Spring Fever Playlist

I am itchin' for some hot, weather; but since summer is coming in slow, I thought we could get down to some mellow, spring music. Enjoy!

Video Of The Week: Beau and Julie

Wedding season is starting, and are we ever ready! Check out Beau and Julie's May 7th wedding:




Filmed: May 7, 2011
Ceremony Location: Kirk in the Hills
Reception Location: Wabeek Country Club
Videography: Mike Staff Productions

A Heart To Serve: Shrink Your Footprint

You've heard a bit about our Heart To Serve Campaign: Local Food Pantries, Hope Closet and our school in Haiti; but there is more to it yet: taking care of the environment. I'm not backing a save the whales campaign or preaching global warming, but I am a big supporter of doing your part. Our marketing manager and in-house newly wed Marta has some practical tips for shrinking your carbon footprint:

Getting married is a new chapter in your life and a great way to start some simple, sustainable practices. Today I'm going to focus on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in the kitchen. The order is very important. The less you bring into your house the less carbon footprint goes out.

Reduce
Buy food in large quantities. Individual sized servings are convenient, but create so much excess waste. For example: buy a large container of juice and divide it into smaller portions using reusable water bottles and cups; or buy pop in 2 liters and save on cans and cardboard excess. (Remember all packaging, whether it is recyclable or not, takes resources and energy to make and salvage.) Another example is skipping paper towels and using kitchen dish towels.

Reuse
Think sustainability: Tupperware for leftovers and lunches, flatware and real plates at dinner time, and baskets and reusable bags when you're shopping. Other ideas would be reusing wine bottles as vases and glass jars for storage. There is also the "C" word... composting. Don't be intimidated. It is easier than you think. Check out this quick blog on how to get started. Keep a small bin on your counter for putting scraps in while you cook. Then at the end of the night, dump it in your composter. Easy piezie!

Recycle
Recycling is last for a reason: it is your last resort (while last before actually throwing something in the garbage.) Create a recycling center in your kitchen to keep recyclables organized and out of your way. I divided mine into: Paper/Cardboard, Returnables, and Other Recycling. When a bin gets full, take it to your local recycling center. Click here to find how to recycle anything in your area.

You don't have to start everything at once, but be responsible for your (and your new spouse's) carbon footprint.

Bridesmaids The Movie Giveaway

Need a night off from wedding planning? Of course you do! Tell us why your bridesmaids are the best here and you're entered to win FREE movie passes for you and your friends!

"We Were Framed"

Props are a great addition to any photography. Add some fun and style to your wedding images by using empty picture frames. Check out some fun examples:

Mix and Match frames look vintage and chic.

Include the whole wedding party for even more fun.

Even combine this trend with funky mustache props.

If you can't wait for your wedding day incorporate this trend into your engagement session.

Royal Wedding Exclusive: Ceremony Intro

Since the whole world is going mad over the Royal Wedding, we knew we needed to join in, too. Check out this EXCLUSIVE clip form the secret ceremony:

We just love a good wedding intro!!

Paralyzed Bride Jennifer Darmon Walks at Wedding

This is such an amazing story. After a terrible car crash Jennifer Darmon was paralyzed from the waist down. Her boyfriend showed true devotion through her rehabilitation and later asked her to marry him. Jennifer vowed she would walk down the aisle at her wedding, and like a wish come true... well watch the short story for yourself:

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/paralyzed-bride-jennifer-darmon-walks-at-wedding-24948127

In The News: Styleline Wedding Of The Week

Congratulations to our past clients Michelle Vermeulen and Jarrett Torno for being featured as the Wedding Of The Week in the Detroit Free Press.

Michelle and Jarrett were married September 25 of last year in Troy. Their wedding was photographed by Jim Van Luven from the Mike Staff Productions' team. Great images Jim!

To see more of Michelle and Jarrett's wedding images, click here. We have a great album of them on our Facebook page. Enjoy!

Wedding Trend: A Gypsy Affair

Start with shabby-chic, add a large dose of bright jewel tones, a sprinkle of exotic accessories, and a relaxed outdoor venue. There you have it: A Gypsy Affair. Theme your wedding with this up and coming style, and you are sure to wow all your guests.

Keep your wedding fashion simple, but surprising. Wear your hair loose or down, choose a dress with simple lines, and add one or two great accessories. Let your man rock a vintage suit with a bright tie or pocket square. Have your attendance wear mix and match outfits in a bold colors and patterns.

Encourage your guests to join in the fun. Have a basket of fun accessories and props to share, or let them make their own party hats to celebrate.

Since no wedding is complete without music, add some great gypsy acoustic music to your ceremony and turn up the dancing with music from Gogol Bordello. Try “American Wedding" or “Start Wearing Purple.”

Video of The Week: Danielle and Adam

What could be better than a fun loving wedding video to break through this winter haze?!? Check out Danielle and Adam's special day set to "Chicken Fried" by the Zac Brown Band:

Filmed September 10, 2010
Ceremony Location: The Inn at St. Johns
Romantics: The Inn at St. Johns
Reception Location: The Inn at St. Johns
Videography by Mike Staff Productions

Registry Must-Have: Organization

With the average age for a first wedding in Michigan being 28, it is true to say that most engaged people have at least an apartment or two of household items already.

This was definitely true of Marta and her new husband. Now in their first house together, and the only thing they seem to lack is a place to put everything. That is why she came up with these must-have items to add to your registry.

Guaranteed to ease the transition of two (households) becoming one.

These organization systems are a breeze to put up, and maximize space like no other. Register for this at Lowe's for a fraction of the cost at The Container Store or Ikea.

This new line of hangers from Real Simple are amazing. Half the space of traditional hangers (there is room for both of you in the new closet), plus they keep even sweaters hanging perfectly. Add them to your Bed, Bath and Beyond registry.

Take advantage of under the bed space with this great wheeled storage. Perfect for linens and off-season clothes. You can register for these at Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond or any hardware store.

Video of The Week: Katie and Billy

A little Bruno Mars and a great wedding video to kick start your weekend!


Filmed: October 16, 2010
Ceremony Location: The Inn at St. John's
Romantics: The Inn at St. John's
Reception Location: The Inn at St. John's
Videography by Mike Staff Productions
mikestaff.com

Color Your 2011 Wedding with Honeysuckle

Another style update from our in-house newly wed, Marta...

antone has selected the bold, reddish-pink Honeysuckle as its 2011 Color of the Year, calling it "a brave new color for a brave new world."

While Turquoise, 2010's Color of the Year, served as an escape of sorts, Honeysuckle confidently goes a step further to encourage and uplift... Just what you want for your wedding day bliss!

Alone and paired with other colors, Honeysuckle has a bit of a retro vibe that is playful and classy. Perfect for Spring and Summer weddings! Plus, honeysuckle looks great on many different complexions. (Perfect for bridesmaid dresses!)