Ballroom at McKay Tower Wedding
I’ve been a photographer in Grand Rapids for over twelve years now, and this was my first wedding at the Ballroom at McKay Tower. The new Choices were A DREAM to work with during their engagement session, and I was excited to get to work with them for their wedding. Nicole had a classic wedding vision paired with an editorial touch to go with my true-to-color editing. We absolutely made it happen.
Couples formals:
Nicole and Jacob communicated how important their bride and groom formal portraits were to them, so I made sure to insert nuggets of time throughout the day to get creative. I was able to capture some getting ready photos when I arrived, but headed out for couples photos shortly after. The top of this parking garage was a spot I recommended, knowing we would get some direct sunlight. I picked it since the concrete was able to reflect a lot of light back into the shadows, acting like a reflector. Once we were finished here, we headed back in for Nicole’s highly requested edgy elevator photos. I utilized my external flash for those photos.
Tying the knot inside the Ballroom at McKay Tower:
The venue offered a gorgeous ceremony space, where you could feel the whole room filled with love for the couple. Jacob’s late father was honored with a front row reserved seat. You can see the thrill in both of them as they strutted down the aisle for the first time as newlyweds.
the wedding party PARTY
I left the Grand Rapids venue with the wedding party shortly after the ceremony. There was a party bus rented for transportation around the city, and to celebrate with their people. Not sponsored by Coors.
We stopped at Riverside Park for some group photos, as well as portraits of the bride and groom. I LOVED the greens in the backdrops. During the couples formals near some willow trees, a dragonfly landed on Nicole’s veil signifying the presence of Jacob’s late father. It was truly a magical, touching moment.
We also stopped at the iconic Civic Auditorium for more formals of the couple. Captured below are some posed photos along with candids of the pair showing off their silly goofy personalities.
the reception inside the Ballroom at McKay Tower
Nicole and Jacob did the traditional dances: the father-daughter, mother-son, and bride-groom. They also had some surprise dances featuring their adorable son, as well as a daughter-mom dance. Once the dance floor was open, people DANCED.
the trending reception dress change
Nicole was STUNNING in her Justin Alexander gown, but she did not disappoint in her choice of reception dress. As soon as she was ready, Nicole hit the dance floor! We headed up to the roof of the Ballroom at McKay Tower once the light was nice and golden for some more portraits of the two of them. The light was a dream come true, and the best way to wrap up this Grand Rapids wedding day.
