This industrial, chic, downtown wedding at The Cheney Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan was like something out of a magazine. Gold chandeliers and eclectic antiques decorated the revitalitized warehouse, beautifully complementing the lush burgundy and classic greys worn by the wedding party. Tasteful greenery, intentionally placed around the venue, completed the array of colors and set the stage for an elegant and incredibly thoughtful wedding. And after waiting months for availablity to open up at this gorgeous venue, the morning of Leigh and Nicholas’s September wedding dawned bright and clear – a perfect beginning to what would turn out to be an absolutely stunning day
Before we talk about the wedding itself, however, let’s back up about a year. When Leigh and Nicholas first reached out to me about shooting their wedding, it was clear that they were an adventure-loving couple, completely obsessed with each other and unbelievably excited to start the amazing journey of marriage together. Throughout my time working with them, those adventurous spirits and loving personalities were on display in some very beautiful ways. From our evening spent exploring the edge of the cliffs up in Empire, MI for their stunning engagement session to the quiet, intimate moments of their emotional first look, Leigh and Nicholas have time and again showcased the love and care they have for each other and their desire to spend their lives exploring the twists and turns of life…together.
Fast forward to their wedding day – a day that began with thoughtful gifts both Leigh and Nicholas had prepared for each other. Following these tear-filled, intimate moments, they joined up with the rest of their wedding party for some laughter-fueled moments in a park on the edge of the Grand River. After returning to the venue, Leigh and Nicholas were married in a thoughtful, elegant, personal ceremony in front of an array of family and friends and excitedly began their married lives together.
After a few celebratory conversations with their family and friends, Leigh and Nicholas slipped away from the crowd for a few quiet moments together. They explored the surrounding warehouse district together, dancing in the parking lots and basking in the joyful glow of their newly-founded marriage. They then rejoined their wedding party and guests for a night of exuberant dancing, emotive speeches, delicious doughnuts and cake, and a nonstop celebration of their new marriage before heading off to continue their adventures with a tour through Europe – a trip they had been dreaming about since before I ever met them.
One final note – it’s always such a privilege document the unfolding moments of a wedding day on camera, but Leigh and Nicholas also asked me to capture their day on video! Be sure to check out their day in motion and see all of these beautiful moments come to life in their wedding films!
