Natalie + Rob's Detroit Wedding
Not many people can say that they get to marry the love of their life twice, but Michigan-based Natalie Topalian-Hanks and Rob Hanks can. These two met during a “vinyl night” at the couple’s favorite bar and quickly knew they were meant for each other. This second wedding - the larger sequel to their original 40-person celebration from 2021 - turned out to be the wedding that they had dreamt of (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) and was truly a reflection of who these two are as a couple.
Natalie grew up in a suburb of the motor city and Rob has a deep love of Detroit, so a venue downtown was a must. Known for their fun, hospitable natures both as people and in Rob’s profession as a bartender, food and beverage was very important to them, so the couple landed on Shinola Hotel, which is situated in hip, downtown Detroit and known for their excellent food and service.
Staying onsite at the hotel, the ladies enjoyed a slow morning with in-house food and beverages while getting ready with Sydney and Lisamarie from Krystle Waivio Hair & Beauty in one of the hotel’s penthouse suites before doing a first look in the artsy and iconic Parkers Alley, adjacent to the hotel.
The design of their event was also inspired by the couple’s fun-loving, hospitable personalities. Planned and designed by Megan Westers, founder and creative director of Shoreline Events, the inspiration for the design began with one of the groom’s tattoos - a pineapple on his arm. Megan took that visual and ran with it, creating an event that was Detroit-chic with a tropical twist.
As guests arrived for the ceremony, they enjoyed a welcome glass of champagne in the foyer before being led down a chic, minimalist hallway adorned with tropical-inspired ground arrangements by Michael B. Anthony - a little sneak peak into the rest of the evening’s vibe. Officiated by the couple’s dear friend, Blake, the two exchanged personal vows in Shinola’s glass Birdy Room amongst their family and friends with a view of the city.
After drinks and appetizers, guests moved to the hotel’s Bixby Hall, where they enjoyed a family style dinner amongst candle light, detailed stationary by Jade Social and more tropical-inspired floral. After heartfelt toasts by their loved ones, a cake cutting and formal dances, DJ Dave Lawson, one of Detroit’s premier vinyl DJ’s, kicked off the dance party with a traditional Armenian dance song, paying homage to Natalie’s middle eastern heritage and immediately getting everyone onto the dance floor.
Because the bar was naturally where Rob’s interest lied, we showcased his love of wine by bringing in custom wines from Veritas distributors. The centerpiece of the bar, however, was the appearance of Campari’s Negroni Fountain (the only official one in North America!), which flowed the groom’s favorite cocktail the rest of the evening.
