Sarah + Jeff | A Dynamic Wedding of Light and Shadow | New Vintage Place | Grand Rapids, MI

October 2, 2025

Weddings

The walk down the aisle seemed like an instant and an eternity, all at the same time. Even though she had waited for this moment for years, all of the imagination and expectation could not hold a candle to this feeling as Jeff came into Sarah’s view for the first time. At the other end of the aisle, all of the emotion that had built up in Jeff’s heart throughout the day came to a crescendo as Sarah and her father ascended the stairs into the ceremony. There they stood, in front of friends and family alike, but they dared not look anywhere but each other’s eyes. The ceremony had finally begun; it was time to become husband and wife.

The sounds of the Art Prize Celebration floated up from the streets to the upper levels of the Grand Rapids skyline on the morning of Sarah and Jeff’s wedding. The Amway Grand Plaza, one of Grand Rapid’s finest hotels, provided exquisite rooms and elegant aesthetics for both Sarah and Jeff to prepare for the day, surrounded by those that they held dearest. Instead of waiting til later into the day, Sarah and Jeff had always wanted to get married as quickly into the day as possible, so after a quick ride over to New Vintage Place, the bridal party hid away as guests began to arrive for the ceremony. All eyes were on Sarah as her father escorted her down the aisle, right in the arms of the man who had kept mentioning her name all morning long in eager anticipation. Before they could even believe it, their friend and officiant Griffin was announcing them as Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Perry as they recessed down the aisle to the thunderous applause of the crowd. Sarah had always felt drawn to the dramatic ambiance of New Vintage Place, and a mini “studio session” in the middle of the wedding day provided some truly iconic portraits of both Sarah and her new husband. However, the architecture and charm of the city called to them as well, culminating with a second portrait session along the streets of Grand Rapids rounding out their time in front of the camera. Upon their return to NVP, Sarah and Jeff were greeted by their vision come to life in the reception space, all thanks to the vendor team led by In the Details Weddings. Warm purples mixed with dusty mauve in the florals, bringing a “soft autumn” aesthetic to the space before them. As dinner was served, both Sarah’s sister and Jeff’s best friend addressed the crowd, recounting tales and memories spent with Sarah and Jeff and reminding all in the room just how special the bride and groom were to everyone in attendance. As the music began and the dance floor started filling up, Sarah quietly slipped away, only to return in an iconic entrance with an outfit change that signaled to all that the party was just getting started.

Sarah and Jeff, the kindness you both showed us all throughout your wedding day is a kindness that the world desperately needs more of. Even as we watched and listened to your friends throughout the day, we continually heard stories of how you have always been there for everyone around you, even to the point of you being truly “loyal to a fault.” That loyalty combined with the kindness you both share so freely is a beautiful combination, and the fact that you will now get to share it with the world together makes us so incredibly excited for the life you two are going to create.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.