Meadow Brook Hall
350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
Oakland University Campus

We have been so lucky to be able to tour some amazing venues so far this year, Meadow Brook Hall was next on our list and OH MY GOODNESS did this place not disappoint. When pulling up, the drive into the "campus" of the hall was stunning all in itself: rolling green hills, beautiful gardens, and lines of trees surrounding the area. 

This venue also has a quite the history, in short from the Meadow Brook Hall website:

"A National Historic Landmark, Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home of one of the automotive aristocracy’s most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, her second husband Alfred Wilson, a lumber broker and their four children, Frances and Danny Dodge, and Richard and Barbara Wilson. It exists as an indirect product of the achievements and good fortune of her first husband, automotive pioneer John F. Dodge, co-founder of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company who quickly prospered in the burgeoning auto industry before his tragic death in 1920, leaving Matilda one of the world’s wealthiest women. This fortune not only built one of America’s finest residences and country estates, it also supported numerous Detroit charities and organizations, and made possible the founding of Oakland University."

One of the best parts of about the venue is the preservation of its architectural and interior qualities. 

​"Meadow Brook Hall is especially renowned for its fine craftsmanship, exquisite architectural detailing and grand scale. The architecture is the embodiment of enduring quality in both its design and use of fine construction materials.
The exterior combines various textures and patterns using American materials of brick, sandstone, wood timbers and a roof of clay shingle tile. The house also features 39 uniquely designed brick chimneys that distinguish the picturesque roofline.
Interiors of the house are elaborately detailed with carved wood and stone, handmade hardware and ceramic art tile, ornately molded and carved plaster ceilings, stained glass window insets, crystal and art glass lighting fixtures, and gold-plated bathroom fittings. And while the interiors reflect various historic styles, the house is equipped with every modern amenity available in the late 1920s. It was fully electric with a central heating system, two elevators, three kitchens and a full size home theatre.
The exterior and most of the interior rooms at Meadow Brook Hall were designed in the Tudor-revival style. However, a few rooms were decorated in other period-revival styles: the dining room and Matilda’s study are 18th-century Neo-classical, Matilda’s room and the French bedroom are 18th-century French Rococo, and Frances’ bedroom is American Colonial."

Check out this couples day at the hall! Captured by Captured Couture:
​https://capturedcouture.com/a-story-book-meadowbrook-hall-wedding-lauren-and-jeremy-michigan-wedding-photographer/?preview=true

At Meadow Brook the outside of the hall is just as stunning as the inside. One way to enjoy the grounds is by hosting your reception inside the tent provided on the lawn adjacent to the hall. Check out this couples day below captured by Dan Stewart Photography!
https://danstewartphotography.com/wedding-photography/rochester-mi-wedding-lucy-alex/

One of the beautfiul things about this venue is that they give couples the options to hold their ceremony on the premises even if they do not hold their reception. With the gardens and architecture of this venue being so beautiful, why wouldn't couples opt for this option! The wedding below did just that! 

 Check out this couples beautiful ceremony at the hall caught by Kari Dawson! 
https://karidawson.com/cristina-and-jasons-classic-cream-and-gold-italian-wedding/
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From a designers perspective...This hall does not need very much added. When using the interiors of the hall you need very little decor, and any decor you do use should compliment the space...not fight it... Meaning, traditionally styled, solid or basic patterns, and brass or gold elements would do very well contrasting the wood and blending in with the style of the space. Use greenery and your florals to soften the space. 

If you are using the tent, The OPTIONS are endless. You are getting the benefit of a blank slate that is adjacent to a building that already has a view and a strong personality. Any color story, and most styles, would fit into this draped tent very well. Whether you prefer a lighter color story fitting of a garden themed wedding, or a jewel moody toned story that contrasts the white tent, both would look amazing. If you are a lover of both modern and traditional style the tent is your best option to make that come to life without feeling displaced. 

Another exciting element that this venue posses are their holiday tours. . The space takes on a whole new look and feel during this time of year. We look forward to re-visiting later this year to see the displays. Check out some of the images below and click the to check out tour information!

