Summer 2013

I am so excited that one of the weddings that I had the pleasure of being the wedding planner for is in the new Fall/Winter 2013 issue of The Knot Michigan (pages 120 and 121 to be exact). It was an incredibly elegant and beautiful affair at Camp Tanuga in Kalkaska, Michigan. I actually cannot believe that it has almost been a year at this point and that Jeffrey and Rachel will be celebrating their one year anniversary shortly. Congrats you two! Check out the images below.

Check out even more images here......

http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/an-elegant-simple-wedding-in-kalkaska-mi-125998 

Camp Wedding

This past August, I had the pleasure of assisting a couple get married at Camp Tanuga in Kalkaska, MI. Why Camp Tanuga, you may ask? Well, Rachel and Jeffrey met at Camp Tanuga as kids and knew it would be the perfect location to get married.

It was the perfect weekend of fun, love, laughter and activities. Friday night they kicked off the weekend with their ketubah signing followed by the camp ritual of meeting at the flag pole for flag lowering continued by a rustic rehearsal dinner in the "mess hall" and closing the night with bonfire and smores!         

Saturday, during the day guests were able to utilize the amazing camp grounds and do activities (from arts & crafts, water skiing, regatta sail boat race and much more).  Saturday lunch was a "Camp Lunch" Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup- a camp lunch classic and our favorite.  The couple wanted their guests to experience what they had been able to experience for many summer of their lives. 

Finally, the night had come. They had a cocktail prior to the ceremony on the "reck-deck." Guests had light bites of Mediterranean style (our favorite type of food) as well as Caprese Kebob, Butternut Squash, Stuffed Mushroom, Garlic Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes. During the cocktail hour guests could sign our "mad lib" guest book or look at the window sills of love. During the cocktail hour they had live music- cello and violinist.

The decor was "naturally charming" for ceremony and party! Simple as they just added to the natural beauty of camp grounds - with twine branch with lavender, white flowers and small daises (white roses, white mini flower pots, yet with a splash of lavender, mercury glass votives and vases) to give a more elegant feel.   As the ceremony took place at sundown on the waterfront peak right off the lake- tea lights and candles were hung from the large pine tree centered behind us, candle lanterns lined each side the rose pedal aisle. Finally they were married under the chupah at dark, the ceremony was magical - you could feel the warmth and love!

 The party went late into the night- or rather... early sunday morning. They had late night pizza from the local pizza place "G's" - ordered as a late night snack. (G's Pizza was is a Tanuga staple for camper birthdays, special occasions etc). The talented band, Fifty Amp Fuse kept everyone on the dance floor all night!  It was a perfect weekend with their closest friends and family celebrating where their love began.   

Hello Again!

Oh my gosh, I cannot believe how long it has been since I last wrote on my blog. It is so crazy to think that enough time has passed since my last entry that I had a baby girl who will actually be two years of age this July. Crazy!

In honor of her, I would like to ponder the idea of princesses. My daughter has just recently discovered the world of princesses. In fact, a couple of weeks ago her daddy bought her the Disney Princess Classic Collection (all 12 of them) and she is obsessed with learning who they are and their names. She loves to look at the dolls and I often wonder what she thinks about them.

I know as a 33 almost 34 year old (yikes), I loved the thought of princesses as a child too whether it was dressing up like one, reading about one or even just dreaming about one.

Then, I had my own kind of princess day when I got married. I know that for many, many brides their wedding day is the one day where the fantasy can actually come true. As a planner, I love being a part of that world. I love knowing that I am in a field where I have a small part in making a brides inner child dream come true. Thank you to all the brides out there that have allowed me to be a part of such a special day. I look forward to many more of these days.

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

I am gearing up for a Bat Mitzvah that is taking place this month and am getting quite excited for it. As with a wedding, the planning process can be anywhere from 6 months all the way up to 1 or 2 years prior to the event date. The steps to planning such an event are also quite similar to a wedding in that a venue must be found, vendors must be hired, the décor and theme must be devised, invitations must go out, the menu must be created, and so on. The main difference, of course, is the momentous occasion being celebrated with one being the right of passage of adulthood and the other being the celebration of a couple joining together in matrimony.

