Maybe it is the holidays being right around the corner or just my own obsession with  silver and gold tones, but we are going to talk about the trend of Silver and Gold in this months "What's Trending"! 

Gold and Silver, while the names of colors, I always think about them as finishes. When I am developing a color story for a couple most of the time one of these is involved. Maybe as an accent or one of the main components. When I think of ether of them as a color, I think of something matte. When I think of them as finishes, I think of them as having a shine or a luster. 

When I think of a gold finish, or the color gold, I think about the stylistic flexibility that it has. Gold on the brass side of the spectrum maybe represents a more traditional approach. think golden candle sticks ( as seen above). This is largely trending, the brass candlesticks with simple clean greenery. This is a class look that I admire especially for a venue that has all it's own beauty and charm. A look like this simply compliments and really allows the surrounding details to steal the show. 

Gold, again, has this flexibility to evolve and never go out of style. Check out these terrariums and candle holders. This look is a very common trend in the industry. I mean it's obvious why! The gold framing is just enough to give you the finish while encompassing florals, candles, or other small personal details.

While its a totally different style in form, I would say both of these concepts do the same for the surrounding details of the venue. I mean can you see it??? They are enough to have form, be eye catching, but neither of these two ideas would take away from the surrounding details of the venue..

WHAT an amazing compliment to texture as well. I think that a beautiful brass or golden finish against a wood, brick or nature backdrop is a combination that will ALWAYS be trending. 

There is something so clean about a wedding that uses silver. Like gold, silver has transformed through time as well. There are a handful of different versions of a silver finish. Seen above you see what would consider a more modern use of silver. It is a clean space, clean linens, monochromatic florals which allows the silver in the space to truly shine. While gold, to me, has always felt classic and like it has been around a long time, silver has always felt very fresh and new. 

Don't let it fool you though, silver can also go in the more vintage direction. I LOVE working with mercury glass which I consider part of the silver family. Mercury glass is an aged silver that has a total personality all of its own. I have used mercury glass for, I would say, over 75% of my weddings. Like brass/gold, this version of silver is treated as a finish that looks beautiful with any color story. 

HECK yes you can do silver and gold together! I think its a sort of like "you cannot do blue and brown together" issue that people have. Where just because they are two finishes that normally people choose one of, people get all freaked out when they like both..it's like they are wearing white after labor day lol.

I love the different interpretations that people do of them together. Sometimes you will see silver treated in the form of the color grey accented with a gold finish. Or maybe you will see a vintage inspired gig where they use worn versions of both to create an a old world look.

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Now that the ghouls and the goblins are put to rest....The candy eaten, and skeletons back in their coffins... The studio is ready to start sharing in the Holiday cheer that is headed our way! 

Earlier this fall I had the opportunity to collaborate with one of our favorite vendors on the west side of the state: Sharon with Pretty Petal Papers. Alongside of Sharon we also paired up with Beth Eggert Photography to photograph the collaboration. 

Sharon from Pretty Petal Papers has designed custom  stationery for our Studio Holiday Party shoot, while the studio completed the table setting and decor.  


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 With farmhouse Christmas being the inspiration for this table scape, the focus was on a blend of rustic textures, brass fixtures, and the contrast of clean white table settings. Accented with the linen napkins tied with detailed greenery blended beautifully with Sharon's farmhouse designed stationery. 

To check out more from Sharon and Pretty Petal Papers Click the Button Below!

To check out more from Beth Eggert Photography Click the Button Below!

I  am celebrating this collaboration not just for the opportunity that I had to work with two very talented women; but because it is launching the end of the year special for the studio! With all of the holiday parties, dinners and get togethers, I wanted to offer a service special for my clients revolved around the holidays. 

I know that it can be a trying effort to decorate for the season. By the time you bring down the boxes from the attic ( or up form the basement )...find all the ornaments, holiday dishes, and stockings to hang, your staring at a table filled of unpacked items with no energy or creative effort left to put them up. 

Here is what I am hoping to do for my clients this season....Do you need some assistance getting ready for a holiday party? What about just some extra hands getting the house decorated for the season? 

I would love to offer the studios services in getting you ready for the holiday months. Let's tackle those bins together, lets set a one of kind table for your friends and family to enjoy each others company at, and lastly, lets do it together so you can spend more time enjoying your space then struggling to get it ready. 

Want to know what else is great?
If you are hosting a party but lacking the extras to dress your space...We got that too! 

We are offering holiday appointments for a special rate! 
Appointments start as low as $50! 
Send us a note and we can chat about getting you that extra elf this year.

