Green Weddings in Michigan

When it comes to eco-friendly weddings, Michigan brides have the world at their fingertips. With the largest fresh water coastline in the world, and a seemingly unlimited supply of locally grown products, Michigan’s natural splendor provides plenty of opportunity for the environmentally conscious bride to show her true color - green!

Exceptional Events will help brides select the absolute best green products and environmentally responsible wedding vendors - from organic flowers and centerpieces to recycled invitations, your guests will be amazed at just how elegant a green wedding can be.

We’ll also work with you to select cuisine from top local farmers, like Michigan-grown apples and cherries, and organic wines, coffees, and cheeses. Even wedding fashion can be environmentally friendly - have your groomsmen and bridesmaids wear an outfit they’ll use beyond your wedding, and for the yourself, consider a vintage dress or a gown designed with the environment in mind.

When the party ends, your eco-friendly wedding can have a life of its own - recycling after the reception, arranging carpools for guests, and a honeymoon at an eco-resort are all great ways to do your part to help our planet. And giving trees as wedding favors is a fantastic way to save the environment, while giving your guests a lasting memory of your big day.

West Michigan Wedding Photographer - Jennifer Mayo Studios

Located near the Lake Michigan shoreline, Jennifer Mayo Studios wedding photography has been featured in magazines, like the Knot and Brides, and on theknot.com. For Michigan brides, Jennifer Mayo Studios is the premier beach and vineyard wedding photographer, and their artistically diverse team travels to Northern Michigan, Detroit, Chicago, and around the country to capture urban architectural and natural landscapes.

Jennifer Mayo Studios’ wedding photos are delicate and rich, always alive and in the moment. Jennifer attributes her artistic eye to her children, seeing the world through their lens and translating that awe inspiring vision to her photography - sunlight coming through a window, creating rainbows, the feel of touching snow for the first time. “ It might sound silly,” she said, “but these little things that I used to disregard have reconstructed the way I think and the way I see.”

These Jennifer Mayo Studios wedding photos are taken from a recent Exceptional Events wedding -
Jennifer holds a degree in art and design from the University of Notre Dame, and has studied under photography legends, such as Denis Reggie, Yervant, and Joe Buissink. Combining her artistic background and personal passion, Jennifer says, “we take a documentary approach to photographing every wedding. My single piece of advice to every couple on their wedding day is to just have fun and live in the moment. As long as you're happily married at the end of the day and you enjoy every moment, planned our surprise, we'll capture great images for you to enjoy for the rest of your lives.”

In designing your big day, Exceptional Events will help Jennifer Mayo Studios capture each breathtaking moment of your wedding. “In our experience working with Exceptional Events,” Jennifer said, “all the details were managed to perfection and the staff's direction of the timeline for the day allowed us to focus on photographing in real-time rather than directing people all day long. From an aesthetic standpoint, Exceptional Events designs unique and sophisticated celebrations that are visually breathtaking, which, of course, makes capturing beautiful images that much easier for us. We always look forward to working with the Exceptional Events team.”

Michigan Wedding Dresses

Dresses - they are a changing, and Metro Detroit brides are on the cutting edge of trends in modern wedding gowns. Michigan’s diverse styles and beautifully varied seasons often call for more than one dress design during the course of the evening.

And while a classically elegant wedding gown will always be a hit, there’s no reason you can’t change it up, even midway through your big day. Many Michigan brides are opting to change dresses between the ceremony and reception, allowing you to wear a luxurious princess gown to the ceremony, and a sleeker dress to the reception.

Other brides are opting for convertible wedding dresses, with detachable bottom skirts. These convertible wedding dresses offer a quick and easy way to change into something shorter for dancing at the reception, while retaining the style of your gown.

For a sampling of hot wedding dresses this season, visit Brides.com, and check out naturalbridals.com to view convertible dresses from Morgan Boszilkov.

Whatever style dress you choose - or should you choose more than one style - Exceptional Events will help you find your favorite designer and select your dream gown, ensuring your dress is uniquely you, no matter how many you wear.

*Photo courtesy of Jessica-Johnston Photography

Michigan Wedding Music with Panache Entertainment

As the weather cools and Michigan brides shift from outdoor ceremonies to churches and classic ballrooms, nothing adds that extra level of elegance and warmth to your wedding like live music.

For Metro Detroit brides and for weddings throughout Michigan, Panache Entertainment specializes in string quartets, jazz combos, and live bands for your ceremony and reception. Based in Bloomfield Hills, Panache Entertainment has helped set the standard for live wedding music, with a network of over 350 talented, classically-trained performers to suit almost any musical need.

Working with Panache’s versatile musicians, Exceptional Events will design a wedding the perfectly suits your unique style or religion, helping choose music that matches your wedding theme and satisfies your taste. During the ceremony, Panache Entertainment’s professionals keep a fresh pace, welcoming guests, building anticipation, and celebrating your big day, showcasing the bride and groom every step of the way.

Then, when the lights go down and the party begins, Panache Entertainment boasts a wide range of live band options for your reception. Available styles include top 40, classic, big band, dance, and so much more. Enjoy this sample video of one of Panache’s top bands, The New Deal -

Westin Book Cadillac Weddings

As reported this morning in the Detroit Free Press, the Westin Book Cadillac's grand opening is today, giving Metro Detroit brides yet another glamorous wedding destination in southeast Michigan. The restoration of the Westin Book Cadillac is helping revitalize downtown Detroit, bringing trendy accommodations to the Motor City.

