west michigan wedding planner

More Negative…

0 · Feb 10, 2014 ·

“Monday Monday, can’t trust that day.” – Remember that old song by The Mammas & The Pappas? I was thinking about it yesterday morning as I was getting ready for church. I was thinking that I’m ready to change the lyrics to “Sunday Sunday, can’t trust that day.” It seems that Sunday has been a day of surprises for my family lately, and not necessarily pleasant ones.

I may have mentioned this before, but my mother used to say that the Devil always had way of sneaking in on Sundays, doing everything in his power to stop you from going to church and being able to worship. As I’ve grown up, I believe this more and more. He tried hard, but didn’t win yesterday.

It’s funny, on Saturday I stared to write a post following up on my discussion about negativity from last Monday. It was in fact the most popular blog post I have ever written. The purpose of the Saturday’s draft was to dig a little deeper into why negative things impact us so much. And there was also a little update on my current “leaky” situation. And now today I have a new update… that post is old news.

So here we are one week from when I first discovered the drip in my ceiling which lead to the creation of the enormous hole. My previous statement about there not being any damage other than the ceiling needs to be retracted. It appears that new floors might in our future, however not in our budget. In addition, we have sprung another leak. Pretty exciting, huh? My bathroom is now dripping too, and not from the faucet.

The point of blogging about all this? I am not looking for sympathy or pity. Actually, I’m laughing about the situation. It’s kind of funny in its own twisted way. Simply put, A LOT of the things that sneak into my life in the form of negativity have to do with comparison. It is easy to compare yourself to someone across the internet, who seemingly has this prefect life, gorgeous office and booming business. They have a lovely and ideal family, live in the suburbs with 2.5 children, a flashy SUV and no worries. Their Instagram feed is meant to inspire, but actually makes you feel like less of a person since their home is spotless and you just tripped over the dog, 3 toys and spilled your generic brand coffee all over your rug. Trust me, my house is not normally worth taking a picture of. My desk? You haven’t seen it on social media for a reason. I live in the real world with babies and spills and beat up old, second hand furniture.

The point is this: there is so much truth to the saying “comparison is the thief of all joy”. Negativity is all in the interpretation. If it makes you feel poorly about yourself, then I consider that negative – even if it isn’t something that the general public would classify in that way.

Even stranger, all of this was on my mind yesterday morning and then our pastor preached about comparison and finances which really drove the point home. My housing situation could be so much worse, I am lucky to have a home. So today I am grateful for my home, the sunshine and this week of love – in which I’m going to have another featured over on Burnett’s Boards in conjunction with Heather Cisler Photography!

Have a great week friends!

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!

Little Sister Getting Married {Invitations are Out!}

0 · Dec 3, 2013 ·

I have had doodles, designs and to-do lists scattered about my desk for months now, all revolving around my little sister’s wedding. I am so excited for her and I keep going back to the plans trying to figure out how to make this the absolute wedding of her DREAMS. Now, admittedly I must say that I’m a little closer to this bride than my other clients, sorry, but it’s true. That being said, there’s a little more of an emotional connection there and sometimes I literally have to stop myself from jumping up and down when I’m in the planning stages.

November has been a month full of showers and parties all revolving around my dear sister. Invitations also went out last month (and as my mother said, “Well, it looks like we’re having a wedding!”) and RSVPs are starting to roll in. I just got an email from the fabulous Brad and Sam (of Bradley James Photography – who also took the above photo)and they’re hoping to tie up loose ends with them very soon. Eek… now I just had that “This is really happening” moment!!

This glittery, vintage, wintery wonderland affair is definitely going to be one for the books and I cannot wait until January!!

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!!!

The White Wedding Dress

0 · Nov 13, 2013 ·

Simple, clean, elegant and timeless – white has been the go-to color for the modern bride. Whether lace or taffeta, short or long, it seems hard for us to imagine a decade when the bride didn’t wear white. But this tradition really hasn’t been in fashion as long as one might think.

