If you happen to live anywhere near the Ann Arbor, MI area you might not be aware of a tightly lipped secret! A local caterer to the STARS!!!

When I was in need of a job back in the 90's Chef Connie McIntire took me on!
She really had no idea what she was in for with me... haha, I only lasted like 6 months, I think because she liked me. But I learned so much while I was on her staff.
I learned about quality, prep, wine,presentation, but most importantly I learned the art of food from a master! So, Of course I had her cater my wedding reception!

Her staff is professional and prices are reasonable for moderate to high-end catering! Her staff will help with event planning and they also can provide bartending as well. They will prepare menus and estimates for your review and take you every step of the way to a flawless event!

To help cut on costs and still have "real" flowers apart of my reception centerpieces I purchased a bundle of one hundred assorted roses sent to me in a box instead of a vase. This saved me on time and money. I was able to have beautifully scented rose bouquets on each table, and I purchased elegant glass vases at closeout prices from Dollar Days! Total cost was $199.00
My only complaint was that about 10% of the bulk roses were not opened up in time- but that is to be expected.

My Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids used Appetizers to go for my Bachelorette Party.

I really did not want any gifts, just a nice get together with my girlfriends. So my Maid of Honor found a great way to cater my party from watching Oprah- On the show Oprah had a segment with New York City Gourmet Chef: Michael Schulson

He started up "Appetizers to Go"... an online catering company in which you can conveniently purchase delisious gourmet goodies and have them sent to your destination.

My maid of honor emailed the guests- requesting no gifts, but "Food" instead and included the link to Appetizers to go and her address for delivery!

Her instructions gave each guest a category to order from and whatever food was left over, or not used for the bridal shower she used for back up appetizers for our wedding reception!

The appetizers arrived fresh and ready for the freezer. She and my Bridesmaids heated everything up in the ovens exactly as the instructions said. I had one special request- my mom ordered Fresh Sea Scallops in Bacon for my shower and I can't tell you how much a hit they were! They looked and tasted as delicious as the pictures! I had these before (frozen) from my grocery store- but I so will not buy frozen again!

It worked out GREAT! The leftovers and duplicate appetizers were prepared as a midnight snack for the reception- It was a hit with the guests still partying it up!

Since my Husband’s family lived in N.Y. and Canada and we were wed in Michigan we emailed all his family the link to Hotels Combined. It was great for them because they were able to find the most reasonable prices that fit their pocket books. The website also made it easy for everyone to compare prices and availability with one click.
They also include real customer reviews- which made it extra nice especially for my Mother in Law... who happens to be very opinionated and picky. This way they were in control of their lodging and I did not have to take any responsibility. YES!

I cut costs significantly by going through this wholesale company for all my table/paper/decorations/gifts/centerpieces/etc... The prices are more than reasonable! Better than the local $1.00 store and better quality!

If you didn't think you could decorate a stunning and elegant Ceremony with wholesale and close out merchandise I am proof that it is possible. In fact, I found the exact same brands and quality in favors and decorations that I would have spent about 60% more on if I went to a retail store!

For example:

Instead of renting chair covers I bought mesh from Dollar Days to decorate all the chairs at a great price! They have a great selection of flowers, centerpieces, bridal gifts, guest’s gifts, decorations for ANY theme. The shipping is way reasonable and quick delivery! Check them out before you buy retail!

We found Dorian through the Ann Arbor Rec & Ed Wedding Dance Class. My hubby and I had no idea how to dance before we took this class! In just 6 weeks we learned how to "Social Rhythm", "Jive", "Fox Trot", "Hustle", and some "Waltz". Dorian and his Wife are so patient and give you baby steps to learning how to get the moves down! They also have a private website tutorial for each class, and in addition to this they have a beautiful hardwood floor ball room in their home where you can attend private additional lessons. No matter if you only go to 3 classes or all 6 you will so impress your guests and totally make your wedding dance a success (and memorable)!

Jesse Sinatra suggested I check out The Bluescasters as I also wanted some rockin, fun, LIVE band music at my reception! This is a quote from: Article from RootsTime magazine (translated from Dutch by Pieter Vreede) "To describe this band as the usual "run of the mill" blues band would certainly shortchange them. So thirteen heavenly blues tracks sparkle on this disc, where we recognize all "kinds" of blues, originating from Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans, and Texas. Purists may argue this, but that will not keep me awake. These are the blues in the real sense of the word! This band is proud to show the blues in all its facets and how!!"

The guests at my wedding ALL got up to dance and cheer these guys on! It was so refreshing from the typical "DJ on the mic and spinning c.d.s" routine you hear all too often. I wanted my reception to be a PARTY with CLASS and the combination of Jesse Sinatra and The Bluescasters made it the perfect Reception!

I hired Jesse Sinatra after my Mom recommended him. He sang during dinner and at the beginning of the wedding party dance. His voice will just make you melt if you’re a fan of the rat pack! Just close your eyes and you are so taken back into time! He brought the best dinner music for our wedding! All of the guests, both young and old had appreciation for his timeless classics! In addition to his list of songs, he also has included a twist to some of the well known lyrics, incorporating modern trends into the classic theme! My husbands and my family so appreciated having him open the evening festivities!

This living history museum located within a pioneer Classic Revival Michigan farm house depicts early Ann Arbor settler life and the past rural life in Washtenaw County. A 100 year old log cabin is also on site.

The Barn is BEAUTIFUL, historic and well lit! My ceremony was in front of the Barn doors at sunset! It captured some great pictures!

There is a kitchen on the premise, an upstairs loft dining room that overlooks the entire first floor dining room, and so much more!

I had a dress delivered to me 2 days before my wedding from a seamstress in NY. The dress did not fit and I looked like a white marsh mellow! Frantic and discouraged my bridesmaids and I went to David’s Bridal, the staff there was WONDERFUL- supportive and empathetic- they had a rack of wedding gowns to take home and reasonably priced! I got a beautiful dress that they mended that day for me and it only cost $100.00.