Brett + Jacki

Brett + Jacki // 12.05.18

Garden Theater | Detroit, MI

“We were inspired by the things that we already enjoy: writing, technology, music, and family. Jacki is an English professor, so we had lots of written details (we wrote our own vows, created a newsletter that told our love story and had an interactive crossword, had interactive calligraphy on ornaments for our favors, etc.). Brett works in tech for Amazon, so we had a lot of cool technology details like the interactive dance floor that showed our photos during dinner and speeches – and then did a light show with the music. He was also a DJ in college, so music was very important to us, and we both love to dance. We decided to go with the DRB because they have amazing energy, and they offered a band and DJ combo, so that we could have both the entertainment factor of the band (they could use the stage in our venue) while also having some electronic music that Brett loved. But, most of all, we tried to incorporate details that honored our families. Both our parents worked in the car industry, so we rented a vintage car to transport us around town for photos and then Jacki and her dad to church. We picked the Foundation Hotel to get ready in because Jacki’s great aunt met her husband there when it was a fire house. Brett’s dad’s nickname is “Hawk” because of his pool shark days, so we had the guys get ready in their Commissioners Suite, which had a pool table. Aditi, Jacki’s bridesmaid and best friend, sang “Silent Night” in the ceremony to honor her grandfather, who passed a couple of years ago, because it was his favorite Christmas song. We had Christmas carolers, who were from the Accapella group that Aditi was in during college. Jacki had a purse made with her mother’s wedding dress. We met our dogs in between our ceremony and reception to celebrate because they are our family.”

Wedding Reception Venue: Garden Theater, Detroit, MI

Wedding Hotel: Detroit Foundation Hotel

Wedding Ceremony: The Fort Street Presbyterian Church, Detroit, MI

Flowers: Dynamic Flowers

“We tried to remain authentically us. We’re both traditional but modern. We like to bend the rules of fashion. And, we like to be comfortable while also eye catching. Rather than doing a winter white theme, we went with colors that we actually wear and enjoy – but that were still true to the season. We tend to decorate our home or pick out outfits with rich but bright colors, so we had a jewel tone theme – the brightest color scheme possible given the winter season. We bought into the season, using flowers that were in season and fabrics that were wintery (fur, velvet, satin, etc.). We both changed, having two outfits each. The first outfit was more traditional with a twist. Jacki wore a lace fit and flare, but with a high neck for something a bit more modern. Brett wore a custom-made double breasted tux but with peak lapels and navy to make it a contemporary, interesting look. Then, we both changed into something that would be fun to dance in. Jacki changed to a ruffled ballgown with a beaded bodice, which created automatic dance circles around her. And, Brett went with another custom look: a light-weight, iridescent raspberry velvet jacket. We tried to make it as easy as possible for our bridal party, giving the bridesmaids agency over what they wore so they found something that fit their personality (both style and color-wise) and selecting a comfortable look that was available through online ordering for the groomsmen. The women picked floor length options in jewel tone colors of their choice (navy, wine, plum, emerald, teal, gold) and the guys used the Black Tux to make a classic black tux look with accents of velvet in their ties and loafers.”