Now, the two biggest factors in planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah are the type of function you want to hold such as a kids only party or a kids & adult party and the activities or theme. With so many different venues to choose from in Michigan, you can really create the Bar/Bat Mitzvah of your son or daughter’s dreams. Here are some theme ideas that seem most popular in the area:

1.) Sports

a. Ski Party

b. Outdoor Adventure (Rock Wall Climbing)

c. Indoor Pool/Gym/Inflatable

2.) Movie/Music

a. Imax Theater (3D Movies)

3.) Dance

a. Dinner/DJ/Theme Band

As I mentioned there are some great venues to choose from in the area, so do your research or as always seek out the help of a professional planner to guide you through the process. Also, if you are looking for a non-traditional party, your planner can provide you with some great ideas on how best to accomplish that goal.

Bridesmaids Dresses

I was having dinner with a friend of mine whose sibling is getting married next fall(congrats again, by the way) and the talk turned to bridesmaids dresses. I love that brides have so many wonderful choices in terms of colors and styles when it comes to selecting a bridesmaids dress. In fact, it is completely acceptable to have the party wear the same color, but different style of dress to best match a body type and/or sense of style. Here are some pointers, however when you are giving your bridesmaids the power of choice:

1.) Select the same fabric that best reflects the time of year of your wedding

2.) Select the same shade of color (unless you want your maid of honor or junior bridesmaids to stand out)

3.) Select the same store to purchase the dresses

4.) If possible, select the same brand or designer

These perimeters will provide your brides with direction they need to find the right dress for your special day.

Be Different

A year ago, I joined the Junior Leagues of Birmingham to not only meet new people, but to get more involved in the community. This past weekend, we held our annual Mistletoe Event at Cloverleaf Fine Wine in Royal Oak which was a huge success. While it was a new venue for the league, it turned out quite well. The two story space has a modern loft feel to it with exposed pipes and beams which supported our cocktail event. Along with a wonderful band and plenty of wine and appetizers, there was a silent auction with a large array of wonderful items to choose from.

The reason I am mentioning all of this is that there are so many great places in Michigan to hold an event and that if you really want to be creative and different, you can absolutely make your wedding or special event something to remember. I challenge you to think differently for your next big event. If you have any examples of doing something a little bit different that you would like to share, please e-mail me at mrosenthal@merrittrosenthal.com . I look forward to your responses.

The Centerpiece

The Centerpiece

Lately, I have been working on putting together new ways for bride’s to re-invent the centerpiece and have come up with some different ideas. I love that even the smallest, most insignificant thing can spark inspiration such as a trip to the grocery store. So, the other day, I was picking up the usual list of items from our local store like milk, juice, eggs etc and came across an almost antique looking shampoo bottle. You might say “What in the world does a shampoo bottle have to with weddings,” but let me tell you it can. At that moment, I had a wonderful thought come to mind and I had to sketch it right away. I pulled out my little notepad from my purse and sketched away (I think a few bystanders thought I was a little strange, but oh what I would do for my job). Then, I tucked it away until I could get home to do more research on antiques. Now at home, I typed in “antiques” into a Google word search and was on my way. After a short time, I was able to build an entirely new type of centerpiece around my idea and I truly look forward to the day when I can put it to good use.

Family Wedding in Arizona

My husband and I attended a relative’s wedding this weekend in Arizona which was lovely. The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the picturesque Four Seasons in Scottsdale where the warm weather, great food & decor and terrific company made for a memorable experience. From every wedding that I attend, I like to take away at least one favorite moment or idea and this time it was definitely the setting. Having the ceremony outside with a beautiful background of mountains, cacti, candlelight, and roses was indescribable. In fact, I did not think the site could be topped until I noticed the amazing sunset before me. What an image! If I could change one thing about the whole weekend, it would have been to stay longer. In fact, the weekend went so fast, I barely even remember being there or even that I was able to bask in the sun for a few hours at the hotel pool.

Joe Cornell Expo

A couple of weekends ago, I participated in the Joe Cornell Event Planning Expo at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. I was actually representing both the Troy Community Center as well as my own business, Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events. It was not only nice to see such a great turn-out for the show, but it was great to be part of such a well organized and intimate show (the vendors are limited to between 60 and 70). Here are some pictures from the show…

Parisian Weddings & Dresses

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to France for the first time and spent time in Paris and Tours. We absolutely loved every minute of it and cannot wait to return one day. During our time there, we visited such historical and beautiful sites as the Louvre, Versaille, Orsay, Montmatre, Chambord and the list can go on and on.

Also, I had the opportunity to sit down one on one with a couture wedding dress designer, Ana Quasoar, at her salon on Rue De La Banque. We discussed Parisian weddings as well as her exquisite work. It was a fantastic experience and look forward to the day when we can meet again as well as work together. Please feel free to peruse her work at http://www.anaquasoar.com/wedding_gowns.php.

