2018 has been such an incredible year. It’s been filled with over 60 sessions between portraits, engagements, boudoir, weddings, and elopements. I’ve traveled all over Michigan, to Detroit, Fennville, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, and of course tons in Grand rapids. The amount of growth I’ve seen in myself makes me so proud to share this post with you all. I will never stop learning or growing as a wedding photographers, so I can only imagine how incredible next year will be!
Some highlights personally have been buying a house, a new car, and getting engaged to my best friend! This year included a bit of travel too, including Illinois, Indiana, and my favorite, Colorado. All in all it’s been a pretty fulfilling time. So now that I’ve rambled, enjoy my favorite images from 2018!
Check out Liv Lyszyk Photography at her Website Here! To see more of her work head over to the blog posts linked below!
Leave a Reply
Nicole and Theo are the embodiment of everything I love about being a wedding photographer. They chose to celebrate in the way that felt personal and special to them, having lots of friends present, and tons of great dancing. They chose to do a Windmill Island and Gardens wedding in Holland, Michigan. This colorful and unique venue provided a setting that transported guests to another place, it truly felt like I had hopped on a plane and gone to Europe. Destination wedding without destination jet lag and prices! I am so happy that I was able to work with them and am excited to be sharing their images!
The Couple
I love hearing the love stories of the couples I work with and asked them how they met, they said “We lived less than a mile from each other but never would have met if we weren’t online dating. Our first date was at Rockwell Republic in Grand Rapids sometime in September. We dated for a few months and we fell for each other. We went from living in separate apartments to Theo basically squatting in Nicole’s apartment until we bought a house in Grand Rapids”. The couple has tons of close friends they’ve gotten to know throughout their relationship and instead of picking just a few to stand with them they opted for an extended portrait time between ceremony and reception to get lots of photographs with all of them! I loved how much of a community feel the day had, everyone helping, laughing, and getting involved in the festivities!
The Wedding
I had never photographed a Windmill Island and Gardens wedding before but had seen photos from friends. It truly is like stepping back in time. Everyone in the area has gone for Tulip Time but experiencing it during late summer was a real treat. It offers some really unique and fun photo opportunities. The couple took the Dutch theme and ran with it, the lace on Nicole’s dress was reminiscent of European design and lace. The tulip bouquet, which was hard to find apparently, was a colorful pop that really made her stand out! I was impressed by how cohesive everything felt without being too cheesy!
This wedding was just the best, lots of color, lots of fun, and a gorgeous location! If you want to feel like you are in Europe but don’t want to actually do all the travel and planning definitely check out doing a Windmill Island and Gardens wedding in Holland, Michigan!
Check out more work from Liv Lyszyk Photography at the links below!
Dan and Paul | Stetson Chapel | LGBT Wedding Photographer
Michigan Backyard Wedding Photographer | Chelsea and Cody | Coldwater, Michigan
Leave a Reply
Dan and Paul found me online after searching for an LGBT wedding photographer. It was important for them to have as many LGBT vendors to help them create their gorgeous day at Stetson Chapel and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts! These two are from Chicago but with family in the Kalamazoo area it was an easy choice to plan from afar and pick West Michigan as the location. They chose the gorgeous Stetson Chapel for it’s amazing white walls and huge windows, truly a wedding photographer’s dream church! It was such a fun and playful day all around and one of my favorites from this season!
The couple has an affinity for Ru Paul’s Drag Race and so they incorporated elements inspired by the show into the day. The wedding party carried paper fans instead of bouquets and had flowermen who were some of the most enthusiastic petal throwers I’ve seen! I loved the unique touches that were non traditional but totally embraced their personalities. These are my favorite types of weddings and often I find that as an LGBT wedding photographer it’s usually my same sex couples who veer from tradition the most. There are so many gendered traditions that I personally wish were gone, so I love when couples throw that out the window and do whatever makes them happy with their day! 
To learn more about Liv Lyszyk Photography or to hire her please check out the website! For more gorgeous weddings and portraits click the links below to see more!
Ann Katherine and Jermaine | Meadowbrook Country Club Wedding | Detroit Wedding Photographer
Emily and Ang | Grand Haven and Muskegon, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer
Leave a Reply
This Bissell Tree House wedding was wild (pun intended)! Tori and Jake celebrated on a gorgeous summer Friday with their super fun bunch of friends and family. This was my second time photographing a Bissell Tree House wedding at the John Ball Zoo here in Grand Rapids and this time didn’t disappoint either. The zoo offers such a unique location for Grand Rapids couples and I loved the personal touches Tori and Jake added to make it their own!