We recommended the Westin Book Cadillac as a Michigan wedding venue in our July 2nd blog post. Now that the $180 million renovation project is complete, let Exceptional Events design the wedding of your dreams at this Italian-renaissance-style historic landmark, and be one of the first brides in Michigan to celebrate your big day at Detroit's newest old hotel.

Michigan Fall Weddings

Michigan brides are blessed with some of the country’s most beautiful autumn colors and delicious local harvests, perfect for integrating seasonal style into your fall wedding.

Brides can use the cool, crisp weather and fall atmosphere to their advantage in a variety of ways, like holding a ceremony or reception in an old barn, at a vineyard, or in an orchard.

Michigan brides can also include local products, like apple cider, as well as trendy seasonal wedding favors, like caramel apples or maple syrup, adding personal flavor and a touch of your community.

Fall is the perfect time to include some of Exceptional Events’ favorite wedding elements - dramatic crystal chandeliers and fall inspired floral arrangements are both ideal matches for historic settings with wood grain accents or a rustic fireplace.

Most important for Michigan’s fall brides - we’ll make sure your wedding matches your personal style. Traditionally lighter summer colors and glamorous ballrooms will still be a hit, as long as the wedding matches your season of love.


*Photo courtesy of Arising Image

Ann Arbor Wedding Cakes from Zingerman’s Bakehouse

Part of Ann Arbor’s famous Zingerman’s community of businesses, Zingerman’s Bakehouse is a southeast Michigan institution, custom designing gourmet wedding cakes for Metro Detroit brides. Zingerman’s team of artisan bakers uses traditional baking methods and only the most flavorful ingredients, and they most certainly understand how to add modern flair to your Michigan wedding cake.

Exceptional Events is committed to designing intimate, personal weddings, and one spectacular element that can help make your wedding memorable is an individualized wedding cake. No matter what your wedding theme, Zingerman’s Bakehouse will design and bake a fun, elegant cake that perfectly matches your unique taste - both in style and flavor. Zingerman’s prides themselves on making beautiful wedding cakes that “taste good too,” giving your wedding guests plenty to rave about.

And as a full-service bakehouse, Zingerman’s is on the cutting-edge of all the latest wedding trends, like groom’s cakes, gourmet cookie trays, cupcake spreads, and any other sweet you can imagine sinking your teeth into. As Zingerman’s says themselves, “[we’re] driven by our passion for great bread and pastries and a desire to share them...” Once you get a taste of their wedding cakes, we’re sure you’ll share their passion too.

For a sampling of cakes, visit Zingerman’s wedding cakes page.

Michigan Wedding Planner Exceptional Events on National TV

Executive Planner Anna Richardson and the Exceptional Events team are currently filming several major television shows right here in Michigan. Filming has been a blast, and we can’t wait to show off our wedding design to local brides and a national television audience.

The particulars of the wedding shows are still confidential, but we look forward to sharing all the details with our blog readers just as soon as we’re permitted.

Stay Tuned - Exceptional Events is about to make a national television sensation of a few gorgeous Michigan brides!

Rochester Michigan Weddings with Exceptional Events

Exceptional Events recently brought together some of Metro Detroit’s best wedding vendors, designing and directing one of our most beautiful weddings to date.

Arising Images shot the wedding photos at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan, and posted their own blog about the gorgeous daytime reception.

Other favorite vendors of Exceptional Events contributed to this glamorous Rochester wedding, including videographer Epic Motion, who we just profiled Wednesday on the Exceptional Events blog, and the Royal Park Hotel, which we recommended to Michigan brides in our July 23rd blog post.

Thanks to everyone involved for helping make Sydney and Dave’s Rochester, Michigan Wedding memorable and spectacular, and be sure to visit the Arising Images blog for more photos of the event.

Epic Motion Michigan Wedding Videos

Epic Motion is one of the premier wedding and event video production companies in all of Michigan. Their cinema style digital films “capture, celebrate, and preserve life's most amazing moments,” and have earned Epic Motion the respect and admiration of Exceptional Events, in addition to being named Detroit’s Best Videographer by WDIV's 4 The Best in 2008.

Located in posh Royal Oak, Michigan, Epic Motion serves brides in Greater Detroit, throughout Michigan, and destination weddings across the U.S. and abroad. As they say, “No dream is too large. No destination is too far.”

Capturing each moment as it happens, Epic Motion tells your wedding story by ensuring all your ‘must have’ shots are beautifully and artistically edited into your wedding video, displaying your extraordinary love in DVD format, or whatever media option you select - shooting in both HD and Super 8mm. In addition to weddings, Epic Motion also produces expert videos for all of life’s celebrations, including religious ceremonies, remembrances, and family documentaries.

In designing your big day, Exceptional Events will work closely with Epic Motion to communicate every nuance of your celebration, ensuring that each magical wedding moment is captured for eternity. Thanks to our close friendship and working relationship, Artist Ryan Koral of Epic Motion is always thrilled to work with Exceptional Events, saying - “I'm a HUGE fan of Exceptional Events. You always know what you're going to get - awesome communication, creative ideas, fun people to work with, professionalism - an overall GREAT experience. I always look forward to working together with Exceptional Events.”

