Love And Joy | March 2021

Issue 4

love and joy

ISSN 2691-9680

Triumphant. Delightful. Timeless.

Photo by Mulugeta Wolde

Love & Joy Triumphant. Delightful. Timeless.

Issue 4 Mini-Issue March 2021 ISSN 2691-9680

The Love Joy Mag™ ©2021. All Rights Reserved. The Love Joy Mag, LLC For more content and exclusive downloads, visit www.thelovejoymag.com

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Table of Contents 03 A Note from the founder 06 Micro Wedding Trends 08 Choosing a West Michigan Wedding Photographer: the Why’s and How’s 11

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Top 5 2021 Wedding Trends

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FOUNDERS NOTE

Photo by Álvaro Serrano

from the founder Here we all are in 2021! We made it through 2020

Our partnership with these vendors is nothing

and now we are ready for a new year and

like the partnership you'll have with your

hopefully some amazing and joyous events to

significant other. No matter what your planning

celebrate.

journey results in, you two will be together! That is amazing on its own.

We are so excited to return and bring you the best resources for your midwest wedding! We've

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and

been planning this comeback and we are excited

love. But the greatest of these is love."

to roll out some amazing things in the upcoming

~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

year.

Never forget that the Love & Joy you share with We are partnering with some phenomenal

your partner is the greatest thing ever ;)

vendors in the Midwest that are eager to provide some exceptional wedding experiences.

TAMARA D. TILLERY FOUNDER OF THE LOVE JOY MAG

Real Love FEELS PURE & AUTHENTIC

Photo by Nathan Dumlao

hitched

The Hutton House Styled Shoot Photography: Ashley Dahl Photography | Host: Styled Shoots Across America Planning & Creative Direction: Heather Benge Events | Venue: The Hutton House Florals: Nalias Events | Stationery: West Bloom Paper Co. | Hair: Danielle's Hair Studio Makeup: Faces by Laura | Cake: INK Sweets | Gown Salon: The White Room Tux: Generation Tux | Linens & Rentals: Apres Event | Decor & Tent Rental | Shoes: Bella Belle

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MICRO WEDDINGS

M I C R O W E D D I N G T R E N D S

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is an intimate celebration filled with just your closest friends and family — typically no more than 50 guests. It can be formal, casual, or anywhere in between. It often includes many of the traditional wedding elements, just on a much smaller scale.

Why have a Micro Wedding?

First, there's the budget consideration: The fastest way to trim your wedding budget is to trim your guest list and space. While a micro wedding can be a cost-cutting choice, it can also be a way to refocus your wedding budget on what’s truly important to you. With fewer guests to wine and dine, you’ll have room in your budget to splurge on that 8-piece band you’ve always dreamed about, that end-of-the-night fireworks display you secretly covet, or the dreamy hair & makeup that always seemed out of reach. A micro wedding can give you the chance to live out wedding vision an incredibly intimate way.

How to make your micro wedding special One huge perk of a smaller guest list is an expanded selection of wedding venues. You can consider non-traditional options, like a funky downtown art gallery, your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, inside a clock tower, or a beautiful park or garden. You can also turn your micro wedding into a destination wedding and enjoy an epic weekend getaway with your loved ones on the beach somewhere! Pick a splurge or two. Ask yourself, what’s most important to you? Maybe it’s the food — so indulge in a memorable five-course meal. You can also splurge on favors — with fewer guests to gift, it’s easier to increase your price-per-person budget. Intimacy is key with a micro wedding, so keep that in mind when designing your table layout. Sit among your guests, rather than at a separate sweetheart table & encourage bonding and forming new relationships. After all, you're getting married!

Venue: The APT | Photographer: Jeannine Marie Photographer | Planner: Woodland Events | Florist: Wilderland Floral | Hair Stylist: TDT Beauty | Makeup Artist: Ziel Bridal | Caterer: Whitey's Old Town Saloon | Cake: Sugar and Spice Sweetery | Videographer: Thirty Story | Models: Aaron Kurth, Dasha Volvatch, Jasen Braun, Jennifer Johnson-Kurth, Kelsey Conant, and Ryan Conant

SPREAD LOVE &

PURCHASE SWAG @ www.thelovejoymag.com

JOY

Choosing a West Michigan Wedding Photographer: the Why’s and How’s BY: OLIVIA ANDERSON of OLIVIA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Hey! My name is Olivia Anderson, and I am a West Michigan couples’ and wedding photographer. I specialize in photographs that capture candid emotions and memories so that those moments are forever something my clients can hold on to! As a full time photographer, I am constantly perfecting my trade: figuring out what works best for my couples and for my business. I have traveled out of West Michigan for sessions, but I want to focus on the benefits to choosing a local photographer rather than hiring a photographer from out of state.

