http://boards.weddingbee.com/ Weddingbee Boards Forum: Michigan - Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Kalamazoo en Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:09:00 +0000 http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/videographer-reccommendation#post-73808 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:28:58 +0000 scheibs 73808@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I'm looking for an inexpensive videograpther in southwest Michigan. Any good reccommendations? </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/beach-wedding-help#post-64683 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:51:11 +0000 boothbride 64683@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>hi ladyjane,</p> <p>I had friends who got married on Oval Beach in Saugatuck, which is bit farther south than you want.&nbsp; But basically I think you either need to go to the park website and look for a land use permission form.&nbsp; Or the city website (like for Saugatuck).</p> <p>This might help you find contacts:</p> <p><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31154_35728-161705--,00.html">http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31154_35728-161705--,00.html</a></p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/beach-wedding-help#post-63770 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:32:41 +0000 rebecca623 63770@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I was at the beach this weekend, Kirk Park, about 15 minutes south of Grand Haven and people were having a wedding ceremony that day on the beach.&nbsp; I have also been to the beach in Grand Haven where people have had weddings.&nbsp; The only bad part is that there were many people on the beach, watching, seagulls flying and kids screaming.&nbsp; If that doesn't bother you, I would go for it, it was an awesome day!&nbsp; You may want to contact Ottawa County Parks for Kirk Park or maybe Grand Haven State Park to see how to rent or have a wedding on their beach.&nbsp; I have also looked into this option when we were planning and we found a ton of awesome places up north in the Traverse City, Petosky area.&nbsp; Good Luck! </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/holland-area-any-ideas-for-florist-venue-038-hotels-for-visitors#post-63696 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:06:34 +0000 MsAnge 63696@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I'm using DoubleTree for my ceremony and reception. They throw in A LOT of stuff with their reception packages - including a bridal suite the night of the wedding for the bride and groom (complete with a fruit tray and champagne!).</p> <p>I think the price on hotel rooms depends on how many rooms you intend on renting. I'm a little far out to be booking rooms yet, but we're figuring that at 20-30 rooms they will be $100-120 a night. That might also depend on season - my wedding is in February, when there aren't a lot of people needing hotels in the area! There's also an America's Best Value Inn (or something close to that name-it's kind of unwieldly) right next door that we're going to be reserving rooms at as well for our cheaper guests, lol. </p> <p>The one bit of difficulty I've had with DoubleTree is that business is really beginning to pick up for them and until recently they've only had one wedding coordinator, which means she can take her sweet time getting back to you. She now has an assistant, so that might help her be more communicative. My wedding is also still 9 months away, so I recognize I'm not necessarily going to be her #1 priority, but I'd still like an e-mail back within a week! On the upside, once you CAN get a hold of her, she's extremely accomodating, including doing phone calls on the weekend since with work I can't call between 9 and 5 during the week.</p> <p>Over all, I would definitely recommend going to check out DoubleTree for yourself and get copies of their wedding packages. They have three packages at different price points, but they're also totally flexible so you can customize them to be exactly what you need.&nbsp;</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/holland-area-any-ideas-for-florist-venue-038-hotels-for-visitors#post-63504 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:03:54 +0000 mjv 63504@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I'm excited that there is actually a blog that actually has quite a few responses for Holland weddings. As for myself, I am in the same boat as quite a few of you as being out of state and now planning this wedding. Now it's time to get into business and see if anyone has ay suggestions about:</p> <p>&nbsp;A reasonable price florist?</p> <p>Reception hall and maybe caterer for the Holland area? I heard one say Double Tree, but is it worth the expense? At the same time, do they offer a good deal on hotel rooms? Perhaps even thrown in a free room rental for bride and groom?? Well I'm just trying to try all my options out, which I feel for many of you...it's difficult when you're not there physically and the cost of transportation is...ugh...going to be another pain. So please, if anyone has any ideas please...let me be a sponge and soak up any ideas you may have!!</p> <p>An what about ideas for out of town guests? what would be the best thing I can do to help with the lodging obviously I can't pay for their hotel rooms..geez..don't I wish. Please help!</p> <p>&nbsp;I would truly appreciate anything!!