The Couple
The couple was first introduced to each other eight years ago through Tori’s significant other at the time. He was great friends with Jake in high school and the guys often met up to play soccer on warm summer days. Years went by with very few interactions. Tori moved to Allendale, Michigan to attend Grand Valley State University while Jake enlisted in the Navy. Time went on and Jake was able to come back home and continue his management job at the infamous Blockbuster Video. Tori came into the store one day, as one normally does on a Friday night in Chelsea, and Jake was mesmerized. Of course she spent the entire time trying to shake off the instinct to blush when the cute guy behind the counter smiled in her direction. They continued to live separate lives. Fast forward to July of 2013, both of their worlds collapsed when the guy they met through died in a car crash. From that moment on, Tori and Jake were forever connected through their loss. They reconnected and healed together, only to realize that they had fallen in love along the way.
The Wedding
Tori was most excited for the first look since the couple always tells each other everything! She said it was so hard to keep that part of the wedding secret from him! They also were really excited about the animal ambassadors from the zoo during cocktail hour. A portion of the proceeds from the rental goes back into the zoo’s conservation efforts and incorporating the animals into their day was important.
We start at The Amway Grand Hotel where Tori and Jake worked together! The salon at the Amway provided some incredible pampering for them and once everyone was ready we headed down to do the first looks! Tori wanted a first look with her dad as well as Jake and I loved both of them! We all piled into a party bus and went to one of my favorite locations for photos, then proceeded to their Bissell Tree House wedding later in the afternoon!
The treehouse itself offers a lot of nature and really takes the need for excessive decorating away. Tori and Jake used lots of floral accents to bring the whole room together and it was gorgeous! We enjoyed their short and sweet ceremony on the balcony of the venue where they sealed their vows in with a bottle of wine to open later. The cocktail hour included some animal ambassadors and great craft beer! We enjoyed yummy food and desserts then danced the night away! The whole wedding was really just a huge party for Tori and Jake which I absolutely loved!
The whole day was so special for the two of them and offered so many good memories. I’m beyond glad that I was able to work with them and can’t wait to see their marriage blossom!
If you’d like to learn more of contact Liv about wedding and portrait photography head over to the website! For more photos and stories click the blog posts linked below!
Kyra and Kray | Grand Rapids, MI | Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer
Ann Katherine and Jermaine | Meadowbrook Country Club Wedding | Detroit Wedding Photographer
Leave a Reply
Kyra and Kray are two of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Their day was filled with so much love and fun! It was an honor to be their Grand Rapids wedding photographer. This classic downtown Grand Rapids inspired wedding had so many amazing details!
The Couple
Kyra found me online after searching for a Grand Rapids wedding photographer and during out coffee meeting we instantly clicked. She told me about Kray and absolutely lit up. It was a clear sign that this wedding would be a blast. She said “We met at running club my freshman year, his sophomore year of college. For us it was love at second sight. When Kray and I met, he was actually in a different relationship. I tried my best to just forget about him, but once he became single, that didn’t last too long. We joke sometimes that my determination is what got us here, but I’m always happy that I didn’t give up on him”. I’m pretty glad they didn’t give up because seeing them together on their wedding day made it clear it was meant to be.
The Wedding
We started the day in Downtown Grand Rapids for their first look. It is a popular spot amongst Grand Rapids wedding photographers and there were a few other wedding parties there too! We were a bit nervous about the rain but luckily it held off for them and the overcast day provided amazing skies! Their sweet first look was one of my favorites, if you know Kyra and Kray in real life you know how freaking incredible their smiles are. Their wedding party braved the chilly drizzly day and were so willing to just let go and have fun to support the couple. After we finished portraits we headed over to Christ Church where the ceremony was to be held. this simple but beautiful space really was the perfect place for them to seal the deal. With two members of the clergy Kyra and Kray were able to bring their families together in a wonderfully unique way. We then headed to the Revel Center for cocktails and the reception! Revel Center is a relatively new space in Grand Rapids and seems unassuming from the outside. Kyra told me how she couldn’t believe the place was as gorgeous as it is when she first visited. They’ve done an amazing job creating an intimate reception space near downtown.
