Historic Estate Wedding at Venue 3Two | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Crystal + Jack

“Your friend is your needs answered.” – Kahlil Gibran

A day spent with Crystal and Jack is like a day with people you have known your entire lives. Even though we met Crystal and Jack just last year, our short time spent with them on their downtown Detroit engagement shoot and historic estate wedding day have led to the four of us already planning coffee dates once the weather turns frosty. We know that this kind of connection is not for every couple, but when it does happen; our hearts tend to sing. This day was filled with emotional moments grounded in the love for the ones no longer with them. Crystal and Jack did not waste a single moment of the day, and as you join them on a journey through their day, we hope you can agree with the sentiment they shared towards the end of the day: “This has been the best day of our lives.”

The Morning at Venue3Two

The sound of Crystal’s shoes echoed through the hallways at Venue 3Two as she toured around the venue. She and Jack had already spent the morning together, so they did not have to play the miniature version of “hide and seek” so many couples do on the wedding day. A sense of calm and confidence radiated from both bride and groom as they began their final preparations in their respective suites at Venue 3Two. While Jack ended his last few peaceful moments etching his vows onto paper, Crystal made her way to the front of the estate.

The Moments Between

In a moment, everything changed. Jack slowly walked forward with outstretched arms, an invitation for both he and Crystal to solemnly step into a sacred moment. There they stood, under the shadow of the estate, holding each other tight; hoping that the moment would never end. There was sweet mixture of emotion in the air, as both joy and sadness were woven together as Crystal presented Jack with a watch that held years of memories for Crystal’s family. After a few portraits around the grounds of Venue 3Two, Crystal and Jack were joined by their friends and were soon ushered inside to await the ceremony. The thinnest veil of clouds draped across the sky, welcoming guests to a lovely October afternoon and a historic estate wedding they would not soon forget.

The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour on the Lawn

With tissues in hand, the crowd turned in unison to witness Crystal walk down the grassy aisle into the outstretched hand of her fiancé. In another few moments, she could not call him that anymore, and she took in every moment as if it were a lifetime. After being announced to the world, the newest Mr. And Mrs. Boezwinkle stole out to the front of the estate where their modern day “chariot” awaited. While they completed their final run of portraits as husband and wife, their guests were released to explore the halls and grounds of Venue 3Two. The dinner call was eventually sounded and everyone filed into the Conservatory in anticipation for good food and even better times.

The Reception Celebration at Venue3Two

Jack welcomed all with a heart-felt speech that set the mood for the rest of the evening. After a delicious meal, the crowd turned their attention to the middle of the room, where Crystal shared her first dance with the most important men in her life in honor of her father. Jack and his mother then treated the group to a choreographed dance while Crystal ran off to prepare for the surprise of the evening. When Jack escorted her back onto the dance floor, she had changed her dress in preparation for the jaw-dropping first dance they had prepared to welcome everyone onto the dance floor. While the music grew louder and the crowds energy rose to dizzying heights, Crystal and Jack stole away to a quiet corner of the venue for one last moment together, surrounded by pizza boxes and a late night snack any couple would be jealous of. Their historic estate wedding was coming to an end, but their life together was just beginning.

The Congratulations

Crystal and Jack, we could not hide our smiles on the way home as we thought back to the comment you two made near the end of the evening. “This has literally been the best day of our lives.” And as we look through your pictures one last time, we couldn’t agree more. This day felt like such a celebration of your lives, your stories, and all that you two are for each other. Here’s to many more years of late night pizza dates, and to a coffee shop date for the four of us in the near future.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Venue3Two
• Planner: Oliveandoakdetails
• Videographer: SJK Video Productions
• Wedding Dress: Chrysalis
• Florals: Ludamas
• Hair Artist: Kendra Klunder
• Makeup Artist: Erick Gerson
• The Shoes: Christian Louboutin
• Cake Artist: Nantucket
• Live Band/DJ: Bee Entertainment
• Catering: Catered Creations
• Men’s Suits: Fitzgerald’s | Men’s Warehouse
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie

If you loved Venue 3Two’s estate-like aesthetic, you can find another estate-styled wedding celebration here.