Holden Michael Events

06/03/2024

Happy Pride Month! We're starting off pride with a look back at our wedding here in downtown Grand Rapids over five years ago. As a husband-and-husband team, pride month holds a special place in our hearts as we reflect on our own journey. Our wedding was a celebration of love, acceptance, and the start of an amazing adventure together.⁠
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As wedding planners, we are proud to serve our LGBTQ+ community alongside other q***r and ally wedding vendors. This month, we honor the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, and the countless love stories that inspire us every day.⁠
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Here's to love without boundaries, to living our truth, and to the beautiful memories we've created and will continue to create together. Happy Pride from our hearts to yours!⁠
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Full Service Planning & Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Photography: ⁠
Ceremony: ⁠
Reception Food & Bar: ⁠
Desserts: ⁠
Rentals: ⁠
Floral Supplier:

05/28/2024

Can you say stunning?! We are in love with the fashion that brought to this styled shoot. These are just two of the fabulous looks, there are more to come. We're not the only ones who loved it - the models were serving! ⁠
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Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Floral & Decor Rentals: ⁠
Linens: ⁠
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Cake: ⁠
Fashion: ⁠
Venue: ⁠
Photography: + ⁠
Stationery/Monogram: ⁠
Vinyl: Kcad Flexlab⁠
Rings: Kcad Metals And Jewelry Design

05/27/2024

Earlier this spring we had the opportunity to design a styled shoot for Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. KCAD is located in a gorgeous, historic building in the heart of downtown GR and they're getting ready to open this stunning space for weddings! If you know anything about us, you know we love historic architecture and couldn't wait to work in this space. We've shared a few BTS reels from the shoot, but all week we'll be sharing some of the professional photos. A huge thank you to KCAD for inviting us to be part of this project as well as to all the vendors and students who helped bring it to life! ⁠
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Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Floral & Decor Rentals: ⁠
Linens: ⁠
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Cake: ⁠
Fashion: ⁠
Venue: ⁠
Photography: + ⁠
Stationery/Monogram: ⁠
Vinyl: KCAD Flexlab⁠
Rings: KCAD Metals And Jewelry Design

05/25/2024

It takes a team of dedicated professionals to make a couple’s dream wedding a reality. On average we work with 10-14 different companies when planning a wedding for our couples. That means upwards of 100 individuals will work on the wedding in some capacity - from floral design to food service, from fashion to photography. We are so thankful for the opportunities we have to collaborate with some of the best creatives and wedding professionals in the industry. ⁠
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Coordination + Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Photography: ⁠
Venue: Private Property⁠
Floral: ⁠
Rentals: ⁠
Stationary: ⁠
Entertainment: ⁠
Catering: ⁠
Bar: ⁠
Cake: ⁠
Transportation: + Compass Coach +

05/19/2024

ON THE BLOG: Timeless Romantic Outdoor Wedding at the Felt Estate in Holland, Michigan. Looking back at this elegant design - full of lush florals and all the candles. It was one of our favorites from 2023!

On the Blog: a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony and tented reception at The Felt Estate in Holland/Saugatuck, Michigan with an elegant wedding design that incorporated lush florals and candlelight. From Saugatuck wedding designer and wedding coordinator Holden Michael Events.

02/27/2024

Just getting started with wedding planning?

You have an engagement ring on your finger, you’ve shared the exciting news with your loved ones, and now it’s time to start planning, but you realize,

02/14/2024

L is for the way you look at me⁠
O is for the only one I see⁠
V is very, very extraordinary⁠
E is even more than anyone that you adore can⁠
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Love is all that I can give to you⁠
Love is more than just a game for two⁠
Two in love can make it⁠
Take my heart and please don't break it⁠
Love was made for me and you 🎶⁠
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Photography: Jami Fujawa Photo⁠
Ceremony: St. Mark's Grand Rapids⁠
Reception Food & Bar: Divani
Desserts: Love and Macs
Full Service Planning & Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Rentals: Alpine Events + Events by Icandy
Linens: Special Occasions
Floral Supplier: Stems Market

02/09/2024

Today we're wishing Holden a very happy birthday! 💜

02/06/2024

*NEW VENUE ALERT* It’s one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Grand Rapids so it’s not particularly new, but there hasn’t been a wedding here in about 20+ years. We’re excited to be one of the first to share that KCAD is available for weddings! If you know us, you know that we love historic buildings and non-traditional wedding venues. Now the Kendall College of Art and Design, this historic building was the Grand Rapids courthouse as well as former home of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and ArtPrize. It even has ties to MLB history. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, art enthusiast, or history buff - this space is full of beautiful woodworking, architectural details, and views of downtown Grand Rapids that are perfect for a wedding!

