Ryan and Gretchen are two people that you instantly feel like you are best friends with after one conversation. Seriously. The first time I sat down with these two to chat about their wedding the time flew by. We talked all about their Ireland proposal and our mutual love for our furry families. These two just treat those around them with such love and kindness. I adore that about them.
The day of their wedding was seriously gorgeous. Their wedding was held at one of my favorite Michigan wedding venues, Fredrick Meijer Gardens. The greenery and flowers were in full bloom decorating the garden grounds with bright greens, yellows, and colorful petals. The wedding day was so warm, sunny, and filled with light summer breezes. The day was so lovely!
Now, Gretchen had been dreaming up her wedding gown for a couple years! She had been following a very specific dress designer and was finally able to wear the dress of her dreams. This dress designer makes only a select few dresses a year. These dresses are handmade, and, in Gretchen’s case, hand embroidered! It was stunning and she looked so gorgeous in that dress! Not to mention that she paired her whimsical dress with a matching crown making her the actual queen of the day.
During Ryan and Gretchen’s ceremony, one of their dear friends, Jamie, officiated their ceremony. Her love for these two was SO evident throughout the ceremony. Jamie, Gretchen, and Ryan all teared up multiple times as they reminisced over their matching Harry Potter yearbook quotes, the ups and downs of their relationship, and the many joys they’ve yet to share together. The two of them even planted a unity tree during their ceremony with the soil from their childhood homes and, together, poured in the soil from their new home. I may have teared up a bit at this sweet act of unity.
I just adored celebrating Ryan and Gretchen’s wedding day with the two of them. They treat each other with so much love, they laugh endlessly together (I know, adorable), and care about those around them so deeply. The simple act of watching them dance with, embrace, and chat with their friends and family showed so much of their kind characters.
Ryan and Gretchen, you two are some of the sweetest people I’ve met. Thank you for treating me and Claire like your best friends throughout your wedding day. We adore and love you both. I’m so excited for the two of you and all the joy you’ll continue to share together throughout your marriage. The two of you make one incredible couple, and, fur parents (;
Wishing you two so much love for years and years and years to come!
-Ellen
Venue | Frederik Meijer Gardens
Bride’s Dress | Fable Dresses
Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Rings | Swieringa Jewelry & Family Heirlooms
Shoes | ModCloth
Hair Stylist | Shae, Marcos Salon
Makeup Artist | Matron of Honor, @makeupbyarikiel
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Warehouse
Florals | Costco
Officiant | Jamie, @jamieulanch1
Catering | Applause Catering
Desserts | Connie’s Cakes
