Grand Rapids, MI
Amway Grand Plaza
Fountain Street Church
The Ballroom at McKay Tower
Congratulations Caitlin and Matt! Have you guys seen my posts about how I asked to be friends with these two? It was like we were in kindergarten. Will you be my friend? I knew it at the engagement session. They are such warm-hearted, laid-back, sweet, sweet souls, with lots of smiles and laughter.
In case you missed their "cool" ice skating engagement session at Rosa Parks Circle downtown, you can check it out HERE.
Caitlin and Matt met at her cousin's wedding. Matt actually crashed it- well, kind of. The best man asked him to go. But Caitlin says he crashed it. They were together for two years when Matt proposed, at home on a random Tuesday. He wanted to surprise Caitlin and knew if he planned a fancy proposal she would figure it out. It was low-key and perfect. There was a love note on the bed, and when Caitlin turned around, he was on his knee. He always tries to surprise her, and it never works, so this time he didn't plan anything and just did it.
The wedding was such a beautiful and elegant celebration. A ballroom full of people that feel what I felt for these guys instantly. Such love all around.
There were many of my favorite parts of their day. Her gifts to her parents, the poems on them, made me tear up (and her dad "cried like a baby, as always". Love that. I was told that from the beginning, a photographer's delight). Caitlin and Matt's first look was so adorable. They were like little kids playing dress up- twirling and strutting their stuff in front of each other, all giggles. Best friends for life. They enterred the reception with the Michigan fight song playing, big U of M fans. Caitlin's parents never got a first dance when they got married, so she surprised them with one. They also scooped out ice cream instead of having a cake. Pretty "cool".
Another favorite of mine was that I got to work with Caedy Convis, my phenomenal second shooter. Love that girl. She is extremely talented, and has a wonderful and beautiful big heart. Thank you, Caedy, for always rocking it. I always have fun with you by my side, and, yes, stay hydrated.
The next time I see these guys hopefully we will be drinking together! I am so honored and grateful that I got to document their story. Here's a preview of the day: