When I met Emma and Josiah for their consult I immediately saw their giving and gracious hearts. Emma is a social worker and Josiah is studying to be a pastor. Both of their life’s callings match their personalities so perfectly. When I asked about their love story Emma said “Met online. Dated for 2 and a half years. Opposites attract. Lots of love” short, sweet, and to the point! Their classic wedding took place at Boston Square Church in Grand Rapids, MI. It’s a wonderfully simple and elegant sanctuary space with tall windows all along the sides. I was so excited to shoot their details in this space, and the lighting during their first look was to die for!

Their brave wedding party sucked it up and went out into the bitter cold for a few minutes of photos, I definitely was challenged on being efficient but I’m more than pleased with what we got! After just a little bump in the road and some emergency floral arranging we were ready for the ceremony itself. The service was lovely and perfect for Emma and Josiah. We did a sparkler exit from the church and headed over to the banquet hall where there was plenty of fellowship, good food, and lots of dancing!

I’m so honored to get to share these images with you all and even more excited to watch Emma and Josiah as they grow together in marriage. These two are such a perfect and I know they will enjoy many years of happiness together! Cheers!

The holidays can be a tough time for the LGBTQ community. So this styled shoot celebrates the warmth of love in the midst of darkness! Samantha and Brianna were the perfect models, their relationship is so sweet and Samantha’s sense of humor is perfection. When dreaming up this styled shoot I wanted to layer warm colors with both vintage and modern style influences. The dresses provided by BIANKA Bridal coordinated so perfectly without matching. I loved the layers of softness on Brianna’s gown with the more structured texture of Samantha’s. The tablescape had elements of nature brought in that set off the gold chargers and place settings from West Michigan Rental Company as well as soft hand lettering done by Zoey Devine! We can’t forget the amazing florals from Posh Petals that were even more gorgeous than I could have imagined! To round everything out the small but mighty gold lead semi-naked cake baked with love at The Cakabakery tasted just as luxurious as it looked.

This whole vision came to life so perfectly and I’m immensely proud of all of the vendors and people who helped it come to fruition. The idea that people experience such a hard time finding inclusive vendors in this day and age breaks my heart. We literally have a supreme court case that is deciding whether people can be turned away simply because they are LGBTQ and planning a wedding. If anyone in the area is looking for progressive vendors who embody diversity please hire the vendors used for this shoot! Everyone deserves a beautiful day filled with love ones, no matter who they are.

Videography: Ashley Kalin

These two had such a lovely celebration with their closest friends and family. Their commitment to family was so clear and I loved getting to be a part of their days. These ladies had a split wedding. Having an intimate ceremony one day and a larger reception a few weeks after. It was such a special way to extend the celebration and enjoy the time. They were able to have the feel of an elopement but hang out with everyone later! I’ve put together some of the highlights from their day and hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

This classic and elegant wedding blew me away. Jen and Bradon celebrated their love in Downtown Grand Rapids and I was so excited that they chose me to be their photographer! These two met online while in college and bonded over their love for video games and making each other laugh! They were both so excited about seeing each other for the first time while they walked down the aisle. These two instantly became some of my favorite clients!

When I arrived Jen and her ladies were relaxing in their gorgeous robes and finishing up hair and makeup. When I asked for some of the details and jewelry Jen told me she’d be wearing some of her Grandmother’s wedding jewelry. It was such a sweet testament to the power of family and tradition. Her pearls made Jen glow. The guys arrived and were instantly a fun bunch to hang out with. I tasked my intern Gabby with snapping some photos of them and she commented on how easy they made her job. I love when the wedding party is just as pumped for the wedding as the couple, and it was clear that was the case for Jen and Bradon.

One of the most fun moments was when the flowers from Events by Ludema’s arrived. The girls were so giddy to see all of the details coming together. Jen grabbed her bouquet and stood in front of the long mirror in her suite and commented on how real it finally felt. After getting buttoned up into her gorgeous gown from Bridal Elegance we all got out first look at her, Jen was so radiant, definitely a gorgeous bride.

The short and sweet ceremony led to a quick flip of the room as they signed their license and Jen realized how odd it was to sign her new name. We headed out with the wedding party and walked to the infamous Blue Bridge where there happened to be another wedding. We snapped some photos and as we were walking back I noticed an ivy covered parking garage. I asked if it would be crazy to have them go up because I had an idea. After a few minutes I see Bradon appear who tells me that the elevator was broken (sorry guys!) but if you ask me the photo is so worth it.

We then went to the reception where we enjoyed sweet toasts, delicious dinner, and fun dancing. It’s always fun to talk with guests and meeting Jen’s family at dinner was a special treat. Throughout the whole day we were both welcomed and included in everything as if we were family, not just photographers. Jen and Bradon made the day go so smoothly and we had a blast with them. I know that this is just the beginning of a wonderful married life for them and we are both so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their story.

