Apparatus Room Engagement Session
When I first grabbed coffee to meet with Erica and Bill, it was an easy conversation like most of my wedding consultations are. Erica is this high-energy, enthusiastic ball of energy that you can’t help but want to get on her wave length. Bill is the perfect compliment to her; keeping up, adding to the conversation, and laughing along the way. I knew within minutes that this was going to be a fun couple to work with on both their wedding and Apparatus Room and El Moore engagement session.
You never know exactly what you will talk about at these consultations. Sometimes, I get to see photos of the wedding dress, like I did with Monet. Other times, you hear about how the couple met or how he proposed. It turns out, Erica and Bill knew each other since 3rd grade but didn’t reconnect until after college. They dated, planned adventures, and one night planned a little “staycation” here in Detroit. We revisited that “staycation” spot, which would later come to hold such importance and meaning in their lives. First, we started our afternoon together at the Apparatus Room.
The Apparatus Room is a swanky, chic restaurant and bar in Detroit’s Foundation Hotel. It is always packed with standing room only. We stopped by right after we all got off work, around 4:00 p.m, and were able to beat the crowd and snap a few photos before patrons started to arrive. The drinks were cold, the ambiance was awesome, and the staff was relaxed about us taking some photos. Special thanks to them for allowing this to happen.
I always like giving guys their very own GQ shot during their engagement session or wedding. Bill definitely owned his.
Once Bill and Erica got warmed up in front of the camera, their personalities shined. Like I said earlier, these two compliment each other perfectly. I think these candids from them having fun perfectly show it. Bill flexing, Erica playing along, and some laughs and a kiss to seal the deal.
Before leaving the Apparatus Room and Foundation Hotel, we shot outside. The icon red doors complimented Erica’s jacket and warm smile.
After leaving the hotel, we headed towards El Moore Lodge, a boutique, four-bedroom hotel located in Midtown. It was here that Bill proposed to Erica, making it a very special place to return to.
It was literally in this room, and in this spot, where their lives started. I wanted to capture both in one image.
I can’t wait to photograph their wedding. If their engagement session was this much fun, I know their wedding will be even more so. Best wishes you two.
