Business Planning

When to Break the Blogging & Business “Rules”

0 · Feb 26, 2016 ·

Love Letters and Lace | The Day's Design | Wildfield Paper Co | Ashley Slater Photography

Calligraphy: Wildfield Paper Co | Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Styling: The Day’s Design

What do I have to offer the world today?

A fellow blogger posed this question and it’s been bubbling around on my brain for month’s now. Ever read something that another writer, or even friend, has posted online and wondered why on Earth are you telling me this? I have those moments all the time. Why did the world need to know that?

Something very few people (if anyone) knows about me is that I used to daydream about being a writer. I would write short stories, dream up scripts for plays, novels and had collections of poetry. And I kept a journal. But my journal wasn’t a pretty little notebook with flowery thoughts and aspirations, it was a mass collective of random papers, paragraphs and ideas I’d scribbled down during calculus class or angry letters to ignored crushes. My journal was anywhere I could find a scrap of paper, napkins, post-it notes – you name it, I was resourceful and could then stuff them in my purse or pocket only to be discovered later or perhaps never even relived again. It was this way for me to vent and clear my head and figure out what I was really feeling. And usually they were deep, dark and often angry. Those are the moments I most feel the need to pick up my pen.

The thing about these writings is they were never really meant for an audience. I couldn’t easily share them with anyone and most people don’t even know of their existence. I had a poem or two that I’d read to a boyfriend on very rare occasion, but never my mother, best friend or even an English teacher – they were much too personal and I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone critiquing my work.

Creative writing was always my elective course of choice. I guess you could look at this as sort of a foreshadow of things to come. Never did I think that I would post writings online, I rarely even update my Facebook status because it is simply “none of your business”.

But from what I have read of “successful blogging” is you must be consistent, follow the 3 part story structure and most of all, have something worthwhile to share with the world today. Those are all three things that I really struggle with – and perhaps that’s why my blog isn’t “successful”. Why would anyone want to read what I want to share with the world? However, I mentally turned a little switch and decided to break these rules and no longer look at this as merely an informative wedding blog but rather my journal. My writer’s block has decreased. I feel like I just gave myself some freedom to be myself and write whatever I want – not what you’d want to read on a “wedding blog”. And I’ve actually had a very slight increase in readership.

So, what do I have to offer the world today? This – be yourself. Don’t do something because it seems like that might be the “rule” of business or “the way” things are done. If it don’t feel right, then stop. Simple enough, right? Just be yourself.

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And a little side rant – I hate the word blog. It so harsh and not poetic at all as it rolls off your tongue, it’s like you just spat the word out. Plus it reminds me of Pogs which gives me a little 4^th grade flashback.

The Mathematics Behind Planning a Wedding

0 · Feb 18, 2016 ·

Ever noticed how many numbers are involved in wedding planning? The realization hit home again this morning after weeks of catching up on the accounting and the nasty side of running a business…and taxes. Ugh.

BHLDN Table Number | Wedding Planning Tips | The Day's Design | Clary Pfeiffer Photography

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography

From an entrepreneurial standpoint, this seems obvious and expected when you own and operate a small business. But I started thinking about this from a bride’s perspective too. There are centerpiece calculations, seating chart dilemmas, invitation orders, meals, bridal attendants, amount of alcohol consumed, seats and modes of transportation and then the really obvious number quandary – the dreaded budget.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg and perhaps one of the reasons that planning a wedding is so difficult. So much of it is left to chance, predictions and mathematical calculations.

‘If Grandma Betty contributes $5,000 and Papa Joe gives us $2,000 plus we can add $8,000 from our savings and Mom and Dad said they’d contribute as much as they did for my brother’s wedding (whatever that amount was!?) And then if we invite 150 guests, maybe 125 will show up so we can expect to pay for only 125 meals but then we have to feed our vendors so that’s an extra 10 meals but only alcohol for 125, yet there could be as many as 15 minors there so maybe we will have more to spend on wine because there should only be 110 people drinking. And then do those tables seat 8 or 10 guests? Maybe we can have less centerpieces which will allow us to put more towards a ceremony arbor. But Aunt Susie can’t be sitting next to Uncle Bert which will mean we can only have 7 people at that table… Should we order enough cake for all our guests? Does everyone even like cake? Do we rent the same amount of chairs for the ceremony and the reception – I heard lots of guests only come for the reception and my wedding party will be standing up anyway. Or can the catering staff just move the chairs from one place to another for us? And what vendors do we tip and are there expected percentages? Who’s going to take my 65 miscellaneously collected vintage containers home at the end of the night? And how many wedding presents can I really fit in my car…’

If that has you just a tiny bit mind boggled, know that I barely scratched the surface of all the numbers and logistics that needs to be walked through before your wedding celebration can flow seamlessly, or at least with very few hiccups involved.

As I wrote this, I started having flashbacks to this Father of the Bride moment (which is without doubt, the best wedding planning movie ever) and it’s no wonder that George Banks has a mental breakdown.

My advice? Get rid of the superfluous buns. Hire a planner. Relieve stress. And I need to hire an accountant.

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Wedding Planning Services

0 · Jan 8, 2016 ·

Wedding Planner Services | Job Description | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography

Somewhere between pretentious corporate event planner and “I planned my sister’s wedding so now I’m an event planner” – on the side, is where you’ll find me… with a bouquet of flowers in my hands. I am a small business owner and boutique wedding planner, specializing in one of kind celebrations. I have a degree in event planning – or as close as I could get (Bachelors of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis is Event Planning – yes, that’s a mouthful). I plan, design and floralize weddings for a living.

However for me, business isn’t really about the title, it’s about being able to do what I love. While The Day’s Design didn’t necessarily start with flowers, it was born out of my love for design. Pulling together all the individual details for a wedding and forming one cohesive event makes me so happy. I love finding the perfect napkin that matches your invitation that pairs perfectly with your bridesmaids dress.

FLORAL DESIGN

But often the element that speaks loudest in that design scheme is the flowers and since I am so passionate about this aspect too, they naturally became part of my service offerings. They are a tangible component that everyone can see. The floral selection for any event says a lot about a person and the impact is huge. This is what draws most people to my work. And then we bond because they fancy blooms almost as much as I do.

I can’t seem to quench this thirst for floral knowledge. Colors, varieties and bouquet shapes fill my imagination…

WEDDING DESIGN

At times, the conversation ends with flowers, but more often it continues on, circling back to that design discussion and dreaming of all the decorative possibilities from escort card displays to making sure each place setting is arranged with a perfectly graceful ribbon draped on top. My sketch pad is full of doodles from blooms, to ribbons to invitations and the possibilities are endless. My creative mind is always on a wild quest for more. We’ll fashion an entire mood board and sketch out designs for the day. Together, we’ll visualize all the various details, big or small, and the roles they play in the overall tone of your wedding. If you hire me to design your wedding, I’ll be a part of every aesthetic facet working with your other creative vendors and then onsite that morning making sure that everything is perfectly placed and spotless. I may even help your photographer style a few photos if our paths should happen to cross and your timeline allows.

