Ali's Vendor Visits: Mike Greer Photography

Ali’s Vendor Visits:  Mike Greer Photography

Mike and Valerie Greer are the husband and wife team behind Mike Greer Photography located at their new studio in Farmington Hills.  These two are so great to work with; dynamic personalities and outstanding talent to boot!  Their “camera unaware” style creates an artistic vision for a couple’s wedding day.  Their images tell a striking tale of the day’s events when put together in an album, which I intend to do with my own wedding photos!  I didn’t have a photographer…….gasp!  But with Mike’s background in engineering and Valerie’s art degree, they can do amazing things even with my mediocre photos.

Mike Greer Photography has also recently expanded their services since moving to their new digs in May.  They have introduced Simplee Babee: infant photo sessions (up to one year old), head shots, senior photos, photo classes and they’re also renting out their very sleek studio for small events (up to 150). A special event is coming soon to Mike Greer’s studio!!  “Friend” Wed Guru on Face Book for more information on “Inspired Wedding Visions”!!

November deal: Face Book Make over shots – Friday, November 12^th beginning at 6:00 p.m. Bring your friends and have a blast! Get a make over at the Mike Greer studio from Legato Salon and then have your beautiful face photographed for $20!

Call for more information about the fall photo classes coming up and rental fees for the studio (248-888-7992). Don’t forget to check out the website to get a glimpse of the studio and get a taste of their creative style: http://www.mikegreer.com/

Ali's Vendor Visits: Christopher and Company

Ok, so I didn’t actually visit Christopher and Company this time, but I’ve been there enough to know all about owners Christopher and Joseph’s impressive studio located in Walled Lake.  It’s filled with loads of creative designs and ideas.  These guys aren’t just florists.  They don’t do retail; weddings and events are their main focus.  Their knowledge and over 30 years of experience make them masters of decor design and I’ve seen them work very skillfully with all types of bride’s visions (and their budgets.)

I have also had the pleasure of taking a wedding arrangement (or two) home at the end of the night when they are left behind, which isn’t often.  When I do, I know it will stay beautiful for at least a week because C & C only uses the freshest, highest quality flowers for their arrangements.

Christopher and Joseph also offer rentals such as linens, card boxes and seating chart frames.  They can help with custom stationary or favors and they create custom gift baskets!  Choose from over two dozen styles and make it your own.  Joseph is a bit of a “foodie” and has a passion for the culinary arts which makes him the perfect person to come to for the ideal gift basket.  He loves writing about food too!  You can follow his Tasteful Knowledge blog at http://tastflknwledge.blogspot.com/ and you can check out the all rentals and services Christopher and Company has to offer at http://www.christopherandcompany.net/

For some “do it yourself” inspiration, be sure and sign up for their upcoming floral classes for the holidays!

Sunday, November 21, 2010, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Cornucopia Floral Design Class – Just in time for the Thanksgiving season, create a traditional cornucopia arrangement for your dining table, using fresh assorted flowers and vegetables!! Supplies, containers and floral provided.

Sunday, December 12, 2010, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Holiday Centerpiece Design Class – A traditional "long and low" arrangement with holiday greens and designed for candle placement for your home. ! Supplies, containers and floral provided. Feel free to bring personal trims from home to be added enhancing the holiday season!

Ali's Vendor Visits: Ali's Vendor Visits: 1, 2 Step Entertainment

Ali's Vendor Visits: Ali's Vendor Visits: 1, 2 Step Entertainment

Ali's Vendor Visits: 1, 2 Step Entertainment

1, 2 Step Entertainment offers a full array of DJ services, but they are so much more than that!  Tom Atkinson, owner/DJ created 1, 2 Step to be able to give any event that special touch and personalized service.

Rental options include everything from inflatable slides and games to themed party rentals and plasma TV’s.  Basically anything you could possibly need to keep any party hoppin’!

They also offer an Online Party Planner so clients can choose their songs from the comfort of their own home at any time of the day or night!

They use LED Lighting, the most up to date technology and they do not burn out. Also, ambient Lighting is included in their packages – no extra charge! 

But wait, there’s more!  Of course, it’s all about the music.  All of their equipment is powered, so there is no fear of speakers blowing or the bass being too loud. All of their DJs use Laptops so there is no skipping from CDs and every song imaginable is obtainable. Their extensive music collection has 56,000 + songs!

And of course, these guys are professionals from attire to performance.  They’re unobtrusive and set up is all in black with no signage. Make no mistake; these guys know how to party and how to work a crowd. They even offer “party motivators” whose sole job is to get the party started and keep it going.  Best of all, clients get to meet their DJ before the event, as many times as needed.

Thanks Tom, keep Detroit rockin’!

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL:

New Clients: 20% off all packages

Don’t forget to check out everything 1, 2 Step has to offer at

http://www.1-2stepentertainment.com/

Ali's Vendor Visits: Salons and Spas

Ali’s vendor visits: Salons/Spas
Visiting salons and spas is one of my favorite things to do. It’s hard to say why. I mean really, who has a tougher job than deciding who gives the best massage or pedicure? I can’t pick just one, so I’ve decided kick off my “official” blog by listing some of my fav salons and spas (listed alphabetically):


Aretee Therapeutic Wellness Spa and Café – www.aretee-michigan-spa.com  Grosse Pointe Woods

Avanti Salon and spa – www.avantiofclarkston.com  Clarkston


Bianchi’s Salon and Spa – www.bianchis.com  Clinton Twp., Royal Oak, Troy

Center for the Healing Arts – www.center4thehealingarts.com  Sterling Hts.

