Vendor Feature {Kelly Powers Photography}

(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!

Destination: Southwest Michigan {Fernwood Botanical Gardens}

(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!

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 3

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**

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 2

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

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!)**

Upcoming Vendor Features

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!

Vendor Visit: BorterWagner Photography

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.

Spotlight: BARNS, Part II

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

(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!

Saturday at the Vineland Center

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.