After the party ends, the creative vision of Epic Motion will use the latest video technology to deliver timeless and inspiring memories that are “a true reflection of you.” Enjoy this sample video of their work, and be sure to visit the Epic Motion Blog for even more wedding memories.


Pine Knob Mansion Wedding of Kate and Mike - The Trailer from Ryan Koral on Vimeo.

New Ann Arbor Studio for Michigan Wedding Design

Now located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor on the corner of Main St. and E. Liberty, Exceptional Events is proud to announce the opening of our newest Michigan wedding design studio.

Having moved from the quaint Ann Arbor suburbs to chic downtown, Exceptional Events' new wedding studio is truly located in one of Michigan’s most unique regions, with a taste big city glamour in small town America. The streets of this University of Michigan town are lined with glamorous boutique shopping, gourmet dining, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant nightlife, making Ann Arbor the perfect fit for our warm, welcoming service and sophisticated wedding design.

For brides in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Okemos, Grand Ledge, and Lansing - make an appointment by calling our new Ann Arbor design studio at 734.929.4499, or email RSVP@MyExceptionalEvents.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let Exceptional Events get started planning the Michigan wedding of your dreams.

Birmingham, Michigan Wedding Flowers

For Michigan brides, floral design is one of the most important elements of your wedding. Bouquets and table arrangements can serve as the star attraction of your design, or can add a sense of symmetry that illuminates the beauty of your wedding theme. At their best, flowers do a little of both, and no matter your personal style, there is sure to be a perfect fit.

Luckily, Birmingham brides have access to top Michigan florists, like Blossoms. Voted “Best of 2008” by Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine and Hour Detroit, Blossoms has been recognized as the “Best Florist in Metro Detroit” for more than 25 years. Blossoms’ chic sensibility and cutting-edge floral design is sure to add elegance and artistic panache your Michigan wedding.

At the beginning of 2008, we posted on our blog that we were seeing a lot of crystal-encrusted bouquets and centerpieces with orchids or garden roses, and suggested, for a personalized touch to your bouquet, Michigan brides add something special, like an antique brooch handed down from your grandmother or your great aunt's rosary beads. The key - keep it meaningful.

Other trends have emerged this year as well. Calla lilies are a popular bouquet flower, and go perfectly with natural elements, like wild grass and other greens, and colored calla lilies are a fantastic choice to help set the tone and color scheme for you big day, particularly in the fall season, when fiery sunset shades of orchids and dahlias are a popular choice.

As a trendsetter in wedding design, Exceptional Events will work with Blossoms to ensure the flowers at your Michigan wedding are unique and memorable, while accentuating all the beauty of your big day.

Birmingham Michigan Weddings at The Townsend Hotel

For Birmingham weddings, Michigan brides will absolutely love the Townsend Hotel. Tucked amidst the designer boutiques and nationally-acclaimed art galleries of downtown Birmingham, the Townsend Hotel is one of Exceptional Events’ favorite wedding venues, admired for its European elegance and impeccable service.

Ideal for a beautiful ceremony, a distinctive rehearsal dinner, or a memorable post-wedding-day brunch, the Townsend Hotel’s premier 5,000 square-foot reception ballroom and intimate salons will make your wedding sparkle, with perfectly cut crystal chandeliers, cherry wood paneling, lavish marble floors, and stylish halls and foyers. The Townsend Hotel graciously seats up to 320 guests and every room boasts its own unique ambiance, making the Townsend perfect for weddings of almost any size style.

In designing your big day, Exceptional Events will accentuate the Townsend Hotel’s most luxurious elements, ensuring every aspect of your wedding is spectacular. With the service of the best wedding vendors in Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, and Royal Oak, we’ll infuse every Townsend Hotel wedding with the absolute best in all of Metro Detroit.

The Townsend Hotel has been recognized both locally and nationally for its breathtaking accommodations, top-of-line service, and renowned dining - 2008 Gold List "World's Best Places to Stay" by Condé Nast, 2008 "The World's Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, and the Townsend’s Rugby Grille was ranked “one of the top 10 best restaurants in the United States by Zagat's - America's Top Restaurants 2008.

The experts agree, and so does Exceptional Events - the Townsend Hotel is one of southeast Michigan’s premier wedding destinations.

*Photo courtesy of Arising Images

Michigan Wedding Chandeliers

To add a classic symbol of elegance to your Michigan wedding reception, Exceptional Events recommends decorating with chandeliers.

Chandeliers provide an iconic sense of glamor to any space. Whereas in the past, chandeliers were only used for ballroom weddings, now brides can transform any space, indoors or out, by hanging chandeliers throughout the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Even for outdoor celebrations, in a tent or old barn, chandeliers add a touch of fabulosity to any event. There is simply nothing more gorgeous than a grouping of chandeliers in a rustic setting - the contrast is so interesting and spellbinding.

Exceptional Events will help Michigan brides select the absolute perfect chandeliers, working closely with Michigan wedding rental services, like Special Events Rental to ensure your chandeliers sparkle as brightly as your wedding.

Click on the image below for a few neat ideas!

Introducing Kristine Meierjurgen, Exceptional Events New Executive Assistant

Exceptional Events is proud to introduce our new Executive Assistant, Kristine Meierjurgen. Kristine’s artistic eye, her devotion to planning, and her professionalism has bolstered her reputation in Michigan’s event planning industry. But it’s her warm and caring personality that has truly made her the perfect addition the the Exceptional Events team.

