A Grand Rapids Micro Wedding Full of Smiles, Surprises, and Skyline Views

Brianna Chwala
Apr 27
3 min read

Friday, March 21st, 2025, was one of those perfect early spring days in Michigan where the sun finally feels like it's waking up after a long nap. The city of Grand Rapids was buzzing with energy—and tucked high above it all, a beautiful love story was unfolding.

Bride and groom joyfully crossing a city street. She wears a white dress; he is in a suit. Historic buildings and cars in the background.

Paige and Jon traveled all the way from Florida to say "I do" in an intimate micro wedding surrounded by their closest people—immediate family, a best friend, and a handful of sweet, giggling littles who made the day extra lively. With just 21 guests, the day felt warm, intentional, and full of heart.

A couple celebrates with raised arms at a wedding, smiling. They're in a bright room with city views and flowers on the table. Guests clap.

The couple got ready at the iconic Amway Grand Plaza, a setting that matched the elegance of the day without feeling overdone. Paige slipped into her gown in a quiet hotel room moment, and she and Jon shared a private first look that radiated pure joy. Their eyes met, and instantly, it was all smiles—fitting, considering Jon gifted Paige the Tiffany & Co. Smile necklace . The meaning couldn’t have been more spot-on for this pair, who spent the entire day smiling, laughing, and showing off their beautifully goofy sides during portraits.

A couple in formal attire sits on a green sofa, smiling. The woman holds a bouquet of white flowers, creating a joyful, celebratory mood.

The ceremony took place at MDRD, one of Grand Rapids’ most elevated venues—literally and figuratively. The restaurant sits at the top of the Amway Grand, offering panoramic views of the city skyline that glowed as golden hour approached. Paige’s dad officiated the ceremony, delivering a short but deeply heartfelt tribute to the couple before declaring them husband and wife. It was tender, meaningful, and just the right amount of tears.

Man in black suit lifts woman in white dress and blue heels outside a stone building. They're smiling joyfully against a window backdrop.

A smiling couple, dressed in wedding attire, walks arm in arm on a city street. The bride wears a white dress and veil, the groom a suit. Urban background.

What followed was not only a celebration of marriage—but of family. Right after the ceremony, a group of tiny hands reached for monogrammed sugar cookies. With one collective bite, the kids revealed blue frosting inside—a sweet surprise that meant a baby boy is on the way. The gasp, the laughter, the clapping—it was one of those moments you feel long after the day ends.

A couple stands close, smiling, in a room with orange patterned walls and soft lighting. A woman watches nearby by a set table. Mood is joyful.

Dinner at MDRD was as stunning as the view. If you’ve never dined there, know this: every plate is a piece of art. The flavors, textures, and presentation were on par with the experience of the day—elevated, intentional, and unforgettable.

The couple's cake, created by Slicks Sweets, was a subtle but deeply personal touch: a custom creation featuring their beloved French bulldog, Charlie. It was the kind of detail that makes a wedding feel uniquely you—and a perfect tribute to their little family.

As a wedding photographer based in Michigan, days like this remind me why I do what I do. The mix of emotion, intimacy, and little surprises is what I live for. I take a documentary-style approach, capturing all the quiet glances, the laugh-out-loud moments, and the unexpected joys that make your wedding feel like you. I always carve out a small slice of time for editorial-style portraits, but never at the expense of being fully present for the day you’ve dreamed up.

If you're planning a micro wedding, elopement, or grand celebration in 2025 or 2026, I'd love to connect. The Unfiltered Collective is now booking, and you can inquire through the contact tab on my website.