Real Flowers vs Fake

1. Real flowers! If you can do it, do it.  Even make your own if you have, too.
2. Fake only option. If fake is your only option, go lighter.  They look more real the lighter they are.
3. Eucalyptus makes everything smell good. Another simple solution is look online and find a retailer that sells eucalyptus and line your tables with them.  It makes the whole venue smell amazing!
4. On a budget and want the real stuff. Baby’s breath is a very simple solution to real flowers that you could put together yourself and not cost you a lot of money

This wedding reception was lavished with real flowers everywhere and it was so impressive and beautiful.

That was one of the many beautiful details at this gorgeous wedding. Spread throughout the whole reception area, big, beautiful boutiques of flowers done by Shelly’s Designs Florist.  And the cheesecakes! Did you know they make cookie dough cheesecake, with a scoop of cookie dough on top of the cheesecake, fantastic!! Okay, so I loved Molly’s details a little, OK, A LOT!  Another totally awesome fyi, is that Charles and Molly’s mothers are best friends.  I have never seen two moms so happy for a wedding, ever!  They were so cute, they kept looking at each other and becoming teary.

Molly and Charles got married at St. Alphonsus Catholic church. This church has so much history in the architecture with the beams and the beautiful windows.  After we headed into downtown Grand Rapids for some pictures in the city.  We were on a bus with this large wedding party and there was never a dull moment!  Of course every one danced the night away. Wishing you many more happy and healthy years together!!!! x0x0x

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I have known Lisa and Jeff, parents of the groom for some time, they were trusting, open-minded people that trusted a girl, young in her 20s to sell their home.  They are so uplifting and kind, and I was thrilled when Erica, the bride, reached out to me to photograph their  wedding.  It is always nice to have referrals from friends and family; really it is the only way that you can be sure you are doing a good job for people.

To me, referrals are one of the kindest acts shown to me with being self-employed, because you then know people care about you, too.  That being said, the day was like hanging out with family, I love all the familiar faces and catching up with them all.  Erica has been the most ambitious bride I have seen yet. She was savvy in her wedding planning. She found a wonderful spot for all the lodging and the wedding and reception to take place, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

I also am a big fan of these three things:

1. White tent weddings

2. Weddings and Receptions at the same location

3. And beautiful flowers.

All the above were true of this wedding.  These curly things you see in the wedding flowers….. yeah, those are real. It is called curled ferns. So cool.  Wishing you both many more happy years, I am so excited for the both of you!!! xoxoxo

Do it Yourself Weddings

If your going to do a lot of the wedding details and props yourself make sure you have a good team. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is worrying about every little detail.  Erica was a amazing with the details and had a lot of clever game ideas and props.  She made all the flower boxes herself, too.

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Liz and Matt!  Love these two.  We started the day at the downtown condo.   I loved the exposed brick and built in cabinets, such a cool spot to take pics.  There were lots of laughs and tears, as Liz and her bridesmaids got ready for the day. Next was the ceremony site, St. James Church. The Catholic church had the most beautiful architecture and I love all the doors. It was a lovely place to get married.

We made many stops along the way to in between the ceremony and the reception. This was the first time I took pictures at the Grand Valley State University, downtown location. I loved it there!  We did the normal spots, such as the blue bridge, but never have I navigated up to the top of a building. It was a blast to have so much time with Liz and Matt and to get so many awesome pictures, plus did you see the sky that day?! Just perfect.  They are good company and we had many laughs.  Of course the party was just getting started as we headed over to the reception at Studio D2D  for a bunch of crazy dancing and a lit up dance floor! Wishing you many happy more years Matt and Liz! It was a pleasure. xoxox

What I loved most about this wedding…

Liz and Matt had a lot of time in between the ceremony and reception to take pictures.  We were able to get so much variety and they focused the majority of time on themselves as a couple.  We stopped at the Blue Bridge, GVSU, around Rosa Parks and to the top of a building!

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Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer at Bissell Tree House by West Michigan photographer at John Ball Zoo.

You always can confirm it is a small world, when think you are meeting people that wouldn’t know you or your family since they are not from Grand Rapids, and you start conversation and find out their oldest son was friends with your cousin!   All of this being unknown to any of us at the time.  That being said, the whole day felt like we were among friends.  We had such a wonderful time!!!  In addition, it was the first time I have photographed a wedding at the Bissell Tree House . Of course, this was a lovely location.  We even got to pet a snake and a rabbit!  I am thrilled for this sweet couple.  I especially loved how everyone danced down the aisle for the processional.  Too fun!!
Wishing you the very best! x0x0x. For more information and pricing, check out this link

Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer at Bissell Tree House, some facts about the venue:

1. It is tucked away at the John Ball Zoo.
2. You may see animals
3. Good space in the venue
4. The ceremony site in the back of the venue is narrow and long
5. Something different
6. Overall, I did enjoy photographing at this venue.

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Spring Lake Country Club Weddings | Jamie May Photography

What a great day with Nicole and Rob!  They got married at St. Patrick’s Church in Grand Haven.  Then we heading over to Lake Michigan and then to the Spring Lake Country Club.  Rob and Nicole are wonderful to work with. They are fun, happy,  and Rob is always cracking a joke.  I love how they walked into the reception hall, following being announced, and went right to their choreographed dance.   Everyone then joined and the dancing started immediately for about 15 minutes before dismissal for speeches.  Otherwise, I am unsure if you would have successfully removed anyone off the dance floor! It was quite the dance party, which I love!   I am so happy for the two of them.  And let’s not forget about the bridesmaids gold dresses, eh?!!?  Gorgeous!  So thankful to be a part of your day! x0x0x0

Click here for more information about booking our services

Spring Lake Country Club Venue

• Beautiful outdoor location for your ceremony
• Indoor option if weather is bad
• Beautiful landscaping on Spring Lake
• A lot of photo opportunities
• Very spacious
• There are a lot of windows for nature light
  

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