Carley + Tanner | An Emotion-Filled Downtown Wedding | The High Five | Grand Rapids, Michigan

August 14, 2025

Weddings

romantic catholic church wedding in downtown grand rapids michigan at the high five gr by josh and andrea photography

All at once, emotion rushed upon him. Up until this moment, Tanner had merely been enjoying the morning, spending time with his groomsmen as he prepared for the day ahead. Even as he strolled to the church through the bustling streets of Grand Rapids, he joked and laughed with his friends. But once everyone had moved inside and the quiet anticipation began, Tanner immediately felt the weight of this moment. Suddenly he heard the door open around the corner, and before he knew it, he felt a soft touch on his hand. He instantly recognized the feeling, and as he smiled, Carley mirrored his joy around the corner. The rest of the city rushed around them, but in this secluded corner of the church, Carley and Tanner’s story was about to begin its newest and most exciting chapter.

Long before their tender moment under the shadow of St Andrews, Carley and Tanner began their wedding day in the presence of their dearest friends and family with a morning filled with laughter and reminiscing. Although Carley and Tanner decided to forego seeing each other to accommodate an early mass, the thought of not having a chance to be with each other at all until then seemed too much. The secluded terrace next to St. Andrews seemed as though it had been built years ago for this very moment, as Carley and Tanner held hands and shed tears as they shared their deepest feelings with each other through their vows. A ceremony filled with spiritual significance was of utmost importance to Carley and Tanner, as they wanted to make sure that they were beginning their marriage on the beautiful foundation of God and His love. The whole of Grand Rapids was made aware of their celebration as the cathedral bells rang out upon the announcement and first-time reveal of the Gardners. An adorable trolley ferried the wedding party around Grand Rapids with a leisurely reprieve between the ceremony and the reception. The High Five’s multi-level design allowed for Carley + Tanner’s guests to enjoy a luxurious cocktail hour while the beautiful reception space above remained untouched til the moment of the grand reveal. A live painting in process greeted the incoming guests, a subtle reminder to the beautiful ceremony that had only occurred hours earlier. With everyone joined together in the banquet hall, both Carley and Tanner’s mothers picked up the microphone to share their hearts and their pride in the people their children had grown up to become. Likewise, both their maid of honor and best man recounted tales of not only their lives before coming together, but also reflected on the incredible people they had become because they now had each other in their lives. Before the sun dipped between the skyscrapers, Carley and Tanner softly stole outside for one last intimate moment alone before the sounds of the celebration exploded across the night sky.

Carley + Tanner, the emotion that filled your day kept us both on the edge of our seats and on the edge of tears. The kindness and care you have poured into your world was thoroughly and beautifully lavished back on you throughout the wedding day through the words and actions of those dearest to you. From your sweet vows to the kindness shown through the speeches, the impact you have made on others and each other cannot be overstated. Now that the Gardners are officially here to stay, we are so excited to see how you will bring that kindness and care to the world as husband and wife. As you walk through this life together, remember the moments we now share below as a day of beauty, but also a day that roots you in what matters most.

All our best!

J + A

romantic catholic church wedding in downtown grand rapids michigan at the high five gr by josh and andrea photography