Shelly & Dale

Shelly and Dale’s wedding was one of natural ease, moments lived in, laughter had and surrounded in love. It truly represented these two, their personalities and wishes for their wedding day. After planning with Dale and Shelly for over two years, it was so special to see them enjoy their wedding day and we loved every minute of it. 

After getting ready with their wedding party at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Shelly and Dale shared their first look there before heading out for some iconic photos in downtown Grand Rapids. They arrived in style to their wedding venue, the John Ball Zoo’s Bissell Tree House, on a trolley before heading up to the Tree House on the zoo’s funicular. It was a cool fall day and the fall colors were bursting in the trees around their venue. The couple mingled with guests ahead of the ceremony as they all arrived on the zoo’s funicular which opens up directly to the Tree House patio. We could see that some inclement weather was ahead, so we ushered all of the guests safely under the ceremony overhang. Shelly and her father walked down the aisle just as the rain started to fall and it was iconic. There were even a couple of lightning cracks in the distance during the ceremony as the dark fall mood set in, it was a beautiful and memorable backdrop. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour with delicious offerings from Martha’s Catering, like apple, brie and arugula skewers, mac and cheese bites, and egg rolls. While guests mingled under the patio overhang, enjoying cocktails they also took in the unique sign that Shelly and Dale created. These two created a timeline of their love story with fun facts and photos, such an amazing detail! As guests took their seats in the reception space, tables with navy linens, glowing candles and fall-colored floral arrangements awaited them. Shelly and Dale were introduced into the reception with rousing cheers as everyone settled into some special toasts and an amazing plated meal. The evening set into a natural cadence as guests had some sweets treats at the dessert station and the dance floor opened up to some of the couple’s favorite songs. This day was such a joy to be a part of and I’m so thankful to count these two as friends, it was so special to witness their day.

Congratulations to Shelly and Dale!

Wedding Vendors:

Pineapple Punch Events: Partial Planning/Amber

Photo: Lauren Wood Photography

Video: Snow Creek Photo and Video

Venue: Bissell Tree House at the John Ball Zoo

Florist: Events by Ludema’s

Entertainment: Moment in Time DJs

Catering: Martha’s Catering

Linens: Special Occasions MI

Hair and Makeup: Blush Beauty

Transportation: Affordable Limousine GR