weddings at planterra

i met with one of our 2012 brides today at her wedding venue....planterra.  planterra is located in west bloomfield near 14 mile & drake and is a stunning venue for a wedding.  it is an indoor conservatory and retail store that is full of amazing things from old vintage birdcages to rare pencil cacti.  


planterra is not air conditioned and therefore has the best temperature control from september through may, making it an ideal location for a winter wedding.  the space can accommodate up to 200 guests and the floor plan options are endless.  the facility has bathrooms and a bridal suite on site.

you may contact shane at planterra for pricing information - spliska@planterra.com

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

www.petalsplanningco.com

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:

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

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

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

The Inn at St. John's

I have been working with Linda Johnson, event coordinator at the Inn at St. Johns over the past several weeks to try to secure a date for one of our 2011 clients!  Linda and I have quickly become good friends, as we've talked almost every day!! :)

Our client fell in love with the Atrium at the Inn at St. John's - the problem was availability.  Even finding a Friday date was near impossible.  Luckily, our client was able to secure one of the last Friday's available during peak wedding season. 

The Inn at St. John's is beautiful - they have a stunning chapel, gorgeous ballrooms, and of course the Atrium is to die for!  I had to share some pictures by the amazing Kristen Taylor :

The outside of the Inn at St. John's

The gorgeous chapel

The Regal Ballroom

The Atrium

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

The Royal Park Hotel - Rochester, Michigan

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon in Rochester visiting a couple amazing wedding vendors - among them, the Royal Park Hotel.

I stopped in to the Royal Park Hotel and met with Kristen Burnett, a wedding/social catering manager at the hotel.  She was so friendly and so fabulous!  Thanks Kristen :) 

Photo Credit: The Shooting Gallery

Photo Credit: The Shooting Gallery

The uniqueness of the Royal Park Hotel lies in two things:

1.  The location & abundance of activities they offer.  The Royal Park Hotel is located one block from downtown Rochester.  You could walk, rent a bike, or use their free shuttle (within a 5 mile radius).  They also have equipment for fly fishing on the river that runs right outside the hotel, bacci ball courts, and premiere golf courses located within a couple of miles.  There are so many activities to keep your guests entertained all weekend long.

2.  Linens.  Most hotels offer the standard white linen and napkin as part of their wedding package, and charge extra for other colors or styles.  The Royal Park Hotel offers an ivory damask linen with all it's wedding packages and it is BEAUTIFUL!  It is definitely a very unique touch.

Did I mention the amazing Murano chandelier that radiates supreme beauty?  It's a must see!

The Royal Park Hotel has two immaculate areas for a wedding ceremony and reception.  The conservatory (pictured below) is ideal for a ceremony.  It is a nice air conditioned room in the summer  provides a beautiful indoor space for you Michigan winter brides.  The ballrooms are just as grand, with lots of room for guests, a dance floor, and a DJ and/or a band.

Photo Credit: The Shooting Gallery

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Detroit Wedding Venue ~ The MGM Grand Casino

Even though our event planning company is based out of the Ann Arbor/Plymouth area, we plan weddings and events all over southeastern Michigan and always welcome new venues to our portfolio!  I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand the food, service, and decor of the MGM Grand Casino. 

The MGM Grand Casino, located right off M-10 on Third Street in Detroit is a great venue if you are looking to host a weekend long celebration (or even if you're not!).  Besides having a casino, they also have a full service salon and spa, a plethora of restaurants and nightclubs, and nightly entertainment.  Their wedding packages start at $99/person and include a complimentary corner suite for the bride & groom on their wedding night.  Their ballrooms can hold up to 800 people and they can easily accomodate both the ceremony and the reception. 

They also have fabulous options for a rehearsal dinner and/or morning after brunch, one of which is their signature restaurant Palette. 

If you are considering having a Michigan destination wedding you definitely want to check out the MGM Grand Casino here in Detroit.  It is an amazing wedding venue that will keep your guests entertained all weekend long!!!

