Elite Services/Las Vegas Cheesecake Company

I met with Mark the owner of both Elite Services and the Las Vegas Cheesecake Company.

Elite Services offers the party buses. He has the charter line and then 4 party buses. 3 smaller ones and one bigger one. I saw the bigger bus and it was awesome! There is so much room! I don't know that I would want to do a regular limo after being in the bus! There is so much more room to move around and have fun, dance, whatever your party wants to do.

Las Vegas Cheesecake Company has 21 different flavors of cheesecakes. You can get them in 6 , 8 or 10inch cakes or sheet cakes.

Las Vegas Cheesecake Company has recently moved from Plainfield to Alpine (which is a great location).

Check out both websites www.eliteservicegr.com and www.lasvegascheesecakecompany.com

University Club GR

I had the privaledge of meeting with Katie, the event coordinator, and Michelle, the Club manager, at the University Club Grand Rapids. The University Club is located on the 10th floor of the 5/3rd building downtown Grand Rapids.

I cannot tell you how beautiful this facility is! I was in awe. They can accomodate a party of nearly any size. They have rooms for cocktail hour and then the reception room.

I felt as though the price was very reasonable for the service you get. One thing that stood out in my mind when learning about the University Club of Grand Rapids is that when they serve dinner, they do not have servers, the MANAGERS all serve the guests. What customer service!

The club has recently under gone an amazing remodel. you can check it out at www.universityclubgr.com

Martha's VIneyard and Catering

I had the pleasure of meeting Alyssa, the catering sales and planning manager for Martha's Catering and Vineyard. They cater for everything from weddings to corperate events to lunches. They currently have 1 chef and are working on obtaining a 2nd one.

They have a one stop shop with the catering to liquor. If you need it, Martha's can probably do it for you.

They want to cater to everyone so will work with you and your budget to help you get what you want.

For the liquor they charge on consumption rather than a per person charge as they have found this much more cost effective.

When it comes their menu, you do not have to stick to what is on there. They love to be creative.

Check out their website at www.mvwines.com

Chef Brech

I had the pleasure of meeting with Katie, the event coordinator with FOODesign by Chef Brech. I was able to hear about the work of Chef Brech and the new exciting things coming for him and his company.

He currently is in the process of opening up a kitchen/bar downtown where the lower level is the catering kitchen and they are able to set up right there for events and not have to haul their things to different events.

Chef Brech also can do a bar depending on what the bride/host wants. Chef Brech has been catering in Grand Rapids for about 9 years. check out his website at www.chefbrech.com

Events By I Candy

I was able to meet the mother daughter team who own "Event's by I Candy", Jill and Alicia. They are great. They have nearly anything you can imagine to rent and then some! I was in awe when I got to the store and saw everything they have to rent.

They can do things very inexpensive to expensive. They also offer invitations.

They are both graphic arts people and have great ideas coming daily! Words cannot tell you how fun this place is you need to check it out for your self. They would LOVE to show you around.

www.eventsbyicandy.com tell them Hannah sent you! Pictures do not do it justice!

Desserts By Lori

While looking for different cake/dessert vendors, I came across Dessert by Lori. Lori has had her own business for a couple of years now and does everything! Wedding cakes, dessert buffets, candy bars, cupcake towers, cheesecake (which she has 28 flavors) basically she will make anything with sugar. She also will do party favors.

You will be able to taste at your consultation you set with Lori.

Lori offers services from high end, where she has servers take care of your serving needs, to where she just drops off the desserts and you set up and serve everything yourself.

She will set up a consultation with everyone to determine the needs and how she can best help.

Check out Lori's web site at www.dessertsbylori.com

Party Down Music

I was privileged to be able to sit down with a long time DJ here in Grand Rapids; DJ Michael with Party Down Music. He has been a DJ for over 30 years and he considers this his profession.

DJ Michael uses the best equipment and pays great attention to detail. He considers himself 1st class. Not only does he DJ but he also has a sound system you can use for events.

DJ Michael says he knows how to present a good, fun, elegant event and feels he provides outstanding service.

His selection of music is wide. He has music grandparents will like all the way to current selections. He has over 20,000 song titles and uses cd's instead of MP3 files as he feels the sound quality is much better.

