I knew Kimberly and Adam’s Whiskey Factory wedding with Star Wars and Harry Potter details would be fun the minute I met them for their arcade bar engagement session. These two met initially, over 20 years ago when Adam was in high school with Kimberly’s older siblings. But they reconnected later in life in 2021 after Kimberly slid into his DMs. Two years later, Adam proposed to Kimberly after the second hole while golfing at Shepherd’s Hollow.
Their first date was at a brewery and since they love to share a drink or two together, the Whiskey Factory was the perfect downtown Detroit wedding venue for them. As a self-proclaimed Harry Potter and Star Wars nerd, Kimberly wanted to incorporate nods to both fantasies throughout the wedding and she did it perfectly and in a fun but subtle way!
Kimberly got ready with her bridal party at a local Airbnb while Adam and the groomsmen got ready at their home. Before guests began arriving for the ceremony, we took a few photos of each of their sides and families in front of the Whiskey Factory’s bar. Kimberly, who used to bartend, even jumped behind the bar for a few minutes to serve her girls a shot of whiskey.
Their candlelit ceremony in front of the Detroit City Distillery whiskey barrels was so sweet and touching that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. After their ceremony, guests headed downstairs for cocktail hour while I spent time with Kimberly and Adam. One of my favorite parts about weddings at the Whiskey Factory is being able to go onto the roof! Since Kimberly and Adam were married in December, daylight ended early so we were working in the dark but I loved how the high contrast flash photos turned out with the lights of the Detroit skyline in the distance.
Meanwhile, Torrick Events flipped the reception space into a warm and romantic industrial space with all of Kimberly’s perfect Harry Potter and Star Wars touches. Gets were appropriately invited to take a shot of whiskey (we’re in a Whiskey Factory afterall) before finding their seats. Tables were numbered with Star Wars characters and symbols and everyone had a “golden snitch” at their seat. And of course, their cake topper featured Kimberly and Adam as Star Wars characters!
And if you really want to start your reception off with a hit, go right into a game of flip cup with the wedding party, just like Kimberly and Adam did. After entering, they went bridesmaids versus groomsmen (Kimberly and the girls won!) to everyone’s amusement! It definitely set the tone for the rest of the night! Speeches were made, roasts were had and everyone had a good time before enjoying Two Unique’s catering with strolling dinner stations and their amazing dessert table.
They opened up the dance floor with their first dance, danced with their parents and Kimberly danced with all of Adam’s kids before letting DJ Christopher London get the party really started. Instead of tossing a bouquet, Kimberly gifted her bouquet to her mom and Payton, Adam’s oldest daughter made a heartfelt speech welcoming Kimberly to the family. The dance floor was high energy all night with dance battles, dropping it low and even late night hot dogs making it onto the dance floor!
Kimberly and Adam’s Whiskey Factory wedding with Star Wars and Harry Potter details was so creative and thoughtful. It showcased their fun and carefree personalities perfectly.
The Whiskey Factory is a great industrial wedding venue of Detroit, Michigan and one of my favorites in the city! I never get tired of photographing the space and it changes so much based on the time of year and daylight. You can see Shelby and Josh’s industrial wedding at the Whiskey Factory for another take on the space in the summer!
The Dream Team:
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