Heather Cisler Photography

The Problem with Percentages

0 · Oct 6, 2015 ·

As I was scribbling down that title I couldn’t help but think anyone who has a distaste for math is surely going to want to read this. And of course they’ll agree, percentages are tricky and problematic. However, this is not a full on math lecture just a little advice when it comes to wedding planning.

I’ve come to the point in my season where weddings are winding down the planning is gearing up for next year. As my first consults begin, we chat about things like overall style, favorite colors and flowers, locations, priorities, fantasies, crazy proposal stories and my least favorite part of the conversation – budgets. It seems there are a couple of very common scenarios that I run into while talking numbers with couples. 1. They have an overall number in mind but have very little clue as to how that money should be allocated and how much things in “wedding land” cost. Or 2. They have pulled a budget worksheet from The Knot or Weddingwire or similar and know exactly what they’re willing to spend in each area based on the website’s recommendations.

There is nothing wrong with either one of these situations. It’s tricky to know what things cost when you’ve never planned a wedding before. I think these sample budget sheets from the various website are really helpful guidelines. But they’re just that – a guide. And they’re usually made up of percentages. The problem is the website doesn’t know your exact needs. They don’t know that you can decrease your rental amount because the venue provides super amazing chairs – chairs that also made the venue itself more expensive. They also don’t typically take into consideration the number of guests. For example – if you’re budget is $50,000, it’s recommended that approximately 30% of that budget be allocated to food and food services. If you’re inviting 300 guests, that works out to $50 per person. This includes appetizers, salads, entrees and service staff fees and gratuities. If you have a smaller wedding of around 75 guests, you’ll be spending $200 per person on their meal. Depending upon your menu selections and formality of the event, that might seem a little excessive. In the case of the smaller guest count I may recommending using some of those monies elsewhere.

The same holds true with flowers and décor. Usually about 8-12% is allotted for this part of the budget. However, fewer guests means few tables. On the flip side, the more guests you have the more centerpieces you’ll need, meaning you might not be able to do some of those extra floral showpieces you were hoping for or you might have to adjust the percentages of your budget.
So what doesn’t change with guest count? There are certain fixed costs within the planning process. Think photography, music, venue rentals and officiant fees – all necessary items that typically don’t fluctuate with the guest count.

And what if you can’t find someone who’s pricing fits within that allotted percentage? Photography can sometimes be the biggest struggle here. It’s pretty rare that I hear a bride mention that she doesn’t care about the photographer. It’s more often the case that they want the best that they can find within their budget. However, with smaller budget weddings you might have to up the percentage of that funds you’re willing to spend in this area. This is an area I truly feel that you get what you pay for and it’s the lasting memories from your day.

Prioritize. That’s my biggest piece of advice. Use these percentages as a guide but if you want the more expensive band verse a DJ, go for it. Just remember to adjust other areas of the budget accordingly, perhaps eliminated the custom invitations for premade or have your place cards and escort cards do double duty. And theirs your accounting lesson for the day. Problem solved.

Photography: Heather Cisler Photography

The Rose

0 · Feb 5, 2015 ·

We’ve downplayed the romance of roses. I had yet another bride tell me that she isn’t a fan of roses. While it’s not uncommon for me to hear, it is somewhat disheartening. I can’t use ANY roses in your arrangements? I think we’re sick of seeing tightly wound bunches sadly wrapped in cellophane, thrown together with a couple sprigs of baby’s breath and being advertised as something we should love. However, when I think of all the beautiful blooms that you’re excluding, it’s somewhat heartbreaking. There are so many great varieties beyond the typical South American blooms we associate with the word “rose” leaving so many flowers behind that we’re simply not appreciating.

I love creating with roses. I love pulling the center petals from the little spray roses to reveal the cute little stamens hiding inside. The way a garden rose can transform from a tight, round bud to a glorious bloom layered with ruffles and frills is really exciting. And I want to share this with you.