EVENT MANAGEMENT/DAY OF COORDINATION

Since I am there anyway, event management becomes a natural step for me to take. It’s a little more work for me on the front end of things (with a stellar team of assistants in tow), but so worth it to any bride who is considering whether or not to do everything herself. I’ll help build the entire itinerary for the day, making sure there’s a planned arrival time for each and every vendor. You won’t have to worry about whether or not the cake was delivered or the linens are set on your tables in time for the caterer to begin their part. The bridal party will know where they’re supposed to be and when to start walking down the aisle and I’ll straighten out your train before your grand entrance. Concerns about whether the photographer is in the room when the best man makes his toast or when husband and wife dance for the first time are eliminated as it will all be scheduled and well thought out, flowing as if it were all just naturally meant to happen.

FULL SERVICE WEDDING PLANNING

Then there’s the bride that needs help from the very beginning. The number of inspiring vendors in her area seems daunting and the idea of figuring out a budget is tedious. I become the friend that’s planned a million weddings and a liaison between practical, glam, organic and what your mother wants. I’m the voice of reason and inspiration, guiding the couple through each step of the planning process. Our journey together may begin with a location, a venue, finding the perfect caterer, tasting cakes or drinking champagne after he first proposed. Having a wedding planner doesn’t mean that you lose out on planning your wedding, but rather you have an experienced hand helping you along the way and any dull tasks that you don’t want to do, you can have someone else take care of. Everything stays orderly, on schedule and remains fun, after all wedding planning is supposed to be fun. It’s a celebration!

Regardless of contracted services, each couple is special to me. Each event is one of a kind and deserves its own contemplation and creativity. Being engaged is a once in a lifetime experience and I want to make it the very best for you. But most importantly, I wish all of my clients a marriage far more beautiful than any wedding I could ever help to create.

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2015 :: The Highlights, Goals & Lessons Learned

0 · Dec 31, 2015 ·

At lot can happen in just 365 days. Sometimes it hard to believe we’re even the same person that we were when the year began. From a business perspective, the growth I’ve seen has been unbelievable – both in clients and in personal strengths. I feel like this year was the year that I finally found my way. I’m feeling more confident than ever and excited to look back on the steps I took to get me there.

But it wasn’t just from a professional standpoint that I experienced change. There were lots of individual adjustments in life this year as well. I considered splitting my review up, posting from both a business and personal outlook, but there’s so much overlap and it’s hard to really figure out where each one really begins. Anyone who owns a business I’m sure can relate.

I began the year pregnant. I’m not one who enjoys pregnancy, so for me that wasn’t exactly a highlight. But of course then little Willa June was born and everything changed. It’s hard to even imagine what life was like before she came along. Gretta has adjusted well and it’s as though she’s always been a part of our family.

I was a little nervous about the start of wedding season. I had played with a few flowers for my maternity shoot back in January, but prior to that, my sister’s wedding in November had capped off my 2014 season and I was a bit apprehensive to get back into the swing of things. And then of course there was the additional pressure of having two children in tow.

I like to start the season with an inspiration shoot. It’s just seems to help get the creative juices flowing and if I’m a little rusty, my mistakes are made on my own accord and not at the expense of one of my brides. So Ashley and I headed to the beach – she was itching to create something pretty as well after a long winter. The shoot was moody and ethereal (and freezing – 39 degrees in May!), and the results were just as I had imagined it and I realized I just need to get out of my head create. I achieved another goal with this editorial, having it featured on Magnolia Rouge.

Photo Credits (left to right, top to bottom): Ashley Slater Photography | Ashley Slater Photography featured on Magnolia Rouge | Ashley Slater Photography, Design: Michaela Noelle featured on Inspired by This | Kelly Sweet Photography | Hetler Photography | Ashley Slater Photography, Dress: Spring Sweet featured on Magnolia Rouge | Ashley Slater Photography, Calligraphy: Kaitlin Parisho | Ashley Slater Photography, Invitation Suite: Wildfield Paper Co featured on Magnolia Rouge | Kelly Sweet Photography

I officially started the wedding season in May with 2 beautiful celebrations. Both brides had complete trust in me and gave me lots of creative freedom. I was able to choose blooms that I loved, worked with vessels they loved and had lots of local and foraged ingredients. Blush and pale pink color palettes were a reoccurring trend for me in 2015. I learned that while I am completely capable of doing multiple events in a weekend, it’s not a trend that I will continue. I’d much rather give each bride her own individual day and full attention.

Once again I was honored to be a part of Bloom the Workshop. I can’t say enough to really convey how lovely Ashley and Michaela are. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the very first Bloom they held over a year ago and in May I floralized their 3rd full day workshop to held in West Michigan. Michaela always dreams up a gorgeous tablescape and I love working with other creatives to help bring their visions to life.

A couple years ago, I had set a goal that I’d like to be featured at least 4 times a year on a major publication. The shoot with Bloom was featured on Inspired by This back in August, and was feature #4 for the year. While this isn’t my main focus of business by any means, it makes me feel pretty good to check this off my business goal list.

Photo Credits (left to right, top to bottom): Jamie & Sarah Photography | Bradley James Photography, Plates: Debby Does Dishes | Ashley Slater Photography | Clary Pfeiffer Photography featured on Style Me Pretty | Jamie & Sarah Photography | Jamie & Sarah Photography | Clary Pfeiffer Photography featured on Style Me Pretty| Clary Pfeiffer Photography featured on Style Me Pretty | Bradley James Photography, Invitation: Minted

In July, I received my very first order from Rose Story Farms. To some this might seem like a really strange item to highlight, however, if you’ve ever held one of these delicate little blossoms in your hands, you’ll understand their beauty. My love local blooms will always exist, but when they’re not Michigan made it doesn’t get much better than California grown. The chartreuse green of their little leaves just makes me so delightfully happy.

I worked out of a hotel room for the first time. Again, strange thing to highlight but it was an interesting experience, to say the least. It was at the same time that I experienced leaky containers, bouquets that were fastened with faulty tape, scorching heat and a whole wave of other obstacles. Give your florist a hug and tell your wedding planners thank you. They may have bled, drove across the state or stayed up all night making things happen that you’ll never be aware of because they’ll never tell you. My strength and endurance have been tested more than once this year and I’m stronger person and wedding planner because of it.

Thinking back, I remember the day that I longed to have one of my weddings or inspirations shoots featured on Style Me Pretty. It seemed like such a distance and lofty goal. In 2015, I was featured on their blog 3 times and I feel like someone should probably pinch me.

Also on my list of goals is to be see my work in print, in an actual magazine or a place that I can physically hold in my hand. Last month I received the news that not one, but 2 of my weddings will be featured in The Knot Michigan next spring. I am so honored to think that once upon a time I was just a college graduate with a little dream to be a wedding planner. And now here I am, living this dream and being recognized by some of the biggest names and publications in the industry. The icing on the cake – it was my bride’s fantasy to be featured on The Knot too, it’s so special that I could help make that a reality for her as well.

But it’s not just the recognition, I definitely don’t do what I do for fame or hoping someone will give me a huge pat on the back. The people I’ve meet along the way is the most rewarding piece of the journey. I love my brides, my vendor friends and some lifelong relationships have blossomed from working in the wedding industry.

Autumn brought with it more engagements, golden hues and many colorful celebrations full of love and the most amazing couples. And lots of dahlias. I truly hope to do more fall weddings next year as the scenery in Michigan is simply breathtaking that time of year. And I’d even like to add a couple of winter celebrations to my 2016/2017 calendar.

2015 was The Day’s Design’s third full time wedding season, the year Gretta turned 3 and will be the last year in our current home. It was the year of designing flowers in my dining room, storing them in my garage and keeping the rest of the treasures in my basement. It was the year that we tested my Tahoe’s strength, air conditioning and storage capacity. Moving forward is a sign of progress and a little bittersweet.