West Michigan is full of gorgeous wedding venues.

From beachfronts and country clubs to barns and flowing fields, the options are endless. When choosing a wedding photographer, their venue and area familiarity is crucial. Wedding photographers are presented with unique lighting situations in each area they shoot in. Familiarity in each prospective location gives couples peace of mind when it comes to the photographs and the flow of their wedding day.

For instance, if a photographer has shot a wedding on the lakeshore at high noon or done an indoor barn wedding, the couple will know the photographer is prepared and ready for their big day. T ​ his is not to say that talented photographers are not able to adapt no matter what the lighting situation is. H ​ owever, a photographer’s confidence and expertise is comforting during a time where couples can easily be overwhelmed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has opened eyes worldwide about sickness, government, health, education, and endless other relevant topics.

Most recently, local businesses have held the spotlight. As a vendor and small business myself I have appreciated and become emotional over and over as the West Michigan community has showered local businesses with love and support.

Many photographers are not hobbyists; they are working for their livelihood. Photographers, like myself, pay for their groceries, electric bill, and car payments with their work. Hiring vendors for a wedding is a unique experience where couples are able to support local in almost every expense that comes up during a wedding; let your wedding photographer in on this immense blessing, too. (Also, local photographer also means that you’ll likely get away with no travel fees - bonus!)

Not only is it essential for couples to know why West Michigan photographers are important for a local wedding, but it is also crucial to know how to go about booking the perfect photographer. First, let’s talk about where to find photographers. Advertising for photography reaches far and wide. Personally, I pay for advertising on The Knot/Wedding Wire and for a website domain. Outside of that, I have an Instagram, Tik Tok, Clubhouse, Facebook, Google business, and email that I receive bookings from. Outside of this, word of mouth gets me lots of business! What do you do with all of that information? Higher your standards! No, seriously!

Couples planning their wedding have their pick of a photographer from an endless list.

Photographers’ criteria differs based on price point, editing style, business style, personability with clients, date availability, what packages include, travel fees, and more. Since there is so much to choose from, higher your standards, and do your research. Use the amazing resources available to explore your options, and reach out to West Michigan photographers that peak your interest.

Lastly, it is important to reach out and seal the deal. When getting in contact with photographers, there are a few things that photographers look for in your inquiry message. First, your personality: show your kindness by using friendly language, and tell the photographer about yourself. Second, your date: tell the photographer your wedding date or any prospective dates you are looking at if you have yet to secure one. Third, any other specifications you might already know: how many hours of coverage, interest in a second shooter, venue location, and any other wedding details. Photographers love getting to know their clients; tell us all about you! I am here to celebrate with you on the biggest and best day of your life, so let’s get to know eachother!

Planning a wedding is not easy, but it should be so fun for you and your soon-to-be spouse.

Your family, your friends, and all your important people will all come together to make your day as special as it should be for you. Local West Michigan photographers are amping up for busy season, and getting ready for your big day. We just can not wait to get to know you and help you tell your love story through pictures.

“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.”

ANDRÉ MAUROIS

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2021 TRENDS

#1 Tents and Twinkly Lights Photo by Shelly Pence

As more outdoor weddings are taking place around the world, there's a surge in interest in wedding tents and mood lighting to bring a romantic and airy ambiance to every occasion.

Couples are leaning into tented weddings with twinkly lighting for the new ballroom.

The visual enhancement of pulling together drapery from tents with proper lighting provides an altogether different, fairytale-like environment on your wedding day.

Let the breeze and the brightness in.

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BISTRO STYLE ENTERTAINMENT We forecast an uptick in live performances, from string quartets to dueling pianos. This trend will bring and additional level of elegance.

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SINGLE-TIER AND MINI CAKES A well-designed smaller cake can have a major wow factor. Whether it's an intricate pattern inspired by the detail on your gown or vibrant flowers that play with your color palette.

WEEKDAY WEDDINGS Couples can save thousands of dollars moving from a Saturday to a Weekday wedding as minimums shift and more negotiations are made possible for weekday celebrations.

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A FOCUS ON FLORALS The floral trend is set to arise as a larger focus on voluminous floral arrangements that are equal parts breathtaking and sentimental is increasing. And rightfully so!

Love & Joy Triumphant. Delightful. Timeless.

Issue 4 Mini-Issue March 2021 ISSN 2691-9680

The Love Joy Mag™ ©2021. All Rights Reserved. The Love Joy Mag, LLC For more content and exclusive downloads, visit www.thelovejoymag.com

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love and joy

$8 Love & Joy brought to you by The Love Joy Mag™ www.thelovejoymag.com ©2021. All Rights Reserved. Shakopee, MN. The Love Joy Mag, LLC