Picture: Heather Cisler Photography

The yellow rose – a symbol of friendship. I could stay friends with these lovelies all day long. What you see here is an American grown, buttery yellow California bloom paired with a yellow Finesse rose – which is a standard variety but they have a softer, almost ruffly texture on their outer edges making just a touch more fancy. The butter tones accentuate those found in the ivory spray roses on the left and who can resist adding a couple of tulips and ranunculus to the mix!?

Picture: Kelly Sweet Photography

I created this bouquet for a bride who had her heart set on peonies. There’s no doubt that peonies are one of my all time favorites and I’m hopeful for the day that they’re available year around… or maybe it’s the fact that they’re not that makes them so special. Either way, I wasn’t able to accommodate my October bride’s wishes. However, I don’t think either of us were too disappointed by the results.

I had the roses shipped in from Oregon, which made them extra special. The large ivory ones (Helga Paiget) were especially my favorites as some blooms had just a touch of pink accenting their outer petals. And when they opened it was pure magic. Layer upon layer of delicate petals were revealed. They were placed next to the Romantic Antike roses (the coral-y pink ones). Those too are extraordinary in their own way. While closed, they are a beautifully round bud and opened, they flatten out with a swirling petal arrangement that leads to a golden center. Also shown are a few delicately sweet Champagne roses in blush tones and some PeeGee hydrangeas with peach stock.

Picture: Ashley Slater Photography

I’m not sure what what exactly inspired this combination of roses. The Caramel Antikes and the red garden roses (which the grower considered brown) were shipped to me from California (on a side note… I would love to source more roses from Michigan, anyone want to recommend a grower to me?) and the pale blush/beige one of the left in fact is a South American Quicksand rose. I just threw these in a vase together with some chocolate cosmos and grabbed a couple leaves off a bush in my backyard but I loved the results!

Still think roses are boring? If you still don’t like roses, I understand and will not force my preference upon you. But with so many varieties, colors, sizes and design options I really think we should reconsider.

“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare

Another Year Older

0 · Jan 20, 2015 ·

Photo: Heather Cisler Photography

Yesterday was my birthday. It wasn’t an exciting day, no one sang to me or gave me cake. It was simply just another day reminding us that life moves forward whether we embrace it or not and no one can escape the aging process.

Last month I was sitting with a couple of wedding friends enjoying light-hearted conversation. The topic of pregnancy arose and I made an off-handed comment about that being an issue in the industry, since so many of us are so young. It was at this point that I was very bluntly (but lovingly) put in my place – I’m not that young.

Since it’s been brought to my attention, I’ve realizing the level of truth in this statement. I’m getting old, which I’m sure is a point that would be disputed by those 20+ years my senior. But I’ve been asked before if I’ll “outgrow” my job. I think about long-term business and personal goals and wonder where I really should be at this time in my life. I’m not the 21 year old that just graduated collage and started a business – although truth be told, I don’t think I would have had the guts to take that leap then. I’ve established a level of maturity, and while my business and brand and even life (for that manor) might evolve I don’t foresee it going anywhere. I’m right where I want to be.

So these two inspirational quotes are going to stand by me today.

“Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s middle.” And while I feel like I’m finally traveling into the “middle” section of my journey, I still need to be careful not to compare, which leads me to my next point:

“Comparison is the theft of all joy.” Just do your thing. Worry about your life and forget about “the industry” which you’re in. Forget about your friend’s fancy new house or promotion. Just keep pushing on and doing what makes you happy.

A Modern Fairytale

0 · Dec 8, 2014 ·

It seems that every winter seems to get a little longer than the last and last year’s never wanted to end. So it came as so surprise that by the time March rolled around I was itching to get outside and do something creative. I wanted to celebrate new life, spring and tradition.

In the early morning dew, our story begins. It’s a love story, a sweet tale revolving around fantasy and the belief that we are in control of our own fairytales. As a modern twist, our bride left a simple note for her groom to meet her at dawn by the river where they will pledge their forevers to one another. So there she waits by candlelight for him to arrive. In the spring of the year, the dawn of the day, they make a new start together.

