Shelly & Dale

October 12, 2024 – Bissell Tree House in Grand Rapids

Wedding Story

Shelly and Dale’s Bissell Tree House wedding was one of natural ease, moments lived in, laughter and surrounded in love. It truly represented these two, their personalities and wishes for their wedding day. It was so special to see these two enjoy their wedding day after enjoying so many great times planning their wedding together. 

Getting Ready & Ceremony:

The couple enjoyed spending time with their wedding party while getting ready 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. The wedding party arrived in style to the John Ball Zoo’s Bissell 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 which opens up directly to the Tree House patio. With inclement weather was ahead, so all of the guests were ushered safely under the ceremony overhang. Shelly and her father walked down the aisle just as the rain started to fall and it was iconic. A couple of lightning cracks in the distance during the ceremony as the dark fall mood set in. Even with the rain, it was a beautiful and memorable backdrop.

Reception & Beyond:

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour with delicious offerings from Martha’s Catering. Appetizers served included apple, brie and arugula skewers, mac and cheese bites, and egg rolls. Shelly and Dale created a timeline of their love story with fun facts and photos to share with their guests. Inside, tables with navy linens, glowing candles and fall-colored floral arrangements awaited guests. Shelly and Dale were introduced into the reception with rousing cheers to kick-off the reception. Then everyone settled into some special toasts and an amazing plated meal. The evening carried on in a natural cadence as guests delighted in their dessert station. Then 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