Mid-Michigan

2013 Edition

Bride

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From the Editor I took my first photography class in High School, and was instantly hooked on the process of creating a print from start to finish. I built a darkroom in my basement, and continued to work on my photography skills after graduation. In 2005, after taking a few photography classes at Lansing Community College, I jumped into the photography business. I shot my first wedding, and worked as an intern for the City Pulse. In 2006, I started working for a new publication that the Lansing State Journal was launching – The Greater Lansing Woman Magazine. Since then, my photographs have also been featured in the

Lansing State Journal, and I continue to cover social events and fundraisers for the GLW.

I wanted to bring together all of the wedding related companies I have worked with during my eight years of business in the Lansing area. I hope you find the resources and information in this magazine useful in your wedding planning process!

Tammy Sue Allen, owner

Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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Featured Photo: Lakeview Banquet CenterLaingsburg, MI

Mid-Michigan

Bride

Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/MidMichiganBride

Website: www.midmichiganbride.com

Twitter: @MidMichBride

Details of the day: You spend a lot of time planning your wedding, and all of the little details that make it special. Capture the moment with photos!

A Piece O’ Cake TIPS FOR CHOOSING

THE RIGHT WEDDING CAKEby Kelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/

designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron

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Props to You! ADDING DETAILS TO YOUR WEDDING DAYby Tammy Sue Allen, owner

Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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Beneath It All LINGERIE FOR YOUR

SPECIAL DAYLauren Long, owner of Curvaceous Lingerie

page 10Symbol of Love TIPS FOR CHOOSING

THE RIGHT RINGKevin Wheat, owner of

Wheat Jewelers

page 14One of a Kind

SEVEN TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION

Rebecca EldridgeOld Town Marquee

page 22

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Shop ‘til You Drop NINE STEPS TO A

FLAWLESS BRIDAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Katie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell

Picking Petals PICKING THE RIGHT

FLOWERS FORYOUR WEDDING Dawn Hall, owner of

Petal & Forrest

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Pop of Color ADD A POP OF COLOR

TO YOUR WEDDING DAY by Tammy Sue Allen, owner

Tammy Sue Allen Photography

page 12Look of Love SPECIAL MOMENTS

BETWEEN BRIDE & GROOM by Tammy Sue Allen, owner

Tammy Sue Allen Photography

page 20Location,Location,

Location IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VENUE

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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Now Trending NINE WEDDING

TRENDS FOR 2013 Rebecca Eldridge

Rd I Do

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Style Session TELL YOUR STORY WITH AN

ENGAGEMENT SESSION by Tammy Sue Allen, owner

Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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Farm Fresh RUSTIC OUTDOOR VENUES

by Tammy Sue Allen, owner Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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  Congratulations,  you  are  engaged  to  be  married!    This  is  meant  to  be  an  exciting  time,  one  that  you  will  look  back  on  with  fond  memories.      Inevitably,  some  stress  may  creep  its  way  into  your  planning  process,  but  do  not  let  it  overshadow  all  of  the  joy  and  love  that  goes  into  planning  your  wedding  day.  

  When  it  comes  to  choosing  all  of  the  details  of  your  day,  remember  to  stay  true  to  who  you  are.    Your  wedding  should  be  a  reBlection  of  you  and  your  Biancé  and  the  life  you  share  together.    When  it  comes  to  designing  your  wedding  cake,  please  keep  these  helpful  tips  in  mind,  hopefully  they  will  help  guide  you  and  make  the  process  a  piece  of  cake!

A PieceO’CakeChoosing the right wedding cakeKelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron

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  The  wedding  cake  should  be  a  reBlection  of  the  couple  and  the  overall  essence  of  the  wedding.    Would  you  describe  your  style  as  modern  and  non-­‐traditional?    Perhaps  a  geometric  or  topsy-­‐turvy  cake  would  suit  you  perfectly.    Or  are  you  leaning  toward  a  classic  and  romantic  theme?    Then  you  might  be  attracted  to  the  traditional  white  wedding  cake  with  beautiful  blooms.                        

Knowing  your  wedding  style  is  the  Birst  step  in  choosing  your  wedding  cake.    Trends  come  and  go,  so  being  true  to  yourself  and  your  vision  is  essential.

  Next,  know  your  budget.    Having  a  budget,  whether  big  or  small,  can  help  relieve  stress.    Whether  you  want  a  six-­‐tier  round  wedding  cake,  

or  a  dainty  three-­‐tier  with  sheet  cakes  to  serve  your  guests,  it’s  best  to  share  this  with  your  cake  designer  so  that  they  are  able  to  work  with  you  to  meet  all  of  your  needs.    Is  the  wedding  cake  of  your  dreams  completely  out  of  your  price  range?    Please  do  not  walk  away  discouraged,  reach  out  to  your  cake  designer  and  ask  how  you  can  make  the  cake  of  your  dreams  work  for  you.    Perhaps  changing  the  size  of  your  cake  or  the  design  would  help  your  budget.      Clients  frequently  ask  about  sheet  cakes,  or  kitchen  cakes.    A  Piece  O’  Cake  provides  double-­‐layer  sheet  cakes,  which  means  that  the  slice  of  cake  that  each  guest  receives  is  the  same  size  piece  of  cake  served  from  the  wedding  cake.    The  beneBit  is  that  you  can  save  on  cost  and  your  guests  will  not  feel  like  they  received  a  smaller  piece  of  cake  than  another  guest.    

A Piece O’ Cake BakeryLe Bon Macaron

4966 Northwind DriveEast Lansing, MI 48823(517) 333-6881 www.apieceocake.com

continued on page 6

“Keep in mind that your wedding cake

will be a centerpiece at your reception.”

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  At  A  Piece  O’  Cake  we  want  everyone  to  have  the  cake  of  their  dreams  and  we  work  hard  to  make  that  a  reality  for  every  budget.    This  tip  applies  to  any  wedding  service:  always  express  your  concerns  and  ask  questions.

  A  wedding  cake  is  such  a  special  dessert.    Guests  look  forward  to  not  only  tasting  a  spectacular  dessert,  but  also  seeing  it!    Keep  in  mind  that  your  wedding  cake  will  be  a  centerpiece  at  your  reception.      We’ve  had  brides  remark  how  their  guests  formed  a  line  around  their  cake,  taking  turns  ‘oohing  and  ahhing’  over  the  dessert  they  would  regrettably  cut  into  later  in  the  evening!    At  A  Piece  O’  Cake  taste  is  equally  important  as  the  design.    We  Birmly  believe  that  a  wedding  cake  must  be  as  delicious  as  it  is  beautiful.

