Creative Budgeting By A Northern Michigan Bride

Jennifer Bruhmuller and Jason Mott of Traverse City were planning for their July 31, 2010 wedding on a very tight budget. All said, the couple was trying to find a creative way to host 100 of their closest family and friends on a mere $1000 budget.

Impossible? It may seem that way to some, but to Jennifer, it was very much a reality.

While planning, she actively began an online search for ways to cut costs. During that search, she learned of a couple in NY who sought sponsorships for their wedding. Figuring the idea wasn't too far fetched, Jennifer began creating a plan to seek sponsors for her big day in July.

Among those who ended up participating were Subtle Impact Photography of central Michigan and Forever Flowers By Val of northeastern Ohio. Each vendor who signed on with Jennifer and Jason received different promotions in exchange for discounts and donations.

The day finally came and when all was said and done, the entire wedding and reception came in under her original $1000 mark.

Today Jennifer and Jason are enjoying their first year of marriage. Now in a full-time nursing program, Jennifer is also available as a consultant to brides who seek assistance in gaining sponsors for their own wedding. Email Jennifer directly at j_bruhmuller@hotmail.com for details on her consulting services (note "WEDDING CONSULT" in the subject).

Jennifer emphasizes that while seeking sponsorships for your upcoming wedding can provide significant cost savings, it also requires a good deal of dedication and planning.

Valentine's Wedding Bells at Bay View Terrace Inn

This Valentine's was a special wintertime day at the Bay View Terrace Inn in Bay View, Michigan near Petoskey.

Northern Michigan business owners Ruth Krauss and Ron Hannah were wed on the greatest day of romance in an early evening ceremony and immediate dinner.

Approximately 100 guests attended and enjoyed traditional culinary delights by Chef Kevin Phillips. The mother of the groom provided her own special cheese cake as dessert. The decor was a rich, romantic, red and black throughout with even guests donning the color theme in their attire. Monarch Floral of Petoskey provided floral in deep reds and burgundies.

Smooth jazz filled the room as guests mingled after dinner. The event was an evening of enjoyment for everyone in attendance.

For additional information on planning your perfect Up North wedding, please visit www.northernnuptials.com.

For additional information on Bay View Terrace Inn, please visit www.theterraceinn.com.

Join Northern Nuptials At The Grand Rapids Wedding Affair

Join us next month at the Grand Rapids Wedding Affair in downtown Grand Rapids. The vent takes place Friday, October 15 5-9pm at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Hosted by Grand Rapids Bride, this event is the most anticipated bridal show of the year, offering a unique and upscale environment for planning the perfect day.

Visit with over 50 vendors including top wedding consultants, reception venues, florists, musicians, and caterers.

Northern Nuptials will be on hand promoting all things Northern Michigan - as the ultimate destination wedding venue that it is. Stop by and see us and begin planning the perfect Up North wedding here in beautiful Northern Michigan!

Say I do. Up North.

Grand Rapids Wedding Affair
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl Street
Grand Rapids, Michigan

To Hire Or Not To Hire: The Professional Planner

For many, the decision of whether or not to hire a planner is determined solely by budget restrictions. Undoubtedly if you cannot afford to hire planner, your entire event will be DIY. The flip side is that chances are, if you can hire a planner, you will.

Planners are now available to offer complete, full service efforts or individualized assistance with a particular phase or portion of the process. Read advice on whether a planner is right for you - and what the bottom line is when it comes to planning your wedding.

Read more at Northern Nuptials (www.northernnuptials.com).

Fabulous New Event Gallery by Paul Retherford Photography

Be sure to check out our fabulous new event gallery promoting the work of Paul Retherford Photography.

The August, 2009 wedding was held on a beautiful inland lake in Northern Michigan. The outdoor wedding celebration was captured by Paul Retherford Photography. Post wedding included a "Trash the Dress" session. Wedding favors were pieces of flair. Live band, The Aces, featured lead singer, the father of the bride.

