inspiration shoot

Cinderella’s Proposal

0 · Aug 17, 2016 ·

My little sister just got married. But before the merriment of “I do’s” there is a story to be told. It’s a lovely story, a tale of two people who have fallen in love. It’s a story of friendship and longing. It’s story of patience and dreams that do come true.

A little birdie whispered in my ear that a certain someone was going to propose. The first step was finding the perfect ring. I found myself honored enough to assist with the jewelry shopping. He chose a ring with the style name honored our grandmother, Margaret, and then had the design tweaked just a touch to make it fit my sister’s tastes. It is a light blue sapphire (her birthstone) in a yellow gold setting and diamond accents. It is stunning.

Each spring I like to put together an inspiration shoot. It helps me to dust off my flowering skills and stir up some creative juices. But as of late, I have found them to feel rather “empty”. It seems like putting together these mock parties is wasteful, even frivolous. And I was stuck looking for an idea.

The knowledge that Devin was going to propose was not new to me. In fact, it was a secret that I had tucked away for nearly 6 months as my sister was searching for a new apartment, moving forward with her life and doing pretty much the opposite of what every newly engaged woman should be doing – all while we were off shopping for the perfect jewel. But I kept quiet, my lips were sealed. As I was mulling all of these things over and helping my soon to be brother-in-law brainstorm an amazing proposal, the idea struck me that we could combine both my inspiration shoot (which I had no ideas for) and his proposal (which he was also trying to make extremely memorable).

One of my sister’s all time favorite movies is the 1965 version of Roger & Hammerstien’s Cinderella – and if you’re not familiar with that version, stop reading this and go watch it. It’s simply the best version of Cinderella known to man. He had taken her to see a live version for her birthday, they had watched the movie together and it seemed like a very appropriate source of inspiration.

Under the guise of a small inspiration shoot, I asked my sister to model for me and proceeded to get her all dolled up. She had a pampering salon day at Cheeky Strut, she picked out a beautiful gown at Spring Sweet and we made her feel like a princess, she needed a real life Cinderella moment. Now if only she had a pair of shoes…

Spring Sweet’s store closed and we made Justine walk down to the main store level to find her shoes. The trip just so happened to take her down a beautiful wooden staircase which Spring and I adorned with blooming branches and greens. On the treads of each step were gold calligraphy letter from Lief Design spelling out Will You Marry Me? “10 Minutes Ago” from Roger’s and Hammerstien’s Cinderella started playing. And at the bottom of the stairs stood Prince Charming, holding her shoes and an engagement ring.

And don’t miss the video which I shared a couple weeks ago. Their proposal story was also featured on The Wedding Chicks last month. I can’t wait to share pictures from the wedding!

Cinderella’s Proposal Video

0 · Jul 29, 2016 ·

My little sister is getting married.

If you’re a longtime reader of this little blog, you’ll understand the impact of that one little sentence. It symbolizes how love overcomes all. It shows that we should never settle or give up hope. I’m not going to dig up her dirty laundry, but rather I want to celebrate the future that lies before her.

To say that I was honored to be a part of her proposal story is an understatement. I heard the news months before that all important question was posed and was privileged to be a part of the entire process. Ring shopping, scheming and all the lovely details.

When I suggested that we have the entire occasion photographed, my sister’s soon-to-be fiancé was overjoyed with the idea. It all snowballed from there with video, flowers and a beautiful dress. He wanted something memorable. He wanted to create that perfect moment that she would never forget. He definitely accomplished that.

For me, bringing this to life was one the most stressful events I have ever taken on. Everything had to be timed perfectly, from hair and makeup, to her dress, his arrival and the music cued in the background. I rehearsed the scene over and over in my mind, but ultimately it was out of my control.

I couldn’t decide whether to share the story, the video or the photographs first. I love it all. They complete each other, just as Justine and Devin complete one another. Today I’ll leave you with the scenery in motion from Katie Grace Photography & Videography. It tells the tale in a way that words cannot.

In just two short weeks, they’re getting married.

Featured :: Cinderella’s Proposal on The Wedding Chicks

0 · Jul 19, 2016 ·

There’s nothing more exciting to me than creating something beautiful and yet functional. Creating something that celebrates real life the that moments that happen within it. I think we need to vanquish the idea of the empty table. No more heartless styled shoots. We need to celebrate life as it happens.

