If your dream day includes gentle waves, glowing sunsets, and Michigan’s lakeside charm, you’ll love exploring these West Michigan lakeshore wedding venues. Choose between rustic parks and cozy lodges to elegant country clubs and stunning waterfront ballrooms. The lakeshore from Muskegon to Ludington offers some of the most romantic wedding backdrops in the Midwest.

Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important parts of planning your big day. Each of these Michigan lakeshore locations brings its own blend of beauty, personality, and unforgettable memories — all surrounded by the magic of Lake Michigan.

Here’s a look at seven beautiful venues along the lakeshore — each offering its own unique blend of style, setting, and unforgettable Michigan charm.

🌿 Connor Bayou – Grand Haven

miottawa.org/parks/connor-bayou

Tucked along the Grand River in Robinson Township, Connor Bayou is a hidden gem within the Ottawa County Parks system. The park’s rustic Woodland Cabin Lodge offers a cozy indoor space surrounded by towering trees and natural wetlands. Couples love this venue for its laid-back, woodsy atmosphere and incredible photo ops among the pines and along the water.

It’s perfect for nature-loving couples who dream of saying “I do” surrounded by the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Bonus: it’s one of the more budget-friendly options along the lakeshore.

Tip: You may need to rent a tent or dance floor if you’re hosting a larger reception — but that’s part of the charm of crafting your own forest-style celebration!

🌅 Muskegon Country Club – Muskegon

muskegoncc.com/event-venues

For couples who want classic elegance with a view, Muskegon Country Club delivers. Perched high on the dunes overlooking Muskegon Lake, the club’s event spaces pair timeless sophistication with a spectacular natural backdrop.

From cocktail hour on the lake-view deck to a candlelit dinner in the ballroom, this venue blends the beauty of the lakeshore with the convenience of an all-inclusive experience. In-house catering, professional staff, and room for about 175 guests make it ideal for a polished, memorable celebration.

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💐 Spring Lake Country Club – Spring Lake

springlakecc.com

Nestled in the heart of Spring Lake, this private club offers a quiet and refined setting surrounded by rolling greens and water views. Spring Lake Country Club is known for its peaceful atmosphere and impeccable service — the kind of place where your guests will feel relaxed and cared for from ceremony to send-off.

If you’re looking for a venue that combines country club sophistication with lakeshore tranquility, this is a strong contender.

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🌊 Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant – Holland

boatwerksrestaurant.com/private-dining

Few places capture the essence of lakeside dining quite like Boatwerks in Holland. Located directly on Lake Macatawa, this venue offers panoramic water views, string lights over the patio, and spacious indoor event rooms perfect for receptions up to 400 guests.

Couples love Boatwerks for its breezy, coastal vibe — elegant but relaxed, with sunsets that reflect beautifully across the water. Add in the convenience of on-site catering and a close walk to downtown Holland, and you’ve got one of West Michigan’s most versatile waterfront wedding spots.

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✨ Tanglefoot Park – Spring Lake

springlakevillage.org/community/parks-recreation/tanglefoot

Looking for something modern, open-air, and right on the water? The brand-new Tanglefoot Park Pavilion is a showstopper. With glass garage doors that open to the river, a fireplace patio, and space for up to 299 guests, this Spring Lake venue combines contemporary architecture with natural beauty.

It’s especially popular for couples wanting a modern lakeshore feel without the traditional ballroom. Plus, the adjacent marina and park grounds give endless options for portraits at sunset.

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🏨 Holiday Inn Grand Haven–Spring Lake

holidayinngrandhaven.com/weddingvenue

For a full-service venue that blends comfort and convenience, Holiday Inn Grand Haven–Spring Lake is a great choice. Located on the Grand River, the hotel’s Waterfront Ballroom and outdoor deck offer sweeping views — and the added perk of on-site lodging for your guests.

Whether you’re planning a cozy winter wedding or a lively summer celebration, this venue offers flexible packages, in-house catering, and the peace of mind that comes with a seasoned event staff.

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🌅 The Lake House Venue – Ludington

lakehousevenue.com

If your dream wedding includes watching the sun sink over Lake Michigan with a champagne toast in hand, The Lake House in Ludington delivers that cinematic moment. Opened in 2019, this purpose-built wedding venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with unbeatable views of the harbor and the iconic SS Badger ferry.

Elegant, airy, and designed with weddings in mind, The Lake House includes bridal and groom suites, modern amenities, and a light-filled interior that can accommodate around 200 guests. It’s a true destination-style venue for couples seeking luxury by the lake.

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📸 From My Lens: Photographing Lakeshore Weddings

After photographing weddings along the lakeshore for over 16 years, I’ve learned that no two weddings — or sunsets — are ever the same. I’ve had the joy of capturing more than 400 weddings, and living here year-round has given me a deep appreciation for how the light changes on the water and how to work with the elements Michigan throws our way.

Beach and waterfront weddings can be tricky to photograph — bright light, strong reflections, and unpredictable weather all come into play. But that’s also what makes them so beautiful. With experience and the right approach, those natural challenges become part of the magic.

Every wedding I photograph is unique, and I feel honored each time a couple trusts me to document their story. If you’re planning a lakeshore wedding, I’d love to help capture your day in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and timeless.

Visit jamiemay.com to view her portfolio or inquire about wedding availability.

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💍 Final Thoughts

From rustic park settings to glamorous waterfront halls, the lakeshore between Holland and Ludington offers a venue for every couple and every style. Keep it simple under the trees at Connor Bayou or host an elegant waterfront celebration at The Lake House, West Michigan’s lakeside venues bring that perfect mix of natural beauty and heartfelt charm.

So grab your partner, take a weekend drive along the coast, and tour these stunning spots in person — because sometimes, the moment you step into the right venue, you just know it’s the one.

