An earthy al fresco style shoot

October 15

Planning this style shoot was a pretty special for me because it would be the first time I would be published in a printed magazine, Wedding Day Magazine.

This style shoot was a little different than the ones I usually plan because Wedding Day Magazine, along with the venue, was hosting it. Most of the vendors were already selected by WDM and the venue had a preferred mood and theme (which were romantic, rustic, vintage).

Like with most weddings, the venue can really set the tone for the overall wedding style. The Hall at Oakland Park is full of natural and earthy elements and charm and instead of covering up these features, I wanted to embrace the beautiful and romantic setting.

The rustic look is still a popular wedding style for The Hall at Oakland Park. I knew that I needed to push the boundaries of what it means to have a rustic wedding, while still understanding the elements that make rustic weddings so popular. I had to stay true to my company’s brand and style while cohesively blending it with a different style, something we have to do with every client.

While the venue tends to draw in the couples that want that traditional rustic style, I approached the shoot with a more organic and earthy vibe. I wanted it to feel like you were out in the countryside on your family’s vineyard that had been in your family for generations and that everything, from the plates to the plants, you already owned and were part of the home.

I pictured warm, dancing candlelight; whimsical greenery, as if it had been neglected and was growing wild; and potted herbs and plants in weathered urns. I wanted as many raw and earthy elements as possible, from natural linens, earthen stoneware and terra cotta, to bamboo and rattan.

JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.

JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.
JS Weddings and Events, a Michigan and Mid West Wedding Planner. An earthy al fresco wedding style shoot with natural and organic elements.

Planning + Design | JS Weddings & Events
Host | Wedding Day Magazine, Kaitlyn
Ceremony + Reception Venue | The Hall at Oakland Park
Photographer | Weeping Willow Photography
Hair + Makeup | Blown Away Blow Dry Bar, Kelly
Floral Designer | Camille’s Floral
Dress + Accessories | Bianka Bridal

Don’t forget to check out the article!

Coastal Wedding Inspiration

Today’s the day! Last year I planned a nautical style shoot and today’s the day that it was featured on Midwest Bride! Below are a few pictures from the style shoot, but make sure to head over to Midwest Bride to check out the feature! A big shout out to all the vendors that helped make the day wonderful!

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Nautical Preppy Style PhotoshootGrand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Nautical Preppy Style PhotoshootGrand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Nautical Preppy Style PhotoshootGrand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Nautical Preppy Style Photoshoot

 

xx js

Sneak Peek: Enchanted Style Shoot

May 3, 2015
Enchanted Animals Amidst a Whimsical Garden

The moment I saw the Enchanted Manor with all the animal statues, I knew I had to play up that “enchanted animal garden” motif. With my mind dreaming of antlers, feathers and animals (oh my!), my fingers were busy emailing vendors and covered in goopy papier mâché. With my eyes constantly scanning the sky (Michigan weather is totally unpredictable) and my car making multiple trips to the lakeshore every week, I managed to find sleep in-between all the busy. I am so thankful to my amazing vendors and friends for helping me design and execute this wonderful style shoot.

Stay tuned, because this style shoot will be featured on Artfully Wed on November 6!

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner, Designer and Florist - Whimsical Enchanted Garden Style Shoot in Saugatuck Michigan

Venue: The Enchanted Manor of Royal Manors
Photographer: Kate Morrow
Design, Styling + Planning: JS Weddings & Events
Cake: Sara’s Sweets
Paper Goods: Pie Crust Creative
Rentals: The Rental Company
Floral Design: JS Weddings & Events
Hair & Makeup Stylist: Becca Means
Bridal Dress & Accessories: Bridal Elegance
Tuxedo: Bunny Tuxedos
Models: Nicholas Hawkins, Kayleigh Kramer

The Wizard of Oz Manor

A few weeks ago I went to tour the lovely The Wizard of Oz Manor. I was informed by Kim, the event director, that it is believed that the Wizard of Oz was conceived and written here. The manor is located right on Lake Macatawa, with a view just as stunning as the actual home. Inside, it’s like you stepped back in time to old world New England. No really, it is.

In April, I get to direct and design a style shoot here and I am so excited to see everything come together within the space. I am working with some amazing people to create a masculine, New England style shoot with a hint of nautical glamour. Add in one awesome custom designed invitation suite, an amazing seafood menu, sweet treats, gorgeous linens, vintage china, a cigar bar (yes, I said cigar bar), and a lot more pretty details… April can’t get here fast enough.

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor

Photos courtesy of Royal Manors and Andrew Ingram