Shinola Hotel

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Our Wedding

Separated by about 75 miles, BLUE vs. GREEN, and a cell phone screen, a fateful match on a dating app led to the love you will celebrate on July 11, 2025! Lauren and Paul would admit they were at their wits end, uncertain if they’d find a connection, and ready to delete dating apps off their phones for good. But in the spring of 2023, they both locked in on kind eyes and happy smiles on the dating app Bumble, and the rest is history…sort of. Lauren said hello and Paul responded. That would start up conversation (and probably a little vetting) for the next couple weeks before meeting up at Arbor Brewing Company in Ypsilanti, MI. While the first date was good, it didn’t come with the love at first sight sparks you read about in romance novels... don’t expect to get that kind of story here. After the first date, both got busy, weeks went by and contact was limited, and it seemed like that would be the end of our story here. Paul, though, kept thinking about Lauren - those eyes, her smile, and the deep, kind energy she exudes as if it’s some innate superpower. Paul mustered up the confidence to send a text asking if Lauren might be free for a second date… to his surprise, Lauren said yes! They met again in Ypsilanti where they had a nice dinner, great conversation, and a romantic walk around Depot Town. That night, the conversation kept going, lots of laughter, similarities found, connection made, and after that evening, both declared they should not wait so much time before meeting up again. They had their next date within a few days! From there Lauren and Paul decided to continue dating and writing their story together. Lake Michigan has become a special place for Lauren and Paul. Not just because of its majestic beauty and ocean-like size, but it serves as the place where they found love and commitment to each other. Their first out-of-town travel together was a color tour trip to Manistee, MI, which rests right on the Big Lake. It was the two days here where their love really grew and started to blossom, conversations got even deeper, and both started to really believe they had found their person. That’s exactly why it made sense to return to Lake Michigan, this time in Muskegon, for another color tour trip in October 2024 for their engagement. On the Saturday of their Lake Michigan getaway (October 19th to be exact), Paul was being strange, trying to hurry Lauren along (before feeding her breakfast, a major no-no), because he wanted to go check out Lake Michigan! It was a beautiful morning, blue skies, sunny…perfect. As they both gazed out at the lake, Paul asked Lauren to come closer, awkwardly sat his morning coffee in the sand, and dropped to one knee – again, Lauren said YES, the most important one yet! It’s that YES that will bring us all together in a state we love, a city we adore (Lauren’s birthplace), as we celebrate FOREVER with all of you.

Our Story

Our Dating Adventures

Go Blue vs MSU

Engagement Photos

Photos

We're thrilled to have the special people who will stand by us as we begin this new chapter. Our wedding party is made up of incredible friends and family and we're so grateful for their love, laughter, and unwavering support as we celebrate this unforgettable day!

Michelle Woods

Jose Yanez

Sarah Yanez

Ethan Babcock

Wedding Party

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?We suggest guests wear cocktail attire—think dresses, jumpsuits, suits, shirt and tie, whatever makes you feel great and ready to celebrate.

CAN I BRING A PLUS-ONE? ARE CHILDREN INVITED?To keep things intimate, we’re hosting an adults-only celebration, and invitations have been addressed specifically to our intended guests. We kindly ask that no additional guests be brought along. Thank you for understanding and helping us make this day truly special!

WILL PARKING BE AVAILABLE? Valet parking will be available at the Shinola Hotel events entrance (1435 Farmer Street); applicable valet fees will apply ($35/car). Self-parking is available at the Z Lot (1234 Library St.) and the Detroit Opera House Garage, both just a short walk away. Heads up: the Detroit Tigers have a home game that night, so downtown might be a bit busier than usual. We suggest arriving early, carpooling, or using a rideshare app to help things go smoothly.

When is the RSVP deadline? We kindly ask that all guests RSVP by June 1. After that date, the RSVP link will be deactivated, and we won’t be able to accept additional responses. Your timely reply helps us finalize all the details and make sure everyone is comfortably accommodated, thank you!

Welcome to our Downtown Detroit Wedding!

Wedding Venue

For guests who are interested in staying onsite at the venue's hotel, we have reserved a room block for July 10th - 11th. You can book directly by June 1st at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/pfb4e9xy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>, give them a call, or email their reservation team at: shinola.reservations@shinolahotel.com Please note that the room block may sell out prior to June 1st.

Nearby Hotels

The Siren Hotel

Element Detroit at the Metropolitan

Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown an IHG Hotel

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

We also encourage you to explore other local hotels and Airbnb options across the beautiful city of Detroit!

Hotels

The Detroit Tigers will be playing at home all weekend—so if you're in the mood for some baseball action, catch a game while you're in town!

Lauren + Paul

Lauren + Paul

Things to Do

Comerica Park - Home of the Detroit Tigers

Belle Isle Park

Campus Martius Park

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Riverwalk

Eastern Market

Motown Museum