Laura Davis Events recently coordinated a wedding at the MGM Grand and I have to share the photographs by Christopher Belli Photography:

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

The Venue Search...Part II

I am thrilled to follow up Wednesday's post with the news that Megan has chosen her reception venue!  Out of all the possibilites (which are quite numerous), she has chosen the Gandy Dancer, Ann Arbor's first class dining establishment, as the venue for her wedding reception!

Megan and I met with Kristina, the events coordinator, a couple weeks ago and she was great!  The Gandy Dancer is a really affordable venue in Ann Arbor.  Wedding receptions typically take place outside in their courtyard, which is tented.  They provide tables, chairs, white linens (including napkins), and all dinnerware and glassware.  You can fit up to 120 people comfortably by seating them at round tables of 8.  Your primary costs when you choose the Gandy Dancer are:  food & beverage, alcohol, tax, service charge, and dance floor.

 They charge 20% service charge and standard 6% Michigan sales tax.  Their most inexpensive dinner offering is $39.95 and includes a soup OR salad, choice of one of four entrees including chicken, shrimp, fish, or steak, and creme brulee for dessert.  Each entree is served with a vegetable and a starch, and water, iced tea and soft drinks are included as part of the meal charge.  If you do not want the dessert included with the package, and would like to bring in your own dessert, they will take $3 off the price - so this particular meal would cost $36.95 (plus tax & service charge).  They do have pricier options that are more inclusive - I encourage you to check these out!

The dance floor costs $250 and you can bring in whichever DJ you prefer.  There is no charge for having a private bar, you just have to pay for the alcohol (which you can set a ceiling on).  The reception area comes with uplighting, including twinkle lights strung around the beams, and they also offer round paper lanterns that hang from the ceiling if it suits your decor style (free of charge).

Kristina at the Gandy Dancer takes care of the set-up, you just need to drop your items off to her.  They are very flexible, and very willing to work with each individual situation.  They require a $250 deposit on a credit card to hold the date.  You have until 90 days prior to the event to cancel, and you can rebook for any date within the year to avoid losing your $250.  If you cancel within the 90 day window of your event you lose your $250 deposit.

You may email Kristina at gandbq@ldry.com to receive availability and specific pricing information.

Click here to view the Gandy Dancer's dinner menu

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

The Venue Search...Part I

One of my dear, dear friends and amazing wedding and life photographer Whitney Keeler emailed me one night to tell me that one of her brides needed help...and quickly.  That's what I'm here for!  Megan called me a couple hours later and and it was clear that her number one need, and first priority was to find a ceremony & reception venue for her May 2011 wedding.  Megan was pretty flexible as to whether she would get married on-site somewhere, outside in a park, or in a church...she just knew she was on a pretty tight budget and the two dates she had in mind were not negotiable.  And so the search began...

- A lot of venues have a minimum on food & beverage (mainly on a Friday & Saturday evening) BEFORE service charge and tax.  Make sure you ask your venue if this is the case.

- There may be a facility charge or room rental fee.  Make sure you check to see if that's included in the menu pricing or if it's a separate charge.  Also ask about whether tables (verify what shape and size), linens (verify what colors), and chairs are included.

- It's always a GREAT idea if you can go in person so see the space.  This gives you a feel for the layout, size, decor, and general feel of the venue and the space.  If you are out of town or cannot go, send someone you trust in your place and have them take pictures to send to you.

- A lot of wedding packages come with a "dessert" item.  Most venues will work with you to create a package that better suits your needs and will even adjust prices accordingly.  However, inquire if there's a cake cutting charge if you bring in your own wedding cake.

- If it's a place that typically requires a membership (i.e. Ann Arbor City Club), you will probably have to buy a guest membership to use their facility or they may charge you a higher rental rate for being a non-member. 

