Planning a Michigan Wedding with Pearls Events

Real Event | GRunveiled 2012

2012-01-18T19:35:00.004-05:00

GRunveiled 2012 has come and gone. Joy'l & I planned the third annual bridal show for Saturday, January 7, and we had an amazing turnout! It was a fabulous afternoon full of fun, food & fantastic spaces created by very creative event professionals. There are all sorts of photos on the GRunveiled Facebook page, and I may try to blog some, but for now, enjoy the Pearls Events space below.

This year, I incorporated food & drinks into my space. What a fabulous idea - almost everyone stopped for a cup of cocoa & a mini cupcake.

As always, Abbey from 6.25 Paper Studio (formerly Syd Design) did all of the graphic design, based on my current obsession with chevron, and my love for Valentine's Day. I then placed an order with Swirled Cupcakes for ten dozen mini cupcakes, which are, by far, the best cupcakes I've ever tasted. Seriously. Their cookie dough cupcake? Um, ah-mazing! I will be placing an order soon for a few birthdays we have coming up. Yum.

And then I pulled out all the details to make it come together. Samovar? Check (seriously, that thing to heat up water is technically a samovar.) Candles to create some light? Check. Striped straws? Check. Trays/pedestals/cake stands? Check. Pink cups? Check. Ten canisters of Land 'o Lakes hot cocoa & 12 cans of whipped cream? Check. Oh yeah, and all the glorious toppings? CHECK!

And the best part? ONE lovely assistant to help me stir it all up and serve it fresh? CHECK! I had the pleasure of hanging out with former client, Jill - you may remember her very own chevron themed 30th birthday party at the GRAM, all afternoon.

It was a great day. I'm so happy with how everything turned out, and also thrilled we had a lot of fun people come visit us.

Cheers to another wonderful GRunveiled!

Pearls Events Press | Inspired Dining

2011-11-01T15:00:00.001-04:00

I've been excited to share our photoshoot we did for the current issue of InFrame Bride magazine with the amazing team of wedding professionals! We had the pleasure of working with Lisa Kae Photography, A Piece o' Cake, Mulick Floral, 6.25 Paper Studio, Iced Events & Events by I. Candy this year, and I couldn't be more proud of all the hard work!

If you've been reading for a while, you'll notice that this year's shoot was completely different from last year's shoot - I like to switch things up! Because these are just tiny photos, I plan on sharing more images from Lisa Kae Photography soon - stay tuned!

Real Event | Jill's Surprise Party, Part II

2011-09-29T11:30:00.002-04:00

[ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY]

Guest of Honor | Jill

Venue | Grand Rapids Art Museum

Event Photographer | Obsessive Compulsive Photography

Pearls Events Photographer | Mindy Leigh

Catering | Gilmore Collection

Bar Service | Applause Banquets

Cake | MiraBella Confections

Florist | Posh Petals

Stationery | 6.25 Paper Studio

Linens | Pearls Events

Entertainment | Brant Satala

Pearls Events Service | Event Design, Planning, Coordination & Set Up

Jill's birthday party details were some of my favorite because I love clean lines & bold colors. If you've been in my office, you would think I picked the color palette myself, when in fact, the inspiration came directly from Jill's blog! Everything we created was so simple on its own, but styled together, it was perfect for Jill.

Although I had Mindy Leigh come take photos on behalf of Pearls Events before the party started, Jill's brother-in-law, Brian Fett, of Obsessive Compulsive Photography, was the official event photographer. He captured the evening as it unfolded, and I LOVE the great shots he captured!

I cannot thank Mindy & Brian enough for capturing this evening for Jill. I know photos are very important to her, so Eric & I wanted to make sure every little detail was remembered for years to come.

Real Event 2011 | Jill's Surprise Party, Part I

2011-09-25T14:00:00.010-04:00

[ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT MINDY LEIGH]

Guest of Honor | Jill

Venue | Grand Rapids Art Museum

Event Photographer | Obsessive Compulsive Photography

Pearls Events Photographer | Mindy Leigh

Catering | Gilmore Collection

Bar Service | Applause Banquets

Cake | MiraBella Confections

Florist | Posh Petals

Stationery | 6.25 Paper Studio

Linens | Pearls Events

Entertainment | Brant Satala

Pearls Events Service | Event Design, Planning, Coordination & Set Up

Eric & I had coffee downtown to discuss the party he wanted to plan just before Eames was born. We've been working together on the super-secret-surprise party at the GRAM for his wife, Jill, ever since. When she walked into her party last night, I was thrilled to unveil the big surprise, and meet her - it's been a long time coming!