The post Dreamy Lakeshore Wedding Venues in West Michigan appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Why Spring Lake Country Club is One of the Best Lakeshore Wedding Venues

The Lakeshore is such a wonderful place to get married. With the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan, scenic golf courses, and charming venues, there’s truly something for every couple. One of my all-time favorite venues is Spring Lake Country Club.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, this venue is simply stunning.

The lawn overlooks peaceful Spring Lake and is lined with graceful willow trees, offering a picture-perfect backdrop. It’s not just the view that makes this place special—it’s the versatility too. I’ve photographed weddings here where rain made an appearance, and the club seamlessly transitioned to an indoor space that was just as elegant and romantic. Having a beautiful backup plan is such a relief for couples on their big day.

Spring Lake Country Club also features some unique architectural details that I adore.

There are charming arches by the pool house, creamy stucco walls, and a classic red tile roof—all of which add a timeless Mediterranean touch to the setting. I’ll be sharing more of this look from a recent wedding in another blog post, so stay tuned!

This particular wedding was for the sweetest local couple.

They are absolutely adorable and were so excited to finally say “I do.” I was honored to be a part of their special day, capturing every joyful moment. The reception was unforgettable, with a full dance floor and some seriously impressive dance moves—especially from the groom’s friends! I even learned that one of their secrets is Just Dance video games. The energy, the laughter, and the love shared by both families made this a truly memorable celebration.

They even rented a vintage trolley, which not only served as a fun ride to the beach for portraits but also became a standout backdrop for some of their photos. The club’s proximity to downtown Spring Lake and the beach adds a ton of flexibility for wedding day photos.

Inside, the venue boasts a large dance floor that can accommodate a big celebration.

The getting-ready rooms were recently renovated and now include gorgeous natural lighting—something that truly helps bring out the best in your wedding photography.

The staff at Spring Lake Country Club are incredibly helpful and professional.

Many have been there for years, and it shows in the way they treat each event with care and expertise. Plus, their in-house chef creates amazing meals that your guests will remember.

Planning a Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding in Spring Lake or along the West Michigan Lakeshore, I’d love to help you capture your day. With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings, I’m familiar with all the best spots and know how to help you make the most of your venue.

Reach out today—let’s chat about your big day and how we can make it unforgettable!

Check out some other amazing venues in the area by checking out my blog. Here is one about the Trillium 

The post Why Spring Lake Country Club is One of the Best Lakeshore Wedding Venues appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Presented by Jamie May Photography – West Michigan

Learn the basics of photography in a small group setting designed specifically for beginners. If you’re new to using a DSLR or mirrorless camera and want to get off auto mode, this hands-on session will give you the confidence and skills to start taking better photos right away.

⸻

Workshop Dates (Choose One):

Saturday, May 25 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 29 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Hemlock Crossings

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What You’ll Learn:

    •    Understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

    •    How to shoot in manual mode

    •    Basic composition techniques

    •    Working with natural light

    •    Tips for photographing people with confidence

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Details:

    •    $150 per person

    •    Small group format (maximum 6 participants)

    •    Includes live shooting practice with an on-site model

    •    Instruction led by Jamie May, a professional photographer with over 16 years of experience and multiple “Best Photographer” awards in the area

⸻

Reserve Your Spot: Link

For questions, contact Jamie at 616-402-5111 or jamie@jamiemay.com

The post Beginner Photography Workshop appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Engagement Session at the beach with Jamie May Photography

There’s something magical about beach engagement sessions—especially when they take place at the beautiful Grand Haven State Park. I recently had the pleasure of photographing a sweet couple during a gorgeous evening session, and it couldn’t have been more fun.

As someone who specializes in beach photography and has over 15 years of experience, I know that the beach can be both stunning and challenging. The sun plays a huge role in creating beautiful lighting, but it can also be tricky if you’re not experienced in how to position people correctly. Add in the wind, shifting sands, and background distractions (like other beachgoers!), and you’ve got a unique environment that requires a skilled approach. That’s where my expertise comes in—I know how to navigate these challenges to create timeless, natural images.

This couple came prepared with a few creative ideas of their own, and I loved it! It’s always fun to collaborate and explore different concepts together. When couples take an interest in their session and bring their own inspiration, it makes the experience that much more personal and meaningful. .

Why I Love Engagement Sessions

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of the wedding photography journey. They offer a relaxed environment where we can get to know each other before the big day. It’s a great way to break the ice, learn how you interact as a couple on camera, and get comfortable with how I work. Honestly, it’s like a fun date—you might even end up looking at each other more during your session than you have all week!

If you’re planning a beach engagement session, here are a few quick tips:

•    Choose the right time of day: While golden hour (just before sunset) is always a favorite for its soft, flattering light, it’s not the only option. Over the years, I’ve learned how to work with different lighting conditions to create beautiful results. I have a few other tried-and-true times of day that work wonderfully for beach sessions—so we’re not always sandwiched into that one popular time slot. Flexibility can actually lead to more unique and personalized photos.

•    Keep outfits simple and beach-friendly: Think flowing fabrics, soft colors, and comfortable footwear (or bare feet!).

•    Embrace the elements: A little wind, movement, or sand adds life and authenticity to your photos—don’t be afraid to go with the flow.

If you are getting married checkout this  blog

To learn more about Grand Haven or getting married in Grand Haven: check out this link

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When I reflect on one of my favorite weddings to photograph, the role flowers played stands out—not just in their beauty, but in the connections they helped create. As both the mother of the bride and the photographer, capturing the day’s essence felt deeply personal. Flowers became more than decorations; they told a story of collaboration, creativity, and love. The journey of selecting the perfect blooms taught me so much about how relationships can elevate both my photography business and the art of storytelling.

