Detroit Orchestra Hall Wedding

Monday, September 12th, 2022

Ellie and Mitch gave their guests not just ane event, but an experience, hosting a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

I first met Ellie at her friends’, Gigi and Joey’s, wedding. I remember her helpful and friendly demeanor as she pointed me to Gigi’s accessories upon my arrival. I joked with her that she was my Commander in Chief as she knew all the specifics of the day and had a great pulse on what came next. Instead of just being a bridesmaid, it was as if she was also a planner. It was no surprise, a few years later when Ellie contacted me about her own wedding, that she had every detail of her day nailed down.

Our initial consultation easily went beyond the normal allotted time. I didn’t mind; Ellie was as passionate about the experience and symbolism of her wedding as I am the finer nuances of photography. Her and Mitch’s wedding was equals part love, commitment, extravagance, loved ones, and fun. Every aspect of their day represented who they are as individuals and a couple, from the venue down to the music selection…and there was music!

Music and art play a central role in the lives of Ellie and Mitch. From their love of performing music to their impressive repertoire of attended concerts, music is everywhere in their lives. When it came time to start planning their wedding, they wanted music to be both a backdrop and central theme to their day. As a backdrop, they chose to have beautiful Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding. The theatre and stage was would host the ceremony, while the atrium and “The Cube” would be filled with guests, live music, dinner and dancing. In short, guests were invited to a wedding unlike any other.

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Ellie and Mitch both got ready in various spots in Orchestra Hall. Mitch, relaxed and excited, was first to get ready with the help of his brother and father.

wedding rings on a paper drawing of Detroit's Orchestra Hall

Once Mitch was ready, it was Ellie’s turn. She got ready in the beautiful Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Longue.

A bride gets ready in the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge for her Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding
A bride holds her dress in the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge at her Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

Once Ellie was ready, it was time for her and Mitch to share a first look.

Judging by their smiles, they both loved what they saw.

A bride and groom laugh in oval entrance to their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

Next, it was time to explore the building and create some beautiful images before guests joined them at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

A bride and groom hold and look at each other at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom hold and look at each other at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom portrait at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A groom kisses the forehead of his bride at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride looks over her shoulder at the camera at her  Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom portrait at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A bride and groom portrait at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding by Brian Weitzel Photography.

One our way to the next location in Orchestra Hall, we stopped by Paradise Lounge, where one the their VIP guests was waiting.

A bride and groom relax on a couch in Paradise Lounge at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and her dog relax on a couch in Paradise Lounge at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

After Pasha stole all of our hearts, we visited the main stage and theatre. The room was inspirational. There were so many beautiful spots, each with their own feel, to photograph Ellie and Mitch.

A bride and groom kiss on stage at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A Jewish bride and groom smile in the balcony at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom kiss in the middle archway of  the balcony at their Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom snuggle in the red seats of the Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

Next, it was time for the bridal party to join us.

Groomsmen pose outside the a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding on red carpet.
Groomsmen walk outside of a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding on red carpet.
Bridesmaids pose outside the a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding on red carpet.
Bridesmaids pose outside the a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding on red carpet.
A bridal party poses inside of Paradise Lounge at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

With friends and family now present, it was time for Ellie and Mitch to sign the ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract. Rabbi Mike Moskowitz did a wonderful job making this and the ceremony itself, incredibly personable. He wove in stories about dating, music, rock band t-shirts, religious traditions, and life. As special and meaningful as this moment was, it was also entertaining.

A ketubah signing takes place during a Jewish Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A Jewish ketubah signing takes place during a Jewish Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A Jewish ketubah signing takes place during a Jewish Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A Jewish ketubah signing takes place during a Jewish Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A Jewish ketubah signing takes place during a Jewish Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

Next, it was time for guests to take their seats. Ellie and Mitch’s Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding was about to begin. Center stage was the chuppah, a jewish wedding canopy adorned by gorgeous white flowers, representing the families and the home bride and groom will build together.

A jewish floral chuppah sits center stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A groom waits, standing in front of a white floral chuppah at his Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride is escorted to her groom, who waits near a white floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom stand beneath an floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A jewish cantor sings under a floral chuppah.
A bride and groom stand beneath an floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom stand beneath an floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A bride and groom stand beneath an floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A view from the stage of a jewish wedding at Detroit Orchestra Hall.
A bride and groom laugh during a jewish wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom stand beneath an floral chuppah on stage at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A jewish bride and groom smile, holding hands, and look at each other under a white chuppah at the Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A jewish bride and groom smile, holding hands, and look at each other under a white chuppah at the Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A jewish bride and groom kiss under a white chuppah at the Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.
A jewish bride and groom kiss under a white chuppah at the Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

With the exchange of rings and the breaking of the glass, a robust “mazel tov!” filled the room. While family took some formal photos, guests were treated to live jazz music during cocktail hour.

When I mentioned earlier that Ellie was intentional about her wedding, a personalized menu was waiting for each guest at the table.

One of the details that made this wedding truly an experience was the presence of Nicole Jarecz, a fashion sketch artist. Guests could have their image and outfit sketched to take home as a personalized memento. Truly, a unique and classy touch to an already incredible event.

As cocktail hour concluded, the Planet D Nonet jazz band led the crowd into the Cube, where the hora commenced. The fun really picked up once Ellie and Mitch were hoisted above the crowd in their chairs.

After a lively hora, family gave heartfelt toasts to the bride and groom.

As guests finished their meals, it was time to open up the dance floor. Mitch and Ellie shared a first dance, followed by their respective father and mother, before turning it over to the 80s cover band, Starfarm, to kick off the party.

StarFarm Band perform at a Detroit Orchestra Hall wedding.

Once there was a break in the set list, Ellie and Mitch stepped outside to cool down from the dancing and soak in the views of Detroit.

DJ: The Todd Everett Experience

Beauty: Studio Bloom

Fashion Sketch Artist: Nicole Jarecz

Design: AWE Production

Paper and Signage: Leah E Moss Designs

Film: Kadence Films

Cake: Love & Buttercream

Catering: Forte Belanger

Floral: Beautiful Bloom

Music: Planet D Nonet

Music: Starfarm

Rabbi: Mike Moskowitz of Temple Shir Shalom

Cantor: Neil Michael of Temple Israel

Dog Handler: Canine to Five

Clothes: Eugenie by Sareh Nouri at Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal

Veil: L’Amour Bridal

Alterations: Sarah Kolis

Mother of Bride Dress: Marchesa at Saks Fifth Avenue

Maid of Honor Dress: Jenny Packman at Saks Fifth Avenue

Father of Bride tuxedo: Dolce & Gabbana