Sun-bathed Wedding at Venue Bella Giornata | Byron Center, Michigan | Kelsie + Trey

“A smile is the same as sunshine; it banishes winter from the human countenance” — Victor Hugo

 

Even though we are only half way through 2026, as wedding photographers we have already had the honor of seeing some truly beautiful joy this past year. The joy that we have seen transcends circumstances and mere happiness and takes others along for the ride. As we look back over these moments from Kelsie and Trey’s wedding at Venue Bella Giornata however, the joy we feel in these photos is something truly special. Maybe it’s because Kelsie’s smile never wavered the entire day, or perhaps because of the kind words we heard Trey share with anyone he came in contact with. Regardless, there was something special about this joyful day, and we are excited to share it with you now.

The Morning at Bella Giornata

With the threat of rain long past, Kelsie and her cohort of bridesmaids arrived to find the pristine grounds of Venue Bella Giornata prepared to welcome her with open arms. Trey’s entourage arrived later into the morning, excited and full of energy to celebrate the man who had brought them all together for this celebration. In spite of the hustle and bustle of the morning, Kelsie was able to sneak outside for a few moments after getting dressed to collect her thoughts and share a beautiful moment with her father and brothers. This quiet moment with the special men in her life was only eclipsed by the tear-filled first look she and Trey would soon have together.

The First Look

The first moment Kelsie and Trey saw each other could best be summed up by what the groom shared later in the evening, “Kelsie, you stopped the entire world when I saw you for the first time today.” As they both fought back tears, Kelsie and Trey spent a few lone moments sharing about their days so far before departing for their portrait session. The sun seemed to catch and illuminate each and every piece of fabric as Kelsie literally glowed, strolling across the grounds of Venue Bella Giornata. Trey escorted her to and fro, always attentive to her needs, before they stopped under the shade and welcomed their friends over as well to take a few pictures before family and friends began to arrive.

The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour

Guests stepping out onto the back patio were welcomed with pure white blooms and fans for their comfort as the final moments before the ceremony came and went. The clouds parted to reveal a perfectly beautiful afternoon day, and as the final guests took their seats, Kelsie and Trey took one more deep breath before stepping out into the light. Escorted by her mother, Kelsie was a vision, and by the time she reached the altar, everyone knew that this moment between Kelsie and Trey was something truly special to witness. At the proclamation of a close friend, Kelsie and Trey Frank strolled back down the aisle to a chorus of cheers and congratulations. After spending a few quiet moments once again taking in the day, Kelsie and Trey rejoined the party before joining their bridal party for the grand entrance.

The Reception at Venue Bella Giornata

The crowd roared as the bridal party entered, napkins waving high in the air to celebrate the newlyweds. After a sweet bite of cake and sweet words from their closest friends, the crowd settled in for an evening of good food, joyous celebration, and moody tunes provided by the wandering saxophone player. As the capstone for the celebration, Kelsie and Trey entered the dance floor with some of the most important people in their lives, and before long, had welcomed out the rest of the room to join them on the dance floor as well. As if on cue, the fading sunlight signaled the perfect golden hour moments, and soon Kelsie and Trey were once again bathed in sunlight, but this time as husband and wife.

The Congratulations 

Kelsie and Trey, we rarely have the chance to meet a couple where every room you walk into shines brighter and every life you touch sings louder. After your engagement shoot in downtown Chicago, we had a mere snapshot of who you were, but now that we have spent the day with not only you, but your friends and family as well, we can clearly see the beauty that is the Franks. You both breathe life into everyone around you, and from the first moments we saw you, your joyful smiles never left your faces. Here’s to many more of years of joy, smiles, and sharing them with everyone in your world.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Venue Bella Giornata
• Videographer: Flower and Oak
• Florals: Poppy’s Flowers
• Hair Artist: Riley Taite Bridal Hair
• Makeup Artist: Katie Marble
• Cake Artist: The Cakabakery
• Live Band/DJ: Elegant Music Group
• Catering: Maddalena’s Catering
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Birdy Grey and Azazie

If you love a wedding day filled with sunshine, you can find another light-filled wedding celebration here.