Erik + Andra | Latvian Wedding at Garezers
Just a few years ago at Markus and Mara's Grand Haven wedding, we met this wonderful young lady named Andra. She was part of the wedding party and fast forward just a few years down the road, this young lady called to let us know she was getting married as well. We are always excited to work with couples we have met in the past and as Andra described her wedding day at Garezers in Three Rivers, Michigan, it sounded wonderful. Erik and Andra's heritage is Latvian. They were both born here in the USA, but both grew up speaking Latvian, going to Garezers while off from school (it's a Latvian language school) and genuinely understanding and appreciating their Latvian roots. So, their wedding day was filled with that heritage. The ceremony was in Latvian, the programs were in Latvian, toasts at the reception were in Latvian. Even when we sat down at our table during dinner we were greeted by all the guests in Latvian.
As we arrived, everyone was getting ready around the Garezers property. Erik and Andra wanted to make sure most of the traditional photos were completed ahead of time, so that meant we planned a first look for the two of them. It was out on a little island where it would just be the two of them. It's humbling to watch a bride walk toward her future husband and the sequence of images during that part of the day was spectacular.
Following the first look we worked through immediate family photos and then headed toward the ceremony site riding on a horse drawn trolley (such a great touch for the wedding day). But first we stopped along the lake shore for a quick 10 minutes for both group and individual photos. The outdoor amphitheater at Garezers is spectacular. It truly feels like a cathedral in the woods.
Following their Latvian spoken ceremony and extended family photos, it was off to their lakeside tent reception on a different part of the Garezers property. After their introduction, a few toasts were given just before dinner and then additional toasts followed (a favorite of the Latvian community). Then dancing and partying was had by everyone throughout the rest of the evening along the lake shore.
Below are just a few photos from their wedding day! If you'd like to see more images, be sure to check out their wedding website.
In addition, leave a comment below letting Erik and Andra know which photos are your favorite! You might even help them win some great wedding photo schwag just by commenting!
Tiberius Images is a Grand Rapids photographer that photographs people, places and events. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they serve clients throughout the world and are available for travel.