The Waldenwoods Wedding of Stephanie & Mitchell: October 06, 2023
Our Mike Staff Experience
“The Mike Staff Experience was wonderful. From the beginning, they were very transparent about pricing and so professional. They developed a personalized webpage before signing with them to lay out a specific idea of what they have to offer. They have been to our venue many times so I felt really good about their ideas for the day as well. They were super easy to get in touch with and cared about what my vision was. Now the finished product speaks for itself. The photos are beautiful and we have so many “good ones” that it is hard to pick our favorites. We got them back in less than 1 month. Our highlight video is so special and highlights all the pivotal moments of the day. I can’t thank them enough. You can tell this is not their first rodeo 😉 They know what they are doing and I would highly recommend them!”
Wedding Photography Experience
Having a great wedding photographer was very important to me. I knew the day would go by so fast and as much as you try to be in the moment I knew I needed someone to capture all the details and keep the show on time. Vesna was the most amazing person to have there that day. I was so grateful for all her wisdom on how to structure the day, but also keep it light and capture those candid moments as well. She knew how to get the job done and work the crowd so to speak. I just trusted her, from the beginning.Wedding Videographer Experience
I knew I wanted a professional wedding videographer because I had heard that being a regret of friends/family I knew that recently were married. It can be hard to fit into the budget but I think it’s so worth it. I love my photos and I can’t wait to print them and hang them on our walls, but I have watched our wedding highlight video so many times. It is the closest thing to reliving these sacred moments again and again.Our Love Story
We met in high school but started dating after senior spring break in Mexico. We have been together for many years and each year we like to go to Traverse City, kind of our little getaway during Mitchell’s busy work season. The weekend was almost over and we made one more stop to the beach before our drive home. Laying on the beach soaking in the last bits of our vacation, Mitch surprised me with a beautiful ring and asked me to spend forever together. Of course, I said yes!Our Wedding Vision
I wanted it to be classy but comfortable. I wanted people to have fun dancing, and talking, and love the food!Favorite Wedding Memories
My favorite moment was exchanging our vows privately over a little picnic before the ceremony. Just the two of us. Another favorite moment was near the end of the night, our DJ played a fun (long) song and asked everyone to circle us. Watching Mitchell dance and sing with all our loved ones around us is something I will never forget.First Dance Song
We shared a first dance to the song ‘Baby I Love Your Way’. There are many great love songs out there but Mitchell picked this one, the live version. It’s a great reminder to love each other for who we are and never forget that as we grow individually and together.Wedding Planning Advice
- Pick your top 3 things and book/plan those first. The little details will come after but you don’t want to regret the dress/venue/food/DJ/photographer etc. Likely only you will notice the little mishaps but that is kind of what keeps it interesting.
- Find yourself a “pit crew”. People you can trust who want to help you with the wedding. I had a family that wasn’t in the wedding party help set up decorations so we didn’t have to the morning off. It takes something off your plate and typically people who love you want to help on your special day and have a hand in the celebration!
Stephanie & Mitchell’s Wedding Vendors
- Ceremony & Reception: Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center
- Florist: Floral Flows by Hayley Piersynski
- Wedding Dress: Becker’s Bridal
- Jewelry: Oliver and Piper
- Menswear: Brighton Tux
- Hair & Makeup: Studio FWRD
- Photography: Mike Staff Productions
- Videography: Mike Staff Productions
