360 Photo Booth at St. John’s Resort | Ivywood Academy Gala in Plymouth MI

Formal events often have a beautiful, polished atmosphere but what they sometimes lack is energy.

At Ivywood Classical Academy’s annual gala, “A Night in Black and White,” held at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, MI, the goal was to create a balance between elegance and interaction.

This was our third year working with Ivywood, and this year they wanted to elevate the experience by pairing a studio-style monochrome photographer with something more dynamic:

👉 a 360 photo booth experience that would bring the fun.

---

Event Overview

• Event: Ivywood Classical Academy Gala – A Night in Black and White
• Venue: St. John’s Resort – Plymouth, MI
• Experience: 360 Video Booth
• Theme: Black & White Formal Gala

Having worked with this client for multiple years, we were able to build on what we already knew: their events are polished, intentional, and focused on creating a memorable guest experience.

---

The Perfect Balance: Elegant + Interactive

One of the smartest decisions for this event was combining two different types of experiences:

• A studio monochrome photographer for timeless, editorial-style portraits
• A 360 photo booth for movement, energy, and interaction

This created a natural flow:

• Guests could capture refined, classic images
• Then step into something fun, expressive, and unexpected

👉 The booth didn’t replace photography, it enhanced the overall experience.

---

“What Do I Do?” — The First-Time Guest Experience

One thing we see all the time especially at more formal events is that many guests have never used a 360 booth before.

The first questions are almost always:

• “What do I do?”
• “Does the platform move?”

The platform stays still but the camera arm moves around the guest, capturing a full 360 video.

We guide them with simple prompts:

• Blow a kiss
• Wink at the camera
• Pop out a prop
• Or just dance and have fun

And within seconds, they go from unsure… to fully in it.

---

The Energy Shift (This Is Why It Works)

There’s always a moment where everything clicks.

Guests step off the platform, walk over to the sharing station, and watch their video for the first time.

👉 And that’s when the reaction happens.

• Laughing
• Rewatching
• Calling friends over to try it

It creates this ripple effect across the room.

We’ve seen it again and again people leave the booth with a genuine energy boost, and it carries into the rest of the event.

And yes… the bubble guns definitely help 😄

---

Built for Galas, Fundraisers & Formal Events

The 360 booth works especially well at events like this because it:

• Breaks the ice in more formal environments
• Encourages guest interaction without feeling forced
• Creates shareable content instantly
• Keeps guests engaged throughout the night

It’s not just something to “do” it becomes part of the experience.

---

Flexible Timing for Real Events

No event runs perfectly on schedule and that’s okay.

For this gala:

• Guests enjoyed dinner and social time
• An idle hour was planned during key programming
• The live auction ran behind schedule

Instead of shutting down right on time, we adjusted and kept the booth open to match the flow of the event.

That flexibility matters.

Some clients prefer strict timing, while others want the freedom to adapt in real time and we can accommodate both.

---

A Client Relationship That Grows Over Time

This was our third year working with Ivywood, and it’s always a reminder that the best events aren’t just about one night, they’re about building something over time.

In previous years, they opted for a digital drop-off booth.

This year, they chose to elevate the experience with a fully attended, interactive setup and the difference in energy was clear.

---

Is a 360 Photo Booth Right for Your Event?

If you’re planning a gala, fundraiser, or formal event in Plymouth, Ann Arbor, or Metro Detroit, a 360 booth is a great fit when you want to:

• Add energy to a more structured event
• Give guests something interactive and memorable
• Create shareable moments that extend beyond the night

It’s especially impactful when paired with more traditional elements like photography, live entertainment, or auctions.

---

Planning an Event at St. John’s Resort or Nearby?

We’ve worked with schools, nonprofits, and organizations across Michigan to create experiences that feel both elevated and fun.

Whether you’re looking for something high-energy like a 360 booth or a more classic photo experience, we can help you design something that fits your event.

👉 Reach out to learn more about availability and options.

About Ivywood Classical Academy

Learn more about the organization and their annual gala here:
https://one.bidpal.net/anightinblackandwhite/about