If you’re planning a 2024 or 2025 wedding in downtown Grand Rapids - check out KCAD and shoot us a message. We can’t wait to plan and design a wedding here!

⬇️ Check it out! ⬇️

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3AozgpOzt2/?igsh=NjczMjh5M290cmZy

Send a message to learn more

01/31/2024

We are honored to be inducted into the Best of Weddings Hall of Fame! It may be cliche, but it's true that we couldn't have done it without our wonderful couples and our amazing team. Over the last 10 years we have had the honor of serving over 350 couples from Grand Rapids to Saugatuck to Chicago and beyond. If you're one of those couples - thank you for trusting us with one of the biggest, most important days of your life. ⁠
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To our team - thank you for your hard work and dedication to serving our couples well and helping to make wedding dreams come true! ⁠

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/grand-rapids-wedding-planner-named-to-the-knot-best-of-weddings-hall-of-fame-2024/

01/15/2024

Isn’t this sweetheart table a stunner?! ✨

This is from our recent Aladdin the Musical inspired styled shoot. It’s a great example of what a specialty linen and some great rental chairs can do to really make a statement. We don’t participate in many styled shoots, but when we do - we make sure the designs we show are inspirational, but also attainable. So many styled shoots and editorials we see on Pinterest are logistically impossible or challenging to pull off for an average wedding. As wedding planners we’re here to help reduce stress - not add to it!




Design & Planning: Holden Michael Events

Linens + Chargers + Flatware + Chairs:

Floral: .fleur.floristry

Decor Rentals:

China + Glassware:

01/04/2024

Did you know that Grand Rapids, Michigan is #4 of the top 15 cities in the US to get married and stay married? Just thought you might like to know in case you're looking for even more reasons to get married in Grand Rapids! And no, we didn't make that up - shout out to for researching the US census data and bringing it to our attention. ⁠
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Venue: GRAM
Coordination: Holden Michael Events⁠
Photography: Jill Devries Photography
Floral: Big City Vibes Co
Rentals: Events by ICandy
Beauty: Pretty Committee
Food: Gilmore Catering
Film: Sculpted Films

12/29/2023

Are you newly engaged, excited to plan a wedding, but not sure where to start? We're here for you! With 10 years of experience and over 350 weddings under our belts - we're ready to put our knowledge to work so you can have the best day ever. From full service planning and design to coordination, we have you covered. Visit www.grandrapidsweddingplanner.com to schedule a consultation! ⁠
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Venue: GRAM
Coordination: Holden Michael Events⁠
Photography: Jill Devries Photography
Floral: Big City Vibes Co
Rentals: Events by iCandy
Beauty: Pretty Committee
Food: Gilmore Catering
Film: Sculpted Films

11/13/2023

From vision to reality - takes a team of vendors working together to successfully plan and produce as wedding. This ceremony arch was just one element of Holden’s design for Amy & Morgan’s wedding last weekend and it involved four different companies to bring it all together! Swipe to see the inspiration photo from the design plan.



Arch:
Decor Rentals:
Draping: Holden Michael Events
Floral:
Venue:

11/12/2023

Today is our last wedding of the season and we couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful couple or a more gorgeous fall day!

11/03/2023

5 years. 💜

08/22/2023

You can never go wrong with a classic color palette and an abundance of flowers!

06/08/2023

"We affirm that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made; black bodies, trans bodies, thick and curvy bodies. Worthy. Anointed. Revered. Eternal One, grow us in love." ⁠
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Pride started as a riot. Pride started as a march. Pride started with trans women of color leading the way. This prayer was part of our wedding ceremony liturgy. As part of the LGBTQ+ we wanted to honor those trans women who helped lead the way. It was important then and it's even more important today with all the obstacles those in our community are facing right now. Sending love to all of our trans brothers and sisters - you are loved. ⁠
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06/01/2023

"We are thankful; for all the blood and sweat, glitter and tears, that our forebears, beloved, q***r, poured out to pave the way for this day. We are stronger; for every obstacle and hater that tried to stand in the way. We now see clearly that what our enemies intended to harm us, to disarm us, to strong-arm us, is being transformed for our good. Eternal One, grow us in love." ⁠
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This prayer is an excerpt from our wedding ceremony liturgy. We share it today on the first day of pride month as an acknowledgment of all the work that has been done and all the work that is left to do to build an equitable and inclusive world for our community.

