Inn at St. Johns Wedding

Mitten Smitten — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:00:56 +0000

Kelly and Jason got engaged on December 20, 2009 at a Detroit Pistons game. Jason got courtside seats, which Kelly thought were her Christmas present. During the pre‐game warm up, the players were throwing out practice ball to kids in the stands. Kelly had a ball land in her lap, which she went to pass back to the little kid behind her, and Jason said, “No this one’s for you.”

Confused, Kelly turned the ball over to see ‘Kelly will you marry me’ written on it. Seconds later Jason was on one knee, ring in hand and Kelly was saying ‘Yes’ in on the big screen in front of thousands of cheering fans at The Palace. Jason worked with the staff at the Palace in Auburn Hills, MI to coordinate the entire engagement.

Kelly and Jason defiantly wanted to use the proposal ball in their engagement images. They both love basketball and sports, so I suggested they just play basketball, and I would take candid images. We also took some kissy face images as well!

For their wedding, Kelly incorporated her Asian heritage into the details. Her family and friends helped create her escort cards, invitations and favors. Silk Thumb Florist in Wyandotte, MI created the flowers that worked into Kelly’s Asian fall love theme. Her cousin handmade each escort card specific to each guests gender.

Together they all looked like a colony of Japanese paper dolls. The Inn at St. John’s Atrium room has an entire glass ceiling that let in natural light and ambiance for the evening.

Vendor Info:

Photography: Misty Minna Photography, Grand Rapids, MI

Bakery ‐ Pastry Palace, Wixom, MI

Makeup ‐ Karen Garity, MAC Cosmetics, Somerset Collection Troy, MI

Hair ‐ Angela Baker, Red Head Salon, Canton, MI

Wedding Dress ‐ Impressions Bridal Collection

Bridesmaids Dresses ‐ Bill Levkoff

Tux ‐ Men’s Warehouse

Flowers ‐ Silk Thumb Florist, Wyandotte, MI

Rings ‐ Blue Nile

DJ/Videographer ‐ Mike Staff Productions

Invites/Escort Cards ‐ Jill Bradley, Hudson, FL (family friend)

Shoes ‐ Badgley Mischka

Michigan Vendor Spotlight: Misty Minna

Mitten Smitten — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:00:31 +0000

Say hello to Misty Minna, photographer extraordinaire and our newest vendor spotlight here on Mitten Smitten! Check back tomorrow for a Real Michigan Wedding from Misty. More from her below:

…………………………………………………………..

Photography is everything to me!

I love to capture candid moments; little glances, laughter, special looks, and romance inspires my life and work. I prefer to work organically letting things happen and snapping away with my camera to find the right shot.

Clients
American Society of Interior Designers
Art Van Furniture
Eileen’s Designs Etc…
Interior Designers Coalition for Change
Michigan AIDS Coalition
Michigan Design Center
Saliho Creative
T Way Customs Clothing
Wealthy Theatre

On the personal side….
I’m originally from Clinton Township, MI on the East side of the state, near Detroit. I graduated from Grand Valley State University (Go Lakers!), with two degrees. One in Advertising and Public Relations, the other in Photography. I now reside in Grand Rapids but work all over Michigan. My mom is my main source of inspiration for all things creative. She gave me my first Fujica camera, took me to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), and to art school with her at Wayne State many times as a child. I grew up in an unconventional style where finger painting was encouraged and weekly trips to the local art fair were the norm.

Some favorite things (in no particular order): My canon 5DMark II, Lenses that go to an f/1.2, Photoshop, writing, designing things, coming up with new ideas, figuring out how things work, spending long hours on the computer, projects, organizing things, cooking (but not doing the dishes), long drives in the fall (pretty much anything to do with fall), kickboxing, big cities, my dog Stewie, electronic devices that do fun things, jewelry, shoes, going on trips (but not packing), watching TV online, and anything related to advertising, marketing, design or branding.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Misty-Minna-Photography-and-Design/34282416461

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mistyminnaphoto

Samples of my work are best found on Wedding Wire: http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/misty-minna-photography-grand-rapids/d5879989c8de6955.html
Awards
Bride’s Choice Wedding Wire 2010, 2011
Thumbtack Elite Vendors 2011

MS Inspiration Shoot Winners!

