Forbes Hospitality Colony Club

Saturday, July 15th, 2023

Abby and Will had their beautiful wedding reception at the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

Prior to Covid halting large events, I used to photograph many of Ascension Providence Hospital’s events. The doctors, nurses, and staff that worked there are so kind, friendly, and dedicated to their causes. Every event was a joy to document; each one was like getting together with old friends. If my memory serves me correctly (like I said, this was pre-Covid) I briefly met Abby at one of the fundraiser galas Ascension Providence hosted, as a guest of her mom, who works for Ascension. You can imagine my delight when I received an email from her mom, introducing us again and asking about my availability for her and Will’s wedding. As soon as I heard to details – Historic Trinity Lutheran Church and Forbes Hospitality Colony Club – I knew it would be a beautiful wedding. As soon as I spent the afternoon with Abby and Will photographing their engagement session, I knew it would be a beautiful marriage.

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Abby and Will got ready at the Marriott Hotel in the Renaissance Center. As we were walking toward his hotel room, we knew we were in the right place as laughter pour out the door. Will got ready with the help of his best man…and a touch of his favorite spirit.

Once Will was looking his best, we checked in with Abby. It didn’t take long before she was a beautiful bride.

A pair of red bottom Christian Louboutin shoes and an engagement ring.

A pair of Christian Louboutin wedding shoes.

Once they were ready, it was time for their first look. Complimenting their classic and elegant style, they had their first look at the iconic Detroit Institute of Art. Once they saw each other, it was all smiles, laughter, and love. One of the things I really cherished about Will and Abby were the untrammeled display of emotions throughout their wedding day.

A bride and groom laugh outside of the DIA on their wedding day.

A bride and groom cross Woodward Ave on their wedding day.

After spending some time at the DIA, we crossed Woodward and headed to the Detroit Public Library before being joined by their bridal party.

Newlyweds walk holding hands on the front lawn of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

Newlyweds laugh on the front lawn of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom sit on the steps and pose for formals at Detroit Public LIbrary.

Groomsmen formals at Detroit Public LIbrary

Bridesmaids, wearing pastel blue dresses, pose for formals at Detroit Public LIbrary.

Next, we headed to the beautiful Historic Trinity Lutheran Church on Gratiot. This was my first time photographing in the church. I reaffirmed my long standing belief that Detroit has some of the most beautiful churches in America.

Abby, being escorted by her mom, was radiant.

A wedding at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.

A bride and groom kiss at the altar of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.

A bride and groom walk down the aisle of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.

A bride and groom embrace in the aisle of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church.

Prior to heading to the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club for their wedding reception, we swung by Comerica Park for a quick bridal party photo.

A bridal party walks in front of Comerica Park.

As we were having fun downtown, guests were arriving at the newly renovated Forbes Hospitality Colony Club bar for Will and Abby’s wedding reception.

The ballroom at Forbes Hospitality Colony Club is set up for a wedding.

A bride and groom embrace in a stairwell at Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

A bride and groom toast with champagne in an empty ballroom at Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

While Abby and Will enjoyed a moment in their empty ballroom, guests were enjoying themselves downstairs at cocktail hour.

Once Abby and Will joined their guests, it was all fun for the rest of the night.

The best man offers a wedding toast at the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

Bride and groom dance at their wedding at the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

Mother and daughter dance at her wedding at the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

Mother and son dance at his wedding at the Forbes Hospitality Colony Club.

After the formal dances, Will’s dad was presented a glittery jacket to wear and open up the dance floor. You could say he did not hesitate and rose to the occasion. With that, everyone joined and the dance floor was packed the rest of the evening.