It is a bittersweet week here at the ADIM office. We have two very exciting events coming up on Saturday, and on Sunday I will be returning to Ann Arbor to get ready for school. I’ve spent the last three months planning parties with these ladies, and in the meantime, thinking of my future (okay, extremely distant future) wedding. Let’s see what they have to say about their very own special days.

Where did you get married?

Alicia:  Emily and I both got married at a venue in Northern Michigan on the shores of Lake Leelanau… Crooked Creek Ranch. My best friend’s uncle has owned the property for years, so 11 years ago (wow, it’s been a long time!) when we were looking for a venue this was the original barn location in Northern Michigan and with a charm that we loved.

Emily: Pieter and I got married at Crooked Creek Ranch on Lake Leelanau. We both wanted a barn wedding, surrounded by natural property, but when we found that Crooked Creek is also on the water, it was the cherry on top. With me being an avid equestrian and Pieter being a Merchant Mariner, this blend of ‘barn meets water’ was truly the perfect backdrop to say our vows. 

Kerry:  Our wedding ceremony was at Ciccone Vineyard and the reception was at the Hagerty Center here in Traverse City. These two locales allowed our guests to experience two of our favorite things about Northern Michigan: the water and the wine 🙂

Alicia: Just like we tell our couples to enjoy the moment because the day goes by so fast that you have to make a conscience effort to slow it down, close your eyes and make a point to remember, my wedding day flew by! I have so many little memories of our wedding day that make it special, but probably my favorite, and one that most may feel is the most traumatic, was when it started raining in the middle of our wedding ceremony. We were playing Russian Roulette with the weather (I guess that’s what happens when you are a planner) and since the rain plan was my call I chose to risk it. We thought that we were in the clear as there was a little baby storm cloud in the distance and started the ceremony on time, outside, under a beautiful apple tree. After I saw my handsome groom at the end of the aisle, and my dad and I were standing at the altar, the rain started. I could see the water spots on my flower girl dresses and the rain on Kyle’s jacket collecting. My dad politely interrupted our officiant, as only a concerned dad could do (afterall I was squeezing the crap out of his arm and whispered “let’s go”) and like a good old fashioned church revival, all 133 guests picked up their chairs and moved into the back up tent which we had on stand by a stones throw away. Our friends and groomsmen moved the musician’s equipment, my dad and I stood under an umbrella and we waiting patiently and our ushers carried our pergola to the cover of the tent. God bless my wedding coordinator, Polly, she was probably dying as she watched what was happening, but to me it was incredible. All of these special people in our lives, whom we invited to celebrate with us, to host and take care of, were doing life with us. We could not control the rain but no matter what happened we were still going to get married and as community gathered that rainy day in May, we all did life together.

Tana: So many favorite moments- having all of our friends and family join us and be able to experience Northern Michigan, getting down on the dance floor with the ladies of ADIM, being able to celebrate the day with trusted colleagues who are also dear friends, our amazing ceremony performed by Rabbi Chava Bahle, I could go on and on but it was the very best day (now only second to the birth of our son).

Emily: Celebrating with everyone! Honestly, it was terribly cold during our September wedding and I think it encouraged everyone to get on the dance floor to stay warm. It was such an incredible feeling to be surrounded by the laughing, smiling (and sometimes singing) faces of everyone that you love so very much. Friends and family came from all over the States, and even as far as the Netherlands, to support and celebrate Pieter and me. I will never forget that perfect day of being all together.

Kerry: I loved being surrounded by our incredible friends and family. The day was filled with so much love all around…but my favorite moment was probably our “first look” where Jeff and I did a sneak peek before our ceremony and we were able to share a few special moments just the two of us before we spent the rest of the day celebrating!

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

What advice do you have for newly engaged couples who are planning their wedding?

Alicia: Well that’s obvious… hire us! Just kidding… kinda. In all seriousness, the advice I give to everyone I talk to, whether we plan their wedding or not, is to “enjoy the process.” I wish that as a young bride that I would have enjoyed being engaged more than the planning and one way to do that is to hire a planner and a team that will support you and your vision throughout the entire process, not just the wedding day. Also, when you make a decision, rest soundly in that decision and move on to the next item on your to do list. If you are working with a planner, trust them and the items they lay before you. If you are planning the wedding yourself, the only way to move forward and keep on task, aka: manage your project, is to keep order and build upon each decision. Set reasonable goals and give yourself enough time to complete each task.