Mister charming himself arrives with an armful of wildflowers he stopped to pick along the way. A simple breakfast is eaten of fruit and a simple elegant, glittering cake. All details were to remain timeless and classic including a beautiful ballgown and other details in ivory, satin and lace – touches that never seem to go out of style and would be perfect for any magical setting, be it a grand ballroom, an enchanted forest or a storybook castle.

Photography: Heather Cisler Photography | Floral Design & Coordination: The Day’s Design | Calligraphy: Emilime Designs | Bridal Dress: Bianka Bridal | Cake: A Piece O’Cake

You can also see this inspiration shoot over on Artfully Wed, it was featured on their blog last month.

Accent Flowers

0 · Nov 11, 2014 ·

It’s no secret that I love the art of floral arranging. I can’t seem to get enough of designing with pretty blooms and I sincerely hope that this always holds true and never becomes a burden or a chore because it is my “job”.

While making big, lush arrangements is one of my favorite things ever I think they’ve become somewhat expected when you come to an event. People expect to see the massive urns overflowing with lush greenery and delicate roses at the front of the ceremony. They look for the floral centerpieces and ooh and ahh over the bride’s romantic bouquet. In today’s world, these are “standard” pieces of wedding décor.

Sometimes it’s the simple anybody-can-do-it details that capture me the most. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or over the top but rather tastefully done and even a little unexpected can have a huge impact. Adding a couple leftover sprigs of green to the cake table, having a small simple bud vase with a single colored bloom by the guests book or having a couple of extra flowers on standby to photograph with your accessories or wedding invites. Often these details that we find ourselves swooning over really aren’t so glamourous, they were just staged well and someone knew how to accessorize.

The picture above (so beautifully captured by Heather Cisler Photography) showcases the most gorgeous white ranunculus, which just adds a whole new level of pretty to the sparkly bar set up. The sweet little ranunculus is the most perfect accent flower. At times details like this are thought out and other times, I will completely admit, they were just a spur of the moment inspiration, which again is why you hire artists and vendors who you trust to make your special day even more than you ever imagined. It’s also a great way to add a little extra romance or natural feeling to a party that might not necessarily call for floral centerpieces or showpieces.

My philosophy is simple – every flower should be showcased and loved, leave no flowers behind.

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 🙂

I’m Not Perfect

0 · Apr 29, 2014 ·

There’s lots of talk in this industry about the “perfect” wedding. Whether it’s picture perfect or runs perfectly smooth, I think we’re given this false hope that if we plan correctly, hire the exact right vendors and read enough wedding blogs/magazines, then you’re day will indeed be perfect.

I might have other ideas. I will not plan your “perfect” wedding because in fact, I’m not perfect.

Case in point: every single inspiration shoot I have taken part in has had something go wrong or in some way did not turn out EXACTLY as I had envisioned. I’m not going to point out to you these flaws, as you might not recognize them right away and I’ll just let you think I planned things certain ways. However, this is under a very controlled environment and scenario where there are unexpecteds (think weather – which is a HUGE one, being sent the wrong linen, stepping on a bee…ouch!), so I’m sure you can imagine what might happened during a real event, where there are hundreds of people verses my 4 models and one crazy Uncle Lou might have been served too much to drink.

Humans aren’t perfect. We say the wrong things, post insulting and harmful things on social media and have typos in our writings. And I think there’s this immediate need to respond and point out these imperfections, which seems all too wrong. “I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection”.

All we can really do is make the best decision with the resources you have laid out in front of you. You can surround yourself with the best support system and do what you can with what you have. Find vendors you trust, make decisions that make sense and live in the moment. That is the best advice I can possibly give you while planning your wedding (and pretty much every other piece of life).

Here’s a little sneak peek from my last project with Heather Cisler Photography. Another perfectly, imperfect project (hello major wind storm!), with more to share soon!

