Karen and Chris’s Wedding at Villa Penna

Our Real Detroit Wedding: November 17, 2018

“Mike Staff Productions was very organized and easy to work with. When planning a wedding it makes the process much more enjoyable when you work with a professional team that is flexible. We appreciate Mike Staff for capturing our joyous wedding and grateful to work with a wonderful team.” – Happy Bride, Karen

OUR LOVE STORY

Chris and I love to travel and a local favorite destination of ours is Traverse City. We go frequently to enjoy wine tasting and the quaint downtown area. In fact, Traverse City was one of the first trips we went on as a couple back in 2009. During that visit we took a picture in front of the perfect backdrop at Chateau Chantel Winery. When we visited again years later we shared good memories and took another photo in front of the same backdrop. So, when we went back to one of our favorite cities for New Year’s Eve 2017, it was fitting to reminisce and take another memorable photograph. Although, this time as I turned to look at Chris, he was down on one knee and proposed to me. This location will forever have a new meaning and be a significant part of our love story.

OUR WEDDING VIDEO

We wanted a wedding video so we would not just remember the day but be able to cherish the memories and see things we may have missed. We want to capture our guests’ facial reactions and share again in the excitement that filled the room. We wanted a video, so we could have something to share for years to come and view as a family in the future.

We love the authentic emotion and the story it tells. We also love the fact we were able to customize the video, which was important to us.

OUR WEDDING VISION

Our vision for our wedding was an enchanted forest ambience. We wanted the venue to be romantic and elegant with warm greenery and pops of fall colors. It was important for us to transform our venue into something unique that would be special for us and our guests. From the moment people walked into the venue foyer we wanted them to feel like they were already part of the celebration with the large moss wall displaying guest names and table assignment and the beautiful wood monogram. Then, as our guests walked through the greenery tunnel they were greeted with an extravagant appetizer display and stroller champagne. We wanted it to be an enchanted experience no one would forget.

OUR FAVORITE WEDDING MEMORIES

Our favorite moment (aside from walking down the aisle to become Mr. and Mrs.) was when we walked into our venue before our guests and saw our vision came to life. After so much planning one hopes that it is what one dreams of. Our wedding exceeded our expectations and was all we could have wished for. We remember walking in and being awestruck by the elegant drapery, the beautiful lights and greenery, and the glimmering crystal. Also, in the middle of the venue our Sweetheart Table was breathtaking with flowing flowers, and then as we glanced at our appetizer display we noticed our initials were engraved in the homemade bread. That little detail made it feel so very personalized and special just for us.

Karen and Chris’s Wedding Vendors

  • Reception Venue: Villa Penna
  • Ceremony: Sweetest Heart of Mary Church
  • Bakery: Elegance in Sugar
  • Videography: Mike Staff Productions
  • Wedding Dress & Accessories: Roma Sposa
  • Florist: Designs by Guzzardo
  • Lighting/Custom Draping: Couture Events
  • Tuxedos: The Tux Shop
  • Hair: 6 Salon
  • Makeup: Glam by Rena