There’s a part of me that thinks I should have kept a tally of how many times I bled, how many times I wanted to give up, the hours of sleep I lost, the times I wanted to do a happy dance and high five (only to realized I work most days alone), the number of times I witnessed “the moment”, the walks up and down the aisle, the steps I take on a wedding day, the trips to venues, caterers, flower markets, greenhouses and down the road foraging for treasures. I need to keep track of it all so I can remember. So when 2016 rolls around and I can’t hardly function because I’ve pulled an all nighter before one of my fabulous brides’ big day – all I’ll have to do is see the expression in her eyes as she sees her groom staring back at her so in love. I want to remember why I love this job so much and never forget. My mother has mentioned on several occasions that there must be an easier way to make a living. Of course she’s right, but they’re not my passion, my drive or what I want to be doing. This is right where I want to be.

Cheers friends! Have a happy 2016!!

Beauty is a Choice Giveaway

0 · Dec 30, 2015 ·

Christmas has ended but that doesn’t mean the spirit of giving has to fade away. 2015 overall has been a good year, I’ve had joyous moments, a couple stumbles but nothing that rocked me too hard and I came out on top. But perhaps you know someone who hasn’t been as fortunate. Perhaps there’s someone in your life that’s climbing an uphill battle – illness, grief, hardships, life struggles – and needs to start the year off with a smile on their face being reminded that they are beautiful. Or perhaps that someone is you.

Whoever that person is, we want to hear their story. And in return, they may be the recipient of a free mini glamour session, complete with hair and makeup, with photos by Hetler Photography and a few floral and styling details from yours truly.

To enter – simply send your nominations to info@hetlerphotography.com along with their name, email address and why they should win (we want to hear what makes them beautiful!) Winners will be selected on January 4th with sessions taking place on January 9th at Kellie’s studio in downtown Grand Rapids.

Share this post and nominate someone who needs to be reminded they are beautiful!

Less Work More Life

0 · Dec 10, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography

If you follow me on Instagram then you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been completing the #risingtidechallenge this week. (If you haven’t heard about the Rising Tide Society, you can read more about it here.) Today is day 4 of the challenge and it’s all about living life, backing away from work and focusing on why we’re doing things – what matters most.

I’ve been contemplating how I’m going to answer this challenge. Obviously it’s my family that I’m working so hard for. It’s so I can help support, put food on the table and assist in keeping a roof over our heads. I work from home so we don’t have to put our kids in daycare, so we can have fun family movie nights and put up a glittering Christmas tree that will be loved all day long. I work for my clients, being a part of their stories and bringing their celebrations to life. But secretly, I work for myself too. Because truth be told, I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t working towards something. I’m not the type of person to be content without a dream and a little dirt under my nails. And I work so I can keep on dreaming.

This morning, however, I had a breakdown. I was up against a naughty toddler, deadlines and the wish the take a shower. I keep getting thrown into the category of a “stay at home mom”, as if I had no obligations other than my children, and it boils my blood. I work from home, I take care of two little girls while I’m crafting backdrops, answering emails, blogging, finding caterers, processing flower orders, etc. I challenge any of you with 9:00-5:00 jobs to take your kids with you for a day or two, you might not be able to keep your jobs for long. That’s how I feel. So as such, I often find myself stretched a little thin. It doesn’t always feel like a blessing to be able to stay at home with my girls all day. At times it feels more like a trap. Some days I just feel cursed. That’s how I felt this morning.

Going back to focusing why I’m doing what I’m doing – and sometimes I just can’t channel the gratitude and response that I know I should be writing. I should have just posted a big old picture of my family on Instagram, said they’re what matter most and moved on with my day. But at the moment it just didn’t feel sincere. I’m the type that would rather stay silent then just say what everyone wants to hear.

And then Willa June smiled at me. It was more than just a smile, there was a twinkle in her little 9 month old eye. We connected in a way that was just beyond route diaper changes and feedings. It was then I realized that I couldn’t let someone else watch her and take that away from me. These are mommy moments and they’re mine.

This is for all the entrepreneurs and family-preneurs out there – it seems like others have it all together. It seems like so many others have figured out how to do and have it all. But I’m challenging you to realize that it’s a rollercoaster ride. Some days are beautiful and productive and some days I’m in yoga pants, shower-less and wishing that I had never had kids. Even though it seems like it, I know I cannot possibly be the only one who feels like the minority. I can’t gush about my kids and husband 24/7 because while I love them all dearly, sometimes they drive me absolutely to the edge.

I work so I can have a life – whatever that life may be. I work so my dreams can become bigger dreams and someday reality. I work so my family can be a part of that life and those dreams, constantly seeking the balance between the two. And maybe someday I can also be part of my baby girls’ dreams, whatever they will be.

Holiday Cheer

0 · Dec 3, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography

I usually love Christmas. I’m a bit obsessed. Sparkly trees, twinkling lights, snow, presents, dinner parties… yes to it all!

But the last couple of years I haven’t really “felt” it. I feel like adulthood has officially checked in and the wonder is gone. It’s December 3rd and I still have pumpkins on my porch. Floral designer fail.

I used to get excited in August when Hobby Lobby would start stocking the shelves with Christmas goodies. My tree was always up Thanksgiving weekend. And Christmas shopping usually started back in September (if not sooner).

While I can check Christmas shopping off my to-do list, the rest of it seems tragic. I look at my house in disbelief and have to hold back tears. There’s pumpkin garland in my living room.

I’m trying to channel my holiday cheer. I don’t normally participate in things like Instagram or blogging challenges – I much prefer to march to the beat of my own drums and not follow the rules. But I’m in desperate need of assistance here. So for the month, I will be jumping on board with Bloom the Workshop’s Instagram challenge. If you’ve followed my work for long, you know that I love both Ashley & Michaela and adore being a part of Bloom and adding my flowers to some of their events. I won’t be blogging every item, but perhaps you’ll find a few inspired posts. However, if you do want to see what I’m up to, do make sure to follow along on Instagram or you can take part in the challenge too #bloomigchallenge.

And in the meantime, if you need an instant dose of cheer, head on over to Bungalow & Olives, my friend Katie is the best Christmas elf and her first snow post is sure to put a smile on your face.

Featured :: Sand & Sea on Magnolia Rouge

0 · Oct 20, 2015 ·

It’s no secret that I love the water. The sound of crashing waves and beautiful beaches are so invigorating. It really is amazing all the beauty that God has put on this earth around us. Beyond the obviously picturesque days, I love those that are a little darker. Moody, overcast skies are so intoxicating. There’s a calmness as the wind rips through your hair, the sound of the sand dancing across the shoreline and then… bam, another giant swell meets it’s ending upon the shore.

This inspiration was born out of those overcast skies. A little bit of mist hung in the air and the sand was chilled with a dampness. It was not a day to fuss with curls in your hair or to bother putting on a tie. It was a wild, carefree and barefoot occasion – come as you are and let love prevail. And today I’m delighted to share it in it’s entirety over on Magnolia Rouge.

