As a wedding photographer we are always super excited to shoot at new venues, so when a friend of mine asked me to shoot his wedding in Michigan at the Lafayette Grand Ballroom, I was so ready for it. I first met Chris while I was on a diving trip in Honduras. We ended up being in the same diving group and we quickly became friends. It was so ironic that we travelled all the way to Honduras, to find out we only lived 45 minutes apart. Fast forward about two years over and he contacted me and told me he was getting married and wanted me to photograph the wedding. I got to meet his lovely fiancee Amber and I could immediately tell they were quite smitten with each other. They also have the most beautiful little baby girl Madison.
Their wedding day was the begining of May and it was a beautiful day. We were all staying at the Crowne Plaza so I was lucky enough to run back and forth between Chris and Amber while they were getting ready. Both of them were feeling nervous, anxious but also very very excited. They exchanged letters to read before the wedding, which was a very special touch. Amber’s wedding gown was stunning. A slim fitted satin and lace gown, with amazing beading and rhinestones. It is definitely a dress not every girl can pull off, but she absolutely did. Her girls wore a beautiful pink and the amazing bouquet was made of one of my favourite flowers, the anenome.
The ceremony was held at their local church and was a very sweet, faithful ceremony. Both Chris and Amber agree that their favourite part of the ceremony was getting to actually say “I do “.
After the ceremony, we had a couple of locations to hit for their creative session. Being that Chris is a firefighter a stop at his fire house was a must. A big huge thanks to his crew at the firehouse for letting us use the trucks and firehouse for some pretty cool shots! We also stopped by a small park for some more creative shots. The last stop was of course the amazing Lafayette Grand Ballroom. This venue is a very old building built in 1923 and has been restored to its original, ornate beauty. It truly is a one of a kind venue! Amber said they for sure spent the most time picking out the decor for the reception. The reception was filled with great music, speeches, dancing and a beautiful toast to the groom’s father.
Overall the day was fabulous and I am so honoured that my friend entrusted us to capture this major even in their lives. We wish them so much happiness and love for the future.
Vendors
Photography ~ Jillian Wilhelm Photography
Venue ~ Lafayette Grand Ballroom
Dress ~ Bella Bridal
Decor ~ Petite Fleur Events
Florist ~ Petite Fleur Events
Shoes ~ Badgley Mischka
Video ~ Design Haven Studios