Mitten Smitten — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:14 +0000

First of all, congrats to our fabulous winners of the 1st annual Inspiration Shoot Challenge here on the Mitten Smitten blog. The moment I saw the photos from this shoot, I just new that I was looking at something special. So, without further delay, here is the winning shoot! As soon as you are finished looking at these gorgeous details, make sure you take a moment to watch the video at the end of the post. It is the PERFECT way to see all of the details come together and the song is to die for!

Katespiration from forever cherished productions on Vimeo.

Isn’t that adorable? There is something so sweet about the colors and the absolutely stunning location. I am a sucker for horses and pretty things. Please make sure to visit each one of these vendors to see more of their amazing work. Congrats team!

Location: Rick Premier, Premier Quarter Horses Farm – Davison, Michigan
Photography: Kate Elliott Photography www.kate-elliott.com & Tim Mattila Photography http://timmattilaphotography.com/
Videography: Forever Cherished Productions http://www.forevercherishedproductions.com/
Event planner: Laura Allis Events http://lauraallisevents.com/
Florist: The Parsonage (Liz) http://www.parsonageflowers.com/
Papergoods and design: Renee Rodriquez Designs www.chinchinpapers.com
Hair stylist: Emilee Amon – Hello Gorgeous Day spa and Salon http://hgdayspa.com/
Bracelet: Wachler Estate Collection www.wachlerestate.com
Wedding and Engagement Rings: Wachler and Sons Jewelry www.wachlerjewelers.com

Mitten Smitten Inspiration Challenge!

Mitten Smitten — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:46:16 +0000

In order to get the ball rolling on some really great posts, Mitten Smitten will be hosting our very first inspiration shoot challenge!

An inspiration shoot is a really great way for wedding pros to create a shoot that will inspire couples when they are planning a theme or color scheme for their event. We are looking for 5-10 teams to create the perfect event to be featured here on the MS blog. Each team must consist of only Michigan based vendors (sorry everyone else!). Other than that, anyone can participate. Each group must send one email to hello@michwed.com telling us the members of the group and the idea behind their inspiration no later than 11:59pm on April 15th, 2011. Teams must also send their submissions (at least 10-15 photos) in by 11:59pm May 15th, 2011 for consideration.

Good luck and happy shooting!

Coming Soon…

Mitten Smitten — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:57:37 +0000

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to send a quick note to let you all know that we have some big things in the works for the Mitten Smitten blog. Our members are putting together really great inspiration shoots for your viewing pleasure, we have some Real Michigan weddings coming soon, our pros are going to be sharing lost of tips and advice for those planning their wedding, and so much more!

If you are a wedding pro in Michigan and would like to get involved, please head to our website and learn more about our membership program, upcoming events and everything you need to know about MWEP Network.

Thank you!

Amanda Freeman, MWEP’s State Adviser and Creator

Real Michigan Wedding: Navy and Orange

Mitten Smitten — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:34:18 +0000

The wonderful E’Lisa from EC Campbell Photography, out of Rochester Hills, sent us this adorable wedding! I am in love with the Navy & Orange combo and every little sweet detail!

Here are a few photos and a little information from E’Lisa about this too-cute-for-words wedding in The Mitten State. needless to say, I am Smitten.

On a beautiful and warm, sunny day on July 25, 2009, Libby and Mike were married at Cranbrook Gardens, and their outdoor reception was held at the home of the bride’s Aunt and Uncle. Everything about their wedding was timeless. The colors, the decor, and the positive energy that radiated from every guest truly made their wedding day unique and special. Their wedding had charm and grace….and Libby and Mike’s love could be seen and felt a mile away. These two compliment each other perfectly.

