Stella Event Design - Wedding and Event Planning Inspiration

DIY Aisle runners!

2008-06-11T19:42:00.002-04:00

We've Moved!

Head over to www.StellaEventDesign.com/Blog to check out the DIY guide to making your own custom aisle runner!

{Fairytale Runners}

2008-06-08T10:07:00.001-04:00

We've moved to www.StellaEventDesign.com/Blog! Please change your bookmark or reader!

I absolutely LOVE custom aisle runners! Even if it’s one of the only things you do to spruce up your ceremony site, it’s such a fantastic way to make your wedding feel like a custom event. Fairytale Runners was started by a former bride, who got such rave reviews on her own runner, that she began making them for family and friends, and then went into business! I saw this on one of my daily blog reads last week, and had to share after checking out the website {can’t for the life of me find who posted about this–so if it was you, let me know!}

I’ve seen lots of places you can buy custom runners—ebay, etsy, other websites—but what caught my eye about Fairytale Runners is that they actually use canvas to make the aisle runner. This means no snagging, no poking a heel through the runner, and canvas is heavy enough to hold it’s own in the aisle, and not wrinkle up as much. Anyone who has painted on canvas knows what a difference it makes!

The website it amazing—you can select all of your preferences online, starting with the width and length of your runner, all the way to the monogram, saying, font, and picture. One thing I especially liked was that you can send in a custom color by going to a Benjamin Moore paint store, and giving them an exact color code of what you want! No guessing, no hoping they can match the swatch from your ‘maids dress! Check it out—and later this week, look for a DIY post on doing it yourself (I did, and you can too!)

{MOVING} New Blog Address!!

2008-06-05T21:14:00.006-04:00

Stella Event Design has officially launched our new website and blog! {Woohoo!} If you're linked to us {thanks so much!} or visit us via Reader or RSS, our new address will be:

www.stellaeventdesign.com/blog

We've tried to keep up to date on our own list of linky-love, so if you're linked and we've missed you, please leave a comment! Or, if you just think your blog is fabulous---let us know---we'd love to add you {to our list, AND our google reader!}

Our new blog is internal to our website now, but we've attempted to keep it as close to our beloved blogspot blog as possible. {Almost} all of our old blogs have been transferred, and we'll continue to post on both sites for a week or so to make sure we don't lose anyone {Because we really do love our readers!} Please let me know if you encounter any issues!

Claire+Chris {All That Jazz!}

2008-06-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

I missed the first dance as I was running some errands for the bride, but Leda of LVL Photography captured it beautifully---aren't they stunning!? They opted for live music, and Me and the Boys kept the night going with big band hits! I can't say enough good things about the band--all 8 pieces! They were all super nice, and they did an absolutely amazing job--such a unique touch!
The amazing floral arrangements were provided by Flowers with Jazz (how appropriate) and they did an absolutely amazing job--the bride inforporated Bells of Ireland into almost all of the arrangements, as well as peacock feathers.

Catering was out of this world, and Matt Kis of Great Lakes Catering did a phenomenal job with the presentation. Check out their "window display" of fruit--I love it! The menu consisted of chicken breast with an apricot honey mustard glaze, roasted prime rib, glazed salmon, an amazing salad bar, and green beans and potatoes that were delish. Not to mention Matt was so easy to work with, and bent over backwards all night to help us out!

The lovely Leda and Sasha of LVL Photography were on hand to capture all of the beautiful moments at this truly personal and fun celebration. They were a pleasure to work with, and you can check out more great pics at Leda's blog!

*All images copyright LVL Photography

Fundraisers that Rock {A Wedding for Alex}

2008-05-29T21:50:00.000-04:00

(A Wedding For Alex)

If you haven't heard about Alex's lemonade Stand, you are missing out on such an amazing cause! I first heard about Alex when I did a Google image search for "Lemonade Stand" (for a wedding project). What I found was an endless list of pictures of lemonade stands dedicated to this wonderful cause. Alex's Lemonade Stand was started by a little girl with cancer. She didn't live to see her ninth birthday, but in her short time, she managed to raise over $1 million towards the fight against cancer---I've lived almost 3 times longer and can't even begin to think of how much she accomplished in such a short time!

Now, the charity lives on, and people continue to raise money in the name of Alex and her Lemonade Stand. Now, as a bride, you have a chance to make your dreams come true, while also helping this amazing cause. Omni Hotel at Independence Park has put together a wedding package to rival all wedding packages. For $20,000 (or more) you can bid on this amazing dream wedding on EBay, and have a five star wedding fit for royalty. You'll get a wedding for 135 guests at the Omni, a couture gown, a honeymoon to Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa (my husband and I honeymooned here, and it is AMAZING!)...you also get a rehearsal dinner, and so much more! Check out the website for full details on all that's included (jewelry, hair, cake, photo, video and entertainment, and more!) Bidding begins today, and runs through June 7th! Bid Now!

Planning 101 {Setting the Date}

2008-05-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

(image source)

Picking a date can be very exciting. Often, couple's pick a date without too much consideration, which can lead to trouble down the road. Before you pick your date, consider the people and places around you---do any of the "key players"---you know, the important people like your parents, bridal party, and siblings---have prior engagements? You don't have to completely rule out a date because one potential bridesmaid won't be able to stand up, but if she's really important to you (or 3 or 4 of your bridesmaids will be MIA) then you may want to consider another date. Will you have relatives unable to come because you've chosen a date that correlates with high school or college graduation, or because their kids are finishing up school?

Secondly, consider the places around you. Do you live near a major university, sport facility, or festival location? Here in St. Joseph we are roughly 40 minutes from Notre Dame---however, many couples are surprised to find that on home game Saturdays, a hotel room in the greater St. Joseph area is extra expensive, if not elusive all together. The same goes for the annual Venetian Festival in July, which brings in more than 100,000 tourists to the town and hotels. So if the venue you love is booked for the entire year, and has ONE hot date available....take a closer look, and make sure that you're not missing an important event or activity that will throw a wrench in your plans. On the other hand, if you're willing to battle crowds, and subject your guests to limited or pricey accommodations, you may be able to negotiate some great deals on these weekends!

Wedding Laughs

2008-05-28T19:38:00.000-04:00

This was just too funny not to share!

Vendor Feature {Kelly Powers Photography}

2008-05-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

(photo copyright Kelly Powers Photography)

When it comes to choosing your vendors, there are few pieces of advice more important than this: Choose vendors who you can enjoy spending the day with! If you don't care for them during your initial meeting, chances are, you won't enjoy them sharing your big day with you. No where is this more true, than with a photographer, with whom you will spend more time than the majority of your other vendors. It is so important to find someone you are comfortable with, and who you will enjoy spending this special day with!

Last week I met up with Kelly Powers to talk weddings, and get to know her and her work. I've admired her work via her web site, but was very excited to meet her in person and get to know her! I simply can't say enough about what a sweet and wonderful person Kelly is. She took me out for a shoot around the city, and I'm not sure I've ever had so much fun getting my picture taken! I can't wait to see the results later this week!

Kelly does amazing work, which I truly believe comes from the kindness of her spirit, and the connection she forms with her clients. If you're looking for a photographer, check her out---you will not be disappointed!

Vendor Score Card {Michele+Tim} 4.19.08

2008-05-27T21:21:00.006-04:00

(Image copyright Ben Pancoast Photography)

A little late, but here is the recap of my April 19th wedding with Michele+Tim, and their wonderful team of vendors that helped bring the whole day together (in less than 4 months!)

Wedding Coordination: Stella Event Design (obviously!)
Services Provided: Full Service Planning, start to finish!

Reception: Vineland Center, St. Joseph, MI
Rating: A
The Vineland Center officially opened about 6 months before the wedding. It's brand new, very versatile, and has a wonderful staff. The owner, Don, bent over backwards for us.
Website

Catering: The Catering Department at the Vineland
Rating: A+
We've all eaten wedding food---there's good wedding food---then there's GOOD FOOD. The Catering Department knocked everyone's socks off with the delicious spread.
Website

Floral: Beikmann Associates, Niles, MI
Rating: A
Sheri is a sweetheart, and was wonderful to work with. The bouquets were beautiful, she let us assemble our own centerpieces, and she was very accommodating...even when we decided at the last minute to tape down the aisle runner!
Website

Bakery: Debbie Karsen, Watervliet, MI
Rating: A
Debbie was an acquaintance of the bride and groom, who also happens to make wonderful cakes! The wedding cake was beautiful and delicious, as was the grooms cake. If you'd like her contact info, please shoot me an email!

