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.
​
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!! 

Time is flying and we have flown right into August! That means we here at the studio are running a new special to celebrate our 5th year in business! 

This month we are offering FREE concept development services! Let us help you gather all of your inspiration and organize that chaos into a clear direction for your event. This service is valued at $175.00! 

How do you take advantage of this special? If you are looking for event design, and styling services, and you book your date within this month of August...BOOM..you have concept development services for free! 
( Your event does not have to BE in the month of August, you just need to book your event with us within the month to receive the special. The special is only available to clients who book other services with ARC Design Studios.). 

Thank you for checking us out! We look forward to crashing your party!!
#cheers #slainte

So I just have to share one of the most exciting segments we are going to start posting here on the vine consists of  the BEST wedding rules/ traditions to break because....I mean...why not? While we love ALL the  custom choices that bride and grooms do for their big day, we want to celebrate those who truly make their big day EXACTLY what they want without worrying about how it has been done before. 

This month we are going to talk about mixed gender bridal parties. Its tradition that the bride has her bridesmaids and the groom has his groomsmen. While we love all bridal parties, we are SOO excited about these mixed parties. Why should you not have the exact group of loved ones on your side? Why does it matter about it all being gals or guys? 

Cheers to the groomsladies, groomswomen, mans of honor and bridesmen out there, we salute you!

If your worried about how to coordinate the formal wear for the mixed gender idea don't be! Looking at all the example photos there are so many different ways that you can make this look cohesive. Check out this article on Refinery 29, 

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/mixed-gender-bridal-parties

In summary, both in the article in my opinion, here are some options for attire and a mixed gender bridal party:
1. Keep it simple in color and style each side its own... On each side choose a color from the color story of the wedding. On the brides side maybe the party wears lavender ( dresses / suits ) and on the grooms side they do a charcoal ( suits and dresses). 
2. OR do the opposite and style all the party in the same color but maybe change the form of attire. Maybe the groomsmen where a suit jacket with certain details and the bridesmen where no jacket and suspenders with colors matching the brides side. The bridesmaids all wear dresses while the groomswomen where jumpsuits/ pantsuits. 
3. Maybe its an accessory that all those standing for the groom share that shows which side they stand on, and same for the bride!  

I think that this idea is fantastic and the different ways to dress just add even more layers to a well designed day. 

When it comes to how to walking down the aisle maybe your unsure how to work this??? AGAIN DON'T BE! Have each member walk alone, have them walk in a mix of same sex and opposite sex couples, or even have everyone walk together in more of a group format. Toss around the idea of even doing odd numbers walking together. 

I think one of my biggest take aways from this idea is to not over think this. When it comes to choosing the people the mean the most to you, most the time that choice is pretty easy. So why worry about how to make it work? Just make it work! No need to worry about how you stand up to how things are traditionally done, spice it up, mix it up, and make this day 150% personal to you, your partner, and your squad. 

The Eastern
3434 Russel Street Suite 501
Detroit MI, 48207
313-914-1104​
Guest Capacity: 250 MAX
​

We at the studio are beyond excited to be able to visit unique venues all around the Detroit and Metro Detroit areas over these next few months. These venues have opened their doors to us to check out, get information, take photos, and to really get an understanding of what makes each space different.

Why are we doing this? It is simple...
1. To be aware of the options around us for future brides
2. To feel out the true diversity of price points, concepts and, atmospheres in the market that we have relocated to
3. TO BE INSPIRED!

Driving to the EASTERN there was inspiration everywhere; from the street art at each corner, to the rows of baskets contained fresh produce, to the different musicians playing under the sheds in hopes of a few dollars of the shoppers appreciation. I was downtown in the Eastern market area of Detroit. I go to this market every Saturday I can on a personal level, but this trip was different. I was looking for spots that would make amazing photos ( cannot help it when you are a photographers daughter), or things for guests to do in the in-between times during the big day, and lastly what elements could we as the studio take from the surrounding area and bring into this AMAZING space at the EASTERN. What elements of this unique area could we take and compliment such a cool space! 

Continuing my journey through the venue we approach this AWESOME garage glass door that acts as the main passage from outside in for the guests, but also is treated as the start of a ceremonial aisle for the weddings that use this inside space for both the ceremony and reception. 