Jill has been following the Pearls Events blog for years. We've been in touch via blogging/Facebook/Twitter on various occasions, but our paths have never crossed until last night when Eric introduced us and we hugged like old friends.

Our team arrived to start setting up in the afternoon, and by 3pm I was receiving texts about how excited & nervous Eric was. He compared it to the day he proposed to Jill and how the day was going SO slowly, because he just wanted to get the party started. I wanted everything to be perfect when they walked into the Member's Lounge of the GRAM. And it was. I could not have been happier with how everything came together.

Guests began arriving for the big surprise, and half an hour later, the guest of honor walked off the elevator to a round of Happy Birthday. Jill's brother-in-law, Brian, of Obsessive Compulsive Photography was on hand the entire evening to capture the night, and I cannot wait to see Jill's reaction as she stepped off the elevator! I plan on adding a follow up post with those images as they are available from Brian.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the veranda, before dinner overlooking Rosa Parks Circle in the glassed-in boardroom at the GRAM. After dinner and another round of Happy Birthday with the adorable chevron cake, guests made their way back to the veranda for cake & ice cream sundaes while Brant Satala provided music well into the night.

With ArtPrize taking over downtown Grand Rapids, the city was ALIVE with art and, what seemed like, the entire community. What an AMAZING night to be in the heart of our beautiful city.

Jill - I wish you another amazing 30 years with your family & friends. Everyone who surrounded you last night was an absolute joy. I look forward to running into you more often!

Eric - I cannot express how much fun it has been working alongside of you to make sure this day was perfect. Thank you for trusting my vision and all my ideas. You were the ideal client and one I will miss.

Real Wedding 2011 | Megan & Jacob

2011-09-14T16:00:00.001-04:00

[ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT SIMPLY JESSIE PHOTOGRAPHY]

Couple | Megan & Jacob, 9-4-11

Ceremony & Reception | Blue Dress Barn

Photographer | Simply Jessie Photography

Officiant | Earthbound Weddings

Catering | Classic Catering

Cake & Pies | Bit of Swiss

Florist | DIY from Horrock's

Photobooth | The Traveling Photobooth

Deejay | DJ by TJ

Pearls Events Service | Event Coordination & Set Up

I knew Megan & Jacob were designers, but when Megan sat in my office and shared their letterpress invitations her guests received, I about died....Red! Graphic! PURE AWESOME! So, after hearing about her big day with Jacob, and listening to all of the details they designed together, I knew our team was in for a treat.

Lauryn, Natalie & I arrived at the Blue Dress Barn to begin setting up the beautifully restored barn around noon on Sunday. Megan, her sister Kristen, Jacob and Megan's parents were there helping unload all of the gorgeous DIY details. It was a delight to work directly with Megan to make sure everything was exactly how she envisioned it as we set up.

Megan & Jacob did a First Look with their fabulous photographers, Jessie & Eric Stevens from Simply Jessie Photography. When couples want to join their guests at cocktail hour, plus get a ton of great photos, it makes a lot of sense to do this. And amazing photos were taken - check out the posts from Simply Jessie Photography if you're interested in all the shots - PART ONE & PART TWO.

Guests began arriving and one of my favorite parts of the day was that cocktail hour was FIRST! Guests grabbed a drink from the bar, and munched on glorious appetizers from Classic Catering before the ceremony - which was as awesome way to begin the celebration and I'd highly recommend it.

The short & sweet wedding ceremony took place on the side of the barn, under the arbor while everyone cheered on the couple. Guests made their way inside for a second cocktail hour, and Megan & Jacob had time to greet their guests casually. Dinner was served family style by Classic Catering before the toasts and cake cutting. The couple began the party portion of the evening with a spin around the dance floor together.

Since the couple LOVES photobooths, they had The Traveling Photobooth on hand the entire evening for guests to enjoy. Everyone also enjoyed s'mores over the bonfire, which was a great idea for a barn wedding!

