9427 blueblossomrentals.com

Burns Special Events Mishawaka, IN, 574.259.4807 burnsrentals.com See ad on back cover.

Herriott's Rents Tents Events Champaign, IL, 217.356.9713 herriotts.com

MichaelAngelos Events South Bend, IN, 574.271.7440 michaelangelosevents.com

The Tipsy Burro Ada, MI, 616.204.1018 thetipsyburro.com

STATIONERY

The Lettering Grove Indianapolis, IN theletteringgrove.com

The Paper Creation Detroit, MI, 734.968.7733 thepapercreation.com

PSR Designs of Indiana Indianapolis, IN, 317.759.0625 psrdesigns.com See ad on page 70.

Your Little Details Chicagoland & Southwest Michigan yourlittledetails.com

Zé Design Studio

Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland, 219.501.0801 zedesignstudio.com

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS

CityFlatsHotel Holland Holland, MI, 616.796.2100 cityflatshotelholland. tapestrycollection.com See ad on page 5.

The DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend South Bend, IN, 574.234.2000 southbend.doubletree.com See ad on page 121.

Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown Indianapolis, IN, 317.261.1200 hamptoninn3.hilton.com See ad on page 79.

Hotel Elkhart Elkhart, IN, 574.389.7900 hotelelkhart.com See ad on page 82.

Trumbull and Porter Detroit, MI, 313.496.1400 trumbullandporterhotel.com

VENUES

19 North by Froehlich's Three Oaks, MI, 269.756.6002 19northbyfroehlichs.com See ad on page 6.

2000 Brooklyn Detroit, MI, 313.949.9901 2000brooklyn.com

Bell Mare Weddings & Events Galien, MI, 269-820-1905 bellmareevents.com

The Blue Teal Wakarusa, IN, 574.862.2184 thebluetealvenue.com See ad on page 27.

The Charles Fort Wayne Event Center Fort Wayne, IN, 260.637.3643 thecharlesfortwayne.com See ad on page 93.

Four Winds Casinos New Buffalo, MI, 269.926.5219 South Bend, IN, 574.931.3557 fourwindscasino.com See ad on page 54.

Gable Hill Marcellus, MI, 269.281.4266 gablehill.com See ad on page 12.

The Grand LV Niles, MI, 269.591.0334 thegrandlv.com

The Hall at Oakland Park Nappanee, IN, 574.773.1001 oakland-hall.com See ad on page 85.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. Nashville, IN, 812.720.4840 visithardtruth.com

Hawks Point Acres Anderson, IN hawkspointacres.com

The Indianapolis Public Library Indianapolis, IN, 317.275.4200 events.imcpl.org See ad on page 71.

The Inn at Harbor Shores Saint Joseph, MI, 269.983.1111 innatharborshores.com See ad on page 29.

Ivory Foundry Weddings & Events Indianapolis, IN, 317.279.4048 ivoryfoundryevents.com See ad on page 77.

North Lake Weddings + Events Berrien Springs, MI, 269.697.3339 northlakeweddings.com

See ad on page 20.

Revival Wedding Barn Dowagiac, MI, 269.364.5501 revivalweddingbarn.com

The Sixpence Whitestown, IN, 317.296.8200 thesixpence.com

Spohn Ballroom Goshen, IN, 574.862.2184 spohnballroom.com See ad on page 27.

Stonegate Manor Benton Harbor, MI, 269.930.0617 stonegatemanorevents.com

Studebaker National Museum

South Bend, IN, 574.235.9714 studebakermuseum.org

See ad on page 91.

Whippoorwill Farm Sparta, MI, 616.401.4564 whippoorwillfarmvenue.com

See ad on page 112.

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Clark Videography Indianapolis, IN, 317.599.7312 clarkvideography.com See ad on page 92.

Peace Love Films Fort Wayne, IN peacelovefilms.com See ad on page 115.

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