Contact DJ Michael through his website www.partydownmusic.com

Grand Carriages

I was fortunate enough to visit with Linda from Grand Carriages. I got to see the carriages 1st hand and meet the horses. She has 2 white and 2 black horses.

Grand Carriages has been around for about 7 years doing weddings and tours. They do weekend tours downtown Grand Rapids on Friday/Saturday nights. To do downtown or other tours on different dates and or times there are different prices than the regular weekend rates.

Doing a carriage ride downtown for your wedding the rates start at $300 for a regular carriage and a cinderella carriage starts at $350. However, the price with vary depending on time and location. Distance plays a roll due to the fact that it takes a semi and truck/trailer to get the equipment they need where they need it.

Take a look at their website there are pictures and lots of good information on it. www.grandcarriages.com

MiraBella Confections

I had the chance to sit down with Ken with MiraBella Confections and was able to hear about his cakes. I will be tasting his cakes soon and I will share with you my thoughts about that too.

MiraBella's has been open for 2 years and is growing in leaps and bounds.

Ken's favorite cakes to make are elaborate elogant cakes. However he also does a lot of Different/non tranditional cakes. Typlcally each tire of a cake he makes is a different flavor so you don't have to choose just one. Every portion of the cakes he makes is edible and handmade which I think is awesome!

His base price per slice is $3.00-$4.50 and the price goes up from there depending on design.

Check out his web site and go meet with him I promise you will not be dissapointed.

www.mirabellaconfections.com

Forrester Farms

I recently sat down with Ann Forrester of Forrester Farms in Rockford. One thing that sets Ann apart from other florists is that she grows a lot of her own flowers as well as using wholesalers. Ann has been doing this for about 9 years.

When meeting with Ann I also noticed that her prices are very reasonable. Her most expensive bridal bouqet runs about $125 which is very reasonable! I've seen other prices where it is close to $400. When booking your event with Ann she requires a $200 deposit to hold your date and then 2 weeks prior to the event the balance will be due.

Ann is always taking classes to grow in her knowledge. You can meet with Ann at her house, a coffee shop or where ever is most convenient for you.

I encourage you to take a look at her web site www.forresterfarm.com

Tiberius Images

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Russell and Rebecca Climie who own Tiberius Images. Russ started this business about 5 years ago when they were studying abroad in Spain. It was there that Russ found his passion to take pictures. This past January Rebecca quit her job to stay home with him full time to help with the business.

A few things that sets Tiberius Images apart from other photographers is that there is no time limit to any of his packages. The goal is to tell a story of the day and if you have a time limit it is hard to tell a great story and capture all of the moments that are so special that day.

His wedding albums are 100% customizable. Not one album that he has done is the same. He wants it to fit the couple and the pictures.

Every couple Tiberius Images meets with, even if they end up not choosing them as their photographers, receives a free wedding schedule for their day to make things flow easier.

Tiberius Images also does location shoots for your wedding; you can have unlimited locations within 40 miles of Grand Rapids with no added charges. They don't want to nickle and dime the happy couple!

Customer service is a top priority for Tiberius Images they offer competative prices; work out side of Grand Rapids etc.

Russ and Rebecca both said they love weddings and said; " We get to get paid to hang out with happy people on the best day of their life".

Check out some awesome pictures and view this Grand Rapids Photographer - Tiberius Images

Website

Good Morning All! :) I wanted to share with you my exciting news that my website is now up and running. So besides the blog where I'm writing about all of the vendors I've met with you can see my website. Check it out www.weddingsfromatozgr.com I am very excited about it!

Also for future brides the 1st 5 that contact me through my website will get a FREE consultation with vendor recommendations which is a $100 value!

Holli Ann Studios

I had the opportunity to sit down with Holli Ann of Holli Ann Studios (www.holliannstudios.com). I also got the chance to see her at work this summer at a friend's wedding. Holli brings an assistant with her to every wedding as she feels this is important to get the angels she can't see while she is shooting straight forward.

Holli has been in the business for 8 years and averages 45 weddings a summer. Her Saturday dates typically book 1 to 1 1/2 years in advance during peak wedding times (May through Oct/Nov). However on Friday's she does not book as far out.

