The Rutledge Wedding Photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan


Aaron and Emma’s wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan was a perfect example of a timeless and emotional celebration from ceremony to reception at The Rutledge. Their ceremony at the timeless St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and followed by a stunning downtown reception at The Rutledge, this celebration felt like something out of one of Emma’s favorite romantic films and that’s saying a lot, because Emma lives for a good love story.


I’m a Grand Rapids wedding photographer capturing weddings at venues like The Rutledge in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This space is one of my favorites for its modern design, central downtown location, and ability to create an elevated yet relaxed wedding experience.


From the start, Aaron and Emma were a dream to work with. As a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky to photograph love stories of all kinds, but this one stood out for its emotional depth, intentionality, and undeniable style. Emma’s wedding gown was designed by none other than Monte Durham, of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta from the amazing Jenna in White located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and it could not have been a more perfect fit for her movie-worthy moment.

Couple sharing romantic dance moment at reception venue with guests in background.
Dancing couple twirling on dance floor under warm reception lighting.
Wedding details flatlay featuring shoes, rings, invitations, and photographs on white background.
Dreamy bridal portrait with flowing white veil in soft window light.
Professional dental hygienist at work examining patient in dentist chair.
Newlyweds celebrate outside The Rutledge building entrance with champagne spraying in a dramatic nighttime portrait.
A classic white convertible car drives down a city street in black and white photography.
Professional adjusting a blue necktie while wearing a white dress shirt and navy vest in an office setting.
Dramatic black and white portrait by a rustic brick window.
A wedding ceremony in a church with stunning stained glass windows creating colorful reflections on the floor.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Wedding | Grand Rapids, Michigan



St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is a true gem in the city. As a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, this is one of my favorite ceremony locations because of its architecture and natural light. With its historic charm and classic architecture, it remains one of my all-time favorite churches to photograph in West Michigan. As someone who specializes in church weddings in Michigan, I’ve learned how to expertly capture the reverence and beauty that comes with these sacred spaces. The warm glow of the stained-glass windows, the arching ceilings, and the quiet emotion of Aaron and Emma’s vows it all came together perfectly.

A dramatic wedding ceremony silhouette inside a gothic church with illuminated stained glass windows and warm pendant lighting.
A bride and groom meet for their first look near a brick building surrounded by lush grass and colorful flowers in a garden setting.
A bride in a flowing white wedding gown spins gracefully, creating a dramatic swirling effect with the dress fabric.
A figure in a white dress stands by a stained glass window while holding a bouquet of flowers in soft lighting.
Beautiful stained glass church windows casting colorful reflections onto the floor during a wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place inside a church with stained glass windows and floral arrangements.
A couple in wedding attire kneels in prayer at a church altar with stained glass windows glowing in the background.
A black and white photo of the bride and grooms first kiss

Downtown Grand Rapids Wedding Portraits


After the ceremony, we explored some of my favorite downtown spots for portraits. For couples planning a Grand Rapids wedding, downtown offers some of the best portrait locations in Michigan. One of the best things about being a Grand Rapids wedding photographer is knowing all the hidden corners and best lighting pockets that make the city feel like your own personal movie set. From quiet cobblestone alleys to sleek urban backdrops, we wandered through the heart of the city, capturing stolen kisses and joyful glances along the way.


Adding to the magic of the day? A vintage baby blue convertible - a classic car gifted for the day by a family friend. It was impossible to miss, and it added such a fun, stylish pop to their portraits. We followed that beauty around the city, weaving it into their love story with editorial-style shots that gave a nod to timeless romance and vintage charm.


Downtown Grand Rapids is full of texture and soul, and having someone who knows how to work with both the cityscape and natural light makes a huge difference in your final gallery. With the combination of stunning backdrops and that picture-perfect car, Aaron and Emma’s portraits felt like they belonged on the big screen.