Photography: Ben Pancoast, The Photography Team, St. Joseph, MI
Rating: A+
I love working with Ben---he captures amazing shots, makes the most of his surroundings, and thinks on his feet. I'm always surprised by the fun shots that come out of the simplest things! Plus, he's super nice, and brides and grooms have a blast spending the day with him.
Website

Entertainment: Music Unlimited DJ, Riverside, MI
Rating: A
Tim of Music Unlimited did a fantastic job of keeping the night going! He's great at communicating with couples, and familiarizing himself with exactly what they want, which is great! He also took charge of "Karaoke for a Kiss," which turned out to be a completely fun and phenomenally successful part of the evening---so much fun!
Website

Bartending: With A Twist! Stevensville, MI
Rating: A
Sue Luther's gang at With A Twist! is absolutely phenomenal. Each and every bartender I've worked with has been fantastic, and this event was no different! Also, her rates are amazing, and can't be beat! If you'd like to contact Sue, shoot me an email and I'd be happy to get you in contact!

Okay, so this report card makes me look like one of those mushy teachers that gives everyone an A, but I say, if you deserve it, you deserve it---no bell curves here! Everyone did an amazing job, and helped to bring together an event that was so fun and special. Michele+Tim are (another) amazing couple, and I'm so thankful to have been able to share this special day with them!

Engagement Photos {Kate+Mitch}

2008-05-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

Kate+Mitch had their engagement pictures snapped earlier this week, and I just couldn't wait to share! The awesome Jen of JK Photography travelled to Chicago to take some amazing photos of this very fun couple! Check out her blog for even more---they found some really fun locations, from a light shop to a marina! Above is my absolute favorite shot, but it has some close competition!
The exact spot where Mitch proposed! I love it! Kate+Mitch are getting married on the beach, also, which is perfect!
Thanks so much to Kate+Mitch (and Jen) for letting me share some of their amazing engagement pics!

More Ways to {Follow} Stella

2008-05-24T09:21:00.003-04:00

Follow Stella Event Design on Twitter! My husband finally talked me into trying this, and I have to say I'm slowly becoming hooked!

I promise to update you on all of the exciting and off the wall things that go on around here, like breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And of course, I'll throw in all of the exciting, glamorous, and mind-bending wedding and event planning activities we're up to! Follow me here! If you don't have a twitter, don't worry---it's super easy to set up, and even easier to customize--you'll have a page you love in no time, and people will be lining up to stalk (I mean follow) you!

Please excuse my short absence from blogging this week---my Mom was in the hospital for a few days for surgery, and life is finally getting back to normal---expect more updates soon!

Blog Love {Sparkliatti}

2008-05-20T18:13:00.002-04:00

The Sparkliatti Blog, hosted by the oh-so-fabulous Sasha Souza, is one of my new favorites! After taking a glimpse at this gorgeous sunrise-inspired board, I just had to share! Check out her blog for non-stop eye candy and inspiration!

Also, if you're a bride-to-be, check out her great post on escort cards vs. place cards---this is a question asked so often, and she does a great job of summing up the differences----YES, they are 2 completely different things!

Ring Love

2008-05-17T21:04:00.003-04:00

My post from earlier today put me in a mood for detail shots, so here are some more ring shot beauties from Ben & Dan at The Photography Team.

(all images copyright The PhotographyTeam)

Pro Pics Teaser {Michele+Tim}

2008-05-17T17:20:00.003-04:00

I'm under the weather this weekend, recouping from bronchitis, and becoming addicted to "So You Think You Can Dance," thanks to the marathon of last seasons episodes I've been sucked into all afternoon! Between naps on the courch, I was pleasantly surprised to receive some of the pro pics from my April 19th wedding, courtesy of photog Ben Pancoast. So, to apologize for my absence from blogging while I continue to be pampered by my husband, and hopefully kick the sickness, here are 2 of my favorite photos from the wedding---expect more soon!I love ring pictures, and this one doesn't let me down---I don't know what it is, but I absolutely adore this picture!

Loving It {Etsy:Gochemoche}

2008-05-14T21:11:00.003-04:00

(pictures via Gochemoche on Etsy)

Etsy seller Gochemoche has some of the coolest Japanese-inspired hair pieces and boutonnieres that I couldn't wait to share. I was catching up on my blog reads since being back from vacation, when I came across this real wedding featured by Perfect Bound, one of my favorite daily reads! I was scanning through, attempting to catch up on my 700 (yes, 700!) new posts, and this picture of their custom bouts caught my eye. I checked out the etsy site, and Gochemoche offers so many fun and customizable pieces from bouts to broaches, ponytail holders, and hair pins! Everything is handmade, and made from authentic materials. I must have one, so I'll post pics when I get mine---I haven't even picked from all of the amazing choices yet! These would be absolutely adorable for your 'maids hair, or as a cute gift for your gals!

Destination: Southwest Michigan {Fernwood Botanical Gardens}

2008-05-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

(photo copyright MONIKA PHOTO)

Another beautiful outdoor wedding location in Southwest Michigan! Fernwood Botanical Gardens is located on Range Line Road in Niles. Fernwood is a beautiful location for small, intimate weddings. Members are able to reserve an outdoor area and/or meeting room by calling the Visitors Center. The reservation fee, which can be found here, includes admission to all of Fernwood for your wedding party and a pre-specified number of guests (100 people maximum). Fees are based upon the total number of people attending the celebration, including bridal party, parents, and guests.

Thanks to Monika Caban of MONIKA PHOTO for supplying this beautiful photo! I met up with Monika for lunch on Thursday, to talk weddings and go over some of her work! She shared some of her beautiful photos with me, as well as some amazing albums she offers! She is such an open and genuine person, and focuses on the relationships and meaning of the day, to capture the "fleeting moments" of emotion that you will look back on so fondly! She's done a number of amazing outdoor {and indoor} weddings in Southwest Michigan and beyond, so if you're planning a wedding in Southwest Michigan, check her out!

Manage {Your Budget}

2008-05-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

(image source)

When planning weddings, I always have a budget to consider. Whether that budget be $15,000, $25,000, or $50,000, I have yet to meet a couple that doesn't have some sort of pre-determined idea of their personal spending limit. Determining the amount you have to spend may be the easy part, but sticking to that magic number often poses a challenge once you become inundated with couture gowns, custom stationery, and every must-have wedding trinket under the sun. It's easy to get carried away, and the longer you wait to set a budget, the more you will get pulled off track. So, first things first, sit down and determine how much you can spend. If parents will be contributing, ask them up front, and find out how much you can expect. You shouldn't assume on a contribution unless you've already discussed it {trust me, you'll be glad you did!}.

I found a great article called "Your Wedding Budget: 41 Ways to Save," which offers great ways to trim your budget, and keep things on track.

Here are a few tips::

Time Is Money
The most important money-saving issue is time. And the less time you have, the more likely you are to make rash decisions and thus compromise your finances. Give yourselves enough time to shop around for the best vendor prices.

Keep it Simple
Forgo the personalized accents; napkins and matchbooks alone can cost several hundred dollars.

Consultants Cut Costs
Hire a wedding consultant. You will undoubtedly recoup his or her fee with the sound advice he or she can provide about getting more or better service for your money.

Limo Limit
Don't get caught up in the idea that you need a wedding cavalcade to transport everyone to the reception. Limit the number of limos you use, or ask a friend with a vintage car to drive the two of you and book a mini bus or van to transport both the wedding party and your parents.

Read the Full Article.

Here Come the Brides{Melinda+James}

2008-05-11T12:00:00.002-04:00

Melinda+James are tying the not in the Michiana/South Bend area on October 10, 2009. I sat down and met with them last weekend, and they are such a cool pair. I love fall weddings, and am so excited to work on this one, with such a nice couple! They're planning a gorgeous fall motif with hues of burnt orange and other rich, deep accents. We will also work to carefully incorporate the couple's love of Halloween in a sophisticated and stylish way! We're working with Melinda+James from start to finish, so keep posted for updates on site visits, which are coming soon!

Stepping out {Las Vegas}

2008-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

Stella Event Design is headed to Las Vegas!
I will be out of the office Saturday through Tuesday, but will keep posting regularly! I will respond to emails when I get back! I love all things that shine, sparkle & glitter{like all of Las Vegas} so look for pretty pics when I get back!

Blog Love {Ritzy Bee Blog}

2008-05-09T12:37:00.005-04:00

(Laura Hooper Calligraphy)

The {Ritzy Bee Blog} is one of my favorites. Check out the great information they have posted on Wedding Invitations. They have great tips listed on wording etiquette, titles {ie. Doctor vs. Dr.}, all those envelopes, and more! If you're not already stalking this blog, add it to your list!

Here Come the Brides{Jenny+Ray}

2008-05-08T16:32:00.005-04:00

Time to meet another "Here Come the Brides" couple! Jenny+Ray are tying the Knot on 8.22.09 in the South Bend/Michiana area in Indiana. I met up with them a few months ago at the new Hilton Garden Inn on the Campus of St. Mary's in South Bend, and am so excited to get started on their planning! We are starting from scratch on this one, and will share all of the details as we plan the wedding from start to finish! Jenny has already decided on a beautiful color scheme of Lime and Navy with White accents---how fun and modern is that! Check out this fabulous inspiration board put together by April.

I am so excited about getting to share the start-to-finish details on these weddings, and am so grateful to all of the wonderful couples who were so excited to share with everyone!

Blog Love {Let's Eat Cake!}

2008-05-07T19:06:00.005-04:00

(Let's Eat Cake!)

Today I came across something I had to share! Melissa at Masterpiece Weddings is hosting her first National Fundraiser, in the form of a Wedding Cake competition to support St. Jude's Children's Hospital! Chef's and amateurs alike will have the opportunity to compete before Judges that include World Renowned Pastry Chef's, and celebrities on their artistic abilities, intricate designs, and taste! At the end of the competition, spectators will be asked to join in on the fun and taste the cake!

I couldn't be more excited about what an amazing event this is to sponsor such a fabulous organization! They are looking for donations of all sorts to make this event a reality---from decor and volunteers to monetary donations and celebrity judges. Check out their Wish List, to see if you can help!

If you're a fellow wedding blogger, I know Melissa would love it for this information to get passed on to your readers----perhaps they can help! To learn more about St. Jude's, click here.

Here Come the Brides {Kate+Mitch}

2008-05-07T15:02:00.005-04:00

Kate+Mitch both live in Chicago, and are planning a beautiful destination wedding in St. Joseph. Their ceremony will take place at Shadowland Pavilion along the beach and the St. Joseph River, and their reception will be at the beautiful Heritage Center in downtown St. Joseph.
Kate+Mitch are such a fun and sweet couple, and will be so much fun to plan with!

Blog Feature {Here Come the Brides!}

2008-05-07T13:30:00.003-04:00

( image source)

You may have noticed we have some new links in our Sidebar! I'm excited to start a new feature called "Here Come the Brides," which will feature posts specific to several couples who are currently working with Stella Event Design to plan their '08 and '09 weddings! We're starting out with just a few, and depending on how it works, we'll add more!

Starting today, I'll do a quick intro for one couple each day. As I post information about their planning, inspiration, etc., click on their link to follow along! You'll be able to follow each couple start to finish as they plan their big day! Perhaps you'll find a couple sharing your same color scheme, motif, or location! Each of the brides was nice enough to let everyone in on their planning, and I'm so excited to get some feedback as we brainstorm locations, flowers, music, and more! Stay tuned!

You Glow Girl! {Tanning Tips}

2008-05-07T10:36:00.005-04:00

It's May, and as the sun starts to shine, it's time to think about protecting your skin from the sun, and getting that pre-wedding glow for those wedding pics! If you're going to hit the tanning bed, now is a great time to get started for your summer wedding. Find a reputable tanning salon in your area that will help you to determine your skin type, and set you up on a gradual tanning schedule that will get you golden without burning you to a crisp!

To protect your skin, you can also go with a UV-free option. If you're thinking about a faux tan for the first time, it can be a little scarey! You'll want to weigh which option is best for you, from doing it yourself, to getting a professional application.

Check out this super helpful article from The Knot, to find out the pros and cons of all of the methods to making you a sun-kissed wedding goddess!

Southwest Michigan's Beautiful Beaches {Part 2}

2008-05-05T21:08:00.006-04:00

(click to enlarge)

Weko Beach is located off of Exit 16 (I-94) in Bridgman, Michigan. The city beach is the little sister of Warren Dunes State Park. It offers a beautiful stretch of beach, along with picturesque walkways and overlooks built into the dunes. Also on Weko Beach is the beautiful Beach House, which is available to rent for weddings and other events. The building is directly on the beach and has 3 walls of windows facing Lake Michigan. The building is unavailable from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Now you just have to pretend the dune grass is green and beautiful and the trees are full and lush!

Venues {Southwest Michigan's Beautiful Beaches}

2008-05-04T18:44:00.007-04:00

I get a lot of inquiries from out of town brides (many from the Chicago area) looking for outdoor ceremony sites in Southwest Michigan. Unfortunately, unless you are familiar with the area, or have the time to really do some investigating on your own, outdoor ceremony locations can be difficult to locate for a destination wedding (unless of course you're headed to a heavily travelled wedding spot such as the Caribbean).

Southwest Michigan offers some beautiful options for outdoor ceremonies. Kelly, one of my most recent brides, is from Chicago, and planning a destination wedding in Southwest Michigan. Since we'll have limited time to look at venues together, I snapped some photos this weekend of potential ceremony locations. I thought I'd share for any of you planning an outdoor destination wedding in the area!

This is a portion of Silver Beach, which is just South of the Pier on St. Joseph River. This particular spot is a path that leads down to a sculpture on the beach, with dunes on both sides. The sculpture on the beach would serve as a great focal point for a ceremony...almost like an altar space! This is a public area, so there would be no way to "reserve" it, so guests would probably need to stand. While there is a large stretch of beach to choose from on Silver Beach, this particular spot lends itself perfectly to having an aisle!

Shadowland Pavilion is just a stones throw away from the beach location shown previously. It's situated on a corner between the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. The lighthouse can be seen in the background, and the dunes line the south side. There is even a beautiful sculpture in the backdrop! One thing I love about St. Joseph is that there is sculpture everywhere! There's at least 6 different pieces along Silver Beach alone! The nice thing about Shadowland Pavilion is that is can be reserved, which means you are free to put up chairs, decorations, etc.! It can be reserved for 1/2 or a whole day, for a fee paid to the city. Also, in the case of inclimate weather, a smaller wedding could be brought up under the pavilion.

The John Howard Band Shell is located on the bluff of St. Joseph (the other 2 locations are below the bluff) overlooking the St. Joseph River. The band shell has nice new benches, which means no chair rentals if you're on a limited budget! Like the Pavilion, the Band shell can be reserved. There is street parking as well as several free parking lots within a block downtown. The band shell is on the edge of downtown St. Joseph, within blocks of all of St. Josephs adorable shops and restaurants.

Stay tuned for more outdoor locations coming soon!

Love it {Flowers}

2008-05-01T15:47:00.004-04:00

(photo by Studio306)

How fantastic is this bouquet? Such subtle color, yet so strikingly beautiful...

Contest {Sk*rt}

2008-05-01T15:24:00.003-04:00

(via Sk*rt)

We should just call it contest day today:-) I'm a little bogged down right now with sinus headache that's been ongoing since this morning, so in the hopes of not having to think, here is another contest I came across on my Google Reads. Sk*rt is holding a contest to find a new name. So head on over to their blog, browse the options listed so far, and add your own, if you're creative! And of course, there are prizes listed also!

Giveaway {at The Beautiful Garden}

2008-05-01T12:33:00.002-04:00

Stop by The Beautiful Garden Boutique Blog and leave a comment by Wednesday, May 7th to win $250.00 in jewelry! Above are some of my personal favorites. I personally love their vintage collection, which has a lot of simple earrings that would make beautiful bridesmaid's gifts!

Check it out {Bride's Cafe}

2008-04-28T14:53:00.006-04:00

(photo by Susan Bordelon)

I can't even begin to describe how beautiful the wedding is, featured today on Bride's Cafe. Stop over to check it out yourself! This amazing chandelier and these beautiful florals are just the start of some of their amazing and unique details!

(photo by Susan Bordelon)

Don't forget to submit your unique wedding picture (or idea) by Wednesday, for the unique wedding contest. We're looking for something unique you did for your wedding---a venue, favor, ceremony event, etc! If you are a bride-to-be, feel free to share your idea, even if your wedding day is still in the planning process! If you're a wedding photographer, coordinator or vendor, share a unique client wedding! Entries will be taken until Wednesday, and the winner of the KitchenAid prize will be announced on Thusday! Leave a comment with your unique idea, or submit your picture to jessica {at} stellaeventdesign {dot} com!

Q+A {Stella Event Design}

2008-04-25T14:45:00.003-04:00

A lot of people ask me about the "Stella" in Stella Event Design. Unfortunately, there is no Stella, just myself, Jessica. To clear things up, here are some quick facts and a little Friday Q+A with Me!

