Godfrey Hotel Wedding

Monday, January 1st, 2024

Daniela and Lawrence had an intimate Godfrey Hotel wedding, surrounded by two of their best friends.

Months ago, Daniela reached out to me regarding photographing their upcoming wedding in Mexico. It sounded like a beautiful event and, judging from the warmth and friendliness of Daniela, it sounded like it would be fun too. It was a bit of a disappointment when things didn’t work out, but that never deters me from wishing the couple the best and a beautiful marriage. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and you can imagine my excitement when Jennie from Beautiful Day Planning reached out and asked, “Do you happen to be free this New Year’s Eve for a short Godfrey Hotel wedding? Daniela can’t get over your work. Her and Lawrence are having a private ceremony here before heading to Mexico.”

Talking with Daniela on the phone, we discussed some photo locations and specifically, what she wanted her day to feel like. She didn’t hesitate for a second before telling me, “Fun!” I understood the assignment. Sure we would take some formal portraits, but we would also give Daniela and Lawrence the space to let their personalities shine…and shine they did. We had a blast spending time with each other and celebrating their nuptials. We started their Detroit elopement at the Detroit Public Library. Both Daniela and Lawrence were dressed to impress and excited for their day.

Within a few minutes of being in their presence, the beauty and essence of Daniela and Lawrence were on display in front of our cameras. Dancing like no one was watching, being fully present in the moment, and fully present in and for each other.

A fine art wedding photo taken in Detroit by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A bride and groom share a laugh on their wedding day outside of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward Ave.
A bride laughs as her groom whispers in her ear on their wedding day.
A bride and groom, holding hands, walk down the steps of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward on their wedding day.

Afterwards, we crossed the street for a few photos at the iconic DIA.

A bride and groom pose on the steps of the Detroit Institute of Arts on their wedding day.
A bride poses at the arches of the DIA on her wedding day.

During our planning talks, I suggested we incorporate some of Detroit’s skyline and, leaning into the theme of fun, bring a bottle of champagne to celebrate with.

A bride and groom pop champagne on the Detroit Opera House parking garage on their wedding day.
A bride and groom, holding champagne glasses, almost kiss with Detroit skyscrapers behind them on their wedding day.
A bride and groom cheers champagne glasses with a city skyline behind them in Detroit on their wedding day.

Nothing helps with dancing like a little Selena Gomez on Spotify.

A bride chugs champagne out of the bottle on their wedding day atop of a rooftop in Detroit.
A groom chugs champagne out of the bottle on their wedding day.
A couple clinks champagne glasses on their wedding day in Detroit.
A bride hugs her groom from behind, laughing, atop the Detroit Opera House parking garage on their wedding day.
A couple, holding champagne glasses, laugh atop the Detroit Opera House parking garage on their wedding day.

As the time approached, he headed to their Godfrey Hotel wedding in Corktown for their ceremony. The rooftop of the Godfrey Hotel hosts the IO Rooftop Lounge, a chic dining and event space, that the Godfrey opened up for just their wedding ceremony. With Detroit as their backdrop, Daniela and Lawrence brought their lives together in an intimate ceremony.

Friends look on as a couple weds in the IO Rooftop Lounge at a Detroit Godfrey Hotel wedding.
A couple exchanges rings during their Detroit Godfrey Hotel wedding.
A couple exchanges rings during their Detroit Godfrey Hotel wedding.
A couple exchanges rings during their Detroit Godfrey Hotel wedding.
A newlywed couple celebrated with the Detroit skyline in the background after their Godfrey Hotel wedding.
A newlywed couple poses with the Detroit skyline in the background after their Godfrey Hotel wedding.
Friends pose at the IO Rooftop Lounge after a Godfrey Hotel wedding in Detroit.
Friends offer a toast at IO Rooftop Lounge after a Godfrey Hotel wedding in Detroit.