Detroit Yacht Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

While we love kids, we kindly request that our wedding day remain adults-only so that everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.

Our Wedding

It all began upon graduating college from their respective alma maters; most will say "FIRE UP CHIPS" or "GO GREEN GO WHITE". Sarah moved to Ferndale with her best friend and college roommate Chelsea while Brandon bunkered down in Royal Oak with his best friend Shane. Brandon and Sarah first met on St. Patrick’s day in downtown Royal Oak in 2016. Sarah and Chelsea had just moved out to Ferndale, while Brandon and Shane were new to Royal Oak. Brandon and Sarah were immediate friends, Sarah commenting on Brandon's Shinola watch being a respected jewelry manager at Nordstrom. The following year, the group of 4 found themselves inseparable and living in a house just north of 8-mile. Hitting 25 years old and ready for their career changes – Brandon and Sarah chose to ditch the rat race in pursuit of better work life balance..... their best option: Quicken Loans. Leading up to their major career change, Brandon and Sarah chose their 2 week hiatus to head South on a spur of the moment road trip. Sarah was completely stressed out due to Brandon's plan to “enjoy their time off” and “head to New Orleans” with nothing booked, no timeline, as Sarah is a huge planner. The two grew their interest from there, after finding out from an Uber driver in downtown Louisville that the hurricanes were heading back for NOLA – the pair decided to head to Kentucky for some R&amp;R before their next gig. Some great BBQ at a Kentucky rest stop and an emergency bathroom break at a Walmart later – the two had gotten way closer than ever expected. Over the course of the next two weeks, the two explored waterfalls, horses pooping by their campsite, and an understanding of truly seeing each other at their worst. After spending 6 months at Quicken Loans with Sarah waking him up every morning due to her need to be on time, Brandon decided to go back to the healthcare industry – but his heart remained with Sarah. Over the following 3 years, Brandon chased Sarah asking for her to give him a chance. Not wanting to ruin the friendship, Sarah politely declined and asked him to move past it. One fateful 4th of July, Brandon and Sarah headed to Belle Isle for a meet up with the crew. The two proceeded to go on a spending spree including grills, hot dogs, charcoal and quite a few beers before driving the Wrangler onto the isle. Later that weekend, the two had their first kiss – and the rest is history.

Our Story

Photos

Chelsea Nantau 

Shane Torrey 

Courtney Therrien 

Nick Dackiw

Jeri Merkle

Austin DuBois 

Chelsea Oliver 

Derek DuBois 

Jenni Hansen-Ephraim 

Sabrina Thibault 

Danny Workman 

Valerie Pesonen

Mark Percival Jr. 

Ashley DuBois-Plantz

Phil Ephraim

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

Highlights You Can Enjoy Before the Wedding: Take a Scenic Stroll Across the MacArthur Bridge via the Detroit River WalkEnjoy sweeping views of the skyline and river; it's a peaceful, iconic spot for photos or a quiet moment.&nbsp; Walk the Blue Heron Lagoon TrailA 2-mile loop along the river, leading you to the striking marble William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, a unique and landmark.&nbsp; Explore the Conservatory and AquariumWander through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a historic greenhouse filled with orchids, tropical plants, and fall blooms (check seasonal hours).&nbsp; Visit the Belle Isle AquariumHoused in a historic building and still free to enter.&nbsp; Engage with NatureStop by the Nature Center to see interactive exhibits, like live deer encounters or turtle displays.&nbsp; Rent Bikes or PaddleboatsIf you’d like something more active, fall is a great time to explore via bike rentals, or try kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats.&nbsp;MoGo bike rentals are available here: https://mogodetroit.org/ Relax with a PicnicBring a cozy blanket and enjoy a riverside picnic. There are grills and shelters, and while fall is quieter, it's still an awesome way to absorb Belle Isle’s beauty.

Our GO TO spots Since living in Detroit for years- we've become regulars at the following spots:&nbsp; Nemo's: 1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226The BEST burger in Detroit. No question. Stop by for a beer and burger and enjoy the company of some of the best seasoned bar tenders around. (Ask for PT, Steve or Sandy) Barcade: 666 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201All of our favorite arcade games under one roof, with food and a full bar! Check out any of the dope pinball options, Quick&amp;Crash, Pacman 4-player, Moonwalker, TMNT, Tetris or Tappers! Cork &amp; Gabel: 2415 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216Our Saturday or Sunday main stay for brunch food, great drinks and afternoon card games. One of the best views overlooking the Corktown Train Station.&nbsp; The Michigan Central Corktown Train Station: 2001 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216An example of the comeback in Detroit, grab a coffee at Yellow Light coffee show and do a self guided tour of the renovated train station, almost 40 years since it closed in 1988. The outside Rosa Park gardens are beautiful for a quick stroll.&nbsp; The Congregation: 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206Less than a mile walk from our home in La Salle Gardens, enjoy a beautiful historic church turned Coffee Shop that offers coffee, cocktails and delicious food.&nbsp;

Things to Do

Registry

Sarah + Brandon

Sarah + Brandon

S&B

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM–10:30 PM

Reception