Tana: Don’t sweat the small stuff. While a lot of details and planning- and a couple late nights/early mornings- went into our day, by the time Friday rolled around if something wasn’t done or had been bothering me, I didn’t care. To have all of our friends and family in town enjoying Northern Michigan and celebrating with us, that’s all that really matters.

Emily: Enjoy the process!! Planning a wedding can be stressful at times but I truly believe that if you stay organized and stop to smell the roses along your route, you’re going to enjoy the experience. Don’t get so caught up in the black and white details that you aren’t able to realize what special and meaningful elements you’re selecting as your backdrop. Call on your family and friends for help and don’t forget to ask the experts! There’s a wealth of knowledge out there and don’t be afraid to call on those who can help you when you need it.

What do you believe is the key to a happy and fulfilling marriage?

Alicia: Being married is the hardest, most difficult, most rewarding and incredible thing I have ever done. The key to creating a happy life with your significant other, whether married or not, is to embrace change. Life is full of twists, turns, ups, and downs. It’s not about how you weather the storm, it’s how you ride the waves; together. And its ok to reach for the swim floaties one day and do a hand stand on the surf board the next!

Tana: Patience, compromise, alone time and wine haha! In all seriousness, I love my husband but there are days when we drive each other absolutely bonkers (I’m blaming it on the fact that we’re both the first borns in our families and are very strong willed and not first to admit we’re wrong). We’ve found that it’s helpful that we each have our own hobbies and spend time away from each other just as much as we spend time together. We moved into a new house this spring (before we were a bit cramped in our condo) and the fact that he has his garage and I have the house is a blessing. Also, being able to get outside and enjoy our deck, a couple libations and conversation after the little guy goes to bed is a good thing and is certainly relaxing.

Emily: Respect and support. 100%. You cannot have a successful marriage if you don’t respect and support the person you’re with. Respect their dreams, their endeavors, their passions and their goals. Support them in their accomplishments, successes and especially when they need to be uplifted. You’ve chosen this person to be by your side forever and by being a supportive team, you’ll forever be the strength you need in each other. Laugh along the way and don’t forget to be friends. Make sure to take breaks together  from life’s hectic turns to enjoy the life that you’re creating together. I firmly believe that the reason Pieter and I are such a great team is because we are always each other’s support system.

Kerry: Laughter. When you find someone you can laugh with and you truly enjoy one another’s company, you will be able to navigate life’s highs and lows and have a fun time throughout the journey! Planning regular date nights and taking in new experiences together is also important!

 

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

While I love the times I get to joke around and laugh with these women, they are, to the core, the most caring and loving people and I cherish the times I get to see that side of them. As a girl with a bit of a black soul (Tana is with me on this one), the ADIM team somehow has convinced me to love love.

Not a goodbye but a see you later,

Libby

Oh, and don’t forget, GO BLUE!

I’m baaack! So far this summer, I’ve learned that the ladies at A Day in May undoubtably know how to throw a party. However, I thought it would be fun to see how these women entertain for fun rather than for work (not to say that our work isn’t fun). Here they’ll be letting you in on their entertaining favorites and essentials.

What is your favorite food to make when entertaining?

Alicia: I think I know what Tana is going to say (she brings a strong meat and cheese board game and LOVES her dips) so I have to make sure mine is original. And I bet it’s an answer LEAST expected… I’m a total creature of habit but when it comes to entertaining at home I love trying new recipes! Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook and whip up my go-to meals, but that’s when I have decision-making-fatigue and we need to eat for sustenance vs. for fun. Menu planning is one of my favorite elements of the events we produce. It allows us to infuse the flavors of the client, the season, and the location into a culinary experience, and in my own way, cooking dinner for friends or family is an extension of that. But, for the record, every time we have guests over for dinner I don’t entirely create new, never before seen dishes at Casa de Caldecott. My stand by and always a crowd pleaser are New York Strips from Burritt’s Market  with sautéed spinach and sinfully rich mashed potatoes. I’ve never had a guest not clean their plate and thanks to our client-turned-dear-friend, Caitlin Doyle, I learned how to make mashed potatoes from her Aunt Nancy that will leave the plates licked clean!

Tana: While I’d never be one to turn down an invitation to a dinner party, there’s something so sophisticated, chic and easy about a cocktail party featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres. Even if you’re the worst cook in the world, you can pull this plan off. Make a visit to your local gourmet deli and cheese shop- I personally love Burritt’s, Folgarellis, and The Cheese Lady in TC- and ask the experts. Tell them what you’re looking for, how many guests, and they’ll be sure to guide you towards success!

