Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025 with open arms, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible weddings I had the honor of creating and capturing in 2024. Each wedding, with its unique vision, stunning details, and unforgettable moments, allowed me to craft experiences that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
My work is not just about creating events—it’s about telling a deeply personal story through every detail, every photograph, and every carefully planned moment. Here’s a recap of some of the extraordinary weddings that I had the privilege of being part of this year.
Laura & Dan
A Romantic Day at a Historic Bank
On an unexpectedly sunny April day, Laura and Dan celebrated their marriage surrounded by their favorite people at one of my preferred venues, the City Flats Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The day was filled with immense joy, thoughtful choices, happy tears, and intimate moments from start to finish. They shared private vows during their first look, sparking the first set of tears. The ceremony was incredibly meaningful, featuring a serenade by a quartet and pianist who were their friends, a ring-warming ritual with their bridal party and parents, and personal readings from loved ones, bringing even more tears. After the ceremony, while guests enjoyed cocktail hour, I surprised the couple with a private first dance in the historic ballroom, leading to more tears! The reception echoed the day's beginning, with emotional toasts, dances with parents and grandparents, and everyone joining the dance floor to celebrate. Hearts were full, and not a single eye was dry by the end of the night.
Venue: @gatheringsatcityflatshotel @cityflatshotel
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @taylormzinn
Decor: @lingsmoment + @thejwdesigns
DJ: @qceventsound
Hair: @jenwarnerhair
Makeup: @elegantonarrival
Bridesmaids dresses: @azazieofficial
Wedding gown: @beckersbridal + @maggiesotterodesigns
Dan & Ryan
A Jazzy Beach Wedding
On a warm June day, Dani and Ryan exchanged vows on the scenic, breezy shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by their dearest friends and family. Their celebration continued at the historic Heritage Museum in St. Joe, Michigan. Every aspect of their day reflected their passion for music, Chicago, and the cherished people in their lives. The day began with Dani donning a custom wedding dress crafted by Ryan's cousin, the owner of Varca Studio, a bridal designer in Chicago. Guests were serenaded to the ceremony by a local string quartet and entertained by a friend officiating with personal anecdotes and cherished memories. The reception welcomed everyone with a Jazz Band featuring the bride's brother and father. After dinner, the music kept flowing as the groom curated a personalized playlist and helped emcee the evening, highlighting favorite jazz tunes and dance tracks. The night concluded with late-night snacks of classic Chicago hot dogs and hot pretzels.
Venue: @theheritagemuseumstjoe
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @jwdesignsphoto
Caterer: @classiccateringandevents
Cake/Dessert: Just a Bite Cake Goods
Live music: @kalhavenstrings
Bride's Hair: @affinity307main
Bridal Gown + Veil: @varca.studio
Groomsman Attire: @birdygrey
Groom’s Attire: @bonobos
Rentals: @rentalexevents
Decor: @sbblooms
Emily & Nathan
A Candlelit Vintage Outdoor Wedding
On a steamy June day, Emily and Nathan gathered beneath the lush trellis of the historic Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to exchange their vows. They celebrated amidst candlelight, vintage elements, and pink and blue accents, colors inspired by Disney princesses—a dream the bride had cherished since childhood. Personal touches were scattered throughout the reception area, including signature drinks named after their dogs, Ryes and Beesley, which were enjoyed by all, and photographs of loved ones who had passed. After a hearty dinner, they danced the night away to the best club music provided by DJ Ryan of Luxx Entertainment.
