“Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.” William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This wedding had everything a summer wedding should have. Warm weather, a custom made moon photo booth, hundreds of twinkling lights and foraged greenery hanging overhead, and the sweetest couple.
Working with Molly, a talented graphic designer, was a dream. She had a beautiful vision of a romantic wedding, drawing inspiration and style from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Having the wedding in a dreamy and enchanting wooded area was a give, so they chose Johnson Park as their perfect backdrop.
Summer weddings in Grand Rapids (rather – Michigan) are wonderful and beautiful. An outdoor summer wedding in Michigan can be downright glorious… but that’s if the weather cooperates and isn’t humid and hot or pouring rain. Basically, 5% of them have perfect weather. Molly and AJ’s wedding was one of the lucky ones, and we took advantage of it.
The ceremony was located on the rolling green lawn and after, guests were seen strolling around, sipping on cocktails and playing lawn games. The reception was held inside the pavilion, where we brought as much nature indoors as possible. We created a canopy of hanging greenery and hundreds of twinkle lights to mimic the stars at night. We covered the tables in whimsical garden greenery and shades of purple blooms. With the bar on the large wraparound deck, guests were encouraged to enjoy the beautiful summer night.
Basil
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in
Thin To: 6 – 12in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Moist
Height: 12 – 24in
Days to Germination: 5 -10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost
Etc: Pinch off basil flowers as they start to grow to encourage new leaf growth, and to keep the plants bushy
Cilantro
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 5 – 8in
Thin To: 8 – 10in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun during the morning, shade during the hot afternoon. Think cool and sunny.
Soil: Moistened, well draining soil
Water: Moist
Height: 4 – 6in
Days to Germination: 7 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring as transplants. Scatter the seeds in a tray and cover with ¼in of soil and put in a warm place. Make sure to keeps the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) while germinating. When 2in tall, thin to 3 to 4in apart and then transplant outside 2-3 weeks later.
Blooms: –
Etc: Sow cilantro in the spring and autumn since it will bolt in hot weather. To harvest fresh cilantro all season, make successive sowings every 2 to 3 weeks starting in late spring.
Chives
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Full / Partial sun
Soil: Light friable soil
Water: Moist
Height: –
Days to Germination: 3 – 18 days
Direct Sow: Best to start indoors and then transplant outside 8 – 10 weeks later, about 3 – 5in apart
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Start in early spring as transplants, scatter seeds in a tray ¼in – ½in apart in moist soil and put in a warm place.
Etc: The flowers are edible
Dill Weed
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 18in
Thin To: 8in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: All soil conditions will suffice
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Height: 2-3ft
Days to Germination: 5 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In the late spring
Containers: –
Start Indoors: Not recommended
Etc: Keep protected from high winds. Once dill weed plants go into bloom, they’ll stop growing leaves, so make sure that you don’t harvest any leaves from that plant.
Lavender
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, lightly cover with soil
Thin To: 12 – 18in apart
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: Light, well draining soil
Water: Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle on mist setting until germination has occurred.
Height: 20 – 30in
Days to Germination: 7 – 21 days
Direct Sow: Not recommended. Transplant directly into the garden when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Container: See below
Start Indoors: Best started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last frost. Start in peat pot, sewing 3 – 5 seeds per pot, at a shallow depth of 1/16″ under topsoil.
Etc: Blooms through the summer months
Oregano
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: Sow into a shallow furrow ¼in deep. Do not cover, as the seeds require light to germinate. Water evenly with a fine mist.
Thin To: 10 – 12in apart when the plants are 4in tall
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Drought tolerant, water during excessive dry periods
Height: 12 – 20in
Days to Germination: 7 – 14 days
Direct Sow: When temperatures remain above 50°F and after danger of frost has passed.
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Best started indoors prior to last frost
Etc: –
Parsley
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 6 – 10in
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Full / Partial sun
Soil: Moistened, well draining soil
Water: Water often
Height: 6in
Days to Germination: 10 – 15 days
Direct Sow: Plant the seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost because parsley is a slow starter (the plants can handle the cold weather.) It can take up to 3 weeks for the plants to sprout.
