A Watercolor Style Shoot in Detroit

Inspired by Detroit’s local landmark the Illuminated Mural, the team behind this styled session gave a contemporary spin to Detroit’s most romantic and ornate landmarks. Event planner and designer Meagan McPhail from Mitten Weddings and Events collaborated with Shanell Photography, to bring a truly dreamy elopement session to life.  

The stationery suite created for this style shoot was truly an artistic venture. Alisa Bobzien implemented a splash of watercolor on the invitations and also designed beautiful maps of Detroit, showcasing all of the photographed landmarks. Meanwhile, Cali O'Rourke Calligraphy designed hand-written palm leaf escort cards placed on all of the table settings. 

The model wore crop top bridal gown from Detroit's premier bridal shop Beautiful Bridal with Keasha. The long sleeved lace crop top went with a silk taffeta ball skirt by Reem Acra. 

The Illuminated Mural offered the vendor team all of the inspiration they needed. The tablescape was designed accordingly with light and airy elements and a pop of watercolor using soft shades of pink and tangerine. The color palette created a sunset look in the heart of the city. Gerych's Flowers mimicked the mural's colors using peonies, Dusty Miller, blue thistle, free spirit roses, pink garden roses, bluepeurum, succulents and silver dollar eucalyptus. 

Nods to Michigan and Detroit were evident throughout the entire style shoot. The team incorporated his-and-hers watches and bicycles from Shinola's to sparkling wine from Mawby's. Using local vendors was extremely important to planner Meagan. "Detroit is making its comeback and we absolutely love using the local talent!" she says.

Kellie Rankey Etsy shop crafted gold Mr. and Mrs. removable decals for the Victorian ghost chairs, while Meagan selected champagne crush and a gold madrid linen to tie in the overall décor from Luxe Linen. 

The hand-painted tiered cake by Sweet and Savory Bake Shop was crafted around the idea of the Illuminated Mural.

The vendors hoped to showcase the vibrancy of downtown Detroit which was accomplished by selecting The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center for the venue. The venue boasted a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Detroit River and the impressive glass wall made for a stunning backdrop. 

love this style shoot?

You can locate the Detroit vendors who participated through the vendor contribution on this page!