Lucky Girl Weddings

Rogerson-Powell Wedding, Grand Rapids, MI -  April 25th, 2009

Lucky Girl Weddings Package:  Day of Coordination (Won at a Ferris State University Hospitality Silent Auction)

Ceremony:  Forest Hills Presbyterian Church

Reception:  Noto’s Old World Italian Dining

Photographer:  HH Creations Photography

Florist:  GVL Floral by Gail VanderLaan

Cake:  Noto’s Old World Italian Dining Pastry Chef

DJ:  Complete Music

Rehearsal Dinner:  Cascade Winery

Lodging:  Crowne Plaza Hotel & Hilton Airport Hotel

Transportation:  Metro Car

Hair/Makeup:  Design 1

Details:

Erica and Ben are both alumni of Ferris State University’s Hospitality Programs.  I also am an alumnus of FSU’s Hospitality program.  We had all heard of each other and briefly met before hand but it was when they attended the 2008 FSU Hospitality Gala and bid on my businesses silent auction gift that we officially met.  The couple is currently living in the Chicago area.  They traveled back to Michigan on multiple occasions and during those times we got to meet to hash out the details of their April wedding.  It was a blast to work with fellow alumni and to see my professors and classmates at their wedding. 

I also had the help of two current FSU students in our program that asked to assist for school credit.  We met at Erica’s Aunt’s house and assisted her in getting ready and picture taking.  We then traveled to the church to set up there and help the ushers and attendants line up, seat guests, etc.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and then myself and my two assistants went to Noto’s for setup.  Noto’s staff, as always, had everything running and well prepared.  We decorated the room with their signature wine bottles and placecards.  My assistants had to leave at this point.  Soon after the guests started to arrive and the bridal party was downstairs in the wine cellar getting pictures taken. 

The event was beautiful and fun and the food was delicious!  Great job Erica and Ben for all your hard work leading up to your wedding day.  It was my pleasure working with you both and your families.  I can’t wait to hear about your honeymoon and new life together.  God bless!

Bride and Groom| Samantha (Sami) Miller and James Ung
Date| 05-25-08

Lucky Girl Weddings Package| The Big Day
Ceremony| Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Imperial Ballroom
Reception| Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Pantlind Ballroom
Photographer| Mitch Ranger Photography
Florist| Eastern Floral
Linens| BBJ Linen
DJ| Star Productions

How I met Sami|Sami’s cousin Erika booked her wedding reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 28th Street in GR.  The Catering Sales Manager there, Lisa Patow, knows me because I hosted my own wedding there.  She referred Erika to me.  Before Erika even booked with me, Sami called and booked! 

How it went|  It was fabulous! The Amway Grand did an excellent job of taking care of this event and all it’s guests.  Everything went smoothly.  The rooms were ready on time and the staff attended to the bride (and my) every need.  Sami looked perfect and so did her wedding party.  The events started the day before as we went through a rehearsal in the Imperial Ballroom.  The rehearsal started at 2:00pm but because I arrived early I helped Sami’s Mother Deb put some ribbons and crystals on the chairs for the ceremony.  After this was done we had Kayden (the young man driving the infant flower girl) practice his trip around the ceremony hall in his Power Wheels electric car!  Very cute!  The other child attendants of course had to have a turn.  We then gathered the family and ran through the ceremony.  Because of Sami and James’ Laotian and Malaysian backgrounds they had two small ceremonies to represent both cultures. 

(more…)