04/21/2023

ON THE BLOG - 3 Secrets to Creating a Luxury Wedding: Tips from Holden Michael Events⁠
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"Planning a wedding is no small feat, especially if you're aiming for a truly memorable event. While planning a luxury wedding doesn’t mean you have to have the fanciest venue, a six figure budget, and the most over the top floral installations (although we certainly love these), there are a few things you simply can’t skimp on. Below are three key elements that you can’t afford to overlook when creating an exciting and memorable wedding experience for your guests."⁠
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Read More: http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2023/04/20/3-secrets-to-creating-a-luxury-wedding-tips-from-holden-michael-events/
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Planning, Design, and Lighting: Holden Michael Events⁠
Photography: Jami Fujawa Photo
Reception Food & Bar: Gallery Divani
Desserts: Love and Macarons
Rentals: Alpine Events, Events by iCandy, and Special Occasions⁠
Floral: Stems Market

04/07/2023

ON THE BLOG: Mel & Justin's Colorado Mountain Wedding⁠

"This blog is a very special one to write, because it's all about my best friend's wedding in the mountains of Colorado. It was my privilege to plan, design, and coordinate her big day, and being able to relive it through the beautiful photos of Oros Photography is such a treat."

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2020/07/09/real-wedding-mel-and-justin/

03/31/2023

ON THE BLOG: Styled Shoot at CityFlats in Grand Rapids.

"For the ballroom, I selected a dramatic palette of maroon and green, which played off the painted ceiling, mixed with heavy gold accents and pops of blush pink. I wanted something that would appeal to a variety of couples, while adding the drama and scale necessary to photograph well in such a tall space. Lush, romantic floral arrangements designed by Events by iCandy were paired with taper candles in a variety of different holders, set against gorgeous linens and place settings from Special Occasions West. A beautiful tiered cake from Dreamscape Desserts completed the vision."

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2023/03/24/styled-shoot-cityflats-in-grand-rapids/

Design: Holden Michael Events
Venue: CityFlats Hotel, Grand Rapids
Linens + Chargers + Gold Flatware + Napkin Rings: Special Occasions
Ballroom Floral + Decor Rentals: Events by Icandy
Event Room Floral: Ludemas Floral
Cake: Dreamscape Desserts
Photography: Neri Photo

03/24/2023

ON THE BLOG: Sarah and Chris's wedding at The Felt Estate.

"Designing Sarah and Chris's wedding at The Felt Estate in Holland was such a treat! In a wedding season where whites, greens, and blush continued to reign supreme, this couple was not afraid of color. From the very beginning, Sarah and Chris had expressed their desire to work with Windflower Design Co, a first for us, and they did not disappoint!"

Click here to read more: http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2023/03/23/real-wedding-sarah-and-chris/

03/17/2023

ON THE BLOG: Amy and Nilay Part 2 - Kate Spade inspired American Celebration.

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2018/01/10/real-weding-amy-and-nilay-part-two-american-celebration/

03/09/2023

"Throughout the entire planning period, Holden was always prompt, professional, patient, and availability. He provided excellent suggestions on vendors and other resources! Such a joy to work with him!" - Sherri

For more reviews visit: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/holden-michael-events-saugatuck/88dde5a5725de89e.html

03/06/2023

We're looking for a few new people to join our awesome team of event pros! We have event supervisor and event assistant positions available. Whether you have experience with weddings and events or not, this is a great opportunity for work, growth, and fun!

Email your resume this week to [email protected].

03/02/2023

"If you are getting married in West Michigan, Holden Michael Events absolutely must be your planner. We planned our wedding in Michigan while living out of sate and never could have done it without Holden advising us every step of the way."

- Helena & Sean

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/holden-michael-events-grand-rapids-mi-986618

02/24/2023

ON THE BLOG: Emily and Jack's Lake Michigan wedding with elements of nature, Bohemia, and whimsy.

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2023/02/23/real-wedding-emily-and-jack/
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Design: Holden Michael Events⁠
Coordination: Tanyanoordyke Weddings and Events LLC
Venue: Private Property ⁠
Florals: Back To The Fuchsia⁠
Rentals: Alpine Events MI
Stationary: Jamie Lynne Creative⁠
Photography: Jill Devries Photography⁠
Food + Beverage: Gilmore Catering⁠
Beauty: Pretty Committee
Entertainment: Toast and Jam DJs

02/10/2023

ON THE BLOG: Ann Marie & Eric's wedding at The Felt Estate blending contemporary and romantic, traditional design.

http://holdenmichaelevents.com/2023/02/08/real-wedding-ann-marie-and-eric/

Planning + Design: Holden Michael Events
Photographer: Meghan Melia
Venue: The Felt Estate
Floral: Douglas Flower Fairy
Rentals: Alpine Events
Stationary: Jamie Lynne Creative
Ceremony Music: Renaissance Strings Quartet
DJ: Music Unlimited
Catering: Gilmore Catering
Bar: Beverage Specialists
Dessert: Holland Cakery
Beauty: Bombshell Blow Dry Bar
Officiant: My West Michigan Wedding
Transportation: Affordable Limo