  Please  take  advantage  of  consultations.    This  is  your  opportunity  to  meet  the  cake  designer,  design  your  wedding  cake,  sample  cake  Blavors  and  receive  a  quote  for  their  services.      Every  bakery  has  something  different  to  offer,  visit  as  many  bakeries  as  you’d  like  so  that  you  have  options.      To  make  the  most  of  your  consultation  be  sure  that  you  bring  along  color  swatches,  photos  of  your  dress  and  photos  of  cakes  that  you  like.    A  Piece  O’  Cake  offers  

A PieceO’CakeChoosing the right wedding cakeKelly (Kobus) Toland, owner/designer at A Piece O’ Cake and Le Bon Macaron

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continued from page 5

complimentary  consultations  and  we  encourage  everyone  to  come  in  and  meet  us.  Our  cakes  are  custom,  so  the  more  inspiration  provided  the  better  when  it  comes  to  designing  a  custom  wedding  cake.

         Dessert  tables  are  becoming  increasingly  popular.    They  can  be  unique  and  beautiful  and  they  encourage  guests  to  mingle  around  the  desserts!    Check  with  your  bakery  to  see  if  they  offer  additional  desserts  such  as  French  macarons,  sugar  cookies,  brownies  or  pies.    In  the  Fall,  it’s  popular  to  have  a  dessert  table  featuring  cakes  and  pies.    If  your  bakery  does  not  offer  the  dessert  you’d  like  it  is  perfectly  acceptable  to  seek  out  another  vendor  for  additional  desserts.

  Finally,  trust  your  vendors.    You’ve  chosen  your  vendors  because  you’ve  fallen  in  love  with  their  product.    Remember  that  you  have  hired  them  to  provide  you  with  a  service  and  more  than  anything  they  want  you  to  be  happy.    When  you  choose  your  vendors  choose  those  that  you  feel  you  trust  and  leave  it  in  their  capable  hands!    When  your  wedding  comes,  you  will  be  so  relieved  that  you’ve  hired  vendors  that  you  trust.    

  Above  all,  have  fun,  enjoy  the  planning  and  always  keep  in  mind  the  reason  for  the  party–the  marriage.    Congratulations!

A Piece O’ Cake BakeryLe Bon Macaron

4966 Northwind DriveEast Lansing, MI 48823(517) 333-6881 www.apieceocake.com

“Dessert tables can be unique & beautiful, and they encourage

guests to mingle around the desserts!”

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Props To You!Adding details to your wedding day

Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

(above) Britta & Mert used a Hello Kitty umbrella on their rainy wedding day.

(below) Nick & Lindsey’s photo booth props.

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(above) Zach & Andrea used letters for each table setting. I pulled the letters to spell “LOVE” and asked the bride to make the “V”.

(left) Nick & Lindsey’s UP theme wedding

Don’t forget to take a photo that you can send with your thank you notes.

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  For  centuries  the  Bridal  and  Lingerie  Industries  have  gone  hand  in  hand  -­‐  Both  worlds  are  devoted  to  ultimate  femininity.    Creating  the  ultimate  experience.    It  is  the  mission  of  each  industry  to  bring  about  excitement,  satisfaction,  and  pleasure.    You  are  meant  to  feel  your  very  best  as  a  bride,  from  the  inside  through  each  layer  of  clothing  to  the  outside.    Christian  Dior  once  said,  “There  is  no  fashion  without  foundations,”  and  there  is  no  better  day  than  the  day  of  your  wedding  to  give  a  boost  to  that  experience.  

  The  element  of  correct  (or  sexy)  undergarments  creates  conBidence  in  every  woman.    There  is  also  a  sense  of  well-­‐being  knowing  that  what  you  are  wearing  beneath  your  clothing  reBlects  the  best  image  you  can  reBlect  of  yourself.

  Solution-­‐Binding  is  a  huge  part  of  the  under  garment  process  for  your  wedding  gown  -­‐  

once  your  gown  has  been  selected  (or  you  have  narrowed  down  your  choices)  you  need  the  proper  foundations  to  make  that  gown  lie  against  your  body  that  much  better.    Consider  long-­‐line  bras  with  stocking  holders  or  a  garter  belt  to  give  you  structure  (we  carry  several  options).    If  you  gravitate  towards  more  Bitted  or  lace  gowns,  consider  a  overall  body  smoother,  like  the  Spanx  Simplicity  high-­‐waisted  convertible  slip  to  minimize  lines  with  a  seamless  edged  thong  by  Commando.    If  your  gown  already  has  heavy  ruching,  or  is  made  with  a  thicker  structure  like  a  corset  back,  consider  something  fun  like  Nippies:  one  time  use  nipple  concealers  available  in  lots  of  fun  designs!    Imagine  your  grooms’  surprise  when  you  slip  out  of  your  gown  and  he  discovers  silver  sequined  hearts...Then  encountering  a  cute  star-­‐studded  Hanky  Panky  lace  thong  decked  out  with  the  word  ‘Mrs.’  or  ‘Bride.”       Your  fun  does  not  stop  the  wedding  night  however  -­‐  long  before  your  wedding  you  will  

Beneath It AllLingerie for your special dayLauren Long, owner of Curvaceous Lingerie

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need  to  start  thinking  about  your  honeymoon  lingerie  as  well.    Many  of  our  brides  indicate  the  night  of  the  wedding  they  want  something  a  bit  more  traditional,  but  as  the  honeymoon  gets  underway  they’d  prefer  something  more  fun  or  daring  to  wear.    

  Usually  i’d  recommend  identifying  your  best  feature  and  highlighting  it  with  the  right  outBit.    Think  about  which  physical  attributes  you  have  that  you’re  comfortable  exposing  outright,  and  those  that  you  would  prefer  to  keep  hidden  initially.    This  is  extremely  important  because  choosing  the  best  lingerie  for  your  body  will  make  

a  huge  difference  in  making  you  feel  sexy  and  comfortable.    Remember,  a  conBident  woman  is  a  sexy  woman,  and  if  you  portray  yourself  as  a  gift  for  your  husband  to  

unwrap  that  makes  the  experience  all  the  better.