Emily: I love, love, LOVE pesto and one of my favorite appetizers to bring to a party are these little (unnamed) Chicken Pesto bites. Picture a toothpick holding together fresh mozzarella wrapped with a small piece of chicken and drizzled with pesto – now bake it and let the cheese get crispy – YUM! An absolute favorite!

Kerry: My favorite meals are casual with friends and family gathered around the table. I love sharing small plates and creating a tapas style menu so you can sample a variety of dishes. Some of my favorites to make are roasted red peppers with goat cheese and honey or watermelon, feta and prosciutto skewers in the summertime.

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

Favorite drinks to serve?

Alicia: Coming up with new cocktails is something that I love doing especially when bringing to a party or around the holidays. For years I have been making infused simple syrups to add some excitement to a G&T or Vodka Soda. My favorites are mint and lime, rosemary, and lavender verbena. Make a 1:2, sugar:water, mixture, bring the herbs and syrup to a boil and simmer. Voila- that easy (thanks to my friends at The Grand Bevy)! I also love whipping up a Negroni to enjoy while cooking or around the appetizers. In the summer, when the temperatures warm up, crisp, clean wines are a great way to ease into an evening. We start with a Vino Verde and then usually open a Rosé; Vacationer by Brett Dennen and JWThomas Wines or Boathouse vineyards License to Chill are both great but there really isn’t a Rosé I haven’t liked! I’m not a big beer drinker but for my hubby and the men that dine in our family, we always keep a selection of domestic and craft beers—Stella, Bells, and Founders are never far from out of reach. TIP: When entertaining for a larger group, keep your drinks to 3 ingredients or less + a garnish and make the bar self serve! And having a Soda Stream in the kitchen is the best investment ever!

Tana: My grandparents live in FL in the summer and always send a box of fresh citrus around the holidays. I once concocted a grapefruit ginger martini that was killer. While I don’t have the exact measurements, it was something like this:

Kerry: Since it is summertime, I am all about the Rosé at the moment. My favorite is Whispering Angel. I also love to make gimlets with vodka, fresh lime and mint!

Image via Cory Weber

Favorite music for entertaining?

Alicia: A few years ago we used Emily’s phone to play our commercial free Pandora Station, so she’s had my password ever since and after a weekend sometimes there are new stations that have popped up- so, I could tell you what Em likes! In all seriousness, I think Pandora is a great, easy way to set and forget the musical atmosphere. Music is so important to creating a vibe but I typically set the playlist based on what I want to listen to and what I think the guests will like. For me, cooking and entertaining for those I love is a form of relaxation and the girls know I can’t live without my Fleetwood Mac radio station, but not everyone (my husband included) doesn’t have the same leather and lacy affinity that I do, so we compromise—during dinner prep I play what I want to listen to, and then he takes over with Bon Iver or Avett Brothers for the night. Now, if this “entertaining” is a party and cause for celebration, all bets are off and we bring out the 80’s love ballads or 90’s rock bands. My air guitar of choice is my right leg and I play a mean solo!

Tana: I’m not a huge music person. At a get together to me, it’s all about the conversation. However, if the conversation were to lull having some Pandora or Spotify playing in the background with the station of your choice is a good fix.

Emily: This depends a lot on the crowd and location, but I would say that if it’s a backyard barbecue, that CCR is ALWAYS on the playlist. An amazing bride once told us ADIM ladies about a little type of music called “Carolina Beach Music” – let’s just say it’s amazing and serves up nothing but great, older dancing hits, including CCR. If it’s a a low-key get together with a small group of friends, indie music of some sort is always in the background. Sigur Ros and Explosions in the Sky hold a special place in my heart.

Kerry: I love Van Morrison or Bossa Nova for dinner parties. For low key summertime entertaining with friends, my husband and I love Pandora’s Hip Hop BBQ station 😉

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

Favorite hostess gift (given or received)?

Alicia: I believe there are levels of hostess gifts. Giving really depends on the occasion and season. Not every gift has to have a personal relevance and story. Basically, don’t overthink it, but do put some thought into it. Some of my go-tos are fun tea towels (the ones from catstudio are amazing), cocktail napkins, or coasters. I am a sucker for ones that can be personalized with a good monogram or crest, I suppose I am kind of a prep when it comes to these things. Another great realm of giving is kitchenware that you would not usually buy for yourself is amazing when it is gifted to you. For example, vintage glassware in sets of four will always be fun and useful whether you’re serving cocktails on Saturday night or juice on Sunday mornings. And to go along with the cheese plate Tana is bringing, spread knives make great gifts as they disappear so easily you can never have enough.