She has packages to choose from but will customize if needed. Also in the winter she offers discounted packages due to the slower wedding times.

Holli has two studios one in downtown Comstock Park and one in Downtown Grand Rapids. She also has a blog, website and viewing gallery.

Holli is very professional and personable and does great work. Check out some of her recent wedding pictures on her website they are AMAZING!

Renee Austin and Renee Austin Wedding!

I recently sat down with Angie, a good friend of mine and owner of Renee Austin and Renee Austin Wedding (www.reneeaustins.com) Angie and Maggie (co-owner) know their dresses, designers, etc. They are, as I write this, in Vegas buying Spring 2010 styles! I am very excited to see what they come back with.

They are located on Bridge in downtown GR between O'Tooles and Monte's. One portion of the store is Renee Austin and this is special occasion dresses. They have everything from Cocktail dresses to Prom dresses and everything in between.

On the other side of the store is Renee Austin Wedding. This is still under construction and should be up and running soon but, for now, it is all on the finished side of her amazing store! This side will have bridesmaids dresses, Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses, Tux's, and of course wedding gowns. She also carries shoes and accessories.

She carries many designers.

For wedding dresses she carries Mori Lee, Jasmine Collection, Couture, Sttero and Midgley, and Almanovia. I have see some of these dresses myself and they are AMAZING!!!

Bridesmaids dress designers she carries; B2, Belsoie, Mori Lee, Dessy, and Alyce.

For Mother of the Bride/Groom she has Jade Collection and Couture.

Shoe designers she carries are, Benjamin Walk and J. Loren.

Angie and Maggie can order many sizes and colors. They strive to have outstanding customer service and give one on one attention. They do everything they can to work one on one to make finding that perfect dress fun and stress free.

Check them out you won't be disappointed I promise.

Celebration Banquet's

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with April Butler at Celebration Banquets located above Celebration Cinema on the East Beltline. This is a fun location which will soon be under going renovations for an even more updated look. Celebration was awarded Business of the Year 2008 by West Michigan Wedding Association. You can hold your event there any day of the week. They will start booking 2011 dates Jan 4, 2010.

Celebration does the food, you can bring in your DJ and they also have a bar. Their prices are reasonable and you can fit about 250 people in the room.

Check them out at www.celebrationbanquets.com

Encore Music

Rich, of Encore Music has been in the DJ business since 1991. It is actually his side job but he takes it very seriously. Rich is professional in what he does and strives to be the best.

Because it takes so long to train to be a GOOD DJ, Rich decided that if he ever needs help he will hire his competition rather than train someone new. He typically books 6 to 9 months out but if you have an event sooner give him a call or sent him a note through his website and he will let you know if he is available.

Rich not only does weddings but anniversary parties, birthday parties, homecoming, prom you name it he probably will DJ it for you.

Encore Music is very reasonably priced ranging from $600 to $800 this price can go higher depending on if you use accent lighting or not. This rate is for 4 to 6 hours.

Check out Encore Music at www.encoredj.org Tell him Hannah from Weddings from A to Z sent you!

Noto's

I had the privledge of meeting with Tony Noto of Noto's Old World Italian Restaurant (www.notosoldworld.com). This is an amazing facility, with many different rooms that you can rent out and many different size options as well. If you are looking for an elegant location this is where you should go. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner menus; some that are plated meals and some that are buffet type. They also offer the option of food stations.

Noto's also has their own cake person on staff who does a fantastic job. They also have a chocolate fountain and or a cappuccino cart available to you for additional fees.

If you are looking to have a bar at your reception they have different bar service packages as well.

There are a couple of outdoor garden's at Noto's where you could hold your ceremony if you would like, or you can do them inside if you wanted every thing in one location.

Feel free to give Noto's a call and take a tour you will not be disappointed.

1100rooms.com

Ryan Slusarzyk is the Marketing Programs Coordinator with the Amway Grand Plaza downtown Grand Rapids.

There are 3 major hotel's in downtown under one umbrella which you can find information on www.1100rooms.com. These hotels are Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott and Downtown Courtyard. Within these three major hotels there are many meeting rooms and balls rooms to accommodate large or small events and weddings.