My little sister is getting married. That’s exciting new all on it’s own accord. But in addition, as I was schemeing about yet another “boring” styled shoot, I caught wind that this all important question was about to be popped. That’s where my inspiration came from. The story suddenly fell into place and I had the honor of working along side her now fiance, to help create the fairytale proposal we all dream of. And then it was featured on The Wedding Chicks.

You can see the feature here. You can read about the inspiration and romance. And I’ll certainly be sharing a few more of the behind the scences of being part of such a momentous occassion at at later date.

Cinderella's Proposal | The Day's Design | Samantha James Photography

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The Sand & the Sea

0 · Dec 16, 2015 ·

December’s weather here in Michigan has been a little abnormal, to say the least. The amount of foggy and rain filled days have been unheard of and I’ve hardly had the need to put on my winter coat. This morning, once again, I woke up to a thick of cloud that hung in the air. It’s such a dense and gloomy feeling.

It actually made me think back to this day in May. The temperatures were oddly similar although this spring day was far windier. Ashley Slater and I had been dreaming up a beach shoot. We wanted it to be natural, ethereal and chic all at the same time. We wanted to combine a classic black tux and a streamline wedding gown with driftwood and other neutral touches found on Lake Michigan’s glistening shoreline. We dreamt of a very sun kissed, yet earthy and grounded day with the decor seeming as though it had been washed ashore from a shipwreck.

However, as it so often happens, the weather changed our plans. One of the biggest lessons I have learned it to just roll with it and let the story be a part of your day. Since this was a styled shoot, we had the option to reschedule when the weather was chilly and less than ideal. But we moved forward despite the misty and fog. And one of my favorite outcomes of the day was the moody tone that the beach set. The sky mirrored the muted watercolor lines of Wildfield Paper’s custom paper goodies. The whitecaps and the wind whipping through Caitlin’s hair were perfection. We decided not to fuss with curls, a tie and other formalities. It turned into a wild, barefoot and carefree celebration.

This shoot was also featured on Magnolia Rouge, you can see the post here.

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.

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!!

Hats Off to the New Year!!

0 · Dec 20, 2013 ·

With Christmas being a mere 5 days away and the start of 2014 only 12 days from now, I think it’s high time to share my festive little New Year’s shoot I put together a little earlier this year. Back in September when I began dreaming this up and then in October when this shoot was actually brought to life, it seemed like the holidays would never come. Snow was a distant dream and I was still living in the memories from last Christmas.

More recently, however, I feel like we’re living in a snow globe! What I wouldn’t have given to have snow this day in October!! But instead the day was full of warm wishes and piles of tulle, glitter and ribbons.

The concept of “Hats Off to the New Year” was born in honor of my new Etsy store. Sequins, glitter, bows, tulle, champagne and all things bubbly and sparkly just seemed like the perfect way my new line of goodies (and the New Year).

This stunning home in historic Heritage Hill served as the perfect holiday backdrop. I simply fell in love the first time I saw all the dark woodwork and stunning crystal chandeliers and knew the house needed showcase something special. New Year’s through the decades began to unfold.

Cheeky Strut and the fabulous talents of Jennifer Houseman captured the perfect old Hollywood glam essence through hair and make-up, bringing my models to life.

I had so much fun digging up old New Year’s traditions and styles, like serving wassail with toast (who knew that’s why we ‘toast’ each other??), pairing the unexpected together, like gold succulents and felt top hats, and celebrating the start of something new.

Photography: Hetler Photography / Concept, Event & Floral Design: The Day’s Design / Hairpieces: The Day’s Design / Stationary: Crown and Clover / Venue: McCabe-Marlowe House / Desserts: Dana Wilmer-Lucus / Hair: Cheeky Strut / Make-Up: Jennifer Houseman

An enormous THANK YOU to all the vendors who made this party happen!! You can also see this feature on Oh Lovely Day. And whether you’re tying the knot or just planning an amazing bash, I hope you have a fabulous 2014!!

FAQ: What is Event Styling?

0 · Nov 22, 2013 ·

A couple weekends ago I was able to show my grandpa (who barely even knows what the internet is, much less how to actually use it), my website for the very first time. He has heard me talk about my photo shoots and weddings but never completely understood the extent of what I actually do. In his eyes, you just go to the church, stop and pick a couple flowers along the way and get married. Styling and coordination?? Not a concept he understood.

