The banquet hall, also features a 12-foot waterfall and a rock wall garden, can be open-air or completely enclosed and heated with transparent sides. This is ideal for spring or summer events. Each year we host many weddings and receptions for couples from across the country.

Riverside Receptions, Etc. is located in Centerville, Michigan, within 6 miles of US 131 and many great motel and B & B accommodations. You are welcome to choose your own source of food and beverages.

Riverside Receptions Etc., LLC has been providing couples with a spectacular outdoor setting for 12 years. They are an excellent alternative to the backyard (tent) wedding/reception and traditional hall atmosphere. Each year Riverside makes improvements to it’s already beautiful venue. Riverside Receptions is now planning the 2012-2012 wedding seasons. www.RiversideOutdoorWeddings.com Please feel free to call John or Pat if you would like an appointment to see the facility 269-467-6132 or 269-808-4475

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger– Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

KBA members who would like to be featured please contact me (linda) at abstractsalonnspa@gmail.com

Floral Creations by Sharon–from chic to modern –Beautiful arrangements to meet any brides tastes

Sharon has been in business for Thirty plus years serving customers through home shows, craft shows, and performing on sight decorations in offices and numerous home interior seasonal decorations. She features fresh floral designs, silks, and selected dried material designs.

Sharon offers full service with her floral arraignments, up-to and including the brides walk down the aisle. This includes pinning on the corsages and boutonnieres assist the attendants, fluff the gown before bride heads down the aisle.

When first consulting with future brides Sharon takes the time needed to identify their special needs. From large to small events, Sharon can handle all floral needs for the bridal party, special events such as rehearsals dinners and full scale receptions in many venues such as country clubs, and event facilities.

Low cost wedding flowers, considering the rising cost of flowers, is sometimes difficult for floral designers to provide all the bride’s wants and needs within a fixed budget. Sharon guides the brides with floral selections that can be used within a realistic budget.

A common denominator with each person interview within the Kalamazoo Bridal Cafe, personalized customer service is each members goal of each business member.

Sharon is currently planning 2012 wedding season. Contact her by phone at 269 599-1444 , email floralsbysharon@yahoo.com, and www.facebook.com/floralsbysharon website www.floralcreationsbysharon.com

 Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

]]> http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/31/floral-creations-by-sharon-from-chic-to-modern/feed/ 0 http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/12/a-1-rent-alls-a-full-service-rental-company/ http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/12/a-1-rent-alls-a-full-service-rental-company/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:47:41 +0000 lldarling http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/?p=1551 A-1 Rent All has been locally owned and operated for over 20 years. The owners Aaron and Kristin Klooster have owned A-1 Rent All for the past 5 years. Their staff members bring over 20 years experience in party planning and event design. A-1 offers you all around planning.  They are a clear choice to handle your event from start to finish. The entire crew prides themselves on excellent personalized customer service. It offers the personal touch for you and your event, that can only be found in a local business.

A-1 Rent All prides themselves on being a full service rental company. They have everything you might require from the smallest to the largest wedding, graduation or corporate event. Some of the things that they offer are some of the most important parts of our event. Featuring a full array of tents, tables, chairs, dishes, linens, sound systems, karaoke machines, carnival type items as well as decorations from simple to elegant.

One of the best things about walking into the A-1 showroom is just that – you don’t walk into a warehouse. You actually get to see the tables, chairs, place setting and décor set up. Being a very visual person, I loved that part.

At A-1 they understand that clients are becoming a little more money- conscious. Many party packages are available to help save. A-1 will beat any of their competitors’ quotes or prices on most items.

They are located conveniently between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids in the beautiful Island city of Plainwell, MI.

A-1 is currently planning for the 2012 wedding season. You can reach them online at http://www.a1mich.com/ or by calling 269-685-5880 or by e-mailing them at info@a1mich.com.

