Kelsey and Jacob’s wedding at The Broadway Avenue was bright, joyful and full of personality, from the dusty blue details to the dance floor in sports jerseys. It’s one of my favorite examples of how a classic venue and a fun-loving couple come together for a day that feels completely like them.
If you’re searching for wedding photography in Grand Rapids, MI, I hope this wedding gives you a feel for how I tell the story of your day, from the quiet getting-ready moments to the last song of the night.
The Broadway Avenue in Grand Rapids
The Broadway Avenue is a 120-year-old church on Broadway Avenue NW that has been renovated into a wedding and event venue. From the outside it’s classic red brick with a bell tower, and inside it’s all white walls, arched windows, gold mirrors and black and white checkered floors. The ceremony and reception spaces are full of natural light, which makes it a dream to photograph.
Wedding day details
Kelsey’s dusty blue and white palette carried through everything, from the invitation suite to the cake and the reception tables. It was soft, timeless and so pretty against the white venue.
Getting ready
The bridal suite at The Broadway Avenue is full of window light and gold mirrors, perfect for those quiet getting-ready moments before the day gets busy.
First look and private vows
Kelsey and Jacob chose to do a first look and read private vows to each other before the ceremony. Jacob’s reaction when he turned around is one of my favorite moments of the whole day.
Bride and groom portraits
We took advantage of every corner of the venue for portraits: the checkered floors, the bright white rooms, the arched windows outside and the red brick church itself.
Later we headed to Riverside Park, just a few minutes away, for portraits along the tree-lined paths. Those big trees and long shady paths are some of my favorite spots in Grand Rapids.
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in the chapel, with wooden chairs, soft greenery and so much natural light pouring in. Seeing the wedding party celebrate at the end was the best.
Wedding party photos at The Broadway Avenue
This full wedding party photo in front of the stone entrance is one of my favorites, but it’s a tricky one to get. It really depends on where the sun is. Overcast days make it easy. When it’s sunny, the sun can end up right in everyone’s eyes, and it’s too bright for them to look at the camera, so I plan the timing around where the sun will be.
Wedding party at Riverside Park
The bridesmaids’ blue and white floral dresses and the groomsmen’s tan suits looked amazing under the trees at Riverside Park.
The reception
The reception was all about the details. Little Cake House made a stunning blue and white cake and dessert table, and the tables were set with dusty blue linens, florals and gold mirrors.
A Dancing Queen surprise
One of the sweetest moments of the night: Kelsey’s mom and her friends surprised her with a Dancing Queen mash-up, complete with matching outfits and sunglasses. They pulled Kelsey onto the dance floor to join them, and the whole room was cheering. It was so fun and so cute.
Music by Matthew Duncan
I absolutely love working with Matthew Duncan Music. He kept the whole reception flowing from the grand entrance to the very last song, and his clean, classy setup fit right in with the white ballroom. Guests always rave about the music when he’s behind the booth, and this night was no different.
Once the party got going, the dance floor never emptied, and yes, Kelsey and Jacob changed into sports jerseys for the party.
Vendors
Venue: The Broadway Avenue
Photography: Kara Hanes Photography
Videography: Paul Matthew Media
Hair and Makeup: Blushing Ivory Bridal Co
Bride’s Hair: Hair by Ashlyn Nicole
Dress: Becker’s Bridal
Florist: Jenn Bellgraph
Transportation: Affordable Limousine
Entertainment: Matthew Duncan Music
Dessert and Cake: Little Cake House
Rentals: Consider It Done
Planning your Grand Rapids wedding?
I’d love to hear all about your day. Take a look at more of my wedding work, and when you’re ready, reach out here and let’s chat about your plans.
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