Containers: –
Start Indoors: Best started indoors 10 – 12 weeks prior to last frost. Transplant when seedlings are 3in tall.
Etc: In early spring, prepare parsley seeds for planting by placing them in the refrigerator for 3 days, and then soak them overnight in room temp water.
Rosemary
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼ in, every 12in, lightly cover with soil
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: –
Water: Once germinated, rosemary is highly prone to damping off, so keep watering to a minimum
Height: 12 – 24in
Days to Germination: 10 – 30 days
Direct Sow: Late May, once soil has warmed
Containers: If growing rosemary in containers, provide monthly feedings of liquid fertilizer. Keep watered in hot weather
Start Indoors: Start indoors between mid-February to mid-April
Etc: –
Sage
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 12 – 18in
Thin To: 18 – 24in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Let soil dry out between waterings
Height: 12 – 30in
Days to Germination: 10 – 21 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost.
Scatter the seeds in a tray and cover with ¼in of soil and put in a warm place. They are ready to transplant when they have 2 sets of true leaves and stand about 4 inches high.
Etc: Pinch the growing tips of your Sage plant several times during spring and early summer. This will produce a bushier plant and slow the formation of flower buds.
Harvest the leaves when they are young, either by pinching them off individually or snipping an entire stem at the base.
Thyme
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ⅛ in, every 3in
Thin To: 3in apart
Sun/Shade: Direct sun
Soil: Sandy, dry soil
Water: Water regularly
Height: 8in
Days to Germination: 10 days
Direct Sow: Scatter on the surface and lightly cover with soil
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Best started indoors. Sow thyme seed in sterilized growing medium either in shallow rows or scatter on top with little or no covering. After they take root, transplant to 2” peat pots.
Etc: Harvest small cuttings continually through the growing season. In cold climates, mulch with straw for winter protection to ensure the plant comes back the following year. Or, pot up thyme in a sunny window for winter use – it’s easy to grow.
Wildflowers
Type: Mix of annuals and perennials.
Planting Depth: Till the soil and level the sowing area. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil, allowing them to receive direct sunlight. This is crucial for most wildflower seeds to develop, so don’t cover them with soil. Using the back of a shovel, lightly press the seed mixture into place and water immediately to ensure the seeds stay put. Use a light shower or mist setting to avoid drowning or washing the seeds away.
Thin To:
Sun/Shade: Direct sun
Soil: Not clay based, not soggy or swampy
Water: Water regularly
Height: 8 – 40in
Days to Germination: 7 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed
Containers: –
Start Indoors: –
Etc: If the seeds were distributed evenly, your coverage will be pretty thick. Within 5 – 8 weeks, you will see many annuals and the perennials will follow suit later in the season. Many of the annuals will self-seed, dropping to the ground at the end of autumn.
Zinnia
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: Rake in the seed to a depth not to exceed ¼ in. Tap down seed by walking over seeded area.
Thin To: 4 – 5in apart when they are 2¬ – 4in tall
Sun/Shade: Sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Keep the planting area consistently moist for 4 – 6 weeks
Height: 15 – 18in
Days to Germination: 6 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: –
Etc: –
https://jsevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/logo-pink-1030x925.png00Jessica Swagmanhttps://jsevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/logo-pink-1030x925.pngJessica Swagman2018-06-07 01:26:132018-06-07 01:27:15Nichole + Jon: Let Love Grow
I have known Laura’s family for many years (and even had the privilege of helping her older sister Elizabeth with her wedding), so you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to help plan Laura’s wedding. Laura is such a warm and gracious person, one of those people you just want to do anything and everything for. She was an absolute joy to work with because she appreciated every small detail that I showed her, was open to so many ideas, but also knew what she liked.
