Lori and Mark’s Downtown Grand Rapids wedding was my first official wedding of 2020! Their special winter celebration was the perfect way to begin the new year! Grand Rapids was the perfect place for these two to become husband and wife. Mark’s family is from the Grand Rapids area and I thought it was so special they had their wedding in his hometown! Lori is originally from New Zealand and met Mark while at Michigan State. They found each other through their mutual love of rowing! They were both on the MSU crew team! Lori’s family traveled all the way from New Zealand for the wedding which made their day that much more special. Her family came to Michigan from the other side of the world to celebrate! It was such a wonderful blend of people that love these two so very much.

We started the day at the hotel where Lori and Mark both got ready. Mark gave Lori the most beautiful book of letters he had written to her. It was essentially a journal with an entry every single day. We were all a little teary eyed in the hotel room! Mark is so thoughtful! We kicked off the day with Lori and Mark’s incredibly sweet first look. They chose the iconic blue bridge in Grand Rapids to see each other for the first time. The happy tears in Lori’s eyes and the look on Mark’s face when he saw her for the first time had me a little teary!

From there we headed to the market for their Downtown Grand Rapids wedding. We got to take so many photos before and after the ceremony in the beautiful top floor greenhouse and I am just in love with that space! Hands down one of my new favorite ceremony venues!! It was just gorgeous and the perfect backdrop of greenery and twinkle lights. Their ceremony was so special to witness with all of their family and friends surrounding them.

Lori and Mark’s wedding party was awesome. They were all such great sports about the cold weather and the couple of photos we braved outside before heading to the reception. January in Michigan is no joke! It was a very cold day, but this crew made it look so good!

These two were so joyful throughout their entire reception and it was so fun to capture. From speeches, to cake, to their first dance, they were smiling and laughing the entire time. I truly love all of these photos so much!!

Congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. Sherman!! Thank you so much for bringing me to Grand Rapids to capture your special day! Your Downtown Grand Rapids wedding was nothing short of amazing! I hope you love your photos! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together!

Photographer: Breanne Rochelle Photography

Second Photographer: Jason S.

Florals: GVL Floral

Ceremony: Downtown Market Grand Rapids Greenhouse

Reception: The B.O.B.

Wedding Dress: Lillian West, The Wedding Shoppe

Cake: Connie’s Cakes

Hair: KJ & Hairspray

Makeup: Katie Marble

Entertainment: Dance Tracks DJ

Invitations: Paper Culture

Favors: Made with love by Maid of Honor