Plan It! Magazine Spring 2022 Edition

spring 2022

Caterers Design + Décor Desserts Entertainment Fashion Floral Giveaways Invitations Photographers Planners Transportation Trends Venues Videographers

HEIRLOOM catering

& events

A Night to Remember

Temple Israel is the ultimate all in one venue with many unique spaces from which to choose. Spacious outdoor tented pavilions, lavish garden patios, a sky lit atrium and beautiful indoor spaces provide the perfect place for you to create memories that will last a lifetime.

An experienced and passionate culinary team will create cuisine tailored just for you.

From lavish weddings to out-of-the-box bar/bat mitzvah parties, intimate Shabbat dinners, baby namings, and more, we can host it all here at Temple Israel.

For a personalized tour of our spaces and to meet our event team, contact Jenny Pysh at 248-661-5700 x152.

5725 WALNUT LAKE ROAD, WEST BLOOMFIELD MI 48323 | TEMPLE-ISRAEL.ORG/CATERER

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Let’s get personal e v e n t p l a n n e r v s. d ay o f c o o r d i n at o r party spotlight: a safari soiree sneakers to a party? advertiser directory

PLANNING AN EVENT?

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2022

11 AM - 3 PM • THE ORCHARD MALL OF WEST BLOOMFIELD 6445 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD

J o in us a nd l e a r n e ve rything yo u ne e d to know IN ONE DA Y to pl a n yo ur ne x t e ve nt. Yo u a r e invit ed t o t our t he e x hib its, s a mpl e the wa r e s a nd b e a ma ze d at all t he o ptio ns fo r pr o d uc ts a nd s e rvic e s ava il able locally. See what is NE W a nd O N TR E ND fo r the upc o min g part y season.

Me e t e ve nt pl a nne r s, d e c o r ato r s, inte r act iv e e nte r ta ine r s, c ate r e r s, the fine s t ve nue s, p hot ograp hers, fl o r a l d e s ign, invitatio n s pe c ia l is ts, fun food t reat o ptio ns, d e s ign a nd r e nta l s, a nd s o muc h m ore!

BLAINE SIESSER PHOTOGRAPHY

KARI DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BRETT MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BRETT MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DC EVENTS & DESIGN

DIANNE SCAFONE PHOTOGRAPHY

JUSTIN MUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

JUSTIN MUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

game changers innovators moment makers INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT - MC - DJ - DANCERS FULL SERVICE EVENT PLANNING GRAPHIC DESIGN

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INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

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VALET PARKING

LIGHTING, STAGING AND FURNITURE

PRE-TEEN DANCE EXPERIENCE

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THE EVENT SHOW

2560 WOLCOTT STARTRAX.COM

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PLAN IT! MAGAZINE

FERNDALE, MI 48220

248.263.6300

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INFO@STARTRAX.COM

A Letter from the President Welcome Back!

I am excited to report that events are back. Our phones are ringing, and our email boxes are full of inquiries. Our clients have reason to celebrate, and our community of local event professionals are ready to jump back in! The past two years have given us time to re-define our craft, develop new creatives, and embrace new and exciting changes. Our industry will survive … and we will be stronger than ever!

Star Trax is full of amazing people who know how to dig deep and make it all happen.

Our full-service event planning team has designed, managed, and executed some pretty specular celebrations this past year. Many of our events have been recognized and featured in local and national publications. We are proud to be nominated as a Finalist for this year’s Special Events Gala Award in the Best Event for a Private Individual Category. We were also featured in Seen Magazine’s February Wedding issue and The Detroit Jewish News March Celebrate section.

In this edition, we’re featuring a beautiful “Jungle-Themed Party” held at Pine Lake Country Club. This extravagant event was both creative and fun and incorporated the safari theme throughout. Check out the highlights in the pages ahead.

One of the most asked questions from our clients is, “What’s the difference between an Event Planner and On-Site Coordinator, and how do I decide what I need?” With the advice from one of our local vendors (and a valued advertiser), we have answered this question and listed the pros of each role. We hope this will assist with your future event planning needs.