  Ponder  too  your  fabric  choices  -­‐  some  fabrics  like  chiffon  in  a  babydoll  style  will  be  Bigure  forgiving,  whereas  a  sleeker  silky  satin  has  more  of  a  tendency  to  show  those  little  bumps.    What  feel  to  you  prefer?    What  materials  does  your  Biancé  prefer?    Is  he  a  lace  man  (usually  more  visual)  or  a  silky  kinda  guy  (touchable)?    More  than  likely  you’ll  be  wanting  multiple  outBits  anyway,  so  sometimes  giving  yourself  the  best  of  both  worlds  is  the  way  to  go.    And  deBinitely  keep  color  in  mind!    Yes  white  can  be  sweet  and  black  can  be  hot,  but  what  about  that  great  pink  color  you  wear  every  other  day?    Give  yourself  a  pop.    Be  bold.

  Strategically,  Curvaceous  opened  its  doors  not  long  ago  inside  The  Wedding  Bell  bridal  salon  of  Okemos.    We  did  this  to  fulBill  a  demand  that  was  not  being  met.    The  idea  of  sending  one  of  our  brides  an  hour  away  to  go  shopping  for  items  beneath  her  gown  or  or  her  honeymoon  began  to  almost  be  irritating!    We  have  amazing  women  here  in  Lansing  -­‐  brides,  and  the  everyday  women  need  an  intimate  place  to  shop  that  caters  to  their  desires.    Whether  it  be  hard  to  Bind  bra  sizes  or  that  perfect  peignoir  set  let  Curvaceous  be  your  destination!

“Remember, a confident woman is a sexy woman, and if you portray yourself

as a gift for your husband to unwrap

that makes the experience all the

better.”

Curvaceous Lingerie

5100 Marsh RoadOkemos, MI 48864(517) 881-8466 www.curvaceouslingerie.com

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Pop of ColorAdd a pop of color

to your wedding dayPhotos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

(above) Jennifer’s classicred roses.

(right) Red shoes & brightly colored flowers.

(below) Amy’s red shawl adds a pop of color to her autumn wedding.

(above) Colored chair sashes with rhinestone accents.

(right) Andrea’s hand painted blue shoes.

Mary & Ian’s bridesmaids dresses pop in bright colors.

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  You  have  met  the  woman  you  want  to  marry.    That  was  the  easy  part.    Now  having  found  the  perfect  woman,  you  need  to  Bind  the  diamond  that  suits  her  perfectly.    Just  as  your  love  for  each  other  is  unique,  no  two  diamonds  are  alike.    The  ring  you  choose  is  the  endearing  symbol  of  love  between  you  two.

  Where  do  I  go?  How  do  I  start?  I  really  don’t  know  much  about  diamonds.  You  don’t  have  to  do  this  alone.    You  should  be  able  to  breathe  easy  and  concentration  on  getting  the  perfect  diamond  and  setting  (ring)  design  for  your  sweetheart.    You  shouldn’t  have  to  worry  about  whether  you’re  paying  inBlated  prices  or  buying  a  poor  quality  diamond.    Wheat  Jewelers  will  help  you  through  the  entire  experience,  without  stress  or  anxiety.

  Before  we  start  the  process  of  choosing  the  perfect  stone  and  setting  there  are  a  few  things  that  will  help  you  and  your  choice.  • Take  a  quick  look  at  the  jewelry  she  now  wears.    Perhaps  she  likes  bold  things  which  are  modern  cuts  or  perhaps  classic,  soft  decorative  things  or  she’s  a  no  frills  kind  of  gal  and  just  a  solitaire  diamond  would  suit  her.

• Does  she  have  a  preference  for  gold,  platinum  or  perhaps  palladium?

• Are  you  comfortable  with  having  her  with  you  –  as  all  ladies  enjoy  this.    Or  perhaps  a  sister  or  a  best  friend  of  hers  can  give  you  ideas  and  helpful  hints.

• Don’t  be  afraid  to  ask  the  jeweler  any  questions  you  may  have.    Wheat’s  purpose  is  to  keep  you  informed  and  know  you  have  the  best  information  needed  for  you  to  make  a  decision.

• Have  an  idea  of  your  budget  and  what  you  want  to  spend.  The  amount  is  not  meant  to  make  you  uneasy.    Having  a  ballpark  Bigure  allows  Wheat  associates  to  give  you  an  idea  of  how  this  can  be  spent  between  the  diamond  and  setting  to  your  choosing.    Our  sales  people  at  Wheat’s  will  not  pressure  you  into  going  beyond  the  budget  you  set  for  yourself.    Be  honest  with  yourself.  If  you  Bind  rings  for  less  than  you  expected,  take  a  breath  before  you  jump  and  buy.    Make  sure  you’re  comfortable  with  your  purchase.

  After  all  that,  let’s  talk  about  how  to  go  about  buying  the  diamond  and  ring.    Many  stores  will  show  you  rings  with  the  diamond  already  set  in  it.    Wheat  Jewelers  does  not  sell  this  way.  Preset  stones  limit  your  options  and  allows  for  pressure  situations.    The  seller  is  looking  only  to  sell  that  speciBic  ring.  At  Wheat  Jewelers  the  diamond  and  setting  are  sold  separately.    This  allows  the  customer  to  look  at  the  diamond  in  any  size  or  shape  he  may  choose.    

Symbol of LoveTips for choosing the right ringKevin Wheat, owner of Wheat Jewelers

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Now  for  the  ring;  where  do  I  start?Wheat  Jewelers  website  www.wheatjewelers.com  offers  an  educational  tool  that  will  explain  to  you  the  grading  system  of  diamonds  commonly  referred  to  as  the  4  C’s.    Cut,  clarity,  carat,  and  color.    The  site  explains  the  style  of  ring  you  may  be  looking  for  or  how  you  can  design  your  ring  “on  site”  with  a  designer  at  Wheat  Jewelers.    You  can  also  review  a  guide  to  assist  you  in  buying  the  right  ring.     Wheat  Jewelers  understands  the  need  for  our  customers  to  be  relaxed  comfortable.    We  feel  our  display  of  rings  and  diamonds  allows  you  the  hands  on  exposure  and  the  time  you  need  to  accomplish  this  quest.     Time?  With  a  display  of  3000  rings  and  the  ability  to  show  you  over  20,000  diamonds,  you  need  plenty  of  time  to  leisurely  peruse  these  items.    This  is  most  important  when  your  attention  begins  to  focus  on  the  detail  and  you  realize  there  is  no  pressure  from  us  to  make  a  quick  decision.    Whether  your  purchase  is  done  on  the  Birst  visit  or  you  need  additional  visits,  Wheat  Jewelers  primary  concern  is  your  comfort  and  trust  as  we  help  you  make  your  decision.    Three  thousand  diamond  engagement  rings  and  the  ability  to  design  your  own  requires  you  being  relaxed  and  away  from  pressure.   We  often  hear  “I  like  this  section  of  the  ring  but  I  saw  another  ring  where  I  like  this  instead.    Can  I  bring  the  two  together  for  my  ring?”    The  answer  is  yes!  Or  another  one  –  “I  saw  a  picture  of  a  ring  I  like.  Can  you  make  it  for  me?”  Again  yes,  and  know  we  can  save  you  money  on  the  price!   Does  Wheat  recommend  any  speciBic  diamonds?  Yes,  we  recommend  The  Star  129  (www.star129.com)  and  Yehuda  (www.yehudadiamonds.com)  diamonds.  Both  of  these  diamonds  offer  an  opportunity  to  purchase  a  unique  diamond.   The  Star  129,  with  its  129  facets,  offers  visually  great  light  performance  beyond  what  we  may  see  in  the  standard  58  facet  diamond.    Yehuda  diamonds  are  visually  enhanced  diamonds  (enhancement  cannot  be  seen  with  the  eye)  and  