The venues that Megan and I discussed included Weber's, Detroit Yacht Club, The Inn at St. John, Concordia University, and the Gandy Dancer.  Each venue has it's pro's & con's, it comes down to what is the best fit for the couple getting married.  Megan really wants an "Ann Arbor" wedding so we will do our best to give that to her....

We are close to choosing a venue...stay tuned!!!!

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

Real Wedding 2010 ~ Vanessa & Derek

Photo Credit

Vanessa & Derek's wedding was full of personal touches - from the pictures hanging in the tent for all the guests to admire (and laugh at), to the kids tables with butcher paper, crayons, and markers, every detail was thought of and provided by Vanessa; including the invitations, the programs, the signage for the welcome table, food, the runners for the tables in the lounge (pictured below).  She is AMAZING!

Photo Credit

Their wedding and reception venue was the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  The wedding took place outside in the Beer Garden and the latter part of the reception took place inside in the lounge. 

When we met a few days before the wedding we were all a little nervous that it could rain (50% chance).  However, the day of the wedding it was a beautiful, beautiful day, clearly meant just for Vanessa & Derek.

CONGRATULATIONS Vanessa & Derek!  Thank you for letting us assist in your special day!

Event Management:  Courtney, Kate & Lyndsay of Petals Planning Company

Wedding & Reception:  Corner Brewery

Tent:  Andrew at Classic Tent

Catering: Aubrees Pizza & Tavern

Wedding cakes: Sweet Heather Anne

Flowers:  Lisa at Pot and Box

DJ:  Ben Ludy

Photographer:  Mirak Habbiyyieh

Outdoor Receptions

For those of you having outdoor wedding receptions, or considering having an outdoor wedding reception...this post is for you!  I want to draw attention to a few details that could help make your reception even BETTER!:

Picture credit to Style Me Pretty

1.  Bugs. Does your venue spray bug repellent on their lawn and grassy areas?  If not, and if your reception will not eventually be moved indoors, how do you plan to keep bugs away from your guests?  Citronella candles?  Torches in the ground?  They make really cute citronella lanterns (if that's your style) that can be hung from tents, put on tables, or put into the ground.  No one would even know they double as bug repellant :)

2.  Cake/Cupcakes.  If you are getting married in Michigan this summer (or anywhere hot for that matter), where will your cake be kept until the reception?  What type of frosting will it have?  Light frostings such as meringue, whipped cream, and buttercream will melt faster in the heat than something heavier such as fondant.  Always double check with your baker.

3.  Trash Cans.  It's important to make sure trash cans are easily accessible to your guests.  They should be strategically placed throughout your reception.  Some more questions that revolve around trash are:  Who will be responsible for emptying the trash cans?  Who will supply the extra trash cans and bags?  If the venue (such as someone's backyard) does not have anyone responsible for the trash, where does it go when it's full and who is responsible for that?  In Michigan we recycle our cans and bottles.  If you'd like to make sure those items are placed in separate bins from the trash, make sure you mark them appropriately so that all the guests know that trash goes into a different container than cans and bottles do.

4.  Lighting.  For two reasons:  1.  Photography.  2.  So guests can see where they are going.  A photographer needs to have decent lighting to take pictures when it's dark.  Natural light is always the best, however, a well lit tent or reception area would help them out greatly!  Once the sun sets, it's important that your guests can find their way to the restrooms, their cars, the bar, wherever it is that they need to go.  Lighting a pathway to take them to such places could really enhance their experience, and keep someone from twisting their ankle!

Is your reception indoors or outdoors?  If it is outdoors, what are you most concerned about?  If it's indoors, what's your main concern?

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

Introducing the Ann Arbor Art Center!

Looking for a funky, unconventional space to hold a small party or wedding?

The Ann Arbor Art Center is a unique venue for entertaining, cocktail receptions, weddings, birthdays and other special events. Located on West Liberty in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, the historic building used to be the Walker Carriage Factory and has 2 spaces--a gallery and a third floor, brick-walled studio.