Throughout history brides have worn the best they could afford to celebrate their union in life. From the richest fabrics to their Sunday best, the dress should always represent their families and class in a favorable light. It wasn’t until 1840 when Queen Victoria wed her groom in a white gown, accented with her favorite lace, which really set the tradition. Her wedding photographs were greatly published for that era and we all know how royalty sets the trends.

Around the 1920s the idea began that white represents virginity. Prior to this, blue had been the color that represented purity, although it never was extremely common in bridal fashions.

I have actually talked to brides who felt that they might be “judged” if they swayed from tradition and did not wear some form of white. Then there are those who feel to wear white is to wear a lie. But here’s what I think. I think white and ivory are classic and traditional choices that are simply stunning. I believe if you find a pink gown that screams your name, then you should wear it proudly. I also believe that it should be of no concern to the public whether you are a virginal bride or not. That is a highly personal matter between you and your spouse and you shouldn’t be forced to label yourself one way or another. A wedding is a celebration of love… so dress in a color that makes you celebrate!

I found this inspiration over on The Pretty Blog yesterday and it took my breath away! Would you consider wearing black on your wedding day? You can see the whole shoot here. And if you’d like to read a little more history on the modern wedding dress, you can do so here.

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!!

Real Weddings: Jordan & Kait

0 · Nov 5, 2013 ·

Meet Jordan and Kaitlin…

If high schools sweethearts were to tie the knot on a steamy day in July their day might look like this. A gorgeous ceremony in her grandparent’s back yard in Muskegon – complete with lots of homegrown hydrangeas – would officially unite them. And then they would celebrate and dance the night way in downtown Grand Rapids. Somehow they completely missed the wind and rains that overtook Grand Rapids that day, proving that true love can weather any storm.

Photographer: Chelsea Seekell Photography / Day of Design: The Day’s Design / Flowers: Pickett Fence Floral / Ceremony Location: Private Residence in Muskegon, MI / Reception Location: Eve at the B.O.B / Wedding Cake: Mirabella Confections /DJ: Xtreme Creative Entertainment / Invitations & Programs: Amy O’Donnell / Bride’s Dress: Forever Yours / Bridesmaids Dresses: BCBG / Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse

I wish you both all the happiness in the world… congratulations!!

The Day’s Design Inspiration Shoot

0 · Nov 1, 2013 ·

A common question that I get asked is to describe my style. And this is not an easy question for me to answer. This summer I really tried to channel in on that thought and focus. What is my style?

First off, I love shabby chic. Distressed, romantic and soft details make me smile. I absolutely adore vintage pieces, whether they’re ornate early century finds, mid-century modern or industrial and roughed up. Just think of the stories these pieces can tell and the hands that they’ve passed through. Decorating with sentimental pieces warms my heart. It’s magical when cherishing your past, pieces that once belonged to Grandma or other family heirlooms or even a more current gift. And then I have a huge love of family. If you’re trying to figure out your wedding style, just look around your home – your happy place – that should be your inspiration.

So together with Bradley James Photography, I put together a small shoot trying to really focus on my style. I began with re-imagining my own wedding. How would I do it today? But that was so hard with all the fabulous inspiration out there and beautiful events that I have seen. I sat down and made a list of all my favorite things, I highly recommend this to anyone who is trying to focus your wedding style.

It’s a little bit rustic, a little modern, playful and whimsical all at the same time. And the color pallet matches my brand and my grandma’s china which is too perfect. I’m so happy to share the results with you today – let’s think back about warmer weather and lots of sunshine!

My hubby bought me the vintage silverware last year for Christmas, so sweet! And it looks stunning with Grandma’s aqua plates.

The parasol is vintage, from my mom’s wedding in 1975 – they’ve been married 38 years, such an inspiration!

Event Styling & Florals: The Day’s Design / Photography: Bradley James Photography / Harvest Table: Refunction Junktion / Ghost Chairs: The Rental Company

A huge thank you to all the above vendors who helped bring my vision to life! Have great weekend… stay dry!!