Of course wine is a classic gift. When going to a friend’s house for dinner, I usually bring a bottle or two. I’ve never met a grape I didn’t like. However, if you are going to bring wine, by making sure it is in season the recipient will be much more likely to drink it! For an added bonus you could gift a Corkcicle, which is perfect for the summertime.

Tana: Wine is a no brainer but always great! A bouquet of fresh flowers would also be lovely. The best gift of all? Ask you you can be of help when you arrive and throughout the evening. Even if help isn’t needed, the gesture is sure to be appreciated.

Emily: Besides receiving the aforementioned bottle of Champagne, I would say that my favorite gift to receive is a recipe for the dish that a guest brought. I love the idea of gathering together and sharing something that might leave a lasting impression. We all know those crazy recipes that a family member always brings – well, that could have been started years ago from a little get together in which guests shared recipes. I love the sweet tradition behind it!

Kerry: This is super cliche but I love giving a great candle or something to pamper the hostess and thank them for their hospitality. My recent favorite is Nest Fragrances’ Moroccan Amber candle. The soaps and diffusers are fabulous as well! Here are 9 other suggestions if you are on the hunt for great hostess gifts.

Image via Cory Weber

What is one party essential you absolutely cannot live without?

Alicia: Ice. You can never have enough ice. Cocktails are meant to be chilled. I prefer to buy bagged ice when we entertain because it melts clear. It may not be shaped into perfect cubes, but due to the way it is produced it just looks nicer when it melts. However, outside northern Michigan in the winter doubles as a freezer. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and if you have to grab some snow just be sure to stay away from anything yellow 😉

Tana: Serving pieces- bowls, dishes, platters–and cocktail napkins. It seems like I always run out of things to put the food in and I’m always super jealous of people that have an amazing collection of coordinating service ware (something to aspire to I suppose). Fun cocktail napkins are readily available at home accessory boutiques and bigger box stores like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods. Always put out more than you think you’ll need.

Emily: Music. Honestly I just love everyone being together and chatting, all while hearing some fun tunes playing in the background. It’s the cherry on top of having such special people around you.

Kerry: Champagne 😉 ….and friends and family!

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

Reading this has gotten me all excited to have some guests over! While I don’t think I’ll be hosting a soirée at my house in Ann Arbor that we have crammed seven people into anytime soon, tips like these are helpful for any sort of occasion, no matter how elegant or casual.

xoxo

Libby

Hey everyone, Libby the intern here. I am excited to announce the start of a new series called “Q&A with A Day In May!” I’ll be the narrator, asking the team members questions about the industry, A Day In May, and themselves. Alicia, Tana, Emily, and Kerry will be answering these questions individually and secretly until I compile them here on the blog— just to make it all that more exciting and genuine 🙂

It is a very exciting time in the ADIM office right now as our first event of the season is this month. It only seems fitting to ask some questions about what the future holds and what I will be experiencing with these gals over the summer. Drum roll please….

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

How do you prepare for event season?

Alicia: Well first I start with squats. I’m serious! Some days when we are at the job site (aka: venue) we are moving things around, running from here and there and staying in good shape is important. Because the majority of the events we produce are May through November, we sometimes fall victims, ok I fall victim!, to the “cozy” months of winter where cuddling by fire and sipping hot cocoa are more enjoyable hobbies then pumpin’ iron at the gym. Spring can be a rude awakening if you aren’t careful.

Tana: The best way to prepare for event season is to make sure we have as much done in advance as we possibly can.  With events, there are so many things that come up “last minute” that end up needing your time that it’s important to be able to actually have the time to devote to those pieces.  By getting things done in advance- placing orders for candles or new decor pieces, cleaning existing decor in preparation for events, etc.- we set ourselves up for success and smooth setup through execution on event days.

Emily: A good..no… GREAT playlist! There’s so much energy in preparation for event season. When you feel it start to pick up, you’ve got to have a good playlist to keep you moving and grooving along the ride.

Kerry: When event season arrives, there is a sense of excitement buzzing around the office! The energy is contagious as we ensure every last detail is taken care of before the event begins. It’s helpful to make sure our timelines are up to date, the trucks are packed and we have all of our event day supplies inventoried and ready to take with us (some of these are listed in our “Top 9 things we can’t live without on event days” post!). I make sure I have comfortable shoes and a chic black dress (with pockets!). Let the fun begin!