Megan & Jacob - Thank you SO much for allowing Pearls Events to be a part of your day. Your style is impeccable, your love is contagious and we were thrilled to celebrate with you! Wishing you nothing but years & years of happiness!

Real Wedding 2011 | Sarah & Mike

2011-09-06T01:00:00.003-04:00

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT BRYAN + MAE]

Couple | Sarah & Mike, 8.17.11

Makeup & Hair | Hanna Wagner

Bride's Gown & Groom's Suit | J. Crew

Ceremony & Reception | Ventura Pines Cottage

Rentals - tent, chairs, linens | A-1 Rent All

Florist | DIY from Hamilton Dahlia Farm

Catering | Marie Catrib's

Pies | Crane's Pie Pantry

Band | Matt Stedman Band

Photography | Bryan + Mae

Pearls Events Service | Event Coordination & Set Up

Sarah & Mike are amazing. Nice. Super fun. In love. Thoughtful. From awesome families. I could go on and on... They were a fabulous couple to work with - from beginning 'til the end! I have to say, I'd been looking forward to their wedding ever since our first phone call. They wanted an intimate beach wedding with no frills - my ideal setting! And after seeing everything come together - this is exactly the wedding I'd have if I got to do it all over again.

Mike vacationed on the shores of Lake Michigan as a child, and shared his love for the area with Sarah while they were dating. After a (very!) long engagement, they invited their families & closest friends to witness their nuptials at my favorite cottage north of Holland, Ventura Pines Cottage.

It was a warm Wednesday afternoon at the beach, but their 45 guests from California didn't seem to mind! After their beach side vows were spoken, the couple joined their guests for lakeside cocktails & hors d'œuvres before making their way to the tent on the bluff for a delicious family-style meal from Marie Catrib's. After dinner, Sarah & Mike cut into the most amazing pies from Crane's and then everyone danced the night away to the sounds of Chicago's Matt Stedman Band. It was truly a wonderful evening, which ended with a bonfire overlooking Lake Michigan.

Above are a ton of detail shots from the fabulous duo of Bryan + Mae. To see even more, check out their full post!

Sarah & Mike - it was a pleasure getting to know you and I wish you a lifetime of happiness & fun! Libby, Stephanie & I had an amazing time working with you two. Best wishes!!!!

Pearls Events Press | Brides Michigan 2011 Editor's Choice

2011-08-22T12:45:00.001-04:00

I have had the pleasure of working with Brides Michigan editor, Heather Lee, over the past few years. She first contacted me (and I about fell outta my desk chair when she did!) about a venue guide for West Michigan. Over the past three years, I've contributed to many articles, and each one has been helpful for Michigan brides.

Last week, I received their very first Editor's Choice Award from Brides. I was shocked to receive this recognition, as there are so many awesome Michigan wedding professionals. I love how Brides explains they picked "amazing, forward-thinking, art-creating, call-returning, trend-making wedding vendors who inspire and delight us every time we craft an issue of our magazine"

Thank you, Brides, for being one of Pearls Events' cheerleaders!

And a big congratulations to the other fantastic Michigan professionals they have recognized and we've had the pleasure of working with over the past five wedding seasons...

Real Wedding 2011 | Sara & Bud

2011-08-01T21:00:00.007-04:00

Where do I even begin with Sara & Bud? I loved working with them and both of their families. It was a wedding I was looking forward to for over a year and when it all came together, it was absolutely worth the wait!

After a year of talking vendors, timelines, linens, flowers, set up options, candle placement, menus, napkin folds... we were beyond excited for Sara & Bud to tie the knot! And finally, on Friday, July 22nd, Libby, Lauryn & I arrived at Bud's parent's home in Battle Creek for their ceremony rehearsal. It was a typical July evening in Michigan - warm, sunny & beautiful on Lake Goguac.

Saturday morning we woke up to rain, but by lunch time it cleared & our rain plan was put on the back burner. Photos began at Sara's parent's home with the couple, then the wedding party, followed by immediate family before the ceremony began.