Katie and Colin have to be two of the most laid back and in love people I’ve ever met. When I met with them to talk about their wedding they just gushed about how excited they were to tie the knot. This was a day full of elegant details and romantic elements. The couple wanted it to be a relaxed wedding and they definitely achieved that.

One of the most fun elements of the day was the venue itself. Wildwood Family Farms in Alto, Mi provided a gorgeous backdrop that guests kept commenting on. Their donkey Pepperjack was a highlight for many people and the couple made sure to get some photos with him throughout the day. Wildwood’s gorgeous flowers and peaceful fields looked even more amazing at sunset and I was lucky enough to snag the couple for some photos during golden hour. I love being able to sneak them away and have them enjoy a quiet moment as newlyweds.

Although the ceremony was one of the shortest I’ve been to, what they lacked in length they made up in heart. There was not a dry eye as the two tearfully exchanged vows. After the ceremony guests enjoyed cocktail hour complete with lawn games and custom corn hole boards! The reception was lively and the DJ got everyone dancing, it was truly one of the most energetic receptions!

Throughout the day it was clear how in love these two were, and how supported they are by both families. Their vendors all came together to create a seamless day and I know that this wedding will be one I remember for years to come.

The Amazing Vendors:

Venue: Wildwood Family Farms in Alto, Mi

Dress: Hayley Paige from Bianka Bridal, Grand Rapids, MI

Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal

Tuxedos: The Combatant Gentleman 

Florals: Stems Market Grandville, MI

DJ: Moments in Time Disc Jockeys

Bakery: Cakabakery Grand Rapids, MI

Catering: Nighthawk Catering Alto, MI

Katy and Omar are the kind of couple that radiates joy and love. When I first met them we instantly clicked and I could see their excitement for their big day. They envisioned an elegant and classic wedding day that brought together both of their cultures. It was important that both the families felt welcomed and part of the day. During the father toasts it was clear how much love and acceptance the couple had from their friends and families.

Even though it had been pouring most of the day the clouds parted just in time for their afternoon ceremony. We took a short break and walked over to the cutest little ice cream shop. Something they highly recommend for every couple on their wedding day. The reception was high energy thanks to the band and amazing dancing. Omar’s best friends who are lovingly known as the “sketchys” threw him up on their shoulders and paraded around the reception. It was the perfect ice breaker and got everyone on the dance floor!

I’ve never seen such a perfect couple, they truly embody diversity and love. I’m so grateful to be allowed to photograph these weddings where I end up learning so much not only about photography, but about the world.

Venue: Grand Ledge Opera House

Catering: Zaytoon Lansing

Event Planning: Barb Joseph

Linens/Decorations: Get Linens

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Custom Made

When I found out that Lizzie was coordinating a same sex styled shoot I jumped at the chance to help! Lizzie is an amazing stylist at Bianka Bridal in Grand Rapids and when she attended a conference recently the idea for this shoot was born. She was interested in exploring neutrals, gorgeous florals by Damsel Floral, all paired with geometric backdrops. I think we nailed it to be honest! This was my first styled shoot and to say I was intimidated was an understatement, but Lizzie and the team at Bianka made me feel so welcome. Our gorgeous models Kierstynn and Anna rocked the hell out of these dresses and were so willing to try out my crazy ideas. I’m so honored that I was included in this experience and can’t wait to team up again!

Photography: Liv Lyszyk Photography

Florals: Damsel Florals

Styling: Lizzie Russell

Makeup: Valentina Vella

Jewelry: Haute Bride

Dresses: Bianka Bridal, Lazaro Bridal & Alessandra Rinaudo

Zach and Kate brought their wild side from Portland during their May wedding. Both animal lovers, the pair decided to celebrate with their closest friends and family at the John Ball Zoo’s Bissell Treehouse. Wedding planner Kate Wert brought her A game and decorated the reception space with lots of vintage and gold accents. Guests were delighted to hang out with a small owl and chinchilla, courtesy of the zoo. Their simple ceremony at Fountain St. Church beforehand celebrated their love and friends shared some words on love and marriage. The best part was ringing the church bells as they exited, a loud, but beautiful tradition at the church.

Throughout the whole day Zach and Kate were so relaxed and genuinely excited. It was so refreshing to see such a laid back couple truly enjoy every moment of the day. One of the most special parts of their day was when the couple introduced each person at the reception. It was a unique way to learn about the guests and hear stories of how they knew the couple. I loved how intimate it was and made for a great way to connect people from around the country who were there.

The whole wedding went off without a hitch and everyone was so kind and friendly. It was clear how many people Zach and Kate had touched throughout their lives thus far, and each detail fit together in their vision perfectly.