Showing posts with label Ann Arbor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ann Arbor. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

wedding photography - photojournalism

photojournalism.  what does it mean?  the AMAZING duo that is Jess + Nate Studios recently posted this on their blog and i thought it was the perfect explanation:


"We love a good photo journalistic engagement image. What does this mean? Aren’t most engagement images posed? Well yes, but our goal is to make them look like we didn’t!  We still love images where we can pick up the “feel” of the people around us while we were shooting a session. The image above is just that-a capture that we are really proud of. A man looks over his shoulder to catch the pose we put our clients into, while a kid on his dad’s shoulder is pointing towards the couple to the far right. So much going on in this image beyond just our couple having a moment. Images like these are one of the reasons we do what we do. To create a feeling with the beautiful images we capture of the couple as well."

thanks jess + nate for explaining it with such perfection!  xo

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dessert Table by Domestic Arts

We celebrated my daughter's 2nd birthday party on Sunday and boy did we have fun!  She wore her pink princess party dress with a cupcake on it and boy did she look cute (but I'm not biased or anything) ;)


Tanya from Domestic Arts (custom cakes & sweet things) made Kennedy's birthday cake & cupcakes to go along with it.  Think strawberry cheesecake, lemon, chocolate, and my favorite...coconut mango!!!


One (of the many) things I love about Tanya is that she has chickens on her property and uses her own eggs in all of her baking creations - so eco-friendly!


Tanya completely exceeded my expectations - I gave her creative freedom with just a basic theme and look what she did...


Tanya - I cannot thank you enough!!!!! <3 <3 <3








courtney@petalsplanningco.com
www.petalsplanningco.com

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Engagement Pictures | Calynn Berry

We are so excited to coordinate Karen & Zvonko's wedding on June 11, 2011 at the Palazzo Grande!  All you Michigan State grads may recognize the back drop of this shoot - Karen & Zvonko met while attending Michigan State as undergraduates...they met at the mailboxes and the rest is history :)


 We get to work alongside some fabulous vendors at this wedding including photographer Calynn Berry - you can see more of Karen & Zvonko's engagement session on her blog by clicking here. Thank you for choosing Petals Planning to coordinate your wedding!









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

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Engagement PIctures | Heather J

We are thrilled to be working along Heather Jowett, owner of Heather J Photography to coordinate Helen & Paul's wedding this July!  They will be married at Cobblestone Farm over the holiday weekend - thank you for choosing Petals Planning to coordinate your wedding day :)






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

Monday, May 23, 2011

Day of Coordination (Behind the Scenes)

I knew we had done our job right when the mother of the bride said to me "It is so nice not to have to think about anything!  Thank you."

When we are hired for coordination services our goal is to ensure a stress free day for EVERYONE involved in the wedding from the bride to the bridal party, the mothers, fathers, grandparents...and all the guests.

For Megan & Nathan's wedding I attended the rehearsal the night before.  This allows me to meet the bridal party and the families and begin to establish relationships with them so they feel comfortable coming to me if they need anything the day of the wedding.  This is a key element in providing excellent coordination services for any wedding.

The day of the wedding my two assistants went to the Gandy Dancer to begin set up and I met Megan, Nathan, and the bridal party at First Congregational.  I set out the ceremony programs and guest book, helped the flower girl into her dress, and floated between the brides room and the grooms room to give time updates and let them know the schedule for the foreseeable future.  I connected with the limo driver to give him a schedule update for the afternoon, made sure each bridesmaid had kleenex in her bouquet, and lined up the girls and walked everyone up the stairs for their entrance into the ceremony.  After the ceremony I bustled Megan's dress and worked with the bridal party to hand out bubbles to all the guests for Megan & Nathan's departure.  I then gathered the guest book, leftover bubbles, and cleaned up the brides room so that the girls could easily gather their belongings on their way out of the church.



We had a very tight time line for pictures, so I helped round up family members and assisted the photographer gather the necessary people for pictures so they could quickly leave the church and head out for pictures around Ann Arbor.

