Carolyn and Valentin were very excited to find the Downtown Market for their wedding because it was the perfect blend of the outdoors and greenery that Carolyn dreamed about and the urban rooftop setting Valentin always envisioned. They let their surroundings do the talking and dressed up the banquet room with succulents and minimal greenery to keep it modern and elegant. Valentin’s family was able to make it over from Russia for the very first time and the new bride and groom participated in a Russian tradition of bread & salt. Valentin’s mother presented the bread on an embroidered towel and Valentin and Carolyn broke off a piece, dipped it in salt and ate it, symbolizing the necessities in life they won’t be without and how they will always take care of each other. Another part of the day that stuck out to me was Carolyn’s dad’s speech. He said, “the problem with life is it happens daily”. Meaning only we can decide how we handle our circumstances together and it takes effort to navigate life as a couple, and rise above to become better and achieve fulfillment. Congratulations Carolyn and Valentin! <3

VENDORS: Ceremony & Reception: Grand Rapids Downtown Market // Hair & Makeup: Salon Re // Bride’s dress: Rebecca Ingram, Renee Austin Wedding // Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff // Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank // Florals: Ludema’s Floral and Garden // Cake artist: Cakabakery // Stationery/calligraphy: Minted designed by artist Annpama // Videography: Media Adventures // DJ: Complete Weddings