Lovely Outdoor Wedding at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio

July 19, 2021

Cynthia and Mike took a chance on love when meeting through an online dating service. Fast forward five years, and they both realized their dream of finding a lifelong partner. The celebration was so sweet and special at their lovely outdoor wedding at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cynthia in college. Upon meeting her, I knew she was a person who was focused and determined, and she valued her relationships with friends and family very much. It’s no surprise that she found a connection in Mike who shares the same values.

After meeting through an online dating app, love blossomed in the years to follow between Cynthia and Mike. But, one thing that was really important to Cynthia was that her partner established a connection with her son, Dylan, too. You can see that there is a mutual respect between Mike and Dylan, and there is no doubt that there have been many laughs shared and ball games watched together over the years!

While vacationing with friends in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in summer 2019, Cynthia, Mike, and Dylan went on a hike to Laurel Falls. Mike suggested that they get some pictures in front of the waterfalls. In between photos, Mike had Dylan distract Cynthia so that he could get on one knee behind her and propose when she turned around! Clearly, their online dating experience was a success … five years in the making!

Reconnecting with Cynthia to discuss her wedding vision was really fun for me. (It’s been a looooong time since college! ☺️) But, what I loved most about seeing her again was the smile on her face when she introduced Mike. He is one of the nicest guys on the planet – also always smiling. I was just so happy for her that she found her person!

Almost two years to the day after their engagement, Cynthia and Mike they joined their two lives as one at a lovely outdoor wedding at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Aligned with most things in their life, their family and friends were at the forefront, playing a special role throughout the day. We had arranged not one … not two … but THREE first looks with the guys who were most important to Cynthia – her groom, her son, and her dad. 😭 Each one was incredibly special and brought tears to my eyes. They’ve all waited for this day for so long.

It was a hot summer day for their wedding at Nazareth Hall. The ceremony was outside at the picturesque, shaded grotto. Emotions were raw, and tears of joy were shed. Cynthia’s brother officiated the ceremony and snuck in a few little playful digs for his sister’s benefit. ☺️ Their friends who are talented musicians wowed the guests with song, and a special poem was written and read by a another close friend.

Following the ceremony, the couple joined their guests in the lovely Ladyglen Ballroom for an upbeat, dancing-filled celebration! The party tone was set by Michael from Decorative Sound, and the fun never stopped until it was time to shut the place down! In lieu of favors, the couple opted to give a donation to the non-profit organization, Wood County Plays. So thoughtful!

Cynthia and Mike, I feel so fortunate to have witnessed your wedding day from start to finish. Thank you for trusting me to capture these images for you. I wish you both continued happiness from this day forward! ❤️