Looking back on this day, 9 years ago, not much and everything has changed all at the same time. It’s still a day in May, hence the name of the company. It’s still the same sneak attack, he makes that face when he eats all the ice cream and doesn’t save me any. It’s still the same look of “oh, Gosh! What’s he going to do now?,” followed by a silly grin of enjoyment and playfulness. It’s still us. Me and Him. Him and Me.
Our marriage isn’t all fairytales, puppy dogs (although ours is super cute) and rainbows, but it’s Ours. Talking to my brother this past weekend, who’s getting married this September, Kyle shared this little bit of marital insight that made me laugh and tear up at the same time. He said that as tough as the road can be at times, you can’t imagine traveling it with anyone else.
Happy Anniversary, hunny. Last year in the single digits- let’s get crazy and go off road!
Looking for some fun goodies to gift your guests upon their arrival to your wedding weekend? We have you covered! Here are our top 9 favorite items to include in your welcome gifts!
A Handwritten Note – Extend your heartfelt thanks by welcoming guests to your wedding weekend with a handwritten note – your friends and family will love this thoughtful touch as they arrive. Don’t forget to choose beautiful stationery!
The Bubbly – Allow your guests to toast to the weekend with a small bottle of champagne of your favorite sparkling. If you are in Northern Michigan, we suggest local sparkling producer L. Mawby. The half bottles are perfect for gifting! Might we suggest the Blanc de Blanc or Sandpiper 😉
Something Sweet – a Michigan favorite, Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee, is sure to be a crowdpleaser! Source local products that will allow your guests to experience treats that are unique to the location of your wedding.
Water – We love Boxed Water… their product, their mission and their eco-friendly packaging! You might also consider ordering custom bottles of water complete with your day-of branding or monogram.
Tour Guide/Itinerary – Offer your guests a custom itinerary filled with your favorite restaurants and activities in the area. Include your favorites as a couple, and individually as the bride and groom. Bonus points for providing a map and stories or memories you shared at the places integral to your love story.
Products that Pamper – Create a guest room spa experience for your guests by gifting them with a hand poured soy candle (we love these from Maison Louie Marie!) or a luxurious bubble bath.
Monogrammed Goods- Who doesn’t love a product customized just for them? We love monogramming bathrobes (these pair perfectly with the pampering products above!) or a chambray shirt to allow guests (or bridesmaids!) to relax while getting ready for the evenings festivities!
Beach Towels & Sundries – In Northern Michigan we often host beach days or boat days as part of our clients wedding weekends. Gift your clients with goodies they can bring on their adventures. We love these turkish towels – their are an assortment of colors available so you can customize them to fit the look of your event. P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Hangover Kit – This is critical for your guests who might have had TOO much fun at your wedding 😉 Fill these bags with blowfish, advil, tylenol and guests will be ready for your farewell brunch!
In case you missed it, our very own Tana was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings this week and shared some great advice on how to wow your guests with welcome bags!
The venue you select for your wedding immediately sets the tone for your event (more tips on choosing the perfect venue here!). As one of the first (and most important!) decisions you make in the planning process, you want to be certain that you are choosing a space that is beautiful, unique and functional for your celebration. From a breathtaking farm to an old sugar mill, here are some of the venues that currently have us swooning!
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards; Image via Eric Kelley Photography
The southern charm and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range make Pippin Hill Farm a lovely choice for your nuptials. This winery and culinary vineyard was founded by the Easton Porter Group. Lynn Easton, event planner extraordinaire put her magical touch on this space and it is truly stunning!
Durham Ranch; Image via The Wedding Spot
We love the chic, fresh setting at Durham Ranch in Napa Valley. Guests can move from the garden side ceremony, to poolside cocktails, to a spectacular reception in the barn. You can’t go wrong with a wedding in wine country! Additionally, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering is the exclusive catering team at this venue, which means your guests will be in for a magical culinary experience.
Blackberry Farm; Image via Town & Country
Situated on an idyllic estate in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is celebrated as one of the nation’s finest intimate, luxury hotels. One may host up to 138 guests at an estate wedding at this breathtaking property. With the finest accommodations, stunning views, an assortment of activities, this venue would create a romantic wedding weekend for you and your loved ones.
Haiku Mill; Image via Ian Russell Photography
A sought after private event space in Maui, the Haiku Mill is a historic sugar processing factory. Talk about a unique setting to exchange your “I Do’s!” It. Is. Gorgeous. A quick Google search and you will see the magnificent beauty of this venue!
Image via Philip Dean
In the heart of Charleston sits the dreamy Lowndes Grove Plantation built in 1786. Surrounded by oak trees and riverside views, this property has been the backdrop for one of a kind celebrations for more than four centuries. Rich in both history and beauty, this space will surely capture the hearts of your guests.
It has been a busy week here at ADIM. Between moving to our new office, meetings and a visit with our lovely bride from Texas, things are moving and shaking. Like the brilliant Vincent Van Gogh, we do it all with love! This print was created by Chelsea Petaja who we mentioned in our Watercolor Calligraphy post earlier this week (it is available for purchase here!)
Happy Thursday, Beauties! This week we have put together our Top 9 Favorite Beauty Products for travel or when you are on the go. These products will help you save time and ensure your skin and makeup are looking their best!
Pictured Left to Right:
Caudalie Beauty Elixir – this product is perfect to bring on long work days or long flights…it instantly refreshes the skin and helps tone and boost radiance. It’s also great for setting your makeup!
Josie Maran Argan Color Stick – we love Josie Maran’s products filled with natural ingredients to provide a natural glow. The color stick provides a sheer pop of color for both the lips and cheeks. You have to love a product that multi-tasks!
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer – this primer creates a flawless canvas to put your foundation on top of…and keeps your makeup on ALL day! A serious win in our book! You can also find travel sized minis at Ulta & Sephora!
Kiehls Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50 – As they say, never leave the house without your sunscreen! We love this light weight, oil free version from Kiehls. You can wear it alone or wear make up over top – it is an essential base.
Chloé Rollerball Perfume – These mini rollerball perfumes are perfect to toss in your tote bag when you are on the go and need a mid-day spritz! The Chloe fragrance is absolutely lovely with notes of peony, rose, lychee, cedarwood, amber and honey.
Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation – This water-based foundation is light weight and an absolute dream to blend. It provides a fresh, natural look to the skin. Bonus – the packaging is perfect for traveling! (unlike other foundations that come in glass bottles).
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil – First of all, the scent of this shower oil is heavenly! It cleanses and moisturizes all at once. This product will be your go-to on busy mornings!
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – This cult-favorite lip treatment moisturizes, protects and smoothes while providing a lovely hint of color. Petal is our favorite natural (Your lips but better) shade, but if you are looking for a brighter color we recommend the shade Passion. If you are like us, you will end up purchasing back ups to keep in your car, office and handbag at all times!
Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream – One must always have a hand cream handy while traveling for smooth, soft skin! We love this one from Tatcha (all of their skincare products are divine!)
Durham Ranch; Image via The Wedding Spot
Blackberry Farm; Image via Town & Country
Haiku Mill; Image via Ian Russell Photography
Image via Philip Dean
