Leah & Wyatt’s Hotel Grinnell Wedding

When a bride shows up to your final meeting with a sweatshirt that says “I’m not a regular bride, I’m a cool bride” you KNOW you’re going to have a fun day, and Leah and Wyatt’s was no exception. Hotel Grinnell hosted their wedding ceremony and reception, which made it easier for their guests to relax and have a good time, which they did! We had perfect weather, lots of fun dancing, and drinks for everyone, which was exactly what Leah and Wyatt wanted.

If you don’t know Leah, she is a Type A planner, and I think that’s because she’s a teacher. When she arrived for that final meeting, she also had a binder FULL of all of their wedding details and plans. It was incredible, truly! We chatted for a while, and I knew when I arrived for their wedding day, everything was going to be perfect – and it was! Everything went so smoothly, with all the credit going to Leah!

Leah and Wyatt – congratulations!

Vendors

Venue: Hotel Grinnell
Dress: Brides by Jessa
Invitations: Total Choice Printing
Rings: Bill’s Jewelry
Florals: Vonda’s Floral & Gifts
Makeup: Blonde Blur
DJ: Mojo Productions
Catering: Country Catering
Photography: Jennifer Weinman Photography
Videography: Leah Rose Productions

Quick crazy story – Leah changed her wedding dress less than a MONTH before her wedding!

When you’re with your best friends and can be excited about the best day!

I’m obsessed with these beautiful invitations!

We had their first look at the Grinnell College Golf Course – it’s so nice because it’s very close to Hotel Grinnell, and a beautiful spot for photos.

Their little flower girl was so precious.

When we got back to the hotel right before their ceremony, we had a brief first look with Leah’s dad, and it was one of my favorite moments of the day.

We have had a LOT of brides contact us about weddings at Hotel Grinnell, particularly ceremonies that are held in the auditorium. The previous weddings we’ve photographed there had their ceremony elsewhere, so this was our first one in the newly renovated space. We’ve photographed a few corporate and non-profit events in the auditorium, so we know the space well.

For brides that are curious to see what it photographs like, this is a good representation. I will say from a photographic standpoint, having flash photography in this space is essential because it is quite dark with dramatic stage lighting. It’s not the easiest space to photograph a ceremony, but I think it can look lovely!

The beautifully decorated ballroom at Hotel Grinnell!

We snuck in a few family photos after their ceremony right outside – it was gorgeous out!

Quick stop at Peace Tree Brewery for a bridal party toast, and some photos outside the Strand movie theater too.

Perhaps one of the most emotional dances I’ve ever photographed – Wyatt chose a song for his dance with his mother that had incredible meaning for his sister and late father, who passed several years ago. His mother eventually passed the dance over to Wyatt’s sister, and there was not a dry eye in the ballroom. It was a tender moment that was so beautiful. I also want to commend the DJ from MoJo Productions who managed to perfectly respond to this incredible moment, and help many tearful guests transition to a fun and eventful party.