Here is the thing..APPOINTMENTS are LIMITED! So don't wait till its too late!
 
Cheers! Slainte!Salud!

We are jumping into celebrating another one of our favorite vendors this month because.....we have some exciting collaboration projects that we have worked on that we get to feature later next week! We wanted to take a minute to celebrate her and her work.

We connected Sharon, from Pretty Petal Papers, through a mutual friend ( thank you Lindsay from @sketchandbalance)! We are so excited we were put in touch with Sharon because we LOVE her work! Sharon creates one of a kind stationery elements that are custom to her clients. 

We asked Sharon a few questions about being in the wedding/event industry. Check out what she said!
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1. How long have you been in business? I have been in business since May 11, 2017

2. Do you cater to events outside of weddings? I do cater to events outside of weddings! I focus on custom design for all occasions from weddings, holidays, birthdays, business logo design, greeting cards and much more! Any custom designed stationery that our clients need, I am more than happy to work with them to make their vision come to life!

1. What details do you think make the best event?

The details that make the best event are the ones that people will remember forever! It starts with the wedding invitation suite! The details at weddings that are so fun are the bouquets, centerpieces, the dinner menu and oh of course the CAKE! Most of all though, I think what people remember the most is the music and dancing with their friends and family!

3. What have been some of your favorite weddings and why? Some of my favorite weddings were my sister’s wedding and ours! My sister’s wedding was shabby chic at its best! It was so beautiful, and her colors were turquoise and pink, with birch tree accents. It was a beautiful combination and the rustic décor of the reception was just so beautiful! Our wedding was everything I imagined and more! It was exactly what I envisioned! Our colors were coral and gold. The centerpieces were beautiful gold sparkly lanterns! The bouquets were coral, ivory and had a few succulents as well. It was an elegant wedding and most of all people had so much FUN! People couldn’t stop telling me how much fun they had and how gorgeous the room looked for the reception!

4. What do you encourage clients to stay away from when planning their wedding/ or when working with you and your craft? I tell my clients to focus on their vision and stay focused on what they envision their wedding day to be like. I work with them to create the wedding invitations of their DREAMS! This is the first impression for their guests! We focus on creating a design they will love for moments to remember!

5. What is the ABSOLUTE best part about what you do for your clients? The absolute best part of what I do for my clients is when I create a design that makes them say, “OMG I LOVE IT!!!”. It is when I successfully bring their vision to a palpable piece of beauty! I love to see/hear how my clients are excited when they finally receive their custom design in hand. It is absolutely rewarding for me to contribute to the success of a bride’s big day.

 One  of the many things we love about Sharon's work is that it's a complete package! When you order a suite you get the right details from start to finish. She offers custom design packages on top of her already beautiful creations. From your save the dates to your table numbers, the consistency that Sharon's collections provide is perfect for any event.

P.S... We are obsessed with the floral outlines in these two collections!!

Check out Pretty Petal Papers site to see more of her beautiful work! ​Click Below!!

We look forward to sharing more about Sharon later this month when we feature our collaboration project! We thank her for allowing us to pick her brain and feature her work. 
Till next time...

​Cheers! Slainte! 

Meadow Brook Hall
350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
Oakland University Campus

We have been so lucky to be able to tour some amazing venues so far this year, Meadow Brook Hall was next on our list and OH MY GOODNESS did this place not disappoint. When pulling up, the drive into the "campus" of the hall was stunning all in itself: rolling green hills, beautiful gardens, and lines of trees surrounding the area. 

This venue also has a quite the history, in short from the Meadow Brook Hall website:

"A National Historic Landmark, Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home of one of the automotive aristocracy’s most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, her second husband Alfred Wilson, a lumber broker and their four children, Frances and Danny Dodge, and Richard and Barbara Wilson. It exists as an indirect product of the achievements and good fortune of her first husband, automotive pioneer John F. Dodge, co-founder of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company who quickly prospered in the burgeoning auto industry before his tragic death in 1920, leaving Matilda one of the world’s wealthiest women. This fortune not only built one of America’s finest residences and country estates, it also supported numerous Detroit charities and organizations, and made possible the founding of Oakland University."

One of the best parts of about the venue is the preservation of its architectural and interior qualities. 