Family: Your Best & Worse Fans

0 · Oct 15, 2015 ·

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography

To my dearest family and friends – I love you all so much and thank you for reading my blog. This is not aimed at anyone in particular and please don’t take offense, this is written as a generalized business note. Please continue to be my biggest cheerleaders and best fans (and send lots of clients my way!). xo

You remember that episode of Friends where Monica is asked to cater her mother’s fancy party, but her mom has very little faith in her and so she sticks a few lasagnas in the freezer just in case she “pulls a Monica”? Does that feeling ever seem all too familiar?

Our families tend to be a biggest fans and worst critics. They’ll tell you they love you and believe in you, but then put a backup meal in the freezer. I’ve worked 30 + weddings on my own, made hundreds of flower arrangements and have a pretty awesome portfolio to prove it. But when they ask me to plan one teeny little party or create a small bouquet, they’re constantly checking in on me – like I don’t know what I’m doing. What gives?

Our family and friends have the very best of intentions, but sometimes they’re actually doing more harm than good. They try to give you good business advice. They tell you where to advertise and who to network with. They want to cheer you on. And they’ve been by your side as you grow. They watched your hobby become your career. They were there when your blog had 2 readers and they’re still there now that you have 200+ a day. The problem is, unlike an outsider, a new bride/client/business contact or whomever, they’ve seen you at your lowest and it’s hard to remember that you’ve grown up.

Think of your best friend from high school. Remember her snot-nosed little kid brother? How old is he? 11? He’ll forever be 11 in your mind, it’s hard to see him now that he’s 25 and a grown man starting a family – he’s just a kid! I suppose it’s the same for your family and your business. I’ll always be a little girl.

To conquer this – build yourself a kick butt website and show them! I still find myself having to fight the urge to roll my eyes when a friend of mine asks if I have a website. Of course I do, and it’s really impressive and helps me book some amazing couples. And I’ve been published, lots. I have great reviews. I might work out of my garage sometimes, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere. I was fully booked this summer, so someone somewhere believes in me.

Then remember that your family isn’t necessarily your “ideal client”. They may or may not have any familiarity in your industry and they don’t know who the key players are and how your work compares. They don’t stay current on wedding trends. They don’t know that your flower arrangements hardly hold a candle to Mr. Big Fancy Pants Designer’s because they haven’t seen Mr. Big Fancy Pants Designer’s work. So take their compliment whether it’s your best work or if you’ve seen better. Your brides might not have seen Mr. Big Fancy Pants Designer’s work either, and even if they have, they’ve come to you for a reason.

Step back from your friends weddings. Sure it’s flattering to be asked to be a part of a celebration of someone who is so close to you. And I love it when Mom sends a client my way. But again, sometimes they aren’t the right fit. Maybe they saw your website and passed and then Mommy told them all about her amazingly talented daughter (that’s you!) and they revisited it. Your mom might give you a little attitude for not taking it on, but your works suffers when you aren’t inspired, there’s a reason they didn’t connect with you right away. In the end, you probably did all parties involved a favor by understanding that you don’t have to work with every client that comes your way.

My advice it to take it all with a grain of salt. Whether it’s Mr. Big Fancy Pants Designer’s business advice or a heart to heart with your husband or Mom and Dad, you have to go with your gut. Don’t do things because someone else did or told you to. If it doesn’t feel right, it won’t turn out right because you must stay true to yourself. Not all paths to success are the same, you must find your own.

Getting Published

0 · May 19, 2015 ·

Last week I had another one of my real weddings published on Style Me Pretty. The wedding itself was a dream and I could look at the pictures (and video!!) over and over again and never tire of them. And having your work featured on such a large platform is forever an honor – even though it may not have been the motivation of working on this particular wedding, it’s always nice when the wedding industry comes along and gives you a pat on the back, recognizing your hard work.

Photo: Kelly Sweet Photography

But let’s turn and look at this from a bride’s point of view. Was your wedding pretty as a picture? Do you dream of millions of people watching you and your man say “I do?” Want to be the envy of the neighborhood (and everyone’s Pinterest board)?

Do you want to see your wedding published? How do we make that happen?

It is okay to say right from the start that it’s your dream have your wedding featured on XYZ blog. You’ve been reading it for years, have 1,000 of pins from them and now that your big day is finally arriving, you want it to be showcased front and center. Sure, your wedding is really about love and commitment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty. So my first piece of advice is to be up front with your planner, your photographer and your florist. While lots of other vendors are definitely involved, these tend to be the key people in making your vision come to fruition, and getting it featured.

If you have a specific blog or publication that you’re aiming for, share that information. Different blogs feature weddings with different aesthetics. As a bride, you might know that you love everything you see on XYZ blog but not even be aware of why it you like their style so much. Maybe they only feature film photography, rustic weddings or flowers that are very textural and loose. Your planner should definitely be able to help you identify what is so special about that blog.

Then choose vendors that have been published before. They’ve had real weddings published before. Real weddings are much more challenging in that they have to be functional, as well as pretty – things can’t just be morphed for the camera. If they’ve been published on your dream blog/publication then they earn major bonus points since they already know what it takes.

And then you have to trust your vendors. Why are featured weddings so special? The make us covet their prettiness. They make us say “wow, I wish I was there”. Details are unique, the photography is extraordinary and everything flows perfectly together and feels very cohesive.

With all of this being said, it doesn’t mean that you have to have an over the top budget to make it happen. I can’t stress how important it is to have confidence in your vendors and how key it is to hire an amazing photographer. It might seem strange, but splurging on an incredible photographer could actually save you money. They just know how to capture things in a way that takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. $1,000 worth of flowers suddenly looks like $5,000. Sometimes the photographer is truly the only reason (in my opinion anyway) that certain weddings even get published. The event doesn’t necessarily have to be super trendy, just well documented. It’s all in the details.

Make sure you’re timeline allows for extras. You’re going to need pictures of the reception “untouched”. The ceremony site needs to be captured before the guests arrive. There needs to be time to photograph the invitation suite, the bouquet by itself, the cute boutonnières and maybe even a centerpiece or two off of the table. If everything is rushed, it’s far less likely that your stylist and photographer can get creative together a “stage” a couple extra pretty photos (yes your favorite weddings had tacky salt and pepper shakers on their gorgeous reception tables and their boutonnières probably arrived in plastic containers, not on that gorgeous silver tray – it’s all about staging).

Trust your planner/stylist to guide the decision making process. While cheap plastic folding chairs might be fine and serve the purpose, it’s rare that I see them featured on a national publication. Upgrading the chair rentals and going with a more standard linen might be in your best interest to achieve your goal. They know where to best focus your monies to get the most bang for your buck.

Do you want to get your wedding published? Me too! I’d love to work together to make your dream day a reality.

We’re Hiring!!

0 · Mar 20, 2015 ·

Summer 2015 is shaping up to be a really exciting time for The Day’s Design and the busiest season yet. I’m so excited for the warm weather finally arrive and the beginning of wedding season – but before that, there’s some wedding prep that must be done and I’m hoping you can be a part. Come, join my team!

Production & Coordination Assistant

We’re looking for someone passionate about organization, coordination, the small details and all things weddings. The perfect candidate will be assisting with logistics and timelines, on site event management and have excellent communications skills – both written and verbally. The position requires some design knowledge and an appreciation for pretty details.

This is a part-time assistant with a somewhat flexible schedule but availability on event weekends is a must. The production and coordination assistant may be required at client meetings, venue walk throughs and office prep days. You must also be willing to travel to event sites throughout Michigan and meet at least weekly in Grand Rapids throughout the summer months.

