Grand Rapids wedding

Real Weddings :: Racheal and Steve’s Treehouse Soiree

1 · May 2, 2018 ·

Getting married in the trees, suspended above the city. Doesn’t that sound romantic? I’ve worked at the Bissell Treehouse before and after being back for my third time, I still have to say I’m in awe of this space. It’s a clean and modern slate just waiting to be personalized.

I began working with Racheal and Steve almost 18 months prior to their wedding date. When you start planning so far in adavance, it seems as though the day might never come. It’s like a never ending coversation with friends, you keep dreaming and chatting and then suddenly out of nowhere, the grand day actually arrives.

The ladies began getting ready at Racheal parent’s house by the water. Delivering flowers in the morning is always one of my favorite parts of the day. The anticipation in tha air is thick and everyone is giddy with excitment.

I remember one of the first times I ever drove threw Grand Rapids, my mother telling me of it being nicknamed Little Jeruselum, and how breathtaking all the majastic church steeple were. I was only about 8 year old, but I still feel that way today as I drive over I-196 through downtown and see them standing proud. Of course at that time I had no idea that I would one day call Grand Rapids home much less be planning weddings in one of these holy places.

And now we’ll whisk you away to a reception amoung the trees. Soft touches of dusty blue and muted citrus tones are sprinkled amoungst the vibrant green foliage. Boxwood bars, custom signage and chesterfield lounge furntiture was all brought into the space creating an air of elegant relaxation as family and guests dance and celebrate the night away.

An Autumn Editorial with Samantha James Photography

0 · Nov 30, 2017 ·

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the landscape around here changes. A mere month ago, I was driving down roads framed by tones of amber, chartreuse and gold. They all seemed to mimic the sun’s golden gleam and although the days were cool, the scene would instantly warm me.

Now here we are, 30 short days later and there’s not a trace of yellow left to be seen. There are a few leaves that simply refuse to let go, but they’re hues are muddy or silver, a cool contrast to October’s beauty and yet still somehow magical in a much more subtle way. These are the strong leaves, the ones that refuse to give up and give into the inevitable fact that winter is coming.

On the day of this particular project though, it was the warmer hues that inspired me. Gretta and I took a walk down our road looking for the perfect foliage, trying to decide if our focus should be on the canary shades or more on the apricot and pumpkin tones. We found maple leaves that looked as though they were wearing rouge and copper ones that almost appeared metallic. By the end of our walk, our arms were overflowing with branches and we sat to sort out our favorite treasures.

In the end though, we used it all. Brown, honey, rose and all the colors of a golden sunset found their way into our palette. And while the textures were simply magnificent against the empty space and simple white dress, I let color take control of this project. I took even more inspiration from the hues of the stunning distant drum roses from Grace Rose Farm and a few bronze mums that I found at our local wholesaler. Often I try to keep colors subtle and muted, I like a certain amount of elegance and refinement but paired against the white backdrop of this space, I let all the colors flow in letting fall color my world.

Photography: Samantha James Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Wardrobe: Ali Nicole Bridal | Hair & Makeup: Cheeky Strut Salon

Planning a wedding for next fall? I have a few openings left and I would love to recreate something like this or even make design an autumn concept that’s completely new to you. Let’s chat!

Nancy & Andrew’s Love Story

0 · Mar 2, 2016 ·

Every day has a story. I don’t just mean wedding days, or fancy celebration times but literally every single day. Some tales are bit boring while others are a bit more momentous. Some stories are disregarded by the next morning. Some have a narrative that would rather be forgotten while others want to be relived continuously throughout time.

I don’t know the number of days or how many stories Nancy and Andrew have shared together. I don’t know how he proposed or what their wedding will look like. But I can surmise that their tale will have a happy ending. I can imagine that the day that Ashley followed them around Downtown Grand Rapids on this crisp autumn morning was a happy one, one that will remain in their hearts for years to come.

When an author writes a book, they are then tasked to find the perfect artist or illustrator to portray what the imagination cannot visualize on its own. In the same way, a photographer must tell the story of love, of engagement and then on to the happily ever after – the wedding day.

I will only play a small role in the overall plot of their lives. I’m merely an extra in the background or a set designer, supplying a couple props for the day, whether it’s a halo for engagement photos, a flower for a special occasion or a cascading showpiece for a bride on her wedding day. Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Location: Downtown Grand Rapids

When people ask me how many weddings I do a year, I would rather tell them how many love stories I’ve had the privilege of being a part of. I’m merely helped set the stage, designed the set or illustrated a page where the romance will come to life.

Prettier than Planned

0 · Oct 12, 2015 ·

Photography: Katy O’Dell Photography

I’m often asked to detail all the flowers clients will see at their wedding – outline for them each little bloom. I don’t do that. And it’s not because I’m afraid of them stealing my floral recipe or divulging my deep dark secrets, it’s really because I don’t know. It’s that unknown that makes for your unsurpassed wedding floral story.

The floral consult process normally starts months before your actual wedding date. At that time I soak in all of your lovely ideas, start thinking about your color palette and suggest a few key blooms that will most likely be in season. The month before your wedding day I’ll revisit these notes. I’ll focus on what product has been awesome so far this season and then really analyze the color story and the overall feeling of your wedding day. I’ll choose the best varieties from across the country, sourcing from often several wholesalers and reaching out to some of my favorite local spots.

The week before your wedding the blooms begin to arrive. Boxes upon boxes land at my doorstep and I begin to unpack. It’s better than Christmas as I pull each and every bunch from its plastic sleeve and compare how the blossoms will look together, really envisioning your bouquets and centerpieces and how beautiful your wedding will be.

