All weddings are unique, full of tradition and rich in personal style. I wanted to spotlight the wedding of Sachin and Suma for this exact reason. What a great couple!!

Check out their wedding highlight video. It really is eye and ear candy!

The Wedding of Sachin & Suma from Mike Staff Productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

I love the music, color, and culture in their wedding video!

Their ceremony and reception were held at The Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, Michigan.

Sports Illustrated vs. ESPN

I received an email today from Rachel Cytacki of All Things Creative. We now have the honor of sharing the insight of her husband, Dan, a wedding enthusiast. Dan's insight into the wedding industry is impeccable, and to be honest, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Question: If you had a subscription to Sports Illustrated, do you think that would mean you’d no longer want to watch ESPN?

Recently, while working at a bridal show, our booth was near a videographer and I was amazed by the number of brides that told him, “I don’t need a videographer, we have a photographer”

Here are a couple of analogies that came to mind after hearing what the brides told this gentleman...

“What kind of drinks will you be serving?”
“We aren’t serving drinks; we’re going to have food instead”

“I notice there are no chairs for your guests”
“Yeah, we decided to go with tables”

“Where did you meet you’re husband?”
“We haven’t met yet but I’ve seen a ton of pictures”

Ok, maybe I’m overstating things a bit, but in my years of wedding experience, I’ve never heard a couple say “I’m really glad we don’t have a video of the day.” Pictures are wonderful.  I’ve been lucky to work with some of the best photographers around, but there are aspects of the day no photo can capture.

While watching the sample work at the show, there was a great moment captured by the videographer I hope will help you understand where I am coming from. The Bride is putting on her veil, getting ready to head to the church. The camera cuts to her father standing in the hallway seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. He’s smiling and holding back tears. He moves into the room to hug her. As the father puts his arms around his daughter we can no longer see his face, until the camera pans around the bride to reveal that he’s lost his battle to keep back the tears. He’s beaming with pride as the tears role down his face.

On a side note: here I am. Standing at our booth at a bridal show. Watching this, and thinking about my own daughter crying.

This is just one moment in a day full of moments you’ll want to have, keep, and share with your children and grandchildren.

You probably won't pull the DVD out on a Saturday night when you don't have plans or want to stay in, but wouldn't it be nice to have the option. I think it would be really cool to see my parents wedding, and their wedding was so basic. Weddings have come a long way over the years and being able to document the day is priceless.

About the Author ('s wife)

Rachel Cytacki has been in the wedding industry for over 12 years. With that time comes a wealth of knowledge and relationships making her and All Things Creative a leading choice for wedding and event planning throughout Michigan. Rachel’s goal is to assist you in planning your event so you can enjoy the day with your family and friends.

10 Ways to Have More Fun at Your Wedding Reception

Your wedding ceremony and reception are not intended to be exercises in expert planning and execution, but celebrations of your new life as a married couple. It’s easy to lose sight of the day’s meaning in the clutter of so many preparations. Here are a few suggestions that will help you enjoy your wedding reception …
1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Try to plan a day of rest by having everything done two days before the wedding, including your rehearsal dinner. Don’t stay up late addressing party favors or making place cards the night before your wedding. Recharge your batteries by taking a day to breathe and relax while doing regular activities you enjoy.

2. Don’t drink too much (or at all) during the day. If you’re going to drink on your wedding day, wait until you arrive at the hall. Be sure to eat something, too.

3. Wear or bring comfortable shoes. The bride, groom and bridal party should choose great-fitting and low-heeled shoes for the gala affair; or bring a second pair of shoes or slippers that make their feet happy -- especially while dancing.
4. Plan an exit strategy. Ask responsible friends and family members to help you by assigning them end-of-the-night duties, such as removing decorations, taking gifts to a pre-determined destination and settling up with the hall. Parents and trustworthy friends are often asked to handle the latter.

5. Let people come to you. Don’t feel compelled to “hang out” with everyone. Once you’ve finished greeting friends and family during the receiving line or visited with them at their tables, you no longer need to keep them company. Guests will come to you, particularly while you’re on the dance floor.

6. Relax. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Hundreds of details have been planned. How and when they are carried out is mostly out of your control. Let go of things that are not in your power to change. When your best-laid plans go awry, keep things in perspective. Remember that this is one moment of many in a day, and one day of your life. Your sense of humor is your second best friend on your wedding day.
7. Trust your DJ. If everyone isn’t on the dance floor by the second song, don’t start to panic. You can’t rush the party. A great DJ knows how to handle a reluctant crowd and build momentum with the music. Give him some space to do his job, and your patience will be rewarded.

8. Don’t compare: Every party is different. Don't compare your wedding reception with others that you have attended. Each party has its own personality based on a variety of factors. Day-to-day events at home, school, work or in the news can all affect the energy level of the room. Allow your reception to take on its own identity and you'll enjoy it more (and so will your guests!).
9. Spend time with your new husband. A couple can spend so much time apart at their reception, working the room with a “divide and conquer” mindset, that they often forget the day is meant for them. Memories of your wedding reception ought to include moments shared with your new spouse that aren’t staged by a photographer. Make your togetherness a priority, and you’ll save yourself a lifetime of regrets.

10. Dance. Above all, have a great time at your party. Eat, socialize and meet your spouse on the dance floor. Your fun mood is contagious, and guests will follow your lead.

Win Your Dream Wedding!

The Embassy Suites Hotel Livonia is giving away a FREE WEDDING! If you or someone you know has wedding bells in their future enter to win the prize package worth over $15,000!


The package includes a wedding and reception, music, photographer, flowers, wedding cake, custom linens and chair covers, hair and make-up, custom jewelry, a four night honeymoon with a 2010 Lincoln MKS to drive for the week, and much more!!

And of course, Mike Staff Productions will be the DJ’s on what is sure to be one of the best wedding receptions of the year!


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Click here to check out the details on how to enter and WIN!!