Compensation: Based on experience

Design Intern

We’re also seeking an intern with a detail oriented eye and an interest in lush, garden style florals. Intern responsibilities might include assistance in the conception and overall design of the wedding and/or events, assistance with setup and day-of tasks, packing and loading of décor, construction of design pieces and small floral arrangements and cleanup and organization at the end of the event.

Having prior experience in customer service, hospitality or the events industry would be extremely helpful along with a great eye for style and design. You must be willing to travel throughout Michigan to event sites although Grand Rapids will be the base of our services and Friday and weekend availability is necessary.

Compensation: an education in the wedding industry with a focus in event coordination, florals and design. Must be able to receive college credit.

To apply for either position, please send resumes to Shelby at hello@eventsbythedaysdesign.com. I’d love to hear why you’re interested in the wedding industry, why you want to work with The Day’s Design and more about your personal style. If you have a blog or other wedding related interests, feel free to share. Applications will be accepted immediately with interviews scheduled in early April. The positions will begin mid-May.

I can’t wait to meet you!

Simply Blue Weddings

0 · Mar 2, 2015 ·

Home is where the heart is. Do you believe in that sentiment? Have you ever longed to go home – even though you’re sitting in your own house, apartment or whereever else you might currently reside?

I live in Grand Rapids. I suppose I should call it home. But my soul is wondering free somewhere near the shores of Lake Michigan and it is without doubt that I can say if one where to search for my heart, they would find it in Lake Leelanau. Every time I make the 3 hour journey north, I feel like I’m headed home. It’s for this reason that I love networking with the local wedding vendors, feel a flutter of delight every time I get an inquiry for a Leelanau destination bride or can hardly convince myself that I should charge a travel fee since in reality my clients are doing me a favor and allowing me to come home. I have access to a studio location in Lake Leelanau, I have coolers and work space and so naturally I advertise my services to the Northern Michigan bride.

A couple weeks ago I was fortunate to play a really small part in the relaunch of Simply Blue Weddings. My dear friend Rachel, of Sincerely, Ginger Weddings, is the proud new owner of the fabulous blog which caters to the “up north” bride. Her and Margaret have refreshed the space, bringing new life to the Northern Michigan resource and reminding us why we love it so much. The new blog site launched yesterday, but some us who have experience and passion for working with Northern Michigan couples got the party started a little early, and last month had a coffee and conversations date in Traverse City – which I had the honor of providing blooms for! It was so fun meeting some of the faces that I “know” through social media, of who’s work I might have been drooling over for awhile but have never truly mustered up the courage to say “Hello.”

Photography: Northern Art Photography | Event Planning: Sincerely, Ginger Weddings | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Venue: Kirkbride Hall

The region has so much to offer, if you’re considering a Northern Michigan celebration, let’s connect! And in the meantime, go check out the brand new Simply Blue Weddings.

Invest in Yourself

0 · Feb 17, 2015 ·

As a business owner, I think one of the biggest hurdles that I struggle with is knowing when to invest in myself. If something breaks, it’s easy to know that it needs to be repaired or replaced. But if something isn’t necessarily broken, then we tend to leave well enough alone.

So when do you decide that you need some improvement?

I decided to set personal goals of enrichment. I refuse to become stagnant in my craft. And while I remain somewhat flexible in these goals, I’m determined to stick to them, otherwise I could easily go 5 years without updating procedures and technology, website galleries or furthering my education – after all, my business is profitable without such changes.

But if I look back over the past 5 years, I’m hardly the same person that I was then. There have been so many personal changes and growth and we should take the time to reflect on that. I can even say I’ve grown immensely- both in business and personal life – in the past year and it’s just paved the road to the future.

On this note, I’ve determined that it time for a website upgrade. There’s nothing wrong with my old one, but the comments and feedback I received from it weren’t necessary a reflection of who I wanted to be. I’m excited to move forward, pressing deeper into 2015 and the really amazing wedding season that is ahead, as well as show off some of the awesomeness that took place in 2014. I’m excited to share my style and get to know you even better. So hop on over to the new website, the blog will receive it’s facelift soon as well, but I believe in baby steps and I don’t have to conquer the whole world today.

Married in a Month :: The Inspiration

0 · Jan 15, 2015 ·

Winter is the season for dreaming. It’s cold, gloomy and I’m stuck in the house because I’m too much of a wimp to try and bare these subzero temperatures. So my imagination naturally takes over. I start dreaming of warmer times ahead, summer blooms and what’s next for The Day’s Design. I start creating inspiration boards and sketching out ideas – some which will happen and some which will never be brought to life. It’s a New Year and time to dream big.

But it’s also time to dream for my clients. I have met some really amazing couples the past couple months and I’ve got lots of goodies up my sleeves for their big days. I’ve been working on lots of proposals and design ideas for them as well and I get pretty impatient when it comes to waiting on making these happen, six months seems like such a long time!

As I’m making these, many people have asked what the process looks like and how I design and convey what’s in my head to these couples. I don’t have a 100% exact step-by-step process because each couple is different, sometimes I get a little ahead of myself and eager and sometimes my brain just doesn’t stay organized and the artist in me takes over – my pencil starts drawing and there’s no stopping it…. even if I’m not to that step in my process yet.

It’s fair to say, however, that almost all of my designs start with an inspiration board of some sort which allows my clients and I to visually describe how we want the day to feel, how colors will pair together and the overall formality levels.

If you’ve followed along my Married in a Month series, this is the inspiration that brought that impromptu celebration together. Casual, simple, natural and colorful were words that the bride (my sister) used to describe her day. Since the wedding took place in November, we wanted to add some fall touches, however the venue was scheduled to be decorated for the holidays the week before. So it took some careful planning to combine these elements and make sure that it didn’t feel like a “Christmas wedding” but rather a festive celebration focused on the couple, but also welcoming the holiday spirit. Here’s what we came up with:

We try to incorporate a little bit of inspiration for each piece of the wedding day – from flowers selections to wardrobe colors and ideas and all the little details in between that will really set your day apart. By making an inspiration board early in the planning process, you have a general direct of where your decor is headed so when it comes to choosing those very first glimpses the guest will see, such as save-the-dates or invites, they already have an idea of what the wedding day will be like and it keeps everything cohesive. It also help to share these boards with all the vendors, especially when it comes to exact color swatches – one person’s interpretation of purple might be a far cry from another’s – there’s plum, lilac, lavender, amethyst, violet, grape… I think you get the idea.

This is just an inspiration board. That means we’re inspired by these images, many of which were created by other amazing artists. There might be certain elements that I pull from this board, however the goal in mind is not to copy each detail but rather the feeling and the theme that it sets forth. I’ll be sharing the exact results from the wedding in the upcoming weeks so you can compare the inspiration and the results – they really did turn out lovely!

*Disclaimer: Unfortunately when I created this design board I had no intention of blogging about it and am not sure where I sourced all of my images from. I deeply regret not being able to track these down and give each artist their proper due. Please accept my apologies as I will work to correct this in the future.

Farewell 2014

0 · Dec 31, 2014 ·

I was not going to do a year end post, I mean, do people even read these? I don’t think it’s an original idea and I’m not sure that there’s a single person out there that truly cares what my year looked like. But earlier this week I was going through some goals, figuring out how to get where I want to be in 2015 and it really did inspire me to think about where I started in January of 2014 and how my business has evolved over the course of a very short year.