The 3rd floor is 2 rooms that can be opened up to on large room, featuring painted wood floors and old brick walls. It can hold 70-90 people depending on whether it is set up for standing room only, cocktail tables, or banquet tables.

The second floor galleries are gorgeous, featuring large windows and local, Michigan artists’ work on display. It can hold between 50-75 people.

The second floor set up during an average work day

The second floor set up for a dinner reception

For more information & pricing contact the Center’s Facilities Manager, Samantha Solis at 734-994-8004 x116 or ssolis@annarborartcenter.org

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

Eco-Friendly Wedding Planning!

In my personal life as well as in my professional life I strive to be "greener."  Some days that means walking to the fitness complex in our neighborhood instead of driving there, some days that means using the same  glass to drink water out of all day.  Professionally, I love when clients ask for eco-friendly venues, and are concerned about the paper used for their invtitations, place cards, menus, programs and table numbers.  I also love to support local vendors who grow their own flowers, or who purchase food and ingredients from local vendors.

In the wedding industry, what does "green" mean?  The answer is very subjective.  Going "green" may mean using recycled paper in all of your paper products, or it may mean donating to a charity in lieu of favors.  More and more we're seeing wedding venues going "green" by using energy saving appliances, linens made of organic materials, light switches operated by hotel keys to reduce the use of energy, and some hotels are even growing their own gardens with fruit, vegetables and herbs right there on the property!

Many places are becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.  You can check out how to do that and what it entails on the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) website:

http://www.usgbc.org/

Here are some great eco-friendly resources for finding "green" hotels including wedding venues:

http://www.greenhotels.com/

http://www.istaygreen.com/

http://www.environmentallyhotels.com/

REDUCE * REUSE * RECYCLE * RENEW

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

SPOTLIGHT on Ann Arbor

One of my favorite parts of event planning is choosing venues.  There are so many amazing options throughout Southeast Michigan...The Henry Ford in Dearborn, The Townsend in Birmingham, Comerica Park, the Howell Opera House, the list goes on and on.  Ann Arbor has a few to boast about too including the Michigan League Ballroom, Polo Fields Country Club, Barton Hills Country Club, The Matthei Botanical Gardens...you get the hang of this :)

This season we are so blessed to be working with brides from all over.  Some are having big, formal, extravagant affairs and some are having small, quaint, relaxed weddings.  We will be traveling to Dearborn, Ferndale, Tecumseh, and Ypsilanti (just to name a few) this wedding season. 

I wanted to call attention to a few hidden gems in our very own city of Ann Arbor.  Okay, so maybe they're not "hidden" and they certainly are not for every type of party, however, we really like certain aspects of these venues:

University of Michigan Museum of Art - http://www.umma.umich.edu/

This venue is so unique and very cool!  It has a gorgeous winding staircase that is perfect for photo ops and the ambience throughout the museum is so different than anywhere else (in a GREAT way!)  Parking can be a challenge so thank goodness for valet!  While there are a few specific guidelines you must follow as outlined in their contract, there is also a lot of freedom to transform the museum to be what you want it to be...vintage, artsy modern, black tie, etc.  The options are endless as to how this beautiful venue is transformed and we love to hear and see the visions each person has.

Weber's Inn - http://www.webersinn.com/

Weber's Inn is a landmark hotel in the heart of Ann Arbor.  It is located right off I-94 and was recently remodeled into a stunning, updated, modern hotel.  If you have a large event this might be the place for you.  With hotel rooms onsite and a large swimming pool, this is often a retreat for those local to Ann Arbor who want to take the kids and get out of the house for the night/weekend.  Weber's is known for their Sunday brunch among other foods, and you can bet you won't be disappointed no matter what you choose for your menu!

Where was your wedding/reception?  What is your favorite venue in your city?

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