Monday Morning Inspiration: Grand Exit

Get swept away from your wedding in style!

Photo credit: Our Labor of Love.

In the Spotlight...Kate Elliott Photography

Company: Kate Elliott Photography                     

Contact: Kate Elliott 
Website: www.kate-elliott.com

Tell us about yourself and your company.

I am the owner and photographer at Kate Elliott Photography. I have been a professional photographer for eight years, focusing on weddings for the past few years. My work has a romantic vintage feel and I love capturing my clients emotions and joy, and sometimes tears on their wedding day.

How did you get started?

I have always been interested in photography, ever since I was young. I entered photographs in local contests and in 4-H, getting positive feedback from everyone.  I started out shooting with my parent's manual Minolta and decided to pursue photography as a career while I was pregnant with my middle daughter. What began as a small venture has turned into a full-time job that I love!

What’s the best part about your job?

I love so many aspects of being a wedding photographer! I enjoy being a part of such a special day for my clients, who are amazing! I like being my own boss and getting to do something that I have a passion for. Being in a creative line of work is very satisfying and reflects who I am. From first meeting a potential client, hearing about their wedding day plans, shooting their engagement session and getting to know them as a couple, to shooting the wedding day and meeting their friends and family, to editing their images and creating a beautiful album for them - I love it all!

What sets you apart from others in your industry?

Many of my clients have said that they enjoyed working with me, saying that I'm flexible, accommodating, professional and fun to be around. I try to make the traditional family photos go by quickly and have fun with it. I help out in any way I can on the day of the wedding. My goal is to always go above and beyond expectations and I love to get e-mails and cards from my clients thanking me for being such a great part of their wedding and capturing all the amazing moments of their day.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I love to dance and have been known to break out on the dance floor once in awhile to the cupid shuffle (with my clients permission of course) ;-)

Monday Morning Inspiration: Hairpieces

Show off your personal style and flair by wearing a romantic hairpiece or a chic veil.

Photo credit: Jenny Martell Photography

Color Inspiration: Fuchsia and Eggplant

Illuminate your winter wedding with alluring purple hues like fuchsia and eggplant. 

Photo credits: 1: D. Bryant Photography. 2: Blaine and Bethany Photography. 3: Jennifer Skog Photographers. 4: Centerpiece-Jules Design.  5: Jill Schwarzkopf-Realities Photography. 6: Christine Johnson Photography. 7: Photo by Creative Image Collection, dress by the White Dress by the Shore. 8: Atlas Wedding Photography.

Monday Morning Inspiration: Invitations

When creating your wedding invitations, choose a design that reflects you both as a couple and incorporates your wedding style.

Credits: Invitations by LittleBlueBungalow, Etsy.com
Photo by Sara & Rocky Photography, Dallas, TX

In the Spotlight...Bridal Beauty On-Location Makeup & Hair

Company: Bridal Beauty On-Location Makeup & Hair

Contact: Sylvia Farmer 

Contact: www.bridalbeautydetroit.com

Tell us about yourself and your company.

Sylvia Farmer, professional makeup specialist, licensed esthetician & founder/owner of Bridal Beauty On-Location Makeup & Hair, has been involved in all aspects of the beauty and fashion industry but specializes in airbrush makeup for brides and their wedding parties. She is a graduate of The Robert Fiance Institute (New York City), Complections International (Toronto, Canada) & Cinema Secrets Hollywood (California). We offer hair & airbrush makeup trials, but also offer a complimentary face-to-face consultation in which we help plan the perfect bridal hair and makeup package for your wedding.


Bridal Beauty’s team has won the distinctive Best in Weddings Award in 2011 and 2012 from The Knot, and was also given the 2011 Bride's Choice Award  from Wedding Wire.

How did you get started?

I used to be a model in Japan & upon 'retiring' in Hawaii, I taught at the National Modeling School there.  I was recruited by several major cosmetic lines to do makeup for them when approached by a client who wanted to hire me to do her wedding makeup that weekend. THAT is when my future became clear. I have specialized in wedding makeup for brides & their wedding parties ever since. 

What is the best part about your job? 

Seeing wedding photos and hearing the brides' happy comments are my favorite things of all and my biggest reward.

What sets you apart from others in your industry?

I realize the importance of listening to a bride's needs and creating a relaxing environment for the big day's preparations. I've been told  I posses a soothing nature and give full  attention to the details, which makes brides feel at ease no matter what is going on around them! I am flattered and thankful for putting their faith in me and my team and entrusting us to one of the most important days in their lives. It's your day - it's your time to be beautiful and we’re there to make that happen.

Do you have any hidden talents?   

 I speak conversational level Japanese & fluent Dutch language!  

Monday Morning Inspiration: Aisle Runners

Start your wedding ceremony off on the right foot onto an aisle filled with flower petals, a sleek runner or candles lighting your way to the altar.

Photo credit: Photography by Rebecca

In the Spotlight...The Panache Group

Company: The Panache Group

Contact: Jonas Pascua

Website: www.epanache.com and www.lesalonbridal.com


Tell us about yourself and your company.
I'm a violinist with a corporate strategy background from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Our company is The Panache Group. It started with string music for ceremonies but then expanded to include jazz combinations and live bands. I was still in school at the time and thought it would be a great idea to build a brand for live music! I focused on Panache right after I graduated and after 4 years, scaled it up to expand into Chicago, Indiana and Cleveland. 


At that point though, I realized that with our talents and infrastructure, we could integrate DJ and photography services as well. Unlike other companies that have done this before though, each one of our departments were stand alone national level companies that went into one umbrella. We're the only company of our type in 4 markets, and as we strengthen our relationships and local presence in each, we can solidify ourselves as the leader in each city. 


Our photography was invited into Grace Ormonde WeddingStyle. I also own Le Salon Bridal Boutique in Royal Oak, a platinum list member of Grace Ormonde WeddingStyle magazine.

How did you get started?
Playing weddings throughout school.

What’s the best part about your job?
I'm surrounded with art & music all the time. Although I don't consider myself that artistic, being surrounded with such great work spoils you and I like being able to share that with our clients when we produce their events.

What sets you apart from others in your industry?
We're the only company of our type in 4 cities. Our backend database makes planning extremely easy and we have full visibility of the artists you're getting through our organization. At the end of the day, it's really understanding our clients and treating them how we would want to be treated.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I have lots of layers ... but they'll stay hidden for a reason :)