Even though 2014 was The Day’s Design’s second official full wedding season, I was still a little unsure of myself and did not have high expectations. But the thing about having low expectations is, it’s not hard to exceed them — which I did, 10x over. I gave myself a boost of confidence this past year and know that I am worthy of an amazing 2015, which is looking really busy and cannot wait to celebrate with the sweet couples I have booked this year and the ones I am yet to meet.

I hope my journey inspires someone out there to keep moving forward and following their dreams, it’s not easy but if you’re passionate about doing what you love, then it’s so worth it. Without further ado, I’ll take you on a walk through my year.

January

I got the brilliant idea to put together a Valentine’s bouquet and model it myself… in the middle of a blizzard. Thanks Heather for freezing along with me!

February

Rachel, with Sincerely Ginger Weddings, and I collaborated on a gorgeous winter inspiration shoot in my favorite place ever – Leland, Mi! It was so sweet and full of wintery romance and rumor has it, Style Me Pretty will be featuring the shoot in it entirety next month! Photography: Eliza Jean Photography.

Later that month my Valentine’s bouquet was featured on on Burnett’s Boards. You can see the feature here.

March

Cabin fever officially set in and I found myself getting antsy and itching to use a little creative energy. In remedy, Ashley Slater Photography and I teamed up to put together a little tutorial on how you can make your very own gilded floral crown.

April

This month was special for two reasons. First off, Heather Cisler and I teamed up once again to put together a fabulous fairytale inspired photo shoot.

And secondly I made a HUGE business changing decision and took a leap into adding floral services alongside planning and coordination. All I can say is, what took me so long!? This passion was hidden deep within me and a creative freedom has been unleashed and I will never look back. Bring on the blooms!

May

I stepped away from weddings and floral work for a moment to be a part of something a little different, but equally amazing. Kellie Hetler has a heart for service and put together the More Than a Face campaign, which is designed to help high schools girls to find their inner worth and realize what a difference they can make. Each one of these women was so beautiful and unique – I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a part and bring a little extra style to this shoot.

Shortly thereafter I packed my bags and headed for the mountains of North Carolina. I wasn’t prepared for how this experience would change my life. I realized how to create, how to better see things and found a deep appreciation for my surroundings and finding beauty in the everyday. I climbed mountains both literally and figuratively and walked away with friendships I will cherish forever. Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers is an absolute delight and the true definition of a floral artist. The rest of the Team Flower ladies are an equal treasure. If only we could travel back in time, I would relive those moments of and over again, sure to find something fresh and new every time. Photography: Heather Payne Photography.

I rushed home from my workshop to share my experience with those I cherish most, my family. I picked a few foraged blooms and we ventured out to the apple orchard to have our family photos taken with Kellie Hetler. I love these sweet moments.

June

June started out on a rather cold note. I was part of Bloom the Workshop, hosted by Ashley Slater Photography and Michaela Noelle Designs. While I remember how great is was providing beautiful blooms to such an inspiring group of women, I also remember how cold it was that day.

And then came the first wedding of the 2014 season… an intimate ceremony in the woods with an ode to Alice in Wonderland. This was a fabulous way to kick off the wedding season and was featured on Style Me Pretty last month. Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography.

July

July was a month of rest. I had a busy August ahead and took the first part of the month for a little relaxation and the second half and full on wedding prep — but there’s never any pretty pictures to share from that!

August

This was my busy month, but it’s definitely worth my couple moments of being frazzled to see the smiling faces at the end of a wedding nice – so happy, so in love.

First up, a day-of coordination with the ceremony at the blue bridge in downtown Grand Rapids and a beautiful blush and grey reception to follow at the Downtown Market. I haven’t tracked down any pictures yet but think modern, airy space, soft grey silky linens and soft blush blooms.

Next came floral design for a couple who said “I do” at the Bissell Tree House. And in case you’re wondering, Thursday weddings are totally fun! Photography: Joe Matthews.

And then it was off to Northern Michigan for a festive and fun celebration at a llama farm… because who wouldn’t want to get married at a llama farm?! Again, I don’t have pictures to share yet but if you’re looking for a fun celebration – why not get married on a hilltop overlooking Lake Michigan with llamas in the background. Think local wildflowers, a live jazz band and fun dinosaur escort cards.

Then we celebrated one more set of nuptials this month. I feel honored to be a part of any wedding day – it’s a big deal, and these memories are extremely important, but when the bride and groom happen to be a couple of your closest friends, that just adds a whole new level of special to the day. I was lucky enough to provide floral services, and then helped the couple celebrate into the night. Dahlias, dahlias and more dahlias surrounded this love filled day. Photography: Chelsea Seekell Photography.

September

The months of August and September seem to be increasingly popular times to get married. I did a little freelance floral work for not one, but 2 weddings in Northern Michigan with Sincerely, Ginger Weddings. It’s always super fun to collaborate with like-minded, creative individuals.

And let’s not forget Amy & Emyr’s picture perfect day at the Gull Lake Country Club.

Bloom 2.0 brought us back to the Hydrangea Blu Barn for another round of education and fun with Micheala Noelle and Ashley Slater. I love creating flowers and helping with their workshops. Photography: Jenn Anibal.

September also hosted one of my favorite styled shoots ever. I actually hesitate to call it a styled shoot because in reality we invited guests, guests who needed a little extra love and a night to remember just how special they really all. This was the dinner parties of all dinner parties and I’m so thankful for all the vendors who volunteered to be a part. Photography: Ashley Slater Photography.

October

This past summer I received a phone call from the sweetest bride you have ever met telling me how she didn’t have a florist yet for her October wedding. After hearing all the details she had in place for her Northport wedding, I knew I had to be a part. The Willowbrook Mill has been so high on my list “must work” wedding locations that I just about fell out of my chair when she said that was her venue. It was a match made in heaven as I created florals, helped design and coordinated all the details of Christina and Tim’s day.

November

In the name of furthering education, Kaci Muller (of Just Delightful Events) and I got together for a morning of flower talk and coffee and compared notes on how we typically create our beautiful wedding bouquets and Kellie Hetler joined in the fun so we’d have a few pictures to share with you.

I thought my wedding season would officially end with the conclusion of October’s love filled celebration, but surprise… my younger sister decided to push up her wedding date by 6 months and she tied the knot after only a month’s worth of planning. Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography.

December

And then to cap off the year, Katie Grace Photography and I just had to go play with a few of my leftover blooms. I’m going to start making bouquet and floral recipes a more common feature on my blog, I can’t wait!

It really has been a fantastic year! I can’t believe we’re bidding it farewell in just a few short hours. Let’s see what 2015 has in store – I”m ready, bring it on!

FAQ :: Do You Have a Website?

0 · Dec 3, 2014 ·

It seems like everyone and their brother knows something about wedding planning these days. There’s a list of people a mile long claiming to coordinate weddings and have similar such hobbies. But for some people, it’s just that – a hobby.

There’s nothing wrong with this hobby. In fact, planning and decorating is something many people enjoy and many people are good at. However, it’s not something that all people can make a living doing. And it’s often because of these “hobbyist” that I’m not taken seriously as a professional.

Photography: Hetler Photography

What I would love for you to understand is the level of skill and business savvy it takes beyond being able to make a pretty centerpiece and find coordinating linens.

