From the bride … Pat and I were living in Brooklyn when we got engaged, but we wanted to get married in Ann Arbor, where we met and fell in love while students at the University of Michigan. I had been an English major and was working as a book editor; Pat had been an architecture student and was working at a boutique architecture firm. We wanted a location that captured our personalities, that was unique and that had a sense of fun.

When we discovered that we could hold our wedding at the University of Michigan Museum of Art on the school’s campus, we knew we had found our dream location. The museum is beautiful—originally built in 1910, with a brand-new modern wing added in 2009. It pleased Pat’s architectural whimsies and it also tickled my little liberal-arts heart. Plus, our guests could peruse the museum’s collection during our reception!

Reverend Tom Burdette officiated the ceremony, and our talented string quartet provided stunning contemporary music – I walked down the aisle to the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” We followed the ceremony with a cocktail reception in the museum’s new wing. Then we laughed and danced the night away while our DJ spun tunes.

The lovely Gwen Kassa from University Flower Shop provided our flowers and created our sweet dahlia centerpieces, in which she used cool red and blue glass vases and gorgeous Penguin clothbound classic books.

Our day-of wedding coordinator was the fabulous Kathy Bishop. She made our day worry-free, even going on a beer run when the supply was low. Our photographers were the absolute geniuses of Jessica Johnston Photography, Nate and Jessica Johnston. Their photographs of our wedding day still leave me speechless. Our wedding day was a dream. It rained, and it didn’t even matter. There truly is nothing like being surrounded by friends and family who love you.

Photography: Jess + Nate Sudios / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Ceremony + Reception Venue: University of Michigan Museum of Art / Officiant: Reverend Tom Burdette / Ceremony Music: Panache Entertainment / Catering: Katherine’s Catering / Bride’s Headpiece: ban.do / Bride’s Shoes: Bloch from Laney’s Place / Jewelry: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew / Floral: Gwen Kassa of University Flower Shop / Day of Coordinator: Kathy Bishop / Entertainment: Lee Walch of Mike Staff Productions

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ann Arbor, Art Gallery, Ban.do, J. Crew, Jessica Johnston Photography, Kate Spade, Katherine's Catering, Kathy Bishop, Laney's Place, Michigan, Mike Staff Productions, Panache Entertainment, University Flower Shop, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Vera Wang
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography, Whimsical

{click here for more gorgeous inspiration}

Sweets Table and Paper Goods Inspiration from Dooby Design Group:

I was very inspired by the bold unique color palette in which we used for this inspiration shoot. I decided to use a baroque damask pattern as the main graphic element for the stationery and I carried this through to the sweets table design. We chose to use all different shades of turquoise sweets with slate gray as the accent. Sweet Heather Anne designed a cake as the focal point for the sweets table, inspired by the Katerina Bocci ballgown the bride wore and she hand painted the baroque pattern on a layer that was used throughout the rest of the table. All the stationery elements were die-cut into a gorgeous ornate shapes done by Sugar Paper, a great etsy find. Overall we were very pleased with the way the patterns, colors and textures translated on the sweets table as well as the stationery.

Cake Design Inspiration by Sweet Heather Anne:

When I saw the Katerina Bocci ballgown that was going to be used in the shoot, I completely fell in love with it. I used the silhouette and pleated detail of the dress as a starting point, and worked with the colors and general feel of the inspiration board to complete the design. Balancing the bold jewel tones in the color palate with large expanses of pure white was a lot of fun. I also worked very closely with Aisha Holly of Dooby Design Group, who designed the sweets table. I hand painted the pattern she created for the paper goods on the largest tier of the cake to tie everything together.