Zach and Laura were with married on a cool autumn day in October at her home church. Even with a wedding day weather forecast of rain and thunderstorms, you would never have known the skies were gray given both of their excited, happy and unfazed demeanors. After the ceremony the rain did stop for a few hours, giving the wedding party time to gallivant around Holmdene Manor and Downtown Grand Rapids before they had to arrive at the beautiful Ballroom at McKay Tower to greet guests. Instead of the traditional receiving line after the ceremony or going from table to table at the reception, Laura and Zach incorporated a different way to greet their guests. All four parents were there in the foyer to greet guests the moment they reached the ballroom. Once inside the ballroom, Laura and Zach spent a few minutes with each guest, greeting and hugging him/her, making sure each guest felt special and appreciated. It was the sweetest thing ever and so inline with the character of Zach and Laura.
A color palette of soft pinks and peaches were accented with dusty gray blues and ivory. We brought in gold and silver tones, which kept things interesting, but still remaining polished eclectic.
During the spring and summer months I normally have a full garden to cut from, but by October there is less to work with. Thankfully, I was still able to use dahlia, zinnias, sedum and tons of foraged greenery, giving her flowers a romantic and whimsical style.
We had a custom monogram designed that we incorporated in the hand letterpress invitations and the place cards.
With a grand ballroom backdrop, the family style meal created a warm and intimate atmosphere, starting the flow of comfortable conversation and giving guests a chance to talk and interact. The rocking dueling pianos made sure the dance floor was full all night.
Winter weddings and the couples that get married during these months are quickly becoming my favorite. I think there is some something so special about a couple that gets married during, what many consider, the coldest and dreariest part of the year (at least for us folks in Michigan). While many couples choose to get married when the weather is warm and when nature is in its full colorful glory, what many don’t realize is that the winter holds its own glorious beauty. Fresh fallen snow covering the ground, the glistening of frost on the trees, and the chill that fills the air. It takes a special couple to realize that winter is a magical time to get married.
Enter Sarah and Matt. These two were amazing. They truly were so much fun to work with when it came to planning the details of their wedding. They knew what was important to them and what they wanted. When it came to the design, Sarah gave me her style: industrial rustic glam. With a color palette of navy blue, gold and white, we played up the glam factor but still kept things modern and classic. Sarah gave me free range with the flowers, so I got to play with some wonderful flowers that I don’t normally get to design with. I’m still dying over those feathery fringed tulips and dramatic anemone.
Add in some glam with sequins, some custom suits designed by the Bride, and a killer band, you have a fabulous winter wedding.
At the beginning of July I had the pleasure of throwing my best friend (and fellow employee) an engagement party for her and her fiancé. More about that event in a later post, I promise. One of the drinks I served was quite a hit and it seemed perfect to share with you for when you need something to sip on during these hot summer days.
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Ingredients:
1 (750 ml) bottle rosé wine
1 cup strawberry vodka
1 ½ cups citrus soda (I really like Fresca)
1 cup pink grapefruit juice
10 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, vodka, juice, and half of the strawberries.
2. Refrigerate for an hour (can be refrigerated for up to 6).
3. Just before serving, add the soda, the rest of strawberries, and stir gently.
4. Serve over ice with strawberry garnish.
AJ and Molly
/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica SwagmanJuly 30
“Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.” William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This wedding had everything a summer wedding should have. Warm weather, a custom made moon photo booth, hundreds of twinkling lights and foraged greenery hanging overhead, and the sweetest couple.
Working with Molly, a talented graphic designer, was a dream. She had a beautiful vision of a romantic wedding, drawing inspiration and style from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Having the wedding in a dreamy and enchanting wooded area was a give, so they chose Johnson Park as their perfect backdrop.
Summer weddings in Grand Rapids (rather – Michigan) are wonderful and beautiful. An outdoor summer wedding in Michigan can be downright glorious… but that’s if the weather cooperates and isn’t humid and hot or pouring rain. Basically, 5% of them have perfect weather. Molly and AJ’s wedding was one of the lucky ones, and we took advantage of it.
The ceremony was located on the rolling green lawn and after, guests were seen strolling around, sipping on cocktails and playing lawn games. The reception was held inside the pavilion, where we brought as much nature indoors as possible. We created a canopy of hanging greenery and hundreds of twinkle lights to mimic the stars at night. We covered the tables in whimsical garden greenery and shades of purple blooms. With the bar on the large wraparound deck, guests were encouraged to enjoy the beautiful summer night.