All in all an amazing destination event in Northern Michigan.

For more information on hosting a destination wedding in Northern Michigan, please visit www.northernnuptials.com!

Beautiful Boyne City, Michigan - Up north Perfection

Located on beautiful Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City offers the perfect location for a Northern Michigan destination wedding. Surrounded by lush forrests and rolling hills, the Michigan landscape throughout the greater Boyne City area is both visually stunning and filled with opportunity for any type of special event.

For additional information on planning the perfect Up North wedding in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan, visit Northern Nuptials and start planning today!

Weddings On Michigan's Crown Jewel: Mackinac Island

The crown jewel of Michigan, Mackinac Island, has been a cherished wedding destination for more than 100 years. Timeless, traditional, and true to life.

Visit Northern Nuptials for details on planning the most magnificent destination wedding of all time on Mackinac Island.

Visit Northern Nuptials for more at www.northernnuptials.com.

Beaver Island: The Perfect Remote Wedding Island In The Great Lakes

Beaver Island is quite possibly the most remote yet inhabited island in all the Great Lakes. Located off the Northwestern coast of Michigan's lower peninsula, Beaver Island is approximately 13 miles long and 6 miles wide, and is home to about 600 year round visitors.

With over a dozen lodging opportunities, the island can accommodate weddings and special events of any size.

Visitors can enjoy a myriad of water sports activities including power boating, sailing, kayaking and of course swimming. The island boasts two established campgrounds, both owned and operated by the Island Townships. In addition to the camping areas, over 35% of the entire island is protected state forest.

Technically part of Charlevoix County, Michigan, Beaver Island is accessible only by air and water. Commercial ferry service departs daily from Charlevoix throughout spring, summer and fall. Charter air service is also available to and from Charlevoix as well as to other destinations from the island.

Once on the island, several charter boat services operate to offer custom sight-seeing experiences or even sunset cruises and day excursions.

No matter what season, Beaver Island offers a land of tranquility and recreation for any upcoming special event.

For additional information on planning a wedding on Beaver Island, please visit Northern Nuptials.

Current Makeup Trends by Saks Fifth Avenue Artist, Christian Van Brimmer - Do a Betty Draper Do!

Visit Northern Nuptials for this month's guest editorial, provided by Saks Fifth Avenue Makeup Artist, Christian Van Brimmer.

With AMC's hit show Mad Men leading the way in fashion and beauty, Christian notes current trends for wedding makeup taking a nod to the early 1960's with a clean, classic look.

Check out www.northernnuptials.com and visit our guest editorial area for Christian's tips on skin care, makeup application and nail color selection.

Christian has worked for over 10 years for brands such as Trish McEvoy, MAC, Dior, Chanel, and Laura Mercier. Visit Northern Nuptials for more!

October Guest Editorial - Jennifer Stein with Destination I Do Magazine

Special thanks to Jennifer Stein, Editor in Chief of Destination I Do Magazine, for providing guest editorial to Northern Nuptials. Visit Northern Nuptials today for expert advice from Stein on how to plan the perfect destination wedding.

Destination I Do Magazine can be found at Barnes & Noble, Borders Booksellers and other fine retailers throughout the US and beyond. Destination I Do is the top destination wedding, honeymoon, romance and travel magazine in the world.

Happy Planning!

Salt Is Bad For Your Health: Plan The Perfect Unsalted Beach Wedding

Imagine the day. Perfect bliss. Bride and groom standing together sharing vows as the sun sets to the west out across the bright blue water. An orange glow shadows your guests as they watch the beginning of a new life together. A cool breeze is in the air. Warm sand is beneath your feet. The only sounds are of your voices and the waves lapping at the shore, just a few feet away.

Utter perfection. No salt. Visit www.northernnuptials.com and begin planning the perfect, unsalted beach wedding.

More later on other reasons salt is bad for your health...