Affinity Events

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.


bailey10

12/29/2025

Ian & Amanda❤

This day felt special from the start. The kind of day that moves at just the right pace and reminds you why weddings matter so much. Their energy was warm and genuine, the room at The Rutledge felt intimate and moody in the best way, and the atmosphere was full of so much love.

We were honored to coordinate their day and help create a space where they could truly be present and soak it all in. A beautiful celebration for a beautiful couple.

12/10/2025

Katie & Dylan’s 6.28.25 wedding was pure joy from start to finish. These high-school sweethearts filled their day with cherished family traditions, the sunniest weather, bright colors, and so many thoughtful touches — from a temp tattoo bar to a photobooth and an impressively large amount of cake (truly, SO much cake!).
It was such a fun, vibrant day with an energetic bridal party and so many sweet moments.

12/04/2025

COURTNEY + GORDY❤
We had the absolute pleasure of helping Courtney + Gordy tie the knot at on beautiful Mackinac Island this past August.

We love working weddings on the island — there’s a timeless, peaceful feeling that makes every moment special. The views around Mission Point were stunning, providing the perfect backdrop for their day.

Seeing all the details come together for this couple and watching everyone enjoy themselves made this a wedding we won’t soon forget.

11/12/2025

We’re still swooning over this Great Gatsby–inspired 50th birthday celebration at Silva in Grand Rapids. Every detail was dripping in glamour and golden-age charm.

Guests enjoyed a blackjack table, an Enchanted Mirror photobooth, a champagne tray performer, and even a who-done-it mystery game that kept everyone guessing! With authentic 1920s music setting the mood, it truly felt like stepping back in time.

And the best part? Every guest dressed the part! Feathers, fringe, pearls, and all! 🥂

We’re so thankful to have helped plan and coordinate such a memorable night.
Happy Birthday, Angie! Thank you for letting us be a part of this special day!

@iceguruevents

10/20/2025

Rachel & Stephen celebrated their wedding at Hydrangea Blu on June 21. The day was filled with so much love and great energy, a true reflection of who they are as a couple. Surrounded by friends, family, and the beautiful setting, it was such a meaningful and memorable day to be part of. We are so lucky to have been a part of it!