An experienced office manager and budgeting expert, Kristine brings her perfectionist nature and calm demeanor to our group of event planning professionals. Kristine’s natural gift for building rapport with clients is particularly impressive when combined with her ability to successfully manage multiple projects.

In her new role as Executive Assistant, Kristine will work closely with Anna and our Event Directors, designing dream weddings and celebrations throughout Michigan. Kristine is sure to impress all our clients, from brides to celebrities, to CEO’s - we can’t wait for you to meet her. Welcome, Kristine!

Ann Arbor Weddings at the University of Michigan Union & League

Nestled in the beautiful heart of campus, the University of Michigan Union and League will add sophisticated class to your Ann Arbor wedding, delighting Michigan brides with extravagant ballrooms and intimate details.

The Michigan Union is the perfect setting to make wedding dreams come true. Warm, oak paneled walls and slate floors give the Michigan Union a classic, tradition-rich feel. The hand painted murals, dramatic windows, and a crackling fireplace set the perfect backdrop for an elegant wedding in the Blaine Room. And the Grand Ballroom’s lavish 35 foot ceiling adorned with sparkling chandeliers will mesmerize your guests.

The Michigan League also offers a diverse set of wedding options, from the intimate elegance of the Blagdon Room, to the grandiose stained glass and dramatic ceilings of the Ballroom, the Michigan League is beautifully appointed with oak and walnut paneling and Pewabic tile floors, giving the League an air of high-society.

Helping local brides choose from over 30 uniquely decorated rooms, Exceptional Events will design your fairy tale wedding at the University of Michigan Union and League, incorporating Ann Arbor’s charming downtown and the pristine campus into every celebration.

Barton Hills Country Club Weddings in Ann Arbor

For Ann Arbor weddings, look no further than Barton Hills Country Club, with its lavish banquet facilities, beautifully groomed grounds, and dedicated catering staff. Exceptional Events recently enjoyed the pleasure of planning a wedding at Barton Hills Country Club for 175 guests.

The wedding was spectacular, and the unique ceremony was rich in both Jewish and Scottish tradition, complete with kilts and bagpipes.



Photos courtesy of Widdis Photography

Birmingham Michigan Wedding Planner Introduces Event Manager, Nicole Lang

Exceptional Events is proud to introduce our newest Event Manager, Nicole Lang. Nicole, along with her sparkling personality, brings years of experience and world travel to Exceptional Events established team of planning professionals. A Northern Michigan University alum, Nicole's familiarity with Michigan's event planning industry and her well-rounded vision inspires clients and brides across the country.

Nicole's commitment to design excellence is eclipsed only by her impeccable professional track record. As a Catering Sales Director and Event Manager, Nicole has planned over 100 dream weddings and coordinated more than 400 events.

Nicole is a graduate of the Association of Bridal Consultant's Professional Development Program, a member of the Business Network International, and was a five-time Dean's List member at Northern Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

While living in Vienna, Austria, Nicole was inspired by the diverse cultures of Europe, traveling to Germany, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. She returned to Michigan with a deep appreciation and understanding of foreign style, and a motivation to channel her new found artistic sensibility into designing lavish weddings and events for her clients.

With a strong understanding of the Michigan wedding landscape, and worldly-wise perspective, Nicole is sure to add the kind of flair and detail that will make your Michigan wedding or event the picture of perfection.

Metro Detroit Wedding Planner Recommends The Inn at St. John's

The Inn at St. John’s breathtaking grounds and dedicated staff has earned this Plymouth, Michigan landmark a spot among The Knot’s "Best of Weddings." With more than half a century of rich history and tradition, this luxury boutique hotel offers the finest wedding accommodations in one of Detroit’s premier upscale suburbs.

From the detailed wood and stonework to the soaring inlaid ceilings and majestic columns, the Inn at St. John’s beautifully appointed ballrooms make every Metro Detroit wedding extraordinary. Incorporating the Inn at St. John’s pristine details, like the polished marble floors and lavish gardens, Birmingham wedding planner, Exceptional Events will work with the best vendors in Michigan to design the wedding of your dreams.

The Inn at St. John’s fairy tale grounds include a grand, European-style chapel, lavish gardens, regal ballrooms, five-star dining with delectable world-class cuisine and award-winning wine list, the chic martini lounge, a 27-hole championship golf course, and among the most luxurious hotel accommodations in all of Michigan.

For Exceptional Events’ Detroit brides, the Inn at St. John’s is the picture of elegance. The hotel’s sophisticated decor is sure to infuse classic style to your Michigan wedding, while adding style to your celebration.












* Photos courtesy of Arising Images and the Inn at St. John’s

Exceptional Events Birmingham Michigan Wedding Planning Studio

In May, Exceptional Events announced the opening of our newest design studio at 219 Old Woodward Ave in Downtown Birmingham, Michigan. We’ve been hard at work putting the finishing touches on our newest location, making sure the attention to detail and style in the studio mirrored the same artistic design and individuality we put into all our Michigan weddings and events. Enjoy this selection of photos by Jessica-Johnston Photography of our new Birmingham Studio -

Dawn Owen Designs - Royal Oak, Michigan Wedding Florist

Devoted to modern and luxurious floral arrangements, Dawn Owen Designs is located in Royal Oak’s chic downtown, providing personalized service and couture quality to bridal clients throughout metro Detroit.

