destination film and digital wedding photography.
where fine art and function collide.

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The Lit GR

Grand Rapids, Michigan

classic, historic wedding at

Phoenix and Jake put on a wedding of their dreams at The Lit GR in Grand Rapids Michigan, complete with the RSO (Rhythm Society Orchestra) bringing incredible live music to start the party. Phoenix was very intentional in her curation of elegance and class throughout every details. They chose the architectural masterpiece that is the LIT for the historic features both inside and outside the venue. The LIT was original a woman's club and theater, hence the featured stage with an iconic red curtain. They leaned into the classic look with a black tux and stunning satin gown with puff sleeves and an a-line cut. Mitten Floral helped bring the floral vision to life with a white and cream bouquet full of unique florals, like orchids, and modern design elements. The vision of classic meets modern couldn't have been executed better.

Some of my favorite parts of this venue are...

+ the outside architecture and front lawn
+ the built-ins and bar that take up the main entry room
+ the tasteful antique decor and paintings that add to the historic atmosphere
+ the chandeliers everywhere that add elegance to the space
+ the easy addition of a live band since it has a stage

vendors that made this happen

Photo: @oliveandoath
Venue: @thelitgr
Dress: @vowdweddings
HMUA: @livmoralesbeauty
Catering: @cateredcreationsinc
Cake: @fairytaleconfections722
Florals: @mittenfloral

getting married at THE LIT GR

This venue is located in the historic downtown of Grand Rapids, which means there is beautiful architecture everywhere for incredible city shots with your wedding party or just yourselves. We definitely will share our favorites if you work with us for your wedding day. Even though it's surrounded by busy streets, you'd never know once you step inside. The large front windows make the front gathering space warm and inviting. Basically the perfect place to greet your guests. While this venue does have a bridal suite upstairs, there are plenty of luxury hotels in downtown like the Amway Grand that make for extravagant and elegant getting ready locations. One major note is there is only one main space, meaning you will have to have a ceremony to reception flip in the main space during cocktail hour. I recommend hiring a planning team to execute this for you so you can rest easy and enjoy your celebration.

This venue includes the entire space, tables, chairs, even decor if you like it. You'll need to source your own photo, video, floral, plate/cutlery rentals and DJ. This really allows you to create whatever day you'd like.

wedding photography at The Lit GR

The Lit GR has a wide variety of lighting situations. While the front foyer and bar room has stunning natural side light from the windows, the ceremony/reception room requires a photographer with skill in natural low light and flash photography. Even in the brightest part of the year this venue will require low light techniques and flash during your reception and you should hire a team accordingly. The perk of needing these styles is the creative motion blur, shutter drag and very Pinterest worthy imagery that you'll see in our full gallery below.

inquire for detailed pricing

When looking for where to take your formal portraits, there is really only one easy option: outside on the grass with the building in the background. This location is stunning and always in shade by the afternoon because it is east facing. Your only issues may be from having a large cocktail hour that floods into the front yard or if the grass is wet or snowy. In these cases, I would recommend taking a walk down one of the adjacent streets for a more candid, city look in your portraits. As for your couples photos, there are dozens of spots to choose from. Not a single corner of the space isn't photogenic. Notable mentions are the staircase, the front steps, the big tree next to the building, and if you're willing to go off property, we have quite the list of downtown Grand Rapids photo spots to share.