Exploring Floral Options

Flowers are magical—not just decorative but capable of setting the tone and telling a story of their own. Our search began at Horrocks, a well-known flower shop with an impressive selection. I first learned about their wedding services while photographing another event and was impressed by their offerings. They only take on two weddings per month, so it’s crucial to book early with a $50 deposit. They also offer loose-cut flowers for a DIY approach, an option we initially considered. However, as we weighed the logistics, we realized another direction would suit us better. This experience underscored how important early planning is, whether you’re booking flowers or photography.

Next, we visited Grand Haven Garden House, a delightful option with a creative twist: a DIY floral experience. They allow you to rent their space mid-week to host a floral party, where they guide you in creating your own arrangements. They even offer storage, delivery, and setup services for an added fee. It’s perfect for families who want to add a personal touch to their wedding day. While we loved this idea, my daughter was finishing nursing school and needed something less hands-on. Grand Haven Garden House also provides full floral design services, offering flexibility for every type of couple.

Choosing Wasserman’s Floral with Skeeter

Ultimately, we chose Skeeter from Wasserman’s Floral, a decision that proved perfect. Skeeter and I share a long-standing relationship, and his unmatched talent made him the obvious choice. Initially, I was concerned about budget, but his quote turned out to be surprisingly affordable. His professionalism, combined with the trust we’d built over the years, made the process seamless. As a photographer, I’ve learned that strong vendor relationships lead to better outcomes, and Skeeter reinforced the importance of collaboration.

Adding Personal Touches

While Skeeter handled the main arrangements, we wanted to add personal touches and extra flowers without exceeding our budget. Early Thursday morning, we stopped by Trader Joe’s to pick up fresh eucalyptus and filler flowers for vases scattered throughout the venue. Despite being purchased days before, these flowers stayed vibrant through Saturday’s wedding, adding a natural, elegant touch.

My mistress of ceremony, who also has a green thumb, and I also harvested colorful zinnias from our garden, adding cheerful pops of color that reflected the joy of the day. Collecting vases became an exciting adventure. We discovered unique pieces at Goodwill, ordered mini vases from Amazon, and borrowed others from generous friends. These thoughtful, budget-friendly details not only brought charm to the event but also created cherished memories. It reminded me that creativity and resourcefulness often result in the most meaningful moments—and stunning photographs.e

Building Relationships Through Shared Creativity

What struck me most during this process was how flowers brought people together. From collaborating with Skeeter to laughing with the Grand Haven team to arranging blooms with loved ones, every step added meaning to the celebration. As a photographer, I treasure these behind-the-scenes connections, as they bring depth to my work. Weddings, after all, are about relationships—not just between the couple, but among everyone who helps make the day extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

This experience with flowers reminded me that photography is about more than capturing moments—it’s about understanding the love and care behind every detail. From the delicate petals of a bouquet to the laughter of those who arranged them, every element contributes to something truly unforgettable.

For couples, I encourage you to savor the process and the memories you create along the way. For photographers, dive into the stories behind the scenes. Together, we can create not only beautiful events but lasting relationships that bloom far beyond the wedding day.

Click on Part 1 and Part 2 of the Wedding Planning process to view my other blog post.

The post The Process of Planning a Michigan Wedding Part 3: The Flowers appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Wedding Advice from 2023 West Michigan Brides

Venues you liked or went with

1. Trillium Events in SL
2. Millcreek Wilde
3. Reception Venue: Clearwater Place Rehearsal Dinner and Bridal Shower: Paddock Place
4. The High Five GR
5. The Atrium downtown GR

Budget

1. $15,000-$20,000
2. $25,000-$30,000
3. $35,000-$40,000
4. $35,000-$40,000
5. $15,000-$20,000

Did you do a first look and are you happy you did or didn’t

1. No, we didn’t and I’m glad we didn’t. I had a first look with my dad and it was very sweet.
2. Yes, we loved it
3. Yes, we loved it
4. Yes, we loved it
5. Yes, we loved it

Would you change anything about your timeline?

1. No. We left time in. Got through what we needed. And had a blast.
2. I would ask for the bridal party & parents to arrive a little earlier than I had thought. A few were late, which led to rushing through the setup process and not allowing us enough time to eat a quick lunch before we got dressed. Bottom line, plan for more time than you think you need!!
3. Nothing! It was perfect. We planned it for months and ran it by our ceremony venue, reception venue, day of coordinator, and Jamie May, our photographer 🙂 We had a lot of input to help ensure everything went well!
4. Yes, would’ve started hair and makeup a bit later
5. No, it flowed perfectly

Did you hire your flowers or do them yourself? Any tips or websites to share?

1. Spring Lake Floral
2. Hired out. Inspiration photos are huge for your florist to see so they know your vision. We did this and our flowers could not have been any more perfect.
3. Hire! We loved working with Eastern Floral. Rachel was fantastic to work with!
4. Hired flowers – used Eastern Floral
5. Hired – Quinn Supply Co did a wonderful job

Where did you buy your dress?

1. A little store in Muskegon that is now closed.
2. Adore Bridal (Morton, IL)
3. Becker’s Bridal in Fowler, MI! It was an amazing experience. My mom and mother in law got their dresses from Becker’s Outlet in East Lansing!
4. Honey Bridal in Chicago
5. Magnolia Bridal in Jenison

Where do you buy bridesmaids dresses?

1. David’s Bridal. With bridesmaids all spread out, even in other states, it was easiest this way
2. Bill Levkoff
3. Revelry! It was perfect.
4. Birdy Grey
5. Davids Bridal

Decorations do or don’ts

1. N/A
2. Yes, but minimal decor. Our venue was already so beautiful. The florist handled all our table decor. We brought the seating chart cards, bar sign, dessert sign, dessert platters, and a few framed photos.
3. Plan early and work with your venue to understand the space you have to decorate! Decorations can be simple if you have floral.
4. Less is more, stay classic and timeless, candles make everything better
5. Do have a few as possible and DIY it!

