New Blog Address

Thank you for visiting the ele3 blog, we have recently upgraded our web presence, and our blog address has changed. Please bookmark or subscribe to us in your google reader at the below address. Happy 2010!

http://ele3events.com/index.php/blog/

From our hearts to yours Merry Christmas, from "the girls" at ele3 Event Design & Planning!!!

Andy Wakeman Photography

In June, Teal and David hired ele3 for our premier wedding planning services for their destination wedding in Glen Arbor, MI. During the pre-planning portion we contacted the new and talented Andy Wakeman of Andy Wakeman Photography out of Traverse City. We blogged about the wedding and featured a few of his pictures at that time, but today we'd like to tell you a little bit more about Andy. If you are intrigued by this Q and A and want to learn more, please feel free to contact him!

When did you know that you wanted to be a photographer?
I have a graphic design background and I've always been in love with images, composition and all art forms in general. Photography was always a hobby that very naturally transitioned into a career path.

How long have you been in the business, and what makes you different from the other photographers out there?
This past summer was my first full season of weddings. I had photographed a few weddings for friends and family the year before. Happy with my results I decided to put a website together. The response since then has been incredible, way beyond my expectations. I think my background is a little different than other photographers. My graphic design / marketing background has given me loads of experience on high budget photo shoots as an "art director". It was a very natural transition for me to pick up the camera and begin shooting since I had been around the process all along.One other thing that makes my images different is just recently I've started shooting some film at my weddings (not the whole wedding just select shots). It really compliments my style of shooting and makes a really soft organic image. The cool thing is with digital scans the bride still receives all of the film images on a disc just as if they were shot digitally.

What is your favorite type of shot?
I love shots that have a vintage feel to them. I don't just mean what the bride is wearing either. Certain compositions and poses just have a more vintage feel. I love anything quirky, sometimes I'll have the bride hold the bouquet in front of their faces while they kiss or something like that. Also, I'm a sucker for using props - old cameras, umbrellas, hats, fans, anything vintage and cool.


Explain your wedding day shooting process.
I'm shooting to tell a story. If I see an interesting texture or decoration then I capture it. These detail photos by themselves are a little bit vague but next to a portrait of the bride they really complete the story. You see this editorial shooting style all over the bridal magazines and it's something that I try to recreate for each of my weddings. Also, I always try to work it out where I have about 20 minutes with the bride and groom alone. For me this is the best way to get the couple relaxed and comfortable which is so important

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
I'd trade places with my 3 year old daughter. Mostly because she says the funniest things and I would like to know what she's thinking.

Michigan Venue "Rosewood Inn Bed & Breakfast"

ele3 Event Design & Planning had the opportunity to go to the Rosewood Inn Bed & Breakfast for a friend and family members joyous wedding day. This gorgeous southern mansion is located in Lansing, Michigan and if you think the pictures are beautiful the space is even more lovely in person. This Michigan venue is complete with outdoor ceremony setup and white peaked tents for reception space. Congratulations to our friends & family Becky and Steve!

Sneak Peak - Rhonda & Gregg

Please enjoy the above pictures of Rhonda & Greggs Wedding. ele3 Event Design & Planning had the opportunity to plan, design, and do the florals for this wedding occasion. The blissful couple had a beautiful day and we look forward to sharing more photos and details with you soon! Patti Maravolo owner of PMP Photography did a fantastic job capturing the couples special day. Congratulations Rhonda & Gregg!

Lovely Jeweled Toned Real Wedding

I can not contain my excitement for this weekends wedding. This is such a special event with fabulous vendors. Our lovely bride and handsome groom are from Pittsburgh so we are truly looking forward to reuniting with them and seeing their vision put into life. ele3 Event Design had the chance to design their wedding decor, reception, & florals for them. The main theme throughout the wedding is going to be sharp chartreuse green and black. The bridesmaids bouquets are going to be a gorgeous jewel tones with each maid caring a different hue of pink, violet, blue, and white with the bride to be carrying green, accented with black satin ribbon. I look forward to showing you a sneak preview next week!

Photos Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Rachel & Andy 9/6/2009

The team at ele3 Event Design & Planning wants to say congratulations to Rachel and Andy! We thoroughly enjoyed being apart of your wedding day! Please enjoy this sneak peak of the happy couple, photo courtesy of the talented Amy Caroll. We look forward to sharing more of the couples beautiful day!

Gorgeous Tablescapes

Please enjoy these gorgeous pictures of tablescapes and floral arrangements created and designed by ele3 Event Design & Planning. Each of the above tablescapes vary in style, which one is your favorite?

