Photo Shoot : and the crowd goes wild . . . for a Coed Bridal Shower

Today is the day for another Wedding Vendor Challenges. This time we head to Michigan for an absolutely amazing concept - a coed bridal shower for a couple that met while in school. Today's photo shoot location for many in the state of Michigan is beyond words a dream come true. The talented team today consists of Lisa of Gabbi Grace Events, Kim of Something Floral, beautiful film photography by Jackie of JACQART and more.

Lisa joins me now with her concept and design for this photo shoot . . . When I heard of the August Challenge colors "Maize and Blue" only one location, theme and idea came to mind . . . a coed wedding shower on the Football field at The Big House! Now that idea sounded great but whether or not that dream would become a reality was another story . . .

The Location:
The Big House is not just any house it is home to the University of Michigan football team and the largest football stadium in the world. It seats 109,901 football fans. Although much is known about Michigan Stadium, one fact remains a mystery . . . where is the Fritz Crisler seat? (The father of two-platoon football and Michigan Head coach from 1938-1947). This is the one extra seat that is listed in the odd number capacity of 109,901.

The Reality:
The amazing folks at The University of Michigan let us into the stadium and less than an inch away from the field on the 50 yard line!

The Big House symbolizes the pride,tradition and excellence that is the University of Michigan.

photo above courtesy of Something Floral

The Theme:
We wanted it to represent all that is the University of Michigan the Grandiose of the Stadium the tradition of the school and it's spirit and pay homage to the Football team and this amazing Educational Institution.

The floral "M" was made in advance by Kim from 100 gold silk/artificial carnations. This just blows my mind - it's beyond stunning!!!!!!

photo above courtesy of Something Floral

The tablescape and sweets table both used fresh flowers consisting of sunflowers (2 varieties) , gerberas, snapdragons, carnations, chrysanthemums, craspedia, solidago, sweet gum, hydrangea, and delphinium.

DIY GOODIE: No Sew Napkin Wraps {as created by Kim of Something Floral}
Instead of purchasing napkin rings, you can make your own, customized, no sew napkin wraps with fabric, trim, and tools from your local craft store and sewing store. Step by Step instructions follow along with the complete vendor list . . .

Step 1: Gather the following supplies:

• Fabric in color or pattern of your choice (amount to purchase varies based on # of napkin wraps) 
• Decorative trims and ribbon of your choice (amount to purchase varies based on # of napkin wraps)
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun
• Heat Resistant Glue Pad
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Optional: Empty Cardboard Paper Towel or Toilet Tissue Core

Step 2: Cut fabric into identical rectangles based on the width and lenth (circumference) you desire for the wraps. Be sure to leave extra room for attaching trim to top and bottom and for overlapping fabric when sealing the ends together.

Step 3: Hot glue the widest width trim to the top and bottom of each wrap.  If the trim has an open binding, sandwich the wrap fabric between the two sides of the trim and glue in place. When the glue has cooled, cut the trim to the length of the wrap fabric. 

Step 4: Hot glue the ribbon/accent trim to the primary trim on the top and bottom of the wrap. When the glue has cooled, cut the ribbon/accent trim to the length of the wrap fabric.

Step 5: Form a tube shape by bringing both length ends of the wrap together, overlapping them approximately 1/4 inch, and hot glue together. For the best hold, seal the entire seam from top to bottom.  Tip: Wrapping the fabric around an empty, cardboard paper towel or toilet tissue core will help ensure that you're overlapping and gluing the ends together evenly for the width of the wrap. Remove core when the glue has cooled and set.

Completed Wrap: After the napkin wrap's glue has cooled and set for at least a day, fold napkin and slide it through the finished wrap, fluffing the ends of the napkin for extra volume and to accentuate the slim silhouette of the wrap.

Vendors:
Venue: The University of Michigan Stadium - The Big House
Props {Official Football Jersey(s), Football and Helmet}: University of Michigan Athletic Department
Concept and Design: Lisa of Gabbi Grace Events and Kim of Something Floral
Planning & Styling {Rentals: Chavari Chairs, Chair Pads, Table Linens and Sweets Table design}: Gabbi Grace Events
Photography: Jackie Blair of JACQART
Flowers, all floral designs, and milk glass bud vases: Kim of Something Floral and Something Spectacular
Milk Glass Rentals: Hul-Bee Weddings and Events
Gold Plated Flatware and Chargers Rentals: Dynamic Designz
Stationery {menus, banner, chair tags}: LePenn Designs
Cake Bites: Cake Bite Delights
Fresh Fruit Cheese Cake: Produce Palace
U of M table runner, napkin liners/inserts, and napkin rings/wraps - sewn and created by Kim