Packard Proving Ground Wedding: Live Music Provides an Atmosphere for Conversation

Sara and Donovan Wedding at Packard Proving Ground - A+D Photography

A+D Photography

Packard Proving Grounds has quickly become a sought after location for those couples looking for a “rustic industrial” venue.  Located on Van Dyke in Shelby Township, the facilities provide clients with a blank canvas on which to create their own feel for their wedding day.  Sara and Donovan had the help of friends and family to create their dream wedding day.  Cousin Jason Schneider officiated the wedding which included the song “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne for the processional and the theme from “Star Wars” for the recessional.  IMG_20180203_191326_333Twinkling lights in wine bottles amidst the snow led guests from the ceremony to the reception hall and that’s where Sara and Donovan’s dream became reality.  Sara shared with us that they wanted a “relaxed feel” for their wedding day where their guests could “visit and share conversation.”  It was this goal that led them to use our string quartet for their reception instead of a DJ or band.  Often the music is so loud that guests have difficulty talking. While dancing is enjoyable, many couples want the opportunity to visit with their guests in a casual setting. We played a wide mix of music and took requests while the guests enjoyed an outstanding meal provided by Kristina’s Catering .  A&D Photography was on hand to capture the memories and created some beautiful shots around the antique Packard cars.  It was a lovely night for everyone involved and we send our very best wishes to Donovan and Sara! 20180203_173429

Packard Proving Ground

A&D Photography 

Kristina’s Catering

 

Christmas Elegance Abounds at Addison Oaks Buhl Estate

20171231_190732What can be more picture perfect then a historic estate home, lit up with lighted garland on a snowy evening?  The Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks park was a photographers dream for Shannon and David’s wedding.   The gorgeous estate and its gardens during the summer months are just two of of the reasons this estate ranks high on the wedding venue list. The phenomenal staff is yet another reason. Always efficient, Dan, Lois and their staff do an awesome job orchestrating the facility for weddings.

Shannon and David’s wedding had a behind the scenes helper who acted as our contact throughout the planning stages.  Sue Delpup, David’s mother, was heavily involved in the planning of the day.  Roy Thomas officiated the wedding with his usual tenderness interspersed with humor and joy for the occasion. David and Shannon chose every song we performed including Butterfly Waltz for Shannon’s processional to Shut Up and Dance for their delightfully fun recessional.  20171231_190833

We wish this lovely the couple the very best as they begin their life’s journey together!

Addison Oaks – Buhl Estate 

Roy Thomas of Marry Us in Michigan

Colony Club Offers Old World Elegance for Durell and Karla’s Wedding Day

20171229_164113_001The historic Colony Club is centrally located in downtown Detroit on Park Avenue.  It is one of the most beautiful and popular event spaces in the city for weddings and private events.  Nothing says old world elegance like gold leaf ceilings, impressive crystal chandeliers and Louis XVI decor.  Karla and Durell were married here among family and friends by Pastor Jerry.  The large wedding party walked down the aisle to the worship song “10,000 Reasons”.  Karla and her parents processed to the ever popular “Kanon in D” by Pachelbel.  A highlight for us was accompanying Durell’s Aunt, Dorianne Denard, while she sang the spiritual “It is Well”.  Her moving rendition was the perfect compliment to her nephew’s wedding ceremony.  20171229_181943

As always, The Colony Club staff was superb.  Molly, the venue wedding coordinator, was incredibly helpful with cues.  With a large wedding party, extra eyes are always helpful and we appreciate her assistance.  The guests enjoyed a cocktail hour downstairs followed by dinner in the grand ballroom.   We send our best wishes to Karla and Durell as they being their life together as husband and wife.

Colony Club

20171229_164205

Thinking Outside the Box Creates a Vintage Wedding Day for Lindsay and Jeff

20171104_161240_001If you follow our blog, you know that we perform an average of 65 weddings and/or engagements each year.  We see a lot of weddings!  The ceremony is one of most meaningful events in an individual’s life and all too often couples get caught up in doing what others couples have done for their wedding day thinking that this is the way it “should” be.  A wise teacher once told me to avoid the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” approach to life.