Vitamin String Quartet

If you are looking for Ceremony music with a classic appeal but still carries a modern twist, I would highly recommend the Vitamin String Quartet. Many of our brides have chosen the Quartets music for their ceremonies this 2009 season, the music is truly inspirational. The quartets music would fancy the ears of any sweet Nana or the younger Punkster, the Quartets music is that diverse. For your listening pleasure below is the Vitamin String Quartets take on U2's, "All I Want is You", which would make a fabulous prelude for any ceremony!

Music Courtesy of: YouTube

Beth & Chad 2010

We are DOC's for Beth and Chad, a 2010 client. The happy couple just had their engagement pictures taken by Kelly Sweet Photography. I do not know about you but I am loving the pink umbrella shots! Congratulations Beth and Chad and we are looking forward to your wedding!

CB2

I have often found modern details add the perfect touch to any contemporary table decor. I am loving the above glass candle holders found at CB2. Not only are they sleek and stylish they would set any tablescape aglow, and the prices are reasonable too! If you have not had a chance to visit the CB2 website and view their online catalog you will be amazed at their great deals and modern stylish decor!

Photo Courtesy of CB2

Weekly Date Night

Weddings are filled with dresses, flowers, showers, parties, and food. All of these elements are wonderful and such a special time in a bride and grooms life. Enjoy, relax, and soak up all the precious memories. However, with your planning process remember to get in the habit of taking time for each other, AWAY from wedding planning. Take time to enjoy each other's company, set time aside for a weekly date night for the two of you, it may be an effort to take the time away but it is truly worth it.

The best aspect of taking time for date night is exploring the wonderful city of Grand Rapids we are fortunate to live in. If you are looking for a great date night to get away and enjoy, this week I recommend kicking it back in East Town at the Wealthy Street Theatre for their retro movies presented by the Meanwhile . With movie ticket prices at $5.00 dollars per person, buttery popcorn, cold beverages, and American classics like the "Three Amigos", no couple can refuse. I would highly suggest this location to any photographer for a few unique shots of their bride and groom. The old theater is part of Grand Rapids history and the interior has many unique characteristics that would be a joy to capture! Why not get married in the old romantic theater??? Not only do date nights inspire you as a couple but they also inspire you and your wedding! Remember to take time and be inspired by each other.

Escape Tradition

Although there are some lovely corsages in the floral industry this does not mean you or your mom need to settle with the same old thing. Be open to new fresh ideas that will leave a timeless impression when you look back on your wedding photos. Please enjoy this lovely simplistic magnolia corsage that would leave any mother feeling modern and fresh.

Photo Courtesy of: JL Designs

Gorgeous Barn

When ele3 Event Design & Planning came across this gorgeous barn, while we were in Glen Arbor for the Erickson wedding, we could not resist but to take pictures! This barn would make an absolutely amazing venue! This barn is simply gorgeous from its high weathering peaks to its white outline that is accented perfectly with shades of green running throughout the landscape. I love the "smaller barns", they would make wonderful dressing rooms for the brides and her maids and the groom and his men! As much as our creativity and design started transposing in our conversation the barn is actually owned by a Glen Arbor local and they have slowly been restoring the farmhouse as well as the barn. I just had to share the romance of this barn, I hope you enjoy it!

Welcome Pea Pod

Our team here at ele3 Event Design & Planning would like to give a huge congratulations to Kate & Matt Upton and welcome their new sweet "pea pod" Niles Drake Upton into this wonderful world.

A little over a week ago ele3 Event Design & Planning had the oppertunity to give our friend, sister, and daughter a baby shower. The shower was neutral since Kate and Matt did not know what gender pea pod was going to be. We chose to show Kates sunny personality and designed the shower around daisies. Daisies resemble happiness, sunshine, and warmth a perfect match for the mommy to be. Kates pseudo mom, Sherrie and I had a wonderful time designing the decor of the event. Please enjoy the pictures from Kate's shower and help us welcome Niles with any loving comments you may have to share!!!

Lovely Blooms

Please do enjoy the above lovely blooms ele3 Event Design & Planning made for our clients wedding last week. The Bridal Bouquet consisted of Baccara Roses, Mini Cala-Lilies, and a burst of fluttering Cymbidium Orchids, accented perfectly with silver satin ribbon. The color pallet was fuschia pink, burgundy, and silver. The Boutonnieres consisted of the Baccara Rose, Wax Leaf, and Ruscus Greenery accompanied with silver satin ribbon.

Of course these are our own amateur photos we can not wait to show you what the photographer captured. Not to mention the bride was absolutely gorgeous! Stay tuned!

Sneak Peak at Kioski Wedding

What a gorgeous whimsical wedding! This is a sneak peak at some of the fun we had last Saturday for Maddie and Scott!