Wedding Planning Financial Advice

0 · Oct 18, 2013 ·

A couple weeks ago Credit Card Insider published a list of financial advice for newly engaged couples. I was asked to contribute my tips and advice to couples, along with past brides and other wedding professionals. Money can be a huge stress factor when it comes to the wedding planning process, and while they just shared one little blurb of what I had to say, here’s little more insight.

Finances are a big part of planning a wedding and often a subject that couples don’t even know how to begin to approach (Umm… Mom? Dad? Can I get a little help here?!). Normally I say that the very first step in wedding planning is setting a budget (and sticking to it!!), but I have started to shift a little from that. It doesn’t do a couple much good to set of budget of say $5,000 when they’re planning on inviting 300 guests and there isn’t a caterer in the area that will provide dinner for under $25 a plate. You’ve just blown through that budget and haven’t even fed everyone! So the budget must be realistic for your wedding market. Do a little research and find out what you should generally expect wedding vendors to cost.

Then set your budget and stick to it!

The engagement period leading up to your wedding can be a highly stressful time. You are embarking upon this journey together, planning the start of your ‘happily ever after’ and on top of that there’s money being spent in every which direction. So keep track of your spending. Many couples choose to open a special bank account used just for the wedding purchases, and when the money’s gone they are forced to stop spending.

If your budget allows, hire a wedding planner or designer who will help you come up with a cohesive and fabulous scheme for your wedding day. By having a plan (think blueprints or roadmap for your wedding) you can eliminate the urge to impulse buy. All the details you need are all written in black and white which alleviates that temptation to change your mind because you saw something cute on Pinterest. In addition, your wedding planner will help you stay accountable to your purchases. They can help you ensure you’re spending your money where it will have the biggest impact – you’ll get more bang for your buck!

The last thing on earth you want to do is go into debt financing your wedding. Know your limits. If the budget is tight, consider having a small and simple dinner party to celebrate or perhaps just a cocktail reception. Stick with what you’re comfortable with and not what others expect of you, unless of course, they’re chipping in to help foot the bill.

And have fun planning!

Photo by the fabulous Shannon Scott {Smug Shots}

My Sock Bun Hits the Ceiling!!

0 · Oct 11, 2013 ·

I rarely wear my hair up. And if I do it’s one of those super-messy, spur-of-the-moment, I-HAVE-to-get-my-hair-off-my-neck situations. I have this really weird thing about my neck and showing off my ears, anyway, so NOT the point of this post (I’m just quirky and don’t like my hair up – enough said).

In addition to being the pre-wedding coordinator and event designer for my sister’s wedding, I have the added bonus of also being the maid of honor. I am so super excited about this and about her, and it is truly an honor to be a part of her dream day in such a big way. It is also my duty as a bridesmaid to be an awesome MOH and realize that it’s her day, and things will be done her way. Perfect.

But she thinks she wants the girls to wear their hair up. So as a good older sister and bridesmaid I’ve begun experimenting with how I can wear my hair up and keep both of us happy. The ever so popular sock bun has come into play. I love the look of a giant, sophisticated and neat bun. I would still get big hair, but it wouldn’t be messy. Yes, I thought this might be the perfect solution.

I rocked it for a couple days. And then I got in my car.

Now, I’m not going to go off on a tangent about how cars were clearly designed by bald men who have no appreciation of a greatly teased head of hair. However, the frustration of having to lean my seat back and slouch while driving is great. It might even be classified as a safety risk. But of course as a female, I tend to put beauty before safety, oops.

When I drive my Tahoe, it’s not an issue. I have since told my husband that I will no longer be driving the car. He rolled his eyes and switched keys.

What I am wondering is, how are you brides with fabulous up-dos being transported to your ceremony location or who’s driving you home from the salon? Are you going to have to be crammed in a car or do you have a luxurious SUV of some sort? Or perhaps your stylist is coming to you (which I highly recommend). Am I just being crazy?? Maybe others don’t really have this concern… Maybe I just like my hair too big!!

The above image is from here. And you’ll also learn how to achieve this look yourself!!

Just the thoughts going through my head on the beautiful Friday morning! Have a great weekend!!

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!