An hour before guests started arriving, Sara & Bud made the ultimate decision to have the ceremony as planned - in Bud's parent's yard. Unfortunately, the skies opened up and began pouring right before Sara & her father walked down the aisle, so guests retreated to the house. We did the processional again and Sara & her father made it down this time, but again, the rain came down. Their bridal party held umbrellas over their heads while the couple quickly said their vows in front of their guests.

As luck would have it, after the shortened ceremony the skies cleared again and cocktail hour on the shores of Lake Goguac went as planned. Guests made the short walk to the country club for dinner & dancing after an hour of mingling. The food was fantastic, and the deejay kept the dance floor packed all night long. Libby, Lauryn & I were THRILLED to be a part of this beautiful day!

Above is just a tiny part of the photo preview from Harrison Studio. To see even more wonderful images, check out their post.

Sara & Bud - it was an honor working with the two of you. Your families & wedding party were nothing short of awesome, and we truly were thankful to be a small part of your big day! Libby, Lauryn & I wish you nothing but the best for YEARS to come!

2011 Pearls Events Team

2011-06-16T14:00:00.001-04:00

If you've been following this blog for over a year, you may recognize the faces above...this is our core team at Pearls Events - from left to right you have me (Aletha), Kate, Mary & Amy. We are getting geared up for the 2011 season, and just had new head shots taken by Mindy Leigh at our kickoff meeting last week.

Who you may not recognize are our 2011 interns! I am thrilled to introduce the 2011 interns, who will serve as event assistants throughout the season. They are, from left to right - Jessica, Lauryn, Libby & Stephanie - all wonderful woman from various West Michigan colleges learning to ins & outs of event planning and running a small business.

We are as busy as ever in the office and looking forward to sharing our events with you!

[all images copyright Mindy Leigh]

Aletha's Ramblings | Summer Update

2011-06-02T09:15:00.000-04:00

Summer is in full swing in the Pearls Events office, and we are getting ready for our first event next weekend. We are so excited to see a graduation party come together with amazing La Tavola linens, floral centerpieces from Mulick Floral, perfect rental items from Events by I. Candy, and a few stationery items from Syd Design.

Our 2011 interns have been hired, we have our official head shot photo session scheduled with Mindy Leigh Photography, and final appointments with our clients have begun. It's crazy how another season has come and gone, and we're getting ready to start our FIFTH wedding season with our stellar clients.

My personal life is settling down with Eames, and I almost feel 100% back to normal, but now with a baby in my life. The cutest baby in the entire world, if I do say so myself, although I realize I have to say that about my own children.

I will be introducing you to all of our interns in the coming weeks, and the bonus is that one of our 2011 interns, Stephanie, is currently plotting her debut to this blog. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for her updates.

Happy Spring from Pearls Events

2011-04-09T17:00:00.001-04:00

It's one of those sunny weekends in West Michigan that reminds us all that warmer temperatures are near. Our grass is getting greener, the birds are chirping, and our spring flowers are making their way out of the ground - I cannot wait for the tulips to bloom!

And with that, wedding season is right around the corner!

We have an amazing event line up for our 2011 season, and I'm dying to jump back into work in May, however I'm currently spending time at home with our baby boy, Eames. I couldn't be enjoying this new venture in my life any more. With Kate holding down the fort in the office, I am soaking up every smile, coo and well, diaper change; it's an experience like no other, and I'm thankful to be enjoying it with Greg.

Above is a gorgeous shot of the flowers my friend, Natalie who happens to be a wonderful florist, sent me while I was in the hospital. Every single nurse (and guest, for that matter!) walked into the room and told me how gorgeous they were - and I agree, simply stunning! Thanks again, Natalie!

I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful weather! I look forward to getting back to regularly scheduled blogging soon.

(photo copyright Mindy Leigh Photography)

My Little Personal Project

2011-04-05T23:00:00.001-04:00

It's no secret around the Pearls Events office that I've been patiently waiting for Baby VanderMaas to arrive since July! And after being eleven days overdue and being induced last Monday, Greg & I welcome Eames* Gregory VanderMaas into our family on Tuesday, March 29th, at 7:02pm. He weighed 9lbs, 8oz and was 21.5" long.

Phew - one big baby, I know!

We are totally in love with Eames - I can hardly believe he's all ours. Greg and I are still settling into life with a baby, and at this point, my associate Kate is running the show at the office. I've been sneaking in emails to current clients and it's a hard habit to break!

