The Whalens
The Colony Club Detroit Wedding with Nancy Meyers–Inspired Style

Weddings

Her work is editorial in eye and warm in feeling — soft, honest color, close attention to the details her couples have considered, and the moments that happen between them. She brings an artist's care to what's already in front of her, so her couples get to be present for the day instead of producing it. Most of them leave with a friend.

Hayley Moore is a wedding photographer working in digital and film, at home and around the world.

WEDDINGS resources ENGAGEMENTS

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When it comes to love stories that feel cinematic, David and Melissa’s Detroit Colony Club wedding is one for the ages. Their day was a blend of timeless design, heartfelt traditions, and the lively energy of Detroit itself. As a Detroit wedding photographer, I had the honor of documenting every moment from their morning getting ready at The Siren Hotel in Detroit to their grand celebration under the chandeliers of The Colony Club.

Getting Ready at The Siren Hotel in Detroit

Melissa and David began their wedding morning at The Siren Hotel in Detroit, a boutique hotel with vibrant character and historic charm. Melissa chose the Ashbar as her getting-ready space, surrounded by her bridesmaids, before stepping into her timeless satin A-line, off-the-shoulder gown from Becker’s Bridal.

Flatlay details included a custom invitation suite with an illustrated envelope liner, a monogram design carried throughout the day (even featured on a cloth drop welcome sign and cocktail napkins), and heirloom-inspired touches that reflected their thoughtful, elegant style.

Later, Melissa and David shared their first look in front of the Ashbar’s lush velvet backdrop, an intimate setting that perfectly framed portraits of the two of them before heading into the city for more photos.

After a private first look in Ashbar, David and Melissa headed out for portraits in the Siren Hotel garden, Shinola Alley and across the city streets. The black, white, and green palette of their wedding style perfectly contrasted against Detroit’s industrial architecture, adding an editorial edge to their portraits.

A Ceremony at St. Aloysius

The ceremony was held at St. Aloysius Detroit, a breathtaking church rich with history. Loved ones from near and far read meaningful passages, weaving personal connections into the sacred vows. As the couple exited, wedding bells rang, and Melissa’s father surprised them with a getaway car, setting the tone for the joyful celebration ahead.

A Romantic The Colony Club Detroit Wedding Reception

The reception at the this Colony Club Detroit wedding was the definition of timeless romance. Inside the grand ballroom, gilded chandeliers sparkled over candlelit tables draped in custom linens. Tall white-and-green floral arrangements and bud vases lined the tables, while fruit accents like pears and grapes added a European flair. Table lamps glowed softly, illuminating custom menu cards adorned with illustrations and white satin bows tied around green napkins.

Melissa and David shared their first dance to Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli, while an all-Motown cocktail hour playlist and live performances by Ben Sharkey and The Elysium Experience carried Detroit’s soulful energy into the evening. A champagne tower dressed with delicate bows added a playful touch, while greenery cascaded from the balconies where the couple made their room reveal.

Guests enjoyed a menu featuring filet mignon, herb-roasted chicken, and a curated dessert spread with Michigan Bumpy Cake, cappuccino brownies, and fruit tarts. In a sentimental moment, David and Melissa cut into a small personal cake topped with the same cake topper Melissa’s grandparents had once used.

Special details filled the night from slow songs chosen to honor parents’ and grandparents’ wedding songs, to a live painter creating an heirloom artwork of the celebration of the guests. Later in the evening, Melissa surprised everyone by changing into an altered version of her mother’s wedding gown, paired with chic gloves. David brought the party energy with a stage dive into his groomsmen, wrapping up the night in pure joy.

Personal Touches In This Detroit Wedding

Every aspect of David and Melissa’s wedding day reflected their deep sense of love, family, and connection. Instead of favors, they donated to Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, where they adopted their beloved dog Pancake. Heirloom rings, embroidered handkerchiefs, custom paper goods, and thoughtful design choices created a celebration that was not just beautiful, but profoundly personal.

David and Melissa’s Colony Club Detroit wedding was everything a Detroit wedding should be: soulful, stylish, and deeply rooted in love and family legacy. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer in Detroit to capture your own wedding story with intentional artistry, I’d love to connect. Being a Detroit wedding photographer is about more than images, it’s about preserving moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime.