Who | EMILY + COLE

Where | CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ANDREW + CASCADE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB | GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN | WASHINGTON DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

As a Washington Destination Wedding Photographer, I was so stoked to travel for Emily and Cole’s Grand Rapids Destination wedding. We spent the weekend at a destination wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan photographing the epitome of a fairy tail wedding. Where do I even begin with these two?

They are so sweet, genuine, thoughtful and basically a real life versions of Cinderella and Prince Charming. I had the pleasure of meeting Emily through some of my old work friends and we hit it off immediately. I mean, it’s pretty hard not to love Em and I knew if my ladies loved her, so would I. Em asked if I would take engagement photos for her and Cole at Rollins college where Cole went to school and his parents were married. Their session only began to set the stage and show me how thoughtful these two are and the meaning they incorporate into the smallest of things. Little did I know, there would be many thoughtful surprises all through out their wedding day.

I was in awe of the sentiment they encorporated behind each part of the day that truly made it feel like every moment was purposeful and not simply done out of tradition. Their love was beaming from a mile away and you can truly tell that they were just made for each other.

Emily, Cole and all of the Thomas’ and Massies, thank you for making us feel like part of the family and including us in your special day. It was truly a gem and an honor to be a part of and I couldn’t think of a more beautifully blended family. <3

Em had her parents exclusively help her get ready. What a sweet way to include them on her wedding day.

Sweet letters they wrote each other to help with wedding day nerves.

Straight out of GQ Cole!

Her expression was simply priceless.

Aren’t these two complete stunners?!

One of my favorite photos to date. I love how he’s holding her hand as they walk down the isle.

I still can’t get over how stunning this cathedral is. The detail is immaculate.

And they’re married! Whoop!!

It’s not every day both sets of parents and grandparents are still celebrating their marriages. How awesome is that and what amazing role models for these two?!

Every single one of these girls were so sweet. I can tell why Em included all of them in her day!

So Rodney (pictured below) deserves an entire section to himself. I could talk about how impressed I was by him ALL day. He is a DJ, pianist, violinist and all around entertainment for your wedding day. I have never drooled over another vendor like I did with Rodney. His talent and complete professionalism just stunned me and I could not recommend a better person to have at your wedding reception. Check out his work – it truly is one of a kind!

These two are the best at entrances. There are so many from their day and every single one just as adorable as the last.

So confession time. I don’t always include speech photos in my recap but I simply had to for this one. They had me laughing and tearing along side them and truly were an amazing way to get to know Cole and Em better. I also really loved how when the bridal party made their entrances, a story about their relationship with the couple was shared. I love relationships and that was one of the special touches these two added to their day.

This stuffed turtle had is name on the wedding invitation. Talk about VIP.

A little surprise dance action…

And they lived happily. ever. after.

Vendor Love

Bride’s Shoes | Badly Mischka

Ceremony | Cathedral of Saint Andrew

Dress Designer | Bought at Calvet Couture – Amsale

DJ – Full Engagement Experience by Rodney Lamar Page

Florist | Gail Vander Laan

Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Groom’s Attire | Ralph Lauren

Hair | Beca Hess

Invitation | Wedding Paper Divas

Makeup | Jordan Shand

Photography | Megan Montalvo Photography

Reception | Cascade Hills Country Club

Videography | Zack Arp-Barnett

Interested in having me as your Destination Wedding Photographer? Email me today for information and to reserve your date!

Megan Montalvo is a Washington Destination Wedding Photographer based out Olympia and Tacoma Washington. She offers elopement photography to surrounding PNW destinations such as Mt. Rainier, Lake Quinault, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum, Suncadia, Leavenworth, Ruby Beach, Cape Kiwanda, Canon Beach and the San Juan Islands.