The whole day was all smiles, I cannot begin to explain the joy this couple radiates. I’m so happy for the both of you and know you have a strong marriage ahead of you!
Check out more from Liv Lyszyk Photography on her website! For more incredible couples see the links below to read more!
Julia and Robert | Riverside Park, Grand Rapids, MI | Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer
Ann Katherine and Jermaine | Meadowbrook Country Club Wedding | Detroit Wedding Photographer
Josh and Ashley | Meijer Gardens, MI | Grand Rapids Elopement Photographer
Leave a Reply
This GORGEOUS Detroit country club wedding was such an honor to photograph. I love being a Detroit wedding photographer and getting to see all of the amazing suburbs and hidden gems of the city. This particular place feels like an oasis from the city, perfect for Ann Katherine and Jermaine. There is quite the story behind it too if you read on!
The Couple
Ann Katherine and Jermaine found me online as they are both living in Washington DC area. It was no easy feat planning from so far away but these two absolutely nailed it! Their love story began in the summer of 2015 when the two and a large group of mutual friends attended the Vintage Virginia Wine Fest in Centreville, VA. During the event Jermaine played it cool and stuck with some of his friends, leaving Ann Katherine scanning the crowd for him throughout the day. When the group was departing the venue Jermaine rushed on the bus and saved a seat for himself and Ann Katherine. After a long day of wine tasting the two sat together on the bus ride to Arlington and enjoyed a two ounce bag of Planters peanuts, spontaneous karaoke, and terrible jokes. Unsurprisingly, ten days later Jermaine and Ann Katherine went on their first date! The two enjoyed each other’s company over a few margaritas at a local D.C. Mexican restaurant. Ann Katherine gorged herself on chips while Jermaine was clearly too nervous to indulge. What followed was a month-long courtship, during which Jermaine planned some of the most unique dates, including a night out at the Newseum for a movie premiere. Just before Ann Katherine’s 27th birthday they made it official. Jermaine promises to keep Ann Katherine on her toes with spontaneous dates throughout the marriage!
The Wedding
The couple planned on marrying at a different country club not too far from Meadowbrook, but when they experienced a tragic fire it was up to them to quickly search for a new venue just 2 months before! Luckily Ann Katherine’s mother was able to show them Meadowbrook and they fell in love! Not something every couple has to experience, but I knew if they could get through that everything else would be a breeze!
It was so fun walking into where they were getting ready and just instantly feeling at home. Both Ann Katherine and Jermaine are the most welcoming and kind people I’ve met. They both made sure the day went smoothly and even was ahead of schedule! Any Detroit wedding photographer or any wedding photographer for that matter will tell you that rarely happens! Ann Katherine had her makeup and hair done by Jamie Jean Beauty and looked stunning! She also wore a Lazaro Bridal gown that went so well with Jermaine’s gray suit from Men’s Warehouse.
They opted to not do a first look and seeing Jermaine’s face while Ann Katherine excitedly walked down the aisle was such a sweet moment. We got some great photos of their families and then headed out to explore more of what Meadowbrook Country Club had to offer! I loved getting some time with just the two of them and seeing them interact! These two are perfect for each other! We then enjoyed an amazing dinner and a PACKED dance floor thanks to Detroit DJ Entertainment.
It was a full day with lots of fun, family, and photos! Congrats again to the happy couple! Wishing you the best in your long and happy marriage!
For more information on how to hire Liv Lyszyk Photography feel free to head to the Contact Form to learn more! Check out the blog posts below for more weddings and engagements!
Michigan Backyard Wedding Photographer | Chelsea and Cody | Coldwater, Michigan
Jade and Kevin | Grand Rapids Art Museum and Riverside Park | Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer
Emily and Ang | Grand Haven and Muskegon, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer
Leave a Reply
I have been putting off blogging this wedding because that means that it’s actually over and I never wanted this day to end. Chelsea and Cody of Wildflower and Whimsy are the absolute best! From the very first email when they first were looking for a Michigan backyard wedding photographer I knew we’d be a perfect fit. Chelsea has the most joyous spirit which balances perfectly with Cody’s quiet and gentle demeanor. They just are so lovely!
