REAL WEDDING | MICHIGAN

PLANNER: Alison Laesser-Keck, VLD Events, Ann Arbor, Mich., www.vldevents.com, hello@vldevents.comYEARS IN INDUSTRY: 15 for events, 8 for weddingsPHOTOGRAPHY: Justine MontignyBUSINESSES: Forte Belanger (catering), The Lighting Guy, Katie Wachowiak (floral), DJ Graffiti, Special Events Rental, Sweet Heather Anne (dessert)WEDDING DATE: Sept. 19, 2015GUEST COUNT: 200INVOLVEMENT: Consulting and day-of directionTHE COUPLE: Kate and Pat’s main priority was creating an intimate and romantic fête for their closest family and friends. They wanted a day that was about more than the two of them. It was to be a celebration of their parents, family, and friends who helped form who they are today. The evening was a stunning juxtaposition. The Piquette Plant’s weathered walls, exposed brick, and raw floors, coupled with rich marsala blooms, gold scripture and accents, elegant and natural beaded dresses paired with black-tie tuxedos, a divine menu, flowing champagne, and long tables with hundreds of Edison bulbs dangling above created a truly unforgettable atmosphere.INSPIRATION: Organic meets industrial “AHA" MOMENT: We usually focus on décor, but this event was heavily about guest entertainment and enjoyment. There was great food and beverage presentation a la mini tacos with Patrón pairings, etc. It was just so fun!MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The installation of Edison bulbs over the head table, sandwiched next to vintage Model T cars added an industrial, yet historic element.COLOR PALETTE: Green, white, marsalaBUDGET: PrivateSTAFF HOURS: 60PLANNING TIME: 10 monthsCLIENT MEETING: 12SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: We had to do a day-before set up to pull this one off.REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 10% venue; 10% planning; 30% food, beverage, staffing; 25% décor; 10% photography; 10% videography; 5% entertainmentBIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge with this event was working in an old warehouse at a venue that is a museum first and a venue second. When we started planning, the venue director was someone we’d worked with on a prior event, and we were accustomed to her rules and regulations. About halfway through, she left and someone else came in with a different set of rules. The museum’s priority is to protect the vehicles, which we understand; however, it was challenging for several reasons. First, they couldn’t say for sure where the Model Ts would be located the day of the event. Translation: There could be a car exactly where your head table or bar was planned to be, and you wouldn’t know until you got in to set up. Second, since this is an old building, it doesn’t have heating, cooling, or elevators that properly work. The elevators often break down at the end of the night, forcing vendors to carry everything they brought in—from the forks to furniture—down three flights of stairs. Third, there is no kitchen on site, candles are not allowed, cars drip oil next to the tables, the floors turn whatever touches them black because it’s impossible to keep plank wood floors clean, and there is zero ability to hang anything. This is a super idea for an event space, but aesthetically and logistically challenging nonetheless.  WPM