As I was going through this gallery to choose photos for this post, I was blown away all over agin by how beautiful this wedding was! When Colleen originally contacted me to shoot their wedding she asked if it was possible to split up their package so they could have an intimate ceremony at the courthouse and have their reception two days later at Downtown Market. I of course obliged and I am SO happy that I did.
I arrived at the courthouse on a Thursday afternoon and awaited Colleen’s arrival for her first look with Joe. She arrived, dressed impeccably in a white jumpsuit and carrying a simple eucalyptus bouquet. Their first look was such a quiet and sweet moment. I highly recommend having a first look! We took a few photos and then walked inside to wait for their turn in front of the magistrate. They chose to have their immediate family at their quick yet meaningful ceremony.
After the ‘I dos’ we hopped in our cars to head downtown for photos. We started by the Grand Rapids Library Steps and wandered around the city for a couple of hours to a couple other locations including my favorite parking garage rooftop. Normally after these photos are done it’s time to head to the reception but instead we all went home after gushing about the day and how we all couldn’t wait for Saturday.
I arrived at the Downtown Market on Saturday morning and could not believe how amazing everything turned out! Everything Colleen had chosen was absolutely perfect. Check out the amazing marble tiles she chose for their table numbers and name cards, they are SO cool. She wore a simple BHLDN gown (IT WAS STUNNING) and had her hair in the most amazing pony I have ever seen. Sorry, Ariana. She was carrying her eucalyptus bouquet made by Eastern Floral again and Joe wore a suit made by Hockerty in a really nice blue fabric. I took some more photos of the two of them and their families and friends outside the Market. I always love to use their greenery wall for family photos, it’s the best backdrop ever! The reception went on without a hitch and everything was perfect. We ended the night with dancing and a few cookies.
I can not say enough about how genuinely kind and sweet Colleen and Joe are! I had a great time working with and getting to know them. Colleen is a registered dietitian who runs a freelance health and wellness mentoring program. You can check that out by searching mittendietitian on instagram. Scroll through to see a few of my favorite images from the day!
