The Bride Wore Red at This Modern GoggleWorks Wedding

Melissa Grace Burgess and Matthew Allen Ramaker’s whimsical August wedding at Goggleworks Center For the Arts in Reading couldn’t be more casually chic and fun. It was the perfect mix of urban-industrial-cool blended with boho-style and natural greenery — plus featured an impossibly cool Vivian Chan maroon velvet wedding dress. See it all in these fun and romantic shots from Cambria Creative Photography. 

This pair met back when they were students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and both worked at the dining hall. Matthew, originally from Wyoming, Michigan, was studying engineering, while Melissa, from York, Pennsylvania, was studying art.

Though they had different interests, when Melissa made it known that she was interested, Matthew immediately admitted he thought she was cute. For their first date, they went to a small artisanal pizza shop. Melissa was charmed he had chosen a restaurant like this for their date — instead of the college dining hall. They had a perfect night, and sparks flew!

After a year and a half of the two happily dating, Matthew decided to propose during Melissa’s favorite season: fall. He took her to a beloved orchard and pumpkin patch to enjoy the sights and pick pumpkins. While she was picking out a pumpkin and distracted, he got down on one knee and popped the question. Melissa was completely surprised, and immediately said yes!

After a nine month engagement, the pair wed in Reading at Goggleworks in a beautiful and spirited celebration with 120 of their friends and family. It was Melissa’s perfect “modern day woodland fairytale,” complete with lots of greenery: a whole bunch of ferns, eucalyptus and baby’s breath for the tables. The bride carried a cascading bouquet of of the same.

To keep with the theme, they gave guests wildflower seed paper hearts to plant as favors. She also had special touches throughout. “I gave my girls unicorn chokers to wear for the wedding. I love unicorns and that has also been my nickname throughout high school and college,” says Melissa.

The couple shared their first dance to “That Girl” by Justin Timberlake. They danced the night away with their guests and cut the cake: a delicious vanilla with a strawberry compote center and buttercream icing. After all their celebrations, they headed to glamorous Meeru, an island in the Maldives off the coast of India, for the honeymoon trip of a lifetime. They then returned to their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Melissa is an artist and Matthew is an engineer.

VENDORS

Venue: Goggleworks Center For the Arts | Photography: Cambria Creative Photography | Florist: Majestic Florals  | Cake: Piece A’ Cake | Bride’s Gown: Vivian Chan | Groom’s Tux: Woodland Tailoring | Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Woodland Tailoring | Entertainment: Celebrations Disc Jockey| Bartenders: Mack Employment | Rentals: Eagle Rental Center

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