Venue Tour 2020: Grosse Pointe War Memorial

Where do I even Begin???

This space is truly one of a kind. In 2019 I attended a beautiful baby shower at this location so when my clients Anna & Josh mentioned that this is where they booked their big day I was SO EXCITED! How could I not be!? 
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are stunning, its traditional style mixed with modern amentites and a STUNNING water front view, what more could you ask for? 

​Welcome to the Grosse Pointe Ware Memorial!
​32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Like I mentioned I have a lovely couple getting married in 2021 who have chosen this location for their big day. I have actually visited this location twice this summer once on my own, and once with the bride!

Both the bride and groom have a career in the military and this location really couldn't be a better fit. 

​When you drive up to the memorial you drive up this perfectly symmetrical line of trees. You get this vibe of a grand and formal entrance that honestly made me sit a little straighter in my seat. 

The architectural detail, the beautiful greenery in the gardens surrounding the building, and the fountain are just the beginning. 


I love historic venues, they are some of my favorite to work at. I think it's because I know they carry a story that with each event we keep adding to. Here in the Detroit area we have so many of these historical places, what I loved about the War Memorial is that because it's a bit further away from the downtown area, the parking was VERY easy to manage and doesn't cost the couple or the guests anything that day. When you're planning a wedding in Detroit that is a huge consideration you need to make. 
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My favorite part of the space are the rooms indoors.

When you come in the front entrance you're welcomed by these beautifully preserved historical spaces. These spaces are perfect for cocktail hours, showers, small events exc. What is so nice is that ( when allowed ) your guests can mingle throughout the spaces and have PLENTY to be in aw of. SERIOUSLY!!

The bookshelves in this room are just magical. This is one of my favorite photos from my visit. 

I think what I love most about each room indoors here is that it has the warm woods, the gold and brass accents, the vintage decor/artwork, and it feels as historic as it actually is. 

When working in these spaces there is not much that I would add. Simple candle light, maybe utilizing the tables that are scattered for photos, or basic elements that guests can interact with during cocktail hour or down time, and some light greenery. 

The goal, in spaces like these, are to make your items feel like they have been part of it all along. Like your story is part of the spaces story...That is key.

So what about the reception space? The BEST thing about this space is..Yup you guessed it..The view!!!

Not only the view of the water, but you also have a view of the grounds and gardens below. Currently, with COVID, the Memorial is hosting outdoor weddings only so you will see a tent that they have installed in order to give their couples the big day of their dreams even with all of the changes. 

As for the room itself, its a BLANK canvas! I think this is a selling feature for this space, with so many unique styles and combinations of styles I see in my couples inspiration, it's really nice to have a space that gives us the freedom to customize the decor. Nothing will top that view though.

By having elements like the chandeliers still vibing with the historical nature of the venue, you have a very cohesive space. 
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This is what I LOVE about this venue. You have historic, you have water front, you have gardens, you have a large open reception space...Amazing Right?

I look forward to working in this space with Anna & Josh next year and hopefully many more couples to come! Check out more images from my trip below!!

​Till Next Time..Cheers! Slainte! Salud!