&nbsp; :) </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/beach-wedding-help#post-63346 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:49:57 +0000 cricketpe 63346@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I don't know where people have done it, but I know at least 2 people who had beach weddings in the Muskegon/Grand Haven area. I know that they are relatively popular in West Michigan, so I'm sure there have got to be places that have them. We're getting married in December though, so that's not really something we looked into :) Actually, our venue isn't on the 'beach' but I know they do host outdoor weddings in the summer. It's the Harbour Towne Yacht Club in Muskegon and they are located on the channel between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. It's like a 3 minute drive to the Pere Marquette Beach, which is on Lake Michigan. It's a public beach though; I'm not sure if they have weddings there, but you could definitely get pictures there (we are, even though it will be winter). Keep looking, I'm sure they must exist! </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/beach-wedding-help#post-63281 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:27:12 +0000 ladyjane 63281@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Oooo, I'm getting so frustrated! &gt;.&lt;</p> <p>My fiance and I would love to have a beach wedding.&nbsp; I have relatives in Ludington, so I figured, no problem, there's got to be somewhere I can rent on the beach.</p> <p>Turns out... not so much.&nbsp; I&nbsp;have yet to find&nbsp;ANYWHERE there, nearby, or closer to Grand Rapids (where my parents live, and where we're also considering having the wedding) available for rental.&nbsp; Seriously, people don't want to get married on the beach these days? :)</p> <p>Anyone have ideas?</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/making-it-legal#post-54360 Tue, 27 May 2008 19:42:20 +0000 MsAnge 54360@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>So in theory the whole point of these wedding shenanigans is to be legally bound as a married couple. Coulda fooled me with all the emphasis on colors and dresses and favors. </p> <p>No, I kid. I do love designing this whole event, but for me it's at the point where I need to figure out who should make this legal for us. Neither of us are religious, so the 15 billion churches in the area and their pastors are out of the question for us. And then when I called up the (Ottawa) county clerk's office to find out about having a friend officiate, I was told (very rudely) that <i>that</i> isn't allowed in Michigan and <i>certainly</i> isn't allowed in Ottawa county!</p> <p>I've seen a few options out there for hiring an officiant, but the only ones I can find in Western Michigan are <a href="//www.forevertwogether.com/&quot;">forever twogether</a>. Not only does the name make me cringe (recovering English major), but I met the owner at the WMWA Bridal Show in March and was less than impressed with his personality.</p> <p>Are there any other options for west side brides? Has anyone used Forever Twogether and been amazed? Should I fork over the gas money to bring in someone from the east side of the state (goodness knows Washtenaw county has an over abundance of laid back officiants!) </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/bakers-florist-and-djband-recommendations#post-52614 Wed, 21 May 2008 21:04:02 +0000 MsAnge 52614@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>I have a family friend doing my cake and my mom is doing the floral arrangements, lol. She could actually do your florals as well, if you're interested in silk flowers. She works at the Holland Michaels and they do floral arrangements for weddings all the time, bouquets and centerpieces if I'm not mistaken. She and at least one other person work in the floral department and all of their work is on display right when you walk into the store if you want to get a feel for what they can do, but they definitely do personalized stuff as well. </p> <p>As for music, so far I'm really impressed with my DJ, <a href="http://www.celebrationentertainment.biz/">Celebration Entertainment</a> I talked directly with Brad Eley, the owner, and he was super willing to bargain with me (in part because I'm having a February wedding and everyone's eager to work during the off season). When I mentioned him to my photographer she also said he (and all of his DJs - well, at least the ones she's seen) is really great. I really liked that he has a HUGE variety of music. I mentioned that I wanted my fiance and I to be introduced at the reception to Jack Sparrow's theme music from Pirates of the Caribbean. Within 10 seconds he's pulled up the music on his computer. Seriously, I haven't heard of another DJ that keeps friggin' <em>Pirates</em> music on hand!</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/bakers-florist-and-djband-recommendations#post-52609 Wed, 21 May 2008 20:45:28 +0000 boothbride 52609@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Hi there, westside brides!</p> <p>We are just getting underway with our reception planning (in the Holland area).&nbsp; Any one have any cake baker or florist recommendations?&nbsp; We haven't decided on a DJ or band yet...any recommendations there?</p> <p>Thanks!</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-52135 Tue, 20 May 2008 21:36:30 +0000 pixielee25 52135@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Thanks LadyJane - I made sure to tell my guy about the Travelodge!!!