Emily mentioned to us that at this entry point, designs that have added greenery detail to this entrance are some of her favorites!!! 

While I was visiting the venue they were in the early stages of getting ready for a reception they were hosting that night, so I am catching them during prep stages. However, this really allowed me to see the bones of the space and I was blown away. The texture in every direction was outstanding. It was one of those " if walls could talk" moments. The Eastern has only been a reception venue for just over 4 years, so it's new to the industry itself. 

The space can fit from 200-250 guests max, when visiting it was set for roughly 200 all sitting at round 60" dining tables. This space, from example photos, also looks brilliant set with long rectangular tables. 

This leads me to one of the things that I really thought was great about this venue.; its FLEXIBILITY. Not just in design, but also in the options they offer to their clients to personalize the space. When a client rents this space they have from 9am in the morning all the way till 2am that night! I love this, because as a designer who sets the stage for most of these days, that is a GREAT amount of time!! I also love that the this venue has very little restrictions for individuality and design for each event. Emily explains that brides will hang elements from the ceiling, add detail to the walls, and that the different ideas that have been executed are endless. This space is amazing all on its own, that's true, but how SPECIAL and creative is it that each client and truly make this space their own. I LOVE THIS and for the studio this type of venue is a DREAM!

The Eastern is a unique venue also because it has the ability to accommodate all sorts of events. Speaking with Emily, she talks about different fundraisers, auto show events and corporate events that the space has also matched well with. The large glass garage door allows for large equipment, cars and multiple other items that may be harder, or impossible, to get into other venues. 

We thank The Eastern for giving us the change to visit and check out their space. We hope to work with them in collaboration with brides soon! Please check out their site and socials!!

​https://www.herecomestheguide.com/michigan/wedding-venues/the-eastern

As a designer I am drawn to the hanging lighting that most in these images, and SOO many other images of this venue, have. The hanging lighting combined with the soft glow of the candles accents, highlights the textures of the space just enough and takes the space from feeling like a industrial room to feeling like an event space.

I also find that the contrast between the soft linen and distressed brick is very successful. In this space I would choose to use linen on the tables every time. While exposed wood tables would also be beautiful, your creating layers with the linen. I think the use of the wood chairs WITHOUT linen in combination with dressed tables is also successful. 

As for specific decor.... I would go greenery alll theee wayyy!! Greenery and candlelight ...Like we spoke about in our trend of the month greenery against this brick texture again is such a pleasing combination. The greenery softens the space and makes it feel very urban/ romantic. 

Omalley King Photography

What July 2019: New and Trending
Hanging Greenery
This month we are focusing on the trend of hanging greenery! Who doesn’t love the texture of eucalyptus or Salal (lemon leaf) displayed in a table scape? But…. What about it also hanging from the inside of the tent? Chairs on the aisle? Or taking a rustic ladder and creating a vine creation that hangs over the dining tables grounding the display you created below? How about taking the greenery and making a piece of décor that you just brought look like it’s been there for years? The options are endless with this trend, which is why I think it will grow on you…get it....

​  The spectrum of greens, blues and silvers that these plants have accent any weddings color story. The greenery adds texture while complimenting your chosen color scheme. That is not to say that the natural colors of these plants (whether real or silk ) cannot be the star of the show..To make these items shine, regardless of where they are hung, is pretty simple….that’s it…keep it simple. All this takes is a canvas of a simple ivory, white, or other natural hue that will not distract the eye, but will create a CONTRAST to the greenery as it is. What we have been seeing is the combination of greenery with more lighter colored palettes; however, greenery is so versatile that you will start to see its use incorporated into more dark, and almost sultry colors schemes. Its a more of a "black tie" look when combined with black or darker hues of colors. 

One of my personal favorites is the texture combination of the greenery against wood, adjacent to wood or hung from wood. These two natural elements combined together give that rustic feel that so many brides are looking for while keeping it whimsical and fairytale like. This combination allows the space to feel like it’s “always been there’ versus just being setup for the occasion.