Owner, Dawn Owen took her experience as a bridal gown designer at a high-end boutique, combined it with her passion for dramatic art and flowers, and establish one of the most renowned floral production companies in all of Michigan.

To date, Dawn Owen Designs has worked with Ralph Lauren, Elton John, and Mexican President, Vincente Fox, and has received praise from the likes of Vera Wang and Renee Zellweger. Local and national publications have also taken notice, with features of Dawn Owen Designs appearing in the Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit, Style, Detroit Home, and Metro Detroit Bride.

As a wedding industry expert, Dawn Owen Designs occupies a rare space, as a florist that understands overall wedding design concepts, and how to make the flowers an intricate part of the decor. Dawn Owen Designs’ evocative arrangements and industry prowess has earned this florist the respect of Exceptional Events.

But it’s our mutual affection for our clients that makes Dawn such a joy to work with. As she said, “I love what I do. I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world. I wake up every day and work with people who are celebrating the happiest days of their lives. What a blast!” You took the words right out of our mouth.

Michigan Winter Weddings

The Michigan summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean the whirlwind wedding season will slow as well. As fall and winter rapidly approach, so does a new season of possibility, bursting with fresh, elegant designs and limitless opportunity to capture the delicate sparkle of perhaps Michigan’s most beautiful time of year.

As the ground is blanketed by snow and the festive holiday spirit encompasses the region, winter brides can choose from a variety of unique themes to capture Michigan’s intrinsic beauty, like color schemes, including deep blues, warm reds, and shimmering silvers and whites, to mirror the natural colors of the seasons.

Winter also lends itself to formal, black-tie ballroom affairs or casual, fireside receptions, adding a cozy charm and sophistication that will set your wedding apart from all the others. The inclusion of seasonal dining options and warm drinks, like cocoa and spiced wine, is another great way to take advantage of the colder weather.

Whether winter is your favorite of all the seasons, or your busy calendar requires the flexible scheduling options a winter wedding provides, Exceptional Events will capture Michigan’s snowy glow. Working with the best service purveyors in the area, we’ll design a magical winter wedding, ensuring your big day is the hit of the season.

* Photos Courtesy of Arising Images

Henry Ford Weddings at Lovett Hall, the Museum Plaza, and Greenfield Village

The Henry Ford’s enduring elegance is guaranteed to enchant Detroit area brides. Honored as the “Most Unique Venue” and “Best Banquet & Reception” facility by Michigan Meetings & Events and “Best of Weddings” 2008 by the Knot, the Henry Ford’s uniquely appointed ballrooms, plazas, and gardens are sure to inspire Michigan couples.

With a seemingly endless array of accommodations, the Henry Ford can host weddings of any size and style. Exceptional Events will help you select the best option, perfecting your vision by choosing from the refined 1930's Lovett Hall Ballroom, with its sparkling chandeliers and grand staircase, the Henry Ford Museum Plaza, decorated with highlights from the museum’s collection, and Greenfield Village, accommodating up to 10,000 guests.

Additional package options for the Lovett Hall Ballroom include the Lovett Lobby, with chic marble flooring and a 14-foot-high crown molding ceiling, the intricate brickwork and cultured-limestone of Ginger Meyer Garden, and the lush landscaping of Lovett Courtyard.

For brides selecting the Museum Plaza, options include the Prechter Promenade’s grand entrance, for a lavish cocktail hour, the open-air Pennsylvania Courtyard, Michigan Café, and the art-adorned Flexible Exhibit Gallery Lobby, perfect for afterglows and desserts.

Greenfield Village options include the historical, candlelit Eagle Tavern, the Village Pavilion, overlooking the Village Green and carousel, Walnut Grove, and the 19th-century, New England style Martha-Mary Chapel, featuring a pipe organ, high ceilings, and a candlelit chandelier.

Combining and matching the best the Henry Ford has to offer, Exceptional Events will channel your vision for your big day to design the wedding of your dreams, for a storybook beginning to your fairy-tale romance.

Special Events Rental for Exceptional Events

Awarded "Best Rental Service" in Michigan by Meetings & Events magazine in 2007 and 2008, Special Events Rental boasts one of the most extensive and elaborate party rental collections in Michigan.

Special Events Rental supplies the finest, high-end wedding and event decor all throughout Michigan, and has experience working with a wide variety of clients and events, including Michigan Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land, Hour Detroit magazine, Ford Motor Company, The NFL - Super Bowl XL, BET, and, of course, Exceptional Events.

Exceptional Events works closely with Special Events Rental to select the very best from their collection, ensuring a picture-perfect layout and beautiful decorative accommodations for your celebration. From their facility in Warren, Michigan, Special Events Rental provides everything and anything you can imagine - tents, tables and chairs, dance floors, dinnerware, catering equipment, linens, and everything in between - even casino equipment.

Visit Special Events Rental's website for a complete listing of their pricing and inventory. As always, Exceptional Events will coordinate every element of your big day, teaming with Special Events Rental to design the wedding or celebration of your dreams.

Area Attraction Lists for Out-of-Town Guests

Two weeks ago Exceptional Events suggested giving personalized Michigan gift baskets to your out-of-town wedding guests. Another nice consideration for guests unfamiliar with your wedding city is a list of your favorite local attractions - restaurants and bars, parks and museums, shops, and even walks or drives.

