One of the best parts of our job is showing off what Detroit has to offer, to the family and friends of our clients. When Amy and Garreth first started chatting with us, we knew immediately that we were going to get to craft a super special weekend for them and their loved ones. Amy was living in NYC at the time, and Garreth, a UK native, was still in Europe well into our planning process. Knowing we’d have guests attending from all over the globe, we really wanted to focus on highlighting Detroit’s finest.
The ceremony was in an equally breathtaking spot – St. Anne De Detroit – the second oldest continuously operating Parish in the country. When Amy wanted to surprise Garreth with a Welsh Bagpiper, we could not contain our excitement. The incredible effect when he piped down the aisle didn’t leave a dry eye in the building.
Not to be outdone by Amy’s surprise bagpiper, Garreth had planned a little surprise of his own… a live Elvis impersonator to jump in during their reception! Admittedly, this might have been more of a treat for him than for Amy, since he’s the one who LOVES Elvis, but it was one of the most memorable wedding moments we can remember pulling off. The look on Garreth’s mom’s face when she got to dance with The King was priceless.
We needed a space that carried the historical grandeur of he city, and when we learned that the once-private Detroit Club opened to the public in 2019, we jumped at a chance for a visit. It’s a stunning space full of grand staircases, beautiful marble fireplaces, and a ballroom that has hosted many US Presidents over the years. Amy and Garreth (and their families!) fell in love immediately.
Getting to know our client’s friends and families during the wedding is always such a fun experience for us – and this time was no exception. We had a blast explaining our (sometimes nonsensical) American wedding traditions to the UK crew, and we know they loved learning about some of the city’s most iconic spots. Fun fact — The Brits in the crowd were stunned and ecstatic about the open bar.
When it came to Amy’s design and floral, she completed trusted us to run with it (which...HELLO is our dream client.) We kept things in a classic and traditional color palette with lots of texture and warmth. Our florals were complemented by the beautiful work of Liz from Jade Social – her fabric seating chart and beautiful signage really put everything over the top. As we’ve said before, we really love when we get to utilize florals in a deeply personal way. Amy’s father had passed away unexpectedly during the planning process, and she wanted to feel like she was carrying him with her throughout the day. We used a favorite tie to wrap her bouquet, and included a small locket with his photo to pay homage and respect. During his toast, Garreth read a note written to him by Amy’s father when he asked for her hand in marriage – Amy’s was a wonderful father, and someone we really wish we had more time to get to know.
This day, and the couple it was about, held all the elements that make our hearts beat for this work – personal, unique and intimate weddings that focus on people in love, and the people that love them.