Organization tips?

1. Have a detailed schedule. Some people made fun of me for it but my wedding ran off without a hitch.
2. Make a checklist of things that need to be completed each month leading up to your wedding, including payment deadlines. This helped us stay organized the whole time, which was huge since we planned everything.
3. Plan early! We were relaxed the month before the wedding because we had consistently been in touch with vendors and kept them updated, stayed up to date with due dates, and had continuously worked out our timeline until we felt ready. Make an excel sheet of vendors and contacts.
4. Spreadsheets galore
5. Printed timelines and instructions for the venue

Printers for printing pictures or albums

1. Made a small one for parents from Shutterfly.
2. We used Walgreens for framed photos & Mixbook for our guestbook. Our guestbook had photos from our engagement session in it.
3. N/A
4. Artifact Uprising for albums, Shutterfly for pictures
5. Artifact Uprising for albums

Best advice?

1. No matter what happens on the day, looking back everything will be perfect and such a wonderful day full of memories! We had a ice cream cart which wasn’t too expensive, was a hit with the guests and we got a lot of left over ice cream!
2. Enjoy your day. Soak in as much as you can. It goes by SO quick.
3. Don’t stress!
4. Live in the moment and forget all the drama a wedding brings
5. Do what you want and don’t try to impress anyone.

Gifts for Bridesmaids / Groomsman Ideas

1. Personalized mugs for groomsmen, jewelry for bridesmaids
2. Getting ready robe, earrings to wear on wedding day, and all meals.
3. I gave custom jewelry and jewelry boxes for my girls. I also did hand written notes! Groomsmen received custom koozies, cups, and ties.
4. Bridesmaids: Earrings, getting ready PJs and slippers, Groomsman: ties and favorite nfl team socks
5. Day of jewelry for girls and matching socks for guys

Favorite Food

1. N/A
2. My favorite food was probably our cake! Though the mashed potatoes were a close second.
3. Appetizers – Mini Philly Cheesesteaks Bowls, Dinner – Sun dried tomato ravioli
4. Steak and mashed potatoes
5. Pizza and pasta bar

Would you use your Bakery again? What company did you use?

1. I don’t remember! She did it out of her house but it was delicious!
2. Black Currant Bakehouse in Union Pier, MI. 100% would use them again. We chose to do a small cake and assorted desserts. Our guests loved the desserts! In fact, we still make frequent visits there for pastries when we are in town. 😋😋
3. Yes! Connie’s Cakes were amazing to work with. We received so many compliments on the cupcakes!
4. Yes – Nantucket Baking Company. Was amazing!
5. We skipped the cake and just had cheese cake from the venue

What do you recommend bringing the day of?

1. N/A
2. An outfit to change into when you leave your reception. I ended up going back to our hotel in my getting ready outfit, but wish I had something else.
3. A copy of your day of schedule, copy of your contact list, emergency kit, and a smile 🙂
4. Nothing – everything should be dropped off in advance.
5. Comfy clothes, snacks, and mints

What is in your emergency bag?

1. I don’t know that I had one. Not smart.
2. Deodorant, ibuprofen, tums, bobby pins, tampons.
3. Sewing kit, medicine (advil, Motrin), snacks, back up shoes, bandaids, hair clips, jewelry, back up dress, deodorant, perfume, bandaids, tooth brushes and tooth paste, makeup
4. Boob tape, hairspray, Tylenol, Bobbie pins, deodorant, perfume, gum, floss, liquid eyeliner, oil sheets for blotting makeup
5. Didn’t have one

Who helped you set up and tear down?

1. Parents and master/mistress of ceremony
2. Bridal party & parents.
3. Family and friends! We also had our florist, Eastern Floral, do take down for our floral!
4. My day of coordinator
5. Venue set up, family helped tear down

Did you hire a wedding planner? if so, who?

1. Me, myself, and I 😆
2. No
3. We had a Day of Coordinator – Nicole Billette! She was amazing.
4. No
5. No

Who was your caterer? Would you use again

1. Trillium Events, it was delicious! People still talk about our food
2. CK Catering – yes. We did family style and it worked well.
3. Gilmore Catering – Yes! Gilmore works with Clearwater Place and we loved our food. We received great feedback from our guests too!
4. Gilmore Catering – 100% yes! We still compliments on how good the food was a year later.
5. Uccellos downtown

Who would you recommend as a DJ?

1. N/A
2. N/A
3. Moments in Time! They were amazing
4. Band – Bluewater Kings
5. Didn’t have one.

Name a few songs you enjoyed at your reception?

1. N/A
2. N/A
3. Firework by Katy Perry, Dancing Queen by ABBA
4. Mr. Brightside, anything Lumineers, Stevie Wonder, classic hits
5. We had classic rock

What was your splurge?

1. Food and drinks
2. Flowers and shoes
3. Our live Band

If you have enjoyed this survey, you may want to check out the other ones from years past here and another one here.

Featuring the bride and groom at Clearwater Place Events

The post Wedding Advice from 2023 West Michigan Brides appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Hello, my name is Jamie May and I have been a wedding photographer for 13 years in West Michigan.  I have recently been selected as Best of the Knot 2024 and even made the Hall of Fame on the Knot for so many years of positive reviews.   I have photographed well over 300 weddings and have been to many beautiful places.  I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites. Trillium Catering And Event Center Wedding Venue Review to blog  about seemed fitting as I am local to Spring Lake/ Grand Haven and was looking at wedding venues for my daughter.  One of my recommendations for her to view was close to home that being  Trillium Catering And Event Center. I highly recommend this location.