Photography: Jess + Nate Studios / Event Design and Styling: Lucia|Paul Design / Cinematography: Epic Motion / Venue - Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford / Stationery and Sweets Table: Dooby Design Group / Floral: Bellisario Florist / Linens: Gala Linen / Video: Epic Motion / Bridal Gowns, Hair Accessories, Jewelry: Katerina Bocci / Lighting: The Lighting Guy / Draping, Chandelier and Rentals: Colonial Party and Event Rental / Cake and Baked Goods: Sweet Heather Anne / Chairs and Chargers: Special Events Rental / Hair and Makeup: Figo Salon / Jewelry: Stones ‘n Sterling / Decorative shapes: Sugar Papers / Models - Laura and Caleb Collier / Shoes – BCBG

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BCBG, Bellisario Florist, Colonial Party and Event Rentals, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, Figo Salon, From Inspiration to Reality, Gala Linen, Jessica Johnston Photography, Katerina Bocci, Laura and Caleb Collier, Lovett Hall, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Special Events Rental, Stones n' Sterling, Sugar Papers, Sweet heather Anne, The Lighting Guy
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

{Can’t wait? Check out the gallery for the full shoot}

Inspiration take from Lucia|Paul Design:

The approach we took to our Inspiration to Reality photo shoot was a little different than most. Our Photographers, the amazing Jessica and Nate Johnston of Jessica Johnston Photography were in charge of finding our models, Caleb and Laura. The beautiful couple was a photographer’s and videographer’s dream; not only were the comfortable in front of the camera, they just so happened to be the most adorable husband and wife couple and exuded fantastic chemistry. As we had the opportunity to learn more about the couple and who they were, we discovered that they didn’t have photos (or at least ones that they loved) or a video from their actual wedding day. A light bulb went off…lets do a shoot to give them (our real couple) something that they would love and always remember. Needless to say, the shoot turned into more than just a way for all of our amazing team of vendors to show off their best work but to also give Caleb and Laura something that they would be excited about and could treasure forever

Our inspiration for the design was a modern take on the traditional. We wanted to get away from uber-styled photo shoots that have been popping up all over the web. While they are all so gorgeous and lovely (we really, really do love them), we wanted to create something that was a little more like a real wedding day, but that would still inspire engaged couples with creative design. We tried to stick to using items in the shoot that are accessible to everyone…. while still making it ultra glam and gorgeous.

From Jess + Nate Studios Photography:

Our approach to this inspiration shoot was the same as we would approach any wedding we are commissioned to photograph-which is to be able to blend our cinematic style of photography while still also showing off all the wonderful details that make a bride’s wedding unique and special. The beauty in a photoshoot like this was the lack of any real wedding day timeline and the ability to create something totally custom. Of course working with the best vendors in Detroit doesn’t hurt either! We adore the final result and think Laura + Caleb will be pretty pleased with their new “wedding photos”!

We will be back in a bit with more from this gorgeous shoot. Sit tight!

Photography: Jess + Nate Studios / Event Design and Styling: Lucia|Paul Design / Venue – Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford / Stationery and Sweets Table: Dooby Design Group / Cinematogrpahy: Epic Motion / Floral: Bellisario Florist / Linens: Gala Linen / Video: Epic Motion / Bridal Gowns, Hair Accessories, Jewelry: Katerina Bocci / Lighting: The Lighting Guy / Draping, Chandelier and Rentals: Colonial Party and Event Rental / Cake and Baked Goods: Sweet Heather Anne / Chairs and Chargers: Special Events Rental / Hair and Makeup: Figo Salon / Jewelry: Stones ‘n Sterling / Decorative shapes: Sugar Papers / Models – Laura and Caleb Collier / Shoes – BCBG

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Post tags: BCBG, Bellisario Florist, Colonial Party and Event Rental, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, Figo Salon, From Inspiration to Reality, Gala Linen, Jessica Johnston Photography, Katerina Bocci, Laura and Caleb Collier, Lovett Hall, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Special Events Rental, Stones n' Sterling, Sugar Papers, Sweet heather Anne, The Lighting Guy
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

photography by Jess + Nate Studios

We’ve totally enjoyed showing you all of the different elements of Kate and Mike’s beautiful wedding at Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston, Michigan. There’s just something magical about the month of June, pretty peonies and lovingly created weddings! Kate had the luxury of time and patience and wonderful wedding vendors. Here’s what she has to say to all of our readers who are either just beginning, in the middle of, or almost finished with your wedding plans:

from Kate …

Having been engaged for a little over 2.5 years, I’ve learned a lot along the way and thought I’d pass some of my advice and tips along to you!