That’s why we enjoy seeing couples embrace their individuality and step “outside the 20171104_161230box”.  Lindsay and Jeff’s wedding showed great creativity starting with their venue. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is a museum and former factory located within the Milwaukee Junction area of Detroit.  The unpainted walls, worn wooden floors and historic Ford vehicles makes it a unique and memorable venue to hold an event.  Jeff and Lindsay’s ceremony was held on the 2nd floor and officiated by our friend, Roy Thomas.  There were several readings including one recited by Josh and Stephanie and the beautiful poems, “These Are The Hands” and John Lennon’s poem “A Dream is Just a Dream” read by Roy.

The couples creativity extended to their music as well.  We played “Kissing You” by Des’ree for the bridal party and Lindsay’s’ processional.  The well known Beatles hit “Here Comes the Sun” was the couple’s recessional.

The reception was held on the third floor where the couple again made their personalities  known in the decor and floral arrangements by Royalty Linens and Events and Slows BBQ for the dinner.  Approaching life on their own terms, Jeff and Lindsay are sure to have a long and happy life together.

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

Royal Linens and Events

Roy Thomas, Marry Us In Michigan

Slows BBQ

Melissa Marie Events

Family, Friends and the Words of Shakespeare Combine for Jenny and Sam’s Henry Ford Wedding

20171007_171811The Henry Ford , is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan.  One of America’s greatest museums, one portion is The Museum of Modern Innovation which allows guests to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing you in their stories.  The complex has many architecturally beautiful places for wedding ceremonies and a staff of wedding coordinators that are experienced and efficient.  We had the assistance of Cindy and Gary for this wedding and appreciated their knowledge and assistance.

Family and friends played an important role throughout the day.  Jan Wilson acted as DOC for the day.  Wedding photographer Adrian Seetho, friend of the couple was on hand to capture the day.  Betsy Brown acted as videographer, Cindy Wills and Susan Stahly created the floral arrangements, and Uncle John Logue officiated the ceremony. Sam and Jenny chose the Pennsylvania Courtyard with the iconic water tower for their nuptials.  Fitting to the picturesque setting, we played the music of Bach and Handel while guests were seated.  Jenny’s Uncle, John Logue, officiated the ceremony which included Shakespeare’s Love Sonnet 116 and many sweet moments!

The cocktail hour was held in the museums “Driving America Car Court”, a premier automotive exhibit in the heart of the museum.  We played a wide selection of contemporary music and took several requests.  It was there that we noticed Jenny’s gorgeous bouquet.  When I asked “who did your flowers?”  She replied, “My family and I did and it took us about two years”.  A closer look revealed that the flowers were paper – elegantly cut and arranged to look incredibly lifelike.  A picture is worth a thousand 20171007_193444words and family members Cindy Wills and Susan Stahly clearly have special gift!  We were so honored to be a part of Jenny and Sam’s wedding day and wish them the very best and they grow together as husband and wife.

The Henry Ford

Adrian Seetho

 

 

Vows and Voices Join for Wedding at St. Cyril and Methodius Church

20171021_123337Anthony and Abbie had a gorgeous autumn day for their wedding!  St. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Church is a Catholic Parish located on Ryan Road in Sterling Heights.  Fr. Libor Marek officiated the ceremony which was enhanced by the beautiful voices of Joe Long, church music director and organist, and Ashley Rozanski, a member of the bridal party.  Ashley sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria and a duet with Mr. Long during the communion.  They both gave a beautiful performances that heightened the spiritual beauty of  Abbie and Anthony’s ceremony.  It was an honor to be a part of their wedding day.  Best wishes Anthony and Abbie!