Also LIKE them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-1-Rent-All/271178742803

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

If you are a member of the KBA and would like to be featured in my blog please call me at 269-216-3491

Berts Bakery is a 60 year tradition in the Kalamazoo area. Amy Taylor has owned the shop for the last 20 of those years. She has 26 years of experience in the industry.

 One of the reasons that Berts is such a delicious choice is the fact that, the cakes and pastries are still made from traditional Dutch recipes. All of which are prepared with perfection and care from the fresh flowers to frosting swags, they are all personalized and beautiful works of art.

Berts will be opening a second location February 1^st 2012. It will be at the corner of Kilgore and Westnedge. The newest Berts Bakery will be a 3000 square foot location which will feature a cafe style bakery. All of the wonderful items clients have grown accustom to will still be available. They will also be adding an array of new items to the menu. 

From the very first time you meet with Amy to sample cakes to the point your cake is delivered to your location, your service in personalized for you. Amy and her staff go above and beyond your expectations to make your day truly amazing. When it comes to planning your wedding, the cake can also be one of the most fun details to choose and plan for. Bert’s Bakery takes pride in creating unique and delicious wedding cakes in all styles and for all tastes.

 Berts Bakery is currently planning for the 2012 wedding season. You can reach them online at http://www.bertsbakery.com/ or by calling 269-349-2091

Written and Posted by Linda Darling–KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

He speaks about his work with passion and excitement. He showed me some of his digitally manipulated works, which all seem to have something more than meets the eye initially. Everyone more enticing and beautiful then the next. All of them a very special piece of art in its own right.

I asked him, What makes you different than other photographers? He stated” I am an fine artist” He was an art major in College. Photography is just one of his mediums. He has over thirty years in the field of art and photography. He is a seasoned and visioned choice for your photography needs.

When asked what his greatest satisfaction is, He said, “When a client cries because you hand them a restored photo of a loved one who has passed on. They thought the photo was gone forever and it’s like giving them a loved one back. Its is a very amazing feeling.”

He stated there are so many changes going on in the photography world. Staying on top of the changes are a key to adapting to the clients needs. Some of the new services that Kenn has added in the last three years are: photo-booths, signatures books, video booths and the ability to have a scrap books completed at the end of your reception to take with you immediately.

Kenn is currently taking reservations for the 2012 wedding season. You can reach him online at http://kennlivingston.com/ or by calling him at 269-375-8014

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger– Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

Be colorful: We always recommend going with a color that will look nice with the rest of the wedding colors, but keep in mind that they don’t have to match. Chic colors of choice for mothers of the bride include navy, aubergine and platinum. We have been seeing clients for next summer ordering vibrant shades such as royal blue, bright plum, silver and teal. Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s something that flatters your skin tone and hair color.

Customize your look: Many boutiques like ours are also able to make custom boleros, shawls and wraps that will add some coverage, style and personality to your dress. In addition, some Dresses can remove or add beading, jewels or even family heirlooms to add a personal touch to your gown. From brooches to sashes to trims specially sourced for these couture gowns, your dress can be one of kind.

Coordinate with the MOG: Mother of the bride, please choose your gown as soon as possible, and keep in mind that you will need to be respectful to the mother of the groom. Your outfits shouldn’t compete, but rather should complement each other. If you don’t leave the MOG enough time, she might just take it upon herself to find her dress without consulting you.

Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

DO

• Think seriously about your wedding makeup, everyday makeup is different from your wedding day needs.
• Take time to try a few different makeup styles and choose one that fits your personal tastes.
• Use eye drops if your eyes look red or tired on the day of (but stick with a brand you’ve used before to avoid unwelcome surprises).
• Get as much sleep as possible the night before the big day.
• Apply concealer to banish dark circles under your eyes.
• Use matte eye shadows (they won’t reflect light or look too shiny).
• Use an off-white matte shadow along your brow bone if you have light skin, or peach if you have dark skin, to illuminate your eyes even more.
• Blend well, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines.
• Define your brows with a pencil or powder that matches your hair color.
• Wear at least two layers of mascara.
• Use an eyelash curler before and after applying your first coat of mascara.
• Prevent makeup meltdowns by using a smudge-proof or waterproof mascara. (If you really don’t like its look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara overlaid with a light coat of waterproof mascara.)
• Buy a new mascara for your wedding day, but test it a few days before the wedding if it’s a new brand.