September’s Bride

0 · Oct 2, 2013 ·

I have been wanting to share this shoot from last year for awhile now… I waited until September and now it seems that September has come and gone so fast, I nearly missed it! But today is the perfect day. My beautiful model and friend for this shoot just gave birth to a sweet baby boy this morning, and I could not be happier for her.

This project represents all things lovely about fall – leaves beginning to change, the scent of apples in the air and my love for donuts. And of course I couldn’t resist throwing a little aqua into the mix either! Thank you so much Unikke Photography for capturing the day, and congratulations Jessica on your new bundle of joy!

Photography: Unikke Photography / Event Styling & Coordination, Floral Design: The Day’s Design / Vintage Rentals: Refunction Junktion / Chocolate Chip Pumpkin cookie favors: Monica’s Gourmet Cookies

September Goals

0 · Sep 3, 2013 ·

September. The hum of lawn mowers and bees will soon be replaced by the crunching of leaves. The scent of honeysuckle swapped for pumpkin spice and the holidays are right around the corner. I usually await the start of fall with open arms.

I’m just not sure if I’m ready yet this year. Sure I can still hit the beach on a nice day, but somehow the mindset and mood is just a little different. You have to savor these last scarce nice days knowing that there are so few left. (And I love Lara Casey’s post about savoring September which you can read here.)

So how do you do that? To begin, I have a list of things that I WILL accomplish THIS MONTH. I’m really horrible at tackling my to-do lists, but I’ve made my goals very achievable and I’m going to stick to it!

September’s Goals:

1. Focus on what matters most

I have weekend plans with family, lots of space in my schedule to play with Gretta and some time to share with friends

2. Get Organized

My desk is a little chaotic with several projects in the works and finished projects needing to be filed.
My work space and house is also evolving as Gretta has suddenly become a bit more mobile… everything needs to move up, up, UP.

3. Wrap up loose ends

I have so many “someday” projects. You know, those things that you’ll get to someday – those pictures that need to be hung, that drawer that needs to be organized, the chair that needs to be refinished. So, I’m going to start room by room and complete those things, starting NOW.

I sat down last night and looked at my September planner and thought I was going to have a pretty quiet month, and then I realized I just hadn’t written anything down yet! Oops…!!!

Photo by Bradley James Photography

So cheers to lots of projects, lots of pretty and lots of accomplished goals!! Happy September!

One Year Ago

0 · Aug 26, 2013 ·

It was about this time last year that The Day’s Design became an “official” business (paperwork filed, DBA, tax IDs and all that un-fun stuff put in order). I was almost seven months pregnant and waiting to be called back into work after a short and temporary summer lay-off. Around this time I had high hopes and dreams about what this summer would bring, bustling around with numerous brides, designing away and getting ready to wrap up wedding season, all with my perfect little baby girl by my side.

Yup, life was to be just about perfect. My basement studio space would be shabby chic fabulousness and provide lots of space and organization. I would have the best of both worlds being able to work from home and not have to send Gretta to day care – not missing a single moment of her life. We could spend time playing together in the mornings and I’d stay busy crafting and creating while she peaceful slept each naptime.

Now we’ll fast forward to today. That studio space doesn’t even exist. Instead my basement looks like a moving truck full of décor exploded, with vases, tulle and supplies scattered in every direction, creating an obstacle course for me to maneuver through each time I need a new supply. My office has been relocated to the living room for convenience purposes and is haphazardly organized and accessorized by a baby gate. Miss Gretta is crawling nonstop, hardly allowing me to sit down and scribble down an idea or blog post, much less all the other pieces of owning a business I need to work on. Despite it all, this summer has been amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing.

But it does leave me wondering, why didn’t anyone point out to me how crazy I was starting a business now??? Shouldn’t my mother have told me I was getting in over my head? (Moms are supposed to warn you about stuff, right?) It probably wouldn’t have mattered much anyway, I was and still am super determined to make this work. It does work, just not in the same way that I had envisioned. But on that note, I have every intention to take the rest of this week off, savoring what little sliver of summer we have left organizing life before the onset of fall, and even sneaking up north for a couple days too!