And then I get to that one box. The one that sent me peachy orange instead of coral blooms. Sometimes the pink is more purple and less cherry. And sometimes things just feel off.

This is where I get creative. This is where the unknown inspires me. One of my favorite examples of this is the untold story of Jen’s bouquet. When I unpacked her gorgeous flowers I was in love. She wanted a blush and berry palette that would stand bold against her black and white stripe and glittering gold accents. All was in order except for a few bunches, which were half the size of their usual selves. Half the size means half the product which meant I was surely going to run out. I began working anyway hoping that maybe I could stretch it, maybe I had ordered too many somewhere else and maybe something would all work out in the end. It became clear that it would not.

I wanted to get the key pieces put together. Bouquets are of the utmost importance, especially hers. So I worked tirelessly on them. Then on to her bouquet. I put it together once. I put it together twice. I tweaked and rearranged. It just didn’t feel right. Something was missing and after 2+ hours, I took a break.

Taking a moment to yourself is important. Stepping back can help so much. So I set out to solved my shortage problem and found myself wondering the aisles of a local greenhouse. There sat the most beautiful Wine and Roses Weigela bushes. The deep shades of merlot were so rich and perfect they nearly jumped in my cart and drove themselves home. They were the most impeccable addition a designer could ask for. I happily purchased my plants and made my way back.

With the addition of the berry colored blooms, Jen’s bouquet fell together in 5 minutes flat. The missing ingredient was found and my day was made.

However, it’s not something I could plan for. Often I just stumble across plants that scream “perfection”. Sometimes the search takes a little longer. Being creative and open minded is what is so enticing to me about floral design. No two bouquets will ever be identical, not two flowers are every exactly alike.

Sometimes things just turn out prettier than planned.

Bloom the Workshop :: September Edition

0 · Oct 24, 2014 ·

Well my extremely talents friends are at it again, this past September they brought Bloom the Workshop back to West Michigan and once again I got to be a part. (You can read all about the first edition here.) I’m not going to share all the gorgeous workshop details or the behind the scenes but rather I’m going to skip right to the good part, the styled shoot portion.

With fall beginning to close in, the florals were inspired by shades of berry and orange, with subtle touches of pink set against a bold black and white pattern. A little modern, a little rustic and completely chic describes the tablescape that Michaela designed. It was my job to adorn not only the tabletop but also provide the models with gorgeous blooms. 2 centerpieces, 2 bouquets a boutonniere and a whole lot of pretty made this shoot come to life at Rockford’s Hydrangea Blu Barn.

Bloom the Workshop | Fall bride | The Day's Design

Photography: {Jenn Anibal} | Event Design: Michaela Noelle Designs | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Dresses: Spring Sweet | Chandeliers & Rentals: The Rental Company | Calligraphy & Invitations: Graceline Calligraphy | Hair & Makeup: Hailey Hollenstien | Table Runner: Mrs. Freund & Co. | Venue: Hydrangea Blu Barn

Those dresses? Aren’t they just amazing, I wish I had the back to pull that off. And the cockscomb in centerpiece number 2 is the biggest piece of locals cockscomb I have ever seen! I can’t wait to see what the these talented girls do for Bloom in 2015!

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

How to be an Amazing Bridesmaid

0 · Nov 11, 2013 ·

As the holidays approach, it means engagement season is just around the corner. Engagement season? Yes!! That magical span of months which bring romantic evenings, warming your toes by the fire and lots of new sparkly bling. Just watch your social media feeds, you’re about to get bombarded!

Maybe you’re one of the lovely ladies looking for that small box under the tree, but if not, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect you in some way. Perhaps you will be asked another question – “Will you be my bridesmaid??”

She’s your friend, you love her, and you want to party so… “Yes!!” The soon-to-be bride then starts rattling off a list of dates, ideas and itineraries… what did you just get yourself into?

Being an amazing bridesmaid means a bit more than just putting on a dress (which you may or may not like) and showing up a couple hours before the wedding for some extra pictures. Your responsibilities last throughout the engagement period, which may last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, so be prepared.

Photo by Bradley James Photography

You are now the bride’s backbone and support. You have become a sounding board for all wedding planning ideas. Stay interested and involved, soak up all these wedding planning tips, your turn might just be next!

Being a bridesmaid can also be a costly endeavor. You may be asked to purchase shoes, jewelry and accessories in addition to your dress. The bride may request that you have your hair and make-up professionally done. Tack a nail appointment on top of that. And then prior to any of this, there are showers (possibly multiple), which require planning and gifts and the bachelorette party. You are expected to be present with a present. Oh, and don’t forget about possible travel fees. Make sure you budget accordingly.

Can’t make it to one of these occasions? It is okay, life happens, but the bride needs to know you’re thinking about her. Send your gift with someone else. Call that night to see how everything went. Plan a special lunch date for just the two of you to give her the shower gift. Whatever you do, don’t just blow it off. It might just be another shower to you, but it’s really special to her and so remind her how much you love her.

I like to think of the engagement period as The Princess Months. This is the time in a girl’s life when she gets to act like a princess, and we all treat her like one as well. She can do no wrong (even if she is an absolute bridezilla), just nod and smile and make her dreams come true. Make it really special for her. Have flowers waiting at the bridal shop at her dress fitting. Send her “thinking of you” notes – I prefer snail mail. Or just surprise her with something special. And don’t forget to have fun!!

So make merry with your special ladies as this is a once in a lifetime celebration!!

Grand Rapids wedding

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