Your guests will appreciate suggestions for activities to occupy their free time before and after your wedding, and the personalized touch will show them you want to make their trip as special as your big day.

Be sure to include descriptions for why you chose each attraction - maybe it was the place you first met, a favorite date spot, or your decadent late night coffee shop - and don’t forget to include a map.

A personalized itinerary for you out-of-town guests can be the perfect addition to a local gift basket, and with Michigan’s natural beauty and cultural attractions, your guests will remember your wedding as the complete getaway celebration.

Around the World with Ian Johnson and Exceptional Events

Widely regarded as one of the top wedding photographers in the world, Ian Johnson Photo captures the story of every wedding with a flair for fashion and an eye for the artistic.

Shooting through his worldly, cosmopolitan lens, Ian Johnson hails from Sweden, and has received international acclaim for his breathtaking destination wedding photography, impressing debutantes and celebrities alike.

With studios in Los Angeles, London, and Stockholm, Johnson travels the globe to capture the most high-end, dazzling weddings in the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean, and anywhere in the world, including weddings in Detroit and throughout Michigan.

Ian Johnson Photo’s cinematic edge and wide-ranging style, from the classic to the avant garde, makes this international trendsetter one of Exceptional Events most highly recommended wedding photographers, for a Detroit wedding or an elaborate destination affair.

Visit Ian Johnson’s photo gallery to enjoy a sampling of his work, and check out the Ian Johnson Photo Blog to track this jet-setting photographer as he lends his “cinematic storybook reportage” to brides the world over.

Exceptional Events' Back Cover of "Brides: Michigan"

Renowned wedding magazine Brides: Michigan and Brides.com provide tremendous local vendor libraries, in addition to some of the most cutting-edge advice on wedding trends and bridal fashion.

Given Brides' impeccable reputation, Exceptional Events is ecstatic to grace the back cover the Fall/Winter edition of Brides: Michigan magazine. As the premier wedding planner in Michigan, we’re committed to working with the best service purveyors in the state, including top publications and websites, like Brides.

Be sure to turn to Brides for wedding advice and trends, and enjoy this preview of our back cover spread.

Make Your Wedding "Pop"

It wasn’t so long ago that wedding reception candy buffets were all the rage, but for brides really looking to stay ahead of the curve, consider going with a popcorn bar, the trendy alternative wedding treat.

Popcorn is a fun parting gift for your guests, and provides a healthy alternative to sugary candy. For an interactive experience, go with a variety of gourmet flavors, including butter, cheese, and carmel corn, giving your guests the option to mix and match their flavors.

Presenting the various popcorn flavors in glass jars is a great way to give your buffet a classic feel, and Exceptional Events recommends a personalized message on each take-home jar or bag - a memorable way to give thanks to all your guests.

Ann Arbor Weddings at the Polo Fields Golf & C.C.

The Polo Fields Golf & Country Club of Ann Arbor is one of southeast Michigan’s most exclusive wedding and event venues. Covering over 420 acres of rolling Michigan Hills, the Polo Fields is an exclusive country club and resort, featuring the finest golf courses and recreational activities, as well as the most prestigious wedding and event services, combining beautiful grounds and event venues with mid-western hospitality.

Accommodating up to 260 guests, the newly renovated Grand Ballroom offers classical elegance and charm, with panoramic views of the grounds, perfect for your big day. The ballroom’s neutral color palette is accentuated by the soft lighting from both the delicate chandeliers and the natural light from the ballroom’s three French doors. The Grand Ballroom also provides access to the resorts brick patio, overlooking the pool and world-class golf course, and the room itself boasts 3,800 square-feet of space.

With meandering creeks, stately, mature trees, and a perfect blend of classic taste and modern sensibility, the Polo Fields Golf & Country Club captures the natural beauty and sophistication of Ann Arbor. For the best of southeast Michigan, Exceptional Events will work with The Polo Fields’ professional banquet staff and award-winning chef to design the wedding of your dreams.

Exceptional Events - Your Michigan Wedding Solution

Exceptional Events is delighted to be one of the select few Featured Wedding Services on the Michigan Wedding Solutions homepage. “The Ultimate Guide for Michigan Brides,” Michigan Wedding Solutions is a one-stop online resource for area brides.

Thanks to our wide-ranging talent - from chic metropolitan affairs to romantic destination beach weddings - Exceptional Events is also proud to occupy MichiganWeddingSolution.com’s top listing in every city throughout the Great lakes State, upholding our reputation as Michigan’s premier wedding planner.

At Exceptional Events, we love making wedding dreams come true for Michigan brides, and Michigan Wedding Solutions is a fantastic website for helping us reach couples across the state. Check out our online brochure with Michigan Wedding Solutions, and be sure contact Exceptional Events for all your wedding planning needs.

Exceptional Events and Comerica Park - A Winning Team

For baseball fanatics and fans of the city of Detroit, Comerica Park is the perfect venue for hosting weddings, parties, or corporate events - sure to make your celebration stand out from all the rest.

Comerica Park can accommodate events from 50 to 40,000, and your guests will love the novelty of Comerica Park’s carousel, ferris wheel, and musical water fountain, not to mention the diamond itself, with packages for private tours, custom scoreboard messages, mascot appearances.

