Southwest Michigan Bridal Show : A DIY Booth

Southwest Michigan Bridal Show in Kalamazoo, MI this past Sunday (January 11, 2015)

This winter has been so hectic for me, that I really didn't have much time left to plan for my show booth.  I knew what I wanted to do in creating a unique space that people could relax in and be able to chat with me outside of the throng of attendees in the "walking path."  I wanted to have a display that was bright and neutral to draw attention to my artwork and style without being obnoxious or distracting to the eye.  While there was plenty to look at in the booth, it was just enough space to draw in couples to talk. 

I am SO excited to hear more from the couples I talked to at the show- there were hundreds of brides and grooms wandering the stadium and I am SURE that I talked to 95% of them!  (Probably the reason I have no voice today.) 

Here's a painstaking look at my foray into designing my booth, and the outcome- visually speaking, of course. *I am utterly sad that I didn't take my camera in for any booth pictures, but I DID have my handy dandy cellphone camera throughout the process- the best camera is the one in your hand, really.*

 So, you can see the stack of pallets I was fortunate enough to get for free.  I began by building three 8x3' frames out of studs.  Then, I removed the wood boards from the pallets one by one using a circular saw and a pry bar making sure to cut each board to size.  I laid them out board by board on top of each of the frames, nailing them down once they were spaced correctly. 

None of this was easy, and I wish I had started this project weeks ahead while we had moderate temps, because let me tell you- doing this in -15* temps all by myself made it ten times harder! haha!

 I knew that I needed walls for the booth, and I can tell you that this whole set up was a completely freakish miracle.  I found a blue oak door in a barn of my dad's, and as we were leaving, I spotted this AMAZING teal shutter... that just HAPPENED to be the same length as the door.  I knew right then that I had one wall.  I created feet for the door, made a shelf for it, and attached it to studs.  Using brackets, I hung the shutter above it for a "market stand" feel. 

VOILA!  The booth, set up at the show, was a smashing success!

I used canvases from the studio, hand painted a MUNRO sign, and the great chalkboard.  Using market lights and terrariums, I create interest without it distracting too much from the images.  People were drawn in to look at albums, sit a minute to really look at my work, and many people booked their wedding consults right then and there.  I shy away from doing any wedding bookings at shows this large to avoid double booking, confusion, and because I basically really prefer to get to know my clients at a more intimate consult.

 The sides of my booth: the right side, I created a shelf to set a 30x40" canvas on, using another board to lean it on.  I set out vintage cameras and faux succulents to add a little extra detail.

 I was asked repeatedly where I got my furniture, and I had to laugh.  I picked up the red seat from a photographer friend (it's one of my favorite pieces- I use it all the time!) and the mustard seat was another of my favorite finds from a Habitat Restore. 

So there you have it!  The creation and execution of my awesome show booth.  So many couples, so many consults, and I'm excited to see what 2015 and 2016 will bring for Munro Photography! 

If you're interested in hearing the show specials that are good for this month, please email me at lashmunro@yahoo.com or visit www.munrophotos.com 

You can also view my online wedding guide at www.issuu.com/munrophotos