offer  a  25-­‐35%  savings  in  price  compared  to  traditional  diamonds.     These  two  diamonds  are  unique  and  available  only  at  Wheat  Jewelers.  Along  with  these  diamonds,  we  have  20,000  traditional  diamonds  available.  

Wheat  Jewelers  is  an  award  winning  family  owned  jewelry  store  and  manufacturer.    We  have  been  serving  our  customers  for  over  30  years.    Along  with  the  owner,  Kevin  Wheat,  the  store  has  3  gemologists,  2  goldsmiths  and  an  association  of  designers  who  assist  us  and  we  

continually  add  new  designs  to  our  selection.

  We  highly  recommend  our  website  www.wheatjewelers.com  to  continue  to  add  to  your  diamond  knowledge  and  ring  designs.    It  affords  you  the  opportunity  to  continually  review  the  information  you  need  to  purchase  the  perfect  ring  for  your  special  day.

“Just as your love for each other is unique, no two diamonds are alike. The ring you choose is

the endearing symbol of love between you two.”

Wheat Jewelers

4990 Marsh RoadOkemos, MI 48864(517) 349-0101 www.wheatjewelers.com

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  Congratulations,  you’re  ENGAGED!!  This  is  one  of  the  most  exciting  times  of  your  life!  You  have  found  the  person  you  want  to  spend  the  rest  of  your  life  with  and  you  can  start  to  see  the  vision  of  yourself  walking  down  the  aisle.  One  of  the  most  exciting  things  to  plan  is  what  you  and  your  attendants  will  wear  for  your  special  day.  Some  brides  take  the  correct  steps  and  have  a  FLAWLESS  and  STRESS  FREE  experience.  However,  some  brides  miss  these  steps  and  end  up  having  a  Stressful,  unenjoyable  experience  that  turns  their  big  day  into  a  big  nightmare.     The  Wedding  Bell  has  been  dressing  brides  and  bridesmaids  for  25  years,  and  I  have  

helped  brides  Bind  their  dream  dress  for  over  10  years.    These  are  9  steps  that  I  have  found  to  be  KEY  in  having  your  own  Blawless  experience.

1. Start with an open mindBridal  consultants  are  trained  and  ready  to  help  you  select  your  gown.  They  have  seen  the  dresses  in  the  bridal  shop  on  many  different  people  and  body  styles.  We  encourage  our  brides  to  look  around  the  store  and  select  gowns  that  they  are  attracted  to,  we  also  encourage  our  brides  to  allow  us  to  select  some  gowns  for  them  to  try  on  based  upon  what  they  have  told  us  about  their  wedding,  the  venue,  style  and  their  body  type.  

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Shop ‘til You DropNine steps to a flawless bridal shopping experienceKatie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell

Many  times  brides  will  see  a  picture  of  a  gown  in  a  magazine  and  get  Bixated  on  that  dress  or  style.  They  begin  to  only  try  on  a  certain  styles  and  limit  themselves.    Once  they  allow  a  consultant  to  show  them  something  that  they  may  really  like  they  are  surprised  to  Bind  that  they  may  like  how  it  Bits  their  body  or  venue  more.  

2. Know your venue and styleTwo  very  important  questions  that  you  will  be  asked  when  shopping  is  “where  is  your  wedding”  and  “what  is  the  style  of  your  wedding”.    This  is  crucial  information  for  your  consultant  to  have  to  help  assist  you  in  Binding  your  gown.  A  consultant  will  guide  you  to  very  different  dresses  if  your  wedding  is  on  a  beach  in  Jamaica,  a  cathedral  in  Chicago,  or  a  small  church  in  the  country.  The  style  of  your  gown  may  also  change  if  your  wedding  will  be  a  casual,  intimate  family  event  at  noon  or  a  large,  formal  evening  affair.    We  have  seen  many  brides  unsure  of  their  venue  get  frustrated  when  they  Bind  a  gown  they  love  but  can’t  say  “Yes”  because  it  wouldn’t  Bit  one  venue  they  have  in  mind.    Save  yourself  and  your  family  time  and  frustration  by  knowing  the  venue  and  style  before  shopping.  

3. Bring the right people (leave the children at home)

This  is  probably  the  step  that  can  frustrate  the  bride  the  most.  Bringing  family  and  friends  with  you  to  purchase  your  wedding  gown  is  very  important  to  most  brides;  however,  bringing  the  wrong  people  can  create  an  atmosphere  of  criticism,  frustration,  and  sometimes  anger.  We  encourage  brides  to  bring  with  them  only  people  closest  to  them,  people  that  they  cannot  choose  a  wedding  gown  without.  We  also  encourage  brides  to  only  bring  people  that  will  put  the  bride’s  opinion  before  their  own.  We  have  seen  many  brides  pass  on  their  dream  dress  because  someone  like  the  aunt  of  the  groom  made  a  comment  about  it  and  made  the  bride  feel  bad.  We  have  also  seen  a  bride  settle  for  something  that  her  new  Biancés  mom  wanted  her  to  wear  instead  

of  following  her  heart.  This  usually  ends  in  the  bride  being  unhappy  a  couple  months  later  when  the  dress  arrives  realizing  she  should  of  stood  up  for  what  she  wanted  initially.  We  know  that  many  people  want  to  be  apart  of  helping  the  bride  choose  the  gown.  We  instead  recommend  bringing  only  the  most  important  and  helpful  people  to  your  appointment  to  select  your  wedding  gown.  Then,  once  the  gown  is  selected  and  purchased,  bring  others  who  want  to  be  apart  of  decisions  to  

select  bridesmaid’s  dresses  or  maybe  to  one  of  your  Bittings  to  help  select  a  bustle  style  or  perhaps  to  an  accessories  appointment  to  help  you  select  what  you  will  wear  for  jewelry,  veil  and  headpiece.    These  decisions  are  smaller  and  won’t  cause  you  to  select  a  wedding  gown  that  you  don’t  love  or  walk  away  frustrated  or  angry  

with  a  family  member  or  friend.

