Bridget and Mike Carmody have a different kind of love story, made up of the perfect accidental meetings. Their initial run-in was in a film class at their college, Western Michigan University. However, at this time the couple were just acquaintances, with the casual in-class talks. So, naturally, they fell out of touch after their class came to a close and went their separate ways. It wasn’t until four years after the two had graduated college that they randomly ran into each other. Bridget saw him and decided to say hi to see if Mike would remember who she was and, of course, Mike couldn’t forget her. It was almost too perfect that after some chatting Mike had mentioned that his department was hiring, and it just so happened that Bridget was looking for a new place to continue with her career. Well, soon enough, the former class acquaintances began to date, fall in love, and would start their lives together. Mike had actually always known that they would end up together, and later told Bridget that this is exactly why he was nervous to ask her out; he knew that they would never break-up.  He was right! They’ve been together ever since, living in LA for a few years, working on some feature films and rescuing an adorable dog, Walter.

Mr. and Mrs. Carmody decided to tie the knot at the John Howard Bandshell overlooking the beautiful channel in St. Joseph Michigan on June 18^th, 2016.  It was most important to have the location of the wedding and reception close to their families. With Mike’s family coming from Chicago and Bridget’s from the metro-Detroit area, St. Joseph was the perfect meeting spot.

Bridget described the wedding as short and sweet, having Mike’s uncle officiating. The couple said that having a family member do the honor of marrying them was something that was important to both Bridget and Mike. Not only did they have a family member do the honor of standing by and helping with the “I do’s”, but a member of the wedding party played a very important role in the ceremony festivities as well.

One of Mike’s groomsman, Chris Daum, recorded his own version of the song “Can’t take my eyes off of you” that the bride walked down the aisle to. This song actually has a very special back story, and it was obvious that this would be the song. The original song by The Four Seasons was playing when the two officially became a couple, and was also playing in the background when Mike proposed, so naturally, it was just the song to play in the background of this important event.

After all of the “I do’s”, it comes time to party! Of course, the couple chose the beautiful Shadowland Ballroom to host their event and make it a dream come true. From the moment they walked in until the minute they stepped out, it was clear that these two were in love. Bridget was all smiles, as well as being an absolutely  beautiful bride, inside and out, and Mike was running around telling everyone how lucky and excited he was to finally be married (staff included!).

The couple had said that their inspiration was classy and romantic, but not too traditional. Bridget and Mike chose a very clean and fresh look to the room, having the table cloths and chairs white, and some simple floral arraignments with candles as the centerpiece.  The room perfectly complimented and didn’t overpower what the couple wanted the day to be about; Love – love for each other as well as their love for their friends and family. Recently being back in the Midwest and being around their loved ones for the first time in a long time made everything just that much more special. Because everyone was together again for the first time in what seemed like forever, their party was nothing short of a blast. There was always a group on the dance floor, and the cheers and applause were huge. Their private carousal rental was also a big hit with their guests during the cocktail hour.

The two rented the carousal for the hour so that their guests could start partying while the couple and bridal party got some pictures around the beautiful little downtown. It was obvious that, the reception was filled with just as much love as the ceremony, and groomsman Chris not only played at the ceremony, however, he also played the couple’s first dance song “I Only Want to Be With You” live at their reception. The love and joy from this reception is one that the Shadowland ballroom will not soon forget.

To the new Mr. and Mrs. Carmody, we here at Shadowland wish you all the best luck and happiness in the world for many years to come!

Grand Rapids Wedding Photographers. http://jamieandsarah.us

Vendors

Photographers: Jamie and Sarah McCauley

Videographers: Forever Fossilized

DJ: Tim Sewcyck – Music Unlimited

Cake: Dee’s Speciality Cakes

Flowers/Chairs/Centerpieces: Top That! Event

Hair/Make Up: Hanna Wagner Design

Rehearsal Dinner: Bread + Bar

Venue/Food/Drink: Shadowland Ballroom

Carousel: Silver Beach Carousel