Today’s Fairytale Inspiration | Model Call

0 · Apr 8, 2014 ·

If you haven’t noticed by now, I love doing styled photo shoots. They’re these creative fantasies that roam around in my head that absolutely must be set free. They provide a challenge, something to prove to myself that “I AM awesome” and “I can do that”. Yes, I give myself pep talks on a daily basis. It’s also a way to try new ideas, pair new items together and work with fabulous vendors. There’s a freedom of expression that I’m allowed, which real wedding don’t always provide. And if one of these new ideas doesn’t quite pan out, it wasn’t a real wedding and my improvisation skills have definitely been honed.

And then there’s also the fact that during slow seasons, I’m bursting. I HAVE to create something or I just think my brain might literally explode if I don’t get my hands on flowers and tablescapes!

So that’s my little segway into this next part… I am in need of a couple models. In my relentless journey to explore new lands, I am creating an inspiration shoot which will take place in exotic Owosso, MI, on April 22^nd. Heather Cisler and I are looking for a couple to play the roles of our fairytale prince and princess. Married, engaged, dating – your status doesn’t really matter, as long as you can look like you’re in love! This is going to be an uber romantic, early morning shoot but I promise to bring coffee and maybe even breakfast!

Interested in being a part? Email myself at hello@eventsbythedaysdesign.com or Heather at info@heathercislerphotography.com and feel free to send a picture because it’s always nice to put a face with the name. I can’t wait to hear from you!!

Photo by Heather Cisler Photography, naturally.

Capturing the Now

0 · Mar 21, 2014 ·

As if life isn’t busy enough on its own, this week I’ve been dealing with a sick baby and then of course I found myself battling the bug a day later. On the bright side, I did get to cancel my appointment to have my wisdom teeth removed… silver lining, right?

Do you feel like you’re just battling through life, rather than living it? There are some days that I just can’t get this notion out of my mind – it’s as if I’m just surviving rather than actually living. We just have to push through until we recover, surviving until the next paycheck, making it work until we can afford something better – always looking to the future. But what about the now?

While looking to the future is what gives us hope, and I truly believe that that’s hugely necessary and helps us persevere, however, I do believe that we need to search for some contentment and acceptance of the “now”.

I heard through the grapevine that yesterday was National Happiness Day. And while I completely wonder who determines these things, I also was inspired by the number of people who celebrated it, they celebrated being happy – now. I love that idea!

And I have a couple of projects up my sleeves that do just that…. they celebrate us, life, being a woman and preserving through the hardships.

Project #1 I’ve already told you about. The Romance Shoot is a great way to pamper yourself and find an excuse to feel pretty. I’ve teamed up with Hetler Photography and Helena Young to design a soft and romantic backdrop for these photo sessions, while their job is to make you feel gorgeous and then capture that magic. The original idea was to make this solely a boudoir marathon, but then we thought women don’t need to wear lingerie to feel pretty. Sometimes sexy is in the confidence to just be you. So we opened these sessions up to anyone, maternity, boudoir or whatever reason you might like to have your beauty captured. Sometimes women need to be reminded that they are beautiful.

Project #2 is something for me. Yup, I’m being selfish on this one, because I can. It involves my love of beautiful blooms and surrounding myself with them. I’ll share more on this later.

Project #3 is something special for someone I don’t even know yet. My version of a pay-it-forward. Details are still in the works, but I might need a little bit of help bringing this crazy idea of mine to life. That was about as clear as mud, right? Let’s just say that if you have a heart for hospitality and are in the creative/wedding industry, we might want to chat.

Project #4 is my small role in Bloom | The Workshop. I love helping other creatives and watching others succeed. So being a part of this creative workshop is extremely exciting to me as I want to see others blossom and grow.