DON’T

• Wear too much eye makeup.
• Change your eye color with colored lenses (unless you always wear them).
• Try to be too trendy (that glitzy silver shadow may look silly ten years from now).
• Use an under-eye concealer that’s too light for your skin tone (you’ll look like a deer caught in headlights).
• Experiment with eye products you haven’t tried before.
• Wear dark shadows like charcoal or dark brown (you’ll look like you’ve been punched).
• Wear frosted, shiny, sparkly shadow (It creases easily and will reflect camera flashes).
• Forget about your eyebrows.
• Tweeze your brows at the last minute on your wedding morning.
• Wear false eyelashes if they’re not 100% comfortable and you’re not 200% confident they won’t fall off.

Two final tips: DO have a fabulous wedding. DON’T forget how gorgeous you are.
Call Cathy to set a personalized time to talk about your personal skin care and make up needs for your wedding.

Cathy Dorko
(269) 377-1580

Independent Beauty Consultant
www.marykay.com/cathy_dorko
cathy_dorko@marykay.com

www.RiversideReceptionsEtc.com

www.RiversideOutdoorWeddings.com

In today’s economic climate, the cost of weddings is even tougher to swallow, as both the domestic and global economy remains difficult to predict.  Economic uncertainty has left many young couples fearful of making a big financial commitment to their weddings.  But it’s still possible for couples to make the most of their wedding without landing themselves in heavy debt once the honeymoon is over and the bills must be paid.  Following are some helpful suggestions.

LIMIT BEVERAGE AVAILABILITY In the Visa survey, respondents felt they overspent more on food, drink and cake than any other aspect of their wedding.  The bar tab can quickly add up at the end of the night but couples can limit the bar expense by making a few different types of drinks available.  You may offer just two or three drink options instead of a full bar.   Couples can also consider using a venue that allows you the freedom to supply your own food (catered) and beverages which makes it possible for you to set and stick to a firm budget allowance.

FORGO A TRADITIONAL HONEYMOON Seventeen percent of male respondents to the Visa survey felt they overspent on their honeymoon.  While it’s certainly nice to fly off to the Caribbean and spend your first week as a married couple soaking up some sun, a more local getaway for a couple of days can be just as relaxing and save couples substantial amounts of money.  Once the bills have been paid, couples can then enjoy a more traditional honeymoon, possibly in celebration of their first anniversary.

LIMIT THE GUEST LIST Inviting all friends and family members might be a nice gesture, but it’s also an expensive one.  Cost-conscious couples can save a good deal of money by only inviting those friends and family members who are closest to them.   Finding a venue who does not charge based on the number of guests would also be helpful in staying with a budget.

ORDER LESS EXTRAVAGANT FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS Floral arrangements for a wedding can prove very expensive.  But couples can trim those costs by using more greenery in the floral displays and ordering less expensive, seasonal flowers.  When discussing arrangements with the florist, explain that the budget can only allow so much for flowers,, and work together to find ways to add aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank.    Another consideration might to look for a venue with numerous gardens.  Many outdoor wedding venues require fewer flowers as they surround you and your guests with beautiful flowering landscapes.                         RIVERSIDE RECEPTIONS ETC., LLC

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 – WINTER BRIDAL EVENT AT THE RADISSON

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012 – FALL BRIDAL EVENT AT THE RADISSON

MINI-SESSIONS START AT 11:00AM THE EVENT.   DOORS TO THE BRIDAL SHOW OPEN AT 12:00PM.

STAY UNTIL 3:00PM TO BE ELIGIBLE WIN PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS!

PRE-REGISTER HERE TO SAVE $2 ON YOUR ENTRY TICKET ($5 INSTEAD OF $7)