Trillium Catering And Event Center Wedding Venue Review

There are many reason why I love Trillium Catering and Event Center:

1. This venue offers beautiful backyard scenery that looks pretty all times of the year.  You can get married at the pavilion in the back, or they have an inside venue for backup if it rains.  The pictures always look so beautiful because there is a large space which creates a great depth of field.  I am always so pleased with the results.   They have recently expanded and have two different options for outside.   The west side offers a covered outdoor reception sitting area with a beautiful water fountain view.
2. The Trillium offers a lot of space to accommodate large weddings or small.  They can accommodate more guest than most venues in the area.  They also have the option of making the space smaller if need.  I do prefer the large ballroom look rather than the dividers.  But no matter which way you go, it is pretty.
3. Another reason I like the Trillium Catering and Event Center is because the food is always great!  I have never had a bad meal there, and I have been to this venue well into the double digits.
4. Having a daughter get married myself, I recently found out that they are also affordable and competitive with their pricing.
5. I also am a big fan of a one location venue for wedding and receptions, see my other blog post here to see why!

I hope you enjoyed my Trillium Catering and Event Center Venue Review. I definitely think if you are getting married, it is a worthy place to check out for your wedding day! For more helpful tips about getting married, check out my blog.

The post Trillium Catering And Event Center Wedding Venue Review appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

By Jamie May Photography:   Since people are often planning weddings,  I thought it would be beneficial to ask for wedding advice and tips to planning a wedding in West Michigan.  I gathered information from random people by posting on Facebook.  I collected nine responses. Each number represents that person throughout the questions.   I hope you find this information as beneficial as I did! And if you would like to contribute, here is the link to the google forms: Questionnaire

Wedding Tip 1: Did you do a first look and are you happy you did or didn’t?

1. I did a first look with my dad, and my immediate family got to watch. It was so special. I was glad I didn’t do a first look with the groom because it made walking down the aisle that much more special.
2. We skipped the first look and kept it traditional – I thought this was sweet, but I can definitely see the benefits of a first look.
3. Yes, we loved it
4. Yes, we loved it
5. I wish I would have
6. Yes, we loved it
7. Yes, we loved it
8. Yes, we loved it
9. Yes, we loved it

Related article: Benefits of a first look by Muskegon Wedding Photographer

Wedding Tip 2 : Did you hire your flowers or do them yourself? Any tips or websites to share?

1. We hired Chalet Floral- They were super friendly and easy to work with-
2. We ordered bulk flowers from Sam’s Club and I put together center pieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres myself. This saved us a lot of money, and I actually enjoyed working with the flowers.
3. I hired: Nikki from Simplicity Floral and Event Design
4. Chalet Floral in Muskegon, MI – They were wonderful, and fairly priced. They made sure we got what we wanted, and didn’t try to oversell us anything. They showed up before the wedding to set up, and came at the end to pickup anything that we rented, so we didn’t have to bring it back to them ourselves.
5. I loved my florist she was amazing she was more than a florist she tied it all together
6. Both, greenery was fake and we brought white real flowers
7. Did them myself. So much cheaper. I had a friend who did her flowers for her own wedding help me.
8. Hire-we did purchase flowers from a greenhouse to decorate the outdoor ceremony. This was great because then the flowers were used all summer long.
9. I bought bouquets for my flower girls and I, the boy’s boutonniere, center vases with wildflowers, and some strands of eucalyptus for the head table from a florist. I picked a venue that I loved as is and didn’t spend any extra money on flowers! I also did all wildflowers/natural so it was a little less expensive and matched the venue. Having the florist bring it was also amazing, they set it up and left and I didn’t have to worry about doing anything. I really don’t think I would have saved much doing it myself when adding in time/stress/money to buy all the flowers.

Wedding Tip 3: Where did you buy your dress?

1. Beckers Bridal
2. I bought my dress at Becker’s Bridal and they had a lot of style options with varying price ranges. I had my alterations done at Miller Bridal and Sewing in Fremont, MI and loved them!
3. Becker’s Bridal
4. Renee Austin in Grand Rapids, MI
5. Alfred angelo
6. Becker Bridal Outlet
7. Becker’s bridal outlet. They have an anniversary sale where every dress is 650$ and under. When I got mine (In 2018) it was 500$ and under. Still a great deal.
8. Bridal Gallery on 44th St in Grand Rapids
9. Wendy’s Bridal in Fort Wayne

Wedding Tip 4: Where do you buy bridesmaids dresses?

1. Azazie
2. dearcleo.com – Make sure your girls order their dresses with plenty of time. Ours took 8-10 weeks to ship and then alterations were required for some so this is something that you’ll want to do sooner than later.
3. David’s Bridal
4. I gave them a color, and let them buy the dress they wanted from whatever store they chose. 2 girls got them from BHLDN, and 2 got theirs from Lulus.
5. Alfred angelo
6. I had all my girls find their own black dresses
7. Lulu’s.com. I picked a dress that was cute but casual so they could wear it again!
8. Bridal Gallery as well
9. Azazie

Wedding Tip 5: Decorations do or don’ts

1. There’s no need to go overboard. For us, we remember the people, delicious food, laughs, and beautiful sunset since we were in an outside tent. The decorations add to the fun, but there was no need to break the bank over it.
2. Our wedding was outdoors and we had a lot of natural beauty working for us so I was able to keep decorations to a minimum. Simple and elegant was my goal and I don’t think it was lacking. Plus, I didn’t want to pour a bunch of money into decor that would later just sit in a box after one evening. On that note, check with friends and on Facebook for anything that can be purchased for less and reused.
3. Can’t really answer; my wonderful mother in law did our decor
4. Use fake flowers/greens if you can. You can buy them at Hobby Lobby or Costco, it’s a lot cheaper and you can sell it on Facebook marketplace after. Don’t fixate too much on little decoration details, even only a year later I don’t remember specifics on that, and no one else will notice either. It’s not worth having a meltdown over and making the process negative.
5. Make them simple
7. Keep it simple. I was at a wedding and they had the biggest decorations in the middle of the table and you couldn’t see around them. It was annoying.
8. Look on Offer Up and Facebook Marketplace before buying new things.
9. Don’t do more than necessary! People are not there to look at the decorations, they are there for you and to watch you marry the love of your life. Don’t waste time/energy/money on little things, save yourself some stress.