And just in case you didn't see these on Twitter, here's a peek of Eames at the hospital. To see all the images, check out our awesome photographer's post here.

(*Eames rhymes with seams & teams)

Spring Inspiration

2011-03-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Every March, I get an itching for SPRING - green grass, tulips popping up, no more snow - and this March is no different. I've used these tulip images over the past three years on this blog more than once, and honestly each time I do, I want to run to my favorite Grand Rapids florist and buy a few dozen just to have around the house.

I currently made the switch from a (lame) PC to a shiny, new iMac, and am patiently waiting for my photo software to arrive, hence the lack of posts. I am also awaiting the arrival of our first child (due in two days, although I have a feeling Baby VanderMaas will be late!), so things have been a bit hectic around here.

Happy Spring!

GRunveiled 2011 | Second Floor Recap

2011-03-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

You most likely caught the first floor recap yesterday, and today I'm sharing the vendors who exhibited on the second floor. You can see why our wedding show, GRunveiled, really is different from other shows in Grand Rapids, can't you?

We invite the most interesting vendors to participate, to bring our brides-to-be unique vendors they will not find elsewhere. Many of the wedding professionals have never done another show, and we strongly encourage them to think outside of the wedding show "box" and create a space that will inspire brides. I honestly think this year's spaces were ah-mazing and I'm so proud of this group of pros.

Thank you again to Nicole Haley Photography for capturing our show, and a huge thank you to everyone who made it down to St. Cecilia's last week to check everyone out. We had an amazing turnout and couldn't have done it without everyone who worked hard!

[photos copyright Nicole Haley Photography]

GRunveiled 2011 | First Floor Recap

2011-03-01T12:15:00.001-05:00

GRunveiled 2011 was a complete success in my book, and I cannot thank ALL of the vendors who participated this year enough for their amazing effort & all of their time they put into their unique spaces.

Thank you to each and every attendee who made it out to the show - and a special thanks to all the Pearls Events brides, grooms & mothers-of-the-brides who came downtown to support GRunveiled & Pearls Events! It was great seeing you all and chatting. This show got me more excited for the 2011 wedding season, which is quickly approaching.

This is a look at the first floor of St. Cecilia Music Center last Thursday night. I will be sharing the images from the second floor in the coming days!

[all photos copyright Nicole Haley Photography]

GRunveiled 2011 Ticket Winners

2011-02-21T11:00:00.004-05:00

Because I'm am SO excited about the upcoming wedding show, GRunveiled 2011, I've decided to give all of the ladies who entered to win tickets FREE TICKETS! I suppose planning the show has it's perks, and this is one of them.

That's right, every one of you who entered to win will be on the VIP List Thursday evening at St. Cecilia's. Please email me (GRunveiled@gmail.com) with your full name so we can make sure you're admitted with your guest.

I can't wait to see all of you there - make sure to swing by the Pearls Events space on the first floor to say hello - I'd love to meet you.

The list of winners...

Meghan & your sister
Jennifer & your fiance
Sarah & your maid of honor
Tina & your work BFF
Stephani & Amy
Jenn & your mom
Lauren & your mom

The Grand Affair at The Amway Grand Plaza

2011-02-16T16:00:00.001-05:00

It's wedding planning season, and Grand Rapids is full of great options if you're planning a West Michigan wedding. Of course there is GRunveiled, but there is also The Grand Affair, and Pearls Events is happy to be a part of both shows this year!

We have been invited to speak alongside Modern Day Floral at the upcoming Amway Grand Plaza bridal show, The Grand Affair. If you're getting married, and happen to be in the area on Sunday, March 6th, swing by the Amway Grand Plaza hotel for this FREE show. Pull up to valet for complimentary parking, enjoy an afternoon roaming around their gorgeous ballrooms, and shop around for your local wedding vendors. See their complete list of exhibitors here.

The show is from noon to four o'clock in the afternoon, and Kate, Amy & I will be speaking at 1:30 and 2:30. The sessions are already booked, however look for us roaming around to answer any planning & budgeting questions you may have!

We hope to see you there!