Venue: @bluedressbarn
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @rachelskyephoto
Videographer: @lindseyleighmedia
Caterer: @whitehorsefarmcatering
Cake/Dessert: @bertsbakerykalamazoo
Bar: @liquorcabinetlambertville
Florist: @freshflowersbyanna
DJ + Photo booth: @luxxentertainmentkzoo @ryanhenrymusic
Live Music: @kalhavenstrings
Hair & Make Up: @bridal_bettertogether
Rentals: @rentalexevents
Emily & Jeremiah
A Tented Garden Soiree Wedding
On a sunny day in July, Emily and Jeremiah exchanged vows in the lush Horticultural Gardens at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Their day was filled with luxurious and thoughtful details, including paper umbrellas and fans to keep guests cool, hand-drawn signs to guide them through the expansive gardens, vintage crystal glassware that elevated the signature cocktails and tablescapes, and even an ice cream cart for dessert featuring the bride and grooms favorite flavors. The celebration continued with a pizza and karaoke-filled after-party that was enjoyed by all late into the night
Venue: @msuhorticulture
Venue Rentals: @wereintents
Catering: @distinctive_catering
Cake: @bakencakescentral
Ice cream: @eventfulpartyrentalsmi
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @lexiecphotography
Florals: @universityflowershop
Stage + Dance Floor: @rentalexevents
DJ: @djchrislondon
Live Music: @midtownstrings
Hair: @shinebysam
Bridal gown: @pagesix.weddingboutique
Groomsman attire: @menswearhouse
Invitations: @zola
Transportation: @great_lakes_motorcoach
Bridal suite: @s.tudio1127
Alyssa + Alex
When two singers get married
Alyssa and Alex first connected through their love for a cappella Barbershop music, and music has been a significant part of their lives ever since. Their wedding day was no different. The ceremony included words eloquently crafted by the bride's father, who officiated, focusing on the theme of uniting their voices and hearts. The reception featured music-themed decor, and not one, but two Barbershop Quartets, with performances by both the bride and groom. Amidst tears of joy, they serenaded each other and their 250 guests, leaving no dry eye in the room. Guests, energized by an abundant Pittsburgh cookie table, danced late into the night.
Venue: @stambaughauditorium
Cake: @thecakeladydayton
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @jwdesignsphoto
DJ: @the_sound_laboratory
Invitations: @zola
Signage: @thejwdesigns @ryanplanningplus
Jessica & Brendan
An intimate outdoor European-style Wedding
From the beginning, Jessica and Brendan, who had spent many years living in Europe, aimed to prioritize their loved ones over the formalities of a traditional wedding day. Their celebration perfectly embodied this at one of my favorite venues, Of the Land in Battle Creek, Michigan. To maximize time with their guests, Jessica and Brendan began their day with an intimate brunch alongside their closest friends. Then later greeted the rest of their guests for a cocktail hour before their ceremony. They all enjoyed signature drinks and locally sourced charcuterie. Then Jessica quietly changed into her wedding dress as the guests were led to the ceremony location. The ceremony was held beneath the expansive Mulberry tree and officiated by the father of the bride, who shared personal stories and inside jokes that brought tears and laughter to all. Afterward, guests found their seats for dinner at tables named after the countries where Jessica and Brendan had lived, with name cards resembling postcards from their travels. The evening was filled with lively conversation, delicious food, and drinks, culminating around a fire pit with s'mores.
