Grand Rapids Wedding // Brianna & Drew
A Joy-Filled March Wedding at New Vintage Place
March in Michigan has a way of keeping everyone guessing. One minute the sun is shining, and the next, you’re wondering if rain is about to roll in. For Brianna and Drew, their wedding day at New Vintage Place brought a little bit of everything—but ultimately, the sunshine pulled through at just the right time. And honestly, the weather felt like a perfect reflection of the day: a little unpredictable, completely beautiful, and full of joy.
Brianna and Drew chose a timeless black-and-white color palette that felt effortlessly elegant. The bridesmaids wore classic black dresses, while the groomsmen looked sharp in black suits. Brianna’s bridal look brought a romantic touch to the timeless palette. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, paired with a beautiful floral corset top and long, flowing skirt, and completed her look with a gorgeous cathedral length veil, its delicate, flowing silhouette adding an effortlessly timeless touch as it trailed behind her. The combination was feminine, fashion-forward, and completely her.
Before the ceremony, Brianna shared a sweet first look with her bridesmaids. Their reactions and excitement made for such a fun and emotional moment as they got to see their bride all dressed up for the first time.
Then came the moment they had both been waiting for: Brianna and Drew’s first look.
There was something incredibly special about seeing the two of them together, away from the busyness of the day. After their first look, Brianna and Drew took a few quiet moments to themselves to exchange private vows. Away from the excitement and anticipation of the day, they were able to slow down, be fully present with one another, and share words meant just for the two of them. It was an intimate and meaningful pause in the middle of such a joyful day.
Brianna and Drew were surrounded by the kind of bridal party that makes a wedding day even more memorable. Their friends brought so much energy, laughter, and personality to every part of the day. Everyone was completely in it—celebrating, joking around, and making the most of every moment together. You could tell just how loved Brianna and Drew are by the people surrounding them, and their bridal party’s fun, carefree energy made photographing the day an absolute joy.
And one of the sweetest parts for me? I get to see this crew again! I’m so excited to be photographing the maid of honor’s wedding this October (Hi Erica!!). Getting to celebrate alongside these amazing people at Brianna and Drew’s wedding and then reconnect with them for another wedding later this year feels so special.
Outside, the March weather kept everyone on their toes. It was sunny and beautiful, but the wind had other plans, and there was always the possibility of rain lingering in the forecast. Thankfully, the sun won. The couple was able to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the beautiful light, with the changing Michigan weather adding its own little bit of character to their gallery.
When it was finally time for Brianna and Drew to say “I do,” the energy of the day shifted into something a little more heartfelt. After having already shared their private vows, they got to celebrate their commitment surrounded by all of the people they love most. Their ceremony was filled with the kind of joy and emotion that makes a wedding day so special. With their closest friends and family gathered around them, there was no shortage of smiles, happy tears, and excitement as they walked back down the aisle together.
One of the biggest perks of doing a first look is getting to actually enjoy your cocktail hour! Because Brianna and Drew chose to see each other before the ceremony, we were able to knock out their couple portraits, bridal party photos AND family formals earlier in the day. That meant once the ceremony was over, they didn't have to disappear for an hour while everyone else celebrated.
Instead, they could head straight into cocktail hour, grab a drink, enjoy some appetizers, and actually spend time with the people who came to celebrate them. Your wedding day goes by so quickly, and having more time to be present with your guests is one of the biggest reasons I love a first look!
I absolutely love when couples find little ways to include their dogs in their wedding day, and Brianna and Drew did just that for Hank! From the sweetest details to their adorable custom stir sticks featuring their pup, Hank was still a part of the celebration even when he couldn't be there for every moment. It’s those personal touches that make a wedding feel so uniquely you—and I’m always here for it! Just look at that cute face!!
What stood out most about Brianna and Drew's wedding day wasn't just how beautiful everything looked—it was how genuinely happy they were to be there. They were incredibly easygoing from start to finish. Nothing seemed to rattle them, and their joy was contagious to everyone around them. They were completely present with each other and their people, soaking in every part of the day rather than worrying about the little things. The timeline stayed on track, the important moments happened exactly as they should, and there was plenty of room for laughter, happy tears, and celebrating.
The reception kicked off with a grand entrance that went straight into Brianna and Drew’s first dance—a perfect way to officially get the celebration started! From there, their loved ones shared heartfelt speeches before everyone settled in for dinner and some time to soak it all in.
One of my favorite moments of the day was when we snuck away from the reception for a few minutes to chase the last bit of golden hour. Just as the sun was setting, we ran outside for some quick portraits, soaking up those final warm rays and taking a little breather from the excitement inside. The light was absolutely worth it. We laughed, ran around, and made the most of those few fleeting minutes before the sun disappeared!
Instead of having their cake cutting in front of all their guests, Brianna and Drew chose to make it a private moment just for the two of them. They snuck away for a little cake-cutting moment, giving them another chance to slow down and enjoy something together in the middle of the celebration.
I love when couples make room for these little intentional moments throughout their wedding day. It doesn’t always have to be a big production—sometimes the sweetest memories are the ones you get to share quietly, just the two of you.
Next came the sweet parent dances, with Brianna sharing a special moment with her dad and Drew dancing with his mom. And then it was time to open up the dance floor! The rest of the night was filled with plenty of laughter, dancing, and a whole lot of celebrating. With such a fun group of people surrounding them, the dance floor stayed lively and made for the perfect ending to an already incredible day.
And just when we thought Brianna’s bridal look couldn’t get any better, she surprised everyone with a dress change! After rocking her gorgeous floral corset and flowing skirt for the first part of the day, she switched into a second look that was perfect for letting loose and hitting the dance floor. It was such a fun surprise and the perfect way to transition into the party portion of the night. Because if there’s ever a time to have a second wedding dress, it’s your wedding day!
Looking back on Brianna and Drew’s wedding day, it’s hard to pick just one favorite moment. From their quiet first look and private vows to the laughter with their bridal party, golden hour adventure, packed dance floor, and sweet little moments like their private cake cutting, the entire day felt so incredibly them. They were so easygoing, so present, and so genuinely happy to be surrounded by the people they love. Even with the unpredictable March weather, everything came together beautifully—and the sunshine made its appearance when we needed it most.
Brianna and Drew’s joy was contagious, their people were so much fun, and the entire wedding day was an absolute joy to photograph. I’m so excited to watch their story continue—and even more excited that I get to see them again this October!! See you soon!
VENDORS
Photography // Paige Metcalf Creative @paigemetcalfcreative
Venue // New Vintage Place @newvintageplace
Planning // Divine Beauty and Events @divinebeautyandevents
The Dress // True Society @truesociety
Bridesmaids // Azazie @azazieofficial
Suit // Joseph A. Banks @josabank
Rings // Jensen Jewelers @jensenjewelersmi
Hair // Style Up Hair Studio @styleuphairstudio
MUA // Divine Beauty and Events @divinebeautyandevents
Catering // Distinctive Catering @distinctive_catering