I then left for the reception where I helped Megan hand out final vendor payments, and lined up the bridal party for their formal entrance into the reception.  Together with my assistants, we made sure the following events happened on scheduled: cake cutting, toasts, prayer, dinner, and dancing.



Nathan's family was handling clean up at the end of the night, so we were able to head out a little earlier than usual.  Overall it was a great day!  Thank you Megan & Nathan for letting us be a part of it!

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

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Rehearsal Dinner in Downtown Ann Arbor | The Original Cottage Inn


A few weeks ago I did a post on Vinology as a fabulous option for a rehearsal dinner in downtown Ann Arbor.  Another great option, and one that is a little more casual, yet very unique to Ann Arbor, is the Original Cottage Inn

Located right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor's State Street shopping are, Cottage Inn offers a great Italian menu and a low-key, laid back atmosphere.  It is also right next door to First Congregational Church, and across the street from St. Mary's, making it very convenient for you and your guests to walk on over after the rehearsal.

There are two main areas where your rehearsal dinner could be held, either upstairs on the top level in a banquet room, or downstairs in the basement (where the UM hockey team celebrates and eats post game).  We used the banquet room upstairs for the celebration of my daugher's baptism and the basement for my mom's surprise 50th birthday party. 



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

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A Girl In Love Photography - Melissa Squires

In my previous blog post I mentioned how amazing the wedding industry is in Ann Arbor, and how lucky we are to be surrounded by such talent.  One of my new found friends and favorites (although it feels like she has been a friend forever) is Melissa Squires of A Girl in Love Photography.  Melissa is not only an amazing artist, but she is so down-to-earth, real, and I just love, love, love her to pieces!  It is so important in the wedding industry to continue to be inspired and keep the passion, and Melissa is one of those people who continuously inspires me and keeps me passionate about designing, planning and coordinating weddings!  We have our first (hopefully of many) weddings together in May of 2012 and I can't wait!  Instead of her answering the typical questions you see in many blog posts, I asked Melissa to send me a few of her favorite images and explain what went on behind the camera and why they are her favorites...I think it says a lot about an artist and photographer when you know what they were thinking as they snapped a shot.  Take a look - I know you will fall in <3 like I have :)

Sara and Dan - this was at the Detroit Yacht club and we wanted to do a few night images (I try to do one with the cool dramatic light each wedding if possible) and I kept wanting to use the display they have in the middle of the lobby even though I thought it was a bit crazy...so Sara and Dan just kinda hung out on the other side and we lit it from behind.. I told them to just enjoy themselves...they were kissing and it came out magical!

Lexi and Brendan - the wedding ceremony was over, we had done portraits and they were ready to just take a few moments alone before the reception...I was peeking in and saw them by the window and they were there together talking and enjoying each other, maybe talking about the day so far and I thought, this is what getting married is about, I love that they didn't even realize I took the photo.

Jenay and Michael... I think that we all want to be beautiful and glamorous.  I think it's most important to photograph women as their own beautiful selves and not try to make them into someone else's image...I love that when I asked if she minded getting down in the grass in her dress she cried "of course not" and she just turned on her amazing smile.  I wanted to capture her and her natural beauty and I think we did just that :) 

Rhona and Justin were married downtown Detroit, this picture was taken while we were getting ready. It's my favorite formal shot ever because, well, look at it, how awesome the family is!  I love that the dad's getting the little one ready and I love that while Justin is talking to one of his groomsmen Rhona is looking right at the camera, still, calm, peaceful, totally in the moment and enjoying the fact that she was just married to the one she loves more than anything. My second shooter and also amazing husband shot this, I love that while I'm doing something he can be capturing something and go totally unnoticed because everyone is focused on what I'm doing!


Sharon and Gerald - this image was in the most recent Brides Michigan magazine and I love that they ran it big! I think that if there is dancing at the reception then I want to get images that show the energy and the party and this image is one of those. I love that she is just letting loose and enjoying herself and the music and I love that I caught it.

