Our featured lovebirds Lucie and Anthony returned from a trip to Namibia newly engaged, then got to planning their beautiful wedding, which unfolded right here in Grand Rapids. Full of unique details, the couple’s big day captured their joyful spirit and was lush with loose, elegant florals.
Wedding Date: 6/2/18
Venue: Goei Center
Dress: Renee Austin
Photographer: Ashley Slater Photography
Caterer: San Chez Bistro
DJ: Moments in Time
Tell us about your love story!
We met while Anthony was working at Mary Free Bed Hospital, where I was a volunteer on weekends. A few months later, our first date was at Van’s Bakery in Grand Rapids, and we soon couldn’t imagine spending our lives with anyone else. Dating involved countless trips between Grand Rapids and Holland, going to many Lake Michigan sunsets, traveling around the country, a lot of Chinese food and binge-watching Netflix. Anthony proposed while we were vising his family in Namibia, a small African country where Anthony is originally from. He bought the ring with his dad the day we landed, and his entire family kept it a secret until two days before we left. Not only was his family able to watch the proposal, but Anthony had his sisters Skype my parents so they could watch, too.
What are three words that best describe your wedding style?
Ethereal, clean and natural.
What specific moment took your breath away?
Our first look and seeing the reception space for the first time together. How everything came together at the Goei Center was truly our vision come to life, and seeing how all the details that were so meaningful to us were incorporated was so special. Also, knowing the room would soon be filled with the most important people in our lives right after we pledged our love and lives together gave me the goosebumps.
If you could do it all again, what’s one thing you would change for your big day, if anything?
Honestly nothing. It all came together so perfectly, and we were really able to focus on each other and create special memories. We even stayed at the reception longer than planned because we were having so much fun.
What made you choose to work with Eastern Floral?
The choice was made for us since we got married at Goei, but we can’t imagine working with anyone better.
Tell us your experience with Eastern Floral.
Working with Molly was a dream. She really understood what we wanted the day to look like and has the knowledge and creativity to design beautiful bouquets and table arrangements. I really didn’t want everything to look so uniform and “match,” and she created such natural and loose-looking florals while keeping everything coordinated. She also worked with us to keep us within our budget while giving us exactly what we were looking for.
What advice do you have for future brides/grooms when planning your floral?
Bring pictures of what you envision, but trust your florist and be open to including florals that you may not have originally had in mind. Also, think about incorporating pieces that you can bring home. We had potted plants for our reception that we were able to take home and give away. We love having small reminders of the best day on our table and deck, as well as seeing plants at our friends houses when we go over!
Other details/comments you would like to share with us.
Really invest in a good photographer! Being able to relive the day through the images and having it all captured so perfectly is invaluable now that the day is over. Also, try to find ways to incorporate small details that are meaningful to you in various ways. For example, my bouquet had one yellow rose and a pansy for each of my grandmas who no longer have an earthly presence. We also included spray-painted African animals on every table that made the tablescapes more personal and unique.
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