Read now →

What You Should
Know About
Disposable Cameras

Featured Post

Recent Posts:

Keep reading →

Based in vivid New Orleans, I am a wedding and couples photographer capturing the honest, intimate, and unforgettable moments. I hope you enjoy some of my most recent adventures and stories worth sharing!

I’m Olivia.

Hello!

Elegant Detroit Wedding Venue

December 23, 2022

Filed under:

Turning a great venue into a thoughtful guest experience is the ideal for any wedding reception. At their Detroit wedding venue, the Whiskey Factory, Alex and Brian curated an unforgettable evening for their friends and family. This wedding was an especially joyful one for me to photograph because Alex and I have been friends since childhood. I loved photographing her wedding in Detroit where so much of her love story with Brian unfolded.

A bride and groom lean on the bar at the Whiskey Factory Detroit.

The Whiskey Factory: A Detroit Wedding Venue

The Whiskey Factory is a Detroit wedding venue situated in a working distillery. Since it was originally an industrial space, it’s large with an open floor plan. The Whiskey Factory manages to feel warm and inviting. The brick walls lit by strings of market lights create an elegant atmosphere. Even though Detroit City Distillery is making small batch spirits in the building, it doesn’t feel sterile. Florals and linens go a long way to adding romance to celebrations nestled between whiskey barrels. 

Alex watches snow fall on the city.
A bride looks out the Greektown Hotel window at falling snow.
A bride and groom stand in front of their Detroit wedding venue.

One of the coolest features of this Detroit wedding venue is the option to add tasting packages for your guests. If you’re getting married in a distillery, you might as well enjoy it! The Whiskey Factory can make batched signature cocktails. They also can provide seasonal cocktails crafted for Detroit City Distillery’s location in Eastern Market. Alex and Brian offered their guests shots upon their arrival. All of these options make for really unique experiences for guests.

Polaroid wedding photos show barrels for Detroit City Distillery.
Brian kisses Alex's cheeks in the snow.
Alex and Brian pose for individual wedding portraits in front of a wooden door.

The Whiskey Factory is located on the edge of Greektown. It’s about a mile from Downtown Detroit and not far from Lafayette Park and the Detroit River. The location is very convenient for locals and out-of-towners.

Alex and Brian laugh in front of a brick wall.
A bride and groom smoke cigars.
Alex and Brian stand side by side in front of whiskey barrels at their Detroit wedding venue.

A Snowy Winter Wedding

The week leading up to Alex and Brian’s Detroit wedding was beautiful. Temperatures even reached the 70s. On the day of their wedding, though, it snowed steadily. It added such a beautiful touch to the day! Alex’s getting ready room had a great view of the snow falling on the city. These quiet portraits are some of my favorite images of the year.

Guests walk into a brick church for a wedding ceremony.
Alex walks up the aisle with her father.
A bride and groom stand for a wedding ceremony in a large Catholic church.

The weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, but we had to adjust our plans for the first look. We drove to their Detroit wedding venue, The Whiskey Factory. It worked out perfectly. We didn’t have to rush through portraits in the brief amount of daylight that would be left after the ceremony. 

A bride and groom stand at the altar of Old St. Mary's.
Alex's father tearfully hugs her outside the church.
Wedding guests walk up metal stairs into the Whiskey Factory.

After the first look, we headed back to the Greektown Hotel for wedding party portraits. The ceremony was at Old St. Mary’s just across the street. Alex and Brian did an excellent job choosing locations that would be easy to navigate for their guests!

Alex and Brian start their first dance at the Whiskey Factory wedding reception.
Alex's parents join the first dance.
Two couples dance at a wedding reception.

Curating a Thoughtful Guest Experience

The past couple of years have brought a lot of challenges for Alex’s family. I am amazed at how Alex and Brian showed up in their planning process despite everything going on around them. Alex is one of the strongest people that I know, so it was really joyful to be able to watch them have a beautiful day together.

The bride and groom do the parent dances.
Alex's mother smiles as her father gives a speech.
Alex wipes away a tear while bridesmaids give a speech.

The Whiskey Factory was the perfect Detroit wedding venue for the celebration that Alex and Brian wanted to create. Guests absolutely loved the signature cocktails and tasting experiences. It definitely set the exception apart from your typical dinner and dancing.

Whisky shots sit on a barrel for wedding guests in a Detroit wedding venue.
Alex's bridesmaids gather around her for a Polaroid.

I love this Detroit wedding venue because it’s such a sensory experience. In addition to the romantic decor and cozy lighting, the smells are wonderful. As soon as I walked into Alex and Brian’s reception, I noticed the combination of spirits and lush greenery from the tables.

Alex and Brian feed each other wedding cake.
Alex and her father dance with drinks in hand.

Alex and Brian did such a great job of making their loved ones feel seen. They even chose to get married on Alex’s parents’ anniversary. To celebrate, they joined Alex and Brian on the floor for their first dance. It was a very special moment.

Wedding guests do a line dance.
Alex dances with guests.

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? Let’s document your day with photos you can feel. Reach out to me!

Thanks to all of the vendors who made Alex and Brian’s romantic wedding possible:

Reception Venue: Whiskey Factory Detroit

Ceremony Venue: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church 

Rentals: Detroit Chiavari

Decor: Clink and Co.

Florist: Lindsey Houghton

Photography: Olivia Yuen

Video: HanDesigned Hannah Terwin

Catering/Baking: Chowhound Gourmet 

DJ: Mojo’s Joe Pettinato 

Hair: Natasha Gee & Payton

Contact Me →

Have questions or ready to inquire? I’d love to hear from you. Head over to my contact page, send me a message, and you’ll hear from me within 2-3 business days!

Get in Touch

Visit the portfolio →

Want to see more? Visit my portfolio page to check out some recent couples and families I’ve had the privilege to work with. 

Explore the Portfolio

Right This Way →

Interested in seeing what I offer and how much it’ll cost? Jump over to my Pricing page to get an idea of what I offer and what a typical investment looks like.

View My Services

Where to next?