Thank you Melissa for sharing your thoughts so openly and candidly with us!  Melissa's wedding packages start at $3,200 for six hours of coverage and includes an engagement session, wedding dvd with high resolution negatives and copywright, a portrait booth at reception, a second shooter, and same day 4 image film folio.

You can visit Melissa's blog here - trust me, it is addicting!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://petalsplanningco.blogspot.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!


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

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Engagement Pictures - Imagine Three Photography

We have been honored to help Megan & Nate with their wedding planning.  We helped Megan select her Ann Arbor ceremony & reception venues which you can read about here and here.  We've kept in touch with her along the planning process and are so excited to coordinate her wedding in Ann Arbor on May 7th!!!  Whitney from Imagine Three Photography was kind enough to share some of Megan & Nate's engagement pictures:




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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Ann Arbor Rehearsal Dinner - Vinology: The Bubble Room


We often work with couples who live outside of Michigan, but who have ties to Ann Arbor through family, friends, school, or other reasons.  One of the more consistent questions we are asked is to recommend places for a reherasal dinner.  Therefore, I thought I'd start doing some blog posts on some fantastic rehearsal dinner options in downtown Ann Arbor.  First up...Vinology.  Vinology is a wine bar that serves mainly small plates.  Their food is delicious and their wine is top notch.  We are working with a couple who are planning their fall 2011 wedding at the Ann Arbor Art Center and who have booked their rehearsal at Vinology.  With the exposed brick, bubble style lighting, and modern decor, the aesthetics are a perfect fit to start their wedding weekend off on the right foot!  The Bubble Room can seat 80 people reception style and is the perfect location for a rehearsal dinner or small wedding.



Thursday, January 20, 2011

Misty Farms - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Misty Farms is a relatively new event venue in Ann Arbor and it has taken off at the speed of light.  As of last week there were only 3 dates left for 2011.  Misty Farms is a gorgeous wedding venue, and is also able to transformed into whatever you want it to be.  We coordinated Sara & Trevor's wedding at Misty Farms last summer and are looking forward to our 2011 weddings there. 

Contact Kelly Frutig at 734-355-3543 for pricing details.


Below are some pictures of Misty Farms taken in July by the fabulous photographer Amy Carroll:









Monday, January 17, 2011

The Gown Shop in Ann Arbor! - DETAILS



1. Who are you and how did you get into this business?


I am a woman on a mission to bring sophisticated frocks & an intimate bridal experience to Southeastern Michigan & Northwest Ohio. My inspiration comes from years of loving fashion and growing up loving all things with frills & sparkles! As a young girl and teenager, I danced for a Toledo dance company – my passion has transitioned into helping women finding their dream gown in the last ‘dress rehearsal’ before one of the most special days of their life.




2. What type of dresses will you be carrying? What are the price ranges and will you also be carrying bridesmaids dresses?


The Gown Shop is starting with a collection of four different designers from across the country: Modern Trousseau, Amy Kuschel, Carol-Hannah and Fancy NY. The Gown Shop’s range begins at $1000 with the nontraditional gowns, short or tea length styles, and can reach up to $4500 with the more traditional silhouettes. At the current time, we will not be catering to bridesmaids dresses – I wanted to focus specifically on the bridal experience.




3. What are your store hours? Are you open to the public or by appointment only?


The Gown Shop will not have specific store hours – rather specific appointment times. The shop is strictly by appointment only, to once again ensure that each bride has the experience they deserve when finding their special gown.




4. Where are you located downtown? Where is the best place to park?


The Gown Shop is located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor at 122 South Main Street, Unit 302 between Washington & Huron. There is metered parking on the street, as well as a number of parking lots and structures within a block or two.




5. What sets you apart from the other bridal stores out there?


The Gown Shop has a ‘shabby-glam’ approach that makes one feel cozy and at home, while delivering sophisticated frills that no girl can resist. We have the experience, romantic gowns and adorable designers that will make you swoon.




6. Any additional information you would like people to know?


A bit of advice for your shopping trip on that day: When it comes to wardrobe, it is best to wear nude undergarments on the day of your appointment – if one feels more comfortable wearing a body shaper, more power to you! Remember an associate will be in the fitting room with you to assist you into the gowns, so leave the flowered granny panties and neon pink bra at home for the day. Who to bring? -Only a few of your closest family & friends, those who respect your vision for your big day look!