No matter the occasion, our clients want their event to be appreciated. We explain that it’s the personalization and attention to detail that make events refreshing and remembered. In this issue, be sure to check out the suggestions provided by another local industry leader (and advertiser.)

We’re excited for our annual EVENT SHOW on October 16, 2022, at the Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield, MI. This tradeshow is created for you – our readers! Meet local vendors, touch products, and talk with professionals about everything you need to plan a full-scale event. Participating vendors often offer incentives to those who attend – so be sure to mark your calendar.

Contributors Publisher Star Trax Events President Geoff Kretchmer Creative Director Becca Schlussel Graphic Designer Michael Hnatiuk Photographers Abby Rose Photo Brett Mountain Photography Dianne Scafone Photography Justin Munter Photography Kate Saler Photography Ron Lieberman Photography Cover photo by Justin Munter Photography from Clara Laker’s Bat Mitzvah

Star Trax Team President Geoff Kretchmer Partner Brian Siegel Senior Event Director Jen Ajlouny Senior Event Director Shannon McConnell Event Manager Jacquelyn Dorris Event Manager Sidrah Kovan Production Director Jimmy Lees Production Technician Alex Radatz Valet Director Gilad Rozin Valet Director Blaine Tikey Marketing Director Becca Schlussel Graphic Designer Michael Hnatiuk

Along with the EVENT SHOW, our Plan It! Magazine is the only resource you need to

Office Manager Loren Stone

help plan your next corporate or social event. Published twice annually, it features the

Controller Cindy Timoff

best local talent in the events industry. Make sure to keep this at your fingertips for easy

Accountant Amy Dunlap

reference when planning your next event.

Maintenance Director Brian Cafmeyer

We’re looking forward to a busy, exciting, and energetic season ahead. The entire team at Star Trax Events is available to answer questions and help in any way we can.

Your continued support makes our work fun!

Geoff Kretchmer President, Star Trax Events

startrax.com / 248.263.6300 / info@startrax.com 2560 Wolcott / Ferndale, MI 48220

H OT B U T T E R E D PO PCORN COT TO N CANDY S NO CONES HA ND D IP P E D CO RN DOGS J U M BO GRILLE D B E E F H OT DOGS A NGU S B E E F S LIDERS S E AS O NE D FRIES C H E ES E NACHOS H OT P R E T ZE LS WIT H C H E D DA R C HEESE S LU SHY’S H O M E MA D E E LE P H A NT EARS F R ESH S Q U E E Z E D LE MO N ADE AS S O RT E D NOV E LT Y IC E C REAM CA R A ME L A PPLES RE D CA NDY A PPLES H A N D BAT TE RE D C H IC KE N T E NDERS H A ND BAT T E R ED C H IC KE N SA NDWICHES

Providing quality concessions since 1955

Mercurio and so much more!

24920 GIBSON DRIVE • WARREN, MI 48089

(586) 634-6490 • MERCURIOFOODS.COM MERCURIOFOODS@AOL.COM

BRETT MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

When an event is customized, we all feel a connection to the celebration, honoree, or company hosting the affair. And the experience associated with that event will have a lasting impression on all those in attendance.

Customizing an event can begin before the celebration even begins. The hotel welcome bag, filled with Michigan made products and a monogrammed “mitten” cutting board, is a wonderful gift to start a special weekend. Custom-designed cocktail napkins and shot glasses at the bar, along with take-home pizza slices in personalized boxes, add to the intimate feeling of an event.

Continuing the motif throughout the entire event further emphasizes the personality of the experience. Focal points like dance floors and bars can be monogrammed and “wrapped” with images, fonts, and colors. For the technology inspired, logos and branding can be added through lighting and video mapping.

And for those looking for one-of-a-kind statement pieces and décor, consider adding specially made pillows, throw blankets, and bright neon signage with names, custom slogans, and catchphrases. Creating tailor-made shirts, hats, and jackets for your servers, valet parkers, and even your entertainment, can add to the overall style and uniqueness of your event.