Imago Salon and Spa – www.imagosalonandspa.com  Shelby Twp.


Immerse Spa (located in MGM Grand) – www.mgmgranddetroit.com/spa/  Detroit

Krystyna’s European Spa – www.krystynaseuropeanspa.com  Beverly Hills

Salon Jarnac – www.salonjarnac.com  Troy


Spa Nordstrom Somerset Collection – www.nordstrom.com  Troy


Tamara Spa and Wellness – www.tamaraspa.com  Farmington Hills

Of course, I’m always looking for more to visit so please let me know your favorites! So many spas, so little time. **sigh**

Ali's Vendor Visits: "Official" blog

Ok, I said I'd never do it and if you listen closely you can hear the thud from Laura Davis falling out of her chair.  I also said I would never work on a computer or have bangs again.  So what's a girl to do?  Start a blog! So now it's official, the first post for "the blog" .......

Ali's Vendor Visits: Sweet and Savory

This week's vendor visit was short and sweet.....literally! Check out these decandent mini pastries I picked up for a party at Sweet and Savory Bakeshop in Oxford. You can find a list of all the flavors, not to mention information about their amazing cakes on their website. I'm ...always excited to see co-owners Debbie and Scott walk in with their cakes at an event. I know I'll be snitching a piece later :) http://www.sweetandsavoryonline.com/

Ali’s vendor visits: Pine Knob

Many of us are already familiar with Pine Knob, but I only recently had the opportunity to work there. Here's a refresher if you haven't been there in awhile or maybe you've never been there. If you’re looking for a unique or historical venue for your event, Pine Knob Mansion and Carria...ge House are certainly at the top of the list. Built in 1927 The Mansion sits at the summit of the highest point in South East Michigan with picturesque views of hills and gardens and its distinctive architecture that illuminates any event.

The Carriage House has a more contemporary style including floor to ceiling windows that surround the dance floor. The Mansion and the Carriage House each have a beautiful setting for an outdoor ceremony, complimented by stunning gardens. Both have spacious rooms for the wedding party to comfortably get ready or just relax.

The Staff at Pine Knob are consummate professionals, always on top of things. Many members have been there for over a decade and undoubtedly know how to make their events run smoothly.

If you are in the area or just want to treat yourself, Pine Knob hosts a brunch every Sunday. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample the exquisite cuisine offered by the executive chef. Of course a custom menu can be created for any event. It would be a challenge choosing from their incredible selection!

Thanks to Diane for the tour. I enjoyed learning about the history of the property and all that Pine Knob has to offer! Check out the amazing photos on the website and take a virtual tour.
http://www.pineknobmansion.com/

Le Salon/Panache Entertainment

It’s interesting that my first vendor visit was with Panache Entertainment who is currently in first place in the WDIV Vote 4 the best contest. Panache is first in a lot people’s books, but that doesn’t satisfy owner Jonas Pascua. Jonas is fiercely competitive. He loves ......a challenge and finding ways to give his company an edge.Recently Jonas has expanded Panache’s reach to Chicago and Cleveland. He’s also added photography, DJ’s and live bands to the repertoire.


I met Jonas for our visit at a bridal salon in Royal Oak where he sometimes meets clients. So I also got to meet Alexis Williamson of Le Salon. This is no ordinary salon. A bride doesn’t come to Le Salon to “find a dress”. She comes to Le salon to have a treasured experience. It starts with her personal appointment, friends and family welcome of course, but no other brides! Alexis caters to every detail helping create truly memorable moments. She couldn’t be sweeter if you poured sugar on her!

And the gowns…..fabulous! They have a dress from the James Bond Film and Solange by Jenny Packham coming in this fall for brides in white, ivory or even red. They are one of the few boutiques in the US carrying this designer who is continuing to walk the red carpets around the world as well as major films. They are also only one of 3 boutiques offered to have the Carrie Dress from Sex and the City Movie by Vivienne Westwood!  Gowns start at $795. Affordable couture giving David's Bridal a run for their money!
Le Salon also offers unique options to cater to the individuality of every bride -to- be. Wine tastings are available and provide a wonderful way to show off that perfect gown to friends and family or a great start to a bachelorette party! Photo journals are also available to document all the fun of finding the ideal gown from the first dress tried to the wine tasting celebration.

The best part of all is that Le Salon is all about the so-co philosophy. Being socially conscious is of the utmost importance at Le Salon. Ten percent of new gowns purchased over $2,000 goes to a local charity of the bride’s choice. Sample gowns are given to charities for auction. Complimentary consultations are given to make the gown selection process more efficient and pleasurable. What a fantastic way to begin your wedding journey! Welcome to Royal Oak Le Salon!

Last, but certainly not least, Jonas has more tricks up his sleeve. I can’t wait for this next one, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. All I can say is it’s wickedly awesome!! Get ready to rock!
http://www.lesalonbridal.com/
http://www.epanache.com/