Ceremony + Reception Venue | Johnson Park
Design, Planning & Coordination | JS Weddings & Events
Photographer | Studio Phrene
Hair + Makeup | Reflections Salon
Floral Designer | JS Weddings & Events
Paper Goods, Signs + Decorations | Spectacle Design Studio
Ceremony Arch | Made by the Bride and her father
Ceremony Music | Bride’s Brother-In-Law
Rentals | Baker Tent Rental
Bar Service | Michael Burkmyre
Catering | Amore Trattoria Italiana
Bamboo Plates + Cutlery | Webstaurant
Dessert | Marge’s Donut Den
DJ | Jon Anderson
Moon Photobooth | Made by the Groom’s parents
Dress | David’s Bridal
Nichole + Jon: Let Love Grow
/0 Comments/in Flowers /by Jessica SwagmanBasil
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in
Thin To: 6 – 12in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Moist
Height: 12 – 24in
Days to Germination: 5 -10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost
Etc: Pinch off basil flowers as they start to grow to encourage new leaf growth, and to keep the plants bushy
Cilantro
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 5 – 8in
Thin To: 8 – 10in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun during the morning, shade during the hot afternoon. Think cool and sunny.
Soil: Moistened, well draining soil
Water: Moist
Height: 4 – 6in
Days to Germination: 7 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring as transplants. Scatter the seeds in a tray and cover with ¼in of soil and put in a warm place. Make sure to keeps the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) while germinating. When 2in tall, thin to 3 to 4in apart and then transplant outside 2-3 weeks later.
Blooms: –
Etc: Sow cilantro in the spring and autumn since it will bolt in hot weather. To harvest fresh cilantro all season, make successive sowings every 2 to 3 weeks starting in late spring.
Chives
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Full / Partial sun
Soil: Light friable soil
Water: Moist
Height: –
Days to Germination: 3 – 18 days
Direct Sow: Best to start indoors and then transplant outside 8 – 10 weeks later, about 3 – 5in apart
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Start in early spring as transplants, scatter seeds in a tray ¼in – ½in apart in moist soil and put in a warm place.
Etc: The flowers are edible
Dill Weed
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 18in
Thin To: 8in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: All soil conditions will suffice
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Height: 2-3ft
Days to Germination: 5 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In the late spring
Containers: –
Start Indoors: Not recommended
Etc: Keep protected from high winds. Once dill weed plants go into bloom, they’ll stop growing leaves, so make sure that you don’t harvest any leaves from that plant.
Lavender
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, lightly cover with soil
Thin To: 12 – 18in apart
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: Light, well draining soil
Water: Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle on mist setting until germination has occurred.
Height: 20 – 30in
Days to Germination: 7 – 21 days
Direct Sow: Not recommended. Transplant directly into the garden when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Container: See below
Start Indoors: Best started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last frost. Start in peat pot, sewing 3 – 5 seeds per pot, at a shallow depth of 1/16″ under topsoil.
Etc: Blooms through the summer months
Oregano
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: Sow into a shallow furrow ¼in deep. Do not cover, as the seeds require light to germinate. Water evenly with a fine mist.
Thin To: 10 – 12in apart when the plants are 4in tall
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Drought tolerant, water during excessive dry periods
Height: 12 – 20in
Days to Germination: 7 – 14 days
Direct Sow: When temperatures remain above 50°F and after danger of frost has passed.
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Best started indoors prior to last frost
Etc: –
Parsley
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 6 – 10in
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Full / Partial sun
Soil: Moistened, well draining soil
Water: Water often
Height: 6in
Days to Germination: 10 – 15 days
Direct Sow: Plant the seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost because parsley is a slow starter (the plants can handle the cold weather.) It can take up to 3 weeks for the plants to sprout.
Containers: –
Start Indoors: Best started indoors 10 – 12 weeks prior to last frost. Transplant when seedlings are 3in tall.
