Petals Planning Company: A Boutique Wedding + Event Planning Experience: Abby Rose Photography

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Monday, March 7, 2011

Networking...It's what we do!

Ann Arbor is full of amazing wedding industry vendors - from bakers to photographers, planners, florists, caterers, we are so blessed to be surrounded by an AMAZING group of inspiring and talented people. We recently had an opportunity to attend a new networking group that is based in Ann Arbor and it was so much fun! The extremely talented Abby Rose snapped some shots of the evening. The meeting was held at the Quarter Bistro, a great place for a rehearsal dinner or morning after brunch! Abby took the following picture - Lyndsay is on the left, and I (Courtney) am on the right.

Lyndsay is my right-hand gal and will be assisting me while I am on maternity leave in April. She also plays a key role in our upcoming events this year helping me with design and decor, and the overall organization of the events...she is a keeper!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Hiring a Wedding Band or DJ

After the engagement the first steps I always recommend to my clients are creating the guest list, selecting ceremony and reception venues, and hiring a photographer and videographer, as these are the vendors that are booked up the earliest. After being turned down by all my favorite DJ's because they are booked for my sister's October 1, 2011 wedding, I now feel as though securing a DJ and/or band is also a crucial step at the start of the wedding planning process.

A great wedding band or DJ can truly make a world of difference. We have worked with great bands and DJ's and ones that are not so good. What makes one DJ better than another? One word....cheesiness (is that a word? It is now ;)) A great DJ is reliable, professional, and articulate. They will be the ones announcing the entrance of the bridal party, the cake cutting, the toasts, etc. so it's important they know how to pronounce all the names and actively participate in the line up of the bridal party.

A great wedding band is extremely entertaining, knows how to energize the crowd, draws everyone to the dance floor, and can rock out any genre of music from motown to hip-hop and everything in between. They should have music that covers their breaks, are typically booked for a 4 hour time slot and can range in price from $2,000 - $10,000 depending on the band.

The BEST wedding DJ's and bands are booked far in advance, as we've been learning by planning my sisters wedding this October! I highly recommend securing them ASAP. Who are the best you ask? This is by no means an extensive list - but some of my favorites:

DJ Mary Ann Ross - http://www.maprodj.com/

Music Box Productions - http://www.mbproductionsinc.com/

Intrigue - http://www.intrigue-online.com/home.htm

Simone Vitale Band - http://www.simonevitaleband.com/

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Flower Girls

I didn't have a flower girl in my wedding, but my daughter has been asked to be a flower girl in my sister's wedding and I am SO EXCITED! There are so many fun & unique ways to make the flower girl stand out and be cute, yet stylish and unique. Below are some of my favorite details I have seen incorporated into the the attire of the flower girl:

How adorable is this hat?????!

Who says a pillow is just for the ring bearer?

Love the uniqueness of this seersucker flower girl dress along with the matching hair bow!

Love the colored sashes as a touch of color on these cuties!

A flower girl in a tutu? Yes please! Love the flower detail and the jewel adorned sandals worn by this girl:

And last, but not least...the flower girl getting ready with the "big girls" - melts my heart <3

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Ceremony & Reception Venues in Ann Arbor & Metro Detroit

I recently mentioned that my sister is engaged!!! She lives out of state and was home over Christmas so we have hit the ground running on trying to find the appropriate venue for her ceremony and/or reception. Here are her requirements:

1. Time of year: July - December 2011
2. Approximate number of guests: 225
3. Ceremony does not have to be in a church. She is open to a hotel, outdoor ceremony or traditional church ceremony as well
4. Location: Ann Arbor & Metro Detroit
5. Budget: TBD

The places we have looked are:

Travis Pointe Country Club - Ann Arbor

University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)

Henry Ford (Lovett Hall) - Dearborn

EagleCrest Marriott - Ypsilanti

Royal Park Hotel - Rochester

*Photo Credits to Abby Rose Photography and The Shooting Gallery*

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Grooms Socks (Part Deux)

I recently did a post on some really cool grooms socks - a super cool trend that shows off the personality of the groom and puts a personal touch on the day. Take a look at some of the great ways photographers are able to capture this detail of the day:

Photo Credit: Abby Rose

It's not just about the socks...but the shoes too! :)

Photo Credit: Wendy Martin Photography

Photo Credit: Amy Carroll Photography

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of our family, friends, and clients a very Merry Christmas!!!! I will be spending lots of quality time with my husband and daughter over the next 10 days and will be slower than usual to respond to emails.

No matter what your age or life situation, it is my hope that you truly enjoy the rest of 2010!

The follow series of photos by the fabulous Abby Rose just touch my heart and are a great reminder to enjoy all the seasons of our life :)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Real Wedding 2010 ~ Vicky & Paul ~ Michigan Union

Vicky & Paul contacted me about a month before their wedding to inquire about day of coordination services. I am so thankful I had the day open for them, they were so much fun to work with and their wedding reception rocked the Michigan Union all night long! Vicky & Paul planned their Ann Arbor wedding all the way from New York, so we spent a lot of time emailing back and forth before finally meeting in person! They are such a great couple, who are so in love, and it was such an honor to be a part of their special day! Below are a few pictures captured by the fabulous Abby Rose. Click here to see the rest of these amazing pictures!

Vicky and Paul had a sweetheart table set up right by the stage where the DJ was. They were so sweet and looked so cute all night long!

Reception Coordination: Courtney, Lyndsay & Caroline - Petals Planning Co.
Ceremony Venue: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Reception Venue: Michigan Union - Rogel Room
Photographer: Abby Rose
Chiavari Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rental
Flowers & Linens: Flowers & More
Cake: French Confection

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Michigan Union

A couple weeks ago we were contacted by a lovely couple who have hired us to coordinate their reception at the Michigan Union. As soon as I heard the words "Michigan Union" my heart smiled. I love most ceremony & reception venues - especially those here in southeastern Michigan. However, the Michigan Union & the Michigan League hold a very special place in my heart. I grew up in Ann Arbor - and as anyone from Ann Arbor knows, the University becomes a part of your life...the downtown scene, hockey games, football games, frat parties...I mean... ;)

The Michigan Union (and Michigan League) hold so much history. Not only are they gorgeous on the outside, but they are beautiful inside and full of rich architectural details. Here are some pictures that showcase their beauty:

It wouldn't be a complete "Michigan" picture without the infamous blue bus! Even the kids love the Michigan Union ;)