September 26, 2009 Wedding

Congratulations to Sarah and Matt Beer! I so enjoyed being a part of your wedding day and wish you all the happiness in the world. Here are a few pictures from the grand affair.

Wedding Classes at the Troy Community Center

Announcing two new wedding planning classes at the Troy Community Center on 9/15 and 10/29-Weddings 101 and Weddings on a Budget. There are a limited number of spots available, so sign-up now! Call 248-524-3484 for more information or to purchase your ticket.

August 22, 2009

Congratulations to Lindsey and Mark Sislo on your recent nuptials. I am so pleased that I could be a part of your day as your wedding planner. It was a wonderful time and I wish you both have all the happiness in the world. Here are some pictures of the memorable day.

Passion

This past weekend, I attended Julie & Julia with my oh so wonderful husband at the old theater in Birmingham and absolutely adored it. I have to tell you that is one of those movies that you could see over and over again. Basically, I know this movie will end up driving my husband crazy because I will want to watch it every time it comes on television. Ladies, I know you know what I am talking about.

Meryl Streep was amazing in her portrayal of Julia Child and Amy Adam’s character was equally adorable and fun to watch. I believe the best part of this movie, however was the passion each woman possessed for food and cooking. I instantly felt a connection to these women because of it. What I love about passion is that once you find it, you cannot get enough of it nor do you feel as alive doing anything else. I feel so lucky to have found wedding planning and only hope that my passion for the business continues until I am old and gray.

First Fitting

I recently shared in the joy of attending the first dress fitting with one of my brides and loved every minute of it. My absolute favorite moment is watching a bride put on her very own dress on for the first time and then seeing that noticeable expression of excitement in her face. I also love it when the mother of the bride, friends and other families attend to support the bride and gush over the dress. I always encourage this!

Attending the first fitting can also be nerve-wracking, so here are a few tips to make the appointment go smoothly:
1.) Bring the shoes and undergarments that you are going to wear the day of the wedding.
2.) Bring a few different jewelry pieces to try on with the dress.
3.) If you have it, bring along your veil and/or headpiece just to get a feel for the full picture.
4.) Always bring a camera and family or friends!
5.) Take along your wedding planner to make suggestions on the bustle or fit of the dress.

The Photographer

Photography is a wonderful way to capture your wedding day memories. It is also a key element in determining many couples’ budgets. Here are a few questions to consider when selecting the right person for your wedding.

1.) Will you be at my wedding or will you send someone else? If so, can I meet him/her?

2.) What type of camera do you use?

3.) What is your style of photography?

4.) When will the proofs be ready?

5.) What type of packages do you offer?

6.) Do you have different styles of wedding books?

7.) Will there be online ordering?

8.) What do you require for the deposit? When is final payment due?

9.) Do you offer videography services as well?

Wedding Elements- The Flowers

Flowers are one of my favorite elements to a wedding and I love devising new ways to use them. Sure, they may be an added expense, but they can easily and beautifully transform a space in minutes. Here are some questions to ask when you are meeting with a florist:

· What packages does the vendor offer?

· Can they work with your budget?

· Do they understand your wedding style?

· Do they deliver the flowers? Is there a charge?

· Do they offer other rentals (linens, candles, chair covers, chairs)? What are the fees associated with these?

· Do they set-up the flowers at the ceremony and reception sites?

· If needed, can they move the ceremony flowers to the reception site?

· Can they provide flowers for the cake?

· What do they require to book a date?

· What is their cancellation policy?

Wedding Elements-The Invitation

In the next month, I will be examining several elements of the wedding planning process. This week, the focus will be on selecting the right invitation.

An invitation will not only set the tone, but will be your guest’s first glimpse into your dream day. Here are a few factors to think about when selecting the perfect invitation:

· What is your wedding theme?

· What colors are you incorporating into the wedding?

· What time of year will your wedding take place?

· What do you want the invitation to say about your wedding?

· What will the text say on the invitation? Will it say black tie preferred?

· What is your budget?

· How many invitations will you need?

· What is the lead time on the invitations?

· Do you want to custom invitations

Lauren & Wes Herrin's Wedding-Flowers (Breath of Spring), Invitation (Lee's Specialty)

Troy Community Center & Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events Partner Up

It is an exciting time in the event planning world as The Troy Community Center and Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events have aligned to offer special event planning services starting now. A group may select from 2 unique packages and/or hourly assistance to create the perfectly planned shower, graduation, anniversary party, birthday party, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and more. Take a look at the marketing piece on my website or call 248-524-1835 for more information.