We would like to thank Lori and her team for allowing us to stop and visit their beautiful venue. With so many amazing options for each couple, and just a beautiful historic site for everyone, you cannot go wrong by choosing to visit or book with Meadowbrook Hall. 

Check us out next month to see our next stop! 

Cheers! Slainte!

The Whiskey Factory
Detroit City Distillery
1000 Maple St, Detroit, MI 48207

Earlier this summer I had the personal pleasure of going to Detroit City Distillery's Whiskey Factory for a whiskey, gin and vodka tasting. We had an amazing time listening to the distillers themselves tell us about how they create these master spirits and getting a chance to understand the best way to enjoy them!

A few weeks ago I traveled back to the distillery to walk the space as they were prepping for an event later that night. Walking through the space with the lens of a wedding stylist creates a different take away than when walking through as a tasting customer.  While both extremely positive experiences that were very exciting, instead of focusing on the details of the different liquor themselves, I imagined taking an already really cool space, and customizing it to the right couple. 

While as a wedding stylist I of course think the environment you create is important; I cannot deny the importance that the beverages that you serve your guests! When using this space you are giving your guests a quality taste of the city of Detroit. Each of these different spritis has a story of its own .Click the link directly below to learn about them!
https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/spirits

We love spaces with a rich history, as stated on their site the distillery has just that!

"The Whiskey Factory is home to Detroit City Distillery, creator of small batch artisanal whiskies, gins and vodkas made from the finest local ingredients and sourced directly from farms near this historic location. We are bringing back this timeless craft at the historic site that has long served as the epicenter for alcohol production in Detroit.  Once the home of Goebel’s Brewery and Stroh’s Ice Cream, the Whiskey Factory’s distinguished history creates an ambiance of heritage in this urban two-story distillery.
The Whiskey Factory was a long-dormant building at 1000 Maple, located just off Gratiot Avenue between Downtown Detroit and Eastern Market. It is the last remaining historic structure at the site that largely defined Detroit’s brewing legacy. Brewing at the site goes as far back as the 1930’s, when Goebel Brewing Company built a massive brewery to compete with Stroh’s Brewery, Detroit’s largest brewery at the time. The breweries were located directly across the street from one another. Shortly after Stroh’s acquired Goebel’s in 1960s, the building was converted to a factory where Stroh’s Ice Cream was produced—a successful business created out of necessity during the days of Prohibition, when producing alcohol was illegal.
Today, we’ve returned this special place to its origins. We are reviving the long history of alcohol production at the site that started it all and we invite you to be a part of history with us."

https://www.whiskeyfactorydetroit.com/our-story2

The photos above are of the main reception space during my first visit. Even this space, just clean and empty, has such character. The barrels stay in place during events which, in my opinion, makes the space feel more genuine than staged. This space has function M-F while acting as a reception space for events. I love this about this building, your not just using a space that looks like a distillery...IT ACTUALLY is. 

This space lends itself well to the brides who are looking for something more industrial or urban. Its exposed construction  also lends itself to a modern bride with the right twist. Its distressed finished doors, raw materials and MASSIVE wood bar are all elements that should be emphasized by anyone using this space. 

My first vision when walking in is to see a client use soft ivory linens and greenery to contrast all of the harder surfaces and to break up the raw materials. When you create this contrast you appreciate each material more, it helps give each of them its own shine. The greenery would be my add with LOTS of candlelight. I feel that when you use a space like this less is more when it comes to the "prop" items. 

OR, maybe scrap the lighter linens, bring more of that wood in and use a bronze/brass or reflective material candlestick lit all the way down the table ( or centralized ), surrounded by more greenery and pockets of rich in color florals. This will create a continuous " always here" kind of look.

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

 So many amazing customized weddings have already been done in this space. Check out the few below! These brides and their teams killed it using this space! 

These are just a few weddings that I have explored! Look just how different each is! 

If you are looking for a space to host any kind of event, check the factory out. Its a beautiful spot on its own, but also a great please to customize and make personal.. 