Vintage black and white photograph of a romantic couple sharing an intimate moment in a car.
A happy bride in a flowing white dress and veil sits next to her groom in a navy vest on their wedding day.
Bare feet with turquoise heels propped up on a silver convertible car window on a sunny day.
Romantic couple dressed in wedding attire share an intimate moment while reclining on a vintage car.
Couple poses in vintage convertible car outside brick building with storefronts.
A sequence of black and white photographs showing skateboarding tricks and techniques on stairs and rails.
Blue police cars with emergency lights flashing sit parked in daylight with lens flare effects.
A white vintage Thunderbird convertible drives through downtown grand rapids city street with tall buildings in the background.
Two people share an intimate moment outside The Rutledge at twilight.
A black and white artistic portrait photo of someone lying down with white fabric and a dramatic expression.

The Rutledge Wedding Reception | Grand Rapids, Michigan


The Rutledge, located right in the vibrant core of Grand Rapids, set the perfect tone for a reception full of laughter, dancing with live music by The Blue Water Kings Band, and heartfelt moments. The modern elegance of the space gave Aaron and Emma’s evening celebration an elevated yet comfortable vibe something that reflected their personalities so well.


From the romantic first dance to tear-filled toasts, every detail of the evening was intentional and full of love. As someone who deeply values emotional storytelling through photography, these are the moments I live for. As a The Rutledge wedding photographer, this venue is ideal for couples who want a modern, downtown Grand Rapids reception space.

A bride in a flowing white gown twirls on a dance floor in The Rutledge against the brick-walled venue.
A dramatic black and white shot shows a flowing white wedding dress in motion against tiled flooring.
A couple playfully feeding each other wedding cake in a dimly lit venue with ornate hanging light fixtures.
A black and white photo shows guests seated at a table with wine glasses during what appears to be a dinner event.
Couple dancing at a wedding reception in a warmly lit venue with chandeliers and a festive atmosphere.
A romantic monochrome dance scene captures an intimate moment between dancers at an indoor reception venue.

Why Local Expertise Matters


I’m proud to serve as a wedding photographer in Michigan, and I’m even prouder to know my way around both the big picture and the little moments that make a wedding day unforgettable. Whether it’s navigating the natural light inside a historic church, planning the best portrait spots downtown, or coordinating with local vendors, you can trust me to deliver an experience that’s seamless and thoughtful from start to finish.


Though I’m based in Grand Rapids, I frequently photograph weddings across the state from cozy lakeside ceremonies to bustling city weddings. Whether you’re looking for a Detroit wedding photographer, a Michigan wedding photographer, or someone who truly understands the magic of Grand Rapids, I’d be honored to help tell your love story.

Close-up portrait series shows a person in a white shirt kissing rosary against brick wall.
A dreamy portrait of bride wearing an ethereal white veil, gazing upward with a thoughtful expression in soft lighting.
A groom in a tailored navy blue three-piece suit and white tie poses against a brick wall.
Flowing white wedding gown swirls elegantly against rustic wooden doors of Saint Marks Church in dramatic black and white photograph.
A couple embraces romantically on their wedding day with the bride in a white gown and groom in navy suit under warm lighting.
A wedding couple getting sprayed with water in front of The Rutledge building entrance.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan?


Whether you're planning a traditional church ceremony, a modern rooftop reception, or something totally unique, I’m here to help capture it all with honesty, heart, and a whole lot of joy.


📍 Lauren Perrin Photo – Your Grand Rapids & Detroit Wedding Photographer | Serving All of Michigan



Contact me to check your date with a Grand Rapids wedding photographer and start planning your The Rutledge wedding photography experience.

Black and white formal group photo showing a groom and groomsmen posed together in suits at a wedding venue.
Wedding couple shares joyful moment walking together while guests follow behind on the streets of Downtown Grand Rapids Michigan
Groom poses in The Rutledge for his portrait
Wedding party members in navy suits and light blue dresses pose together for group photos in front of a brick building.
A wedding party in blue suits and elegant gowns poses together outside a modern glass building on a sunny day in Grand Rapids
A black and white wedding photo series shows a bride in a strapless gown with delicate veil details.

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