Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has Sprung! - Planning a spring wedding? We are loving this eco-easy decorating idea. Plant small amounts of wheat grass in egg shells, and simply place them in cardboard egg cartons. Place them in the center of each table, and voila! Eco-chic at it's finest. This is so springy and fun! 

Picture via: http://www.momtastic.com

Loving these Wedding Photos!

The photo found to the right was shot at Chicago's Navy Pier! This is exciting-- Navy Pier offers such a great atmosphere, and is so close to West Michigan. Most photographers are more than willing to travel, and with Chicago being so close, this idea is quite feasible. Either for wedding photos (either taken before or after your special day) or for engagement photos, having your pictures taken at Navy Pier would be so cool. Not looking to travel? Check around during your wedding month to see if any state or county fairs are in progress. This is so unique and fun.For more pictures, see David Brancho's Portfolio at: http://www.davidbracho.com/

Photography: David Brancho

We have added a new feature to our blog!

We have now offered you an opportunity to keep updated via e-mail! It's easy-- Just submit your email into the "Follow By Email" section of our blog! Also, be sure to check out our new and improved Favorite Vendors! We work with wonderful people, here at GVB! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!! 

In love with this vintage inspired, goofy wedding-day moment! Take time to do a few goofy shots, on your wedding day! Weddings are fun- capture it! 

Daffodil Waves Photography 

http://www.daffodilwaves.co.uk/

Happy St. Patrick's Day from us, to you! 

We love any sort of celebration-- St. Patrick's Day included. 

Forget the green beer this year (how boring!) and share this melon margarita with a friend! 

What better way to prepare for spring, while celebrating St. Patty's day, than sipping something fruity! 

Mix 1 1/2 oz tequila, 1 1/2 oz melon liqueur, 1 oz fresh sour mix, and 1 oz lime juice, shake, and pour into a margarita or rocks glass (or even a coffee cup!-- who cares! It's St. Patty's Day!!) Garnish with a slice of crystallized ginger and lemon peel. Prefer a frozen version? Throw it in the blender with a cup of ice! 

May you always have

Wall for the winds, 

A roof for the rain, 

Tea beside the fire, 

Laughter to cheer you,

Those you love near you, 

and all your heart might desire!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from everyone at Grand Volute Ballrooms!

We love these quick and easy, customizable candy bar wrappers, great for party favors of all kinds. Lizzie, from Love Your Way has designed these wrappers, that, in very little time at all, transform a regular old candy bar, to a creative, cute, customized party favor. Consider using these as take-aways from your reception, or as place markers for your dinner. Get creative. These are super cute! 

Destination Wedding in Ireland

 Whenever we talk about destination weddings everyone automatically thinks of a beach wedding. I, on the other hand, most often think of Ireland or England. Nothing can compete with the charm of a small Irish church and quant village. As with all destination weddings they can be extremely costly and need a great deal of planning. Start early, talk with a good travel agent, know what type of venue you are looking for and familiarize yourself with the marriage requirements. Here are just a couple of links that I thought were amazing

http://www.hayfieldmanor.ie/wedding-hotel

http://www.finnstown-hotel.ie/index.html







Whether your dream wedding takes you to Ireland or Grand Rapids, Michigan, always remember to include a tiny horseshoe charm in your bouquet or sewn into the hem of your gown for luck.

May you be poor in misfortune, but rich in blessings.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Photos courtesy of Tamara Kuzminski Photography

Hand-Made Thank You Notes

Most couples might agree that the most daunting part of the after-wedding rituals would be the thank you notes. Writing something personal and meaningful to each guest is important, and gratitude should be expressed to each guest for sharing your wedding day with you.

We love the idea of stamping each card with a customized stamp, modeled after you and your sweetie. Follow the link below to order a custom made stamp, modeled after a picture of you and your wife or husband. This is a simple, quick way to add flair and personality to an ordinary thank you note. Consider using the stamp as a customized theme throughout your wedding-- stamp the invitations, the ceremony bulletins, and the thank you notes! We love this idea! 

Click the link below to order your own custom stamp. You'll be asked to email a picture, which will then be hand drawn, and carved into a rubber stamp. Clever! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69031323/custom-double-face-handcarved-rubber

Happy Mardi Gras! 

This week is Mardi Gras week in New Orleans. Up here in the tundras of Michigan, it barely feels celebratory, but a glance at the Live Webcam of Bourbon Street is a great reminder that it isn't cold everywhere! Let's get a little festive up here in Michigan, and consider what Mardi Gras could bring to your wedding day...

How about a mask theme!? Masks are a traditional part of Mardi Gras, and masquerade balls are so much fun! A wonderful theme for the bride looking for something unique would be a Mardi Gras/Masked theme! Think of ordering enough masks for each guest, and placing them with the name cards for each guest! This could be so unique and fun! Be sure to get a special bridal set of masks made, as well as a set for the bridal party! 

March Flower of the Month-- Daffodil

Welcome to March! We are so close to spring! So exciting! If you're anything like us, we are sick of shoveling snow, and sliding around on the roadways. 

The flower of March is the Daffodil-- very spring-like! We are all about celebrating spring, here at Grand Volute. We love the cheeriness of the Daffodil, and love the way it looks- vintage, and trendy, at the same time. 

Incorporate it into a bouquet of various other flowers, or stick solely to the daffodil. The great thing about daffodils, is that they come in a variety of sizes and shades, so they look great alone, as well! Yellow is a great accent color, and looks great by itself as well-- there really is no way to mess this one up! We love the daffodils! 

Welcome, March! 

Great Date Destinations around Grand Rapids! Part 3!

Welcome to the third part of "Great Date Destinations!" This is where we, Grand Volute Ballrooms, offers our lovely clients some great ideas for a date night with the sweetie! 

So far, we have introduced you to Reserve Wine Bar, and The Electric Cheetah! Both restaurants offer unique environments and great food. 

But maybe you're not the "eating out" type, or maybe you want something quick; something special to do mid-afternoon, perhaps, after an afternoon of skating at Rosa Parks Circle. 

MadCap Coffee is the place to go. Any coffee-lover in Grand Rapids must try out MadCap. They roast their own beans, and even have personal relationships with the farmers that grow their beans. The owner has even visited many of the coffee bean farms, himself! Because of the personal relationships that are maintained between MadCap Coffee, they feel committed to produce the highest quality product possible. From the roasting, to the brewing, MadCap does a great job creating a cup of coffee like none other. 

Find MadCap at: 

98 Monroe Center

Grand Rapids Michigan