Pearls Events Is Hiring Interns

2011-02-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Each year, Pearls Events offers an internship program to junior & senior level students. The internship is an opportunity to work alongside our professional team and learn the ins and outs of a wedding planner's job from our eyes. Amy, Kate, Mary & I are thrilled to start the interview process for our 2011 interns.

APPLY If you’re interested in joining the Pearls Events team for our 2011 season, please email your cover letter and resume in .pdf format to [pearls.events@gmail.com]

**We will be accepting applications through March 31st and will be conducting interviews throughout April & May.**

Responsibilities
• confirming vendors, assisting at ceremony rehearsal where needed
• set up & facilitate both ceremony & reception on wedding day

Experience & Knowledge
• junior or senior in a related field
• strong verbal communication skills
• strong leadership skills
• excellent organizational skills

Personal Characteristics
• flexible & proactive
• innovative thinker & calm demeanor
• team player & energetic
• detail oriented & works well under pressure

Compensation This is a part time, unpaid internship
Travel Required Yes, we travel throughout Michigan
Hours Will vary by event

WIN Free Tickets to GRunveiled!

2011-02-14T12:52:00.007-05:00

If you are interested in joining the hippest group of wedding vendors on Thursday, February 24th at St. Cecilia's for GRunveiled, here's your chance to do so FOR FREE! That's right, Pearls Events is giving away a set of TWO FREE TICKETS to one lucky winner.

All you need to do is comment on this blog post with your first name & who you will be bringing - your sister, mom, fiance! Make it a fun night downtown Grand Rapids - dinner out, and then checking out the coolest, local professionals for your upcoming wedding day.

Enter to win by Sunday, February 20th at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday, February 21st!!!

Staying at Tesoro Inn

2011-02-08T15:00:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, I celebrated my 30th birthday with my husband, Greg, on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula. Greg surprised with me reservations at Tesoro Inn, run by husband & wife team, Jane & Les Hagaman. We had an amazing time getting out of town, and the service, food & accommodations were awesome at Tesoro Inn. We honestly cannot wait to return - although with Baby VanderMaas making an arrival very shortly, I'm not sure when that will be.

We checked into the Pear Tree Suite Friday afternoon, and enjoyed tea by the wood-burning fire while relaxing from our three hour drive. For dinner, we made our way to the Jolly Pumpkin for a casual dinner, before retiring quite early to our beautiful room. Saturday we drove up the peninsula to the lighthouse after breakfast and then into Traverse City for an afternoon of shopping, which included a majority of our time in Wilson's Antiques. Another causal dinner, this time at the Peninsula Grill, was shared Saturday evening. Sunday, after a second spectacular breakfast prepared by Les, we headed home.

If you're getting married in the Traverse City area, and still looking for accommodations for your wedding weekend, I would highly recommend checking out Tesoro Inn. Their Vintner's Suite would be perfect for a bride and her 'maids to get ready in on the big day, and both the Pear Tree Suite & the Trellis Suite are ideal for parents, wedding party members or wedding guests.

Pearls Events Press | Liz & Chris' Budget Breakdown

2011-02-03T14:30:00.001-05:00

Liz & Chris are no strangers to the Pearls Events blog. You may remember their super adorable lifestyle engagement session, or possibly their wedding recap post...yep, we loved working with them in 2010!

Pearls Events was hired on an hourly basis to provide consulting after meeting Liz at GRunveiled 2010. We helped the couple find their perfect ceremony location and were also available to bounce ideas off of as far as ceremony set-up options and logistics on the day-of. It was fabulous working with Liz & her mom, and we wish Liz & Chris nothing but the best!

As you can see from the article above, Liz's gown was her number one priority, besides marrying Chris, the love of her life! Here she shares all the budget details that helped her stretch her $20,000 budget to include spending 31% of her overall budget on her amazing Vera Wang gown. And as you can see, it was an absolute show-stopper and I know her groom couldn't keep his eyes off of her that day.

A HUGE thank you to Cassandre of Cassandre Snyder Events for sending the images of the Brides New Jersey my way. The article will be in Brides Michigan come mid-March, but it also got published in other Brides regional editions as well, which is quite awesome!

Congratulations to Liz & Chris! I hope their budget breakdown helps some of you brides-to-be planning out there.