​"Meadow Brook Hall is especially renowned for its fine craftsmanship, exquisite architectural detailing and grand scale. The architecture is the embodiment of enduring quality in both its design and use of fine construction materials.
The exterior combines various textures and patterns using American materials of brick, sandstone, wood timbers and a roof of clay shingle tile. The house also features 39 uniquely designed brick chimneys that distinguish the picturesque roofline.
Interiors of the house are elaborately detailed with carved wood and stone, handmade hardware and ceramic art tile, ornately molded and carved plaster ceilings, stained glass window insets, crystal and art glass lighting fixtures, and gold-plated bathroom fittings. And while the interiors reflect various historic styles, the house is equipped with every modern amenity available in the late 1920s. It was fully electric with a central heating system, two elevators, three kitchens and a full size home theatre.
The exterior and most of the interior rooms at Meadow Brook Hall were designed in the Tudor-revival style. However, a few rooms were decorated in other period-revival styles: the dining room and Matilda’s study are 18th-century Neo-classical, Matilda’s room and the French bedroom are 18th-century French Rococo, and Frances’ bedroom is American Colonial."

Check out this couples day at the hall! Captured by Captured Couture:
​https://capturedcouture.com/a-story-book-meadowbrook-hall-wedding-lauren-and-jeremy-michigan-wedding-photographer/?preview=true

At Meadow Brook the outside of the hall is just as stunning as the inside. One way to enjoy the grounds is by hosting your reception inside the tent provided on the lawn adjacent to the hall. Check out this couples day below captured by Dan Stewart Photography!
https://danstewartphotography.com/wedding-photography/rochester-mi-wedding-lucy-alex/

One of the beautfiul things about this venue is that they give couples the options to hold their ceremony on the premises even if they do not hold their reception. With the gardens and architecture of this venue being so beautiful, why wouldn't couples opt for this option! The wedding below did just that! 

 Check out this couples beautiful ceremony at the hall caught by Kari Dawson! 
https://karidawson.com/cristina-and-jasons-classic-cream-and-gold-italian-wedding/
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From a designers perspective...This hall does not need very much added. When using the interiors of the hall you need very little decor, and any decor you do use should compliment the space...not fight it... Meaning, traditionally styled, solid or basic patterns, and brass or gold elements would do very well contrasting the wood and blending in with the style of the space. Use greenery and your florals to soften the space. 

If you are using the tent, The OPTIONS are endless. You are getting the benefit of a blank slate that is adjacent to a building that already has a view and a strong personality. Any color story, and most styles, would fit into this draped tent very well. Whether you prefer a lighter color story fitting of a garden themed wedding, or a jewel moody toned story that contrasts the white tent, both would look amazing. If you are a lover of both modern and traditional style the tent is your best option to make that come to life without feeling displaced. 

Another exciting element that this venue posses are their holiday tours. . The space takes on a whole new look and feel during this time of year. We look forward to re-visiting later this year to see the displays. Check out some of the images below and click the to check out tour information!

We would like to thank Lori and her team for allowing us to stop and visit their beautiful venue. With so many amazing options for each couple, and just a beautiful historic site for everyone, you cannot go wrong by choosing to visit or book with Meadowbrook Hall. 

Check us out next month to see our next stop! 

Cheers! Slainte!

Good Morning and happy October! We are so excited to feature another vendor this month. Jessica Makarewicz is the owner and creator for the Dry Moon Shop. She is an extremely talented graphic designer and has created multiple hand-painted, customized, beautiful signs, and graphics, for couples that we have worked with here at the studio. Anytime we have a couple that asks for a custom sign... we call up Jessica, because we know that our couples will just love her work! 

Working with Jessica is always an easy process. She is so creative and has an eye for these types of custom signage. Plus she can create these awesome signs on just about anything! What we love about using Jessica, over pre-made signs for our couples, is that we can have the sign totally customized to the event. Whether its the handwritten signs or graphic creations, Jessica works her magic and fits her designs to each event.  

We have asked Jessica a few questions about her experiences doing weddings and here is what she says!

1. How long have you been in business? I recently graduated with a degree in graphic design which got me starting an etsy shop about 3 years ago. Since then I have been freelancing and creating with wedding décor signs.

 

1. Do you cater to events outside of weddings? I run an etsy shop selling mostly illustrated prints and do graphic design freelance work.

 

1. What details do you think make the best event? I help out with the signage for weddings whether its handlettering chalkboard signs or making printed signs. These are a simple way to allow a couple to be as creative as they want. I love making their ideas come to life, and creating a personal touch.

 

1. What have been some of your favorite weddings and why? Anytime I can make a hand lettered chalk board sign is my favorite. I really love being able to start with a blank slate and create something that allows a couples vision come to life.

 

1. What do you encourage clients to stay away from when planning their wedding/ or when working with you and your craft? Staying away from expensive things, there are many ways you can DIY signs/décor and still make them look amazing.