Wedding Tip 6: Organization Tips?

1. Utilize spreadsheets, have a vendor list, and hire a day of coordinator. We had a family friend act as our day of coordinator, and she did an amazing job making sure the day ran smoothly.
2. Keep a detailed to-do list, budget, and timeline. Have frequent and clear communication with vendors to ensure that everything will be in order and on time the day of your wedding. Do not be afraid to ask questions even if they seem silly. Communicate constantly with your bridal party and other key people (officiant, masters of ceremony, etc.) the few days before the wedding to make sure they have everything they need and know what time to show up so you don’t have a stray groomsman/bridesmaid.
3. First and foremost, plan your overall budget and then allot how much you will spend for each portion of your wedding. Pinterest has great wedding budget breakdown examples!
4. Spreadsheets!!! I had a master guest list spreadsheet that I tracked sending save the dates, invites, if they RSVPed, and if I sent a thank you yet. For the registry, I made a list of things we needed first, then found them at the places we were registering at. The spreadsheet had the item, price, where it was from, and then as I got presents I could put who sent it and what event it was for (shower vs. wedding gift). Staying as organized as possible will make the process easier for everyone helping you too. I had the spreadsheets shared with my mom and mother-in-law so we were all on the same page.
5. Planner/calendar and designate folder
7. Keep a binder. I recommend theknot.com one. Gives you a timeline to work with.
8. Create spread sheets and a binder to keep track over everything. Give this information to a MC for the big day.
9. I bought a planner that had everything in it that I was going to do and then I just had one massive list that I crossed off until everything was done. I also did not hire a planner – I wrote everything down that needed to be done the day of in a notebook and handed it off to the best man since he didn’t have much in terms of getting ready (and our best man is one of the most organized people I know.) But you can do this with anyone you trust – just not your mom/maid of honor. I let everyone else handle the day of obligations since I had already written it all out and explained it. And then when the day came I told myself all that matters is getting married today, the rest of the stuff does not matter.

Wedding Tip 7: Printers for printing pictures or albums

1. Jamie May got our pictures printed for us and we love them!
3. Shutterfly did a great job!
4. I had photos printed at Meijer and Walgreens.
5. My biggest regret was my photographer who was awful didnt edit my pictures or offer prints or albums
6. Getting prints and a small book with Jamie was a great decision
9. I used Walgreens photo center for everything. Always comes out great!

Wedding Tip 8: Anything you would change?

1. No
2. I did 90% of our wedding DIY and it saved A LOT of money and gave us a lot of control over what everything looked like. However, this involved a lot of running around the morning of the wedding and I wish I had been able to relax more and enjoy the morning getting ready rather than fixing/completing last minute things. So if you choose to DIY I would delegate tasks and accept help from anyone who offers. Otherwise it might be worth it to spend the extra money to have a professional handle it.
3. Nope!
4. Nope! 🙂 I was very happy with our wedding.
5. See above
7. Honestly no
9. I wouldn’t do favors – no one took them. Luckily it was just plant seeds, but unnecessary. Otherwise was the best day of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Wedding Tip 9: Best advice?

1. Have fun with the planning and don’t forget to include your fiance. Don’t stress out about the financial side or go above your means. Remember what is the most important part of the day- starting your life with your best friend!
2. -Prioritize your MARRIAGE. It is fun to get dressed up and feel glamorous and have all the pretty things, but the most important part of your wedding is that you are marrying your lifelong partner. Don’t let this get overshadowed by the “show” of a wedding.
   -Enjoy the day. I wish the morning of our wedding I was able to soak things up a little more and feel less rushed and frantic about every little detail.
   -Your guests won’t remember or care if little things are out of place, so don’t sweat the small stuff.
   -Plan your attire and hair/makeup accordingly if possible. I was originally supposed to get married indoors in April and due to COVID ended up getting married outdoors in July. My dress was heavy and HOT in July. I loved it but had I known it’d be 80 degrees and humid I would have chosen a lighter material.
   -This day is about you and your partner. Do not let anyone try to highjack your plans or take control because they think it should be done a certain way. If they are not paying for it they do not get a say. Similarly, don’t be guilted in to inviting guests you don’t know. Food and drinks are not cheap and you shouldn’t have to pay extra so someone’s “significant other” of 3 days can attend. Draw a firm line and don’t budge.
3. Remember; it’s your wedding! Hold firm with your spouse what you both want from the day.
4. I said it somewhat above, but don’t fixate on the small things. It’s very easy to get in your head about the napkin colors, or number of candles on each table, but no one will notice that part. They will however notice if the bride (and/or groom and/or family) is visibly stressed and not enjoying their day.
   Make sure whatever venue you’re at has a back-up plan if the weather is poor. We were fortunate that we could be inside (as it poured on our wedding day), but not all venues have that flexibility.
   Before creating a guest list, have a conversation with your parents to see how many people they each want to invite, and how much they’re willing to contribute monetarily. I’ve heard bad stories from friends about their parents wanting to invite 100 people, but aren’t willing to put any money towards the wedding. If the guest is important to the bride and groom that’s great, but friends that they’ve never met shouldn’t be on their dime. To sum it up, set boundaries with family before the planning starts.
   Book things early. Even if you think you’re jumping the gun, or if people are telling you you don’t need to have items done yet, just book them. Vendors book up years in advance now, and you don’t want to lose out on your favorite photographer or DJ because you waited too long.
   Make an itinerary for your bridal party/family so you don’t need to chase everyone around and they know what’s expected of them. Lean on your MOH and Best Man to be in charge of the rest of the bridal party if needed. You shouldn’t have to answer questions while getting your makeup done.
   Don’t let other people tell you what your wedding should look like. It’s easy to just go with your mom thinks, or a vendor, but at the end of the day it’s your wedding and you don’t want to look back with regrets. Enjoy the celebration!!!
5. Decide what areas you want to be your focal points or that are very important to you and spend the most money and time on those and rhen delegate other areas to others to help when possible
7. Have fun and do what YOU want. I personally wanted to have very few interruptions after dinner so we did the first dance and the father/daughter, mother/son dance and that was it. Not bouquet or garder toss. I wanted to just dance and have fun.
9. Relax! Everything will happen the way it’s supposed to happen. Also – always remember what the day is about, you and your partner getting married. Nothing else matters, so don’t let anyone let you think otherwise (including family!) it is your day so do what you want! Lastly – don’t feel like you have to plan your day to be just like everyone else’s, make it feel like you!