The Couple
Chelsea and Cody met on a blind date, a fun story that was shared during their sweet ceremony. She says “Cody & I both knew we loved each other the night we met. He’s the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly. We are completely different but so the same. We share a mutual love of kindness towards everybody, cherishing the little things and never going to bed angry. Our relationship is nowhere near perfect but we work very hard on it every single day. I know this love will last a lifetime”. The pair owns an incredible home decor business and wanted to include as much of their own work and creations for the day. It turned out so special and perfectly captured the two of them.
The Wedding
This Michigan backyard wedding took place on a relative’s property on Coldwater lake in Coldwater, MI. The house bumps up against a canal which allowed the wedding party to arrive to the ceremony by boat! It was a perfectly Michigan entrance! I love being a Michigan backyard wedding photographer and seeing all of the personal touches that each location adds. As I mentioned Chelsea and Cody made all of the decor which really spiced up the place and made it their own! I loved walking through the space and really getting a sense of their style. I got to capture an incredible first look and then we all headed to a friends property! It was nice getting to go somewhere while family and friends finished up the final touches for the couple. After the ceremony we headed on a quick boat ride and then right into the reception. The homemade taco bar thrilled everyone and the dances brought tears to everyone’s eyes. With both Chelsea and Cody losing a parent the memorial table with photos and the memorial dance was so special.
I’m so happy to know these two, it was an honor being their Michigan backyard wedding photographer. They both embody what it is to have a strong selfless relationship. I know that we will remain close for years to come and I’m just thrilled that they are finally married!
For more info on Liv Lyszyk Photography check out the blog posts below! To get in contact please go to the website and fill out the contact form!
Alicia and Todd | Eaton Rapids, MI | Mid Michigan Wedding Photographer
Emily and Ang | Grand Haven and Muskegon, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer
Lisa and Brit | Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, Michigan | LGBT Wedding Photographer
Leave a Reply
Alicia and Todd had a classic elegant wedding at English Inn in Eaton Rapids, MI! I was so excited to shoot here, the venue is sprawling and sits against a gorgeous river, the perfect backdrop for their ceremony and photos! I haven’t photographed much in the Mid Michigan area, but was so excited to add Mid Michigan wedding photographer to my resume. Even though it ended up being the hottest day in Michigan EVERRRRR (ok I’m only slightly kidding), we pushed through and got so many amazing photographs!
The Couple
Alicia and Todd have known each other since 1st grade! I imagine they had no clue back then that this would be their future. I absolutely love hearing that couples have known each other for so long, it makes for a pretty great story doesn’t it? Alicia said “We weren’t really friends throughout school, but one day I messaged him on facebook we chatted online for a few weeks, then he asked me for a date, the rest was magic”, cue the happy tears. It was so clear that these two were meant to be together and when I asked them what they were most excited about they said “to marry my best friend”. That’s what it’s all about!
The Wedding
Like I said it was HOT! The instant we went outside of the little cottages where they were getting ready I think we all audibly gasped! I was so impressed with how willing everyone was to walk around the grounds to get those perfect shots. The grounds offer a lot of variety which was so nice, we were able to go down by the river, as well as use the actual Inn for some great photos. The ceremony was short and sweet, their officiant spoke about each of them in such a perfect way. All of the family and guests definitely shed a few tears. There was a lavender toss and it was onto the party! They enjoyed some amazing cocktails and appetizers before going into the reception space. I loved how they kept everything classic and elegant, fitting perfectly with the look of the venue itself. I was really impressed with the staff and service as well! Everyone loved getting down on the dance floor after dinner too! All in all this day was such a fun celebration of the couple, I feel like I got to know them so well and I cannot wait to see them grow through this marriage!
If you are interested in seeing more from Liv Lyszyk Photography check out the linked posts below! Liv Lyszyk Photography is now booking for 2019 weddings and elopements in Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond! Please use the Contact form on the website or feel free to email livlyszykphoto@gmail.com
Nicole and Andrew’s Sunset Elopement in Fennville, MI
Erica and Nathan’s Intimate Backyard wedding in Fenton, MI
Winnie and Eric’s Michigan State University Engagement session in East Lansing, MI
Leave a Reply
Ashley and Josh had the most gorgeous intimate Meijer Gardens Elopement! I love being a Grand Rapids elopement photographer, especially when I get to go to one of my favorite venues in the area! These two also did their engagement session at Meijer Gardens in the winter so coming back and seeing how different it is during the summer is a real treat!