First, I must start by saying that I absolutely LOVED planning my wedding and put everything I had into it.  It never felt like a chore to me.  Sure, it got stressful at times and there were definitely less fun things to do than others, but overall, it was one of the most wonderful times in my life and I really wouldn’t change a thing.  I honestly have little to no regrets about the decisions I made along the way.  My point is – ENJOY IT!  It will be over in the blink of an eye.  Fortunately, I have lots of great memories throughout the planning process that I can reflect on to help transition me out of the wedding planning mode

Don’t subscribe to the whole ‘the wedding was/will be the best day of my life’ notion.  It has always annoyed me when people say this.  The wedding should be one of MANY best days of your lives.   I would have never wanted my wedding to come, if I truly believed that.  Your wedding is really the start of a whole new life together that will be filled with many great days to come.

Hire a videographer!!!!  Even if it’s not your first choice.   The very fact that someone will be able to capture your ceremony and special moments at the reception is priceless.  Trust me, the day goes by faster than you can ever imagine.  You spend months (if not years) planning your wedding, and in 8 short hours, it’s over just like that.  There were many things I didn’t see and people I didn’t talk to and I’m so glad that we will have the video to watch in the future.  I really don’t think that I have ever heard someone say that they regret hiring a videographer; however, many girls have said they wished they would have hired one after the fact.  It’s a great investment and you’ll be forever grateful!  {Kate & Mike’s Videographer: Epic Motion}

Love your vendors!  We were very fortunate to hire everyone we wanted.   I was very picky with who I chose and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Do your research beforehand!  We were engaged for a year before we set a date and when we finally did, I knew exactly who I wanted.  I genuinely LOVED the people that we worked with – which in turn made the process so much less stressful and a lot more fun.  On our wedding day, I truly felt like I was surrounded by friends and not just photographers, videographers, a DJ, etc…   It’s so important that you ‘click’ with everyone.  They play a huge part in ensuring that your day will be the best it possibly can. {Paper pieces by Gourmet Invitations}

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Something is going to go wrong – it always does.  The beauty of it is that 99.9% of the time, no one else will know except you.  It’s really not worth worrying about on your wedding day.  This is not to say that something should be overlooked if a vendor didn’t follow through, but deal with it AFTER the wedding.  At the end of the day, as long as the pastor shows up, you will be married to the love of your life and that’s really all that matters anyways.

I hope this will help you keep things in perspective while planning your wedding.  I can’t stress enough how important vendor selection is in the overall success of your day.  I realize that everyone’s budgets are different, but there are still great vendors in all price ranges.  The bottom line is that brides need to DO THEIR RESEARCH!  Of course, once the day arrives, you have to surrender your control and just let things take its course.  For a control freak like myself, I had no problem doing this because I really believed in and trusted my vendors.  Sure enough, they didn’t disappoint!

My Best Wishes To All

Kate

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Epic Motion, Gourmet Invitations, Jessica Johnston Photography, June Wedding, Michigan, Peonies, Pine Knob Mansion, Wedding Vendors
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

So … now … we want to show you some of the ultra-beautiful photos from this same wedding, taken by Little Black Book photographer, Jess + Nate Studios.

Kate and Mike were married at St.John’s Lutheran Church in Rochester, MI.  Their reception followed at the Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston.  All I can say is …oh my goodness!

Kate’s gorgeous gown is by Alvina Valenta and the flowers from Nicole at the Westborn Market. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a more striking combination, ever.

I absolutely love the style and composition of Jessica’s images … not to mention how gorgeous the bride and groom are.

Doesn’t the photo (above) make you just want to burst into the song from The King And I~ “Shall we dance?… On a bright cloud of music shall we fly?…”

Wedding cake by Concepts In Confections. Maids attire by Jenny Yoo, also…one of Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book vendors.

All of Kate and Mike’s wedding-paper-pieces were done by (drumroll…another fabulous Little Black Book member) Gourmet Invitations. (We’ll have more from Tifany on Monday.)

An all-star cast for a ten-star celebration!