Wedding Tip 10: Gifts for bridesmaids / Groomsman Ideas

1. I got fun floral robes for my bridesmaids to get ready in. We got the groomsmen hydroflasks. I also got my flower girls, ring bearer, and parents some fun small gifts. For the flower girls, we got them little makeup and hair kits along with necklaces for the wedding. We got the ring bearer ring security sunglasses. We got our moms special wine glasses, and dads large beer mugs.
2. I would keep these practical and useful. Don’t spend a lot on “bridesmaid” robes or “groomsmen” flasks simply for aesthetics. They’ll likely never wear/use those again. Dress socks, golf balls, and beer for the boys. Lipgloss, moisturizer, and drinks/breakfast the morning of for the girls.
3. Bridesmaids: I paid for their hair updos Groomsmen: coolers
4. Bridesmaids: Monogrammed travel jewelry cases, robes, earrings and bracelets for the day, candles. Groomsman: Engraved pocket knives, cigars and cigar cutters, socks and pocket squares for the day, hangover kits
7. Jewelry for the girls to wear on your wedding day is easy and then everyone will match.
9. I think personalized gifts are much more thoughtful then generic gifts for everyone that all bridal parties get. Also doesn’t need to be fancy!

Wedding Tip 11: Favorite Food

1. All of the food at Bella Maria is to die for! We did the chicken with mango salsa and then steak bites. Everything was so good!
3. The cupcakes from Rykes!
4. Appetizers are honestly more important than dinner. If the cocktail hour is longer than an hour, people get antsy and drunk. Having enough food during this time keeps the crowd more sober and happy.
7. I did late night pizzas and that was amazing. Definitely would do again
9. We had a ramen bar and dumplings!!! Ask your caterer about what else they can do, I told ours my favorite food and they made it happen!

Wedding Tip 12: Would you use your Bakery again? What company did you use?

1. Bella Maria made us our own cheesecake and it was delicious! I would definitely use them again!
2. We used Harris Hospitality for our dinner and it was delicious, I would definitely use them again. For our cake(s) I ordered cakes from Sam’s Club with plain white frosting and decorated them with flowers myself – again it saved us a lot of money and tasted just as good as a fancy, 3-tiered cake. Plus they were easier to cut and serve.
3. Ryke’s Bakery in Muskegon: they were wonderful to work with!
4. My cousin made our cake, but the desserts were by our venue and they were delicious. Bella Maria does catering for off-site events as well.
5. 2nd flood bakery, absolutely loved their cakes but they went out of business
6. Yes! 4th avenue Sweets in Lake Odessa
7. I baked my own cake.
9. We didn’t use a bakery! Had our caterer bring in an ice cream bar. We didn’t want to spend money on cake that we don’t even like.

Related Articles: Wedding Tips: Salon coverage, Live Bands and Love

The post Wedding Advice and Tips. Planning a wedding in West Michigan appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Planning a wedding in the midst of a pandemic is not easy. It has been stressful, annoying, unknown among other adjectives!  I am a photographer in West Michigan, and I am going to share my personal experience with Michigan couples during the 2020 wedding season.  We are a few months into what usually is ‘full swing ‘of Michigan wedding season.   By now, I would have thought this would have been leveled out and normal but it isn’t.   We still are dealing with the Coronavirus, Covid-19.   I wrote one blog early in the Pandemic, called Coronavirus and Your Wedding. I thought it would be helpful to spend a little time updating for future couples, how other Michigan couples are handling their wedding  in the midst of the pandemic that have been on the calendar for months or years!

2020 was going to be a huge year of weddings.  So I have been able to really see a large range of how couples are handling their wedding plans.

April and May were a complete bust. All of the wedding rescheduled for a later time. One couple had a courthouse wedding.

June – We managed to do six weddings out of nine.

Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic

So what happened in June & July:

• Wedding 1/June 5 – They downsized their wedding to their backyard.  They had a ceremony and about 50 guest and had donuts
• Wedding 2 / June 6 –   Rescheduled for August 2020
• Wedding 3/ June 6 –  Had a backyard wedding but did not continue with my services.
• Wedding  4  / June 13 – Continued at their venue to have a ceremony and dinner.  They downsized this event to 50 people and are having a reception in August 2020.
• Wedding 5/ June 13 – They had their wedding at the church, downsized the guest list and are having another event next year.
• Wedding 6/ June 20 – Ceremony at the outdoor at scheduled venue, dinner at another location with a downsized guest list and are also having a party next year
• Wedding 7 / June 20 – Got deployed, married in GA. Was not at event
• Wedding 8/ June 20 – Backyard ceremony and reception with downsized guest list
• Wedding 9/ June 27 – Rescheduled event.
• Wedding 10 – June 27  Ceremony and Reception at a venue with downsized guest list.
• Wedding 11/ July 10 – Continued at the venue chosen with ceremony and reception and downsized guest list by choice
• Wedding 12/ July 11 – Backyard wedding with ceremony and reception and a downsized guest list, having another party next year.
• Wedding 13/ July 19 – Rescheduling their wedding.  Maybe having a small wedding ceremony that I am not attending.

