VENUE TOUR STOP #1: The Eastern

The Eastern
3434 Russel Street Suite 501
Detroit MI, 48207
313-914-1104​
Guest Capacity: 250 MAX
​

https://eventup.com/venue/the-eastern-detroit/

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! 

​We met with Emily who was kind enough to answer all of our questions and share some of her favorites with us. 

When you drive to the venue you are easily able to find parking in the adjacent lot. I do not know about you, but city parking always gives me anxiety, so when I was able to quickly and efficiently park I was already feeling great about this visit. When you walk to the building you are greeted with a large space that serves as outdoor cocktail hour space and the staging space for a grand entrance, or a ceremony aisle. This space can also be a great extra space during the reception or even a space to hold the guest book table or seating chart. The one thing that I adored was this BRIGHT blue door that contrasted beautifully with the red/ orange brick that the building is covered in. While this door was more of a utility door, for vendors an staff to use, it was very eye catching for this industrial space. Also worked as a visual cue for you to know you were in the right place.  . 

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

CHECK THEM OUT!!

The Eastern Site