The Basics
Full Name: Jessica N. Pennington
Title: Owner & Event Designer at Stella Event Design
Office Location: St. Joseph, Michigan
Service Area: Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana, and Beyond!
Services: I offer customer packages, ranging from decor services and day-of coordination to several levels of full-service planning and hourly consulting. Assistance is also available for corporate, non-profit or social events!

Q+A {I did an email interview with Kelly Powers Photography a few days ago, so I'll include some of the great questions she asked me!}

Q: How did you get into wedding planning? What do you love about it?
A: I actually got into event planning first, back in 2002. I have always wanted to plan events, so i started by taking courses while i was at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I also worked as their special events intern for a year, which involved planning a lot of campus events for 100-2000 students, which really piqued my interest in planning. Through Grand Valley, I also worked with the event coordinator at a large law firm, to plan their holiday recognition party in 2004, for 300+ legal professionals at the Amway Grand. Helping with friends weddings, planning social events, and a few corporate and non-profit events, led to my desire to open Stella Event Design. Stella began as a dream in 2006, but was put on hold to plan my own wedding, and began officially in 2007. Currently I have mostly weddings booked, but would love to get back into corporate and non-profit events as the company grows in the future.

The thing I love the most about wedding planning is the sense of gratification you fell when you help someon plan such an important life event. i love being able to take someone's vision and dreams for their day, and help them turn it into a beautiful, successful event that really shines with their personality.

Q: Why "Stella?"
A: In Italian, Stella means 'star.' I felt it was a good representation of what someone should feel like at their event, whether they are the bride, the mother of the bride, a CEO hosting a client dinner, or an expectant mother at her shower. Whatever the role, I want people to be able to sit back and relax on their important day, and be a guest at their event.

Q: Why do you think it's valuable to have an wedding planner?
A: For a lot of people, it's a real challenge to pull together all of their ideas, and create an overall design that doesn't just look like a hodge-podge of pretty things. A wedding planner can help you pull together all of your ideas, and help to create an event that has a feeling of continuity. More importantly, a wedding planner can help you to coordinate the logistics of a wedding, so that you can relax and enjoy your wedding day. A wedding planner is also a fabulous resource to connect you with quality vendors that fit not only your style, but also your budget. A lot of people view a wedding planner as a budget-buster, when in reality, a good wedding planner can help you make the most of your budget and save you money in the long run.

Q: What is your favorite moment in a wedding celebration?
A: I have 2 favorite parts--the first, is the moment when the bride is waiting to go down the aisle with her father. It's so fun to see a bride so excited and giddy to go down the aisle--i think that is the moment when it hits most brides that 'this is actually happening!' The second, is when the bride and groom get ready to leave the reception, after everything has gone smoothly, and the night has turned out just as they had hoped. This is when all 3 of us get to look back and say, "we did it," which is a great feeling.

Q: Do you travel for weddings?
A: Yes, I am very willing to travel, to assist couple's with day-of coordination. Of course, because of travel costs (like these skyrocketing gas costs!) there would be a travel fee for events farther than 50 miles from St. Joseph, Michigan. If you're interested in assistance with events in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois (or maybe Mexico or Jamaica) I would be happy to help you with your planning needs!

Q: Favorite things to do in the spring?
A: Anything Outside! I love to grill with my husband---he does most of the grilling, but I love to sit outside with him and hang out when he grills up something delicious!

Q: What is one piece of advice you'd give to brides?
A: Stay organized! If you're planning a wedding on your own, the best thing you can do is to get a head start on things. Don't wait until the last minute, and make sure you're wrapping up any DIY projects several weeks before the wedding, so you can enjoy yourself! If you've got a wedding planner, let her worry about the details, and just enjoy your day!

Q: Any hobbies or guilty pleasures?
A: I am addicted to reading blogs! Both wedding and design related, I go through about 35+ each morning in my Google Reader. I also love home decor, and can't get enough of stores like Crate and Barrel, CB2 and Anthropologie. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, scrap booking, and being on the lake!

Contest {Unique Weddings}

2008-04-23T15:52:00.003-04:00

{1. Box Grater} {2. 4 piece silicone utensil set} {3. 5 piece garnish set}

{4. Rotary Grater}

Did you do anything unique for your wedding? I know some of you creative and crafty gals did! Perhaps you incorporated a family tradition....incorporated something old, something new, borrowed or blue, in a unique and creative way? Was your wedding location unique? Your favors? Maybe you did something completely against tradition, or something you've never seen or heard of before? Did you register for something completely off the wall?!

I'd love to hear about it! And if you've got a picture--even better! Just to make it a little more tempting (and because I've got bridal registries on the brain)...I'm going to pick 1 random winner from people who submit, to win one of the KitchenAid prizes shown above (your choice). These are some of my personal favorites from my own registry, and I love them! So submit a comment, or shoot me an email with your picture and information at jessica {at} stellaeventdesign {dot} com. I'll take entries for a week, and announce the random winner next Thursday! So send your pictures, tell your friends, and if you know someone who did something creative, feel free to share that, also!

Gotta Have It!

2008-04-23T10:46:00.002-04:00

I love the things we got on our registry...but, if I had to do it over, these are a few things I'd add. Which means now I'll just have to buy them for myself...twist my arm!

Wilma Dinnerware $3.95-$5.95 CB2, Dotty Cocktail Napkins $19.95 Crate&Barrel, Patisserie Cup and Saucer $18.00 Anthropologie, Stainless Steel Snack Bowls $10.95/$19.95 CB2, Amelia Espresso Cup and Saucer $18.00 Anthropologie, Art Class Pitcher $68.00 Anthropologie, Atlantian Pitcher $28.00 Anthropologie, Scala Bowl $49.95 Crate&Barrel, Oha Placemats $3.95 CB2

Numbers

2008-04-22T21:32:00.003-04:00

April at Blu.Sky had a cute post today about some of the numbers in her life, and asked people to share, so here are some of mine....

400......the number of days I was engaged
196.......the number of days I've been married
125.......the number of days spent planning the wedding I coordinated last weekend
43.........the number of emails I responded to today
34.........the number of blogs I read this morning
3...........the number of bridesmaid's dresses I've worn (how many do you have?)
1............the number of days til my mom's birthday
0...........the number of times I've cooked in the last month (I love to cook, I'm just too busy!)

Loving It {Uppercase Living}

2008-04-22T13:40:00.009-04:00

I got an email today from Kirsten, who is a rep for a company called Uppercase Living. Uppercase Living is a company that sells wall expressions (custom and premade) that are removable with no harm to your paint/walls (liken it to the consistency of painters tape). The only drawback is that once you remove it, you can't reuse it, so you'll need to make sure you know where you want it to go, and stay!I took a look at the site, and was so excited with what I found! Not only would these be fabulous in your kitchen, dining room, or bedroom, but they could be used a million ways for your wedding. You could use the expressions for creating a monogram and putting it on the dance floor, creating your wedding vows and having them on the walls at the reception hall, or use monograms for custom candle holders, chair backs, etc.. The possibilities are endless. The expressions can be ordered in any color, and some are even available in two-tone. The best part is their design center, where you can create your own custom design. If you'd like to login to the site and check out some of their products, Kirsten has been kind enough to supply the following information:

Demonstrator ID: 736674

Registration Token: FIELD

This will allow you to create your own username and password. Doing this will allow you to save any designs you create! If you'd like more information, or have questions, you can contact Kirsten directly at kirfield@hotmail.com!

Blog Love {Something Old, Something New}

2008-04-21T18:57:00.008-04:00

Always wanted to wear a designer gown? Perhaps you envisioned yourself in some Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, or Vera Wange splendor? Just a quick note to tell you to check out the post on Something Old, Something New about a new site called Bell'ancora! (I love Something Old, Something New, by the way, so add it to your google reader if you haven't already!)

This very exciting site allows recent brides to sell their once or never-worn gowns to future brides. Each gown is listed with pictures, size information, and even lists the original owner's measurements for more accurate sizing. Check out Something Old, Something New for more info, and check out Bell'ancora and start browsing for your designer duds.

Loving It {Lynn Lugo}

2008-04-21T16:08:00.007-04:00

If you're looking for bridesmaids dresses with flair and style (not to mention the oodles of customization options) then check out the line of maids dresses by Lynn Lugo. Her custom dressmaker option allows you to choose your style, color, and extra options such as special hems, ruffles, several bows, and straps.