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KATE SALER PHOTOGRAPHY

JUSTIN MUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

While personalizing an event makes everyone feel a part of the entire experience, personalized gifts can make people feel special. These made-to-order items can be your “go-to” gift, year-round. Consider treating your office staff or team members to customized water bottles, tumblers, sweaters, gym bags, beach blankets, or wireless speakers. Engraved or branded gifts, specifically geared toward weather dependent events, are always appreciated. These include golf umbrellas, hand-held fans, sunblock, or rain ponchos, just to name a few.

Show your employees how much you appreciate them by recognizing workplace accomplishments with trophies and plaques – people love being valued and celebrated for a job well done. To further celebrate employees, many companies have purchased the “Championship Belt” that is worn and photographed with an honoree, monthly. No matter the milestone or achievement, keeping your work family happy is key to employee satisfaction and retention!

When given the opportunity, always aim to tailor an event or acknowledge a person with a thoughtful, personalized gift. Not only will you create a lasting impression, but you show how much you care! Choosing customized touches makes everything more intimate. Whether it’s custom décor or a branded and monogrammed gift, people appreciate the thoughtfulness. Personalized events are remembered long after they’re over. Specially created gifts last longer than those with no meaning and will be cherished and appreciated for many years.

KATE SALER PHOTOGRAPHY

Emma Zerkel is the Co-Owner of Winning Imprints & Custom Trophies in Keego Harbor, MI. Emma has been an ASI distributor for over 20 years and offers customizable, branded products for all occasions. www.winningimprints.com 8

Create an

Event e l b a t t e g r o unf -minus the stress

Elegant to Casual • Exceeding Your Expectations at Every Step • Experienced Culinary Staff Providing Classic & Modern Cuisine • Private Bar Service • We Do It All – From Facilitating Fun Designer Centerpieces, DJ’s, Videography and More • Winter to Summer • Experienced, Knowledgeable, Ready to Serve • Exclusive Access to 10 Acres of Unparalleled Fun! • • • • • • • •

www.paradiseparknovi.com • 248.735.1050 45799 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374

Formula Go Karts Laser Tag Miniature Golf Balloon Tower Mini Bowling Trampoline Center Euro Bungy Dome Arcade Center

• Banquet Center • Relaxing Fireside Patio • Event Rooms • Restaurant • 2 Full-Service Bars • Impeccably Clean “First Class” Facility

Content provided by Pat Blackwell, owner of The Red Coat Ladies Hooray, you have an event to plan! You need to make a ton of decisions and manage a million moving parts.

Are you going to tackle this alone, or will you need support? You may have friends that offer to help, but it won’t take long to realize that they don’t have the time or expertise to manage a full-scale production. It may be uncomfortable to discuss cost and budget. Frustration will arise when they don’t have time for all the meetings, calls, and emails. And, if a problem arises, the last thing you want to do is confront your friends. Instead of putting your friends to work, we suggest inviting your close friends to enjoy the celebration and leave the moving parts to the professionals.

event planner

Party Planner

From the first brainstorming session to the last thank you note, this “rockstar” will guide the ship, creatively and professionally. Your planner will be your partner, director, and friend throughout the entire process. Your vision and budget will be established and your needs versus wants will be outlined.

Your planner will be responsible for organizing and managing every aspect of your event, including: · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

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Brainstorming session and follow up meetings Creating an event proposal Conceptualizing ideas and overall event design Planning and budget review Assembling a team of vendors and suppliers Booking a venue Liaising with vendors and suppliers Managing contracts and payments Reviewing food and bar menus Creating a floor plan Creating a vendor timeline for load in and load out Creating a day of event timeline Managing onsite logistics and all vendors

Day of Coordinator Event Manager The Day of Coordinator or Event Manager assists with all moving parts that need support. Along with their “dayof” responsibilities, Day of Coordinators review all event details with their client. If a client does not have an Event Planner, the Day of Coordinator will be a life-saver.