Comerica Park offers a wide variety of options, from luxurious dining halls, to more casual bars and private stadium seating, including the Tiger Club, Tiger Den, Chevrolet Champions Club, The Beer Hall, The Cigar Bar, The Brushfire Grill, and the Witherell Bar.

For catering, choose from a variety of gourmet, fine-dining options, or get creative and go with the “Bases Loaded” themed buffet, featuring beer-steamed hot dogs and nachos with cheese sauce, for an authentic ballpark dining experience - always a crowd pleaser, and a lighthearted touch to make your event memorable.

Whatever the theme of your celebration, Exceptional Events will work with Comerica Park to cover all the bases, making sure your next party is a resounding hit.

Northern Michigan Weddings at Bay Harbor

For destination brides looking to capture the scenic beauty of northern Michigan, look no further than Bay Harbor. Perfectly situated between Charlevoix and Petoskey, along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Bay Harbor offers world-class accommodations and some of the most luxurious wedding facilities in all of Michigan.

With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Bay Harbor Lake, and the Village, Bay Harbor’s Observation Platform provides the perfect panoramic backdrop for your big day. And if you’re dreaming of a romantic beachfront ceremony, Bay Harbor provides several options, including the Marina Lawn Panel and Sunset Beach, for a picturesque lakeshore setting.

For indoor celebrations, Bay Harbor Resort & Marina’s Conference Center is the ideal location for a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch. The front room of the Conference Center is anchored by a large bay window, overlooking magnificent Bay Harbor, and, from the lobby and grand hallway, guests will be amazed by magnificent views of shimmering blue water.

Bay Harbor embodies the natural beauty, and the crisp, clean elegance of high-end nautical society. Quaint area shops, world-renowned golf courses, beautifully appointed ballrooms, and of course, majestic views of Lake Michigan make Bay Harbor the perfect destination for your northern Michigan wedding.

Michigan Gift Baskets for Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

Personalized gift baskets are a fantastic way to treat your out-of-town wedding guests to a taste of your favorite local products. Nowhere is this wedding trend more popular than in the Great Lakes State, with plenty of delicious Michigan products to fill your gift basket.

For just a few ideas, consider Vernors Ginger Ale, Faygo Pop, Leelanau Cellars Wine, Bell’s Beer, Mackinac Island Fudge, Better Made Potato Chips, Chocolate-Covered Cherries, Maple Syrup, and maybe even a Bob Seger CD.

With so many Michigan goodies to choose from, there’s no better way to welcome your out-of-town wedding guests, while showing off your Michigan pride.

Michigan: Royal Park Hotel Weddings

Detroit area brides will absolutely love the four-star, four-diamond Royal Park Hotel, a luxury reception venue sure to impress for your romantic wedding. And with two versatile size ballrooms, The Royal Park Hotel can accommodate a guest list of nearly any size.

Located in idyllic Rochester, Michigan, the Royal Park Hotel is situated on the banks of Paint Creek, and is within easy walking distance to the boutiques of Rochester’s bustling downtown. With 143 uniquely designed guest rooms and suites, and two perfectly appointed reception ballrooms, the hotel’s décor features quarter-sawn cherry, marble, and slate, giving this modern facility the feel of an elegant English manor house.

For intimate weddings of 200 or less, The Royal Park Hotel’s Conservatory or “Crystal Palace” features a private garden and fountain, a Murano chandelier, and a two-story open Belgian glass ceiling, providing views of the stars in an alfresco setting. The Conservatory is also a fantastic choice for showers, rehearsal dinners, and cocktail-hour receptions.

Accommodating up to 1200 guests, The Royal Grand Ballroom is perfect for larger guest lists, adorned with handcrafted chandeliers, an Italian marble gallery, and fifteen-foot ceilings. This larger reception room is spacious yet intimate, for the biggest of big days.

The Royal Park Hotel’s understated elegance and old-world attention to detail make this Detroit gem an ideal choice for a luxurious, classically beautiful wedding reception.

It's All In The Details

Exceptional Events was featured July 18th on Style Me Pretty.

The photographs in the feature are taken from one of our most recent weddings, and include Moroccan lanterns for soft lighting, and thin, sparkling butterflies, adding an elegant, delicate touch to the table and seating decorations.

With over 15,000 impressions a day, Style Me Pretty is one of the top national sites for wedding advice. To keep up with the latest in wedding trends, be sure to visit their blog regularly – we’ll see you there.

Stand By Your Man With Groom's Cakes

Groom’s cakes are fast becoming one of the hottest trends in weddings, and serving these custom-designed sweets is a fantastic way to showcase your groom’s personality.

Once a uniquely Southern tradition, Groom’s Cakes are now fashionable all around the country. Groom’s Cakes can be served after the rehearsal dinner or they can occupy their own table at the reception. Flavors tend to lean toward chocolate or fruit to contrast the generally white wedding cake, but can also be made to suit the groom’s taste.

Popular Groom's Cake designs are often lighthearted, like college mascots, favorite sports teams, hobbies, and professions. The cake themes are usually kept secret until serving to surprise your groom and pay homage to the masculine side of your wedding.

This Comerica Park Groom’s Cake comes from one of Exceptional Events' recent weddings - Go Tigers!



Cake Design by Kim Sperl of Bella e Dolce

Amuse Wedding Guests With ShutterBooth

At Exceptional Events we’re always on the lookout for those little uncommon touches that make weddings stylish and unique – and sometimes, even humorous. For some added flair, include ShutterBooth at your celebration – their photos will have your guests talking for years to come.

