First let me say, I have never been to or a part of a speed dating event. Neither did I ever imagine I would ever be at one of these events. But when Pam told me that is exactly what I signed up for when I agreed to accompany her to a Vendors mingle, I got very scared. I am happy to say, I made it out alive, and I have to admit, I had an awesome time!

The event was held at The Community House in Birmingham, an absolutely stunning Victorian Style location, perfect for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s shower. The event was held for wedding designers and consultants as a way to network with vendors in the Metro Detroit area. In each category, no more than 3 vendors were present, and many only had one. It was a five minute captive audience for each vendor, and a rush to gather as much information from the vendors you want to know more about for Pam and me. It was a successful and positive venture for both of us; we have plucked the best from the crowd to share with you in our Passion Circle!

Emplume -I haven’t formally introduced them to you yet, and I will, but I have used some of their designs in my Black Friday ’09 imagination board. I am in love with their uniqueness and creative alternative to traditional bridal bouquets. It was fantastic getting to meet the designers and creators in person. Carrie and Shannon are delightful women whose creative work has been displayed all over the world. They’ve been fortunate enough to provide custom creations for brides from California to Australia, right from the Metro Detroit backyard. Pam and I had the pleasure of holding these exquisite bouquets – what do you think? I think they are a definite for my nuptials! I am so happy to have them as a Passion Vendor.

I haven’t disclosed all of my theatrical background yet, but dramatic lighting is at the top of my experience, and I immediately appreciated the room transformations The Lighting Guy perform with dramatic lighting. Traveling all over the country, converting barren and desolate spaces into spectacular and whimsical visual portraits, their work is amorous. We met with Kimberly, the lighting guy’s wife and head consultant. She is a great knowledge source and organizes events all over the country, but is also based here in Michigan. They also offer draping services, which only enhance the beauty of precision lighting, which is something they do well. Change the mood of any room with The Lighting Guys at the helm.

Classic Confections – All I have to say is yum! Ok, I have a bit more to say than that. Erin Finnigan is the owner, baker, decorator, and sales staff of Classic Confections and she has a phenomenal handle on what she’s doing. Let me start by saying she is my type of gal. Instead of bringing itty bitty pieces of cake for us to sample, this girl baked all the consultants their own 6″ two flavor butter cream cake. Warning, sugar rush ahead – chocolate with peanut butter filling and white with raspberry filling. I am in love! But what delights me even more are the other flavor pairings. I am dreaming right now of a pumpkin cake with chair cream cheese filling! WOW! That is imagination. And it gets better; my next order will be carrot cake with orange-ginger cream cheese filling. OK, I’m going to place my order right now! Erin is stepping outside of the box with her flavor suggestions and creations. Oh did I mention her designs are as great as the cake flavors? Every girl dreams of a Victoria Secret cake at her bridal shower and Erin delivers. Erin also has cakes for all occasions, my favorite, the coach diaper bag!! Great addition to the Passion Circle! In Erin’s words “IT’S NOT JUST CAKE, IT’S ARTISTRY YOU CAN TASTE!”

Apparently talent runs in the Sonntag household. Right next door, Heather Fiedor Photography (Erin’s Sister) provided an impressive display of artistry. Heather is on the cutting edge of photography and services to provide her clients. I absolutely adore her customized guest books with the couple’s engagement photos. Heather’s passion for photography is evident in her pictures and in just talking to her. Having worked around the country in various areas of design and photography, her style is photo journalistic and she strives to captivate the day in a story for the bride and groom. I must say, she does a fine job at it! Welcome to the Passion Circle!

And this is the just beginning. I have a few more delightful finds to share with you, but I leave that for part 2.

Lia