capabilities include: · · · · · · · · ·

Creating a day of event checklist and timeline Transporting items from your home to the venue Set up personal displays Managing last minute catering changes Communicating real-time updates and changes in timeline Handling on-site emergencies Collecting and securing cards and gifts Distributing payments and tips to vendors End of night and load out management

Some venues have the most amazing In-House Event Manager. That person might also be the Salesperson or Banquet Manager. The In-House Event Manager represents the venue – not the family. Their priority is different than someone hired to be the Event Planner or Day of Coordinator. Unless you are paying them an extra fee to act as your Event Planner, that is not the role they will fulfill.

With all the preparation, money spent, wardrobe shopping, and hair and make-up appointments, you deserve to be a guest at your own event. Hiring professionals to steer the ship will guarantee that all the details have been executed perfectly. Choose the level of event assistance you require, and then enjoy yourself.

This article was written with content provided by Pat Blackwell, owner of The Red Coat Ladies. Pat and her team have managed more than 4,500 celebrations in 28 years, specializing in providing Day of Coordination for life cycle celebrations. partyassurance.com

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WEDDINGS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD, ATTACHED HOTEL, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS, CONFERENCES, MEETINGS & MORE!

W E H AV E I T A L L !

46100 GRAND RIVER AVE. NOVI, MI . 248-348-5600 WWW.DIAMONDBANQUETCENTER.COM

Planning an event at a venue with no kitchen – NO PROBLEM! Meet Kristin Falconer and her event coordination team from Trailer Events (TE). Kristin’s business filled a major void in the Metro Detroit event world. Mobile kitchens were not only needed for restoration projects but were a welcomed addition into the private event space. Now, you can literally have a full-service food and beverage event anywhere!

Outdoor event, NO PROBLEM! You cannot imagine how popular their bathroom trailer has become. We were fascinated by the beauty and functionality of these units. With separate entrances for men and women, the restrooms have private stalls, stainless trim mirrored vanities, hand sinks with warm water, LED lighting, and ventilation complete with heating and cooling systems in place. The need for mobile bathroom solutions has been solved.

You hopefully have seen Trailer Events’ handiwork at the most successful tailgates around town. When your business or family is looking to create the ultimate experience at your favorite sporting event – one call and they will not only have a parking lot reserved by the appropriate stadium, but also a fully outfitted state-of-the-art tailgating trailer. These units are designed and equipped with a stainless-steel refrigerator, microwave, gas grill, generator, and a private restroom. The trailers also include a HDTV monitor with Bluetooth capabilities. When you arrive, the tent, tables, chairs, beverage coolers, and disposables will all be in place and ready to go. Need a caterer, that is easy too. Trailer Events is a one stop shop – GO TEAM! Kristin and her knowledgeable staff have taken the stumbling blocks out of hosting events. Their mobile kitchens, specialty trailers, and executive restroom trailers can be used for any event, whether it’s a sophisticated corporate gathering or a backyard BBQ. Your search ends here.

TE is not only the leader in Metro Detroit for every high-end event trailer, but it has also morphed into a fullservice event coordination and design firm – handling all aspects of event planning. As the needs of their clients grew so did their arsenal of rentals. From catering supplies and linens to tents and functional furniture (couches and chairs, coffee tables and more), they have everything you need to transform any space.

Trailer Events is fun to work with and is passionate about customer service and client satisfaction.

No matter the size or location – Kristin and her team can handle everything.

1470 Souter Drive / Troy, MI 48083

(855) 388-8300 / trailerevents.com

We took a walk on the wild side with Emily Rosenberg! This extravagant event was held in West Bloomfield, Michigan on November 27, 2021, at Pine Lake Country Club. Guests took a trek to the jungle for a night of fun. Lush greens and exotic flowers adorned the tables, while the stage backdrop was decorated with an abundance of leafy foliage. Animal prints & safari hats draped chairs, enhancing the safari theme. The space was flooded in orange lighting, adding to the high energy of the evening.