One of our readers let us know that Kate had  created a web page that had lots of great information about all of her wedding vendors. Here’s what she had to say about Jessica and Nate.

from Kate … Jessica and Nate are two of my favorite people. I knew I wanted them to shoot our wedding before we had a date set or place booked! Photography was extremely important to us and I knew that with Jess and Nate, we wouldn’t have to worry about having AMAZING photos. At our initial meeting, we just clicked. I love everything about them – their philosophy, work, personalities, you name it! I was never one who wanted a ‘must shoot’ list or millions of formal photos. Some of the best pictures are ones that capture true, natural emotion and they have mastered the art of capturing those candid moments on film. In my opinion, they are some of the best in the business and are worth every penny. If you are considering booking them – DO IT!!! You will not be disappointed. After everything is said and done, your pictures are what you will have for the rest of your life to remember your wedding day.  When we saw our proofs, to say that we were blown away would be an understatement! Each and every photo is AMAZING! It’s evident how much energy, time, and passion they put into the images that they take. My husband and I are truly thrilled with our wedding photos. Once again, I cannot stress enough how much we love Jessica and Nate. They are all around fabulous photographers and people!

Jessica and Nate, Kate and Mike … thank you for sharing these amazing wedding photos with us.

For more from Jess + Nate Studios, take a peek at their website and blog.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Clarkston, Epic Motion, Jessica Johnston Photography, Michigan, Pine Knob Mansion
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography

from Ryan …”In celebration of that wonderful Hallmark Holiday known as Valentine’s Day, we are doing something VERY exciting! We are giving an Engagement Session away for free to one lucky couple who meets the following criteria…

1. You are engaged to be married

2. You like to smile and laugh

3. You make a cute couple

4. You don’t mind spending an hour or two in the cold

5. You’re both pretty available the second week of February (hopefully the 11th or 13th) to film near Detroit

6. You’re tired of the recession already

Now that … is a great deal! But it’s short notice … so if you qualify, link over to Epic Motion and leave Ryan a comment. He’s going to need a picture of both of you, some brief stats about you and (… the SMP drill …) why you think you should win the E*Session!

Here’s a quick example of Epic Motion’s fabulous film work! Kate and Mike’s amazing wedding at the Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston Michigan. For the full Highlight Reel  {click here}.

To see  samples from other events and weddings Epic Motion, visit their website and blog.

Epic Motion worked together with another of our great Little Black Book members,  Jessica Johnston Photography on Kate & Mike’s wedding. We’ll be featuring the beautiful photos a little later today so be sure and check back!

To get in on Epic Motion’s Anti-Recession-E*Session, be sure to send Ryan a note now!

PS to SMP readers: We’ll announce the winner and post the Valentine’s E*Shoot as soon as it’s available!

Since this original post, we’ve added lots more photos of Kate and Mike’s amazing wedding {here} and {here}.

We also wanted you to hear what Kate had to say about her experience with Epic Motion …

“At the beginning of the wedding planning process, I was certain that I didn’t want a videographer. I assumed that having one wasn’t necessary, but now I’m extremely glad that I changed my mind (with the help of my mom). I would have MAJORLY regretted my decision had we not had one. As all the married ladies know, the day goes by faster than you can ever imagine and there is so much that you don’t get to see. Now we’ll be able to relive the day whenever we want by simply popping in the DVD. I absolutely LOVE Ryan. He is one of the best in the business and his work speaks for itself. I was referred to Ryan by our photographer and he is the first and only videographer that we met with. At our initial meeting, he showed us a few demos and both my mom and I were nearly in tears. It was at that moment that I knew we had to have him shoot our wedding. He is an absolute blast to be around and was extremely unobtrusive on our wedding day. I’m so excited that we were able to work with Ryan and the rest of the crew at Epic Motion – they are all around great guys!

February 16 Update: The Highlight Reel from Kate and Mike’s Wedding is now on Epic Motion’s blog. It’s fantastic!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Detroit, E*Shoot, Epic Motion, Giveaway, Jessica Johnston Photography, Michigan, Pine Knob Mansion
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Color Palettes, Contests, Little Black Book Blog, The Blog, Wedding Cinematography