Wedding at Shinola Hotel

Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

I remember the call fondly; Sarah’s gentle voice and warm demeanor felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. An old friend that somehow, I just met. As she described their wedding at Shinola Hotel, it sounded perfect: smaller, intimate, tasteful, and relaxed. No public ceremony, no bridal party, no official first dance. The focus wasn’t the pomp and circumstance. The focus was on what they truly cared about – each other and their families. Everything else was just a detail.

Their wedding was a reflection of their values; values that I too shared. Documenting Molly and Sarah’s love wasn’t just taking pretty pictures or photographing another gig. It was more personal and much bigger than that: My best friend is gay. My college roommates were gay. My neighbors are gay. My cousin is gay. Some of my students are LGBTQ members. Cherished people in my life are part of the LGBTQ community and finally I got to demonstrate my support by photographing a same-sex wedding. To me, it wasn’t just a wedding, but an honor to be a part of their day.

~

Sarah and Molly met on the water in college. Seeing that they both rowed, we thought it was only appropriate to incorporate the water in their wedding photos. Molly still coaches rowing and got us access to the docks at the Belle Isle Boat House along the Detroit River.

A same sex couple poses on a dock on their wedding day on Belle Isle with a bridge in the background.
A same sex couple kisses on their wedding day on Belle Isle with a bridge in the background.
A same sex couple poses on their wedding day on Belle Isle with a bridge in the background.
A same sex couple poses on their wedding day on Belle Isle with a bridge in the background.
A same sex couple poses on their wedding day on Belle Isle with a bridge in the background.

There were still a few rowing sculls near the docks, which served as a perfect little spot for Molly and Sarah to sneak away for a few pics.

A same sex couple poses at the Belle Isle Boat House on their wedding day.
A same sex couple poses at the Belle Isle Boat House on their wedding day.
A same sex couple kisses at the Belle Isle Boat House on their wedding day.
A same sex couple poses at the Belle Isle Boat House on their wedding day.

Before leaving Belle Isle, we stopped by the southern shore for a view of Detroit.

Molly and Sarah were celebrating their marriage with a beautiful reception at Shinola Hotel. On our way back from Belle Isle, we stopped by Parker’s Alley, adjacent to the Shinola Hotel, for a few photos.

As their wedding at Shinola Hotel drew closer, we headed upstairs for a few more pics before family and guests arrived.

A LGBTQ couple poses at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.
A LGBTQ couple poses at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.
A same sex couple poses at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.
Glasses clink and toast at a wedding at Shinola Hotel
Cocktail hour during a wedding at Shinola Hotel.

After a lovely cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delicious dinner and a few hilarious toasts.

Glasses raised at a wedding at Shinola Hotel.
A same sex couple laughs during toasts during their wedding at Shinola Hotel.

Following dinner, the dance floor was open. Guests did not hesitate to join in the fun.

A lesbian couple poses with a guest at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.
A lesbian couple dances at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.
A LGBTQ couple dances at their wedding at Shinola Hotel.

As the evening went on, Molly and Sarah snuck away for one last picture to remember the night by.

Music: Christopher London DJ Services

Venue: Shinola Hotel