Clare & Chris’ wedding was such a fun one to design! I love when a couple has a clear vision and trusts me to carry out that vision through flowers, rentals, and decorataions. Moreover, Clare was so excited about every aspect of the wedding! If she was nervous about any aspect of wedding planning, I did not see it.
Clare & Chris both chose to get ready in their family homes. This made the morning even more special, kept everyone comfortable, and Chris even got to hang out with his furry four-pawed friend!
I love when couples decide to get their wedding party photos done before the ceremony! This gives you so much more time to get photos in fun locations, then you’ll be able to enjoy more of your cocktail hour after the ceremony!
Detroit has so many good wedding party photo locations including:
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Detroit Public Library
- Hart Plaza & Detroit Riverwalk
- Icons such as the Joe Louis “The Fist” & Spirit of Detroit
- Parker’s Alley & The Belt Alley
- Eastern Market murals
- Belle Isle
- Campus Martius
And can we get some appreciation for this gorgeous color palette?!
Dream Limousines helped the wedding party stay together and move about the city for photos, then delivered them safely to The Eastern just before the ceremony was to start.
While pre-ceremony photos were happening for the wedding party, we were at the venue setting up, assisting vendors, and troubleshooting any issues that came up! I love all the details that Clare & Chris put into their wedding decor! It really helped develop the romantic Victorian design.
And can we talk about these flowers?!?! SWOON! (And I believe the florist mentioned Clare shedding a tear when she delivered her bouquet!)
One of the problems the bride needed to troubleshoot was that her seating chart delivery was delayed and would not arrive on time. She got crafty and created a new seating chart, which ended up adding a lovely handmade touch to the design!
Finally, it was time to get these two married! I knew they wanted their ceremony to be short & sweet, but I think it ended up being my shortest ceremony yet! LOL
Most of the time at The Eastern, we offer a room flip, which means ceremony guests are seated in traditional rows of chairs. Dinner tables are set and ready to go, but off to the sides. Then, during cocktail hour, my team (& usually the catering team) will perform a quick switcharoo, pulling the dinner tables into place and placing chairs at each table. For Clare & Chris’s 200-person wedding, it was wise to have everyone view the ceremony from their dinner seat instead. (I highly suggest this for guest counts close to or above 200 people at The Eastern!)
After a quick stop at the bar for a celebratory drink, Clare & Chris finished their ceremony business by signing their marriage license on the patio. Then, the party began!
Clare & Chris, I loved working with you and your families on your wedding! I wish you nothing but the best in life, happiness in your marriage, & fun adventures along the way!
Event Team
Planner | Christa Graham Weddings & Events
Venue & Bartending | The Eastern
Guestbook | White Spell Studio
Photographer | Ryan Southen Photography
Hair & Makeup | Detroit Glam
Bride’s Dress | B Ella Bridal (dress shop) Willow by Watters (dress designer)
Bride’s Shoes | Mischka Badgley
Bride’s Accessories | @irefunkyourjunk (purse) Daumiere Darling Original (jewelry)
Groom & Groomsman’s Attire | The Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Various
Transportation | Dream Limousine
Caterer | Marchiori Catering
Baker | Sorella’s Custom Cakes
Florist | Wildscape Floral Co
DJ | Mike Staff Productions
Rentals | Detroit Chiavari
I realized wedding planning was my passion when, after working a 12-hour wedding day, I came home and was so energized that I couldn’t go to sleep. I had just worked an entire day, on my feet, and was ready to plan the next event instead of heading to bed! In former careers, an 8-hour shift would leave me exhausted. This new-found energy around my work was very welcomed! Now I plan weddings all around the Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor areas.