</p> <p>I'll be in Michigan this weekend and we'll be touring Jackson!</p> <p>Thanks for the tips! </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51203 Sat, 17 May 2008 20:52:42 +0000 ladyjane 51203@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>@ pixielee:&nbsp; Let me check around with my native Jacksonian friends and get back to you&nbsp;:)&nbsp;&nbsp; I can tell you right now to STEER CLEAR of the Travelodge on Rosehill... a friend of mine stayed there one night, and he swears he heard a gunshot downstairs.&nbsp; Yikes!</p> <p>I know if I was in your shoes, I would take that extra time to drive to Ann Arbor and go for bubble tea, gown and all :p&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not too long of a drive, and because it's a college town, there always seems to be something going on.&nbsp;&nbsp;But if you're all about staying in Jackson and are looking for somewhere laid back and fun, you might check out Jackson Coffee Co. or some other locations in the historic downtown area.</p> <p>@ mrbee: Here's how I would divide&nbsp;this board&nbsp;up:<br />-Grand Rapids/Holland/Muskegon/Kalamazoo<br />-Lansing/Jackson/Ann Arbor<br />-Tri-Cities/NE Michigan</p> <p>Like MsAnge said, each city is going to have its own unique locations and troubles.&nbsp; But I think these divisions might cover the disconnect a bit better. </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51104 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:52:47 +0000 mrbee 51104@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Yah it was hard to divide up the US into local boards.&nbsp; If you guys have any suggestions on how to best break up this board into smaller boards, we're all ears! </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51084 Sat, 17 May 2008 10:26:25 +0000 MsAnge 51084@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Yeah, when I saw all the different cities that this board was supposed to encompass I kind of laughed. Of course, I also think it's silly that the Knot's board has Grand Rapids and Northern Michigan in one board (hello, the needs of a bride in Holland aren't going to mesh too well with the needs of a Traverse City bride!), but whatever. </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51062 Sat, 17 May 2008 07:51:02 +0000 Joanne 51062@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>well grand rapids and ann arbor are very far away from each other. all of the places listed are west of detroit, but not necessarily should be grouped together.&nbsp; </p> <p>grand rapids is south west michigan. </p> <p>lansing kind of sits in the middle of the south (mid-michigan). </p> <p>ann arbor is considered south east michigan closer to detroit, but it's still 30-45 min away from each other.</p> <p>if you're wondering, the knot actually separates these groups on their local boards - grand rapids, lansing, and detroit. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51009 Fri, 16 May 2008 23:00:39 +0000 mrbee 51009@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Should we rename this board as West Michigan? </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-51007 Fri, 16 May 2008 22:53:33 +0000 Joanne 51007@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Thanks LadyJane and pixielee! </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-50674 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:17:20 +0000 pixielee25 50674@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Hellooo! I grew up in Jersey now living in New York with fiance originally from Clinton, MI. Wedding is at Sauk Valley in Brooklyn, MI. So I am starting to look for vendors in Jackson (closer to venue than Ann Arbor, I think). </p> <p>LadyJane, do you recommend any hair and makeup place in the Jackson area? or any hotels? or any places to go post-wedding? We're having an early ceremony and reception, so we may need some place to go afterwards. Any ideas in Jackson or the area?</p> <p>Joanne, hope you have a wonderfully beautiful wedding on Memorial Day weekend!!</p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-50567 Thu, 15 May 2008 17:43:51 +0000 MsAnge 50567@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>ambr - I never had a chance to go down there and look it over for myself, but from looking at the website and via e-mail, it sounded like they were one of the places that wanted everything to happen in one room, and I really didn't like the idea of having everyone sitting at their dinner tables while we were getting married.</p> <p>We're going with the Doubletree Hotel on the southside of Holland - it's not the best ceremony space, but I looooooooooove our reception hall (their wedding coordinator I don't love so much. She's kind of flakey. But I also don't want to look anymore since it would involve ANOTHER haul across the state - long distance wedding planning isn't fun!) </p> http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/hello-everyone-west-of-detroit-#post-50548 Thu, 15 May 2008 17:04:32 +0000 ambsLS 50548@http://boards.weddingbee.com/ <p>Ms.Ange, I am also in Holland.&nbsp; Have you checked out Laketown Golf and Conference Center, south of town in Saugatuck???&nbsp; We had our reception and outdoor wedding there, but there was the option of getting married inside.&nbsp; Also look into the ever-popular Fish and Game Club!!! </p>