(the Custom Dressmaker, coutesty of Lynn Lugo.com)

I took a turn at designing my own custom creation, and here is what I came up with. It's a strapless style in a shade called Autumn, with an Obi sash, and a flat hem trim. Not too bad for my first attempt at dress designing!
Lynn Lugo also offers some uber cute dresses that are a little less customizable (there are still an array of colors--and patterns!) but are still oh-so-cute!

(photo courtesy of Lynn Lugo.com)

Art{isan} in the Kitchen

2008-04-21T13:35:00.004-04:00

(board coutesy of Perfect Bound)

How beautiful are these KitchenAid Mixer-inspired boards?! I saw them this morning on Perfect Bound, and just couldn't help but to pass them along (there's more color options, so check out the full post for all of the beautiful boards!). I have a KitchenAid Artisan mixer myself, and it is one of my personal favorites off of our registry! Even though I'm not a big baker, I use it all the time in my cooking, and even use it to mix up boxed brownies for my hubby (totally do-able by hand, but much more fun in a high-tech mixer)! The new color options make it a must-have for any newlywed kitchen!

(board coutesy of Perfect Bound)

Gotta Love {Gobo}

2008-04-20T20:47:00.004-04:00

(photo courtesy of GoboMan)

I always see people posting about what they would do differently at their own weddings. I wouldn't do much different at my own (though there are a few small things) but I do wish I had done a custom gobo. Our reception site, The Heritage Center, had a beautiful balcony, which would have been perfect for projecting our monogram on a wall, or better yet--the dance floor!

Michele+Tim {Sneak Peak}

2008-04-20T11:22:00.008-04:00

I didn't get a chance to take a ton of pictures yesterday (due to being crazy-busy and all) but I did snap a few to capture a few details of the day. The whole wedding pulled together simple style, a lot of daisy details, and blue and yellow accent colors, along with a lot of personal touches that we added to the night to really express this fun couple's personalities. There are a ton of fun things I don't have captured, but will be sure to share once I get the sure-to-be-fabulous photos from Ben Pancoast Photography. Here's a little preview:

Some daisy details on the guest book table---you can't tell from this picture, but these vases are a beautiful light blue to tie in the yellow and blue theme, and were a great buy at Pier 1 for $3.99 each! Tip: Always remember to arrange your escort cards alphabetically! Your guest will appreciate it, and you'll avoid a traffic jam at the place card table!

The tables were inspired by a table the couple liked at a bridal expo, and turned out exactly as they had hoped. It took me about 5 hours to string this ribbon on all 40 tables (there was about 10 hours of total setup time for the reception alone), but it was well worth it for an affordable option to table runners. For really affordable ribbon (I bought over 800 yards for around $60, wow!) Check out B.B Crafts. The ribbon was great quality(double sided satin), and arrived in less than a week.

The tiered cake was made by Debbie Karsen, who unfortunately doesn't have a website, but did a fantastic job. The four tiered cake was alternating tiers of light yellow and light blue accents, and was absolutely delicious. And how cute is this cake topper? It was a perfect choice for this laid-back couple. All of the daisies used throughout the decor were provided by Sheri at Beikmann Floral in Niles. She was wonderful to work with, and the flowers were beautiful. Stay tuned for pictures of the girls bouquets!

The Groom's cake was also crafted by Debbie Karsen, to depict the groom's love of flying. His father is a pilot, and the groom is hoping to get his pilot's license soon! Their names and wedding date were scripted across the wing span. Speaking of delicious---the nights menu, provided by the Catering Department at the Vineland Center was absolutely scrumptious. The menu entrees included a raspberry chicken, beef with red arrow wine sauce (my personal favorite) and tortellini. The food was absolutely delicious (and not just by wedding-food standards, but a five-star restaurant quality). An excellent job done by Don Damron and his staff at the Vineland Center.

I can't wait to post pictures from Karaoke for a Kiss. We rented a karaoke system to be hooked in with the DJ's system. Guests were asked to Karaoke through dinner, in exchange for a kiss from the bride and groom. We had some pretty memorable performances, including a rendition of "My Girl (Michele)" sung by the bridesmaids, and dedicated to Michele, the bride. The bridal party also had score cards so that they could judge the performances. It was so fun to watch the bride and groom throw up their "10" sign through the night. Karaoke for a Kiss was so popular, we actually had to cut off the list of singers to start the dancing for the night! It was a very nice addition to this very personal event. The bride and groom hand-selected the songs to be used (we did about 8 different cds) and these are the song booklets we placed at each table---lovingly tied with ribbon by moi:-)

There were so many more fun and unique things done in this event, so stay tuned for official pictures, and more info on the bride's unique alternative to a traditional bouquet, their pre-dinner reception entertainment, and more!

Loving It {Estilo Weddings}

2008-04-16T21:15:00.002-04:00

I love Estilo Weddings. Great stuff over there, and if you haven't checked it out before, go take a look. They have everything from favors to a variety of oh-so-cute cupcake wrappers. Here are some of my favorite Estilo finds to tie in with the country inspiration board I posted. (all photos and products courtesy of EstiloWeddings.com)

Country Inspiration

2008-04-16T13:02:00.004-04:00

It's easy to make a ballroom look chic and classically beautiful. I love people who are brave enough to do a country-style wedding. It takes a very careful balance of casual and chic to pull off a classy, country-style wedding. Here is a little country-chic inspiration for all of you brave brides!Dress by Jacqueline Bridals, Jar favors pic by Ryan Prins Photography, The Blue Dress Barn, mini lanterns, Milk jar carafe by Three Potato Four (LOVE IT!), 'Scarlet' gown by Claire Pettibone, lilac centerpiece, Hot Cider Photo by Ryan Prins Photography, peony bouquet by Blake Floral Design

{DIY} Saturday

2008-04-12T23:32:00.008-04:00

Sorry, I've been a little MIA lately! Super busy with a wedding coming up this weekend, and I'm doing all the last minute details. This wedding has had a lot more DIY than I normally have with most weddings. I've designed everything from rehearsal dinner invites and decor to hotel info packets, table numbers, guest cards, etc! The whole wedding has been planned in less than 4 months (with a lot of focus on budget), so it's made for a very busy time! One of my projects this weekend was to finish up the information packets for guests staying at the hotel. About 80% of the guests are from out-of-state, so we really wanted everyone to have all the information they needed to feel at home for the weekend. The packets included directions to both the ceremony and reception, maps, listings for local favorites of the couple (for coffee, ice cream, dining, sunsets, shops, etc) and a special card inviting guests to run with the bride the morning of the wedding. We've kept everything very clean and simple to go with the couple's style. I think they turned out wonderful (and hopefully it's not just because I made them, lol!)

(yellow & blue cardstock, rectangle hole punch, printable sticker paper, large heart punch, paper cutter, printer, and ribbon)

I printed all of the info (front and back) onto yellow card stock. I then cut these into cards of different sizes to place in the packets. Each card was a different height, so that you could read the title of each one, so everything was easily accessible.
The packets were made of a 8.5x11 piece of blue cardstock, folded and cut to size. I punched holes with a rectangular punch (these leave a narrow opening which works great for ribbon)

I printed the hearts on sticker paper, and used a large heart hole punch. Tie on some ribbon, and you have a cute and functional guest booklet for your out-of-town guests! You could do this with any style of paper/printing to fit the style of your wedding, but ours was simple and sweet.

I expect to be scarce for the next week or so, but after the 19th hopefully I'll have some great pictures to share, so stay tuned----postings will soon be back to normal, and running as usual

Inspiration for Kate

2008-04-04T16:36:00.005-04:00

A very cute celadon and brown inspiration board put together by April at Blu.Sky.Designs, for one of my summer '09 brides.

Check out her blog for details on where to get all of these great finds!

Going Green

2008-04-01T20:45:00.006-04:00

(photo courtesy Uncommon Goods)

This is completely non-wedding related---but we all have houses, we all decorate, and we all make an impact when it comes to being eco-friendly. I stumbled across an awesome website today while doing a little centerpiece research, and just had to pass it along. Check out the Uncommon Goods website for some really neat decor made from totally recycled materials. They're Earth friendly and eco-chic! The above vases are made from 4 recycled wine bottles, and I pretty much have to have one!

This one was made from 2 different recycled wine bottles (for the vases) and recycled BED SPRINGS! This would be so cute on a picnic or patio table!

These coasters are made from recycled street signs....Not everything on the website is recycled--they also sell books, artwork, and other pieces, but they're eco-friendly vases and decor pieces are what really caught my eye!

Fake Cake Among Us

2008-04-01T19:17:00.003-04:00

I was going through my daily blogfest on my Google Reader today....reading through tons and tons of wedding blogs, as usual. I was reading a quite interesting little post on replicating your cake. Basically, this company will create a porcelain replica of your beloved wedding cake for $500 and up. Did I mention it's 5 INCHES tall? But I digress....this is what I found amazing....