So loves, have a great week and a happy Labor Day! I’ll talk to you next week!!

And also last year around this time I was busy designing my first photo shoot with Unikke Photography, as I prepared to launch my website. This is just one of the images we created together 🙂

Real Weddings: Kait & Jordan

0 · Aug 20, 2013 ·

On one snow filled day this winter I met Kait and her amazing family for the first time. How do I even begin to tell you how delightful they are?? We spent that blistery morning bundled up and sipping hot cocoa, dreaming of the summer days ahead. To simply put it, I fell head over heels with this girl (and her family) and could not wait to be a part of her wedding day! The day finally came on July 19th. Kait and Jordan said “I do” in her Grandparent’s back yard in Muskegon, while I handled all the decor details here in Grand Rapids. I hope to share more pictures at a later date, but until then, here’s a peek at their wedding video from Aubrie Vela, which is amazing! I almost cried!!

Congratulations you two!!

Wedding videos just capture something that photos simply can’t… and I ♥ them!!

When does ‘Happily Ever After’ begin?

0 · Aug 19, 2013 ·

I’m a daydreamer and a fairytale lover so being as such, I often reference the “happily ever after” period of time. You know, that magical moment when your go from the damsel in distress hopelessly looking for Mr. Right, to Mrs. Right, complete with a white gown fit for a queen and you ride off together into the sunset to forever live in a blissful “happily ever after” state.

The reality is we’re all looking for our knight in shining armor. We are given this illusion that if we just marry a wonder man then we can be forever happy. And while there is some truth to this, we also might find ourselves a bit disenchanted with him over time.

My Prince Charming and I got into a little quarrel yesterday morning. Or maybe it was more of a big quarrel. At any rate, the fact of the matter is, everything isn’t going to be just peachy because you took vows to love each other forever. I have mentioned before that people have told me the first year of marriage is the hardest. My mother will tell you the first seven years are the hardest (and she has been married for thirty-eight years now). What I can definitely tell you is that we’ve had arguments and differences in all three years that we’ve been married.

So yesterday morning we were not speaking much as we drove to church. But I was determined that we were still going. My mother also used to say that arguing on Sunday mornings was the way of the Devil trying to get you to skip church. I think there’s some truth there, as there just seems to be lots of extra stress rushing around on Sundays.

I sat through the service feeling a little down, thinking about how this isn’t exactly the married life that I had envisioned. When suddenly it occurred to me, happily ever after starts when YOU want it too! YOU have to create that life that you dreamed of. No one is going to just hand it over to you. And while there might be some curves and bumps along the way, it’s a journey that you can choose to travel onward together.

As you think about that white horse carrying you off into the sunset, remember that just because you lost site of the horse on the horizon, doesn’t mean it stopped walking. Journey on that horse together and maybe that will be better than the destination.

PS – We made up 🙂 And that picture up there? That’s one of my first ever brides from two summers ago, captured by Kelly Lynne Photography… it’s amazing how time flies!

It’s the Weekend!

0 · Aug 16, 2013 ·

Coming home after a few days away is like entering a whole new world of possibilities. Stepping away allows me to clear my head, refresh and refocus. We skipped town for a couple of days last weekend, purposely leaving my laptop cord behind, so we could soak up some sun and Lake Michigan air.

It was pretty chilly last weekend, so our plan didn’t pan out exactly as I’d hoped, but it was still great to get away. Tuesday morning when I stepping back into my office, I didn’t even know where to start… I was simply bursting at the seams with inspiration! It’s one of those times where I have so many ideas, trying to figure out how to get them all out of your head and onto paper, somewhat organized and making sense of it all seems nearly impossible. And the ideas are so scattered, multiple events with various components can leave to an overload of creativity, but I love it! This is what I thrive on 🙂

So this week my desk has been covered with random sketches tossed every which way, I have been elbows deep in piles of tulle, lace, feathers and Swarovski crystals and unpacking my suitcase has been shoved way down low on my priority list!