Last January I put together a small photo shoot showcasing some Valentine’s bouquets (you might remember it from here). As I was putting the details together, I began thinking about a model for the shoot. And then ultimately, I decided I could model for it. I can make myself feel pretty once in a while, right? So I did, blemishes, flaws, remaining baby weight and self-consciousness aside. I didn’t want any pictures of myself until I lost those last few pounds – I was living for the future and not fully grasping the “now”. But I’m glad I had the courage to model, because I think we all need to be reminded of our beauty once in a while. Capture the moment we’re living in and focus a little on the now.

Happy Friday to my beautiful friends!

Photo by Heather Cisler Photography, oh my goodness was it cold that day!!

Love & Economics

0 · Feb 12, 2014 ·

Occasionally I turn the TV on while I’m working (since I work from home), especially on those days where my main tasks are a little less entertaining (i.e. bookkeeping!) We live in a cable free home, so my channel options are extremely limited and I don’t find myself distracted by television too often. But yesterday, Steve Harvey was in the background chatting on about Valentines and love, relationships, etc. etc. Then he said something that really got me thinking – “You can’t find Mr. Right until you let go of Mr. Wrong”.

Now, I have no idea what your relationship status is. Whether you’re married, single, dating or kind of hanging out with someone, this statement applies. It also applies in life situations. If you’re spending all your time focusing on one project (the wrong one) you can’t move on to the right one. Time is the key here. Where are you focusing your time? Go back to high school economics; this is a classic case of opportunity costs. Are we missing opportunities while we’re stuck focusing on the wrong man, the wrong job, the wrong _____ (you fill in the blank).

Can I just say how thankful I am that I took a leap and started my own business? I had a really good job previously, but it didn’t allow me to create, have fun or be myself. And if I were still there I definitely wouldn’t have put together this pretty amazing shoot that’s featured over on Burnett’s Boards today. You absolutely need to go see it!

Spend your time wisely and live life fully. I hope you’re enjoying this week of love!

It’s Wedding Weather! When to get Married in Michigan

0 · Feb 7, 2014 ·

Hey West Michigan! Want to talk about the weather? Does anyone else feel like that’s the only topic being discussed right now? Yes we have snow… thanks for the update. Sheesh!!

When I was younger, any time we were planning an event or family gathering in the winter my grandparents were always the first to chime in and say “depending on the weather.” “The roads could get bad.” “It is January, so you never know!” Ugh… I thought they were so lame and major worry warts.

Last Monday morning as I was driving down the road picking up props and supplies for my “fishy fun” project (search #fellinloveinfishtown on Instgram for some peeks), I couldn’t help but wonder why I was out on the roads. Crazy white out conditions! And my husband’s only response is “the things we do for photos!” True enough.

I have a really poor knack for picking dates for major events. I think it might run in the family. And I realize this is not what you want to hear from your wedding planner, so I’ll just let you pick the date! But what I was really wondering is if weather played a huge role in how you chose the date (or at least the time of year) you wanted to get married? I was thinking this morning about the pros and cons of getting married in each season.

Photo by Heather Cisler Photography

Winter (December – Mid March):

Pros-

Possibility for gorgeous snowy pictures
Less popular months to get married in, more vendor availability
Less conflicts for you wedding guests vacations schedules and social calendars (unless you choose December)
Getting married in December means the whole world is decorated with twinkle lights & greens – which could help your décor budget
You can serve warm beverages and winter comfort foods
Crystals and all things glittery blend oh-so perfectly!