She also mentioned in her post, that an alternative to this idea was renting a fake wedding cake from a company called Fun Cakes Rental. This is basically your "put out a fake styrofoam cake, serve your guests sheet cake" routine, except, you actually rent the cake. You basically pay them $100 for the cake, plus a $200 deposit for safe return, they ship you a cake (you pick the design, or design your own), it comes in a big wooden crate, and for the most part it is a big fake styrofoam cake, covered in fondant, with the look and feel of a real cake. On the website description is also says the cake has "a small container for real cake" inside. I have no idea what this means, but it sounds a lot like hiding real cake to trick people during the cake cutting/feeding. I'm stumped. So, to continue the shock, I went to the website and found out that this company is actually based outside of Grand Rapids; in Grandville, Michigan,where I used to live. Crazy.

Contrary to popular belief, a lot of bakeries now won't give you much of a discount if you ask for all, or some of your tiered cake to be styrofoam. I've been told it takes about the same effort to decorate the styrofoam, so there is very little discount as far as that goes. SO, if you were thinking of getting a styrofoam cake anyways, then check out Fun Cakes Rental. Personally, I loved my wedding cake, and I am probably one of those nuts that would immortalize it in a 5 inch porcelain statue, so I say go real cake. BUT, if you budget doesn't allow it, and you need a quick fix, check into this---they actually offer quite a few options, ship across the country and to canada, and are an economical solution to a cakey problem. Would you buy a fake wedding cake?

Another beautiful wedding tree option

2008-04-01T18:51:00.003-04:00

What can I say...I'm in a tree mood today! Here is another beautiful option for a wedding tree centerpiece. A lot less glitzy, but equally as beautiful, and much more natural. This would be beautiful with some flowers wired onto it, or as a simple centerpiece for a fall wedding. Add colored votives to tie in your colors. How beautiful would this look on a table at your outdoor reception?

Check out the Nettleton Hollow blog for step by step instructions on how to make this. They even show you how to create your own hanging votives and the total centerpiece cost comes out to around $50.00.

Crystal Wedding Trees

2008-04-01T15:43:00.007-04:00

Check out the Glitz-factor on this!
(brides.com, created by Geoff Howell)

I've been anxiously waiting to do this for one of my weddings! While I haven't found the perfect wedding to try this on, I am constantly looking for places to find the perfect materials to make these. So, I thought I'd share what I've found so far. There are so many options for these trees. You can use them as centerpieces, add lights (or don't) hang crystals, shells, or hang "wish cards" like the one shown below. These are also great for escort cards!
The best place I've found to buy branches is called Nettleton Hollow, and they offer everything from birch to Manzanita, in a variety of shapes, colors, and lengths.

For crystals, check out Cristalier. They offer beautiful crystals in strands, or by the piece, in just about every color you could want! Visit Cristalier to see more pictures of elaborate and beautiful trees, and check out the video from Cristalier that shows you how to make one of these gorgeous trees from scratch! I highly recommend this video---it's a little lengthy, but gives you every tip you could need from finding the perfect branches, adding strength to branches, and how to light them.

How To Make A Crystal Wedding Tree

Navy, Lime & Green Inspiration courtesy of Blu.Sky

2008-03-31T19:00:00.006-04:00

April at Blu.Sky.Designs made this awesome inspiration board for me. I love inspiration boards, and like to put my own together, also, but April always has fantastic boards, so I thought it would be fun to request some for 2 of my brides! Here is some Navy, lime, and white inspiration for my bride Jenny M, who's tying the knot in 09! I love the crisp, fresh look of the green!

(For detailed info on where to get this great stuff, and more of April's inspiration, check out her blog! It's addictive, so consider yourself warned!)

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 3

2008-03-27T08:56:00.001-04:00

Today is our 3rd and final installment of our Ryan Prins feature. He's been a really good sport, and a lot of fun to talk with, so today we'll look at the lighter side....

As I said yesterday, you'll be spending a lot of time with some of your vendors (especially those like your photographer and wedding coordinator) so make sure they're a good fit for you. They don't have to be your best friend (but wouldn't that be great!) but you do need to be able to work with them through out the day!

Part 3: Ryan Prins: Let's Talk Fun!

Jessica: I know there's lots of fun photography equipment out there, and every photog I talk to is oogling over atleast one new toy....you've got $1000 to spend...what are you buying?!

Ryan: If I had a grand in cash, free and clear, I would buy portable lighting equipment – flashes, soft boxes, umbrellas, and radio slaves. I have enough right now to get the picture, but would like enough to really get creative with it. Whatever little I might have left (stress “might”) I would blow on music. Ever seen the movie “High Fidelity”? That’s me.

Jessica: Okay, to wrap this up, share something fun about yourself, or something people may be surprised (or shocked?) to find out!

Ryan: I don't think there is anything that surprising about me, but I suppose that is because I know pretty much everything about myself! I suppose most people who meet me now would
peg me as an artsy-fartsy photo geek and would not guess that I was one of those guys always in jeans and a black band tee shirt, riding around on a skateboard, going to hardcore and metal shows. But it's true. I even played in a hard rock/metal band in college, was a snowboard instructor, the whole package. If you happen to catch me outside of a "professional" environment, I will probably be blasting music while still wearing one of those tee shirts. If you really want to make me happy, just ask me to go skateboarding, to a show or, best of all, to listen to my band's old album. I still love it all.

Alright, so that wraps up our very extensive, very fun interview with Ryan Prins. Big thanks to Ryan for making this a fantastic vendor feature, and having so much fun with it! If there is possibly anything left you'd like to know about him (did we not cover it all?) check out his website and blog. His work is amazing, and he's a great person, so take a look!

**All photographs copyright Ryan Prins Photography**

Spring Showers!

2008-03-26T09:43:00.003-04:00

It's my favorite time of year (almost). The flowers are getting ready to sprout up (once they make it through those few inches of snow) and soon the sun will be shining, and wedding season will be upon us! Along with weddings, it's also the time of year to start up bridal showers! If you're a bridesmaid, friend, or relative planning a shower this summer, don't forget to be creative! Bring in the bride's personal style, and think about what she would like. Also, remember to keep things bright and cheery to accompany the beautiful summer weather (we will hopefully soon have)! I saw this beautiful "Charlotte-inspired" torte on the Confections of a Foodie Bride Blog, which is absolutely awesome. And this torte is one of the prettiest I've seen---perfect for a spring or summer bridal shower, baby shower, or summer picnic! Check out the blog for a full recipe on how to make this masterpiece:-)

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 2

2008-03-26T08:01:00.008-04:00

Your wedding days success is largely resting on the shoulders of the vendors you choose to make your day happen. You'll be spending a lot of time with them on your big day, so you should make sure you carefully select your vendors, ask lots of questions, and read the fine print. You also need to make sure you're going to enjoy spending that very important day with them. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and get to know your local vendors a little better. Enjoy Part 2 of our Ryan Prins 3 part special!

Part 2: Ryan Prins-Let's talk Weddings!

Jessica:Tell me about your most memorable wedding, or event "moment."

Ryan: My most memorable wedding was the first couple that I had that gave me total artistic freedom. I had asked them what pictures they would like to do and they told me “whatever you think is best. You’re the artist, we’ll trust you.” Ahh, those are the words I love to hear. So we did just that. They did everything I threw out there and we all had tons of fun doing it. Not to mention, in the end, their pictures turned out to be some of the best I have ever shot. That is why I love being a photographer!

Jessica: You've attended a lot of weddings as a photographer---what is one piece of advice you'd give to brides?

Ryan: The best advice I could give to a bride would be to surround yourself with the right people and rely on them. The fact that you may be hiring Jessica is a good first step – a good wedding planner is invaluable! You will be planning over months for a single day. When that day comes, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing.
Having people you are comfortable with and trustworthy can mean the difference of a great day and a very bad one! At one wedding I shot, this very thing happened. The unity candle was left at home and the bride didn’t just tell a bridesmaid “please go get it.” She had to get it herself, since she was the only one who knew where it was. She was late getting back to the church, late getting ready and began the ceremony almost a half-hour late! This affected her mood for the majority of the day. You shouldn’t have to worry about the candle, the rings, the clothing, the schedule, if the photographer is getting the right shots, or even what time it is! You need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. Let your planner, photographer, friends and family do the rest for you.

Jessica: Most of my brides are in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. I know you are more than happy to travel down here for weddings, so tell me a few spots you've shot in the area. Any favorites?