They have currently two wedding planners, one at the Amway who is the point person for all hotels. Her name is Grace Hill, and then at the Marriott you have Lauren Matthews.

The Amway's Chef does most of the wedding cakes for brides who choose the Amway but they are willing to work with you. They also have a preferred Vendors List that brides can see.

Everyone I've come into contact with at Amway and such are very sweet professional and easy to work with.

Shelly's Designs

I had the pleasure of meeting with Shelly of "Shelly's Design". Shelly worked in a floral shop for 10 years and then went out on her own. She has her own place in the basement of her home and has coolers on site making it possible to offer fresh or silk flowers. Shelly is continually going to continuing education classes. She says that with doing flowers in her home she dosen't have any overhead so she can do outstanding work for less. She is willing to work with any brides budget she wants them to get the most for their money.

Shelly also does invitations, if you order your invitation's through Shelly she will give you 30% off thank you's and etc.

Shelly's web site is www.shellysdesginsflorist.com

Shelly does outstanding work I've included some of my favorite pictures.

Invitation update

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Julie Armstrong, the owner of "The invitation Place". She has recently revamped her website and you can check it out at www.weddinginvitationplace.com

I was able to sit and talk with Julie about her different invitations and options. She has invitations ranging from very simple to being able to customize almost anything. She carries 3 lines; Carlson craft, Birch craft, and McPhersons. Julie has been in the wedding invataion business for over 20 years and now own's this business.

I was able to look at the variety of invitations Julie offers. The possibilities are endless; pocket invitations, simple cards, invitations with ribbons tied on. The list goes on.

Julie also sells the accessories such as bridal party gifts, favors, wedding necessities and decorations.

She is able to get invitations pretty quickly but neither of us recommend waiting until the last minute to order them.

Julie works out of her home and has lots of space for you to go through all of her books and options. Julie's main goal is to provide outstanding customer service. She will do whatever she can to make what you want happen.

Photography

Mandy, owner of Memories by Mandy, is a local photographer who has been in the business for a while. She not only does Photography but also sells invitations and wedding accessories! Anything you can think of from favors and cutomizable gifts to glassware and ring bearer pillows.

Mandy also rent's centerpieces. She has tall ones and short
ones. She also has rocks and sand you can put in them and a variety of flower petals. Ask her about them. They are awesome.

For her invitations, she can do a lot of customization which is important to many brides. She can do everything! Invitations, save the date cards, thank you's menus's, place cards and napkins...the list goes on! You can set up a meeting with Mandy and with in about 3 hours have everything picked out and done, which is a huge plus and a time saver!

Also, if you use Mandy as your photographer, you get 15% off anything else you order. What an awesome deal. She has many different photography packages to choose from that are reasonably priced. Some of her packages even come with engagement sessions.

With the photography side of the business, you not only get Mandy there shooting the wedding but, she also brings an assistant so her packages include 2 photographers. She is able to retouch pictures within reason. I have worked with Mandy at wedding's in the past and she is great. She also does fantastic work. Its fun and modern!

Check out her website at www.memoriesbymandy.com

All of these photo's on this post are pictures provided by Memories by Mandy.

Florist

Looking for a reasonable, but still good, florist? Ashley Barnhardt is great. She is a Michigan Certified Florist who buys her flowers wholesale so the more you buy the cheaper its going to be. She does have some wedding packages she can tell you about. There are many pictures on her web site www.ashleybarnhartmcf.weebly.com.

Ashley does everything from corsages and bouquets to arrangements for church and reception. She can also make arrangements to put on the pews and even cake table decor. I like Ashley's work because she puts a personal touch to the work she does, which makes the flowers that more special for your big day.

The following pictures are from Ashley and is of her work.

Check back for more reviews.

Invitations and More

When first starting my research on invitation vendors, the first one that came up was The Invitation Place (www.theweddinginvitationplace.com) I sent Julie (the owner) an email and she instantly replied and was eager to have me share information about her new business with you.

Not only does Julie do invitations but also designer napkins, and all sorts of wedding accessories from cake topers and caking cutting knives to pillows baskets and glassware.