Etc: In early spring, prepare parsley seeds for planting by placing them in the refrigerator for 3 days, and then soak them overnight in room temp water.
Rosemary
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼ in, every 12in, lightly cover with soil
Thin To: –
Sun/Shade: Direct Sun
Soil: –
Water: Once germinated, rosemary is highly prone to damping off, so keep watering to a minimum
Height: 12 – 24in
Days to Germination: 10 – 30 days
Direct Sow: Late May, once soil has warmed
Containers: If growing rosemary in containers, provide monthly feedings of liquid fertilizer. Keep watered in hot weather
Start Indoors: Start indoors between mid-February to mid-April
Etc: –
Sage
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ¼in, every 12 – 18in
Thin To: 18 – 24in apart
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Let soil dry out between waterings
Height: 12 – 30in
Days to Germination: 10 – 21 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed.
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: You can start in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost.
Scatter the seeds in a tray and cover with ¼in of soil and put in a warm place. They are ready to transplant when they have 2 sets of true leaves and stand about 4 inches high.
Etc: Pinch the growing tips of your Sage plant several times during spring and early summer. This will produce a bushier plant and slow the formation of flower buds.
Harvest the leaves when they are young, either by pinching them off individually or snipping an entire stem at the base.
Thyme
Type: Perennial
Planting Depth: ⅛ in, every 3in
Thin To: 3in apart
Sun/Shade: Direct sun
Soil: Sandy, dry soil
Water: Water regularly
Height: 8in
Days to Germination: 10 days
Direct Sow: Scatter on the surface and lightly cover with soil
Containers: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: Best started indoors. Sow thyme seed in sterilized growing medium either in shallow rows or scatter on top with little or no covering. After they take root, transplant to 2” peat pots.
Etc: Harvest small cuttings continually through the growing season. In cold climates, mulch with straw for winter protection to ensure the plant comes back the following year. Or, pot up thyme in a sunny window for winter use – it’s easy to grow.
Wildflowers
Type: Mix of annuals and perennials.
Planting Depth: Till the soil and level the sowing area. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil, allowing them to receive direct sunlight. This is crucial for most wildflower seeds to develop, so don’t cover them with soil. Using the back of a shovel, lightly press the seed mixture into place and water immediately to ensure the seeds stay put. Use a light shower or mist setting to avoid drowning or washing the seeds away.
Thin To:
Sun/Shade: Direct sun
Soil: Not clay based, not soggy or swampy
Water: Water regularly
Height: 8 – 40in
Days to Germination: 7 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed
Containers: –
Start Indoors: –
Etc: If the seeds were distributed evenly, your coverage will be pretty thick. Within 5 – 8 weeks, you will see many annuals and the perennials will follow suit later in the season. Many of the annuals will self-seed, dropping to the ground at the end of autumn.
Zinnia
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: Rake in the seed to a depth not to exceed ¼ in. Tap down seed by walking over seeded area.
Thin To: 4 – 5in apart when they are 2¬ – 4in tall
Sun/Shade: Sun
Soil: Well draining soil
Water: Keep the planting area consistently moist for 4 – 6 weeks
Height: 15 – 18in
Days to Germination: 6 – 10 days
Direct Sow: In early spring, after danger of frost has passed
Container: Can be grown in containers
Start Indoors: –
Etc: –
Laura + Zach
/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica SwagmanOctober 14
I have known Laura’s family for many years (and even had the privilege of helping her older sister Elizabeth with her wedding), so you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to help plan Laura’s wedding. Laura is such a warm and gracious person, one of those people you just want to do anything and everything for. She was an absolute joy to work with because she appreciated every small detail that I showed her, was open to so many ideas, but also knew what she liked.