The Couple
These two met online and after dating for 4 years decided it was time to start their lives together as husband and wife! Ashley has such a sweet and caring personality and Josh is so level headed and calm. Getting to know them was so fun, especially since Ashley has an art background and went to Kendall College with me! Both of them said how important it was to keep the ceremony and celebration small and all about family!
The Elopement
Everything was kept simple, about 15 people attended, most of which were close family. Ashley’s dress was simple and elegant, form fitting without being too tight! She looked absolutely incredible with her formal updo and bouquet from Stems Market. Josh rocked the dark gray suit and was definitely one of the most dapper grooms I’ve worked with!
We did a first look with the two of them but also a father first look which if you ask me was the greatest thing ever! I wish every first look was as incredible and emotional as this one, but quiet intimate moments are amazing too. We headed to the Japanese garden for the ceremony who was officiated by the groom’s brother, something he was very proud to do. After that we got a chance to explore the grounds and even did a secret first dance in the conservatory.
This gorgeous day was such a fun time! If you are looking for a Grand Rapids elopement photographer check out Liv Lyszyk Photography and contact for more info! To see more from Liv check out the blog posts below!
Winnie and Eric’s Adventurous Michigan State Engagement Session! https://livlyszyk.com/winnie-and-eric-michigan-state-university-east-lansing-mi-michigan-engagement-photographer/
Erica and Nathan’s Intimate Backyard Wedding https://livlyszyk.com/michigan-backyard-wedding-photographers/
T and R’s Traditional LGBTQ Wedding https://livlyszyk.com/t-and-r-mason-mi-lgbtq-wedding-photographer/
Leave a Reply
The Couple
These two have an epic and long love story! Meredith and Greg met at Applebee’s while they both were working. Meredith says “He was a cook, I made the plates pretty. He was the only one that made my job easier. We bonded over a love of swimming, Clive Cussler books and our senses of humor. We love movies, outdoor activities, our pets and 17 years later, decided it’s time to make it official”. When I met Meredith and Greg in person their absolute joy was so apparent and got me super excited to work with them! I was even more excited to check out Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens because even though I’m a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, and it’s only a short trip away, I hadn’t ever been there!
The Wedding
When describing the wedding Meredith told me they wanted it to feel like a big backyard party with their friends and family. The tented reception space and gorgeous ceremony space felt just like that. They did a gorgeous first look under the old apple tree, and Greg’s reaction was so perfect! We grabbed some wedding party photos and then got ready for the short and sweet ceremony. A little humor, a lot of love, and some vows later, these two were finally married! We were able to enjoy cocktail hour and proceeded to enjoy their huge pig roast! Fun fact, Greg works in catering, so he was able to help prepare a lot of the food we got to taste!
I love when I’m able to connect and meet family and friends at weddings, and this group of people was the best! I chatted with the group at my table and enjoyed hearing the stories about the couple throughout the years. The couple is clearly so loved by everyone they meet! I enjoyed getting to take them out during sunset and getting some more photos, as well as their gorgeous sparkler exit!
Being a Grand Rapids wedding photographer I’m always on the lookout for amazing venues in the surrounding areas. Apple Blossom was the perfect place for this couple and I’m so glad we were able to get so many amazing photos! Congrats you two!
Thank you to Apple Blossom Chapel, Pistachio’s catering, Redefine Med Spa, and Dixie May Donn for their help in making this day special! Congrats again to Meredith and Greg on their gorgeous Michigan Summer wedding!
If you are looking for a Grand Rapids wedding photographer and would like more info please use the contact form on my website or email livlyszykphoto@gmail.com to see more check out these blog posts below!
Nicole and Andrew | Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens | Sunset Elopement Photographer
Winnie and Eric | Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI | Michigan Engagement Photographer
Emily and Maija | Grand Rapids, MI | LGBT and Same Sex Photographer
-
This is so beautiful and inspiring!
Oh my goodness this is GORGEOUS!!!! I really love all the intimate moments during their first look in Downtown Grand Rapids and the sweet moments with family at the reception! Well done Liv <3
ahhh thank you Rachel!!! It was so fun
Liv, this wedding is so gorgeous! I love the first look, seriously so sweet.
they are the cutestttttt