7. How do you take your coffee?


Skinny Mocha – depending on the day, extra shots of espresso. That’s been happening a lot lately!

A HUGE thank you to Nicole Ladonne for the amazing pictures!

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

Sunday, January 16, 2011

New Bridal Shop in Ann Arbor - The Gown Shop!

There is a new bridal shop in Ann Arbor!  Stacy, the owner of "The Gown Shop" located at 122 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor is now taking appointments for February 2011!  I am so excited about not only this new shop, but the location downtown - woohoo!  Make sure to call Stacy at 734-834-4696 or email info@thegownshopannarbor.com for an appointment.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Get Married at the Big House!!!

"Say 'I do' in Maize and Blue"


Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon sees your special day in a very special maize and blue way. "We have fans and alums who would love to get married on the Block M," Brandon said of the famous logo at the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium.

"Can't you see the wedding procession coming out of the tunnel, under the M Go Blue banner? You have folding chairs set up on the field, you get married on the Block M, and everyone comes up the tunnel, then up the elevators, and you've got all these spaces up here (in the suites). You could have a reception for hundreds of people up here."

Brandon plans to hire an individual who will market Michigan Stadium weddings and parties. That person will set the price for the special events.

Currently, U-M diehards can tie the knot at the Michigan Union and the Michigan League. The Union has spaces that accommodate 10 to 400 guests while the League has a ballroom that can hold 300 guests. There are a variety of reception packages appropriately named, "Something Blue," "Maize and Blue package," and the "Victors Valiant package."

Hosting a wedding and/or reception is not unheard of at college or professional stadiums, particularly with the proliferation of renovated venues and the addition of luxury suites.

Illinois' Memorial Stadium has been the site of wedding ceremonies with receptions in the Colonnades Club on the third level of the stadium's west side. Rental for the club is $2,500.

The University of Utah also hosts receptions in the Varsity Room of the Rice-Eccles Stadium Tower for $2,200 (not including linens and catering, among other things).

Professional stadiums offer suites for wedding receptions. The Patriots' Gillette Stadium can host 100 to 2,000 guests, and Busch Stadium, where the St. Louis Cardinals play, offers a $4,750 package that includes a ceremony at home plate and scoreboard and sound system usage.

Brandon, a former U-M football player and a CEO for two decades, is an idea man, a forward thinker who knows that while seven or eight home football games is the reason Michigan Stadium even exists, there could be much more. So much more.

"To families, individuals, corporations who would have an interest in using them for events that would be special," Brandon said. "This stadium is one of the assets we have.

"We have this beautiful structure that's being used predominantly seven days a year. If we can come up with occasional opportunities to host other events that will draw the attention of folks and will be interesting and fun and financially viable, we'd love to do it."

While he was CEO of Ann Arbor-based Domino's, Brandon said it was always a struggle to find a large enough and unique area to host events. He said the company often had to take functions to Detroit.

"We think you could put on some interesting unique corporate events," Brandon said. "We are very open to that."

Brandon said that once renovations to Crisler Arena and Yost Arena are completed, those facilities also will contain "a lot of really cool, interesting spaces" that could potentially host events.

Who wants to be my first client to get married at the Big House???? :)





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

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Featured on ONE WED!

It's a good day!  You may remember the post we did on Sara & Trevor's wedding reception at Misty Farms in Ann Arbor...here is the follow up from that wedding!  Not only did we have the opportunity to work with one of the most fabulous photographers of all time, Amy Carroll, but she submitted her photos of one of OUR weddings to One Wed!!!!  You may click on the title of this post to be taken directly to the feature on One Wed...below is a little peek of the goodness...



Thanks again AMY!!!

