molly & michael – part 1: wedding

Monday, January 4, 2010 9:00 am

this past saturday was the best start to a wedding season that i could have ever hoped for. despite the wretched roads, i made it to the butler art institute early to do the set up that molly entrusted me with. the venue and the timeline i was under allowed for lots of fun set up-in progression shots… and time to run back and forth between the butler north church and the venue, which were merely a parking lot away from each other.

my first task was to set up photo table numbers that molly had made with their engagement photos, and based on the idea she saw here on heidzillas!

next up was making a several pounds of candy and 10 glass jars into a wonderful candy buffet table… before:

and after! molly found “p” monogram stickers to seal the clear treat bags. i made a mock up for guests to get an idea of how it worked. my favorite candy were the little gummy penguins she bought in tribute to michael’s education at youngstown state university.

while i finished up the candy buffet, the staff from clarencedale cake were setting up the main cake, which was positioned on the center of the dance floor.

the cake with the tiers and the shavings all in place.

then the black ribbon was added…

and finally, the cake all ready for cutting!

molly also surprised michael with a grooms cake that looked like his three favorite books. pre-set up:

the finished stack o’ books.

and the “sweet” corner of the room!

meanwhile, the band members of 56 daze from toledo, were turning this nook of the art museum into their stage.

the lights were positioned, but the band had to lose their normal laser and fog machines because of the valuable art work all around.

almost ready…

and the band all set up during sound check.

finally, the set list went into place and they were ready to rock. (which they did.)

when i arrived, molly and her family had already set up the chair covers and linens which they had mail ordered from beyond elegance in iowa. the company was the ONLY one either of us could find to fit the unique shape of chairs the museum provided.

the staff at antones banquet center worked on the silver…

…and the napkins…

… and the glasses…

…and the dishes…

then some dressing and butter were placed and voila!

a finished room ready for guests and food.

the museum balcony made for a great view of the entire room.

it also was where the cocktail hour was held, complete with the bar in the midst of one of the main galleries.

the escort card table faced the bar outside the gallery and was complete with wedding photos from both molly and michael’s parents and grandparents.

on the opposite side of the bar area were several high tops for guests’ convenience as well as…

some seating for cocktail hour.

not far was dave from shutterbooth, who i got to work with at my first wedding of 2009! hey, a trend already. dave, i hope to see you again for our first weddings of 2011!

once it appeared that the set up was going flawlessly and the other vendors knew their places, i headed over to the church. but first, i snapped the view of the entrance of the art museum…

inside, a family friend had made the bouts and bridesmaids pomanders,

as well as the bride’s bouquet.

there were a few things to tend to with the groom, his men, bride, her maids and their moms so this is where the camera got tucked away. after sending molly down the aisle with a quick veil and train fluff, i was able to take a ceremony shot before i headed back over to the art museum.

after a bit more museum double checking, i headed back over to the ceremony. molly and michael were spending their first moments at husband and wife getting some get church shots with banks photography.

work it molly!

thanks molly & michael! (missing michael in this photo below…) i had such a blast helping you with your reception set up and ceremony and pre-reception coordination! you two were the best couple ever to start the year off right! enjoy italy!! i can’t wait to hear about all you saw… and ate there!