4. Select your gown before selecting your bridesmaid dressesChoosing  a  bridesmaids  dress  for  your  wedding  does  not  have  to  be  a  difBicult  task.    A  key  element  to  Binding  a  style  for  your  girls  is  Birst  taking  into  account  the  style,  fabric,  and  formality  of  your  wedding  gown.  Brides  who  have  not  selected  their  gown  Birst  can  spend  several  hours  getting  their  bridesmaids  together  selecting  the  perfect  dress  and  then  having  to  start  over  because  the  dress  selected  didn’t  go  with  the  bridal  gown.  Your  bridesmaid  dresses  certainly  don’t  have  to  match  your  wedding  gown,  however,  you  create  a  style  when  you  select  your  gown.  Your  bridesmaid  dresses  should  translate  the  same  style  as  your  

“We encourage brides to bring with them

only people closest to them, people that they

cannot choose a wedding gown

without.”

The Wedding Bell

5100 Marsh RoadOkemos, MI 48864(517) 349-0063 www.theweddingbell.net

continued on page 18

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wedding  gown.  A  specialized  bridesmaids  consultant  will  be  able  to  assist  you  in  Binding  the  perfect  dresses  for  your  bridesmaids  whether  they  all  wear  the  same  style  or  coordinate  different  styles.

5. Know what the bridal shop has to offerWhen  looking  for  a  store  to  purchase  your  wedding  gown  make  sure  to  know  what  the  next  steps  after  the  arrival  of  your  gown  will  be.    A  few  questions  to  consider  are,  does  the  bridal  shop  store  your  gown  after  it’s  arrival  (do  they  charge?),  do  they  offer  on  site  alterations,  do  they  provide  bridal  bags  and  steaming?  Many  stores  will  vary  on  these  answers  and  it  is  important  for  you  and  your  pocketbook  to  know  in  advance.  Most  of  our  brides  at  The  Wedding  Bell  choose  to  store  their  gowns  in  our  bridal  bags  with  us  upon  their  gown’s  arrival.  Most  also  use  our  highly  rated,  in-­‐house  seamstress.  Our  brides  then  schedule  a  Binal  

pressing,  at  no  extra  charge  just  a  few  days  before  the  wedding,  and  most  take  it  directly  to  their  venue  so  they  never  have  to  take  it  home  where  there  might  be  a  peeking  Biancé  or  pets.  Knowing  what  a  bridal  shop  offers  not  only  at  your  Birst  appointment  but  also  through  the  entire  process  will  help  you  make  an  educated  decision  before  buying  your  wedding  gown.  

6. Wear the proper undergarmentsLike  Oprah  says  the  right  undergarments  are  the  foundation  for  every  outBit  and  your  wedding  gown  should  be  no  different.  Your  wedding  gown  

is  one  of  the  most  important  things  you  will  ever  wear  and  your  wedding  day  is  when  all  eyes  are  on  you…and  your  groom  of  course!Curvaceous  Lingerie  has  opened  inside  The  Wedding  Bell  and  has  everything  brides  need  to  feel  completely  comfortable  under  their  gown.    Curvaceous  offers  long  line  bras,  shape  wear,  beautiful  pieces  for  your  honeymoon,  hosiery  and  more.  Lauren  Long,  

owner  and  expert  undergarment  specialist  can  assist  you  in  Binding  the  perfect  piece  to  take  the  Bit  of  your  gown  from  good  to  great!

7. Do some researchYou’ve  probably  looked  through  countless  magazines  and  websites  and  are  getting  an  idea  of  what  you  desire  for  your  big  day.    Bring  in  any  pictures  you  have  or  show  us  your  Pinterest  board  on  your  phone.  This  will  help  your  consultant  help  you  Bind  the  perfect  dress.  Also,  if  price  point  is  one  of  the  biggest  factors  for  you  in  making  your  selection  let  your  bridal  consultant  know  what  you  want  to  spend  on  your  gown  or  bridesmaids  dresses.      

Shop ‘til You Drop9 steps to a flawless bridal shopping experienceKatie Love, owner of The Wedding Bell

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“Choose your bridesmaids wisely.

Make sure to choose people who are closest

to you and who will make your wedding

day stress free.”

continued from page 17

8. Pick bridesmaids who won’t cause you stressThis  seems  like  a  no  brainer  but  you  would  be  surprised  how  many  brides  have  a  frustrating  experience  because  one  of  her  bridesmaids  is  having  an  attitude  about  the  dress  style,  procrastinating  on  buying  her  dress,  or  waiting  until  the  last  minute  for  her  Bitting.    Choose  your  bridesmaids  wisely.  Bridesmaids  are  not  only  close  friends  and  often  family,  but  also  the  ones  who  will  be  attending  to  you  on  your  wedding  day.  Make  sure  to  choose  people  who  are  closest  to  you  and  who  will  make  your  wedding  day  stress  free!  9. Plan early  The  most  important  step  to  having  a  Blawless,  stress  free  day  is  PLANNING  EARLY.  Planning  early  offers  many  beneBits.  First,  you  can  have  what  you  want.    Some  brides  push  their  decision  till  the  last  minute  and  end  up  not  being  able  to  get  what  they  want  or  having  to  pay  extra  fees  for  rushes.  Second,  planning  early  is  also  essential  for  bridesmaids.  No  bride  wants  her  bridesmaids  dresses  coming  in  a  week  before  the  wedding.  Who  wants  that  stress??  Remember  to  plan  in  time  for  alterations.  Finally,  when  you  plan  early  any  issues  that  may  arise  can  be  resolved.  

