She's Got It! Most Creative Bride Contest

Jodi Bos

Event Planner, In Any Event

With over 15 years in the industry, Jodi's passion for event planning is unmatched. Her keen eye for the aesthetically pleasing and attention to the finest detail drives her passion and feeds her creative soul.

Educated in the field of public relations, Jodi has put her skills to work doing what she truly loves. She finds inspiration in the simplest things and surrounds herself with top industry professionals who truly understand what it takes to create beautiful, flawless events.

In addition, Jodi recently launched a division of her planning firm called, Gwyneth Paige {Couture Letterpress}. This company will make its debut at the National Stationery Show in NYC this May and has already received much critical acclaim for its exquisite invitation suites and sustainable printing methods.

Amanda Freeman

Event Planner, Bliss Weddings & Events

As the owner of Bliss Weddings & Events, certification as a Professional Bridal Consultant, a background in corporate events and the time she spent as a banquet manager, Amanda Freeman’s excitement and love of being a part of memorable events is what keeps her motivated to excel in wedding and event industry. Amanda specializes in “outside-the-box” Michigan and destination weddings and is based out of the Detroit/Ann Arbor area. She believes that planning a wedding or event is much easier when done with a fun and casual outlook.

To date Amanda has become a true asset in her field. As the State Advisor & Creator of Michigan Wedding and Event Professionals Network, she has brought together industry professionals in a fun and exciting networking group. Amanda lives with the goal of helping others in any way possible and does so by organizing many charitable projects each year. She has been featured in some of the hottest web publications and magazines and has developed life-long relationships with the clients and vendors she works with each year.

Aletha VanderMaas

Event Planner, Pearls Events

Aletha VanderMaas fell in love with events over twelve years ago while working as a banquet server for a country club. Promptly after earning her bachelor of arts in fashion marketing & management, she accepted a position with the largest Christian communications company in the world. After working in publishing for four years, Aletha infused her love for service, marketing & weddings by creating Pearls Events in 2007.

Pearls Events is an event planning boutique located in West Michigan, with offices in Grand Rapids and Holland. They plan, design and coordinate celebrations throughout the entire state of Michigan with clients located all over the country. Aletha's desire to create an event that reflects the client and flows seamlessly is her number one goal.

Aletha enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, while they work in their postage stamp-sized yard, travel the country in their Volkswagen and entertain friends on their patio. They live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with their adorable Yorkie, Olive.

Ryan Koral

Filmmaker, Epic Motion

Ryan Koral is owner and creative director of Epic Motion - an award winning wedding and event cinema studio based in Royal Oak, Michigan. He has been filming weddings for five years and LOVES his job. More than his love for his job – he LOVES people. He has an awesome wife and is a dad to an almost 3 year old little dude and a brand spankin’ new little girl.

Alicia Caldecott

Event Planner, A Day in May

Alicia Caldecott is the owner and lead designer for A Day in May- a native of Traverse City with a passion for artistic expression, creativity and Northern Michigan.

A Day in May, Event Planning & Design is a boutique event planning service in Northern Michigan. Our client’s vision and inspiration are the very heart of every event. A Day in May pledges to provide its clients with the highest standards of design and service during all aspects of the event planning process including event logistics, styling and production.

Rachael Ruiz

Co-host, eightWest

Co-hosting eightWest is a dream "job" come true for Rachael Ruiz. A former news reporter and anchor for the past 15 years, Ruiz has become a familiar face in the West Michigan community.

"I have and always will love the news. I've always thought it would take something pretty special to make me do something different...becoming a host of eightWest is that something," said Ruiz.

As a part of eightWest, Ruiz will continue her passion for storytelling but now focusing on hip, modern topics that have the community buzzing.

"Grand Rapids is a hidden gem. I love the city. I especially love the energy. It invigorates the soul," said Ruiz. "I find new treasures all the time - whether it's a park or a quaint store. I am so excited to share that information with the viewers of eightWest."

Ruiz is a native of West Michigan. She was born in Holland, grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from East Kentwood High School. Ruiz, a new mother, lives an urban lifestyle with her husband in downtown Grand Rapids where she is mastering the fine art of multi-tasking. She is excited to share her unique perspectives on motherhood, career, family and downtown living with the eightWest audience.