In addition, I showed him some of the pictures from my last project. After scrolling throw about 100 photos or so, he finally stopped and thoughtfully pointed to the girl on the left, “That girl, she looks just like they would have dressed in the 1930s.”

My point exactly. Someone had to style her to make that happen. Do you look at perfectly mismatched bridesmaids photos and wonder how that happened? How do they look so effortless, incredibly gorgeous and purposely placed, even though they don’t look the same? And then the flowers stand out flawlessly against all their dresses and the ribbons are the exact same hue? It all flows so completely seamless with the groomsmen attire, the invitations, tablecloths and gives off the perfect amount of causal glam? It’s because someone made that happen! Either professional or DIY, someone designed this wedding.

To put it simply, event styling or design, is interior design for your party. You hire an interior designer to pick out the perfect sofa and paint colors for your home, much the same, you hire an event designer to pick out the perfect pieces for your wedding.

What does it entail? Anything and everything pretty!! An event stylist will help you define your wedding vision, create an overall theme or inspiration board and help find all the elements to bring this vision to life. The exact process might be different for everyone, but I’ll share a little about what it’s like to work with me.

Depending upon when in the wedding process you hire me, things may vary a little, but here’s the gist. Together we’ll sit down and discuss your likes and dislikes, personal style and the overall feel you’re hoping your wedding will have. We’ll talk about inspiration and location. And then we’ll start shopping and designing! Some brides like me by their side the whole way, dress shopping, invitation selection and appointments with the pastry chefs. Other may have already picked out some of these elements or want to reserve special moments just for family. Either way works for me! I am kind of a personal shopping assistant. You’re looking for 12 pink vintage teacups? I’ll find them for you. Need 20 mercury glass vases in various sizes and shapes? I’m on it. Grey groomsmen’s suit with lavender bowties? Found it!

I’ll draw up a design plan, we’ll outline everything needed for your big day – from place cards to dessert displays – you can watch it all come to life. When it comes to setting up, no need to worry, I’ll oversee all those details while you are sitting back getting pampered and pretty.

Sounds amazing, right? I think so too! So let’s start planning your next pretty party!! (My grandpa thinks you should hire me – he’s impressed!!)

The above photo is by the fabulous Kellie of Hetler Photography and is from a super fun holiday shoot, which I can’t wait to share more of!!!

Model Call

0 · Oct 9, 2013 ·

Hi there – it’s been a whirlwind of activity over here and I’m so excited to share a few details regarding my next project! Kellie of Hetler Photography and I are teaming up again to create some beautiful holiday magic. I’ve got some new things up my sleeve and while I can’t share all those gorgeous details yet BUT I can tell you that this well definitely help you ACCESSORIZE for your next party! (Yes, that was a giant hint!)

So if you’d like a little sneak peek while also having a fabulous and fun time hanging with your girlfriends
YOU can be part, we’re looking for models.

Here are the details:

We are putting together a fun editorial styled shoot happening October 30^th. 4 female models would be perfect although we wouldn’t turn away a dapper gent or two, if they wanted to help out. All sizes and shapes are welcome, although I will need to know sizes in advance as we’re making wardrobe decisions. The shoot will take place in downtown Grand Rapids and will last most of the day, so please schedule accordingly. For more information or if you’d like to be a part email me (Shelby) at hello@eventsbythedaysdesign.com.

Grab your girlfriends and we’ll pour some bubbly! Cheers!!

Photo by Helter Photography from our last editorial shoot which is scheduled to be published next month!

Downtown Inspiration Shoot {Teaser}

0 · May 31, 2013 ·

Something gorgeous happened in downtown Grand Rapids Wednesday that we simply cannot wait to share! An urban city venue combined with lots of sparkles, amazing shoes and other fabulously girly delights – there’s so much to swoon over, but we’ll just tease you with this little sneak peek for now!!

West Michigan has some amazing vendors who I simply cannot thank enough for their contributions to this project! Photography: Hetler Photography / Event Design: The Day’s Design / Floral Design: Modern Day Floral / Chairs: The Rental Company / Bride’s Dress: Bridal Elegance / Hair & Make-up: Cheeky Strut / Jewlry: Ashley Poolman, Lia Sophia Independent Consultant / Cake: Mirabella Confections / Paper Products: Emily Ross Creative / Videography: Inspiration Video – and a huge thank you to our lovely models!

inspiration shoot

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