European inspiration

Before our season at A Day in May kicked into high gear at the end of May (I know, it's been two full months) my parents, brother and I embarked on our very own version of "National Lampoons: European Holiday."

We didn't get kidnapped or create any minor disasters however we took in the sites, sounds and culture the way only the Fritz Family could! With incredible airfare, under $400 from Traverse City... we are the 3rd most expensive airport to fly in and out of in the country, we flew across the pond to Stuttgart, Germany where our journey began.

Where is Stuttgart you may ask and why go there? Stuttgart prides itself in being the creative power of Germany. Located near the Black Forest and north of Switzerland it's home to two of my favorite things- Porsche and Mercedes :) But... when we arrived at 9:30am Germany time we didn't head into the city, we headed to the sleepy medieval town of Tübingen about 30 minutes outside the city.

This university town has been in the record books since the 12th century and survived WWII through it's lack of industry and catering to the more popular rise of tourism.

I'm no Jen Kroll or Bob Davis but here are some shots I took while walking around with the family (DISCLAIMER- my photo editing skills are not as sharp either but we're getting there!):


So cool huh! This was an old town government building that is now the local library.


I love these half-timbered houses. Walking along the cobblestone streets and gazing upward provided an interesting look at their architecture and color.


This was the only "cool" spot with a dampness that chilled you to the bone- it was welcome as we crossed the town... very hot that day! This would be an even cooler shot had I taken the picture before we started walking down.


This trip I wasn't taking pictures for the sake of taking pictures. I wanted to "play" with my photography not document every site we saw. I love this tile look from a gate over a window up the hill to the castle. Don't be surprised if you see this again :)


Schloß Hohentübingen or better known in english as Castle High Tübingen, was built in the 11th century but in the 12th and 13th century wooden walls shown here were incorporated. The castle is now home to the Univerty of Tübingen's ancient studies and overlooks the Nekar Region.

With the stifling heat and the onset of crankiness setting in from no sleep we headed back to Stuttgart. Oh I forgot to mention one minor detail... Andrew drove us on the Autobahn... in a pimped out Mercedes we rented... nice graduation present huh! Only problem was that it started to rain and heavy traffic around the city prevented him from really "driving" on the Autobahn. Next time...

Thank you!

It is both an honor and an extreme privilege for me to announce that A Day in May was voted as The Best Wedding Planner in the Traverse City Area via Up North Live and is now a member of Traverse City's A-List Vendors!

Voting began about two months ago and ADIM was nominated! (Thank you for whomever nominated us!) There were over 14,000 votes cast for the A-List and we'd like to thank everyone who left us encouraging and heartfelt comments as well as those who showed their support in voting!

Having officially broken onto the stage over two years ago we are still in awe of the incredible people and clients that come our way. I truly have the greatest job... yes days can be long and weekends working can be difficult but the reward is so sweet. There is nothing that brings me more satisfaction than the happiness on my clients' faces!!

Cheers to all our phenomenal colleges who were also nominated and big thanks to those of you whom we work with regularly. There is no "I" in team and sometimes it takes an Army to execute a wedding!

Thank you again to all of you who believe in pursuing your dreams. Mine has just begun and I cannot wait to see where it takes me!!

Another reason...

... why I love Etsy.com!

Freya Art is a fabulous designer who specializes in unique prints. What a great wedding invitation or special party announcement! Be sure to check out her website. I adore this bird cage print... isn't it so true!



Maybe today is the day to spread your wings!

The Big Picture

Photo by Ben Harrison Photography.

Many clients and contacts ask me, "Alicia, what is your favorite part of the day or planning process?" Those who know me know that I am a detail freak and fine stationary aficionado- there is nothing more beautiful than a deep letterpress or an engraved sheet of pressed cotton. It's like finding the last pair of Christian Louboutin nude pumps in your size- sends chills down my spine! But, at heart, I am a helpless romantic.

My most favorite part of the whole process from design to action is the wedding ceremony itself. There is something so magical and awe inspiring to see two people commit their lives together forever. In our society marriage is not taken seriously. It's been viewed as a "convenient relationship" not a "lasting covenant."

Call me biased but I love our Pastor! One of my favorite parts of our wedding was when he asked the congregation to stand and promise to guide and lead Kyle and I through our marriage, to come along side us in times of need and to mentor to each of us. Every single guest at our wedding pledged to support us. It wasn't about witnessing the legalizing of our marriage and signing a document. It was about honoring us and honoring our commitment.

Now I'm not telling you to hire our Pastor or that you have to have a religious wedding ceremony. But what I am encouraging you all to think about is the moment. The moment when two lives become one. The moment a new family is born. That moment, that instant is just as important as the rest of your wedding.

Next time you are at a wedding, or if you are planning your own wedding, do me a favor and step back to take a look at the Big Picture. There would not be an open bar, gold flatware, crystal goblets and flowers dripping from centerpieces at a wedding without the wedding itself. So instead of nodding off during the ceremony or day dreaming, listen up... you could learn something!

Alicia

Kristin & Phil

It is with great excitement I reveal a sneak peak of the fantastic engagement photos taken by the uber talented James Christianson of my August couple Kristin and Phil downtown Denver!




Just wait, there is more...