A winter wedding at Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit means your entire celebration happens under one roof. Claire and Kevin held their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in this historic downtown space, keeping guests warm while enjoying stunning architecture and a speakeasy-style bridal suite. Their Mike Staff Productions team provided DJ, photography, videography, and uplighting for a seamless celebration.
Claire & Kevin’s Love Story
Kevin and Claire started dating in 2017 after knowing each other through their work in the film festival world. “To the dismay of our family and friends, we didn’t get engaged until 2024!” Claire said. But when the proposal finally happened, it was worth the wait.
Kevin proposed in Claire’s hometown of Keystone, Colorado, when they were visiting for her 20-year high school reunion. “It was extra special to go to my reunion with the big news and celebrate with my childhood best friends.”
Their Vision for the Day
From the start, Claire and Kevin knew exactly what mattered most. “We wanted to prioritize quality time with our loved ones first and foremost,” Claire said. “Creating an environment where everyone was getting genuine downtime together to get to know one another and catch up with old friends.”
Music was the other non-negotiable. They wanted songs that would set the right tone and keep people on the dance floor all night. “Choosing music that makes your heart swell and triggers the best times of our lives.”
Why They Chose Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit
For a December wedding in Michigan, venue logistics matter. Claire and Kevin found a space at Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit that let them keep their entire celebration under one roof.
“We chose it because we could do everything in the building, avoiding cold weather and eliminating the need to move our guests from place to place,” Claire said. “The details in the design and history of the building sealed the deal for us.”
The Cambria also offered something special for photos: a speakeasy space right next to the ceremony room. Claire wanted bridal party shots with “a more fun casual feel” while keeping family portraits more traditional. The speakeasy gave them the perfect backdrop for both styles.
The Ceremony and Reception
Claire and Kevin’s ceremony started at 5:30 PM in the Lafayette Room. Their friend Lauren Grimshaw Sloan officiated, adding a personal touch that set the tone for the evening. The couple wanted genuine moments captured throughout, from the bridal party’s reactions to their parents’ expressions during the vows.
After the ceremony, the cocktail hour began at 6 PM. Rather than disappearing for an extended photo session, Claire and Kevin joined their guests, prioritizing time with the people who traveled to celebrate with them.
“We both loved spending time with our bridal parties before the ceremony!” Claire said. “But agree that the best part of the day was seeing all of our family and friends from different parts of life gathered together and enjoying the party!”
One detail made the reception especially meaningful. The couple created a custom display featuring photos and mementos of relatives and friends who are no longer with them. It was a quiet tribute woven into the celebration, honoring those who couldn’t be there in person.
Music That Made the Night
For their first dance, Claire and Kevin chose “Night Moves” by Bob Seger. The Detroit connection made it feel right for a downtown wedding.
“Bob Seger is from Detroit! We wanted a song that spoke to our shared love of 70s rock and roll and was easy to dance to and the spirit of loving life’s imperfections.”
Brad, their wedding DJ, kept the energy going all night. “Brad was so easy to work with, tackled day-of challenges with grace, and played all of our favorite tunes!” Claire said. “I’m pretty sure I danced for the entire reception and had to be dragged off the dance floor.”
Capturing the Day
Greg, their wedding photographer, arrived at 11 AM to capture both Claire and Kevin getting ready with their wedding parties. The couple wanted photos that felt authentic rather than overly posed.
“Greg was a pro, kind, prepared, and went with the flow when timelines changed,” Claire said. “Our guests have gone out of their way to mention to us post-wedding that he was so kind!”
That kindness meant as much to them as the images themselves. “Our wedding photos mean the world to us and really gave us even more memories of the day as we look back at them.”
Videographer Daniel focused on capturing the voices and reactions of family and friends throughout the day. For Claire and Kevin, the wedding video wasn’t just about reliving their own experience.
“We decided that the video was important to us to have a record of our family and friends’ experience. We look forward to hearing their voices and seeing them in the space for years to come.”
The Mike Staff Experience
Working with a coordinated team made the planning process easier and the wedding day smoother.
“We will forever be grateful and appreciative of the professionalism, ease, and kindness of the entire Mike Staff experience,” Claire said. “The team answered all my questions up front and in a timely manner while we were planning and the day-of experience was smooth and professional. Brad, Greg, and Daniel all took on every bump in the road with grace and delivered a solid product.”
Details That Made It Special
The couple’s personal style came through in every detail. Kevin and his groomsmen wore bolo ties instead of traditional neckties. Their friend Jacob Cummings designed the invitations. Flowers by Amour handled florals, while Primp Beauty took care of hair and makeup for the bridal party.
Wedding planner Adell Wymer from Everlasting Engagements coordinated the day, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
And then there was the uplighting. Claire had one piece of advice she wanted every couple to hear: “Lighting is everything! The uplighting is worth it!”
The transformation it created in the space made a lasting impression, and it’s something she brings up whenever friends ask about wedding planning.
Claire and Kevin’s Advice for Couples
Shift your mindset the day before. “Set an alarm the day before and remind yourself you get to attend your own wedding. Morph from planner to guest so you can be in the moment.”
Invest in lighting. “Lighting is everything! The uplighting is worth it!” The transformation it created changed how the entire room felt and photographed beautifully.
Embrace the imperfections. “Things will go wrong. It’s okay, it’s part of the story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.”
Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit Wedding FAQs
Can you have your ceremony and reception at Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit?
Yes. Claire and Kevin held their ceremony in the Lafayette Room and their reception in the same building. Everything from getting ready to the last dance happened under one roof.
What makes Cambria Hotel a good winter wedding venue?
As Claire put it, they chose it because they “could do everything in the building, avoiding cold weather and eliminating the need to move guests from place to place.” The historic architecture photographs beautifully in any season.
Where are the best photo spots at Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit?
The speakeasy space next to the Lafayette Room works well for casual bridal party photos. The building’s historic architectural details provide elegant backdrops throughout. Claire and Kevin also captured romantic portraits within the venue after their ceremony.
Does Cambria Hotel have space for bridal party prep?
Yes. Both Claire and Kevin got ready at the hotel starting at 11 AM, with their photographer and videographer capturing the morning with each wedding party.
Key Takeaways
- Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit offers ceremony, reception, and prep space all in one building, ideal for winter weddings
- Claire and Kevin prioritized quality time with guests and music that “makes your heart swell”
- DJ Brad, photographer Greg, and videographer Daniel worked as a coordinated team throughout the day
- Claire’s top advice: “Lighting is everything! The uplighting is worth it!”
Planning a Downtown Detroit Wedding?
Whether you’re considering a winter celebration in downtown Detroit or want to learn more about coordinating your DJ, photography, and videography team, we’d love to hear from you. Every wedding deserves vendors who work together seamlessly, just like Claire and Kevin experienced at Cambria Hotel.