jim + katie

Katie was scanning the shore for interesting rocks at her boyfriend Jim’s cottage when he told her he had “found a good one.” As Katie turned around, she found Jim on one knee, presenting a “rock” with lots of sparkle—an engagement ring!

Their July wedding had sparkle, too. As event coordinator for the University Club in downtown Grand Rapids, Katie knows how to throw a party! After a traditional service at Richmond Reformed Church in Walker, more than 200 guests of the couple headed to the University Club for a cocktail hour and dinner— which began with a rather large surprise.

Katie thought she knew the University Club’s routine, but even she couldn’t predict what would come next. “The Club normally does a champagne parade before dinner where we pop the corks after the prayer and surprise the guests with [a] parade,” the bride said. “My staff not only surprised the guests, they surprised me with a conga line dance rendition of our normal champagne parade!”

But the parade was not the only aspect of Jim and Katie’s big day that provided the “wow” factor. Katie chose timeless, elegant elements to make their big day a sophisticated bash. Sweet Cakes created a brilliant ivory tower cake which became a focal point in the room even before it satisfied guests’ sweet tooth! As for attire, the bride wore a Vera Wang gown from Vera Wang Chicago. Its finishing touch was a sash with a gorgeous shimmering brooch. Katie’s bridesmaids donned ivory cocktail dresses from Bridal Lane in Dorr, and the groom and groomsmen sported black suits.

Jim and Katie decided on a soft color palette of pale pink, sage green, peach, and ivory, which Ludema’s Floral translated into stunning arrangements. “I didn’t want to look back in 5, 10 or 20 years and be horrified at what the 25-year-old Katie liked then,” the bride said of her classic choices.

Sportel Photography captured snapshots of the day from start to finish, even taking pictures of the wedding party at the iconic Calder sculpture in downtown Grand Rapids. Exuberant jumping photos made for some memorable shots of the newlyweds and their wedding party!

No matter how many dream weddings Katie helps other brides to plan, she and Jim will always treasure their gala high above the city, and their love which still puts them on the top of the world.