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

Monday, July 26, 2010

Boudoir Photography




We have been blessed to get to know photographer Emily Tishhouse, owner of Emily Kay Photography, over the past couple months.  She is an outgoing, hard working, driven lady, and one of the many services she offers is boudoir photography.  What a great idea for a girls night out or a bachelorette party!!!  After several conversations and a tour of her studio, I was interested and had some questions.  Emily shares her answers here, on our blog:

What is boudoir photography?

Boudoir photography can be interpreted in many different ways. For some, it is fun and flirty, and for others it is moody and sensual. It can be high fashion or old-fashioned pin-up. A lot of people think you have to get half naked and wear lingerie for boudoir photos, but that isn’t necessarily the case. You can wear a sassy dress with your favorite heels, or opt for cute pin-up photos in your hubby’s dress shirt and tie. It really depends on your personality and what kind of look you are going for. One thing that is uniform is the way it makes a woman feel empowered and beautiful no matter their shape or size! My goal is for you to leave feeling gorgeous and confident about your body and yourself as a person!



How did you get started doing boudoir photography?

Last year I got an email from a woman who was looking for boudoir photos as a gift for her husband-to-be, and that got me wondering how many other women in my state were looking for the same kind of thing. I did some research and found that the demand was high, and there were very few studios in the area that were specializing in boudoir photography. I did a few shoots with my girlfriends and realized that boudoir was something I definitely wanted to pursue! I love helping women feel gorgeous and comfortable with their bodies!

Where do the girls get their pictures taken? Do they need to bring their own lingerie or clothing items?

Boudoir Chic shoots generally take place in my home studio where I have multiple sets designed specifically for boudoir, but I do give my clients the option of shooting in a hotel of their choice. The hotel room is not included in the cost of a session, but it can be a fun mini romantic getaway if you leave a note for your significant other to meet you at the hotel after your shoot.

I have a wardrobe with a selection of lingerie items and a collection of shoes size 6-10 for my clients to use if they wish. That being said, I do encourage my clients to bring their own items that they feel confident in so that they are guaranteed to have something that fits them very well for the shoot! Most of my clients bring 3-4 of their own outfits; that way I can help them decide which outfits they will wear with each set when they arrive.

How many people do you need to have boudoir party? Is there a maximum number of people?

The minimum number of women for a boudoir party is four and the maximum is nine. If a client organizes a party with four friends she will get her session for free, and if she organizes a party with eight friends she will also get her boudoir album for free. Boudoir parties are great for birthday parties and bachelorette parties!

How much does it cost?

My private boudoir collections range from $400 to $2,000, and each collection includes an album uniquely designed for each client. Our packages also include snacks and beverages before the shoot and a same day proofing session. Both of our high-end sessions include hair and make-up at Salon Vox in Ann Arbor. Hair and make-up can be added on to any of the other sessions for an additional cost.

The cost for Boudoir parties is $150 per person, with a minimum $150 product purchase per person. Included in the cost of the session are the following: snacks, beverages, hair and make-up, and a viewing party 2-4 weeks afterward.

How long will it be until I get my pictures back?

If you book an individual session you will see your proof images on the day of your shoot, and your fully edited images (airbrushed and ready to print) will be available for viewing two weeks later. If you have a party your proof images will be available 2-4 weeks after your session and we will schedule a date for you and your girlfriends to come in together for a viewing party.



How far in advance do I need to book?

Session must be scheduled at least one month in advance. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with me before you book, so that we can chat about your ideas and goals for the shoot and get to know one another! If you need the images for a special event, I recommend booking your session for no later than a month before the date you need the images by (it takes about a month to edit images, design the album, and have your order printed).

Will my pictures be put on a public website for everyone to see?

All of my clients sign a model release form granting me copyright and the ability to use the images for promotional purposes. HOWEVER, I never use any images without your expressed permission! All of the images on my website are of women who have granted me permission to use the specific images for promotional use. If a client decides that they do not want any of their images on the website/used for promotional purposes, then I do not use them.

How do you take your coffee?

In the summer I like my coffee iced, with cream and a bit of raw sugar. In the winter I usually opt for hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.

Click here to view Emily's website
Call Emily at 734-335-0357
Email Emily at emily@tishhouse.com