Jenny and Zak | Classic Wedding at Downtown Market | Grand Rapids, MI
Documenting a wedding day isn’t just about the tender moments like the first kiss. It can also include capturing the tiny details the bride and groom clearly put a great deal of thought and energy into. From start to finish, Jenny and Zak’s Downtown Market wedding in Grand Rapids Michigan is a Pinterest dream! When asked what they were looking forward to on their big day, Jenny asked “Can I say everything?” She continued “I can’t wait to see Zak during our first look, to take pictures, to share our first dance, to leave knowing I am forever his and he is forever mine! I’m just so excited”. Zak said it excited him to start a family, and he is looking forward to hearing the words “you may kiss the bride”. I have to share this love story first.
The Beginning
While the two attended the same highschool, they didn’t cross paths until Zak entered Jenny’s debate class as the assistant debate coach. For Jenny, it was love at first sight! It was a forbidden love as they could have fired him for dating one of his debtors. This did not stop their relationship from growing through stolen glances, winks and after debate hang outs in the Lake Harbor Park parking lot. Eventually, Zak had to make a choice between his job or Jenny – he chose Jenny. Zak helped Jenny move to her dorm at Wayne State University and they would take turns visiting each other on the weekends.
After two years, Zak knew he wanted to marry Jenny and planned for the proposal. While he was working on Christmas Eve, Jenny was with his family eating and playing games. He called Jenny faking a flat tire and asked her to come pick him up. She rushed over to him at Lake Harbor Park to find that the tire was not flat at all. He told her to get out of here and take a closer look. As Jenny stepped out, Zak got down on one knee and expressed how and why he loved her and why he chose the park as the location. After she said yes, they headed back to his parents’ house to celebrate the good news.
When Zak finished college, he attended Wayne State Law School to be close to Jenny. They moved in together in 2017 and have been happy ever since! Hearing their story reminded me somewhat of a Romeo and Juliet romance – with a happy ending of course!
The Ceremony
As Jenny and Zak prepared for their wedding ceremony, I was looking forward to the first look! Her hair and makeup completed, Jenny slipped into her off-the-shoulder dress and gently placed her veil on her head. The fine detail of the lace of the dress and pearl necklace gave Jenny such a regal and classic vibe. Her first look was with her father, which was an emotional exchange. In his excitement, Zak accidentally stepped on the edge of the veil during the first look with her. No bride, veil, or groom was injured during the first look. They exchanged gifts with each other – cuffs for Zak and a bracelet for Jenny.
One of my favorite details of their day was the black Pontiac Straight 8 car they chose as transport to their Downtown Market wedding. It was perfectly suited for the close and tender moments between Zak and Jenny. Of course, I captured the photos from outside the car, despite the bit of rain (I hear it’s good luck on a wedding day). I snapped portraits of the groom and bride-to-be before the ceremony officially started. Upon entering for the ceremony, a sign encouraged guests to take a champagne glass for the toast at the end. After the heartfelt vows and exchange of rings, everyone toasted to Mr. and Mrs. and then the long-awaited first kiss!
The Reception
Moving to the reception area within the Downtown Market, the couple chose a unique way for guests to leave their sentiments – a voice message. A green phone was on a table with instructions for guests to pick up the phone and record a message that they could listen to for years to come. They also incorporated their cats Socrates and Aristotle into the reception as their signature drinks. The reception area was a sight to behold! White and blush flowers with a green wall and their name in lights (literally). Jenny changed into a sleeveless white jumpsuit for the first dance and the rest of the evening. It was truly an event to remember and full of love. This Downtown Market wedding will be inspirational to others,
Bravo, you two, and congratulations on officially tying the knot! Enjoy your honeymoon together and the many years that follow!
Vendors that helped make this day possible:
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The Best Day Details – Haley Humphrey
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Suit – Pronto Uomo
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Dress – The Perfect Dress
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Forever Grace Weddings – Chris Anton
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Otto & Grand – Heather Dull and Kelsey Ignasiak (makeup) | Otto & Grand – Alejandro Brougham, Cat Crocetto Visokay, and Carson Babb
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MikeStaff Productions
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Slows BBQ
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Nantucket Baking Company
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MikeStaff Productions
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The Best Day Details
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MagnetStreet
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Brides’ shoes | Bella Belle Shoes
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Rentals | ICandy
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