When looking at Julie's invitations I thought they were simple, classy, and well done. It is worth it to note that her invitations, while not tailored SPECIFICALLY for you, are still wonderful!

Julie is located in the Wyoming/Grandville area and is very good at responding to phone calls and or emails. Contact her with your wedding invitation needs.

I will be meeting with Julie soon and will have more information then and will post but I wanted to get the word out about her invitations. If you go see her tell her Hannah sent you.

Outdoor Location

I've found a great out door facility with options of indoors also on Lake Michigan for a nice low key beach wedding.

Camp Geneva (www.campgeneva.org) has a chapel which you can reserve April through August (at alternative times to camp and retreats) and is also available to reserve in December. They also have 1200 feet of beach front which is available to reserve May through August. Camp Geneva also has picnic pavilions for reception's so everything can take place at the same location.

I've seen several wedding's here, at one, they did a beautiful wedding beach side then used the pavilion for a pancake breakfast reception! It was great and totally fit the bride and groom.

On Camp Geneva's web site they have all of their prices along with all of their policies and the maps and brochure's for you to print out. When you go to the web site you will then need to click on retreat facilities and you will see the link for weddings.

I've spoken with Marlene Barkel the Camp's guest services Director. She is very friendly and will respond to you in a timely manner.

Keep checking back for more updates I will be posting a lot of them this week.

Photography

I had the opportunity to meet with Brad Legg of "Brad Legg Photography" at his studio this week. Brad has been in the photography business for years and is very professional and personable.

His studio is located at 36th street and Clyde Park in Wyoming.

Brad does both actual wedding albums and disc albums (pictures burned onto a CD). He is currently running a few specials. You can get a free engagement session with 1 4x6, Free hour of reception coverage with 1 11x14, and 10% off all albums for brides and grooms. You can check his website (www.bradleggphoto.com) for more information.

I feel Brad's prices are pretty reasonable. He has an economy package for as little as $600 and his most expensive package is $3200. He has multiple packages with albums and disc albums.

He has a very well done website at www.bradleggphoto.com with lots of information. Call and set up an appointment with Brad and tell him Hannah sent you.

I have lots of appointments this week so I'll have lots to share with you.

Invitations

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Gwen Jensen who owns Frogstar Productions here in Grand Rapids. You can check out her website at www.frogstarinvitations.com. 

Gwen works out of her home and has a studio where she does all of her own printing and assembling. She has been running her own business for about 4 years.  I was impressed with the different styles she has to offer. Gwen said that she will try anything as long as she has the equipment required!

 

She not only does wedding invitations but also save the date cards, table numbers, programs, menus, thank you's etc. Her prices are very reasonable starting at $2 an invite and going up from there; if you provide her with the materials then it will be $2 an invite no matter the design. She does have a generic price list on her website but, because of the customization of her work, her prices vary based on what you would like (paper type etc). 

If you do your invitations through her anything else you would like to order from her would be 50% off.  

She suggests that you order about 2 to 3 months before your wedding as she runs about a week to week and a half turn around time. 

She will be featured in the Knot's fall magazine coming out. When meeting with Gwen I also was privileged to meet her business mascot Riley! He was super cute and friendly. Gwen runs this business out of her home but is very professional. Be sure to check her out and tell her Hannah referred you!

Check back for info on Brad Legg Photography.

Starting up

I am super excited to be starting this blog to help brides across West Michigan plan the biggest day of their lives! This blog will highlight vendors across West Michigan, everything from A to Z that you need to plan the big day. 

Today I will introduce myself and, as the weeks and months go on, I will add more information.

My name is Hannah Kaniewski and I was born and raised in Grand Rapids.  Since I was a little girl I have loved weddings. I have always wanted to plan weddings, so a few years ago I started going after this dream. I went to a tech school to obtain my Wedding Consulting Certificate and I soon started helping my friends and family plan their weddings when they got engaged. Then, one of my friends, started her own business called Renee Austin's located downtown Her store is a wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride and groom dresses, tux rentals and accessories. www.reneeaustins.com  After talking with her my passion grew even more and idea's on her end and my end started flowing. So, here I am, I want to be a great resource for brides. I am really excited for this new adventure. 

Stay Tuned for more information soon.