birmingham townsend hotel black tie wedding . rachel + scott {i do} . kari dawson weddings

Birmingham Townsend Hotel black tie wedding in Birmingham, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson and her team.

I had to laugh as Scott’s brother, Rob mentioned in his toast that he was beginning to sweat a bit after Rachel and Scott got engaged but didn’t take off running with the wedding planning. This February I received an email from Scott and chatted with him that very weekend. But the ball still kind of slow rolled. So I started to panic a little for them as they planned their May wedding in three short months. But when you mix a hospitality and PR expert it’s no wonder that they not only pulled it off but created one incredible event! As a result, everything from their personal style, top shelf cocktails, an incredible band, and four different food stations set the mood for a killer party. Rachel and Scott’s Jewish wedding was chalk full of tradition and sentimental elements. I thought Rachel looked incredibly stunning in her wedding gown. Then she completely blew me away as she entered cocktail hour in the most amazing white pant suit paired with a fitted bodice. Killer style, people! Scott was looking top notch, too.

The Event…

Rachel and Scott planned their ceremony, at the Townsend Hotel, for post-sunset which set the days events in a completely unique line up that I thoroughly enjoyed being part of. Details, getting ready, first look and family photos all took place earlier in the day. They then had an hour to decompress in their hotel suite after I stopped bugging them with my camera. Quick outfit change from Rachel’s wedding gown into her pant suit and they were off to cocktails. They shared a sweet veil ceremony before heading down the aisle for the real deal. The veil on Rachel was enough to take anyone’s breath away. She made her way down the aisle and in perfect Jewish tradition circled her groom seven times. Before long they were breaking glass and sharing their first kiss. The Hora is always one of my favorite aspects of a traditional Jewish wedding and these guys did not disappoint. Everyone was on the dance floor to witness their first dance and parent dances as well.

Their Story…

When I asked Scott and Rachel separately how they met their words were each unique but the message was the same. Most noteworthy, they caught each other’s glance at a warehouse party in Detroit and knew before the end of the night that they would be it for each other. I had the same experience with my husband the second time I saw him and I’ll never forget that run in. I’ll also never forget the way he made me chase him, too! Rachel and Scott, welcome to forever. I had such an incredible time spending the most magical wedding day with you both and truly feel as though you have become friends. I wish you, not only, the best first year but an incredible long life shared together! Hugs – Kari

Full list of wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.

Wedding Day Vendors
Photographer: Kari Dawson
Coordinator: Jen at Dee Dee Hoffman Party Design
Video: Cochran Camera
Hair + Makeup Artist: HUE Studio
Florals: Breath of Spring
Band: Cancel Monday
Cake: Ben Robinson
Photo Booth: Lights Camera Photo Booth