Also, do not forget, they offer tasting tours! I highly suggest doing this with friends, family, co-workers or just on your own!

Thank you Detroit City Distillery for allowing us to tour your factory!

​CHEERS! SLAINTE!

The Eastern
3434 Russel Street Suite 501
Detroit MI, 48207
313-914-1104​
Guest Capacity: 250 MAX
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We at the studio are beyond excited to be able to visit unique venues all around the Detroit and Metro Detroit areas over these next few months. These venues have opened their doors to us to check out, get information, take photos, and to really get an understanding of what makes each space different.

Why are we doing this? It is simple...
1. To be aware of the options around us for future brides
2. To feel out the true diversity of price points, concepts and, atmospheres in the market that we have relocated to
3. TO BE INSPIRED!

Driving to the EASTERN there was inspiration everywhere; from the street art at each corner, to the rows of baskets contained fresh produce, to the different musicians playing under the sheds in hopes of a few dollars of the shoppers appreciation. I was downtown in the Eastern market area of Detroit. I go to this market every Saturday I can on a personal level, but this trip was different. I was looking for spots that would make amazing photos ( cannot help it when you are a photographers daughter), or things for guests to do in the in-between times during the big day, and lastly what elements could we as the studio take from the surrounding area and bring into this AMAZING space at the EASTERN. What elements of this unique area could we take and compliment such a cool space! 

Continuing my journey through the venue we approach this AWESOME garage glass door that acts as the main passage from outside in for the guests, but also is treated as the start of a ceremonial aisle for the weddings that use this inside space for both the ceremony and reception. 

Emily mentioned to us that at this entry point, designs that have added greenery detail to this entrance are some of her favorites!!! 

While I was visiting the venue they were in the early stages of getting ready for a reception they were hosting that night, so I am catching them during prep stages. However, this really allowed me to see the bones of the space and I was blown away. The texture in every direction was outstanding. It was one of those " if walls could talk" moments. The Eastern has only been a reception venue for just over 4 years, so it's new to the industry itself. 

The space can fit from 200-250 guests max, when visiting it was set for roughly 200 all sitting at round 60" dining tables. This space, from example photos, also looks brilliant set with long rectangular tables. 

This leads me to one of the things that I really thought was great about this venue.; its FLEXIBILITY. Not just in design, but also in the options they offer to their clients to personalize the space. When a client rents this space they have from 9am in the morning all the way till 2am that night! I love this, because as a designer who sets the stage for most of these days, that is a GREAT amount of time!! I also love that the this venue has very little restrictions for individuality and design for each event. Emily explains that brides will hang elements from the ceiling, add detail to the walls, and that the different ideas that have been executed are endless. This space is amazing all on its own, that's true, but how SPECIAL and creative is it that each client and truly make this space their own. I LOVE THIS and for the studio this type of venue is a DREAM!

The Eastern is a unique venue also because it has the ability to accommodate all sorts of events. Speaking with Emily, she talks about different fundraisers, auto show events and corporate events that the space has also matched well with. The large glass garage door allows for large equipment, cars and multiple other items that may be harder, or impossible, to get into other venues. 

We thank The Eastern for giving us the change to visit and check out their space. We hope to work with them in collaboration with brides soon! Please check out their site and socials!!

​https://www.herecomestheguide.com/michigan/wedding-venues/the-eastern

As a designer I am drawn to the hanging lighting that most in these images, and SOO many other images of this venue, have. The hanging lighting combined with the soft glow of the candles accents, highlights the textures of the space just enough and takes the space from feeling like a industrial room to feeling like an event space.

I also find that the contrast between the soft linen and distressed brick is very successful. In this space I would choose to use linen on the tables every time. While exposed wood tables would also be beautiful, your creating layers with the linen. I think the use of the wood chairs WITHOUT linen in combination with dressed tables is also successful. 

As for specific decor.... I would go greenery alll theee wayyy!! Greenery and candlelight ...Like we spoke about in our trend of the month greenery against this brick texture again is such a pleasing combination. The greenery softens the space and makes it feel very urban/ romantic. 

Omalley King Photography