It takes ownership and pride. You have to lay claim to your work and own up to how you make a living. There was once a point where I would kind of mumble something about coordinating a few weddings when someone asked what I did. Now I scream it loud and proud. This is who I am, this is what I do.

It involves being business minded. I hate having to sell myself and my services. But unfortunately people don’t usually book you without any prior knowledge or at least being made aware how you can help them and why the need you.

It takes a commitment to staying in business, even when times are tough. It’s not all ruffles and roses over here. Some months are slow, but I still have to pay for my website, advertising and general business needs. I must be willing to take it all in stride and push forward. I can’t simply give up but rather push myself to be a little better every day.

So commonly I’m asked if I have a website. I think this is a significant sign of seriousness. Facebook pages are awesome because they’re free and they can be easily updated, but they lack a certain level of commitment. People look at you differently when you can hand them a business card and web address. And once they see my website, I’m knocked out of the hobbyist category for good. So making it a good website really counts.

The Monday After

0 · Nov 24, 2014 ·

It’s often assumed that once the wedding is over, the role of a planner is finished. They’re married, everyone partied and now everyone has gone home. For me the day’s following an amazing celebration are a couple of the most dreaded. This is what your wedding planner does after the wedding.

Saturday night – CRASH!! The End.

Sunday – try to conquer the wedding hangover. The struggle is real, even if though this is a non-alcohol induced hangover. Every Sunday after a wedding I always feel like I’ve been hit with a Mack truck and am barely able to pull myself off the sofa. My feet are screaming, my head and body ache and my mind is a fuzzy cloud of blurry yet amazing details from the night before. So I patently wait for a couple of sneaks on social media from the night before and Instagram a few of my own, or at least get the posts ready for Monday since Sunday technically is the day of rest and I try to take the day off.

And then it’s Monday. Monday is definitely not a favorite day of the week for me, but the Monday after a wedding weekend is the absolute worse. First off, there’s the inbox to be tackled. Inevitably while I’m out Friday and Saturday in preparation and planning mode, I get more emails than ever before – new inquiries and networking request, some vendor love, etc. I’m so grateful for these, however the timing could just be a touch better. So scratch a couple hours out of my day for those. Then I need to write myself a to-do list, I’m bound to forget something and should probably have figured out my priorities before I started my day, but hey, late is better than never.

Then I should unpack. Ugh… I despise this part of my job. Without doubt, my Tahoe is always loaded to the brim with extra flowers, vases, dirty linens, an emergency kit and crates chucked full of wedding goodness and possibly a few rental items to be returned. I do not travel light. Once it’s hauled into my house, let the sorting, cleaning organizing and dragging to the basement begin.

Brew more coffee.

Determine what rentals need to be returned first thing. Stop my organizing because I totally missed something that must be returned by 5:00 and it’s probably nearing 3:30 at this point. Throw on some quick mascara and real pants (because I’ve not left my house yet and am still enjoying the comforts of my pj’s). Frantically rush out wondering what else I can do as long as I’m out in the world and dressed.

Upon my return I will be too exhausted to continue my organizing and forgo my project in favor of returning to my inbox and fixing Gretta a snack, since she will no-doubt be starving from our excursion, in which I had to drag her along. Stare at the rest of my non-sorted pile willing it to put itself away. Check social media for the 4^th time today making sure there isn’t a pro photo wondering around the web (or something else fabulous that I missed) from over the weekend.

Promise myself to accomplish more on Tuesday. Tomorrow is another day.

Speaking of things I missed over the weekend – my Modern Fairytale inspiration shoot (with Heather Cisler Photography, Bianka Bridal, Emilime Designs and A Piece O’Cake) was featured on Artfully Wed Friday. Go check it out, it was a double feature week – so exciting!

Happy Monday!!

Featured :: Wedding in the Woods on Style Me Pretty

0 · Nov 17, 2014 ·

I have goals, both in business and in life. I’m not very vocal about these goals even though I’ve heard from numerous sources that voicing them will help you to achieve them. I’m the exception to this rule. I’m the girl who just feels even more miserable about herself when I fail and feels like a fool for having to publically broadcast my failure, which makes me never want to set another goal again. Period.

But one of the silent goals that I have for my little business is being achieved today. It has been a long time coming with lots of hard work and tears and a constant strife to be better and challenge myself more, which I feel is helpful not only to oneself but also to my clients. So here I am – The Day’s Design – published on the front page of Style Me Pretty.

Someone pinch me please!!

Florals + Event Design: The Day’s Design | Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

I cannot wait to share the inspiration and design in its entirety on my blog in the near future but for now, head on over to SMP to see this gorgeous Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding in the woods.

The Industry Newbies

0 · Nov 7, 2014 ·

Photo: Evie and Jr. Photography

At one point in life we were all new at something. Whether it was our first time riding a bike, first day of school or the day we officially set up shop and opened our doors for business. After spending over 10 years in the hospitality business, the past 5 years focused mainly on weddings and events and officially naming my business back in 2011 – I can’t help but still feel like a newbie.

And to the local wedding natives who made the West Michigan wedding industry what it is today, I am. To others, I’m looked up to – which seems really strange to say, but I’m sent messages on a regular basis regarding my path to making it to where I am today. They’re asking for advice from ME, the little newbie who is trying to make something of herself.

What I think it really comes down to is perspective. Sometimes being a newbie and shaking things up a bit can be a really good, good thing. While other times it’s translated a little more as “unexperienced” or “she doesn’t really know what she’s doing”. Or in my case, it’s a little bit of both. Let’s be perfectly honest here, if you have it all 100% completely figured out either you’re borderline boring or you’re not challenging yourself to take enough risks.

It’s with all of this in mind that I choose to support new businesses. I like to collaborate and take risks offering newer professionals the chance to shine. Sometimes the results are lacking, and sometimes they’re pure magic. But if you never give a person the chance, then you’ll never really know the outcome.

Does that mean you should be hiring the industry “newbies” for you wedding, one of the most important days of your life? Friends, do be hesitant. Look for recommendations, experienced vendors can truly make or break your wedding day. I would advise not using a full group of individuals who have little experience, however sprinkling one or two new vendors throughout your team might be refreshing. After all, if no one would have ever taken a chance on me, I would still be sitting here daydreaming about planning my first wedding.

Telling Your Vendors “No”

0 · Oct 9, 2014 ·

Photography: Ashely Slater Photography / Floral Design: The Day’s Design

Wedding inquiries for me seem to go in spirts. One week my inbox will be flooded and then I might have a drought for the next three. And while I’d love to turn all those inquiries into clients, it just doesn’t happen – I’ve never done the math, but I’d wager to guess that over 50% of those I never hear a peep back from. But it’s that other 50%, the ones that follow up, have questions or even take the time to meet with me that I’d really like to address. Some of these lovely ladies share their wedding fantasies, their dreams, expectations, so much of their life stories and then…

Silence.

I hear nothing more.

So today’s post is all about telling your vendors “no.”

Be Honest. If you’re shopping around and talking to several vendors in my category, that’s perfectly fine. You’ve probably never planned a wedding before and so you might want to explore all your options. You definitely need to find the right fit for you. But let me know your intensions right up front. Let me know if you’re trying to decide if you even want a wedding planner or not. Let me know if you have meetings scheduled with 3 other florists/designers as well. I promise I won’t be offended and you don’t have to share their names.

