In the heart of downtown Detroit, beneath the ornate ceilings and sweeping city views of the Detroit Athletic Club, Angela and Will celebrated a love story deeply rooted in elegance, legacy, and homecoming. Having built their life together in Chicago, it was only fitting that their wedding return to Detroit—the city where their journey began and where family history runs deep.
The day unfolded with a quiet sophistication, every detail layered with intention and heritage. Morning light spilled across the DAC’s marble interiors as Angela prepared with her bridesmaids, laughter echoing through the historic halls. Her gown, a timeless design by Sarah Seven, embodied both structure and softness—complemented by a delicate pelerine she later added for the ceremony at Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, a nod to reverence and grace.
The ceremony itself was steeped in family meaning. After exchanging vows, Angela’s grandfather and Will’s great uncle were invited to sign the marriage license—an honor that carried immense sentimental weight for the couple. “He told me he’d been practicing his signature for weeks,” Angela shared, smiling.
As daylight faded, the couple and their photographer captured portraits that bridged Detroit’s modern architecture with the refined interiors of the DAC. The golden tones of autumn mirrored the warmth of their celebration—a palette of ivory, champagne, and deep wood textures curated by Fear No More Events. Guests were greeted in the Reading Room for cocktail hour, where the DAC’s character shone beneath candlelight and classical details.
From the private cake cutting surrounded by loved ones to the joyful swirl of espresso martinis and bananas foster desserts, every moment reflected a blend of sophistication and spontaneity. As night fell, Angela and Will slipped away for a quiet moment on the rooftop terrace. The Detroit skyline glowed beneath them—a breathtaking reminder of how far they’d come, and the life they were about to begin together.
“The most important thing about love is that it’s rooted in friendship — marrying your best friend means you always have someone to laugh with, lean on, and grow alongside.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We seemed to have an invisible string that tied us together throughout our time in college. From family friends knowing each other, participating in similar activities, to living two doors down the hall, we always seemed to be connected. What finally brought us closer together was that we both accepted our dream jobs in Chicago upon graduation. Conversations became more frequent as we prepared to move from Detroit to a city where we knew very few people. Five years later, we’re still in Chicago, still in those dream jobs, and forever grateful that our paths crossed at the perfect time.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
It wasn’t necessarily a hurdle, but one of our biggest priorities throughout the planning process was making sure the wedding felt undeniably us. With so much inspiration out there — from Pinterest to social media — it’s easy to lose sight of your own story. We grounded every decision in who we are as a couple, wanting guests to walk in and instantly feel that every detail was a reflection of us: a beautifully elevated blend of simplicity, sophistication, and timelessness.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Family is deeply important to both of us. We made sure to schedule time alone with our parents the morning of the wedding to truly take in the moment. For our witnesses, we chose my grandpa and Will’s great uncle—two men who have been living examples of lasting love and commitment. Including them was our way of honoring the legacy of love that brought us here.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
The ceremony itself was the most meaningful part of the day. It was the heart of it all—the reason everyone had gathered. The moment the church doors opened and I locked eyes with Will is something I’ll never forget. Walking down the aisle with my dad, surrounded by those who’ve loved and supported us, was the truest reflection of what mattered most.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
My favorite part was how much meaningful time it gave me with my parents. Being the only girl in a family of three brothers, this season held special significance. My mom was my partner in every detail—FaceTiming across states, recreating ideas, stuffing envelopes late into the night. Seeing everything come together the morning of the wedding was emotional and unforgettable—it wasn’t just about planning a wedding, but creating something beautiful together.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Stay true to yourselves throughout the process. With so many opinions and trends, it’s easy to lose focus, but this day is about the two of you. When you stay authentic to who you are, your wedding becomes not just beautiful—but deeply personal.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
The most important thing about love is that it’s rooted in friendship. Marrying your best friend means always having someone to laugh with, lean on, and grow alongside. Love is about finding joy in the little moments and being able to truly be yourselves together.
This wedding was originally featured in The White Wren Volume 7: Calm in the Chaos — a celebration of timeless love stories that remind us beauty lives in both the stillness and the celebration. Purchase your copy here.
Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography / @joshandandreaphotography
Venue & Catering: Detroit Athletic Club / @dac_detroit
Wedding Planner: Fear No More / @fearnomoreweddings
Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven / @sarahseven
Florals: Jen House Design / @jenhousedesign
Shoes: Kate Spade / @katespadeny
Hair & Makeup: Team Glam Detroit / @teamglamdetroit
Cake: Detroit Athletic Club / @dac_detroit
Live Band: Chateau Band / @chateauband__
Bridesmaids Attire: Bloomingdale’s / @bloomingdales
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux / @theblacktux
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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