Menali + Scotty’s wedding was light filled taking place at The Colony Club in Downtown Detroit. Filming their celebration, a beautiful fusion of two cultures and tradition, was a treat. Their wedding choices: location, event planner, and photographer have always been some of my favorites because of the quality of product and the great working relationship. My cinematography fit right in to the great team they built at the Colony Club!
The wedding celebration started with the traditional Indian sangeet, hosted at The Eastern Detroit, a very hip and industrial warehouse. Jenga and beer pong (faves of the bride and groom!), dancing and performances by family and friends made the evening so enjoyable. Everyone felt very at ease thanks to the games and the music by DJ Sandman from Sandeep Hans Entertainment. Rajul, wedding planner extraordinaire, from Blissful Weddings and Events planned not only the ceremony and reception, but also the sangeet, and did it with a beautiful casual style that felt comfortable and festive. It was special to both Menali + Scotty that everyone engaged with the Indian culture, and wore colorful traditional outfits and surprised them with choreographed dances.
photo credit: Niki Marie Photography
The next morning Menali and her bridesmaids and close family, all dressed in matching personalized spa robes, got ready at The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. The hotel itself is a stunning historic skyscraper which was completely remodeled in 2008. Scotty and his men also got ready at the hotel, and not a detail was forgotten. My favorite shot was the slow motion confetti with the smiling bride surrounded by her people. Menali stunned with her white traditional two piece Indian wedding dress. The skirt moved so beautifully and was dotted and trimmed with just the right amount of sparkle.
photo credit: Niki Marie Photography
Though the wedding could have been hosted at the Westin, Menali + Scotty booked their wedding for one of my personal favorites, The Colony Club, also a historic building, completely remodeled, in downtown Detroit. I’ve always loved filming there. The lighting, the beauty and the history lend such a sophisticated feel to all the weddings and events hosted there. Both the photographer Niki (Niki Marie Photography) and I love capturing both the special features of the building and how the location plays the part of the wedding.
The ceremony was held in the grand ballroom, and it was a perfect fusion of both Menali + Scotty’s cultures. There were both important and meaningful Hindu and Christian aspects of the service. Between the ceremony and reception, the guests moved to a meet and greet cocktail hour while the wedding party ventured out for some downtown Detroit photos. It was freezing, and the bridesmaids were such troopers, and even did some filming and photos without their beautiful white faux-fur shawls in the street. Who knew wedding cinematography could be so dangerous.
photo credit: Niki Marie Photography
The reception was back in the newly-transformed ballroom for a lovely sit-down dinner. The gorgeous flowers sat high above the tables, so to not block the view. The space felt classic and formal, yet with the warmth and laid-back vibe of Menali + Scotty, the reception was a fun and love-filled party.
Are you getting married? Wahoo Congrats!! Send me an email [katie@97films.com] or fill out the contact form and let’s chat about how AMAZING your wedding day will be and how I can capture every single detail!