Jennifer and Parker's Shinola Hotel Wedding in Downtown Detroit

We’re coming up on a first anniversary for Jennifer and Parker, and it made me realize this is a wedding day that really needs to be blogged. Some weddings just feel like magic. From the moment I arrived at the Shinola Hotel, I knew this one would be one of them. Right in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Shinola Hotel offers the kind of effortless luxury and style, and light soaked rooms, that makes photographing weddings there a dream. It’s like working with a cheat code. I always say you can’t that a great photograph without great light. Well, the Shinola Hotel has great light around every corner.

Truly though, what made the day special wasn’t the light or the stunning details (though they were stunning, thanks to Lauren at Lo and Co Event Design). It was Jennifer and Parker. They brought an emotional depth and joyful sweetness that infused every moment of the day, from personal vows that left the groom wiping away tears, to an exuberant dance floor that popped off from the second the Crasherz Band played the first note.

The ceremony took place in the hotel’s glass-enclosed conservatory, the Birdy Room, a space that feels larger than life (and whose air conditioning, I believe, should be named the 8th wonder of the world). Natural light poured in from above, highlighting the couple and the amazing floral, by Lee Floral Design, bursting with soft, romantic blooms in blush, peach, and ivory.

Lauren Postma, of Lo and Co events, not only planned an absolutely beautiful day, but kept it running so smoothly for everyone involved. Inside the hotel’s ballroom, every detail was thoughtfully curated by Lauren, Jennifer, and Parker. Long tables were dressed in neutral linens and topped with modern romantic arrangements and the room was awash with candlelight. The atmosphere was golden. Literally. The lighting in the Shinola ballroom casts the kind of warm glow that flatters everyone. It’s no wonder Shinola Hotel weddings are quickly becoming a favorite among Detroit’s couples, this venue is made for celebration.

One of my favorite parts of the evening came after the formalities were done. Jennifer changed her dress and the couple snuck away for a few portraits outside the hotel. I just love the ambient light of downtown Detroit, at night. There’s something timeless and romantic about the city after dark and I love getting to sneak away for some nighttime portraits, giving the couple a chance to step away for a moment, after the bustle of the wedding day is behind you and the rest of their life, as a married couple, is in front of them.

I hope you enjoy getting a peek into Jennifer and Parker’s day as much as I enjoyed getting to photograph it!

Fine art flat lay of Jennifer and Parkers wedding invitation suite styled with delicate florals and gold accents on linen featuring the Shinola Hotel in Detroit as their venue

the brides pearl accented heels and floral earrings rest on soft tulle at the Shinola Hotel alongside her embroidered gown hanging elegantly on the suite door

The bride adjusts her earring while gazing into the mirror of her Shinola Hotel suite by Detroit wedding photographer Heather Jowett

Candid moment from the couples first look on the rooftop terrace of the Shinola Hotel in Detroit captured with a timeless documentary feel against the citys signature backdrop

candid frames from a joyful first look at the Shinola Hotel rooftop of the groom reacting with emotion as he sees her for the first time

Timeless black and white portraits of the couple on the Shinola Hotel rooftop showcasing classic Detroit architecture and heartfelt connection in fine art style

The groom kisses the brides cheek in a romantic moment beneath tropical foliage on the Shinola Hotel rooftop

Romantic portrait of the couple bathed in soft light near the arched hallway windows at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit captured in Heather Jowetts timeless fine art style

The couple shares a joyful embrace in parkers alley captured in classic black and white documentary style

bride and groom wrapped in a quiet embrace in the Shinola Hotel hallway

The full wedding party celebrates on the rooftop of the Shinola Hotel with the couple kissing in the center

bridesmaids and groomsmen pose on the terrace of the shinola hotel

the bride walks down the aisle with her father as guests look on in the airy conservatory the groom wipes away tears seeing her for the first time

The bride hugs her father at the end of the aisle as the groom watches tenderly in the background

The couple stands beneath a glass conservatory ceilingin the birdy room at the shinola hotel

he bride reads heartfelt vows as the groom smiles and wipes away a tear as she continues

black and white photograph of a wedding ceremony in the birdy room

Bride and groom exhchanging rings and a first kiss in front of a lush floral backdrop

The bride and groom recess joyfully back down the aisle as newlyweds hands raised in celebration while guests cheer from their seats

The reception space at the Shinola Hotel features soft lighting from modern chandeliers

a blush and ivory floral centerpiece surrounded by votive candles and tall blush taper candles creating a romantic ambiance

reception details at a shinola hotel wedding with shades of peach ivory and blush

the newlyweds during their grand entrance into the ballroom at the shinola hotel

couple seated at the head table surrounded by guests during dinner

bride wiping away tears during a speech from her parents

Bride and groom smile joyfully at their sweetheart table adorned with soft blush and ivory florals in front of a grand fireplace at the Shinola Hotel wedding reception

Father of the bride gives a heartfelt toast beside the mother of the bride during the reception at the Shinola Hotel as the newlyweds look on with emotion

Newlywed couple clink champagne glasses in a celebratory toast at their flower draped sweetheart table during their Detroit wedding reception

The couple shares their first dance beneath a glass atrium with live band playing in the background at their Shinola Hotel wedding reception

Bride and groom twirl gracefully during their first dance beneath the striking glass ceiling of the Shinola Hotels birdy room

Groom lifts the bridey during their first dance

Groom dips the bride in a romantic flourish during their first dance

Bride sharing a dance with her father in the birdy room

groom sharing dance with his mother in the birdy room

nighttime portraits of bride and groom outside of the shinola hotel

a bride and groom pose for nighttime portraits outside of the shinola hotel

wedding band playing

bride and groom dancing the night away in the birdy room

candid photo of bride and groom dancing with motion blur

Needless to say, I’m happy to photograph at the Shinola any chance I get, and I’m not just saying that because it’s 3 miles from my house. If you’re planning a Shinola Hotel Wedding, I’d love to tell your story. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Planning & Design: @loandcoeventdesign
Florals: @leefloraldesign
Videography: @michiganweddingvideographer
Photography: @heather.jowett
Venue: @shinolahotel
Ice Cream: @thescoopicecreambar
Band: @thecrasherzband
Photo Booth: @mammothparty
Signage & Paper Goods: @mackenziejoandesigns
Hair & Makeup: @teamglamdetroit

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