Mike + Rachel | Small Grand Rapids Wedding At Paddock Place
Many couples come to us and tell us they dream about “keeping the guest list small” or “having a more intimate wedding day”.
It turns out it can be done and Mike and Rachel’s Grand Rapids wedding at Paddock Place is one of the best examples we have seen so far.
We have known Rachel for many years through her daily work in West Michigan. Being a part of the wedding planning process and wedding day for she and Mike was an honor.
The ceremony was at the location of their first date. The reception was a location we suggested as we’ve been to a few events at Wealthy Studios. The bride and groom spent time with friends and family after the ceremony during the lunch hour. They also had a break between lunch reception and drinks, dessert and dancing with friends.
Talk about an ideal way to celebrate the marriage of two fantastic people.
The day began at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel where Rachel spent time with her favorite ladies.
After getting ready with her mom, sister and friends, Rachel headed down to see Mike for the first time in the Pantlind lobby at the Amway Grand.
We used the lobby area then stepped outside to the old Civic Center entrance for outdoor portraits with the bride and groom.
Then it was off to see her dad for the first time, seeing the details at Paddock Place as well as walking down the aisle with her father.
One of the requests Mike and Rachel had was a “photo of everyone” after the ceremony.
That meant the bride and groom had 10 minutes to themselves after the ceremony where were setting up the group photo and they could revel in their new marriage (I loved this touch on the wedding day).
With family and friends enjoying cocktail hour, we spent a few minutes taking portraits first in the room where the ceremony was held and then in one of the dining areas of Paddock Place.
These two are playful and fun together. They are each other’s best friend and we simply encouraged them to help one another laugh and relax for the camera.
One quick image outside the location of their first date, then it was off to downtown Grand Rapids, just the two of them.
Rachel wanted portraits downtown that made the city the main backdrop.
It was a quick walk around the Grand Rapids Art Museum (which has so many great spots) as well as a quick trip to one of the downtown parking lots to make the downtown skyline dominate their photos.
Then it was time for a break.
Can you imagine having a break on your wedding day?
Mike and Rachel enjoyed down time from 4:30 to 8pm where they arrived at the reception with friends and family awaiting their arrival.
Rachel decorated the space with a balloon sculpture by Balloons or Bust and it was a great way to make the space stand out.
Drinks and desserts were by Martha’s Catering, music by Zovo Entertainment and lots of fun had by all!
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony & Lunch: Paddock Place
Reception: Wealthy Studios
Wedding Coordinator: Valley & Oak Events
Hair and Makeup: Kristi Carpentier
Jewelry: Juhas and Sullivan
Officiant: Lyndsie from Love, We Do
Balloons: Balloons or Bust
Linen Rental: Special Occasions
Event Rental: Events by I Candy
DJ: Zovo Entertainment
Photography & Videography: Tiberius Images
Love the images you see of Mike and Rachel? Looking for a photographer that can make you feel confident? We would love to connect with you about your photography needs!