Our Wedding at Pine Knob Mansion: July 09, 2022
“10/10! From start to finish, Mike Staff Productions was incredible. Everyone in the office was so helpful and eager to answer any questions we had. On the day of, our photographers, videographer, and DJ exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend Mike Staff Productions to all couples!” – Bride, Natalie
Our Love Story
In 2020, Zach and I moved to Savannah, Georgia for his career. In July, his family was visiting, and we planned to take family photos on the beach on Tybee Island on Friday night. Before heading to the beach, Zach and I went to dinner to celebrate our anniversary before meeting his family there. Little did I know that his family was at the beach setting up our proposal.
When we got to the beach, Zach led me to the spot where we always watched the sunset. When we got there, there was a heart in the sand made of rose petals. Zach got on one knee, and of course I said yes!
Our Wedding Vision
We knew we wanted a unique venue, instead of a traditional banquet hall. We toured several venues, but the moment we walked into Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston, MI, we knew it was perfect for us.
We loved the architecture of the mansion, and that guided a lot of our other planning decisions. We wanted a soft color palette, elegant florals and simple centerpieces because we really wanted to highlight the beauty of the mansion, and not take away from it.
Our Wedding DJ
DJ Kevin was AMAZING! We had our wedding DJ for both the ceremony and reception. He made our ceremony moments absolutely perfect. During the grand entrance, he helped to get the bridal party organized and ready for their moment. DJ Kevin knew exactly what to play to keep guests dancing all night long. He incorporated our must-plays, and guests requests all night. He helped the evening flow perfectly!
Our first dance song was You by Dan & Shay! We chose this song because it really spoke to us as a couple. We’ve been together for 9 years, and throughout all of the changes, difficulties, and life events, we’ve always had each other.
Our Wedding Photography
We had two wedding photographers, and that made things so much simpler throughout the day. Since we didn’t have a first look, it was nice to have a photographer with the bridesmaids and a photographer with the groomsmen, instead of going back and forth all day.
Holly was incredible! Zach and I are both more introverted, but she made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. She kept us ahead of schedule all day long, which was my biggest concern. She really understood our style and priorities for the day.
Our Wedding Video
Getting a professional wedding video was important because so many people tell you how fast the day goes by and how much you’ll miss. Now that I’ve lived it, I couldn’t agree more! Getting a video allows us to relive those special moments again and again.
Our videographer, Dylan, was great! He really took the time to get to know what moments were important to us, and captured those moments.
Our Favorite Wedding Moments
My favorite moment was our first touch. Zach was very anti-first look because he wanted the moment of seeing me for the first time as I was walking down the aisle. The first touch was the perfect moment to talk to each other before the ceremony, get rid of any nerves, and say our personal private vows we wrote.
Zach’s favorite moment was our grand entrance. It was so exciting walking into the room with all our loved ones as husband and wife for the first time.
Our Wedding Planning Advice
Hire professional and trustworthy vendors – it is so worth it. We spent two years planning this day and focused on the details. On the day of, we were able to really just relax and enjoy it because we had a team of professional vendors that worked as a team to make it all flow seamlessly.
Natalie and Zach’s Wedding Vendors:
- Wedding Venue: Pine Knob Mansion
- Florist: Vows & Veils
- Wedding Cake: The Home Bakery
- Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
- Menswear: The Tux Shop on Woodward
- Day Of Coordination: Vows & Veils
- Hair & Makeup: Team Glam Detroit
- Officiant: Chris Zarbaugh
- Mike Staff Productions: Wedding DJ, Photography & Videography