 

1. What is the APSOLUTE best part about what you do for your clients?  I love that I can help make their visions come true. hearing how much they loved them and how perfect they looked for their event is what makes me want to keep doing more.

 

Do you have an Etsy account? Of course you do... Go check out the DryMoon shop and check out some of Jessica's custom prints! 

I am not sure if I was inspired by my own sweet tooth this month OORRR maybe it is because we are inching closer to the fall-winter holidays...BUT! This month we are going to check out the different ideas that couples are using to break the idea of a traditional wedding cake!!! This topic is both breaking the traditional wedding rules, while also trending! So this month we are combining the two topics.

A wedding cake does not have to not be a "cake" to break the traditional design of these staple elements...The cake above for instance, non frosted, uneven layered, filled with different syrups and fruits, and for sure a more rustic style. What I am loving about these types of cakes is that they each take on their own personality matching the couple that designs. 

When I look at the cakes that are popular these days I do not see the perfectly frosted, cakes that hide their fillings in the middle under layers. I see roughly frosted, or not frosted at all, fillings exposed and left dripping, Or the filling it its whole form ( fruit ) set balanced on layers or the top of the cake. It is really all about TEXTURE! The trend is TEXTURE! While color is always involved, the common theme between all these trending cakes breaking tradition are that they all have a visual TEXTURE! 

What about ways to do a cake but without cake?!?? There are soo many options! I am loving this category because just like decor, brides and grooms can completely personalize this delectable detail. The photo about shows layers of cookies and frosting to make their cake. 

Look at the slideshow below! Cake Pops-Cookies-Doughnuts-Cupcakes-Cinnamon buns- all sorts of individual serving items that not only break the rules but also are trending because they are easier to serve. No cutting required for many of these examples which is more efficient for your guests, and may even save you some cash on that cake cutting fee.  

The last cake I just have to showcase is cake in form but is not a sweet treat at all...IT is a SAVORY tiered choice that I am so excited to have a bride actually use. While her and her fiance get married next year, I have been able to find multiple inspirations of these "CHEESE" wheel cakes!

We here at the studio fully support the creativity of breaking the traditional cake and dessert rules. We love that these styles of cakes are trending, and love working with brides brave enough to mix it up. Until our next post!

CHEERS! SLAINTE! SALUD!

The Whiskey Factory
Detroit City Distillery
1000 Maple St, Detroit, MI 48207

Earlier this summer I had the personal pleasure of going to Detroit City Distillery's Whiskey Factory for a whiskey, gin and vodka tasting. We had an amazing time listening to the distillers themselves tell us about how they create these master spirits and getting a chance to understand the best way to enjoy them!

A few weeks ago I traveled back to the distillery to walk the space as they were prepping for an event later that night. Walking through the space with the lens of a wedding stylist creates a different take away than when walking through as a tasting customer.  While both extremely positive experiences that were very exciting, instead of focusing on the details of the different liquor themselves, I imagined taking an already really cool space, and customizing it to the right couple. 

While as a wedding stylist I of course think the environment you create is important; I cannot deny the importance that the beverages that you serve your guests! When using this space you are giving your guests a quality taste of the city of Detroit. Each of these different spritis has a story of its own .Click the link directly below to learn about them!
https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/spirits

We love spaces with a rich history, as stated on their site the distillery has just that!

"The Whiskey Factory is home to Detroit City Distillery, creator of small batch artisanal whiskies, gins and vodkas made from the finest local ingredients and sourced directly from farms near this historic location. We are bringing back this timeless craft at the historic site that has long served as the epicenter for alcohol production in Detroit.  Once the home of Goebel’s Brewery and Stroh’s Ice Cream, the Whiskey Factory’s distinguished history creates an ambiance of heritage in this urban two-story distillery.
The Whiskey Factory was a long-dormant building at 1000 Maple, located just off Gratiot Avenue between Downtown Detroit and Eastern Market. It is the last remaining historic structure at the site that largely defined Detroit’s brewing legacy. Brewing at the site goes as far back as the 1930’s, when Goebel Brewing Company built a massive brewery to compete with Stroh’s Brewery, Detroit’s largest brewery at the time. The breweries were located directly across the street from one another. Shortly after Stroh’s acquired Goebel’s in 1960s, the building was converted to a factory where Stroh’s Ice Cream was produced—a successful business created out of necessity during the days of Prohibition, when producing alcohol was illegal.
Today, we’ve returned this special place to its origins. We are reviving the long history of alcohol production at the site that started it all and we invite you to be a part of history with us."

https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/our-story2

The photos above are of the main reception space during my first visit. Even this space, just clean and empty, has such character. The barrels stay in place during events which, in my opinion, makes the space feel more genuine than staged. This space has function M-F while acting as a reception space for events. I love this about this building, your not just using a space that looks like a distillery...IT ACTUALLY is. 