Although  rare,  it  happens,  whether  it  is  human  error,  weight  gain,  pregnancy,  fabric  defect  etc.…  problems  can  arise.  Planning  early  ensures  that  the  bridal  shop  can  work  with  you  to  remedy  any  problem  that  may  come  up.  Planning  early  saves  you  stress  and  ensures  a  Blawless  Wedding  Day!

As  Bridal  Season  approaches  we  look  forward  to  meeting  all  of  the  soon  to  be  brides!  Come  Bind  out  why  our  brides  love  The  Wedding  Bell  and  refer  their  friends  and  family.  You  can  make  an  appointment  right  through  our  website  at  www.theweddingbell.net  or  just  give  us  a  call  at  517-­‐349-­‐0060.  We  look  forward  to  helping  you  Bind  the  dress  of  your  dreams!

The Wedding Bell

5100 Marsh RoadOkemos, MI 48864(517) 349-0063 www.theweddingbell.net

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Look of LoveSpecial moments

between bride & groomPhotos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

(above) Elise & Michael’s sunset kiss. Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath.

(below) Andrea & Zach’s lakeside kiss. Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

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(above) Britta & Mert’s lakeside kiss. Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

(left) Amy & Craig share a tender moment before their wedding ceremony. Private residence, East Lansing.

Mary & Ian share a special moment together. MSU Alumni Chapel, East Lansing.

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  One  of  the  biggest  decisions  while  planning  a  wedding  is  selecting  the  reception  venue,  as  it  accounts  for  a  large  portion  of  your  wedding  budget.  Here  are  several  budget  conscious  tips  to  think  about  when  planning  your  wedding  reception:

1. Get married any night except SaturdayA  popular  new  trend  in  wedding  planning  is  choosing  to  host  your  wedding  on  a  Friday  night  or  Sunday  afternoon.  In  addition  to  saving  money  on  the  reception  venue,  you  are  likely  to  also  Bind  cheaper  deals  for  caterers  and  other  wedding  services.  Old  Town  Marquee  offers  price  breaks  for  both  Friday  and  Sunday  events.  

2. Choose to host your reception at a non-traditional location

Receptions  at  unique  and  non-­‐traditional  locations  are  increasing  in  popularity.  Steering  away  from  the  ‘cookie-­‐cutter’  approach  for  your  reception  will  make  your  special  day  even  more  memorable.  There  are  many  added  beneBits  to  planning  a  reception  at  a  non-­‐traditional  venue  in  addition  to  saving  some  money.

3. Book your wedding reception at Old Town Marquee

This  one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind  event  venue  located  in  Old  Town  Lansing  has  nearly  7,000  square  feet  of  event  space.  With  original  hardwood  Bloors,  Chicago  brick  wall  interior  and  Art  Deco  tin  

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One of a KindSeven tips for planning your wedding receptionRebecca Eldridge, Old Town Marquee

ceilings,  Old  Town  Marquee  is  a  Mid-­‐Michigan  favorite  for  weddings,  receptions  and  other  events.  For  more  information  about  the  different  wedding  packages,  visit  oldtownmarquee.com  or  call  an  Event  Specialist  at  517-­‐853-­‐5880.

4. Provide your own table décor and centerpieces  Thanks  to  Pinterest  and  anarray  of  DIY  wedding  decoration  sites,  there  are  numerous  unique  and  budget  friendly  ideas  for  creating  centerpieces  and  decorations  for  your  wedding  and  reception.  Instead  of  costly  Blowers  or  linens,  think  outside  of  the  box  and  use  hurricane  glasses,  candles  and  mirrors.  You’ll  be  amazed  at  what  you  can  create  yourself…and  how  much  money  you’ll  be  able  to  save!

5. Limit the guest listMany  caterers  and  banquet  halls  charge  per-­‐person,  causing  the  difference  between  150  and  200  guests  to  be  signiBicant.  A  good  rule  of  thumb  is  to  not  invite  more  guests  than  you  can  spend  one  minute  of  time  with.  For  instance,  if  you  invite  300  guests,  spending  one  minute  with  each  person  would  take  over  Bive  hours.

6. Consider the cuisineFood  encompasses  one  of  the  biggest  expenses  at  the  reception.  Instead  of  a  sit-­‐down  meal,  consider  a  buffet.  A  buffet  can  still  be  formal,  and  it  cuts  down  on  the  amount  of  staff  needed.  Also  consider  planning  your  wedding  for  earlier  in  the  day.  This  allows  more  Blexibility  for  a  brunch  or  a  smaller  meal.  Lastly,  limit  your  options.  More  meal  options  cause  your  bill  to  be  higher.  Instead  of  offering  three  or  more  dinner  options  for  your  guests,  choose  one  to  serve  to  everyone  with  a  vegetarian  option  for  some  guests.

7. Favors: The gift that keeps on givingMost  favors  can  cost  between  $1.50  and  $3.00  per  person  depending  on  the  item  and  the  number  purchased.  Ditch  the  chocolates  and  bubbles.  Get  creative!  What  are  some  items  that  you  and  your  

other  half  love?  Consider  putting  thought  in  to  a  gift  to  your  guests  that  says  ‘Thank  you  for  supporting  us’  over  and  over  again.  Drink  glasses,  

candle  votive  holders,  picture  frames  are  all  items  that  you  and  your  guests  can  hang  on  to  as  a  constant  reminder  of  your  special  day.  

Old  Town  Marquee  looks  forward  to  helping  you  plan  your  special  day.  With  a  unique  list  of  preferred  vendors,  Marquee  staff  can  help  you  keep  

within  budget  and  help  you  design  your  special  day  that  everyone  is  sure  to  remember.  

From  the  perfect  venue,  to  invitations,  favors,  and  décor,  Old  Town  Marquee  is  your  one-­‐stop-­‐(boutique-­‐)shop  for  all  things  to  make  your  event  simply  perfect!

“One of the biggest decisions while

planning a wedding is selecting the reception venue, as it accounts for a large portion of

your wedding budget.”

Old Town Marquee

319 E. Grand RiverLansing, MI 48906(517) 853-5880 www.oldtownmarquee.com

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Style SessionTell your story with an engagement session

Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

Lindsey & Nick’s vintage picnic engagement session.Cooley Gardens, Lansing.

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(above) Sidewalk chalk wedding date. Great option for a Save The Date announcement!

Props provided by Tammy Sue Allen Photography.

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  With  the  help  of  expert  wedding  bloggers,  the  RD  I  Do  team  has  created  a  list  of  what’s  hot  in  2013.  These  nine  wedding  trends  incorporate  colors,  patterns  and  looks  from  the  runway,  along  with  increasingly  popular  reception  ideas.  

