The Rutledge Wedding | Riann & Dalin

Wedding

September 20, 2022

The Rutledge Wedding | Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan

What’s better than an 80-degree, sunny wedding day in downtown Grand Rapids at The Rutledge? A couple who is actually each other’s best friend, who constantly look to one another for comfort, and who are so happy and ready to celebrate this new chapter in life with some of the best people around! Welcome to The Rutledge Wedding day of Riann and Dalin!

Some wedding photographers may not enjoy the whole city vibe because it means you have a lot more elements to deal with – such as bright orange cones or a sea of pedestrians thanks to Art Prize – but I say bring it on! This is EXACTLY what I did for Riann and Dalin’s wedding day where we used being smack dab in the middle of downtown Grand Rapids to our advantage!

We started off the day in my favorite way, with their smaller wedding details like their wedding rings and their invitation suite from Magnet Street. During that time, I really start to feel the energy of the space, my couple, their wedding party, and any family members who were also there. The ladies were all buzzing with getting their hair and makeup done in the bridal suite at The Rutledge. While the guys got ready across the street at Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown. Truly, I could feel it in my bones that Riann was ready to see Dalin and it felt like he was equally as ready to just walk across the street and see his bride!

Before I knew it, it was time for these two to get dressed and everything seemed to fly by as Riann got into her beautiful Becker’s Bridal gown with the help of her mother and sister while her bridesmaids waited outside the bridal suite to see her. Their expressions when they turned around to see Riann really shows how excited they were for her. It. Was. Everything.

It was the exact hype she needed before she and Dalin would share one of the sweetest First Touches I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph as each couldn’t hold back tears reading their personal vows to one another where they spoke about how far they’ve come in their relationship, how excited they are for the future, and how ready they are for right now.

After, it was time for a brief pause in the action while guests gathered in front of The Rutledge’s signature windows for the ceremony. And then, with all guests seated, it was time for Riann to walk down the aisle with her parents. The three stopped halfway down the aisle and Dalin replaced Riann’s parents, symbolizing the two walking into this life together and I LOVED IT. I hope so many more couples do this same thing! Their ceremony was short and sweet with Dalin’s Stepdad guiding the way and all in a flash, it was over as we gathered the wedding party to head even more into the heart of downtown Grand Rapids for portraits!

We used a few of my favorite places for locations, each of which allowed us to avoid Art Prize goers so they could enjoy the art and we could photograph this awesome and fun wedding party! Seriously, I had so much fun capturing this group! It’s clear why Riann and Dalin wanted THE best people around!

After getting back to The Rutledge, the venue had transformed for the reception and it was time for all to enjoy Donkey Taqueria’s catering, music by Music Host Entertainment, a chalk wall for their guests to write love messages on, and people ready to party the night away!!!

I hope that you all love these photos as much as I do and congratulations to Riann and Dalin!!!!