Cons-

Possibly for poor weather – it could be snowy, icy or grey and dismal outside
It’s cold! Outside pictures are going to take some stamina
No greenery or leaves to add color to your wedding photos
You may need a pair of boots to wear under your wedding dress
December brides beware: the whole world seems to be decorated in twinkle lights and Christmas décor, which might clash with your wedding décor

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Spring (Mid March – May):

Pros-

Everything seems fresh and new which is a great feeling to have when starting your lives together
Spring flowers are A.MAZ.ING
Everyone is tired of being cooped up and ready to get outside
Possibility for warm, sunshiny day
It’s early in the wedding season, so vendors are fresh and excited about the upcoming season

Cons-

It can still be cold outside (last spring it was still snowing in May)
Two words: April showers
If your guests have children, be sure to take note of Spring Break schedules
Sometimes everything is still grey and muddy outside, not the lush green visions we have dancing in our heads

Photo by Chelsea Seekell Photography

Summer (June – August):

Pros-

The weather should be warm
More venue possibilities since outdoor spaces are also an option
Lots of flowers to choose from
Kids are on summer vacation, making it travel easier
More daylight hours

Cons-

It could be more expensive, since it’s prime wedding season
Less vendors to availability (unless you book early)
The weather could be too hot… giving you a nice glossy look in your photos
Humidity. Enough said.
Conflicts with summer vacation plans
You may have to also have a backup locations, if you’re choosing to celebrate outside

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Autumn (September – November):

Pros-

Our minds start shifting to warm and cozy favorites, which is a great ambiance to create for a wedding
The changing leaves and color make a stunning backdrop for pictures
Fall décor is easy to come by and has many budget friendly options
You may still have your summer suntan

Cons-

Nights cool down faster
Guest may have used all of their vacation time during the summer
Busy schedules with sports, back to school, etc.
September can be a rainy month
Autumn months are gaining popularity and are no longer considered “off season”

So what month will you be married in? Is the weather influencing your decision? I’m not sure what I would do if I had to plan it all over again, I love them all!

Steering Away from Negative Town

0 · Feb 3, 2014 ·

Last week was a burst of fun! I played in the snow with some gorgeous flowers and Heather Cisler (while also freezing my tushy off – there’s a fun little preview from her below). I traveled up north with my hubby and baby girl to meet my dear friend Rachel and we collaborated on a little project that makes me giddy all over! I was able to spend time with my Grandpa, meet some new vendors and have a lovely dinner with family and brunch with friends. Plus I put together even more flowers and I ate a donut with sprinkles… sound like the perfect week, right?

And then Sunday came. We had perfect weather for travel (which has not been easy to come by lately) and made a couple of stops to pick up ingredients to make a simple and yummy dinner while we watched the Super Bowl. That was the plan anyway. What actually happened is a whole other story. I opened the door to our home and immediately was greeted by the sound of dripping water. About two feet in front of me was a huge crack in my dining room ceiling which was leaking. Thankfully, it had managed to soak the rug beneath but no other furniture or flooring was damaged. Needless to say, our original plan for the night was shot.

Today I have a giant hole in our ceiling, where the wet and rotted drywall once sat. I also have 3 buckets, a ladder and a huge garbage can decorating my no longer functional dining room. And due to the odd layout of our house, this also means that our main entry is not usable either.

Oddly enough though, I woke up today in good spirits. The sun is shining and life will move on. Then I made the mistake of logging into Facebook. Negative comment, horrible status update, grumbles, complaints and other rants flooded my newsfeed. Yes it is Monday… we all may have the case of “the Mondays” however, move on! This just brings others down with you!!

Logging out. While I did not make any definite New Year’s resolutions this year, I did promise myself that I would steer away from anything that made me feel negative or poorly about myself. This might mean un-following certain people on social media, not comparing yourselves to others – either in personal or business situations, and trying oh-so hard to focus on the positive (like the fact that I’m going to have some amazing pictures to share with you really soon!)

When I feel these negative thoughts creep in I like to turn to writing. Sometimes this is where my encouraging blog posts stem from, I write them for me. Many of them also go unpublished, as at times it might be better if you didn’t know all of the crazy details running through my head. And then I play with flowers. Because who can be sad while playing with something so pretty?

There will be storms to survive. There will be mountains to climb. There will be battles to fight. We’re only in month two of 2014 and these worlds could not be truer. It can only get better from here – I say with lots of hope and anticipation for the future!

Happy Monday!!

Heather Cisler Photography

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