Pearls Events Press | Grand Rapids Magazine

2011-01-26T16:30:00.002-05:00

I never thought there would be a reason to post a giant photo of 50 Cent on the Pearls Events blog, but lo and behold, Mr. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson loves Grand Rapids and happens to be on the cover of this month's issue because of the movies he is shooting locally. The edition also happens to be the special wedding edition, in which two of our past clients wedding photos & details are shared.

Back in December, Lisa Jensen from Grand Rapids Magazine called my office and we spoke about wedding trends and details. I was honored to share Liz & Don's wedding, which was full of bold color & contemporary details, and also Emily & Tyler's backyard, J. Crew-inspired wedding day, which was absolutely lovely in every single way, in the two wedding articles.

Getting client's weddings published in print is just about the most exciting thing to me, post wedding day. The clients have agonized over the details for so long, so seeing their hard work shared with other brides-to-be is the icing on the cake.

[Special thanks to Lisa Kae Photography & Kai Heeringa Photography for submitting the gorgeous, professional photos for this story to Grand Rapids Magazine.]

Inspiring an Invitation

2011-01-18T11:45:00.003-05:00

After being in the Michigan wedding industry for the last 3.5 years, I've made some pretty fabulous friends. One of those happens to be the insanely talented Tifany Wunschl of Gourmet Invitations, based out of the Metro Detroit area. Her design work is amazing and I cannot rave more about her attention to detail and creative ideas.

Her work is no stranger to the Pearls Events blog. You may remember the art-inspired wedding photo shoot I shared in September, and if you're a seasoned follower, you may remember the Q&A I did with Tifany featuring this amazing black & white wedding back in 2008.

When Tifany offered to create invitations for my baby shower, you KNOW I jumped at the chance to see what she would dream up. Tifany worked with my friend Emily, who will be hosting all of my girlfriends in the coming weeks, to design the perfect invitation based on the elements from our nursery. We are doing gray & white polka dot bedding, with the owl pattern from Dwell Studio scattered throughout in the form of Roman shades and toy bins.

When the invitation arrived in the mail last week, I was absolutely smitten. And if you've been following along with my slight owl obsession on Life on Louise, you know how perfect this is for me!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Tifany of Gourmet Invitations for these beautiful invitations! I cannot wait to celebrate with all of my girlfriends.

If you're in the process of starting to think of design elements for your wedding invitations, look at other elements you'd like to work into your overall design and go from there. It doesn't have to be as matchy-matchy as this, but having a cohesive look can be as easy as coming up with a color palette and sticking to it.

Spoiling the Bride-to-Be

2011-01-13T17:00:00.003-05:00

I shared this perfectly planned bridal shower from Jodi at In Any Event by Jodi Bos about a year ago on the blog. Jodi shared this event she planned & designed for her sister, Kara, and I was thinking about it again today as I was sitting in my office sipping hot coffee while the snow fell from the sky.

I love all of the details Jodi included, and this is one of those picture-perfect days for a very special bride-to-be. If you're looking to absolutely spoil the guest of honor, take a cue from Jodi and add in the unexpected details that will WOW any guest! To see even more photos of Kara's bridal tea, check out the original post on Jodi's blog.

[images copyright Ryan Prins Photography]

Join Us | GRunveiled 2011

2011-01-05T12:00:00.004-05:00

If you've been reading along for a while, you may remember the Grand Rapids wedding show I co-produced last year with Joy'l of Paper Nest Designs. Because of last year's successful show, Joy'l and I are at it again and GRunveiled 2011 planning is underway.

If you're a bride-to-be, JOIN US for an evening in downtown Grand Rapids for a splendid evening unlike any other bridal show in our city. There are no cheesy deejays, no sign up lists to spam you for years, and no high pressure salespeople to talk you into "booking on the spot to save money". Instead, you'll find local artisans, handcrafted goods, and companies who care about each client they work with.

The feedback last year was the same from wedding professionals and attendees alike - they loved it! And so did we! And if you'd like a peek at what 2010 looked like, check out our posts recapping the event here...

And to buy a ticket to attend the show, you can go right here and do so. It's that easy!

We do hope you'll be joining us.

[We are eagerly awaiting our invited vendors to commit to the show before we open up registration to other vendors, however if you're interested in being a vendor, please email us at GRunveiled@gmail.com for more information]