I Said “I Do” — Again! Our Winter Wedding at Shinola Hotel Detroit
After 16 years of photographing some of the most beautiful love stories across Metro Detroit, I finally had the incredible joy of living out one of my own. This past winter, I married my husband Oliver in the heart of Detroit at the stunning Shinola Hotel, and we celebrated the night away with our loved ones at Wine Social in Lake Orion. I still get butterflies thinking about it!
Being a wedding photographer for 16 years, I’ve had the honor of capturing so many moments—first looks, teary vows, joyful receptions—and I always wondered what my own would look like having a wedding many years later. And let me tell you, it was magic.
Deciding on a venue at first wasn’t really anything we planned to do. When we decided to get married in the winter we knew we wanted to be outside except, I would freeze! Thinking about all of the venues I’ve been to over the years I knew the perfect spot would be Shinola Hotel in the Birdy Room. It’s in the middle of the city, on the roof top and a giant glass atrium….it was perfect! The first wedding I photographed there was amazing which you can peek at here.
Planning the logistics of the day we knew we would have just our closest friends and family attend. So Oliver and I opted to stay the night at Shinola Hotel as guests prior in one of the corner gallery suites. It was absolutely not just perfect, but, wow, stunning. When we walked in the floor to ceiling arched windows with the city view was jaw dropping. I still can’t get enough when looking at photos!
Because Oliver and I stayed together we knew we did not want the traditional style wedding. You know, where the groom stays somewhere else, you don’t see each other until the next day etc….We wanted to be together, get ready together and we even wanted to walk down the aisle together. This is a union of us being together and that’s exactly what we did.
The Ceremony: Shinola Hotel, Detroit
We chose the Shinola Hotel because of its effortless blend of elegance and Detroit soul. From the moment we stepped inside, we knew it was our place, especially the Birdy Room like a mentioned earlier. It felt as though we were outside without actually being outside and freezing! The architecture, the atmosphere, the way the light poured in—it was everything I love as a photographer and now, as a bride.
We kept our ceremony intimate and cozy, surrounded by our closest family and friends. As luck had it our officiant Ken Krajewski is someone Oliver knew many years ago, and he also happens to be ordained! We lucked out for him to be very excited to be apart of our day. In addition, Ken’s wife Laura is also someone I knew years ago which seemed so coincidental and also the perfect reason for him to marry us!
Surrounded by all eight of our children, my son’s fiancee, my best friend with her husband, Oliver’s best friend with his wife, and my sisters – we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting. The warmth in that room, despite the chill outside, was something I’ll never forget. Standing across from Oliver, saying our vows, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
The In Between Stop: Rochester Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2634
Our closest family and friends stopped at the Rochester Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2634. This is a very special stop because Oliver and I are not only members, we also volunteer and work there. I started bartending at the Eagles club two years ago that turned into much more. It’s not just a work place, a private club, it’s almost like a second home. The members to us are like family. It was most definitely the most special stop we made on our way to celebrate for the evening! Unbeknownst to Oliver and I, they had surprised us with a photo collage board of photos Oliver and I had taken throughout our relationship as well as had a banner made congratulating s!
The Reception: Wine Social, Lake Orion
Afterward, we headed back to Lake Orion for our reception at Wine Social, which honestly felt like the perfect extension of us. If you’ve never been, it’s this charming little wine bar with all the cozy vibes and seriously good pours. It felt relaxed, real, and full of joy—exactly how we wanted to celebrate.
There was laughter, a few happy tears (okay, a lot), amazing food (chicken tenders and fries at the Eagles lol), and the kind of moments you wish you could freeze in time forever. And yes, I absolutely handed my camera off to someone else for the night—though I may have peeked at the lighting once or twice. 😅
Full Circle
It feels surreal to be on the other side of the lens now. I’ve always believed in the beauty of love and connection, and this experience has only deepened that belief. Being a bride gave me a whole new perspective—and so much more appreciation—for all the couples I’ve worked with over the years.
Thank you to everyone who made our day so unforgettable. And to my couples—past, present, and future—I get it now more than ever, and I am even more honored to tell your stories.
With all the love in my heart,
Sarah
Vendors who made our day possible...
Photo – Luna Dulce Photography / Reception Photo – Pictures By Alex
Hair & Makeup – Crystal Drake Artistry
Dress – Catherine Deane
DJ – DJ Junebug
