Ashlin + Blake | Sleek, Industrial Wedding | New Vintage Place | Grand Rapids, MI

Both the wind and cold temperatures were a distant memory. Blake stood, with his back to the door, finally coming to the realization that he was about to see his best friend for the first time that day. His heart skipped a beat as he heard the door slowly open and the soft sound of footsteps approaching from a distance. Try as he may, he could not hold the tears back as he turned around, seeing Ashlin in her wedding dress for the first time. It was as if a new world had been created for just the two of them, and as they stepped into that moment of seeing each other for the first time, the old world and everyone else in it faded away. There was just Ashlin and Blake, and for them, that was more than enough.

Celebrating Ashlin and Blake seemed to come all too naturally to their friends and family as the wedding day finally arrived. While Ashlin and her bridesmaids enjoyed a relaxing morning, Blake spent the beginning of the day reminiscing the past with his groomsmen before making their way to New Vintage Place. The exquisite interior of this Grand Rapids “industrial-complex-turned-wedding-venue” cannot be overstated, as stairs and balconies connected spacious areas perfect for each of the day’s events, from their ceremony and cocktail hour, to the beautiful reception hall. As if by design, New Vintage Place even had a private alcove set aside for Ashlin and Blake to see each other for the first time, and for them to share their last portraits together as fiancés.

In lieu of a pastor or priest, Ashlin and Blake requested Blake’s old coach to officiate, who brought both life and personality to their ceremony. As a sign of support and love, their rings were passed through the crowd as they shared their vows as a visual representation of the well-wishes their guests had for them and their new life together. The new Mr. and Mrs. Posthumus began their first evening together amidst a slew of celebration and cheers as they mingled during cocktail hour, while still finding a few, sweet minutes to steal away and simply be alone with each other for the first time all day. Upon rejoining the reception, both Ashlin and Blake, along with their bridal party, entered the reception to thunderous applause and were swept away into an evening of dancing and laughter.

Ashlin and Blake, your story is such a beautiful example of the adage “Marry your best friend.” Throughout the day, we were blessed to catch glimpses of two people who are not just in love, but also simply love being around each other. While we know you both enjoyed the beginning of your wedding day as something sprang to life in your eyes the moment you saw each other for the first time. It was as if being together brought out the “true you,” and we couldn’t think of a better example of marriage than that. You both are just the best, and we can’t wait to see both your marriage and friendship continue to grow in the years to come!

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

 

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: New Vintage Place
• Videographer: Ozone Films
• Wedding Dress: Becker’s Bridal
• Makeup Artist: Molla Beauty
• Live Band/DJ: Falcon Film Studios
• Catering: Distinctive Catering
• Men’s Suits: Joseph A. Bank
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie