The Felt Mansion

Real Weddings :: Mary & Nic’s Foodie Celebration

0 · Oct 5, 2016 ·

Do you remember how hot it was last Labor Day? I mean, Labor Day 2015 – not this past year. That’s how far behind I am on blogging gorgeous momeries of days gone by.

Anyway, it was the hottest day I experienced all summer. I remember so distinctly because I was beyond thankful for the garlands my bride has chosen to line her tables and how she had also shared some concern about having a September wedding and the potential for a good fall chill to join the night air as the sun departed for the day.

This did not happen. I thought for sure I was going to melt into a puddle and the beautiful dahlias along with me.

The days leading up to Mary and Nic’s celebration were filled with trips to the farmer’s market, foraging excursions and finding the most succulent edible treats to add into their décor. As I sat down with Mary discussing her wedding florals she gave me only two parameters – they love food, so herbs and other edible delights were welcome (and vary much a MUST) and then she showed me her maid of honor’s dress, which I should use for the color palette inspiration.

So instructions were followed, with artichokes and apples placed into the bouquets. Bay leaves and olive branches were woven into garlands. Pomegranates, persimmons and potted herbs decorated the tables. And at the end of the night, I realized that someone thought the centerpieces looked so good, they actually took a bite.

They were wed at The Felt Mansion, which is one of my favorite venues in West Michigan. The classic architecture and the brick, the charming pond and perfect getting ready space. It’s all perfect. The mansion’s front door served as the backdrop to the ceremony, with cocktails following in the lawn and a tented dinner. Desserts were then served in the parlor with Love’s Ice Cream cart placed just outside.

And then we must talk about the dancing. These people knew how to dance. Mary and Nic start the night out in style with a very nontraditional first dance songs and an ode to one of my favorite movies, “Kiss the Girl”. The entire scene was made complete with a guest joining in with an impromptu Scuttle impersonation in the background. It set the fun tone for the entire night. While some late night weddings I like to find a place to disappear into the shadows, this was a evening of pure entertainment.

Sweet nostalgia in form of a fragrance, the aroma of bay leaves filled the tent and instantly took Nic back to boyhood memories of his days in California. I like to think that there will now be a new memory paired with this fragrant little leaf, a recollection of the day he and Mary started their happily ever after.

This wedding was also featured in the current issue of The Knot Michigan.

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Real Weddings :: Nolan & Jessica

0 · Apr 29, 2015 ·

I don’t know if I believe in destiny or fate, or that there’s only one person in the whole world that you should marry and (finger’s crossed!!) you’ll meet them and timing will be perfect and you’ll fall in love. I do however, believe that God has a plan and know’s exactly what’s going to happen before we even have a chance to contemplate the possibility. I suppose he controls our destiny then.

Nevertheless, I think the way our paths are intertwined is really interesting, and our story of friendship is no exception. Back when I was just an under-aged, beauty school grad, I also had a late night weekend gig at a bar. And so did Jessica. However, we rarely had a chance to speak and although we worked at the same club, I’m not even sure I knew her name – she was just the girl with the most amazing highlights. And she’s always been someone I remembered and who stood out in my mind.

Fast forward a few years and here we are. I met my husband who happened to be best buds with Nolan, who would eventually become her fiance. My husband predicted from the beginning these two were in it for the long haul. And I guess he was right. Anytime I get to be involved in someone’s wedding day is really special to me, but when the bride and groom happen to be a couple of your closest friends it becomes one of the highest honors. It was more than just a wedding, it was a very happy celebration.

In the height of dahlia season, we watched Jessica and Nolan say “I do” at the historic Felt Estates. I handpicked every flower myself with sweet Jessica in mind knowing how important this day was, knowing that in just a few short hours she would marry her best friend, a relationship that I was lucky enough to see from the beginning. And will continue to see for years to come.