Venue: @weddings.oftheland
Caterer: @ck_catering_mi
Alcohol & Bar Service: Mixing Memories
Planner/ Day of Coordinator: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @promaniweddings
Florist: @dewdropfreshdesigns
DJ: @soundacesdjcrew
Hair & Make Up: @briartistryglam
Decor: @delicatedishes
Bridal Gown: @maggiesotterodesigns
Bridal Shop: @ferndalesbridal
Bridal Accessories: @belairebridal
Digital Invitations + Save the Dates: @withjoy
Jess & Casey
a Tim Burton wedding
Jess & Casey had a civil ceremony during Covid and were ready for a party with their favorite people showcasing the things they loved, including all things Tim Burton. Goolish details filled their reception tent with a Nightmare Before Christmas custom cupcake mountain and exquisite cupcakes and cookies, black candelabra centerpieces with red roses filled the guest tables. As the night progressed guests enjoyed the warmth of a fire pit, smores, and dancing under the stars.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Venue: @tyingtheknotweddings.nilesmich
Catering: @distinctive_catering
Cake: @hny_b_bakery
Photographer: The Rustic Rose Photography
Video: @visualreflectionvideo
DJ: SpinTech Dj Service
Bridal Gown: @bridalelegancegr
Aryn & Morgan
An Intimate Ceremony & Dinner
On a sunny August day Aryn & Morgan promised themselves to each other in an intimate ceremony among their closest friends and family. Their love filled the private dining room with handwritten vows, orchestrated by a family member. They celebrated with a multi-course dinner and signature drinks. And surprised guests with a tear-jerking first dance and welcomed their guests to join them. Turning an intimate dinner into a dance party filled with laughter, singing, and even more love.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @thejwdesignsphoto
Casey & Brendan
An Alice in Wonderland Backyard Garden Party
In the lush garden of the bride's parents, Casey and Brendan exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family. Drawing inspiration from the whimsy and color of Alice in Wonderland, guests were greeted by a winding path of roses leading down the ceremony aisle, and a white tent adorned with fairy lights, vibrant florals in teapots, and various nods to Alice in Wonderland throughout. The day was filled with personal details and joyful surprises for all. Among them was a vintage car that the bride's father arranged to bring her to the ceremony, a custom celestial Alice in Wonderland cake, a surprise from the groom to his new bride. As evening came, guests were delighted by a made-to-order Apple Cider & Donut truck. Even the couple's dog was included in the festivities as the flower girl. Everyone experienced so much joy at this enchanting wedding.
Planner & Designer: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @handesigned
Florals: @chelseavillageflowers
Hair and Makeup: @fiveoneseven_salonspa
Bridal gown: @thebridesproject
Invitations: @theprintedevent
DJ Services: @newswivel
Caterer: @sh52bbq
Cake: Cakes by K. Renee
Donut Truck: @peteysdonuts
Rentals: @alpineeventsmi
Bar Service: Elliott Events
Marielle & Jacob
a Luxurious Colorful Wedding
Marielle & Jacob celebrated their love and those they love in such a meaningful way at one of my favorite venues, The Book Tower in Detriot, Michigan. No detail was missed. The theme for the day was the blending of their families and each side of the family was assigned a color to be used throughout the day. Guests were encouraged to wear their corresponding colors and they did not disappoint. Waves of pinks, reds, and oranges for the bride's side, mingled with bold looks in blue and green for the groom's side. The florals were color-blocked to represent this theme with the head table and bridal bouquet showcasing a garden of all the colors. The result was a room that was an exquisite and colorful feast for the eyes and a visual representation of the beautiful family they had brought together. The connection and love between everyone was palpable from the start of the ceremony till the last dance.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Venue: @booktowerdetroit @roostdetroit @anthologyevents
Photo: @erin.hannum
Video: @everwherefilms
Floral: @studiowildefloral
Entertainment: @crasherzent
Glam: @tiffanyelie_makeupartistry
Bridal Gown: @joyabendmodebridal
Invitations: @noteworthyinvitations
Photo Booth: @alwaysgood360booth
Vintage car: @vintageluxuryrentals
Rentals: @delicatedishes
Shuttle: Blue Lake Charter Tours
Becky & Davis
A Nerdy Zoo Wedding
