The Wedding of Kim & Rich

Kim & Rich are two of the most adorable people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are so sweet and down to earth, with really lead to a beautiful and relaxed day. Check out how gorgeous Kim is!

As a wedding planner, you never know how things will come together until you see everything on the actual wedding day. I was blown away by how well everyone worked together during set up. The Penna’s staff was very helpful, The Lighting Guy had already begun hanging all of the drapery and the linens from The Linen Closet had all arrived. I looked around during this just-starting-set-up phase and knew everything was going to be just as we imagined. We had the opportunity to work with some of our favorite vendors and even had a chance to meet some new ones that we hope to work with again in the future.

The first time I saw Kim on her wedding day, she was posing for some photos with Kristen Taylor in front of a giant window. I literally began to tear up. She looked amazing! Her hair, makeup, THE DRESS! It was perfect. While we tried to hide Kim from Rich (which is difficult when navigating the labrynth of halls and rooms at Meadowbrook!), I realized that the relaxing morning was going to lead to an even more relaxing ceremony. Everyone looked great in their dresses and tuxes, Rich was calm as he waited with his guys, and all of the girls were doing their last minute lipstick checks. As everyone lined up for the processional, filled with excitement, you could see that the sun was shining and there was a perfect breeze sweeping across the grounds. My favorite moment of every wedding we do is the moment before I open the doors to the ceremony, and watch the couple catch a glance. Kim and her mom both looked at each other, took a deep breath and smiled from ear to ear. The ceremony was beyond beautiful. Every so often, you could see the wind take hold of Kim’s veil and gently sweep it behind her and the look in Rich’s eyes said it all.

The reception was one of the most beautiful and intimate that I have done. Family and friends were there to celebrate, and there was no mistaking that! The blue uplighting created a very unique feel against the draping and the candy buffet was filled with nostalgic and delicious candies. They also chose to do custom Jones soda in the perfect shade of Berry Blue. The food was delicious, the music was rockin’ and the dance floor was packed for most of the night! By seeing all of this, combined with the opportunity to meet their friends and family, you could really get a sense of exactly who Kim & Rich are.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day. It was so great to get to know you and be there for such a monumental occasion. I just know that you two are the perfect match and can’t wait to see what the future brings for you. Congratulations!

To see more pictures, visit Kristen Taylor Photography’s blog.

Vendors: Wedding planning by Bliss Weddings & Events, Ceremony by Meadowbrook Hall in the Pegasus Garden, Reception by Penna’s of Sterling, Flowers by Viviano Flower Shop, Linens and Rentals by The Linen Closet and Candlelite Chair Covers, Lighting by The Lighting Guy, Ceremony Music by Kimberly Becker, Cake by Christine’s Cakes, Reception Music by Music Box Productions, Day-of Beauty by Bianchi’s Salon, Photography by Kristen Taylor Photography, Video by Brandon Rowell, Transportation by Luxury Limo.

I came across this photo of a fantastic cake the other day on Weddingbee Pro (taken by the fabulous Punam Bean) and fell in love. So much so, that I had to share a few photos with you all. Enjoy!

Seriously, I am in love with this cake. One of the most amazingly gorgeous cakes I have ever seen. Of course, that may be because it is covered with my favorite colors. :)

See more photos of this AMAZING wedding here…

After the hundreds of votes and hours of tabulating… We have a WINNER! Our Wedding Photo of the Year was taken by the fabulous Sybrand Cillié of Pro Photography! Congrats Sybrand!

The second place photo was taken by our local fab photog Nicole Blair, of Nicole Ladonne Photography! Congrats Nicole!

And finally, our third place photo was taken by Jeffery Simms, of Jeffrey Simms Photo. Also, a local photographer! Go Michigan! :)

Congrats to all of our winners and to all of the amazing photographers that submitted their photos. I was blown away by your talent and I know our Bliss readers would say the same thing. You are all fabulous in our book!

Well, after long nights and crazy mishaps, the new Bliss Weddings & Events site is finally up and running! I owe a HUGE “Thank You” to Alison Bates from Bates Photographic. She has come through in a big way and has literally been my superhero!

