Real Wedding - Laura & Eric

This past summer, when I received an email from Laura's mom, I knew right away I wanted to work on this wedding. Not only were her ideas for her daughter's wedding beautiful but you could see the love and excitement in every word. It was not just about the wedding for this family, it was the beginning of a marriage and bringing two families together. Laura and Eric live in Texas and her parents in Ohio so all of the planning was done via phone and email. Thankfully, they came into town a couple of times and spending time with them made me just love the family all the more!

Unfortunately, I was unable to be onsite the day of the wedding but had worked closely with Aletha from Pearls Events throughout the planning so that she could run the day of logistics. It was so hard for me not to be there in person, but I was so glad I had a great associate to take care of everything!

Planning & Coordination: Red Heels Events
Photography: Arrae Photography
Floral: Events by Ludema's
Ceremony: Kelloggsville Church
Reception: The Cheney Place
DJ: Dance Tracks
Caterer: West Michigan Caterer
Linens: The Chair and Linens Collection
Cake: Cakes and Crafts by Sue
Beverages: Brewery Vivant and Biggby Coffee

It had snowed earlier in the morning but none of it stuck. I was disappointed but at least we still got some holiday decorations here and there.

Laura's dad, Tom, was going to put these strings of lights up himself but The Cheney Place decided to purchase them and keep them up. I know of a lot of other brides that are very happy about that too!

They wanted place cards at the head table so I made these cute purple and gray cards for them. A quick little project but they added an extra pop of color to the table.

Being entrusted with a couple's big day is always an honor and I am truly blessed to work with so many wonderful people. Laura and Eric, your wedding was the perfect blessing to end our 2012 season!

The Cheney Place

I am always excited when new event spaces are opened in the area. When I heard about The Cheney Place, I was REALLY excited. In this age of repurposing, reusing and recycling what is better than an event venue in an old warehouse?

The Cheney Place is located downtown Grand Rapids, just north of Leonard on Monroe. The building is closing in on it's 100 year anniversary but you would never guess it by the amazing condition it is in. One of the owners, Lynn Hansen, gave me the grand tour today. Lynn said that their goal was to maintain the character and integrity of the building by keeping as much of it original as possible. From the floors to the ceilings, the large wood beams, vintage freight elevator and the vault turned coat room, the details are fantastic! It is a beautiful industrial looking space that you could do as much or as little with to make it your own unique style.

The main floor consists of a small entry area, a large open room, a coat room that is an old vault (very fun use of space!), a built in bar and a lounge area. And for the caterers there is a prep area, as well as a staging area, conveniently located by a loading dock. The first floor is currently available for events up to 300 people. They are hoping to have Phase II open no later than the fall which is the second floor of the building, also with a 300 person capacity.

 The Main Entry

 

The Main Floor

Anthropology inspired built in bar. Has plenty of space and storage including wine and 

can refrigerators and coming soon a keg cooler. 

 

Very neat vintage freight elevator. If having a second floor event, there will even be a 

freight operator for your event all night. 

 

One of the lounge areas for your guests to relax in. 

And yes, that coffee table is an original cart from the building! 

 Sneak peek at Phase II

These wood floors are GORGEOUS and original to the space.

The Cheney Place's objective is simple, they want each event to be unique to the people throwing it. It is a blank slate that you can put your own touches on. There is no required preferred vendor list, each event is free to use whichever vendors they choose.

If you would like more information on The Cheney Place please contact Lynn Hansen at 616.574.6212 or lynn@thecheneyplace.com.