I’m totally loving the colorful, fun vibe I’m getting from this whimsical Grand Rapids wedding. The capture the flag escort “cards” and bright orange VW add tons of personality to the festive day. It’s no doubt that Bikini Birdie had a blast capturing all the details of this lakeside fete. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing all day in the gallery…wanna join?
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From Bikini Birdie…Joel and Kelly met at work in the small beach town of Grand Haven, Michigan. They spent their first years together enjoying all of the kayaking, fishing, hiking, bike riding, and beach-bumming that goes with living in Grand Haven. After their engagement, work and school brought Joel and Kelly to the Rocky Mountains, but they couldn’t imagine getting married at any place but the shore of Lake Michigan, with their families, friends and memories.
Planning a wedding from across the country required Joel and Kelly to focus on what was important to them for their wedding. Between school and work, they didn’t have time to shop for napkin rings, salt and pepper shakers, and doilies. They decided to focus on people, venue, and food, everything that makes great weddings memorable. Getting good people to the wedding was easy: it’s not difficult to round-up a crowd of good friends and family. Once they walked through Camp Blodgett- a summer camp with beautiful reception hall overlooking Lake Michigan- the venue decision was made. And that left the food. Joel and Kelly had enjoyed the creations of Chef Tommy Fitzgerald, a Grand Rapids, Michigan, restaurant owner and extraordinary caterer, at the beach wedding of a friend a few years before. And they made sure to get a slot on Tommy’s busy summer schedule for their own wedding as soon as they could.
West Michigan weather in May is always a gamble, but things have a way of working out on wedding days. After seven straight days of rain, the skies cleared, and Kelly and Joel threw the party of the century. On their wedding day, Kelly and Joel enjoyed the best of West Michigan: great people, great food, crisp spring weather, and a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset.
Wedding Photography: Bikini Birdie / Catering: Tommy Fitzgerald / Venue: Camp Blodgett / Music: Dance Tracks DJ / Bride’s Hair + Make-up: B Salon / Wedding Dress: The Dessy-Group / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Bride’s + Bridesmaid Jewelry: The Creative Fringe / Groom + Groomsmen’s Suits: Macy’s / Table Decorations, Flowers + Escort Flags: The Bride / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Elegance of the Seasons / Chair Covers: Chair Cover Creations / Invitations + Menus: Jeff Kenyon / Bar Service: Seaway Party Store