Grand Rapids wedding photographer

Dani and Zach - Grand Rapids engagement photos

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March in Michigan means never really knowing which season we’re going to experience on any given day. As Dani and Zach’s engagement session date approached, a flash blizzard decided we would be working with winter, and they both rose to the challenge.
Location one looks like it could have been a nature preserve, but it’s actually the land where their home together will be built. It’s so cool to me that they’ll be able to look back at their engagement photos and see how different the property is through the years, and that’s a huge reason why I love including personal aspects into the portraits.

Location two was a bonus for me as someone who lives off coffee as my number one source of fuel. We ventured to Lantern Coffee in downtown Grand Rapids for a latte break from the cold, and then wrapped up at my favorite GR parking garage for some golden hour magic.

Spring is almost here, but I didn’t at all mind one final winter session. Congratulations you two!

Amanda and Eric - Grand Rapids engagement photos

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When I first met Amanda at Bell’s Brewery (a great sign) to talk wedding photography details, I could already tell that she and Eric were going to be beautiful people to spend time with.
She told me all about their shared musical interests (Griz is their favorite artist), their dog who they wanted included in engagement photos named Griz (No seriously, they love this artist), and how they found each other and fell in love.
We started the engagement session at Provin Trails just outside of downtown, which is a hidden gem and the perfect place for the goodest boy Griz to get an adventure in before heading into the heart of Grand Rapids.
The year 2020 has not been kind to concert goers this year, so to incorporate their love of the music culture, we went to their favorite Griz mural (The artist, not the dog for those who are keeping track at home) and even swapped outfits to their favorite concert wear to complete the engagement session.

It was the best time and an amazing day. I can’t wait for the wedding you two! Keep showing love and spreading love.

Becky and Tom - Kentucky derby wedding at the Amway Grand Plaza

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Nick and I got to know Becky and Tom pretty well over the course of their wedding plans, and their day was special to us in so many ways. When the two of them chose the day of the Kentucky Derby for their wedding, they decided to completely embract the theme: roses everywhere, the best hat game I have ever seen, and even asked guests to dress in their best derby day wear. Well, their friends and family rose to the occasion, and every direction I pointed a camera was an amazing detail or a themed look. They even aired the race during cocktail hour with the table numbers correlating to the horse you should be cheering for.
The first look took place at the Kent Country Club, the ceremony in one of the many stunning ballrooms at the Amway, and the champagne toast on top of the helipad of the JW Marriott (I mean, seriously, who gets to do that??). But even with a complete fairy tale of a day coming together in every way right down to the weather, the most memorable part of the wedding has to be is the couple. Becky spent her time in preparations complimenting everyone around her, telling others how beautiful they looked, and making sure everyone was taken care of. Tom was in no way afraid of showing his emotions, and how thrilled he was to promise forever to his best friend. These are two exceptional people, and they deserve every ounce of happiness.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Jones!

Kristin and Will - Downtown Grand Rapids engagement photos

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The day before Kristin and Will’s engagement session was mid sixties and sunny, great photo weather you might think! The day of our shoot comes around and the springtime air was replaced with low forties and enough wind to ruin just about any mood. You would never know it to look at these two. They took the whole thing in stride, laughing through the entire session, and joyfully pointing out every dog we saw along the way (I care deeply about that, Kristin gets me).
We wandered around ta few of the great locations downtown Grand Rapids has to offer, and then finished up with a pint at City Built Brewing. Honestly, it was perfect.

Congratulations Kristin and Will! Your October wedding is going to be magnificent.