Ryan: I have done some weddings in the Kalamazoo and Portage area as well as southern and mid Wisconsin. I can’t say I have a favorite place, as each location has different it’s own unique charm. I am partial to urban locations. The contrast between the gritty streets and buildings to that of a beautiful bride and groom in full dress and tux makes for great shots. But the best places are always the ones the couple and I find together spontaneously and just have fun at.

**All photographs copyright Ryan Prins Photography**

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography

2008-03-25T16:03:00.010-04:00

First, I have to say that I have had so much fun getting to know new vendors lately, and also getting to know some of the "regulars" a little better. Plus all the fun planners and fellow bloggers out there have been a lot of fun to connect with! I've been trying to make a real "push" these last couple of weeks to get my name out to vendors (some for the first time), and atleast say 'hi' to all the great people out there, before wedding season rolls around. I love the wedding industry---people are great, and so much fun! Speaking of fun...I would like to present the first in a new series (yes, here it comes Ryan)...

Stella Event Design presents....

Ryan Prins: A 3 Part Series. History Channel style, we'll take a 3 day look at Ryan Prins Photography. Ryan was a ton of fun to chat with, and being the Chatty Cathy that I am, I got a good dose of it right back at me, and I love it! Here is a little Q&A with this Grand Rapids-based Photographer!

Part 1: Ryan Prins-Let's talk Photography!

Jessica: There are a lot of different photographers out there with different styles. What 3 words would you use to descibe your personal photographic style?

Ryan: Fun, artistic storytelling.

Jessica: Ryan Prins Photography is your new personal venture, but you're certainly not "new" to photography. How did you get started, and where have you worked?

Ryan: I have always been into art. I took art classes here and there as a kid, but come Jr. High and High School, I began to get really involved in the arts. I was always in classes and entered into some local exhibits/competitions. It was in High School that I really got into photography. My dad had a Canon SLR and I would go out and experiment with it whenever I could afford film. After High School I took about a year off and worked as a graphic artist for a local company. I decided that graphic design wasn’t exactly my cup o’ tea, so went off to college (not for art, regrettably). While I wasn’t taking art classes, I kept drawing, painting and (of course) taking pictures. I was fortunate enough to meet local photographer and videographer John Pottenger of Coastline Studios while at school. After graduation, I began working with him and another photographer, Jen Kroll, extensively. I also began assisting Jim Powell, an advertising photographer in Kalamazoo. These photographers are quickly rising to or are at the top of their game. When you run with the big dogs, it’s either get good or get out! Needless to say, they have made a big impact on me and my work and really helped me grow. Now, after years of learning, helping, and shooting along side of them, I’ve developed my own perspective and style and decided it’s time to throw my hat in the ring. With photography, it is always a fun and wild ride!

Jessica: What are some of your favorite trends or techniques?

Ryan: I try not to be a “trendy” wedding photographer; look at a wedding album from the 70’s and you’ll get an idea as to why. But I am always trying to develop my art by learning from the past while trying to be cutting edge. My “something old” technique that I am picking up is medium format film photography shot with a Holga camera. It offers stunning picture quality with tons of character and can be just the right touch for certain moments. The “something new” technique is HDR photography (High Dynamic Range), which is a series of pictures merged together to pick up all the detail in high contrast shots (eg. sunsets).

**All photos copyright Ryan Prins Photography (of course!)**

Show them the Way!

2008-03-24T20:36:00.002-04:00

If you're having a destination wedding (or you have lots of guests coming in from out of town) remember to help your guests find their way around! Often, out of town guests will come into town early. Be sure to give them information on not only hotel accommodations, but also great dining locations, as well as local attractions! One of my favorite things is to make up a list of the couple's "Top 10" to include. Provide guests with your favorite upscale restaurant, burger joint, beach, and more! To make it even more personal, add your own stories, like the restaurant where you had your first date or the beach where you saw your first sunset together. Very cute, very personal, and it will help your guests to feel at home! It's also great to include maps to the ceremony and reception, information on salons, and places to entertain the little ones! Your guests came a long way to see you on your big day---show them how much you care!

Upcoming Vendor Features

2008-03-19T20:40:00.008-04:00

Aside from the wedding prep, I also chatted with several lovely vendors this week. Both photographers, actually. When it comes to web and blog stalking, photogs seem to be the easiest to find (and also the most chatty, which I love)!

First off, is Ryan Prins. Aletha posted some shots he took at her wedding (he was her second shooter, check out the great pics on her blog!) and I followed to his website--which is quite wonderful--to see if he travelled for my SW Michigan gals. He does! Look soon for some shots from his weddings in SW Michigan, including some additions to our barn feature I posted a few weeks ago! We got to email chatting, and I'm very excited to sit with him soon (perhaps from our respective computers)to do a little Q&A! I love chatting with people who are just starting up (though he's not new to the biz, just out doing his own thing now!). He sent me over some pictures to use for my website and blog, and I'm very excited to get them up, along with some others I've got in the works! Keep posted for some lovely photos gracing my website (which is badly in need of an overhaul---it was put up in November with the intention of more work, and got quite neglected after I took on this large wedding). So, stay tuned for more info on Ryan Prins Photography, and his experience in Southwest Michigan!

Second, is Monika Caban of MONIKA PHOTO in St. Joseph. I've been keeping up with Monika's blog for a few months(I love it because she posts lots of local pics from SJ), but since she doesn't have a comment option, I've remained a silent on-looker. Well, silent no more! I shot her an email this week, because she had a fabulous post about the history of St. Joseph as a destination wedding capital back in the day (think Vegas status) for couples from Chicago. She also had a great post about Trash the Dress, which I think is a fabulous new twist to wedding photography! I told her I wished I had done one after I got married. Her reply: "Not too late!" So, (providing my dress still fits me---married life has been very "healthy," lol) I am planning to do a complimentary shoot with her in early summer. I am oh so excited. Thank goodness I haven't cleaned my dress yet! She's looking for some interested gals, so if you are a recent bride (or will be in June!) check out her blog and shoot her an email! To learn more about Trash the Dress, check out Monika's blog!

What a week!

2008-03-19T17:52:00.002-04:00

Okay, so first off, this week is absolutely flying by! I've been neck deep in the finishing touches on my April 19th wedding (as a recap, this is my 500 guest wedding which we've been planning in less than 4 months!) This couple grabbed me the second I had my website posted (no complaints there!). I'm very excited the wedding is getting closer, but it is most definitely taking over my life in a more-than-normal way due to some strange circumstances. My normal work day usually consists of a substantial amount of "free time," but my partner in crime(aka my account partner who does 1/2 of the work!) has been out of the office the last 3 weeks with a leg injury, so I've also been covering her portion of the account, which has put me into extra hours I normally spend on my lovely wedding addiction. What a crazy mess. It has made for quite the month, and I'm very excited for her retun in a little over a week (feel better, Michelle, I miss you!). So I can go back to my cool, calm, and collected self. So I apologize to everyone who has suffered the rambling emails, hurried phone calls, or other mis-tended-to portions of my life. It's not you, it's me:-)Oh, and I had dental work done yesterday, which made my Tuesday a toal downer(I'm a total dental-phobic, you wouldn't even believe it!)

Green with Envy

2008-03-17T08:41:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!

(All photos courtesy of The Knot)

I found this beautiful chandelier pic (upper left) and decided to put together some more green inspiration in honor of the holiday! Stay tuned for green board verson 2.0 later this week, because there were so many great ideas for this board I really had to cut it down. I love how fresh and earthy everything looks! It makes for a bright, cheery motif that I just can't get enough of. I normally am not a big fan of green when it comes to clothes, etc (I don't own a single piece of green clothing!) but after digging up this picture, I just may change my mind!

Shoe Fetish

2008-03-13T21:05:00.006-04:00

Fancy Feet...

(all photos courtesy of The Knot)

From my daily picture-stalking on the knot. I love how people are expressing themselves in their weddings, even through the smallest things like their shoes! So why not go out and get a funky, fab pair of shoes for your big day!

My personal favorites are the low right hand gold encrusted heels!

Pretty in Pink inspiration

2008-03-12T21:50:00.003-04:00

Pretty in Pink...a few pretty pics from The Knot today...

(Photos courtesy of The Knot)

Blue Dress Barn Correction

2008-03-08T09:10:00.007-05:00

In my previous post on Barns, I had incorrectly posted that "no decorating" is allowed at the Blue Dress Barn, in Millburg, Michigan. I was given this information in error. You are actually welcome to decorate, you simply cannot nail into the walls at the barn! Thanks to Amy at the Blue Dress Barn for updating me on that information! Keep posted for a more in-depth posting on the Blue Dress Barn, and interviews with the barn's artist/designer owners!