This texture combination, and greenery in general, welcomes a variety of styles as well, just because the natural elements are rustic in their nature does not mean they cannot support a modern brides taste. In fact the CONTRAST its self between natural elements such as this greenery or wood and maybe geo sphere are incredibly beautiful and a design trend, that beauty is in there concept of brining two styles together.  The silver dollar eucalyptus all on its own feels like a very modern choice of greenery for a bride. Its simple leaf and delicate stem, when used in a thin arrangement, feels very minimalistic. The key to success with this type of blend between modern and rustic is to keep whatever element is considered “modern” simple in color and form. Which when you think modern you think this already right? For example, a geo sphere in ether silver or gold, combined with the greenery as its base, or intertwined on a table, or hanging with the greenery from a fixture above can be very successful. I find, personally, that combining modern elements of glass or a metallic are the best fit with greenery to get an overall blended feel. What I find is that sometimes brides try to over do the modern aspect in, fear that their idea will still feel to rustic with the greenery and wood. Like I said before, keeeppp it simmplllee if you are looking for a blend of modern and rustic.   You can see this type of combination in the photos above.

The same basic rules apply when working in a more industrial space. Hanging greenery is a beautiful contrast to the rough gritty texture of worn brick and industrial systems you find in a venue that is conceptually urban/industrial. It is really sharp when you are in a space that has alot of white washed brick and greenery is used both hung and on tables because not only is the texture contrasting but so is the color. 

​​How to you create this look? Well I think first you have to determine what you are hanging from where?!? What are you combining with it? I will be honest….if you are doing a large installation this can be a pain (just being honest here people…STILL ALWAYS WORTH IT), regardless if its real florals or silk florals. I would suggest, using silk florals for the tent installations and when you need large amounts of garland (strands of the greenery).  In doing some of my largest installations I used silk florals with floral wire and zip ties. The key to creating a full look is layering! LAYERING LAYERING LAYERING! Practice with the pieces just on a table, try different combinations of layering different strands until you get what you like. Once you have a order of strands put them up just as you laid them out. Decide if you want swags, added florals, or emphasis in color ext. AGAIN the options are ENDLESSS. Hanging greenery hung on signage, trellis, archways, or any other element you really need to take on a piece by piece basis. Sometimes you can use staples to hold greenery onto elements that do not lend themselves well to ties or wire. You can also use stems to create this look, personally for me, I have found more efficiency in buying garland strands of the different types of leafs that my bride requests and blending them versus buying stems. I will use stems to add accent and small amounts of fullness in more of a touch-up method, so it is always good to have a few stems around to perfect your installation.

  If you choose to do an installation with real florals you would want to make sure to at least consult a florist, if not hire them to fully install. Real florals are a true art and you would want a professional florist, who works day in and day with these materials, out to help you construct hanging greenery on the different elements.
​
Thanks for checking us out for our July news on what’s new and trending this month! Check us out next week for our first re-cap on our Venue tour stop #1 at The Eastern!
Cheers! Slainte!
A


Check out some of our personal favorite greenery installations done by use here at ARC! 

We are SOOooOO excited to be celebrating 5 years of business this year! One of the ways we are going to share the excitement is by offering different specials every 30 days.. The specials will be listed on all of our socials, and here on "the vine". 

For the first 30 days we are offering a FREE head table package! This package includes a personalized design and merchandise, for your head table on your big day. This special has a value of $250-$300! It's one of our favorites to run, and are so excited to be offering it for any client who books their event through the month of July. 
( Your event does not have to BE in the month of July, you just need to book your event with us within the month to receive the special. The special is only available to clients who book other services with ARC Design Studios.). 

Thank you for checking us out! We look forward to crashing your party!
#cheers #slainte 

,It has been sometime since we have posted to our blog here, so we thank you for checking us out! We have had so many things in motion that it was tough to keep our feed updated.

We had been so blessed to be a part of our clients big days the last handful of months while also moving our studio from Kalamazoo back to Metro Detroit. LET ME TELL YOU that was a process and still is a process. We have been editing through inventory, updating contracts, networking with new vendors, and all so that we can be the best support to our clients. We have plans for growth, and plans to take this 5th year in business and really show Detroit what our studio is about. 

Keep an eye on us, and our socials, to see what we are crashing next...... 

Cheers! Slainte!

​A

This was our first time being apart of the MI Perfect Wedding bridal show and WE LOVED the atmosphere of the Radisson! We met a great deal of wonderful couples and look forward to crashing some parties this upcoming year!