Perform a perfect intimate ceremony at the Foundation Hotel in Detroit? When my friend and one of my favorite photographers Shelby of Monnette Co reached out to me to ask if I would participate in an elopement giveaway the yes was fast and easy! 

Joey and Kayla were the winners of a contest Shelby held to giveaway an intimate wedding at the Detroit Foundation Hotel. I was thrilled to write a custom wedding ceremony script for them and to work with them to curate the perfect ceremony. 

In March of 2024 I met them at the Foundation Hotel in Detroit where we took off down the aisle and performed the custom ceremony we had worked on together. After the ceremony we signed their marriage license to make it legal and then they were off for photos and the perfect intimate dinner at the Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room. 

Photos by: Shelby of Monnette Co
Venue: Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room 
Planner: Samantha Whole Hearted Events
Florals: Blum Floral 
Hair and Makeup: Gals and Ghouls 
Officiant: NICHOLE BERTUCCI, A Simple I Do 

What is an intimate wedding? 
Intimate weddings or elopements are small gatherings for your wedding ceremony and celebration. Once thought of as the two of you running away in secrecy to marry is now replaced with the notion of simply the required 2 witnesses or a small gathering of 20 or less guests. Your elopement or intimate wedding can include a ceremony only or a hosted meal to celebrate afterwards. The idea of your intimate or elopement wedding ceremony is to keep it stress free on both you and your wallet. Hosting a smaller wedding allows you to truly focus on the intent of the day, marrying the love of your life and celebrating that love. 

Why you should consider an intimate wedding ceremony or elopement? 
Hosting a smaller wedding ceremony allows you to spend less money all while focusing on your love. Not only will you save money on food, drink and venue and florals but you'll be able to bring together the elements that really matter to you. With a smaller guest count you may be able to book the venue of your dreams and host a weekday wedding ceremony or buy the extravagant florals you dreamed of because you simply need fewer of them. And of course having fewer guests really makes the moment intimate and all about the two of you. 

Where can you host your intimate or elopement style wedding ceremony? 
Many wedding venues host smaller events but I reccomend considering a day time or weekday booking for this. Here at A Simple I Do we offer 3 private studios for rent that are perfect for your smaller wedding ceremony. 

Nestled in the heart of Detroit, amidst the vibrant streets and cultural essence, lies the Shinola Hotel—a haven of elegance and charm that encapsulates the essence of the city. Its classic architecture and modern flair provide an idyllic backdrop for the celebration of love and union. Recently, the hotel played host to a wedding ceremony that resonated with simplicity, authenticity, and the beauty of Michigan's wedding traditions.
The allure of a Michigan wedding is in its blend of contemporary style and timeless traditions. When it comes to the union of two souls, it's not just about the venue; it's about the moments woven into the tapestry of the day. At the Shinola Hotel, every corner exudes sophistication, offering a picturesque setting for the declaration of everlasting love.
As the couples exchanged vows and promises, wedding officiant Nichole Bertucci from 'A Simple I Do Wedding Officiants' added an air of warmth and intimacy to the ceremony. With words carefully chosen and sentiments crafted to reflect the uniqueness of the couple, the officiant served as the lighthouse guiding the newlyweds into the sea of matrimony.
The magic of the Shinola Hotel lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its ability to transform into the dream setting for any couple's special day. From the graceful ballrooms to the intimate spaces adorned with Detroit's industrial charm, each nook invites moments of candid joy and heartfelt connections.
The wedding ceremony at the Shinola Hotel wasn't just a celebration; it was a reflection of the couple's journey— a convergence of their past, present, and future. The vows exchanged resonated in the air, echoed by the love and support of family and friends gathered to witness this beautiful milestone.
The essence of a Michigan wedding lies not only in the grandeur but in the intricate details—the traditions woven seamlessly into the celebration. The incorporation of local elements, whether in the cuisine, music, or décor, adds a touch of authenticity that reflects the couple's roots and the richness of the region.
Michigan weddings are a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of love. They showcase that amidst the bustling cityscape or serene countryside, what truly matters is the bond shared between two individuals and the promise of a lifetime together.
As the sun set on this remarkable day, the Shinola Hotel stood as a witness to an unforgettable wedding ceremony—a testament to love, tradition, and the magic of Detroit.
Whether it's the charm of a Michigan wedding, the allure of a stylish venue like Shinola Hotel, or the heartfelt words of a dedicated wedding officiant, every element contributes to crafting a momentous day etched in the hearts of all who partake.
In the end, a wedding ceremony is not just an event; it's a symphony composed of emotions, love, and the promise of a beautiful journey ahead—a day to be cherished and remembered, forever held dear in the memory's keepsake box.

ohhh Planterra!! this magical place that is a greenhouse turned uber chic wedding venue. Planterra where the weddings of dreams come true. Yes that Planterra. 

