Madi + Trent’s Grand LV Wedding in Niles, Michigan
Some wedding days are beautiful. Some wedding days are fun. And then there are wedding days like Madi and Trent’s. The kind that you wish you could bottle up and relive forever.
From the moment I arrived at the Grand LV in Niles, Michigan, I knew this day was going to be special. And by the end of the night, after tear-filled speeches, a dance floor that never quit, and the cutest bubble exit, I was already wishing I could do it all over again.
The Backstory
Madi and Trent found me in the most full-circle way. They had actually followed me years ago back when I lived in Arkansas. At the time, I had no idea that years later Madi would be living in Indiana, getting engaged, and remembering me when it came time to choose a wedding photographer.
When she reached out, I felt so honored. There is something incredibly meaningful about being chosen by someone who has watched your journey for years and still wants you to be part of one of the biggest days of their life.
It was the sweetest reminder that your story matters, your work matters, and the people who are meant to find you will.
Getting Ready at The Grand LV
Madi got ready in the most gorgeous bridal suite at The Grand LV. The space is stunning, the light is dreamy, and it was the perfect setting for such an elegant day.
The girls were an absolute blast. They had been practicing the grand entrance all morning, and were laughing nonstop while the second photographer captured them downstairs.
We also took time for details, and let me just say, Madi’s details were immaculate. The invitation suite, the jewelry, everything. It was all so thoughtfully chosen and photographed like a dream.
I had weddings back to back that weekend, and both brides did the exact same thing. They did not know what jewelry they were wearing yet and were trying on different options the morning of. So here’s your permission slip. You do not have to have every decision made early. But also, I might accidentally photograph the wrong earrings if you have not decided by the time I’m doing your detail photos.
Luna the Dog (and Flower Girl)
On top of all the beautiful details, Madi and Trent brought their dog, Luna, to their wedding day. And I’m sorry, but that automatically makes the day a 10 out of 10.
Luna hung out in the groom’s getting ready suite and was basically everyone’s emotional support bestie. And yes, she was the flower girl and walked down the aisle. If you are considering bringing your dog to your wedding day, do it. I will forever be obsessed.
The Guys Were So Easygoing
The boys were relaxed and easy to work with all day. Trent is not a guy who loves taking photos, which honestly is super common for my grooms. You would be shocked at how many grooms do not love being in front of the camera, and that is completely okay.
My goal is always to make it comfortable, quick, and painless while still getting photos that feel like you. And even with Trent being a little camera-shy, you would never know it from the final gallery.
Portraits and Family Photos
I will say, as much as I love The Grand LV, it was bright outside and there was not much shade to work with. If you have ever been in that midday sun with no cloud coverage, you know it can be a challenge. But we made it work, and the photos turned out beautiful.
We found a great wall for portraits, and we also did family photos indoors at the altar, which is something important to keep in mind if you are planning a wedding day timeline.
Family photos are often done at the altar, especially if you did not do a first look. So if your planner or florist is planning to tear down your ceremony florals during cocktail hour, you may want to keep them in place a little longer. That way you can use the ceremony space for family photos and full bridal party photos.
If you do a first look, you can often avoid this, but it is not always the right fit for every couple.
No First Look, but the Sweetest Private Vows
Madi and Trent did not do a first look, and I love that for them. No shame either way. I did not do a first look when I got married either. I love that every couple gets to choose what feels right.
Instead, Madi and Trent chose to do a first touch and private vows. We tucked them away on the stairwell so they could have a little privacy while still being close to the ceremony space. And I am not exaggerating when I say the entire media team was in tears. I have never heard more sweet, meaningful, heartfelt vows in my life.
When couples do private vows, I always offer options. Do you want us to stay for a few photos and then walk away, or do you want us to fully step out? Usually, I will grab a few images at the beginning and then disappear. But because we were on the stairs, there was nowhere for us to go, so we stayed respectfully, kept our distance, and documented it as gently as possible.
When they finished, I told them to take a few minutes together before we transitioned into the ceremony. It was the sweetest moment.
A Beautiful Ceremony and Reception at The Grand LV
The ceremony went off without a hitch. Madi was stunning. Trent was emotional in the best way. The entire room felt like it was full of people who truly, deeply love them. It was one of those ceremonies where you can feel the support in the air.
The reception was downstairs, and it was a party. I have been to so many fun weddings this year, and Madi and Trent were absolutely no exception. Their dance floor was packed all night.
Here is my pro tip. Bubbles will make your reception, especially if there are kids at your wedding. They were on the dance floor the whole night, and the energy was nonstop fun.
The Speeches Were Unforgettable
Okay, I have to talk about the speeches. I swear to you, the entire venue was in tears. The DJ, the bartender, me, the photo and video team, everyone. Trent’s best friend spoke, and the connection between them and their history together was so meaningful that I was crying behind my camera.
And then Trent’s brother decided to speak, totally unexpected. Trent was not expecting it. His brother did not seem prepared. And yet he absolutely crushed it. That man could speak off the cuff like a professional.
There has never been a couple more loved than Madi and Trent. Every single person in that room spoke so highly of them, and they truly live up to every wonderful thing people say about them.
Sunset Photos by the River in Michigan
I am so thankful we got to sneak away for sunset photos. We went down to the river, and being in Michigan with the trees in full fall color, it was unreal. I am a big proponent of sunset sessions if we can squeeze them in.
Yes, it means stepping away from your guests for a minute. But I am telling you right now, those are the photos you will love the most. And it is not because I cannot shoot in harsh midday light. It is because there is something magical about sunset that simply cannot be duplicated.
If you are debating it, here is your answer. We got sunset photos done in 15 minutes and were back to the party. So truly, do it. Do it. Do it.
A Michigan Wedding Day I Will Never Forget
I loved everything about this wedding. Their attire. Their vibes. Their details. Their vows. Their people. This day is going to be hard to top for me.
I love photographing Michigan weddings, and The Grand LV is such a wonderful wedding venue in Niles, Michigan. But more than anything, I loved getting to document the love between two people who are so clearly meant for each other.
Madi and Trent, I love you guys. Congratulations on your marriage.