I project August and September to be very similar to what I have been experiencing these last few months.

What couples are saying in the Midst of the Pandemic Handling Wedding Plans:

One bride told me she couldn’t change her wedding, when they date came and gone, she would be so sad to not have been married.

Every couple had a wedding change.

Every couple was glad they had their wedding despite current events.

Every couple said vendors worked with them.

When asked if they would do anything different? Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic said..

100% said no that had their wedding

There was one maybe, and one that said I wish we would have went with ouroriginal date, but we’re glad we at leastget to have some family present!

When I asked if they had any suggestions or tips? Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic…

• Be flexible. Everyone is struggling right now, even the vendors. There are so many executive orders that they AND you must follow! Understand that not everything is going to go as you planned, and that is ok. Getting married to your partner is the most important thing, not all the details. Do not postpone your wedding just so you can have a bigger wedding later. Instead, have a small, intimate ceremony and throw a big party/reception later that everyone can attend. Your friends and family will understand!
• My biggest suggestion is to do what is best for you! Your family will understand your decision.
• Lean on your vendors for guidance, make your deadline to have things “done” 1 week before the wedding & delegate, delegate, delegate! 🤪
• No matter what happens your special day will turn out amazing and will be something you will never forget. I know it can be a stressful time especially in todays world with COVID, but just try to have fun and know that you will always have a great story to share about your wedding.
• Your wedding should be everything you dreamed of, but life happens and there are bigger things. With planning and having a wedding in a pandemic there are many life skills you and your spouse will learn early on like adapting to the unfamiliar and being flexible. In the end it will be the two of you together, so do what will make you both most happy.
• Don’t let the pandemic stop you from having your special day in some way
• Stay Positive and be flexible. Enjoy everyone that chooses to be there.

When asked if anything they would like to share? Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic…

• During a crazy time like now, it is so hard to keep your head above water. I always found it helpful to remind myself, “Everything always works out”. Doing this helped me mentally get through times of distress!
• I appreciate all that Jamie has done for us. From switching dates, to being willing to help out, to even finding a friend to meet gaps. We are so thankful!
• I never would have thought this would impact my wedding in such a way. However, it was so wonderful to not only have support and understanding from all my family and guests as plans changed, but also having that same support and understanding from all of our vendors. It made this whole situation a lot easier and allowed for us to still have a beautiful wedding!
• Try to go with the flow as much as you can, it will only make for a better experience through all of this!

When asked 8 couples if they are doing an event next year? Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic…

62% said yes

12% said maybe

25% said no

The Knot and other wedding magazines have also talked about this topic. You can find one article here.

Here is a couple pictures from a few of these events!  Hopefully, I will get around to sharing their full stories! And be sure to check back as I get more feedback in, I will add to this blog and feel free to email me your tips or advice to jamie@jamiemay.com

The post Michigan Couples Planning a Wedding in the Midst of a Pandemic appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Let’s talk about the coronavirus and your wedding

I cannot even imagine what brides and families are facing. Their perfect day, that has had so much planning, time ,and thought,  has been thrown a major curveball. 

What are brides doing? Do we reschedule?  Change the guest list to accommodate? All the questions that must be spinning. My mind is spinning with yours, and Jamie May Photography and team are going to do our best to get through this together.  

Unfortunately, I do not have the answers and I bet everyone’s situation is different. After some thought, this is some advice on the coronavirus and your wedding.

My advice is :

1.  If you can make changes and keep your date, do it. 

2.  People will understand that you have to change the list to lower numbers. 

3. Get outside if possible, rather than inside.

4. Maybe simplify. Do a ceremony and plan a big party later. 

5.  Get creative. 

6. Sometimes the only option is to reschedule.

7. Be flexible since there is perhaps more limitations with rescheduling. People get married on different days of the week. It is becoming more common to have a Thursday, Friday, Sunday wedding  so you do not need to worry about the traditional Saturday. 

8. Different venues are offering simple ceremony packages at a two-three hour time slot. 

9.  Because we are a team, we have some strategies on what may come our way.

10. Still have fun with the pictures!

So far I have had one schedule change that was originally intended to be in April. The other axed the reception, lowered the guest list, and their ceremony will be outdoors. I have not had any May or June weddings take any action as of now with the current state of events.  I, along with you, am praying for a miracle in our country. 

Here are recent articles that may also give you some helpful advice:

Bride Magazine

After reading I noticed many other articles relating to this topic at the bottom.

Comment or text me, love to hear your thoughts on the matter!

Now for my most recent wedding….

——

These two!… Lucked out in many ways!!! Literally, one week before all the state changes.  Plus, the wedding was in Michigan in March and it was a beautiful, sun, shiny day!!

We were at the High Five in Grand Rapids. It was the first time at that venue and it was a great venue. Especially being winter time! They had a ceremony site on one floor and reception on the other. Surrounding the venue is a quieter part of Grand Rapids, that had a lot of pretty architecture.   Hilary and Zachary had a first look, and I am always in agreement with a first look, see my blog.  We were able to go outside and enjoy the outdoors.   There are some benefits to having your venue at the same location check out my Pros to One Venue post.  LOVE that they had a live band!!!   

I am so happy for Hilary and Zachary!! Wishing you both many happy years! Xoxo

Vendor Information:

Venue : High Five GR

Cake: Rykee’s Bakery Grand Haven

Flower: Ludema’s Floral

DJ: Brena Band

Charger Rental: Grand Rapids Chiavari Co.

Photographer: Jamie May Photography

The post Coronavirus and Your Wedding appeared first on Jamie May Photography.