San Chez Grand Rapids-Laura and Chris

San Chez
Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations Chris and Laura!! What a laid back, cool couple. Just so cool. These two met about two years ago at an ultimate Frisbee match. Match? Game? I don't know. They had to explain it to me. Anyway, afterwards, Chris asked Laura for a date and have been together since. A little while ago, they caught a show downtown. It was cold and snowing. Walking through the streets at night, Chris pulled out a small black box... It was very romantic, just the two of them, and she said yes. Laura had to ask to see the ring again later, as she remembered her glasses were all fogged up and she could hardly see anything that night, due to the excitement as well as the cold.

The wedding day was such an bright, intimate affair. It was the first wedding that Sanchez has hosted in their newly redecorated venue space for events. Friends and family sipped cocktails and chatted about for hours. It resembled the couple's personalities, as it was cozy, laid back, cool, and fun.

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your story. You two are so warm, caring, and just plain lovely! Enjoy the preview...

The Bluff Banquet and Conference Center-Dennis and Wezi

The Bluff Banquet and Conference Center
Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations Dennis and Wezi!! What a beautiful celebration for a beautiful couple!

Dennis and Wezi met at Grand Valley, where they were business majors and also worked together. They have been together for five years, most of it being a long distance relationship. Dennis has lived in South Dakota and Indianapolis, but they always made time to see each other. Dennis proposed on a rooftop at sunset. Now settled in Grand Rapids, the two are ready for the next adventure together. I am so happy for these two! So warm, friendly, and fun!

In case you missed their engagement session, you can view it here: http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/winter-engagement-session

The wedding was such an awaited celebration! With family traveling from Zambia, this has been a well-anticipated event. I had such a great time with this group! The Zambian presentation was a big hit. Everyone who spoke showed all the love and admiration for these two people, well-deserved, no doubt. There was so much love in that room. I definitely felt a bit sad at the end of the night leaving all of those lovely people. I just wanted to ask, "So, do you want to be friends? Can we get a beer sometime?"

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your big day. I am truly honored and I sincerely wish you the best. Here is a preview of the day...

EGYPT VALLEY Country Club and MCKAY TOWER-Maryann and Joe

Egypt Valley Country Club, Ada MI
McKay Tower, Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations to Maryann and Joe!! What a glamorous, elegant, and happy celebration of this couple's love and dedication to each other.  I loved this day. There was an abundance of happy friends and family, as well as the silly and goofy couple.

The two met at school, Grand Valley. Seven years later, Joe proposed to Maryann while on a weekend trip in Chicago in front of The Bean.

Just in case you missed their engagement session that we shot in the frigid winter, you can view it here:
https://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/engagement-session-maryann-and-joe

I knew from that session that this couple was going to be loads of fun on their wedding day, but also that they would keep the fun and laughter going throughout the years together. I can't even narrow down my favorite part of their wedding day, there were so many special incidents. Something different that everyone enjoyed, was when the best man and groomsman stole Joe's old journals from his old room. As they were reading a few embarrassing entries, the entire venue roared with laughter. Eventually, they got to some entries about Maryann. Sweet thoughts for a truly sweet couple. But, seriously... hilarious. I think that should become a tradition in receptions... Another favorite part of mine was all the fabulous dancing- on the bus, off the bus, on the way to the bus... For their first dance, Joe and Maryann twirled about in a fancy number that I couldn't really edit down! I'm showing a lot of dancing shots here. They took up all my space for this post. Ha!

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Harre, for choosing me to capture your big day. I am honored. Here is your preview...

Special thanks to Portraits by Mandy, for the awesome second shooting! I had so much fun with you, and your talent abounds.