Roll for Love.
The Gardner Wedding at New Vintage Place
Love stories are as diverse as the people who live them, but every now and then, you stumble upon a tale that feels straight out of a blockbuster romance. Such is the case with Emily and Richard, two theater aficionados whose love story unfolded like a film script, complete with vintage charm, literary flair, and nods to pop culture.
On the afternoon of September 15, 2023, friends and family gathered at New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to witness the union of Em and RJ in a wedding that was both subdued and personal yet also somehow brilliantly spectacular. From the moment guests stepped into the venue they were transported to a world where romance intertwined seamlessly with theatricality.
Em and RJ share a passion for all things dramatic. Their love for the stage was evident in every aspect of their wedding, from the décor to the entertainment. The venue, with its industrial yet elegant ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. As guests entered they were greeted by an array of decorations lovingly crafted by the couple and their closest friends. Glass bottles painted and repurposed into candle holders adorned each table, alongside rustic branches, bits of moss, and book pages, creating a whimsical ambiance. Eucalyptus leaves and geometric golden spheres added a touch of elegance to the tables, while the wedding colors of gold, burgundy, navy blue, and other jewel tones tied everything together seamlessly.
The ceremony itself was a masterpiece of creativity and sentimentality. The bride, Em, made a stunning entrance wearing a flowy white dress, a sheer sparkly cape, and a gold solar-inspired crown instead of a traditional veil, embodying the ethereal beauty of a goddess. RJ and his groomsmen were equally dashing in frilled shirts, gold vests, and suit coats with tails, evoking a sense of old-world charm and sophistication. The couple rolled D20 to determine who would say their vows first, adding an element of whimsy and unpredictability to the proceedings. With cherished friends officiating and against the backdrop of heartfelt promises and declarations of love, guests were moved to tears by the sheer depth of emotion on display.
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception filled with performances that showcased the sheer amount of love filling the space. From the choreographed first dance to delicious food and heartfelt speeches, every moment was a celebration of love, friendship, and the power of art to bring people together. Em and RJ took to the floor for their first dance as a married couple, their love shining brighter than ever against the backdrop of twinkling lights and laughter, and their wonderful choreography was a moment of pure magic.
To immortalize the magic of the day, the couple enlisted our services as a main photographer, second photographer, and videographer. We worked seamlessly to capture the essence of their wedding, from the intimate moments to the energetic dance floor festivities. The resulting photographs and videos will likely become cherished memories that the couple will treasure for a lifetime.
In the end, the Gardner wedding was more than just a celebration of love—it was a testament to the power of creativity, imagination, and the human spirit. Em and RJ, with their larger-than-life personalities and their boundless love for each other, showed us all that love knows no bounds and that when two people are meant to be together, nothing can stand in their way. As guests bid farewell to the newlyweds and made their way home, they carried with them memories of a day filled with laughter, tears, and above all, love. The Gardner wedding may have come to an end, but the love story of Em and RJ is just beginning, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this extraordinary couple.
Em and RJ, we wish you the most extraordinary future.
<3
Amanda, Chris, and Kora
Capturing Compersion Photography
PS.
Be sure to check out Em's theatrical talent over on her Instagram page!
Link here: https://www.instagram.com/geektoriasecret
And give a listen to RJ's band!
Link here: http://www.spkofficial.com/
