Weddings Archives - Page 2 of 28 - js weddings and events

AJ and Molly

September 23, 2018/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica Swagman

July 30

“Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.” William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This wedding had everything a summer wedding should have. Warm weather, a custom made moon photo booth, hundreds of twinkling lights and foraged greenery hanging overhead, and the sweetest couple.

Working with Molly, a talented graphic designer, was a dream. She had a beautiful vision of a romantic wedding, drawing inspiration and style from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Having the wedding in a dreamy and enchanting wooded area was a give, so they chose Johnson Park as their perfect backdrop.

Summer weddings in Grand Rapids (rather – Michigan) are wonderful and beautiful. An outdoor summer wedding in Michigan can be downright glorious… but that’s if the weather cooperates and isn’t humid and hot or pouring rain. Basically, 5% of them have perfect weather. Molly and AJ’s wedding was one of the lucky ones, and we took advantage of it.

The ceremony was located on the rolling green lawn and after, guests were seen strolling around, sipping on cocktails and playing lawn games. The reception was held inside the pavilion, where we brought as much nature indoors as possible. We created a canopy of hanging greenery and hundreds of twinkle lights to mimic the stars at night. We covered the tables in whimsical garden greenery and shades of purple blooms. With the bar on the large wraparound deck, guests were encouraged to enjoy the beautiful summer night.

Laura + Zach

March 12, 2018/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica Swagman

October 14

I have known Laura’s family for many years (and even had the privilege of helping her older sister Elizabeth with her wedding), so you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to help plan Laura’s wedding. Laura is such a warm and gracious person, one of those people you just want to do anything and everything for. She was an absolute joy to work with because she appreciated every small detail that I showed her, was open to so many ideas, but also knew what she liked.

Zach and Laura were with married on a cool autumn day in October at her home church. Even with a wedding day weather forecast of rain and thunderstorms, you would never have known the skies were gray given both of their excited, happy and unfazed demeanors. After the ceremony the rain did stop for a few hours, giving the wedding party time to gallivant around Holmdene Manor and Downtown Grand Rapids before they had to arrive at the beautiful Ballroom at McKay Tower to greet guests. Instead of the traditional receiving line after the ceremony or going from table to table at the reception, Laura and Zach incorporated a different way to greet their guests. All four parents were there in the foyer to greet guests the moment they reached the ballroom. Once inside the ballroom, Laura and Zach spent a few minutes with each guest, greeting and hugging him/her, making sure each guest felt special and appreciated. It was the sweetest thing ever and so inline with the character of Zach and Laura.

A color palette of soft pinks and peaches were accented with dusty gray blues and ivory. We brought in gold and silver tones, which kept things interesting, but still remaining polished eclectic.

During the spring and summer months I normally have a full garden to cut from, but by October there is less to work with. Thankfully, I was still able to use dahlia, zinnias, sedum and tons of foraged greenery, giving her flowers a romantic and whimsical style.

We had a custom monogram designed that we incorporated in the hand letterpress invitations and the place cards.

With a grand ballroom backdrop, the family style meal created a warm and intimate atmosphere, starting the flow of comfortable conversation and giving guests a chance to talk and interact. The rocking dueling pianos made sure the dance floor was full all night.

Sarah + Matt

February 21, 2018/0 Comments/in Weddings /by Jessica Swagman

January 28

Winter weddings and the couples that get married during these months are quickly becoming my favorite. I think there is some something so special about a couple that gets married during, what many consider, the coldest and dreariest part of the year (at least for us folks in Michigan). While many couples choose to get married when the weather is warm and when nature is in its full colorful glory, what many don’t realize is that the winter holds its own glorious beauty. Fresh fallen snow covering the ground, the glistening of frost on the trees, and the chill that fills the air. It takes a special couple to realize that winter is a magical time to get married.

Enter Sarah and Matt. These two were amazing. They truly were so much fun to work with when it came to planning the details of their wedding. They knew what was important to them and what they wanted. When it came to the design, Sarah gave me her style: industrial rustic glam. With a color palette of navy blue, gold and white, we played up the glam factor but still kept things modern and classic. Sarah gave me free range with the flowers, so I got to play with some wonderful flowers that I don’t normally get to design with. I’m still dying over those feathery fringed tulips and dramatic anemone.

Add in some glam with sequins, some custom suits designed by the Bride, and a killer band, you have a fabulous winter wedding.

Amy and Logan

June 7, 2017/0 Comments/in Flowers, Weddings /by Jessica Swagman

August 24, 2016

There’s something about vaulted cathedral ceilings and romantic city ballrooms. From a Cathedral’s tolling bells high in their towers, to the resounding pipe organs echoing through the sanctuary, to a ballroom’s grand marble staircase, to the ornate panels and moldings with magnificent columns… I was made for these kind of architectural details.

It’s not every day that a friend hires you to help plan her wedding and design her flowers, but when Amy asked me for my help, I as beyond honored and immediately on board! I feel like I have been friends with Amy for decades, but in truth, we’ve only been friends for a little over 6 years. She’s just one of those people that is full of warmth, kindness, and nonstop laughter and makes you feel welcomed the moment you meet her.

For those of you that don’t know this, Amy is an incredibly talented graphic designer. She works for a small firm in Chicago but she also does freelance work. She has impeccable style and taste, so you can imagine my excitement to see what she would design for her invitations and paper goods.

With in a chic and modern color palette, and lush and romantic blooms, and details only a designer would plan, you have a gorgeous downtown Grand Rapids city wedding.

JS Weddings and Events, Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Elegant classic ballroom wedding City Flats Grand Rapids