1. The Color MintWedding  bloggers  unanimously  agree  that  the  color  mint  will  be  a  huge  wedding  trend  in  2013.  Since  its  debut  on  the  runway  in  this  year’s  spring  fashion  shows,  wedding  bloggers  have  been  raving  about  this  color.  Mint  is  likely  to  be  seen  on  save  the  dates,  wedding  invitations,  bridesmaid  dresses,  Blowers  and  all  types  of  wedding  decor.  Signature  cocktails,  cakes,  centerpieces  and  wedding  favors  are  also  likely  to  reBlect  this  wedding  trend.  Many  brides  will  jump  on  the  mint  bandwagon  as  they  choose  this  soothing  color  as  part  of  their  wedding  palette.

2. Localized WeddingsThis  trend,  which  is  likely  to  increase  in  popularity  in  2013,  allows  for  the  couple  to  feature  favorite  local  products  such  as  local  wines,  handcrafted  beers,  and  fresh  meat  from  local  farms  or  bread  from  local  bakeries.  In  addition  to  food  and  drink,  using  local  products  can  be  tied  into  any  wedding  element,  including  invitations,  the  venue,  Bloral  arrangements,  wedding  favors  and  centerpieces.  This  is  a  great  way  to  showcase  the  best  products  in  the  vicinity  of  the  wedding  location,  and  it  is  likely  to  save  money  on  shipping  costs.

3. PatternsIncorporating  patterns  into  wedding  décor  will  be  a  popular  option  in  2013.  Chevron  and  stripes  were  a  popular  pattern  for  every  kind  of  decoration  during  last  year’s  wedding  season,  including  table  runners  and  bow  ties.  Even  paisley  and  polka  dots  may  make  an  appearance  in  2013  weddings.

4. The Vintage LookWedding  bloggers  are  predicting  that  2013  will  see  a  lot  of  vintage  wedding  dresses.  InBluences  from  the  Roaring  20s,  along  with  inspiration  from  the  30s  and  40s  will  likely  be  popular  for  next  

Now Trending Nine wedding trends for 2013 Rebecca Eldridge, Rd I Do

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year’s  weddings.  Aside  from  wedding  dresses,  brides  will  be  able  to  tie  the  vintage  look  into  their  invitations  and  décor.

5. BirdsThe  most  romantic  animal  of  all  time  is  the  perfect  match  for  another  popular  2013  trend.  Birds  are  popular  in  home  décor  and  fashion  right  now,  and  this  is  likely  to  carry  over  to  weddings.  The  romantic  animal  makes  for  a  beautiful  and  natural  wedding  theme.  Birds  are  likely  to  be  noticed  on  an  array  of  wedding  decorations,  from  invitations  to  cake  toppers,  centerpieces  and  much  more.

6. Extended Wedding Receptions The  “after  party”  became  a  popular  trend  in  2012,  and  is  likely  to  be  popular  in  2013  as  well.  The  after  party  can  come  with  its  own  music,  food  and  even  a  wardrobe  change  for  the  wedding  party  and  friends.  Some  couples  may  choose  to  divide  the  reception  into  three  different  sections,  including  the  cocktail  hour,  dinner  “hour”  (typically  two  hours  with  the  normal  wedding  traditions)  and  two  to  three  hours  of  fun  afterward.  This  extended  fun  time  is  an  acceptable  time  for  the  older  guests  to  go  home.  This  popular  trend  ensures  that  there  is  something  for  every  type  of  guest.  

7. Virtual Guests Sharing  your  wedding  day  with  guests  will  be  even  easier  with  the  help  of  technology  in  upcoming  years.  If  a  loved  one  is  unable  to  attend  a  wedding,  couples  may  opt  to  “broadcast”  their  event  online  via  Skype  or  FaceTime.  This  real-­‐time  streaming  option  will  likely  increase  in  popularity  during  the  2013  wedding  season.

8. Lounge AreasWedding  bloggers  believe  this  trend  will  be  quite  popular  across  wedding  receptions  in  2013.  The  lounge  area  serves  as  an  additional  space  for  guests  to  relax  during  the  reception,  away  from  the  dance  Bloor.  This  area,  whether  it  is  outdoors  or  indoors,  can  feature  food,  cocktails  or  a  more  relaxed  setting.  If  you’re  planning  to  include  a  

photo  booth  or  games  for  guests,  this  is  a  great  place  to  do  it.  Guests  will  appreciate  the  change  of  pace  offered  in  the  reception  lounge.

9. Custom Wedding DetailsA  hot  trend  right  now  involves  an  ‘all  in  one’  venue  that  holds  the  reception  and  the  ceremony.  Locations  like  the  Old  Town  Marquee  are  perfect  venues  to  host  the  ceremony,  cocktail  hour,  dinner  and  reception.  Unusual  venues  from  art  galleries,  to  barns  or  warehouses  are  also  likely  to  be  

popular.  The  custom  detail  idea  can  also  be  incorporated  with  the  help  of  the  RD  Brides  team  at  RD  ‘I  Do,’  as  they  can  help  create  branded  products  to  leave  a  lasting  impression  on  your  guests.

RD  I  Do  is  a  local  bridal  and  event  boutique  located  inside  of  Old  Town  Marquee.  RD  I  Do  specializes  in  custom  save-­‐the-­‐dates,  invitations,  accessories,  gifts,  and  more!  Their  trained  staff  works  with  numerous  vendors  and  can  help  Bind  you  the  perfect  something  for  your  special  day.  

“A hot trend right now involves an ‘all in one’ venue that holds the

reception and the ceremony.”

RD I Do

319 E. Grand RiverLansing, MI 48906(517) 853-5880 www.rdbrides.com

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(above) MSU Alumni Chapel, East Lansing.

(right) Frank & Megan, University Club of Michigan State University.

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Location Location

LocationIt’s all about the venue

Photos by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

(below) Lakeview Banquet Center, Laingsburg.

(above) Beaumont Tower. MSU campus, East Lansing.

(left) Elise & Michael’s MSU wedding. East Lansing.

(above) Mary & Ian’s sunset kiss. Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath.

(above) Chris & Katie. Cooley Gardens, Lansing.

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A  wedding  would  just  not  be  the  same  without  Blowers!  

Flowers  reBlect  your  style,  taste  &  personality.  They  can  be  Blirty  &  fun,  elegant  &  sophisticated,  rustic  &  eclectic,  simple  &  subtle,  or  exotic  &  edgy.  If  chosen  &  designed  correctly  they  will  help  to  create  the  most  memorable  wedding  day.  