To some people a strong work ethic includes spending extra hours away from home, not taking vacations and having zero family time – they’re married to their work. For me, its understanding that some time away can lead to new possibilities, more creativity and a healthier overall perspective on life. So please excuse the mess… this busy mama has work to do!

Happy Friday friends!!

For more glimpses of what I’ve been up to, follow in Instagram!

The Wedding Ceremony

0 · Aug 15, 2013 ·

Photo by Shannon Scott {Smug Shots}

Tuesday morning I dug head first into some ceremony details and timelines for my August couple. As I looked through the specifics of the service, I could not help but feel overwhelmingly excited. Seriously. There was love displayed on that page!

Now we’ve all been to the wedding ceremony that seems to never end, with rows full of antsy guests secretly wishing they’d just say “I do” already. On the other hand, I experienced the shortest wedding ceremony of life earlier this summer – the guests didn’t even have time to sit down! The wedding party made their way down the aisle, the couple said some quick vows, kissed and now they are husband and wife.

Honestly, before planning my own wedding, I wasn’t even sure what a wedding ceremony should entail, or how long it should last. Is there a right or wrong answer?

The ceremony portion of a wedding is a very personal, intimate celebration. It is an outward showing of a commitment between two people. Some people choose to make this a largely celebrated and lighthearted affair, while others keep things on a more serious note since it is such a major commitment.

The average wedding ceremony is approximately 30 minutes long. Typical ceremonies include details such as the seating of the grandparents and parents, the bridal processional, a word of welcome and declaration of intent, the VOWS, the exchanging of rings, lighting of the unity candle and then the introduction of the new Mr. & Mrs… swoon!

However, variations do occur. Some couples choose to write their own vows, which is a great personalized addition. The unity candle is often replaced with something else, such as sand or tying knots, or skipped all together. You might consider adding cultural elements and other religions also have significant pieces to their ceremonies. Couples may choose to have a biblical or other reading, or a special song sung – or perhaps the guest might even join in with a traditional hymn!

So my greatest advice would be to do what makes you happy. Make your ceremony memorable and personal. Focus on what the ceremony actually means and is representing, a love and commitment to last a lifetime.

Fear: Part 2

0 · Aug 8, 2013 ·

Just a little recap from earlier in this story, I was feeling a nudge to leave my comfortable job and to spend more time with my family, while focusing more on what matters in life. I acted on that, but perhaps I stepped in the wrong direction… (for more, read part 1 here.)

It seemed everywhere I turned there were signs pointing me in another direction. That spring and summer our pastor preached countless sermons on taking leaps of faith, and not just being contented but also fulfilled in life. I cannot remember the entire message, but one Sunday in particular he spoke about the ABC’s:

A – We get super excited about something new. We are absolutely on fire and cannot wait for our journey to begin.

B – The road becomes a bit more difficult. Challenges arise and the journey seems too long. We cannot see the end of our path.

It’s at this point that many people turn back. They look for a new point A, a new beginning. Inevitably, difficulties will arise again (point B) and so the search for another A also begins and it’s a vicious cycle of never seeing anything through.

C – However, point C brings the fruits of our labor. If we can just push through those difficult times, we can reap the rewards and be fired up once more. The message was aimed right at me, I knew it to the depths of my soul. Point A was over so I left my job and now in my new job had gone through A and B, but it didn’t even seem worth continuing on to C. And I was paralyzed by fear.

So much fear. I didn’t know what I was doing. I had this idea to start my own event design and planning company for years now, but it was such a distant daydream. It was just a hobby, people don’t support their families doing stuff like this! And did I mention, I was pregnant?

And then Pastor Brian said something else: are you willing to fail for God? Wow.

I cannot say that my next actions made any sense at all. I began researching all the wedding planning businesses in the area (and there are A LOT). The market seemed like it was becoming saturated. I couldn’t figure out if this was a smart move in business. But I began writing a business plan anyway.

