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Charming Church Wedding That’s All About Family

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Smiling bride and groom on their wedding day, embracing each other

Through tragedy and loss, these two found each other and tied the knot in an intimate wedding surrounded by the ones that mean the most to them. The ceremony was at a charming brick church in their hometown where loved ones showered them with streamers as they left the church as husband and wife. Everyone then moved to a lovely country estate surrounded by wild fields that made the perfect backdrop for their portrait session. The reception was held in an elegant tent with natural wood accents and bright pink and blush floral arrangements that added a festive pop of color. 

It’s clear in these portraits by Kellie Hetler that this wedding was all about family! It was a celebration of love and life and these joyous florals by Fleurology Designs were just the right touch. To see more from this wedding, check out the full gallery. Read on to hear more from Photographer, Kellie Hetler about what brought this couple together. 

Elegant wedding invitation with details and bridal heels

Smiling bride with radiant eyes wearing elegant wedding dress

Bride and pageboy walking down the stairs at wedding venue

Bride in a strapless wedding dress holding flowers outsideBride with flower girls dancing on the lawn at outdoor wedding

Elegant bride walks towards the church with a flower bouquet

Elegant floral boutonnieres arranged on a white plate with pink fabricElegant wedding dress with flowers and shoes on a small table

Smiling groom in a gray vest and suit jacket over his shoulder

A father and son stand together in a sunny outdoor setting

WHEN YOU’RE READY

Newlyweds exit church to a shower of confetti, wedding celebration

Two and a half years ago, Mari was approached by one of her best friends since childhood, Ann, and Ann’s sister Corrie (who was like Mari’s big sister). They gently told her that if she was ready to meet someone, they had someone in mind. Five years prior, Mari’s first husband Josh, was tragically killed in a car accident. Mari and Josh had just found out they were expecting their first child two days prior to the accident. For the next five years, Mari focused her attention on raising her son, Andrew, while struggling to find a way to move forward from the loss of her husband and Andrew’s father. Corrie and Ann helped Mari through those difficult years and Mari knew that they had her and her son’s best interest in mind, so when they told her about Adam, she was intrigued. 

Newlyweds embrace in a romantic wedding photo under an archway

Newlyweds embrace on a wedding day, with a historic house in background

Bride and groom relax in a field with a historical building in background

Newlywed couple sharing a tender kiss in a field of grass

A PERFECT MATCH

Elegant wedding reception tables with flower centerpieces

Adam was also from Mari’s hometown of Fremont but lived not far from Mari in Grand Rapids. He happened to be Corrie’s brother-in-law as well. Corrie and Ann felt strongly that Adam would be a great match for Mari as he had similar values and had recently been through his own loss of a marriage that ended in divorce. After initially just messaging one another for a few weeks they both agreed to meet for dinner and felt an instant connection. They have been together ever since and a couple weeks ago…they became husband and wife!

Elegant floral arrangement in a golden vase for a weddingFloral arrangement with bright roses against wooden wall

Wedding table decor with flowers and greenery, elegant detail

Bride and groom share a romantic dance at an outdoor wedding

Bride and groom cutting wedding cake with child smiling in background

Bride and groom walking hand in hand in a beautiful outdoor wedding

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Bridal Boutiques: Becker's Bridal
Cakes & Catering: The Everyday Chef And Wife
Couple: Mari Hillary
Flowers: Fleurology Designs
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Erick Gerson Makeup
Photographer: Kellie Hetler
Venues: The Felt Estate

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