Affinity Events

08/04/2026

We are officially named one of the top 3 wedding planners in Michigan!

We couldn’t be more proud of our team and so incredibly grateful for our amazing couples who trust us with their big days. Take a peek at the article to read all about it! ❤️

Explore these top wedding planners in Michigan vetted by experts. Compare top-rated pros from Detroit to Traverse City with pricing and signature styles.

03/09/2026

Join us for an incredible night!

An Exhibition Featuring Artists 18 and Older

02/09/2026

We love supporting our community!

Down to Defend has a special place in our hearts and we are so lucky to help plan each Gala! ❤️

We are incredibly grateful for our in-kind sponsor, Affinity Events for their support of this year’s Hakuna Matata Gala!

Affinity Events is a Grand Rapids based event planning and coordination company known for creating thoughtful, seamless, and beautifully executed events. With a passion for organization, creativity, and meaningful experiences, they specialize in taking the stress out of events so clients can truly enjoy the moment and it shows in every detail they bring to the table.

A very special thank you goes to Cait, who has been with us since our very first gala. Your continued support, commitment, and belief in our mission have meant so much over the years. We are beyond thankful for your partnership and the heart you pour into everything you do. 💛

Thank you, Affinity Events, for helping us bring the magic of the Hakuna Matata Gala to life!

01/20/2026

Maddie + Carson

A day that truly felt as perfect as it looked. From their ceremony at Dimnent Memorial Chapel to a reception on their family’s property overlooking Lake Michigan, every moment was breathtaking.

The backdrop, the weather, the thoughtfully chosen details. Everything came together so effortlessly. More than anything, the joy was undeniable. Laughter, love, and the kind of celebration where everyone felt fully present and having the very best time.

A stunning day for a beautiful couple, and one we won’t soon forget.

01/12/2026

Paige + John
From the very beginning, working with these two was such a joy. Being part of their full planning journey meant we truly got to know them — their vision, their priorities, and most of all, the love they share.

Their wedding day was a beautiful reflection of who they are together: thoughtful, effortless, and full of genuine emotion. The love between them was impossible to miss.

We’re so grateful to have been part of their story and to have walked alongside them through it all. A perfect day for a truly wonderful couple.

01/05/2026

Ashley + Ben’s day at BlueBridge was filled with a calm, steady kind of love.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Up North landscape and the people who mean the most to them, every moment felt intentional and deeply personal. From quiet glances to heartfelt laughter, it was a reminder that when the setting is beautiful and the love is strong, everything else simply falls into place.


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