Tony + Emily | Thousand Oaks Ceremony and Reception
Their story is one of growing up in the same town, going to the same schools but not meeting until their time at Michigan State. Following a couple years of dating Emily took the leap and followed Tony across the country as he enlisted full time in the United States Marine Corp (stationed in California).
And that’s where Emily planned their Grand Rapids wedding from, California, while Tony was deployed to Afghanistan.
To make sure Tony and Emily both looked confident and felt comfortable on their wedding day we spent time getting to know them and their wedding party while they got ready at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.
**For those that don’t know, the JW Marriott provides access to the river walk, blue bridge and a ton of other great photo locations.
With a first look along the river front, Tony and Emily were nothing but smiles and excitement. Their wedding party was a group of friends and family that had great attitudes and were excited to come together to see some of their best friends celebrate their wedding day.
As with all the couples we work with, we make sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera. We know most people don’t normally have a professional photographer with them on a “normal day”, so we want to make sure everyone involved in the wedding has time to find their best smile on their wedding day.
Following a ride to Thousand Oaks Golf Club where the ceremony and reception were held, family photos were first on the agenda, followed by some of the great details Emily had put together for their day.
**One side note, the pallet wall that held table information for guests ended up turning into a makeshift photobooth backdrop toward the end of the night. Something to consider if you’re interested in having a photobooth on your wedding day.
Then it was ceremony time.
With guests seated and the weather perfect (73 degrees and sunny), Tony’s father performed the marriage ceremony for these two.
The looks, the smiles and the energy were great and it was a blessing to be a part of their wedding day.
With wedding party and family photos complete prior to the ceremony, that meant Tony and Emily could enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
They mixed and mingled on the outdoor patio at Thousand Oaks and it also meant that dinner was just around the corner for everyone (following three great toasts).
The dance floor was full following first dances thanks to Moments in Time DJ and Nate’s great playlist.
As sunset approached I had to take Tony and Emily outside to their ceremony site for a few additional portraits. I knew it had been quite a day for them but a few minutes away from their guests just the two of them at the place they stood for their ceremony couldn’t hurt.
The light was perfect (just like these two).
Then it was back to the shenanigan’s on the dance floor and a few fun Hawaiian shirts for the groom and groomsmen.
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Thousand Oaks Golf Club
Hair & Makeup: Kim VanOeffelen
Wedding Dress: Spring Sweet
Bridal Shoes: BHLDN
Flowers: Gail Vander Laan Floral
Chair Covers: Alpine Rental
Slat Board: Holland Rental Co
DJ: Nate from Moments in Time DJ
Love the images you see of Tony and Emily? Looking for a photographer that can make you feel confident? We would love to connect with you about your photography needs!