Zach and Laura were with married on a cool autumn day in October at her home church. Even with a wedding day weather forecast of rain and thunderstorms, you would never have known the skies were gray given both of their excited, happy and unfazed demeanors. After the ceremony the rain did stop for a few hours, giving the wedding party time to gallivant around Holmdene Manor and Downtown Grand Rapids before they had to arrive at the beautiful Ballroom at McKay Tower to greet guests. Instead of the traditional receiving line after the ceremony or going from table to table at the reception, Laura and Zach incorporated a different way to greet their guests. All four parents were there in the foyer to greet guests the moment they reached the ballroom. Once inside the ballroom, Laura and Zach spent a few minutes with each guest, greeting and hugging him/her, making sure each guest felt special and appreciated. It was the sweetest thing ever and so inline with the character of Zach and Laura.
A color palette of soft pinks and peaches were accented with dusty gray blues and ivory. We brought in gold and silver tones, which kept things interesting, but still remaining polished eclectic.
During the spring and summer months I normally have a full garden to cut from, but by October there is less to work with. Thankfully, I was still able to use dahlia, zinnias, sedum and tons of foraged greenery, giving her flowers a romantic and whimsical style.
We had a custom monogram designed that we incorporated in the hand letterpress invitations and the place cards.
With a grand ballroom backdrop, the family style meal created a warm and intimate atmosphere, starting the flow of comfortable conversation and giving guests a chance to talk and interact. The rocking dueling pianos made sure the dance floor was full all night.
Ceremony | Thornapple Covenant Church
Reception Venue | The Ballroom at McKay
Design, Planning & Coordination | JS Weddings & Events
Photographer | Kate Morrow
Floral Designer | JS Weddings & Events
Hair + Makeup | Tanaz
Catering | Kangaroo Kitchen
Bakery | Cakabakery
Paper Goods | Freshly Squeezed
Band | Main Street Dueling Pianos
Shuttle | Affordable Limo
Sarah + Matt
/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica SwagmanJanuary 28
Winter weddings and the couples that get married during these months are quickly becoming my favorite. I think there is some something so special about a couple that gets married during, what many consider, the coldest and dreariest part of the year (at least for us folks in Michigan). While many couples choose to get married when the weather is warm and when nature is in its full colorful glory, what many don’t realize is that the winter holds its own glorious beauty. Fresh fallen snow covering the ground, the glistening of frost on the trees, and the chill that fills the air. It takes a special couple to realize that winter is a magical time to get married.
Enter Sarah and Matt. These two were amazing. They truly were so much fun to work with when it came to planning the details of their wedding. They knew what was important to them and what they wanted. When it came to the design, Sarah gave me her style: industrial rustic glam. With a color palette of navy blue, gold and white, we played up the glam factor but still kept things modern and classic. Sarah gave me free range with the flowers, so I got to play with some wonderful flowers that I don’t normally get to design with. I’m still dying over those feathery fringed tulips and dramatic anemone.
Add in some glam with sequins, some custom suits designed by the Bride, and a killer band, you have a fabulous winter wedding.
Ceremony | City Flats Holland
Reception Venue | Baker Loft Events
Design, Planning & Coordination | JS Weddings & Events
Photographer | The MittenTog
Floral Designer | JS Weddings & Events
Hair + Makeup | Pomp & Artistry
Bridesmaids Dresses | Rent The Runway
Suits | Trunk Club
Ceremony + Reception Musicians | Brena Band
Officiant | Friend
Catering | Gilmore Collection
Bakery | Sprinkles Donut Shop
Shuttle | Affordable Limo
Rentals | Special Occasions
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
/0 Comments/in DIY /by Jessica SwagmanAt the beginning of July I had the pleasure of throwing my best friend (and fellow employee) an engagement party for her and her fiancé. More about that event in a later post, I promise. One of the drinks I served was quite a hit and it seemed perfect to share with you for when you need something to sip on during these hot summer days.
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Ingredients:
1 (750 ml) bottle rosé wine
1 cup strawberry vodka
1 ½ cups citrus soda (I really like Fresca)
1 cup pink grapefruit juice
10 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, vodka, juice, and half of the strawberries.
2. Refrigerate for an hour (can be refrigerated for up to 6).
3. Just before serving, add the soda, the rest of strawberries, and stir gently.
4. Serve over ice with strawberry garnish.
Yields: 1 Gallon
For a printable PDF, click here