Vendor Visit: BorterWagner Photography

2008-03-07T14:16:00.007-05:00

A week or so ago I sent out a quick "teaser card" to some area vendors I've been wanting to meet and learn more about, inviting them to contact me if they're interested in sharing their business with me, or learning more about my business. I'm looking forward to posting the good (and bad) as I come across it.

This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with Tina Wagner & Johnny Borter of Borter Wagner Photography. I had a chance to visit their New Buffalo studio (they also have one in Chicago) and not only look through their pictures (which are absolutely amazing) but also get to know them, and understand what they stand for as professionals. After an hour with them, it was evident that they are nothing short of some of the most passionate artists I have ever met.

They take their job as photographers very seriously, and are very dedicated to serving brides on their wedding day. Here is how they describe their style: "A mix of old school and new school, to create the school." Meaning, they embrace the finer points of traditional photography, along with digital photography, to create a unique "cinematic" style that captures the moment, and also captures and enhances light to make images truly amazing. I admit, I feel like I had a short tutorial on some of the finer points of photography today, and also got more insider advice on working in the wedding industry, which I very much appreciated! I am very excited to meet more area vendors in person to better serve my brides and meet their particular styles, and will keep everyone posted! If you have any particular favorites, leave a comment and we'll check them out!

If you're looking for a photographer (or just love art and beautiful imagery), check out their website, and if you're in the area, visit their studio in downtown New Buffalo.

Also, I discovered in my meeting with them, that the very beautiful photo I had posted of the Blue Dress Barn in my previous post was taken by BorterWagner (I didn't know--very embarassing!) on behalf of the Blue Dress Barn. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out---it's a beautiful photo, and a beautiful building.

Question of the Day? Yes, please!

2008-02-27T20:05:00.007-05:00

I decided I'd like to try out something new...I'm guessing I don't have many regular readers on this new blog, but who knows---let's give it a whirl!

Each day, I'm going to post the "question of the day," related to weddings (most of the time). Trends you love? Trends you hate? The best favor you've gotten at a wedding? Or seen in a magazine and wish you'd gotten? Worst wedding dress? Your favorite ice cream flavor?

You get the idea. Anyways, I hope everyone plays along, and leave a comment if you'd like to add your 2 cents to "question of the day." I promise to make it fun:-)

So...here's the first question of the day: What is one wedding trend you think is overdone, out-of-style, or just plain BAD? Do tell! (and if you have alternatives, let us know!)

Spotlight: BARNS, Part II

2008-02-25T19:36:00.006-05:00

For the "high-spirited" couples out there (yes you, with that glass of white zin)
may I offer this...
The Round Barn Winery is located in Baroda Michigan. Built in Indiana by the Amish in 1911, this barn was saved from demolition by Round Barn Winery’s Moersch family, who carefully took it apart and moved it to their Michigan vineyard. The lower level features the "Copper bar," which is exactly what it sounds like---a beautiful copper-topped bar! It's fully stocked with their private label wines and estate vodka (for the tastiest cosmo you will EVER have!). The second floor houses the dinner and dancing, and can accomodate up to 150 people.
The Vineyard also offers tented outdoor receptions, as well as outdoor ceremony locations.

Spotlight: BARNS..yes, I said Barns...PART I

2008-02-25T17:59:00.013-05:00

(Photo courtesy of BorterWagner Photography)

If you're not in, or near, a country area, you're missing out on a hot new wedding trend. One of the fastest growing hot spots for wedding receptions (and ceremonies) is far from the main stream reception halls of yester-year, or even the trendy "industrial-esque" atmospheres of recent popularity.

These aren't your ordinary barns:

(Thanks to friend & bride Molly Rea, for use of her beautiful wedding pics!)

This is the Blue Dress Barn in Millburg, Michigan (just outside of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor). The barn was orginally a dairy barn, owned by the House of David, which was a religious commune back in the early 1900's. It has since been lovingly renovated by artist amy briske and her husband. The barn can seat a maximum of 280 people, and offers a kitchen, bar, stage for live music, 3 balconies, as well as fire pits and a ceremony site. The Blue Dress barn is truly a unique and beautiful venue that you just have to see to appreciate! (I'm picturing some delicious cherries on the tables!)

(the outdoor ceremony location--behind the barn)

The barn books up about a year in advance (or sooner for the popular fall months!)

Check it out!

Just my taste!

2008-02-25T17:17:00.005-05:00

(photo courtesy of the winter edition of Martha Stewart Weddings)

What a cute idea! As appetizers, or souvenirs---Cherries will add a sweet touch to a beautiful summer wedding in Michigan! A few other ideas...put them in simple brown or white bags with your monogram, names, or a seal. You could also put cherries in smal mason jars, with fabric over the lids (ala grandma's canned fruit!) and of course, incorporate your wedding colors! Why not do the same with other bite size fruits like delicious michigan blueberries or strawberries! For a little splash of summer color, try out some queen anne cherries, which are a beautiful mix of yellow and red! Delicious!

Spotlight: Guest Books

2008-02-25T15:43:00.011-05:00

I came across one of the most unique "guest book" ideas today. It's a large floral arrangement shaped like a cake, and it's gorgeous! The bride and groom supplied guests with cards and pearl-tipped pins to attach their best wishes for the couple.

I love it! (photo courtesy of The Knot)

Here are some other fun guest books I've come across, including a guitar for guests to sign--Rock On with the awesome guest books!

April, April, when will you come!?

2008-02-24T22:56:00.006-05:00

Last night I met with my April 19th couple, Michele & Tim. For a quick bio on the wedding, they are having a very quaint 350+ wedding in St. Joseph, and we mailed out over 250 invitations last week! They are very laid back, and are adding a lot of very personal touches to their wedding, like "Karaoke for a kiss," (no clinking glasses---you have to karaoke for the couple to kiss!) and cocktail hour trivia to occupy guests while they wait for the bride and groom. It will be a lot of fun. The bride and groom are both physicians, which means the whole event is like a huge medical conference---I've never seen so many Drs on invitations, so hopefully no one in the SW Michigan area will be sick that day! But, that aside, they are so much fun, and such a sweet couple. We are down to just the final details, and I'm so excited for April to be here---I love wedding season!

How does a girl choose from ONLY 12 Dresses?

2008-02-19T21:35:00.003-05:00

Well, if you're Jenna Bush, they're not your ordinary 12 dresses! I saw this on another blog and thought it was quite interesting, so I'll share.

According to The Blue Orchid, "Twelve designers were asked to submit sketches of a wedding dress for first daughter Jenna Bush's upcoming May nuptials. The collection of results is below."
Personally, My favorite is #6, which I think is classy, but still young and fun like the young bride. Don't we all wish we had stylists preparing our "top 12" of personal wedding gowns!

Saturday at the Vineland Center

2008-02-19T20:55:00.003-05:00

Saturday I visited the Vineland Center in St. Joseph, MI to attend their grand opening. My first wedding of the season is taking place there on April 19th, but I had yet to see the facility set up for a wedding, as it recently opened late this fall. The owner, Don Damron, invited to me to stop by to tour the facility, and taste the food prepared by their in-house catering company, appropriately named "The Catering Department." Everything was wonderful.

In addition to taking in the beautiful decorations and great
food, I also got to catch up with a few of my favorite local
vendors. Sue Luther, from With A Twist! was on hand to serve up drinks to thirsty future brides, and was as friendly and helpful as always. If you haven't worked with Sue before, you are missing out, because she is so easy to work with, and her service can't be beat!

Also, I got to catch up with Dee Appleman of Dee's Specialty Cakes in Stevensville. Dee's created an absolutely amazing Nintendo-themed groom's cake for my October 6th wedding at the Heritage Center and it got rave reviews! If you're looking for a unique cake for your wedding cake or groom's cake, check out her website.

Blog on the move!

2008-02-19T20:47:00.003-05:00

I have decided to move the Stella Event Design blog from my old program, which was internal to my website, to Blogspot. I hope that Blogspot will be more verstile than what I had before (and user friendly) and will allow me to post pictures, which is something I was unable to do before! I have lost all of my old postings, and apologize, but hope you will stick around to read some new ones. These are the ramblings of an event planner and wedding addict.

2009 Calendar

2008-01-01T21:53:00.002-05:00

We are currently booking for 2009 wedding dates, as well as limited dates still available in 2008.
If you have any questions on 2008 availability, please contact us! The following 2009 dates are no longer available.

June 27
July 4
August 15
August 22
October 3
October 10