Preferred Vendor List
I often meet with brides for consultations, we start talking about plans for the big day, and they mention that this is the first wedding they’ve planned. Makes sense. And even though I haven’t planned my own, I have worked with quite a few of our local vendors. So I thought I’d take a little time to put a list together of people that I felt have gone above and beyond, or put out an exceptional product. Just to take a little stress out of this overwhelming process. <3
There’s a lot to be said for the big name in town… Rusch Entertainment really does shine above the rest. As a photographer there are things about DJ’s that really stand out… their ability to pack the dance floor for those couples and party shots, and their willingness to keep the laser light show at bay until your precious first dance and family moments are caught on film. Dean, the patriarch of the Rusch family is an entertainer through and through. He has an amazing way with people, and standard that his family and employees live up to on a nightly basis. Always forward thinkers, not sitting on the old stand by that “if it works don’t fix it”. So if you can’t guarantee the man, the myth, the legend himself, his son’s Casey and Corey, and Micheal Jesse are all favorites that bring the party!
If DJ’s aren’t your thing and you really want to step it up to the world of live entertainment, I have some killer suggestions for that as well. I love the energy of live music. Having someone in the room putting on a real show makes it impossible not to join in the fun. And what’s cooler than a live band as your backdrop? Total rockstars.
The Cookies
Steve Armstrong and the 25 Cent Beer Band
Moonshine Mavericks
Ceyx
And for something even more out of this world:
Midwest Dueling Pianos
Photo Booths are not created equal. Sure some may have a larger collection of props than the next, or maybe a creative backdrop or print out… but the true value lies in the ability to light and select the right color balance… I swear, as a photographer, you’ll appreciate it.
Freezies Photo Booth
The Photography Boutique and Photo Booth
The Capture Box
SG Photo Booth
One of the first things you’ll learn upon meeting me, is my reason for taking on the stressful (but fun) task of wedding photography… I’m totally in it for the cake! There, I said it. I love cake. I bake cake. I eat cake (sometimes for breakfast.) I’m a complete connoisseur of this heavenly delight! This being said, cake must be a beautiful thing to photograph as well as a tasty delicacy, so these are a few of the local bakeries that rate very high on the list and are worth a visit!
Sugar High Bakery
Mary’s Creative Cakery
House of Cakes
Sweet Cakes
Floral design is a beautiful skill, not to be taken lightly. I love a solid bouquet of roses, as well as a glorious mix of colors and textures. Some people know how to combine things to create a true work of art, rich and delicate. And to be honest I’ve had some bad experiences with this particular vendor type, making this list a little on the longer side, so you have plenty of options before heading out there to some of the nightmare’s I’ve had to endure!
Faber’s Greenhouse
Ryers Flowers
Aaron’s Flowers
GT Homestead
Austin’s Flowers
Gaudreau Florist
Memories By Candlelight
If you want a little help with planning, set up, or tear down on your big day, to take some stress off your plate, here are a few options ranging from decor rental, to full service planning.
Bling on a Budget
I Do Wedding Decor & More
Paper Moon Events
Never having shopped for a gown myself, I can’t personally vouch for the experience. I can, however, vouch for the quality and style these boutique’s have to offer. I love fashion, and I was taught at a young age the value of a well made garment over the “cheap stuff” that my 10 year old eye desperately wanted. Now I see gowns dripping in hand sewn detail and have high respect for the time and talent to get each piece perfect.
Lola’s Bridal
Beckers Bridal
Perfect Fit
Mimi’s Bridal
Bridal Elegance
Unique Bridal
This is another spot where my distaste for a certain big name shines brighter than my actual suggestions. That being said, here’s my soap box… ladies spend quite the sum on an absolutely knock out gown that spent months to create. Then they take it to a seamstress and have it customized to their body. Meanwhile the grooms are sent off to rent formal wear like it’s Junior Prom. Please, I beg of you, make a point to brush up your man on the importance of fit, style, and quality. If quality isn’t their thing…a good fit will still make something 1000 times richer. Locally, Edwards Mens Shop has shown brightly in this particular department, but if you’re at the beginning of a career or all of your friends will be getting married, take the time to invest in a good suit or tux for your big day, with custom tailoring. I promise, even if it only leaves your closet once a year, it’s the difference between thrift store and Johnny Depp.
This seems to be one area where I don’t have to do a whole lot of convincing, it’s your big day and you want to look your very best for all your friends and family. I would like to point out one small thing before giving you some of my faves… having professional makeup applied doesn’t have to be solely for your wedding day. Because these ladies know what works well in front of the camera, and my lens is more high def than the naked eye, it’s a great idea to consider this for the other times you’ll be photographed as well. Many people forget that engagements, boudoir, and maternity sessions are all prime times to chip in for that extra moment of pampering… as you’ll be looking at the results for years to come!
Video is a medium that is becoming more and more popular, as well as more and more intricate. When wedding videos were nothing more than a camera on a tripod filming your ceremony, I just couldn’t figure out the point. I mean, it was pretty dull the first time, how many times are you really going to sit through it?? But let me tell you, things have changed. And though I haven’t personally worked with any of these vendors, it’s a medium that is getting closer and closer to my heart as I tackle it myself. So I spent a week scouring over every website google could come up with across Michigan for videographers. These elite wowed me… from quality, to clarity, to color correction, and editing, they definitely stand above the rest. So if this is something that you have your heart set on, I highly recommend taking a look at some of these very talented people!
Wilson Sarkis
Capturing Arts
Killer Creations
Drew Mason
Departing Line
Joseph F Bauer
Jess Ciaramitaro
Brian & Stacey
*Disclaimer: Don’t let the fact that some of these talented videographers are also talented wedding photographers… I’m still your girl! 😉