On Friday the 13th of 2023 we celebrated the love of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller. This loving couple and their son traveled out of state to marry at Planterra and the photographer Lauryn came with. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mueller worked with me to draft a personal ceremony that highlighted their love story. On their wedding day they gathered in their most beloved family and friends and showed them what their love looks like. 

It was an honor to stand with them and be surrounded by such loving friends and family. 

Special thank you to the bride who so graciously reached out to share her photos with me and to the photographer whose talents are highlighted below. 

Photographer: Lauryn https://www.photographybylauryn.com/
Venue: Planterra planterraevents.com/faqs
Officiant: Me 

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Lindsey and Joe hosted their wedding at Vale Royal Barn in Fenton Michigan, the beautiful ceremony location was on a dock right on the private lake. 

About Vale Royal Park in Fenton; We are a rustic, prairie style wedding venue situated on 8 acres near the historic city of Fenton. Close to US 23 but secluded in beautiful fields and surrounded by woods, you'll find that nature provides the ultimate setting for your celebration. You'll especially love the natural river lined with willows and wildflowers, so bring all of those ideas you've been pinning on Pinterest! The Vale Royal Barn is the perfect place to transform those visions into reality.
 
Our unique and private estate becomes yours exclusively for three days, allowing you plenty of time to create that vision. Why rush your special day? We say milk it! Begin with the use of our historic Dairy Barn!  

During their wedding ceremony we shared bits of their love story and reminders of why they chose each other to be their life partner. I believe your wedding ceremony should be a celebration of your lives thus far, all the moments that led you to be standing in front of each other and ready to begin again as a married couple. 

To Lindsey and Joe, thank you so much for choosing to work with me, it was an honor to stand with you. 

To Vale Royal Barn, it was a beautiful day to host a wedding, thank you! 

Photographer: Mikayla at CheBella Photography.​

It was a warm summer day full of sunshine for their wedding at Prestwick Golf Course. As guests made their way to the wedding ceremony site the couple prepared to walk down the aisle. 

For their wedding ceremony those shared bits of their love story, celebrating their journey to the aisle and the reasons they chose each other as their partner. They chose beautiful wedding vows to read to each other; 

Today, surrounded by all of your loved ones, I choose you to be my husband. I am proud to be your wife and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, inspire you, and love you always. For as long as we both shall live, I will be by your side–for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. You are my one and only today and every day.

And one of my favorite readings was shared; 

To Love Is Not to Possess," James Kavanaugh "To love is not to possess, To own or imprison, Nor to lose one's self in another. Love is to join and separate, To walk alone and together, To find a laughing freedom That lonely isolation does not permit. It is finally to be able To be who we really are No longer clinging in childish dependency Nor docilely living separate lives in silence, It is to be perfectly one's self And perfectly joined in permanent commitment To another—and to one's inner self. Love only endures when it moves like waves, Receding and returning gently or passionately, Or moving lovingly like the tide In the moon's own predictable harmony. Because finally, despite a child's scars Or an adult's deepest wounds, They are openly free to be Who they really are—and always secretly were, In the very core of their being Where true and lasting love can alone abide."

photographer: John Richmond Photography 
venue: Prestwick Golf 

What a beautiful way to start a new year, a wedding in downtown Holly Michigan. The kindest couple scheduled a sweet little coffee shop signing with me and we chose to use Battle Alley in Holly Michigan to meet up at. 

They gathered their closest friends and family and we even did a first look. The bride wore a beautiful wedding gown and the groom was dressed in dashingly in a suit and winter coat. 

As the family watched on the bride entered the cutest little side street decorated with shops and bistro lights she tapped the shoulder of her groom and he turned to see her and the emotions all spilled over. They embraced each other shared a few words and we began their wedding ceremony. A short and sweet little wedding ceremony was performed and then we signed the marriage license to make it legal. 

It was a beautiful way to start the new year 2023!