I have made many of my first moves in fear. I have never been an outgoing person and I hate being the center of attention. I have reached out to other vendors and tried to live reminding myself that they can’t say anything more than “no.” But “no” is a scary word. It gets you questioning everything you do, wondering if you’re good enough, smart enough and talented enough. I keep me reminding myself that I am enough (and if you need a reminder about that, I highly encourage you to read this post by my good friend Kellie – who I would not have met without having started this “scary” business).

I am a control freak and I like to have all my ducks in a row, with a perfect plan in place before I start anything (I’m an event planner, remember??). I am fearful of starting anything without first knowing exactly where I’m going and exactly how I’m going to get there. But lately I feel like I’ve been feeling another nudge…

Countless people in the wedding industry lately have been posting tidbits about anxiety and how “done” is better than perfect. “A year from now, what will you wish you had started today?” Quotes about fear and rejection have been popping up all over my Facebook and Instagram feeds. I’ve already of made a couple of mistakes and wish I would have done some things differently in this little baby business of mine, and I don’t like that feeling. I think it’s that icky feeling that’s holding me back.

What are these feelings holding me back from and where is this nudge leading? Don’t worry, I’m not leaving The Day’s Design, I love this business that I have created, I just have the notion that it could be more. There are more services to offer and more opportunities awaiting, but am I ready for them?

As you read this, I know what you’re thinking, “You felt like you needed to make and different and do something that matters and you chose wedding planning??” It’s okay, I had that moment too! But a wedding is a huge deal! It’s so much more than just a pretty celebration; it’s a recognition of a commitment, not only between man and wife but a commitment to God. I want to be a part of that! I want to utilize the talents He has given me. I want to help create a beautiful start to the rest of each couple’s lives.

So what’s next for The Day’s Design? A step forward. I need my grandma’s faith in me. I need faith in myself. And most of all, I need to have faith in God. I must overcome fear.

The above print and quote is from Lara Casey, such an amazing woman and inspiration. You can find it here.

Fear

0 · Aug 6, 2013 ·

I let fear hold me back. That’s an honest and open, bold and truthful statement. I get scared and am unsure of what my next step in life should be.

Two years ago (summer 2011), I received a promotion to Dining Room Manager at the restaurant where I was currently employed. It was a decent job with good pay, the hours were not exactly what I’d like in a perfect world, but I could go shopping, we could continue remodeling our house and life was pretty comfortable. I continued to work here and there on weddings, although there just wasn’t too much time for that.

It was not where I was supposed to be and I knew it, but I continued on with my comfortable life. That fall my grandma, who I was VERY close to was diagnosed with cancer and she began failing fast. As the holidays approached work got busier, life got busier and the question arose as to whether or not Grandma would make it to Christmas.

During one of the most joyous times of the year my heart was so heavy. I remember being bitter towards all the people celebrating with their loved ones as I served food, greeted guests and tried to stay somewhat upbeat. I have over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, so customer service has become second nature to me. But not during this time. All I wanted to do was scream “My Grandma is dying, and you’re upset that your steak is slightly overcooked!!”

A time like this really has a way of putting things into perspective. We find meaning in life’s dark times and are able to focus on what’s really important. For me, that was family. I felt like I needed to be with them and I needed to make a difference and give my life more purpose than just overseeing a dining room of overindulgent seafood lovers.

Three days before Christmas I approached my boss and told him I would not be into work for the next few days. I had to go see Grandma and focus on what mattered most.

We had the best Christmas EVER. I cannot even begin to describe it more than that… it was just an amazing time being surrounded with family and love. Period.

January 9, 2012 Jesus called Grandma home. On one extremely snowy and blusterous day we all gathered around to celebrate her life. She was an absolutely amazing God filled woman who I was so proud to also call my friend. She always pushed me to do my best and was filled with simple words of wisdom and comfort.

More than ever, I knew it was time to leave my restaurant home of six years. It was time for something new, but what? I accepted a new position as an event coordinator at a private club in downtown Grand Rapids, leaving my old job on a whim. I was there for a few months but nudge, nudge…

So why is this post titled “Fear”? This is just the beginning, the story doesn’t end here, part 2 will soon follow.

