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Stunning Styled Shoot at Pontiac Transportation Museum – A New Star Among Wedding Venues in Detroit?
The moment we laid eyes on the stunning photos of the bride and groom surrounded by vintage cars at the Pontiac Transportation Museum, our immediate reaction was, “This is seriously cool!” Naturally, we had to know more. So, we reached out to Tracie Morris, wedding planner and CEO of You’re The Bride, to get the inside scoop on this styled shoot and find out if this charming museum is set to become the next big thing in wedding venues in Detroit…
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
“The Pontiac Transportation Museum styled shoot was a creative collaboration designed and led by Certified Wedding Planner, Tracie Morris of You’re The Bride to showcase the unique charm of this hidden gem as an up-and-coming Metro Detroit wedding venue. Wedding Planner, Lynne Glannan of RSVP Wedding & Event Designers collaborated in creating this perfect setting for couples seeking a memorable place to celebrate their big day. She provided some fantastic finishing touches including table favors, gold votive candles, and a table number holder to help tie everything together.
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
75-year-old china dishes featuring a delicate floral design inspired the entire shoot passed down through Tracie, the wedding planners’ family. Flowers By Amore elevated the tablescape with vibrant, bright simple floral arrangements in alternating size and shape vases for flair along with the ambience of floating candles in tall gold candle holders. The table was adorned with gold charger plates, gold flatware, glassware, damask ivory linen, and eggplant napkins from CJ’s Party Rental creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic. A matching stationery set that included a complete ensemble of menu cards, escort cards, favor tags, and table numbers by Minted.
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
The stunning 4-tier ivory cake from Trifles was a beautiful focal point, with its simplicity tied together by the colorful floral arrangements. Our models, a real married couple, Cassie and Brett, and also the son and daughter-in-law of Wedding Planner, Lynne, perfectly captured the essence of a wedding here. Engaged Metro Detroit couples would fall in love with the Pontiac Transportation Museum as a wedding venue. Cassie’s attire, an exquisite Kenneth Winston gown from Gina’s Bridal, featured a lace A-line skirt and sweetheart neckline. Brie Artistry enhanced her natural beauty with timeless makeup and a romantic hairstyle.
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
A Thousand Words Photography
An adjacent ceremony space was highlighted with drapery and lighting by RSVP Event Pro along with a gorgeous deconstructed floral arch by Flowers by Amore, adding a whimsical and romantic feel to the setting.
97 Films documented the shoot creatively alongside our photographer, A Thousand Words Photography. This styled shoot beautifully blended the museum’s historical charm with timeless elegance, showing how couples will love the venue’s rich history and versatile space, making it an ideal location for a one-of-a-kind wedding day at Pontiac Transportation Museum making it a top choice for couples seeking a distinctive and charming Metro Detroit wedding venue.”
The Vendors behind the shoot
Cinema and Video: 97 Films // Invitation Designer: Minted // Lighting: RSVP Event Pro //Equipment Rentals: CJ’s Party Rental // Event Planner: RSVP Wedding & Event Designers// Cake Designer: Trifles // Makeup Artist: Brie Artistry // Event Planner: You’re The Bride // Floral Designer: Flowers by Amore // Studio Venue: Pontiac Transportation Museum // Dress Store: Gina’s Bridal Boutique // Photographer: A Thousand Words Photography//
If you’re planning a wedding in Detroit and are looking for other unique wedding venues, here’s a short list we compiled…
Other Unique Wedding Venues in Detroit You Can Consider
Detroit might be known as the Motor City, but when it comes to unique wedding venues, it’s more like the City of Surprises. From historical gems to urban lofts, the wedding venues in Detroit are full of charm and character—places you wouldn’t expect but that leave a lasting impression.