St. Cyril and Methodius

New York Couple Ties the Knot at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham

20170930_142036Congratulations to Amber and Elana on their beautiful wedding at the Townsend Hotel.  The couple currently lives in New York but has close family ties here in Michigan and choose to hold their wedding ceremony at the elegant hotel located in the heart of Birmingham.  Both Amber and Elana had a processional of their own with the songs “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  Following the pronouncement, we played “Simon Tov” and the guests enthusiastically joined in.  We then played the cocktail hour and enjoyed several of the guests who made requests or just stood by and sang along.  It was a lovely night for two beautiful people in love.  Best wishes!

Townsend Hotel 

 

Couple Forges the “Forever” Promise

20170930_170334It was a beautiful autumn day for the wedding of Alexandra and Michael.  The bright sun lit up the stained glass windows of Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham.  Andrea Solomon Wedding and Event Planner was on site to orchestrate the event which included Petey’s Donuts Truck from Brooklyn Michigan  in the parking lot after the service to provide apple cider and donuts for the guests. Church music director Brandon Gauvin and venue wedding coordinator, Kim, provided awesome support with cues.  Brandon sang the gorgeous Ave Maria during the ceremony.  It’s always a pleasure to meet new friends in our business and we greatly enjoyed  working with him.

Alexandra has a career in fashion and her unique wedding dress was clear evidence of her interest in that field while Michael’s career is in TV and Video Production.  As Monseigneur John Zenz pointed out, they both know what “attracts and holds the eye.” 20170930_170319

The couple chose “Forever” by Chris Brown as the last song of the guests seating as it holds special meaning to them.  They followed it up with “Sky Full of Stars” and “You Are the Best Thing”. It was clear that this fun loving couple were not nervous in the least, but enjoying every moment of their day.

Holy Name Catholic Church

Andrea Solomon Wedding and Event Planner

Jeffrey Floral  

Petey’s Donuts

Wedding Brunch at Masonic Temple

20170910_102627Congratulations to Nick and Dee on their wedding celebration this past weekend.  The Crystal Ballroom of the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit was beautifully decorated.  The couple was married earlier this year but chose to celebrate their nuptials with a cocktail hour and brunch for family and friends.  Dee wore a beautiful floor length gown with a small train that conveyed the importance of the event while still maintaining a relaxed feeling for the day.  With such a beautiful venue at hand, we witnessed many families making use of the beautiful setting for family and group photos.

Robert Navarre of Full Effect Productions was on hand to provide DJ service for the afternoon.  Always gracious and helpful, Full Effect Productions has 10 straight years of 5 star ratings.   We encourage you to check them out before hiring anyone else!

Graf’s Pastry of Farmington Hills did a beautiful job on the wedding cake.  The couple performed the traditional cutting of the cake and we heard several guests commenting on how delicious it tasted.  Nick took a moment to speak to his guests about his beautiful bride, Dee and their life together.  It was a tender moment and one Dee and her family will cherish.                                                                                                                   20170910_102651

Nick selected the music we played which included many selections of classical music along with some Beatles and Disney melodies.  Our Harry Potter medley received compliments as did Build Me Up Buttercup.  Best wishes to this lovely couple as they continue their journey together as husband and wife.

Masonic Temple, Detroit

Full Effect Productions

Graf’s Pastry

 

Two Souls with But a Single Thought, Two Hearts That Beat As One

20170708_130432Congratulations to Kyle and Apurva on their wedding at the Diamond Center at Suburban Collection.  Coordinator Rajul Pillai choreographed the day in such a way that it ran smoothly and looked elegantly luscious! Venue coordinator Bridget Polsinelli helped us immensely with the complexity of cues. We played a collection of contemporary 20170708_130350music selected by the couple for both the seating of guests and during the ceremony.  Kyle and his parents entered the decorated hall to Viva La Vida while Apurva and her parents walked to We Found Love by Rhianna.  The room was beautifully appointed and following the ceremony the couple departed in a decorated carriage to the cheers and well wishes of their guests. Photographer Rosy and Shaun20170708_130638 along with Complete Video were on hand to capture all the tender moments.  It was an elegant day for the couple and we thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their beautiful wedding day.

Diamond Center at Suburban Collection

Rosy and Shaun Photography

Complete Video