New is the perfect word to describe this month’s feature family. Brandon Loomis and Anna Rittenhouse are newly engaged and have newly purchased their first home right here in East Grand Rapids. Their story began just two miles down the road while both were living downtown for several years.  “Downtown is where I decided to put down roots in a city that I love,” says Anna. “Over the course of five years, I had a very cool opportunity to watch downtown Grand Rapids come to life right outside my windows.”

Leaving downtown sparks deep sentimental feelings in Anna. “There is something about looking back at all that unfolded living downtown that made me sad to leave,” she says. “Brandon and I are grateful for the memories we made there, both separately and then together. Life downtown was special, and I am forever grateful that God led us there.”

After five years and three apartments, Anna and Brandon were ready to find their first home. In the hot housing market of 2021, they stumbled upon and fell in love with a charming fixer-upper on Rosewood Ave. “Built in 1909, the house needed a tremendous amount of work. The location was too good to be true, and we were excited about the prospect of renovating and remodeling a home with lots of potential here in EGR,” says Brandon. Their short-term renovation goals include new windows and doors. In the long term, Anna and Brandon plan to renovate the basement and the carriage house and add an addition to the back of the home. “We were welcomed to Rosewood with open arms by incredible neighbors. We have been blessed beyond measure to build new friendships with the incredible people that surround us,” says Anna.   

“Brandon and I have found great joy in renovating our house. It is certainly our current passion project. It has been an absolute labor of love, and we have poured our hearts and souls into it. We still have a ways to go, but we really enjoy working on it.” Anna shares house updates on her Instagram: @anna_rittenhouse and loves to showcase the before and after views of each project. 

“We have fallen in love with our little slice of East Grand Rapids and already feel the specialness that this community has to offer. Our love for downtown was deep, but we feel the best is yet to come! We trust that God has us exactly where we are meant to be, and we look forward to continuing to build our life here.”  

Besides renovating their home, managing their professions and caring for their fur baby, Macatawa, an English springer spaniel, Brandon and Anna are planning their October 2023 wedding. With four family weddings in 2023, it’s sure to be quite busy!