Detroit Colony Club black tie wedding in Detroit, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson, top rated Detroit engagement and wedding photographer, and her team.

Their story…

About oooohhhh, 14 years ago, in the seventh grade, Chase met Alexi. Fast forward six or seven years and after years of being close friends, Alexi shared her first kiss with Chase. And they were both goners. Wedding after wedding. Couple after couple. I have witnessed love in all of its forms. Connections you can feel in the room. And even the subtle more private, intimate display of affection. The chemistry between Chase and Alexi is palpable. You can see it and feel in the way that Alexi looks at Chase. Every glance says she trusts him explicitly and knows down to her toes that he loves her unconditionally. Chase is nurturing through and through. And on the wedding day in the midst of his own emotions he remembered he needed to come up with a handkerchief to offer Alexi if the tears came. And the tears of joy did come.

Their day…

My started with Alexi and her girls popping a bottle (of my favorite by the way) champagne. Veuve of course. Followed by the clink of glasses and a celebratory jump on the king-sized hotel room bed. I was already loving this incredible group of girls but Alexi gifting them all with pink Tory Burch flip flops for the reception and I was suddenly suffering from full-on fomo and really wanted to be her bridesmaid, too.

Later their Priest hit the nail on the head when we talked about the importance of friendship to Chase and Alexi. They love each other and their family well and I was moved to see they love their friends just as well. After Chase and Alexi shared a tearful first look we loaded up the party bus with said friends and hit the streets of Detroit. The simplicity of the white marble and architecture of the Detroit Institute of Arts is one of my favorite wedding day options. A classic black tux and blush bridesmaid dresses look incredible against a backdrop of white marble. Alexi’s long veil blew gently in the breeze as the warm sunlight wrapped a glow around her and Chase during their portraits. We all had a blast on the rooftop of the Z Lot parking garage downtown with incredible views of the city just before sunset. You’ll find A LOT of portraits below because the locations and the light combined with Chase and Alexi’s connection make for a pretty magical combination.

Their party…

Chase made sure the dance floor remained packed which is always an easy thing to do when the Dan Rafferty band is on stage. I loved watching Alexi and Chase both thoroughly emmerse themselves fully into thier wedding day. Enjoying each other, their friends and family, and even sharing an extra bite of cake. Hey, brides and grooms, it is YOUR wedding cake. You’re allowed to eat it! Eat the whole plate. Go back for me. Just eat the cake. My team and I were, as usual, obsessed with the Colony Club coffee bar that comes equipped with actually fluffy sweet heavy whipping cream and chocolate sprinkles. Always the pick me up we enjoy before hitting the dance floor with the guests.

To my lovely bride + groom…

Lexi and Chase I hope that you both realize how special and welcome you and your families made Rachel and I feel throughout your wedding day. It was a total delight to witness your first day as husband and wife together and you both definetely left our heart buckets overflowing. Enjoy your honeymoon!! Hugs – Kari

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

Wedding Day Vendors
Photographer: Kari Dawson
Second Photographer: Rachel Smaller
Coordinator: Grand Jour Events
Florals: Bellisario
Cake: Elegance In Sugar
Band: Dan Rafferty Band