Water World By Giuseppa Nadrowski With a background in fine arts, photographer Jeffrey Lewis Bennett of metro Detroit-based JLB Wedding Photography has carved out a niche for creating images that are “influenced by design principles, architecture, and good cinematography.” “I think my favorite shots have some structure to them,” says Bennett, who has been photographing weddings since 2003. “It’s like I’m laying out print in a magazine. I like visual hierarchy. I like incorporating architecture [...]

The Perfect Present by Emily Klimas Amid the flurry of traditional registries, discovering a bespoke gift that feels as deeply personal and beautiful as the couple's own love story is a true art form. Enter Noteworthy Wants & Wonders, a darling shop on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. A sister shop to Noteworthy Invitations, a custom stationery and gift shop in Richland, Noteworthy Wants & Wonders is dedicated to one thing: a fresh spin on the ordinary. [...]

Always and Forever By Lindsey Dodge | Photography by Northern Native Photography In a 450-square-foot storefront in Hamtramck, Forever Club is reimagining the wedding day — one Elvis song, coney dog, and perfectly timed “I Do” at a time. Founded by hospitality veterans Grace Moses and her husband, Ray, the venue channels the playful spirit of a Las Vegas chapel with a distinctly Detroit edge: retro, a little irreverent, and deeply intentional. “You can find [...]

The Department at Hudson's in downtown Detroit Be Our Guest Whether you’re looking for a wedding venue with character or a charming hotel for your honeymoon, these spaces are worth obsessing over By Kerri Molitor VENUES The Department at Hudson's Southeast Michigan The Department at Hudson’s is a culturally significant venue in downtown Detroit featuring 56,000 square feet of customizable event space. The Department opened in May 2025, following a renovation that reimagined the iconic [...]

Two Shops, One Vision By Rebecca Voigt   |   Photos by Dominika Stypula-Nawrocki Beloved Bridal in Ann Arbor has been a favorite with Michigan brides since its opening in 2019. With a second location now open in downtown Detroit, we caught up with founder Ashley Sheehan to learn about Beloved’s next chapter. Nearlywed: What inspired you to start Beloved Bridal? Ashley Sheehan: Our Ann Arbor boutique was born out of a simple wish: that bridal could [...]

Let the Games Begin By Kerri Molitor Newly opened in Grand Rapids, Silva is a “dinnertainment” venue ready to host your wedding, bachelor or bachelorette party, or any special event. Located in a historic 1921 furniture factory, Silva combines games and curated events with music and theater performances within their unique 1,400-person venue. “Our whole vision at Silva is for people to put down their phones and meet someone new,” explains event director Karina [...]

La Isla Bonita By Rebecca Voigt Peter Island Resort, the largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands and a renowned honeymoon destination, is back — and better than ever. Since closing in 2017 when hurricanes Irene and Maria ravaged the Caribbean, the resort has undergone a complete reimaging that has transformed it to a new level of luxury. Now located on a spectacular stretch of Deadman’s Beach, the resort offers guests new [...]

Flowers That Pop By Kerri Molitor   |   Photos by Bryan Esler Photo/Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and courtesy of Niksi Home & Floral Nicole Ludema, the artistic mind behind the new boutique Niksi Home & Floral, loves to create floral arrangements that are intentionally designed. Her downtown Grand Rapids shop features pre-made bouquets and carefully curated artisanal and vintage home goods. The store also sells gift cards ideal for bridal showers or thank-you gifts. Ludema also [...]