Some of the fabulous vendors: (MWEP Members are marked with a *)

Salon:

Gracie’s Salon

http://graciessalon.com/

Make-up:

TOUCH Spa

http://www.touchbirmingham.net/

Ceremony:

Cranbrook House and Gardens

http://www.cranbrook.edu/housegardens/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Reception:

Skyline Ranch Estate

Home Owners: Joerg & Leann Hensel (bride’s Uncle & Aunt)

Photographer:

*E.C. Campbell Photography

www.eccampbellphotography.com

DJ:

*Music Box Productions

http://www.mbproductionsinc.com/

Caterer:

Splendid Plates

http://www.splendidplates.com/

Baker:

Kathy Youngs

586.264.9305

Rentals:

Special Events Rental

www.specialeventsrental.com

Florist:

Erica Schemansky

Julian John Floral, LLC

Deal Alert! Rockin’ Band for Your Michigan Wedding

Mitten Smitten — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:11:54 +0000

Deal Alert! Nine Mile Smile, one of Michigan’s most fantastic bands, is offering a special deal. If you book them in the month of April, they will knock $500 off the total investment. You read that right! $500 off! Head on over to their website to see why they are so rockin’!

Another Contest For Mitten Smitten Readers

Mitten Smitten — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:06:46 +0000

Have you ever wanted to be on the cover of a magazine? Who hasn’t, right? Well, here is your chance! Head on over to the InFrame Bride website for more information. Three of the judges are MWEP members!

Contest for Mitten Smitten Couples

Mitten Smitten — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:03:39 +0000

The first contest that we are featuring on Mitten Smitten is from the oh-so-fab Jen Lynne Photography, who is one of our amazing MWEP members. If you are like me, you love all things artistic. Well, Jen is offering a fantastic opportunity to one lucky couple who loves FILM photography! Here is a little snippet taken from her blog. After reading, head on over to her blog to enter!

From the Jen Lynne Blog: With the launch of my new business and branding, I also added something new to my packages.. film photography! You are probably asking why film, right? Well, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to explain my love for it, and before you start to think I am nuts for wanting to go back to shooting film, I want to tell you a little about how I see it:

To me, there is something about film that feels timeless, authentic and romantic. Yes, it is true, we have come a long way with digital cameras and we are very close to getting that “film” look with the lenses available to us. However, in my opinion, there is one huge difference, the colors. No matter how expensive your digital camera may be, and no matter how much time you spend in photoshop trying to replicate it, you won’t be able to get the same color flow from digital that you can on film.

Now a lot of people might disagree with me, and I am ok with that. The fact is that I will probably always be a digital shooter myself! Film brings a certain element and quality that you just can’t get from a digital camera.

Here is what the winners will receive:

6 hours of wedding day coverage

Travel with in the state of Michigan (travel fees will be applied for all weddings outside the state of Michigan and the United States)

Film processing and printed 4×6 proofs delivered in a custom made proof box

Film negatives will be cut and sleeved and delivered with the proofs

All film will be scanned digitally* and posted online for you to share with your friends and family

(*Digital scans may be purchased separately)

Best of luck! Please send us a message if you win! We’d love to see the beautiful photos.

Mitten Smitten: Married In Michigan!

Mitten Smitten — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:46:25 +0000

Thank you all for visiting the new home of Michigan Wedding & Event Professionals! Mitten Smitten is designed to be a unique resource for couples who are looking to tie the knot in Michigan (aka The Mitten State). Our members will be sharing Real Weddings, fantastic finds and all sorts of new material, all updated on a regular basis.

Michigan Wedding & Event Professionals Network was created as an easy way for Michigan wedding folks to connect to other wedding professionals in our area. Over the course of the inaugural year, MWEP grew to over 200 members covering the entire state, coast to coast. With the very quick growth of the group and the excitement that we all share for our home state, I decided to create this blog as a way for us all to share our passion for weddings, events and all things local.

If you are an industry professional and would like information on how to participate in our organization and share with the readers of Mitten Smitten, please head over to our website. If you are a bride, groom, bridesmaid, mother… or someone else who would love to read more, please make sure to check back often! There are big things to come and we are all looking forward to making this blog a one-stop shop for those who love Michigan as much as we do!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Mitten Smitten. We hope you continue to support our hard work and enjoy the information that we are thrilled to share!