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

Over the years you have been a part of many, many special celebrations and weddings, each one unique and special in their own right and full of so many exciting moments. What is your favorite moment during a wedding day? 

Alicia: This is a great question as every planner I know has their own favorite! Granted, I love getting to share the reception area we have built or transformed with our couple before their guests enter, but my favorite moment is one far less celebrated and less finite. There’s a moment during a party when the party takes on a life of its own. There’s a palpable shift of energy where our hosts, honorees and guests settle into the moment and experience the moment for what the moment is. While dinner service is happening and our catering teams are rockin’ and rollin’, I’m in the dining area scanning the room and, generally between the first and second course the shift happens (it could be the wine talking!) and it really is beautiful. It’s a bit like being a conductor and watching your orchestra play the most beautiful piece of music after months and months of rehearsing. I love this moment because it’s so small that most people miss it but it’s this moment that means everything to me.

Tana: I love the Ceremony, it’s always so special and really is the reason we are all here after all. Speeches are also a fun point in the day as you never quite know what to expect.  Sometimes they’re excellent leaving not a dry eye in the house and other times, you can’t wish them to end faster.  Either way, they’re usually memorable point in the evening. I also love the first dances!  You’ll typically find the ladies of ADIM bawling in a corner during the Father/Daughter dance.  It’s just such a special moment! Lastly, as the evening progresses, the dance moves typically get better and better (if you know what I mean).  This is always fun to watch from our perspective!

Emily: The reveal. During almost every wedding, we have a quiet moment to reveal the final tent set up to our couples and their families before any of the guests enter. It’s such an treasure to witness the excitement (and happy tears) of their reactions. To see such an incredible moment, and know that we have brought their dreams to life, is truly an honor. It really shows what you can do with the beautiful vision of our couples, lots of hard work and maybe a touch of fairy dust.  😉

Kerry: My favorite moment would have to be the ceremony…seeing the groom’s reaction as his bride walks down the aisle, and the proud parents lovingly watch their children exchange vows is so special. This is why we do what we do! Another favorite moment (I can’t just pick one!) is seeing the couple and their families enter the tent or reception space for the first time! The space we have spent months planning and dreaming up is right before their eyes. We love a good reveal at ADIM.

Image via Jen Kroll Photography

So I’ve heard that event hangovers may or may not exist. What do they entail and how do you cope with them?

Alicia: Haha, have we scared you Libby?! First of all, this is no myth. Event hangovers actually exist. And no, it’s not because we are boozing it up with the guests- our celebratory toast is how we help to cure this wretched hangover. We pour our heart and soul into the events we produce, no matter how big or small, and after all the fun and frivolity have passed waking up the morning after the excitement is a bit like a Mack Truck hitting you on a Formula One race track. But that’s not it, from the rapid firing of brain synapses during the week and weekend leading up to the pinnacle event, my brain is tired. So if I talk a little slow the day after a party, drag my feet a bit, give me a Gatorade with a side car Bloody Mary and giant plate of Mac n Cheese and I’ll be back in action in no time!

Tana: An event hangover is REAL!  Your legs ache, your feet look like bricks with toes, your head hurts, your face is puffy… I could go on and on.  The best way to deal is to really just push through and hydrate yourself.  Most of the “symptoms” come from being dehydrated anyways so by giving your body some fuel, good ole H2O and some electrolytes (if possible), it really helps to give you the last energy boost needed to finish out the day.  Sleep will come soon enough which always feels heavenly!

Emily: Event hangovers are so, so rude. You get all of the physical exhaustion, sore muscles and pounding headaches of an amazing night out with your girlfriends, without any of the actual ’night out with your girlfriends’. However, let’s be honest, we always make sure to get ourselves on the dance floor with our couples for at least one song! My go-to is always a fountain Diet Coke, a big glass of ice water, and some Aleve. If you’re lucky enough to have some Blowfish handy, make sure to add that to the list. Oh, and once the day is done, maybe (definitely) some Netflix.

Kerry: Last summer was my first official event season! The girls had warned me of the so-called “event hangover” and I didn’t quite understand the concept until I experienced it firsthand…let me tell you, the “event hangover” is real! After long days of set up and late nights of celebration, you can find yourself quite dehydrated and fatigued. Water is your best friend on event days, and after guests go home raving about a fabulous party and tear down is complete, a day of relaxation is pure bliss!

Image via Harwell Photography

Wonderful responses ladies, they’ve made me very excited (and, honestly, a little bit nervous) for this upcoming season! Can’t wait for an epic birthday party this weekend celebrating a very special four year old.

Until next time,
Libby