Courtney & Kelsey | Waldron Public House

What an absolutely delightful day! Courtney and Kelsey are both nurses and both hilarious and adorable humans. As soon as you meet them you know they are two people that fit each other completely and you feel like they’ve always been together. A prime example of this is their gowns, they had not seen each others beforehand, how wonderful do they fit together?? With no planning! I adored getting to know this couple and capture their wedding day.  We started the day together at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for their first look and portraits. We got to use so many gorgeous spots that this iconic Grand Rapids hotel. It was the perfect backdrop for a winter wedding…when the weather decided to not look so wintery. The group did brave the cold for some portraits outside too and then onto the Waldron Public House to prepare for the ceremony. But not before creating some magical images on the first floor of Waldron.

On to the wedding. The girls wrote their own vows and they were heartfelt and moving. I loved the skylight they position couples under for the ceremony at Waldron, made a beautiful natural spotlight on them. After the ceremony, we enjoyed the cocktail hour for a bit before going on a horse-drawn carriage ride around Grand Rapids capturing some just married kisses and snuggles. This whole day was so much fun but this was for sure a huge highlight. Such a treat to get away and enjoy the passerby’s congratulations and waves.

Back to the party and dancing the night away! Thank you so much, Courtney and Kelsey, for entrusting me to capture all these amazing moments for you. I’m so glad you both found your person and can now start your forever together officially. I hope you love these preview images, so many more to come!!

Gowns: Bridal Elegance and Renee Austin

Hair/Makeup: Regan DeKam

Florist: Stems

Venue and Caterer: The Waldron

Cake: DreamScape Desserts

DJ: DJ Nancy W

Planner/Coordinator: Shane Philipsen

Amanda Kamppinen:

West Michigan born and raised. I call Grand Rapids home but I make many excuses to be lakeside. I will always be trying to make you laugh. It's my way.

Fun Facts:

Favorite band:

The National

Favorite Food:

Mall Pretzels

Favorite Podcast:

The Neighborhood Listen

Favorite lake:

Superior

Arrae Photography is a West Michigan portrait, engagement, and wedding photographer with true-to-life color and posing.

Serving Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, Chicago, and beyond.