Available throughout Michigan, ShutterBooth produces old-time photo booth pictures using modern technology. Your guests will love the novelty of posing behind the curtain and hamming it up for the camera, and ShutterBooth’s online photo gallery is a fun way to look back at your wedding shenanigans.

ShutterBooth photos are a great memento for guests to take home, and the pictures will provide you with a lasting memory of the true “personalities” at your wedding reception.

At past events, ShutterBooth has been a joy to work with, and following our most recent collaboration, ShutterBooth had this to say -

"We have had the pleasure of working with Exceptional Events and their creativity and attention to detail is remarkable. We have been so impressed by the quality of service and professionalism each member of the Exceptional Events team exhibits. Their name says it all, 'Exceptional.'" The feeling is mutual, which is why we recommend ShutterBooth.

Visit ShutterBooth online for print packages, custom table settings, save-the-dates, keychains, and other options, or call 1.888.780.8837 for more information.

My Wedding Detroit - Your Exceptional Event

Exceptional Events is proud to be featured on My Wedding Detroit, southeast Michigan’s local My Wedding destination.

Our presence on My Wedding Detroit has grown tremendously in recent months. In addition to our online brochure and our various wedding-planning banners, we now occupy the #1 position on My Wedding Detroit's homepage.

My Wedding Detroit is a fantastic starting point for newly engaged couples, offering vendor lists, wedding advice, and free couples websites. Through our well-established relationship with their site, we’re happy to continue making wedding dreams come true for Michigan brides.

Ad Sneak Preview

Exceptional Events is proud to present blog readers with a sneak preview of our upcoming ad design, to be prominently featured in Metro Detroit Bride, Brides: Michigan, and The Knot.

With the summer wedding season in full swing, we’re more excited than ever to provide the best possible planning service for Michigan brides, and as our reputation as the premier wedding planning company in Michigan continues to grow, so does our presence in local and national wedding publications.

You can check us out on news stands starting July 16th in Metro Detroit Bride, but for now, enjoy this sneak preview of our ad design.

Signature Wedding Cocktails

Impress your wedding guests by serving signature cocktails. These trendy, personalized drinks are a great way to add your own unique style to the menu.

Recently, pomegranate cocktails have grown in popularity thanks to the pomegranate’s vibrant ruby color, its sweet, tart flavor, and the fruit's symbolic association with eternity and devotion.

For a simple pomegranate cosmopolitan, try variations of this easy recipe -

• 1/4 Oz Lime Juice
• 1 1/4 Oz Vodka
• 1/4 Oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 1/4 oz Pomegranate Juice

Combine ingredients, shake well over ice, then strain and serve in a chilled martini glasses, garnishing with a twist of lime.

For Large Guest Lists - Westin Book Cadillac

At Exceptional Events, we absolutely love the excitement of planning and orchestrating large-scale celebrations, so we’re always on the lookout for venues capable of housing our most elaborate events. Well, we’ve found one - the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac Hotel is the ideal choice for the grandest of Detroit weddings.

Perfectly situated at 243 State Street, this Italian-renaissance-style hotel is a member of the National Registry of Historic Buildings, and provides spectacular views of the city and easy travel to the immediate downtown area. Built in 1924, the Westin Book Cadillac is rich in Detroit history, and recent renovations have brought the hotel back to its former grandeur, while adding state-of-the-art technology.

As part of their $180 million renovation project, Westin Book Cadillac put considerable effort toward designing Detroit’s premier meeting and event venues, providing accommodations unmatched in the downtown area, and bringing modern sophistication and style to this Detroit landmark. For guest lists of up to 1,000, The Westin Book Cadillac now boasts 39,000 square feet of beautifully-appointed event spaces, including two historic ballrooms and a third contemporary ballroom. Smaller spaces are also available for more intimate celebrations.

For receptions on any scale, the Westin Book Cadillac houses a world-class Executive Chef and expert culinary team. Additionally, for the convenience of your guests, hotel amenities include, attached parking with valet, in-room spa treatment, three restaurants, and all the features you would expect from Westin® signature service.

If your wedding demands the biggest and best Detroit has to offer, look no further than the Westin Book Cadillac. As always, Exceptional Events will work closely with the reception venue to design the wedding of your dreams.

Exceptional Events Recognized for Style

Style Me Pretty is a wedding advice website “for the style obsessed bride.” Their trendy blog includes tips on everything from color schemes to unique reception ideas.

In addition to their cutting-edge wedding advice, Style Me Pretty is famous for their Little Black Book, an exclusive catalog of the top wedding vendors in the country. Exceptional Events has recently been selected by Style Me Pretty as the top wedding planner in Michigan.

We are long-time fans of Style Me Pretty, and are honored to have been selected among the nation’s most elite wedding service providers.

An "Exceptional Event" Featured on WeddingChicks.com

Exceptional Events recently had one of our May 2008 weddings recognized by Wedding Chicks as one of the best in the country.

The Wedding Chicks is a nationally-renowned website, famous for their chic taste, inspirational wedding advice, and their elite vendor library. We are honored to be featured on their site.

Please be sure to check out the Exceptional Events photo montage of Drs. Ali and Carole Bydon's May 3, 2008 wedding by visiting the Wedding Chicks website.