This space lends itself well to the brides who are looking for something more industrial or urban. Its exposed construction  also lends itself to a modern bride with the right twist. Its distressed finished doors, raw materials and MASSIVE wood bar are all elements that should be emphasized by anyone using this space. 

My first vision when walking in is to see a client use soft ivory linens and greenery to contrast all of the harder surfaces and to break up the raw materials. When you create this contrast you appreciate each material more, it helps give each of them its own shine. The greenery would be my add with LOTS of candlelight. I feel that when you use a space like this less is more when it comes to the "prop" items. 

OR, maybe scrap the lighter linens, bring more of that wood in and use a bronze/brass or reflective material candlestick lit all the way down the table ( or centralized ), surrounded by more greenery and pockets of rich in color florals. This will create a continuous " always here" kind of look.

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

 So many amazing customized weddings have already been done in this space. Check out the few below! These brides and their teams killed it using this space! 

These are just a few weddings that I have explored! Look just how different each is! 

If you are looking for a space to host any kind of event, check the factory out. Its a beautiful spot on its own, but also a great please to customize and make personal.. 

Also, do not forget, they offer tasting tours! I highly suggest doing this with friends, family, co-workers or just on your own!

Thank you Detroit City Distillery for allowing us to tour your factory!

​CHEERS! SLAINTE!

Well, I must say its been a very crazy few weeks here at the studio. So what happens when the wedding specialist gets engaged herself?

We are so excited to kick off our vendor spotlights this month with one of our longest partners in business, Beth Eggert Photography! Check out our interview with Beth and see some of her amazing work! We have been blessed to have worked with Beth on many weddings and have always appreciated her partnership. 

1.How long have you been in business? 14 years 

2. Do you cater to events outside of weddings? Yes! I also cover all types of portraiture including newborn, family, and high school seniors.
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3. What details do you think make the best event? The detail that makes the best event is preparation. I cannot stress this enough. Brides and grooms need to be able to trust the vendors they choose to work with to bring their dream day to life. This is not just in terms of physical objects, but also things like having established timelines, delegating certain tasks to family members or friends, being informed on what is needed in order to have the day go smoothly. For me, this means meeting with my clients at least three times before the wedding day in addition to the engagement session. First, we sit down with coffee and talk about their day, their vision for their images and how I might be able to assist them. It is important that the style they are looking for is the style I offer. If our styles don’t match, then it’s better for me to help them find someone else. The second meeting is to start nailing down details of their day so I can help them create a timeline. I literally account for every minute of the day from when hair and make-up start with the bride through the first hour of the dancing. I have found having the day mapped out in detail really helps them relax and feel prepared. Now, having said that, clearly there is always room for “going with the flow” because inevitably something unforeseen will happen…maybe it’s the weather, or someone is running late, or any one of a million little things that can cause change. But since my clients are well prepared, those issues do not derail their day! Our third meeting gives me a chance to calm those last-minute fears – we go over the timeline again in greater detail, adjust where we need to, and I’m able to help them feel like we’re a team! ​Being comfortable with each other before the wedding is key as well. This is why I insist on an engagement session. During this complimentary session, I am able to see how the couple interacts with each other…. are they comfortable with displays of affection, do they prefer traditional or more casual portraits, what are their individual personalities and how do they work together? This all goes to day of preparedness. By gathering all of this information about my clients beforehand, I am able to provide my services to fit them. Each couple is so different from the next. With all the time we spend together, having coffee, talking about their wedding day, going over details, getting to know who is important to them, photographing them together before the wedding, I am able to read when I need to give them space. Helping them feel prepared for their big day means I, too am then prepared.

4. What have been some of your favorite weddings and why? Can I say every wedding I’ve ever photographed? It’s true. They are all my favorite. Each so different and special. I always think, oh this is the best wedding ever, until I get to the next one! Seriously, there is no way to choose favorites. Maybe I like a venue more than another but maybe that ceremony was more personal. Perhaps I like the bridal colors of one more than the next but the next had a killer band. There is just no way to choose. I will say that the favorite thing about any wedding is the ability of the couple to make it meaningful to them, to personalize it so that it truly represents them and not just the social norms. 

Thank you Beth for giving us the chance to partner with you through the last few years , and for allowing us to pick your brain!
​Check out Beth's site for more information!!