Tea Time Inspiration

0 · Nov 25, 2013 ·

Around this time last year I was 9 ½ months pregnant, I had officially left my full-time job and was tirelessly working on the launch of my website. And then this disc filled to the brim with gorgeous images arrived from Bradley James Photography. It was the first project we worked on together and the start of a beautiful new friendship. My vintage tea party.

Friends, I am thankful for the start of this journey, for the promise that 2014 brings and all the amazing new people 2013 brought into my life.

The shoot was inspired by all things vintage, delicate and romantic. It aimed to capture the soft elegance an afternoon tea, inspired by the floral wallpaper and combined with shades of pink, peach, mint and aqua.

“Posy and pearls
Amethyst and gold
Forever you and I
Our precious love to hold.”
~Astrid Alauda

“The fine china cups
are filled with the brew.
There’s lemon and sugar
and sweet cream, too.

But, best of all
there’s friendship, between you and me.
As we lovingly share
our afternoon tea.“

~Marianna Arolin

Photography: Bradley James Photography / Event Styling & Florals: The Day’s Design / Venue: The Felt Estate / Bride’s Dress: Etsy Shop, Firefly Vintage / Invitations: Creative Montage / Cake: Elizabeth Stammen, Grand Rapids Community College culinary student / Linens: La Tavola

This shoot was also featured earlier this month on Burnett’s Boards as a beautiful bridal shower inspiration, which I was pretty excited about. I hope you enjoyed and are having a great week!

{Steps to the Altar} Venue or Theme

0 · Mar 26, 2013 ·

Which came first, the venue or the “theme”?

It’s a common question; brides are not sure if they should have an overall theme or feel, paired with colors and an elaborate vision first, or if they should select the venue and let that dictate everything else about the wedding.

I personally do not think there is a right or wrong answer to this question. I talked with brides who have done it both ways, but here are a few points to consider:

Picking a theme first-

If you should choose this route, make sure your venue can help to attain the look that you are hoping to achieve. Should you decide on a very rustic, woodland feel with soft tones you might want to stay away from brightly colored modern venues. Something else you may want to consider, the colors of the chairs and other accessories that the venue provides. I had a friend who was going through the planning process and settled on royal blue and green for her wedding colors. One of the venues she was considering has bright teal chairs. Because the chairs were so bright, she decided that if she settled with this reception space, she might have to reconsider her wedding colors. You may need to be creative about how to incorporate these odd elements. Or you may want to remain somewhat flexible and open minded about your decision making.

By choosing the mood you want to set for your day, you can then shop for a venue that will cater to this feeling and compliment your theme and color scheme. It will help edit that long list of wedding venues in your city.

Picking the venue first-

The venue will influence the mood of the wedding. A grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers and a marble staircase is going to set a different tone than if you decide to get married in a barn or a friend’s back yard. Either setting can be absolutely beautiful, but it’s going to affect the ambiance of your wedding. In this case the venue will help define the theme or wedding style.

Another point to consider, venues have limited availability. Dreaming of a June wedding? Settle on the venue first, as this tends to be prime wedding season. Finding a place to host your event may be more difficult if you have a set style that you have to match your venue to. This is especially true if you’re working on a tight time frame.

Should you find a venue that you absolutely love, go for it! Plan your day around your setting, make it beautiful and customize it to make it truly yours.

Sometimes the theme and venue may just go hand in hand and fall into place. The above photo is from styled wedding shoot I put together last fall, captured by the amazing Bradley James Photography. I knew I wanted to incorporate some peaches and mint green tones along with teacups (because I love them!) and then I started searching for venues. I had the opportunity to tour The Felt Estate, and fell in love with this charming little room and its floral wallpaper. The venue paired well with a vintage theme and I could easily incorporate some of the colors of this floral wallpaper into the rest of the décor without it being overpowering. I made a slight change and added a rosy pink to my mint and peach color scheme, and then enhanced the delicate vintage details with the rest of the décor.

By remaining somewhat flexible, I was able to create a gorgeous event that compliments my style, and added a couple extra girly frills!

The Felt Mansion

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