Chris’ parents met each other in a dance class 40+ years ago, so it was only fitting that Chris, too, should meet his future wife while taking swing dancing classes in NYC.  While working with Aletha of Pearls Events, Joey and Chris, along with Joey’s mother, Sheri, planned a beautiful celebration here in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel that perfectly reflected their personalities.  For me, it was a joy walking into the wedding day as I had already had the great opportunity to get to know Joey and Chris’ friends and family beforehand when they contracted me to document the bridal shower as well as the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Typically, I can figure out who the VIPs are rather quickly, but for those same people to have a comfort level around me at the beginning of the wedding brings a fantastic advantage.  All in all, it was a wonderful day filled with happiness and lots and lots of dancing!

Special thanks goes to Ryan Prins for rocking the second camera!

Natalie with Stems Events did an absolutely stellar job on this bouquet

Julie Strating and Erin Brown of TreAvanti know how to make a woman feel and look beautiful EVERY time!

Meanwhile, the gentlemen were busy honing their dapper charm

A quick portrait before going downstairs to see Chris for the first time…

The Father of the Bride gets his first look too… Love this moment.  Gets me every time.

Sweet part of the ceremony where they took a moment to honor those family members who had passed away.