Marissa & Micah's Cheney Place Wedding | Grand Rapids, MI

WeddingsGrand Rapids WeddingsWest Michigan WeddingsVenue Features

Sep 29

A Cheney Place wedding feels warm the second you walk in. Exposed wood beams, oversized factory windows, worn hardwood floors and chandeliers in every corner give this Grand Rapids venue so much character on its own. Marissa and Micah added a bold fall palette of burnt orange, deep red and navy, and September 20th was gorgeous from start to finish.

Getting Ready and the Little Details

Marissa's gown from Pierre's Bridal hung against a gold-leaf wall beside an ornate gilded mirror. It had delicate lace appliqués, a plunging V-neckline, a softly sparkling tulle skirt and a pearl-trimmed veil. Beauty by Audrianna finished her look with soft, romantic curls.

The details told their story beautifully. There were ivory square-toe heels and His and Hers vow books in terracotta and cream. Their rings from Kessler's Diamonds sat in a velvet hexagon box, next to pearl heart "Just Married" sunglasses. A glossy kukui nut lei and a white shell lei sat among everything else, a sweet preview of what was to come.

An Emotional First Look and Private Vows

Micah was SO excited leading up to the first look, and when he finally turned around to see Marissa, the emotion was written all over his face. Their connection was real from that very first moment.

Afterward, they shared private vows in front of the tall industrial windows and cream brick walls. Marissa read from her vow book while Micah hung on every word. We also tucked them under her veil in the soft window light for a few minutes that felt like theirs alone.

A Ceremony Honoring Hawaiian Tradition

The ceremony took place in front of a wooden hexagon arch set against blush velvet drapes. A lush floral installation by Poppy Flowers spilled over the top, with ivory and peach roses and long strands of red amaranthus.

Micah is Hawaiian, and the couple honored his heritage with a traditional lei exchange. Micah wore a green leaf lei, and they exchanged the kukui nut and shell leis as part of the ceremony. It was deeply meaningful and one of the most beautiful moments of the day.

When Rain Changes the Plan

We had planned outdoor portraits at a nearby park, but rain left everything soaked. So we stayed inside and used every corner of this Cheney Place wedding venue, and the photos were still absolutely stunning.

The groomsmen wore navy Bunny Tuxedo suits with bright orange ties and pocket squares. The bridesmaids wore rust and burnt-orange Azazie gowns. We lined everyone up in front of the amber-glass arched windows and hanging ferns, and those colors popped against all that warm wood.

Marissa's bouquet had ivory and peach roses, coral cosmos, coneflowers, ranunculus, eucalyptus and dramatic trailing amaranthus.

A Reception Under the Disco Balls

The reception glowed with a cluster of disco balls, crystal chandeliers, Edison string lights and candlelit tables. Their first dance under all that sparkle was pure magic.

Guests enjoyed dinner from KJ Catering and a cake made by Micah's cousin, Kimmy Besteman. Complete Weddings kept the dance floor packed all night. My favorite candid might be Marissa pulling Micah in by his orange tie for a kiss at the bar.

To the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Cho,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture your wedding day. From that first look to a dance floor full of your favorite people, your day was warm, colorful and so completely you.

Marissa, you were absolutely stunning. Every detail felt so thoughtfully chosen, from those gorgeous cascading florals to the pearl "Just Married" sunglasses.

Micah, your first look is one I'll never forget. You were so excited leading up to it, and the second you saw Marissa, every emotion was right there on your face. The love between you two is SO real.

One of my favorite parts of the entire day was your lei exchange. Getting to photograph a tradition that honors your Hawaiian heritage and your family was such an honor.

And even when the rain changed our plans, you both rolled with it and trusted me completely. Those indoor portraits turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined.

Thank you for welcoming me into such an important chapter of your story. I hope these photos always bring you right back to exactly how this day felt.

Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter and a marriage that shines rain or shine.