KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

Hi, I'm KARA.

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MY WEDDING GUIDE

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The Kara Hanes

EXPERIENCE

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Weddings

A Spring Garden Wedding at Frederik Meijer Gardens: Megan + Peter

Megan and Peter’s spring wedding at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids was one I’d been looking forward to from the moment they reached out. With Peter’s background in film and photography, I knew they cared about every frame, and this Frederik Meijer Gardens wedding was full of color, light and so much love.

What stood out to me most about these two was their teamwork. They planned every detail together, from the venue to the colors, and Megan had such a clear vision for her day. I also photographed their engagement session, so it was such a joy to see it all come together.

Wedding morning details

Megan’s details were soft and romantic: watercolor floral stationery from Minted, navy floral heels and a coral and blush bouquet from Eastern Floral that set the tone for the whole day.

The glass conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens on a sunny wedding day
Navy floral bridal shoes with blush roses
Wedding rings on blush floral paper
Close-up of a coral peony and blush rose bridal bouquet
Watercolor floral wedding invitation flat lay with bridal shoes
Groom getting his boutonniere pinned on his wedding morning
Bride putting on her earrings while getting ready
Buttoning the back of a lace wedding gown

A first look in the conservatory

Megan and Peter saw each other for the first time among the tropical plants in the conservatory. Peter’s reaction was everything. His love for Megan was so clear in every glance, from that first look until the moment we left.

Groom waiting for the first look in the conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Bride walking toward her groom for their first look in the conservatory
Groom wiping a tear during the first look at Frederik Meijer Gardens
First look among the tropical plants at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Portraits in the gardens

After the first look, we explored the gardens with their maid of honor and best man. The glass conservatory, the blooming beds and a little breeze in her veil made for some of my favorite portraits of the day.

Bride and groom with their maid of honor and best man outside the conservatory
Bride and groom kissing in the gardens in front of the glass conservatory
Bride and groom smiling cheek to cheek with her bouquet
Bride and groom kissing as her veil blows in the breeze at Frederik Meijer Gardens

An outdoor garden ceremony

Their ceremony was outside in the gardens under a floral arch, surrounded by family and friends. They read their own handwritten vows, and it was such a personal, heartfelt ceremony.

Outdoor wedding ceremony in the gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Groom smiling at the altar during the outdoor ceremony
Floral ceremony arch in the gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Groom reading his vows to the bride
Bride and groom at the altar seen through garden flowers
Bride and groom holding hands at the altar with their maid of honor and best man
Ring exchange during the outdoor ceremony
Guests watching the garden ceremony at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Bride and groom exchanging vows in the garden
Newlyweds walking back up the aisle at Frederik Meijer Gardens

A reception at Frederik Meijer Gardens

The reception was filled with blush and gold, with a floral arch behind the sweetheart table, pink taper candles and a beautiful cake from Grand Finale Desserts. Bee Entertainment handled the music, and the night was full of dancing.

Reception space at Frederik Meijer Gardens with gold chairs and blush lighting
Sweetheart table framed by a floral arch
Blush and white floral centerpiece in a gold vase
Floral table number with pink taper candles
Black and white photo of the newlyweds making their grand entrance
Wedding toast during the reception at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake
Black and white photo of the couple kissing after cutting the cake
First dance at the Frederik Meijer Gardens reception
Bride and groom dancing in front of the floral arch
Close-up of the bride and groom during their first dance
Groom sharing a dance with a loved one at the reception

Sunset portraits

We finished with a few sunset portraits in front of the conservatory, and the golden light over the gardens was the perfect way to end the day.

Bride and groom at sunset in front of the conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Bride and groom holding hands in front of the glass conservatory
Bride and groom kissing behind purple flowers at sunset
Bride and groom in the gardens at golden hour
Bride and groom sitting on a garden bench at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Vendors

Venue: Frederik Meijer Gardens
Planner and Coordinator: Kelsey Sivertson
Hair and Makeup: Makenna Moore
Stationery: Minted
Florist: Eastern Floral
Dress: Beckers Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Todd’s Menswear
DJ: Bee Entertainment
Desserts: Grand Finale Desserts
Lead Photographer: Kara Hanes Photography
Second Photographer: Kelly Meyer
Third Photographer and Assistant: Jessica Cenko

Planning your Grand Rapids wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding in Grand Rapids, I’d love to hear about your plans. Reach out here and let’s chat.

Now booking weddings!

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welcome to my blog

I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

FREE DOWNLOAD

MY WEDDING GUIDE

Learn how to get the most out of your photography experience with this free resource

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