With this new design comes many other new things! A new logo, new specials, new packages, and a brand spankin’ new outlook on how Bliss will be run. This means so many great things to our clients, both current and potential! This is the best and most exciting time to be a member of the Bliss family. Thank you all for being patient while the website was down and for supporting us in the million ways that you all have. I am so excited about what is to come in the future. I can  barely contain myself! If you want more information, please feel free to email me!

The next week will be a crazy one! I will be heading out to Grand Rapids tomorrow for a special visit with Aletha, of Pearls Events, and a few other special vendors. MWEP is growing by leaps and bounds, so I will be focusing a lot of my time on getting everything in order and planning our upcoming meet-up. The Pay It Forward giveaway has become a giant undertaking, but with the help of so many wonderful wedding and event companies, I know it will be a great success. Keep an eye out for our video all about how you can enter to win the wedding of your dreams. It is going to be BIG! I honestly couldn’t do this wthout Nicole Ladonne Photography, Jamie Honce Productions and Gina’s Bridal.

In the last few weeks, we have booked some really great couples for 2009 and 2010. I can’t wait for their big days and to post all of their beautiful details and pictures here on the Bliss Blog. They are seriously amazing! You will love it!

Now onto the blog, I know I haven’t posted much, but if you could see my Outlook Calendar, you would understand why! We are adding to our staff this week, so you can expect to see some new material very soon. We also moved our blog to a new location. So loyal readers, add it to your google reader, change your bookmark…. do whatever you need to do to see our newest posts and information. This is going to be a big move!

Click on the “VOTE NOW!” link at the top of this page to vote for your favorite!

After months of emails, photos, contacts and organization, our Wedding Photo of the Year contest is finally under way! Please take a moment to vote for your favorite by using the poll at the bottom of that page. You can only chose one, so make sure you pick the best! These photos were taken all over the world, by many different photographers, of unique couples and weddings. These are the Top 17. Best of luck to all of the finalists and thank you for all of the amazing submissions. It was very difficult to narrow it down from 125 to these final 17. :)

The deadline for voting is February 10, 2009. I will announce the winners on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14th).

Well, 2009 is right around the corner and to celebrate, we created an entire year of inspiration boards for your big day. Take a look at all of the months and let us know what you think! Did we miss a color or theme that you’d like to see? Let us know! Your’s may be chosen as one of our future inspiration boards.

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

To me, one of life’s many simple pleasures is a good cup of coffee. This color board comes straight from the mug! Coffee and cream inspiration.

Photo Credits: The first two are our very own Bliss Wedding of Stacy & Jonathan (Photos by Mod 4), Andrews McMeel, Jenn Jared, Picasa Web, Carlock’s Bakery

Turquoise is the perfect summer color and when paired with a bright and vibrant red, it makes a great color scheme for July.  

Photo credits: Adam Welch Photography, Bella Figura, Etsy, Michelle M Waite, Boutwell Studio, Brides In The City, Canlas Photography,

I know I have said it for every month, but June is a fabulous time for a wedding. The beginning of Summer, the green grass and leaves on the trees. Full days of sunshine, warm weather (but not too hot!) and the relaxing feeling that only this time of year can bring. My picks for the perfect June colors? Purple and green. Two of my favorite colors!

Photo Credits: Wildflowers by Lori, BHG, LeFiores, Hip Hostess, The Green Kangaroo, Grazier Photography, Wedding By Color, Visionary Sound Productions, Maddy K Weddings

I finally updated our “Preferred Vendor” page on the website today and thought it would be great to share with our readers. So head on over to our website to check it out!

May is my favorite month of the year! My birthday, three of my friends’ birthdays, my sister’s birthday and the real beginning of Spring all take place in this fabulous month. The colors I picked for this inspiration board are fresh and remind me of the green grass, the blue skies and the anticipation of beach days.

Photo Credits: (Clockwise) Kristen Spencer Photography, Wedding Cakes Victoria, Wedding By Color, Zappos, Pricescope

One of our fabulous 2009 brides, Amy, emailed me today saying that she got some of her engagement pictures. What else can I say? They are gorgeous! Dionne Haglund, The Shooting Gallery, took these amazing pictures in and around Cranbrook . Definitely check them out and if you have an opportunity to meet Dionne, do it! She is just as great as all of the fantastic photos she takes. Please check out more of Amy & Steve’s photos by visiting The Shooting Gallery’s Blog.

Congrats Amy & Steve! I can’t wait for your big day!