Becky & Davis embraced everything they love, gaming, animals, and the fall season, during their fall wedding at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Guests were greeted with a seating chart guiding them on their mission to their tables, aptly named after the board game realms they play and decorated with each realm in mind. Dungeons & Dragons, their favorite game, was prominent throughout with the ceremony arch in a hexagon shape wrapped in greenery, and hexagon glass terrariums and candles adding a romantic glow to the reception space. The guests even enjoyed a board game station when they weren't on the dance floor or visiting with the Zoo's animal visitors. The day perfectly combined their love and the things they love.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Venue: @inisfreeestate
Caterer + Bar: @marthas_catering
Cake: @cookiesoncallsoha
Photographer: @michaelkochphoto
Florals: @parkplacedesign
DJ: Murray's Mobile DJ Service
Shuttle: @great_lakes_motorcoach (double check on this one)
Hair: @kelseysuebeautyy
Makeup: @lakeside.brides
Decor: @delicatedishes @foreverandalwayseventplanning @whitedahliaevents
Bridal Gown: @memoriesbridal
Grooms Attire: @theblacktux
Sign: @dacalliadesigns
Isabella & Chance
A Cozy Vintage Fall Wedding
From the beginning, Isabella & Chance envisioned their day as cozy and welcoming, celebrating the beauty of fall with all of their favorite people. They accomplished this at one of my preferred venues, Inisfree Estate in Pullman, Michigan. The day began with Isabella & Chance sharing a private breakfast at the onsite Bed and Breakfast before separating to prepare with their friends. Although a little rain necessitated moving the ceremony into a pavilion, we were ready with cozy shawls for guests, warm drinks, clear umbrellas and romantic candlelight. We were even able to dance between the raindrops for photos and had some great laughs. Once the rain finally cleared, guests enjoyed a fire pit and a custom s'more station, built by the father of the bride, yard games, signature drinks, and the party on the dance floor. Despite the chill and rain, guests and Isabella & Chance kept smiling and dancing late into the night.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Venue: @inisfreeestate
Caterer + Bar: @marthas_catering
Cake: @cookiesoncallsoha
Photographer: @michaelkochphoto
Florals: @parkplacedesign
DJ: Murray's Mobile DJ Service
Shuttle: @great_lakes_motorcoach (double check on this one)
Hair: @kelseysuebeautyy
Makeup: @lakeside.brides
Decor: @delicatedishes @foreverandalwayseventplanning @whitedahliaevents
Bridal Gown: @memoriesbridal
Grooms Attire: @theblacktux
Sign: @dacalliadesigns
Emma & William
A Fall Greenhouse Wedding
Emma & William wanted their day to be fun and relaxed with fall touches. And they found the perfect venue for that, one of my favorites, Of the Land in Battle Creek, Michigan. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the venue, they said their I do's under the icon Mulberry tree, then welcomed guests into the cozy greenhouse. Each guest was welcomed at their seat with custom-printed cookies featuring their engagement photos and handwritten name cards. The part kicked off as soon as the farm-to-table dinner was over with the DJ playing their favorites, an overflowing salty and sweet station to keep every fueled, and of course, a fire pit and s'mores to enjoy late into the night. Fun was had by all!
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Photographer: @jwdesignsphoto
Venue: @weddings.oftheland
Cake: @sweetdetails.gr
Florist: @dewdropfreshdesigns
DJ: @michaelsentertainment
Makeup: @arcane_beauty_
Hair: @kirstenrumseybeauty
Bridal Gown: @beckersbridal
Lianne & Harrison
An Intimate Asian/Jewish Wedding
Lienne & Harrison wanted their day to feel like a Sunday dinner with their blended families. Their venue, a former private residence, was the perfect backdrop for this. Guests were welcomed into the former living room for a fireside ceremony under a custom bamboo Chuppah, then guided to the lower level for signature drinks and traditional Asian appetizers while the living room was flipped into the dining space. During dinner guests enjoyed tear-jerking and laughter-filled toasts and the Shoely Wed Game and an overflowing Asian-inspired dinner buffet and dessert station. Guests were encouraged to the dance floor in the former parlor but many chose to remain at their guest tables enjoying the company and good conversations late into the night.
Planner: @thejwdesigns
Venue: @thebalmoralhous
Catering: @jacquies_gourmet_catering
Cake/Dessert: @toshiko.wagashi
Photographer: @mikalhphoto
DJ: Tyler Tony Productions
Hair and Makeup: @blackswanbeautyindy