The Detroit Opera House
Let’s start with a venue that’ll make your jaw drop: The Detroit Opera House. Now, if you’re imagining singing “I do” from the stage, well, you’re spot on. The Opera House is grand and elegant, with marble staircases and chandeliers that could make even a minimalist rethink their life choices. Picture this: you’re exchanging vows with the soft light filtering through those beautiful, high-arched windows, and every seat in the house (well, the important ones) is filled. The bonus? Acoustics that could make a simple “I love you” sound like it was written by Beethoven himself.
Pros: You get a dramatic setting that’s steeped in culture and history. And trust me, no one’s going to forget that you got married where famous operas have been performed.
Cons: It can be a little pricey, and unless you’re comfortable with your photographer snapping shots in a massive space, it might not feel as intimate. But hey, some people thrive on drama, and if you’re one of them, go for it.
Watch this video for a lovely wedding at the Detroit Opera House:
The Madison
Now, let’s shift gears to something completely different: The Madison. This rooftop venue offers skyline views that rival anything you’d find in New York. But what makes The Madison stand out is its modern vibe mixed with a touch of Detroit’s industrial past. The rooftop is where things get exciting. Can you imagine standing under the stars, with the city lights twinkling below, as you say your vows? It’s got that “we’re on top of the world” energy, and Detroit’s skyline has never looked better. Plus, it’s perfect for couples who love the idea of mixing the industrial with the chic.
Pros: You get outdoor vibes without the whole getting-married-in-the-wild issue of bug bites and weather unpredictability. Plus, those views!
Cons: Weather can still be a concern—it is Michigan, after all. And it might not be the best option if you’re someone who likes a bit of nature with your big day.
The Whitney
Let me take you now to The Whitney, which is where things get really interesting. This mansion, built in the late 1800s, feels like a Victorian fairy tale. Every room tells a story, from the stained-glass windows to the intricate woodwork. I’ll never forget attending a wedding here, where the bride looked like she stepped out of a painting, descending a grand staircase as though she was living in another time. The Whitney combines elegance with a sense of history that gives your wedding that timeless feeling—not just for the day but in how it will live on in your memories.
Pros: It’s intimate, romantic, and rich in history. Plus, the on-site restaurant is one of Detroit’s finest, so the food is as unforgettable as the venue.
Cons: It’s more suited for smaller gatherings, so if you’re planning a grand affair, you might feel a bit cramped. Also, it’s a historical building, so some modern amenities could be lacking—but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Detroit Masonic Temple
If you’re feeling bold, consider The Detroit Masonic Temple will probably be one of the boldest picks from the array of wedding venues in Detroit. It’s the largest building of its kind in the world. And, yes, it’s as mysterious as it sounds. Getting married here is like stepping into a world of secret history and architectural marvels. With its Gothic design, it feels more like a castle than a venue. A wedding I attended here felt otherworldly, almost like a scene from a movie. The stone walls, the vaulted ceilings—it’s perfect for couples looking to make a statement.
Pros: It’s a massive, dramatic space, and there’s nothing quite like it. If you want a wedding that feels like an epic story, this is the place.
Cons: The size can make it feel a bit cold if you’re not careful with how you decorate. You’ll need to think big with florals and lights to warm it up.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Packard Proving Grounds
Finally, I can’t leave out The Packard Proving Grounds. If you’re into the automotive history of Detroit (and let’s face it, this city is built on it), this venue is pure gold. Once used to test Packard cars, it’s now a unique space with a vintage flair. Picture this: vintage cars as props, open green spaces for the ceremony, and a historical garage for the reception. It’s the kind of place where you can mix industrial with nature in the coolest way possible.
Pros: Unique, especially for car enthusiasts. It’s a venue that tells the story of Detroit’s automotive legacy.
Cons: It’s not for everyone. If you’re not into cars, the appeal might be lost on you. But for those who are, it’s a dream come true.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Whether you’re into the glitz of a grand opera house or the charm of a historical mansion, the wedding venues in Detroit are full of surprises. From modern rooftops to Gothic temples, there’s something here for every couple who wants their day to be as unique as their love story. Just be prepared: once you see these venues, choosing just one might be the hardest part!