Be Realistic and Respectful. Enter that first consult with reasonable expectations, most times it’s more of a “meet and greet” not a wedding planning session. I put food on my table by providing wedding services. Please don’t just inquire and consult with me to see how many free tips you can get me to share. Please don’t ask me to draw up a design proposal or hand you a list of recommended vendors for your day if you haven’t signed a contract and sent a deposit.

Tell Me No (bonus points for a brief explanation). Your wedding is all about YOU. While I may have wanted to be a part of your celebration so bad I could taste it, chances are if you decided that I wasn’t a good fit – I felt that too. Some people just click. At the end of the day, my main goal is to make you happily married and sometimes that goal is better achieved by me not being a part of your celebration. But don’t be afraid to tell me that. Please don’t leave me hanging, wondering what happened to you. Was I too serious or silly? Were my ideas a little too far out there for you? Was it my pricing? Telling me “no” is great but if you can give me a little insight as to why, well that helps me better myself and could also help future brides as well.

It would not be physically possible for me to be a part of every wedding that inquired with me. Even if I really loved everything you said, sometimes it’s a relief to have a weekend off. But remember that really great first date you had with no follow up phone call? Sometimes I feel like that. Don’t make me feel like Josie Grossy. I’m a big girl, just tell me the truth.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

0 · Oct 6, 2014 ·

I adore my photographer friends. The amount of artistic talent, stamina and imagination it takes in their profession is truly admirable. It is because of their camera knowledge and skill that my work is able to shine and I appreciate each and every one that works with me and shares pictures from events that we have worked together.

I also read several photography blogs on a somewhat regular basis. While I personally have no desire to be a photographer, I like to see their perspective of the wedding industry and always take note on how I can better myself as well. It is not uncommon for me though, as I’m skimming through their blogs to come across a post or comment about their work being either credited improperly or someone else using their work as their own. In addition, with the increasing popularity of Instagram (which is probably my very favorite social media), I often see rants about how important it is to credit their pictures on this platform as well.

While I feel that they have every right to get into a tizzy over this issue, I can’t help but want to cry out and share my side of the story. What about the other artist? Shouldn’t they be credited properly too? After all, it’s their bouquet in the picture, their dress, their makeup, their hairstyle or calligraphy… and the list can really go on and on.

I do everything I can to properly credit people’s work. I get a little upset when I see a picture of a really lovely floral arrangement that I’ve created captioned with only a photographer credit – which happened again just this morning as I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. And I personally struggle with calling the person out on it or not, especially when the caption on the photos is about how lovely the bouquet is. Why is the photographer always the main focus? Is it because their voice is so much stronger or is it something else.

So where do we draw the line? Should every picture we see on this grand old web be captioned with 20 different vendor credits? Or do we just pick the main one and people can dig for more? Why do I see so many photographer’s wedding posts stating the location of the wedding, but nothing else? I want to know who catered it, who her dress is by and who created that fabulous cake. This is our portfolio, our “word of mouth” marketing and how we make ourselves known throughout this world wide web. Shouldn’t we all give credit where credit is due?

Pictured above: me — fixing her veil and making sure her hair is perfect so Heather Cisler Photography has something gorgeous to photograph 🙂

Styled Shoot Party :: Just a Glimpse

0 · Oct 1, 2014 ·

There’s been an idea brewing inside of me for awhile now and it’s all based on this notion that styled shoots, while absolutely gorgeous, are also a bit of a waste. I enjoy working without limitations and being able to create whatever I envision. Plus the collaboration between vendors can be a really beautiful form of creative expression. But at the end of each day I can’t help but feel that I just set up an amazing tablescape, pieced together what was sure to be an over-the-top amazing soiree and now I have to tear it down, without anyone really appreciating it for months to come.

So last month I took a new approach to the “styled shoot”. Rather than wasting the beauty and hospitality, I invited guests to be a part. They were guests that I didn’t know, people nominated by others who needed a little love and something extra pretty in their lives. The results were more than I could have ever imagined.

I’ve yet to sit down with Ashely Slater to browse through all of what are sure to be incredible memories from the night but I can’t wait. I want to remember the evening that I took a risk and invited complete strangers to a dinner party. In time, I will also share with you the inspiration, the execution, as well as the hiccups that happened along the way as this was not an easy party to pull off. But I can promise you, it was worth it!

Full vendor credits will be shared when I post the results in their entirety but for now I’d like to thank Ashley Slater Photography, The Rental Company, Chef Josh Ferguson, Wondrous Whimsy, Kirribilla and Ed Dunnebeck & Girls Farm Market for being a part.

That’s a Wrap… almost

0 · Sep 24, 2014 ·

I have had a delightfully busy wedding season and have just one more gorgeous fête on the 2014 calendar. Each celebration was so special and unique and I am so honored that so many brides have entrusted me to be a part of their special day. However, I did something during this wedding season which I said I would never do, and I paid the price.

August was a grand slam of a month. When I started my business I promised myself I would limit the number of weddings I took on in any particular month or I might lose my mind. I did not heed my own warning and in the middle of my busiest month – where I not only booked too many brides but also booked two weddings in one week – my grandpa passed away. In an 8 day stretch I had 3 weddings a funeral, 2 trips to Traverse City and I was an emotional wreck.

Moving forward I realized I will endure and how much I can endure, even though I’m still catching my breath. I thought being too busy with weddings was a reality I wouldn’t have face for years to come. It really is an answer to prayer, even if in the craziness of the moment I began questioning every career decision I’ve ever made! So if you’re wondering what I’ve been up to I really can’t wait to share. Unfortunately I’ll have to keep you on the edge of your seats a bit longer as I wait for more photos to arrive. However, I will get back to blogging because there are a lot of ideas in this head of mine I just haven’t been able to write about just yet.

And obviously I have to reveal at least a glimpse of one of my happy couples – this bride was too beautiful for words (and carrying a bouquet created by yours truly).

Photo courtesy of Joe Matthews

The New Brand Conundrum

0 · Jul 25, 2014 ·

I’ve been working with Anchor & Ink on a new logo design for a couple months now. Chelsi oozes talent – her painting, her lettering, it’s all simply fabulous.

I approached her because I don’t feel my current logo, and complete branding/business for that matter, truly represent me. Now I know I’ve rambled on before about my style, etc. but it’s hard sometimes to dig deep and recognize who you really are and what you really want. And on top of that, I think who you are evolves over time – a time that might be shorter than you think.

I have never been a fan of pink. I mean it’s cute, fun and at times romantic but it’s never really been my cup of tea. But for some reason a couple years ago I was crushing on it, hard. So I have pink business cards and doses of it scattered throughout my website. Did I deviate from who I am or was there a time where I actually was that person? I think my old self is starting to creep back and suddenly the only place I want to see pink is in flowers and on my baby girl. But I’m still very open to working and creating with the color as it seems to keep sneaking into my events. Blush and gold seems to be every bride’s fantasy and I’m perfectly alright with that.

So where does that leave me? Well that’s a question I’ve been asking for a while now. Designing a logo is hard. I’m a difficult client. Hmph.

This is my current branding, which I am reevaluating after much much much soul searching. I’m digging deep to figure out who I am and who I want this business of mine to represent. But in the end here’s what I’ve discovered when it comes to marketing — I’d rather go play with flowers!

All pictures by the wonderful Bradley James Photography.

Soon, very soon, I’ll show you what’s in the final works. I just put my big girls pants on and made a couple of decisions — because it’s the middle of wedding season, what else do I have going on right now???

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