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When I became a wedding photographer back in 2012, I never could have imagined ending up here. "Here" as in having couples-turned-lifelong-friends, shooting hundreds of weddings at the most beautiful venues in Metro Detroit, and fueling my passion for travel by adventuring from coast to coast. It's such a dream and privilege to serve couples like you on a daily basis!

Hi! I'm Shauna. Detroit wedding photographer and your new BFF

Weddings

Erika and Brian’s Detroit Wedding at Shinola Hotel

Shinola Hotel Detroit Wedding

This Shinola Hotel Detroit Wedding was both classic and non-traditional, and captured the essence of Detroit.

Let’s get one thing straight – I love all my couples, but there was something about Erika and Brian’s Detroit wedding at The Shinola Hotel that I just couldn’t get enough of! Their entire vibe was right up my alley, and their venue was one of my all-time favorites. Whether you’re looking for Detroit wedding inspiration or just wanna get to know Erika and Brian, I can’t wait for you to learn all about their day!

The Story Behind Erika + Brian

Erika and Brian’s journey to their magical day at the Shinola Hotel is a modern love story that began, like many do these days, online! Their story took an unexpected turn when the world paused due to the COVID-19 lockdown, a twist that led to Erika moving in with Brian – a decision that would lead them to where they are today. Brian jokes that Erika snuck in during lockdown and never left, but Erika playfully insists her version is the correct one!

Shinola Hotel Detroit Wedding | Shauna Wear Photography

Their vision for their wedding day was a reflection of their journey and the life they built together. Erika, having grown up in the Detroit area but moved away over a decade ago, relied heavily on online research to find vendors in the area. With her family still local and Brian’s family in Toronto, Detroit ended up being the most logical choice for their big day. The couple, now residing in Phoenix, Arizona, brought their love back to Erika’s roots in Detroit, making their wedding not just a celebration, but a homecoming of sorts!

Their Detroit Wedding Venue: The Shinola Hotel

The Shinola Hotel, nestled in the heart of Detroit, was the ideal venue for their wedding, aligning perfectly with their vision. They wanted their wedding to capture the essence of the city, to play up the downtown vibe in their photos, and to celebrate in a setting that was both classic and non-traditional. The Birdy Room at The Shinola Hotel was the perfect choice, with its gorgeous glass ceilings and natural greenery to contrast. There’s a reason this is one of my all-time favorite wedding venues in Detroit! In fact, I talk more in-depth about it in a blog post rounding up the best timeless venues in the area. Don’t forget to check it out if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect spot!

Non-Traditional Touches To A Classic Day

Erika and Brian didn’t opt for a full bridal party; instead, they chose to be surrounded by their closest friends and family with a few chosen people to be right by their side all day long. This decision spoke to the intimate and personal nature of their celebration, reflecting their down-to-earth personalities and the close-knit bond they share with their loved ones!

Their wedding day was not just a celebration of their love but also a tribute to their journey together, from the streets of Phoenix to the heart of Detroit. As they shared their vows on the terrace of the Shinola Hotel, with the Detroit skyline as their backdrop, it was clear that every choice they made for their wedding was a perfect representation of their story and their love – a love that began on a simple swipe but grew into a lifetime commitment.

Looking For a Detroit Wedding Photographer?

If you’re on the hunt for your dream Metro Detroit wedding photographer, you’re in luck! I’d love to get to know you and your vision for your big day. To learn more about my custom photography collections, you can visit my Investment page and it’ll tell you everything you need to know! When you’re ready, click on over my contact form and we’ll get this party started.