The night was all about Emily! Customized details, highlighting Emily and her love of the jungle, transformed the room into a magical place. The white dance floor, embellished with a large imprint of Emily’s logo, created an impression that “wowed” guests. In addition to a one-of-a-kind neon sign and personalized cocktail napkins, Emily’s artistic skills were incorporated into the overall design.

Hand-drawn elements, personally created by Emily, complimented the rich jungle décor.

Upon entering the room, laser-cut wooden place cards, shaped like palm leaves, were presented to each guest. While the adults enjoyed appetizers and cocktails by the bar, the younger guests delivered speeches, honoring Emily.

Dinner was a collection of elaborate food stations scattered throughout the ballroom. Along with passed desserts, Bombshell Treat Bar brought their cart filled with hand dipped ice cream bars. Guests could choose from a variety of dips, drizzles, and toppings.

Star Trax provided an exceptional MC, DJ, and dancers who created an interactive guest experience. Dressed as a safari tour guide, MC Josh carried the safari momentum and energy through the evening. For those looking for more to do, interactive activities including an interactive photo experience, a bracelet making station, and animal print airbrush tattoos ensured that a good time was had by all!

We had so much fun collaborating with Emily and her family on this safari-themed event.

the pack Event Planning and Design: Star Trax Events Design, Floral and Decor: Designs by Debbie LeClaire Photography: Lieberman Photography Videography: Blue Puffin Media Day Of Management: The Red Coat Ladies Rentals: Pruett Custom Events, UDesign Event Rentals, Event Theory Linens: Fabulous Events Venue: Pine Lake Country Club Dessert: Bombshell Treat Bar 15

Let us bring the Escape Room to you!

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Mobile Units for all ages and occasions.

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Our mobile escape room is perfect for: • Birthdays Parties

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44325 W 12 Mile Ste H175 • Novi, MI 48377 • mobileescaperoommi.com • (248) 308-2500

INSTAGRAM

@SNEAXBYSID

ABBY ROSE PHOTO

INSTAGRAM @MOTHERSKETCHER

Sneakers PARTY? TO A

The new party shoe is …. sneakers! Celebrities and “sneaker freakers” alike have been spotted in gym shoes all over the place … at the gym, running errands, and attending formal parties.

Sneakers aren’t just for working out or your days off. They can take you from day to night, from sporty to elegant. They’re cool, trendy, and, oh, so comfy!

While sneakers are generally worn as casual attire, there are ways to wear them to formal events as well. Whether it’s a prom, wedding, mitzvah, corporate event, or on the Red Carpet, sneakers have made their way from the street to the ballroom, and everywhere in between. Sneakers have become the “go-to-shoe” for everyone.

Choose a pair of sneakers and save them for special occasions. Your muddy, worn-out shoes won’t do. You want your “formal sneakers” to look fresh and edgy, not careless and scruffy. Select a pair (or two) and have them become your “evening athletic shoes.” Make a statement with them – select a color, texture, pattern, or style that sets you apart and shows off your taste and personal style.

Make sure they’re comfortable, and then “kick” back and have a great time.

Yes!

DIANNE SCAFONE PHOTOGRAPHY

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INSTAGRAM

@SNEAXBYSID

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CARNIVAL BOUNCE RENTALS IS YOUR SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN EVENT EXPERT! Inflatable Bounce House Moonwalks • Inflatable Slides & Obstacle Courses Interactive Inflatable Games • Rock Walls • Mechanical Bulls • Bungee Trampolines Trackless Trains • Carnival Rides • Carnival Games • Arcade Games • Virtual Reality LED Games & Furniture • Wax Hands • Photo Booths • and more!

Check out our full line of concession machines, including popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, pucker powder, nachos, margarita machines (slushies), and hot dog grills. Our huge selection of professionally built carnival games will provide that true carnival experience for any event. Our selection of tents, tables and chairs make us your “One Stop Party Shop.”

carnivalbounce.com • (248) 231-5421 • carnivalbounce@aol.com