Ten tips to help you pick the right petals:

1. Find the right florist for youFlorists  are  not  one  size  Bits  all.  Although  a  good  Blorist  will  Bit  most.  Make  sure  your  Blorist  understands  you  and  your  vision  for  your  special  

day.  The  same  Blowers  can  be  arranged  in  many  different  ways.  For  example,  if  you  are  planning  a  contemporary  wedding,  the  Blowers,  designs  and  arrangements  they  are  suggesting  should  reBlect  that.    Request  a  written  quote  with  line  item  pricing  and  an  inspirational  photo  page.  If  the  Blorist  you  are  meeting  with  is  grumpy,  inBlexible,  or  arrogant  run  for  your  life!

2. It is your wedding day, no one else’s Your  mom,  sister,  best  friend  and  even  your  Blorist  will  all  have  great  ideas,  but  in  the  end  it  is  your  special  day.    If  you  do  not  like  a  particular  Blower,  color,  or  design  style  let  them  know  (in  a  loving  and  kind  manner  of  course).

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Picking PetalsPicking the right flowers for your weddingDawn Hall, owner of Petal & Forrest

3. Know your budgetBe  prepared  to  share  your  budget  with  your  Blorist.  He  or  she  will  then  be  able  to  guide  you  in  the  appropriate  direction,  getting  “creative”  with  your  budget  if  needed.

4. Know what you likeMagazine  pages,  Pinterest  boards,  online  photos,  color  swatches  etc  will  all  help  to  provide  your  Blorist  with  a  snapshot  of  your  vision.  Do  not  worry  if  only  some  (or  none  of  it!)  seems  cohesive,  your  Blorist  will  be  able  to  pull  it  all  together  for  you.

5. Consider the seasonTake  availability  of  Blowers  into  consideration.  If  you  are  getting  married  in  the  fall,  traditional  spring  Blowers  such  as  lilacs  &  lily  of  the  valley  are  probably  not  your  best  choices.  

6. Not everything has to matchThe  groomsmen’s  ties  do  not  have  to  match  the  bridesmaid’s  dresses  and  neither  do  the  Blowers.  It  is  nearly  impossible  to  match  a  particular  Blower  to  a  particular  dress  or  linen  fabric.  Nor  is  it  necessary.  Think  about  designing  your  wedding  similar  to  designing  a  room.    Start  with  the  main  colors  of  your  wedding  and  then  add  accents  of  color,  textural  interest,  and/or  a  little  something  unexpected.  

7. Loosen upFlowers  should  be  fun.  Do  not  get  caught  up  in  every  Blower  type,  size,  shape,  name  etc.  You  will  drive  yourself  crazy.  Similar  Blowers  can  create  similar  looks.  Be  Blexible  within  reason.  If  you  are  dreaming  of  an  all  peony  bouquet  then  you  should  have  an  all  peony  bouquet.  Also,  if  the  Blorist  you  are  meeting  with  is  grumpy,  inBlexible,  or  arrogant  run  for  your  life!

8. It’s all in the detailsRibbon  selection,  bouquet  size/shape,  types  &  sizes  of  containers  all  make  a  huge  difference  in  the  overall  look  and  feel  of  your  special  day.

9. Do not overdo itFlowers  are  not  cheap–let  them  be  the  true  centerpiece  on  your  guest  tables.  Be  thoughtful  when  choosing  your  napkin  color  &  fold,  party  favors,  menu  cards,  &  table  numbers.  All  should  complement  one  another  without  taking  away  from  the  main  focus–the  Blowers.  If  you  are  unsure,  consult  your  Blorist.

10. There is no right or wrong  You  really  cannot  go  wrong  with  beautiful  Blowers.  Do  what  you  want  on  your  wedding  day  as  long  as  it  is  all  in  good  taste!

“Flowers reflect your style, taste &

personality. If chosen & designed correctly they will help to create the most memorable

wedding day.”

Petal & Forrest

1491 Haslett Rd.Haslett, MI 48840(517) 512-0444 www.petalandforrest.com

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Farm FreshVenues for your rustic outdoor wedding

by Tammy Sue Allen Photography

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Meridian Historical Village5151  Marsh  Rd.Okemos,  MI  48864Full  historical  center  with  a  chapel,  barns,  and  other  historical  buildings.                                                                          http://www.meridianhistoricalvillage.org/weddings.html

Red Tail Farm5180  Zeeb  Road,  Dexter,  MI  48130Red  Tail  Farm  has  the  rural,  natural  beauty  that  will  make  your  wedding  day  memorable.  The  barn  seats  up  to  75  guests  for  a  sit-­‐down  dinner  or  100  for  a  buffet.  It  can  accommodate  120  guests  for  a  walk-­‐around  reception.  http://www.theredtailfarm.com/

Woldumar Nature Center5739  Old  Lansing  Rd.Lansing,  MI  48917Sunrise  pavilion  is  a  great  spot  for  a  wedding  ceremony!  http://www.woldumar.org/rentals.php

Peacock Road Tree Farm11854  Peacock  Rd.Laingsburg,  MI  48848Great  venue  with  lots  of  options  for  locations  -­‐  creekside  wedding  chapel,  gazebo,  pavilion  and  barns.                                                http://www.peacockroadtreefarm.com

The Country Mill Apple Orchard4648  Otto  Rd.Charlotte,  MI  48813Country  Mill  Apple  Orchard  offers  apple  orchard  ceremony  options  and  orchard  barn  banquet  hall  receptions.                        http://www.orchardwedding.com

Lakeview Banquet Center5942  Round  Lake  Rd.Laingsburg,  MI  48848.This  venue  on  Round  Lake  has  a  nice  outdoor  ceremony  space  available  right  on  the  lake.                                                                                                                    http://lakeviewweddingsandreceptions.com

Wheatfield Inn2335  N.  Williamston  Rd.Williamston,  MI  48895Outdoor  ceremony  options  available.                                                                            http://www.wheatBieldinn.com

Brookshire Inn & Country Club in Williamston205  W.  Church  StreetWilliamston,  MI  48895Outdoor  ceremony  options  available.                                                                            http://brookshiregolfclub.com  

Fenner Nature Center2020  East  Mount  Hope  Ave.Lansing,  MI  48910Available  for  parties,  various  rental  spaces  available.                http://www.mynaturecenter.org  

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