Bridal Headpieces

0 · Jun 20, 2013 ·

I simply adore looking at bridal fashions. And while traditions stay close to my heart, I cannot seem to ignore the new trends in bridal headpieces. Simply swapping a tulle hat or adding a floral headband can completely transform your wedding day look.

So which look do you prefer?

{Traditional veil via Style Me Pretty / Tulle hat via Style Me Pretty / Birdcage veils via Style Me Pretty / Floral crown via The Wedding Chicks}

3 Years Ago

0 · Jun 19, 2013 ·

I was married 3 years ago today. 3 years ago Pinterest did not exist and wedding blogs were yet to dominate the internet planning world. I purchased bridal magazines and used creations from my very own imagination. 3 years ago I had a wedding filled with rustic and earthy details that have long since been forgotten about by my guests. Timelines and seating charts are a thing of the past and my ivory taffeta gown is shoved in the back of my closet. Linens and charger plates have been returned and my gorgeous peony and wildflower bouquet has long since wilted.

So what remains from my wedding 3 years ago? A marriage.

For 3 years now I have had a man by my side. Together we have built a life full of stress, chaos and laughter. Since we said “I do” we have celebrated a life together full of family, sorrow, adventure and new life. I cannot think of a person I’d rather have by my side.

We are long since past the point of living in wedded bliss. The “honeymoon phase” dissolved quickly as argued about paint colors, kitchen remodeling plans and whether or not shoes should be worn in the house. Sometimes we go to bed angry. Sometimes I have to vent to friends and gripe about how his way of thinking is completely backwards and opposite (and clearly wrong!) from mine.

Recently I was asked how I knew that I was marrying the right man. What a loaded question! I never had that a-ha moment where I just knew that Josh was “the one”. I really didn’t even know where to begin in answering that, but after much debate here’s my conclusion. You much choose to love someone for the rest of your life. Butterflies and bliss will not last forever, so if that’s what your marriage is based on, be prepared for failure. Spend some time on your knees, I asked God every night to show me if there was a reason I should not marry Josh. He will show you. Do not take this commitment lightly, being caught up in the romance of a wedding. Make sure you can handle their cute little quirks, which will drive you crazy later. Think about what your life would be life without him, does that scenario even exist? And be prepared to never give up.

Photo by Shannon Scott {Smug Shots}

Happy Anniversary baby… I love you!!

A Couple Truths about Wedding Planners

0 · Jun 14, 2013 ·

Photo by Hetler Photography

Many people hear the words “wedding planner” (or coordinator, etc) and immediately get this vision of someone who is going to come in and take over your wedding day, dictating every decision from venues to colors to day-of timelines – creating an event that is not even close to representing you as a couple. So we shy away from this concept, ask friends and family to help out and thinking that as brides, we can just do everything ourselves.

The second myth we hear is how expensive wedding planning services are and this is only a luxury that high end, big budget brides can afford.

Here’s the truth. Wedding coordinators only take over the entire planning process if you want them to. On average, it’s said that a wedding takes about 200 hours to plan. I personally have not taken the time to do the exact math, but I think the actual number might be higher. This is a ton of time for someone working a full time job to commit to. Rather than having 20 separate vendors to research, meet with and keep informed you can hire a planner to articulate your vision to each and every one of them, keep all communications with them and you only have to email (call, text or whatever) ONE person to make sure EVERYTHING gets done. Now sit down and take a load off!!

Secondly, your budget might be more planner friendly than you think. Many planners have a variety of options on how involved they actually get with your wedding day. You can use them as a consultant basis just to make sure you have everything covered, because let’s face it, you’ve probably never planned a wedding before! Not sure how to construct your itinerary? Can’t decide which linen colors will give you the best impact? Or just need someone to make sure that the reception is set up beautifully while you’re off getting married? I’m so glad you asked!! Let me help you!

Packages can be tailored specifically to meet your wedding day needs, meaning you can help control the costs without losing control of your wedding day!

PS – I have limited dates still available in 2013 and would love to chat about your 2014 wedding!

west michigan wedding planner

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