Weddings

Detroit Yacht Club Wedding | Michael and Madison

January 22, 2025

A Detroit Yacht Club wedding is a stunning setting to gather friends and family to celebrate. The Mediterranean-styled club is located on an island off of Belle Isle in the Detroit River, and for a water-loving Michigan folks, the DYC villa just feels like home. Everywhere you look, the water surrounds the venue. It’s really something to experience. As a Detroit wedding photographer, I love all of the amazing photo ops in and around this beautiful venue.

Michael got ready with the guys at the DYC and Madison and her ladies got ready at the Ren Cen before planning to see each other in front of the water at Hart Plaza. We slipped into Detroit for some photos near the DIA and the library before heading to the ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Afterward, guests gathered for cocktail hour while Madison and Michael finished their family portraits. The couple then boarded a friend’s yacht for a stunning grand entrance. Their celebration was nothing short of unforgettable, featuring incredible food, a delightful dessert bar, exquisite details, and Julia McNally capturing the magic by painting a scene from their wedding live. It was a party to remember! It was truly an incredible wedding at the Detroit Yacht Club. Congratulations, Michael and Madison!

Getting Ready

Madison and Michael spent the morning getting ready in two quintessential Detroit locations. Michael and the guys were at the Detroit Yacht Club, while Madison and her bridesmaids prepared at the Renaissance Center. It was the perfect start to a wedding day that incorporated so many beautiful parts of the city.

Marina at the Detroit Yacht Club
bridesmaids preparing the dress for a dress detail shot
bride and bridesmaids sitting on a bed in their pajamas
groom and his groomsmens tux at the Detroit Yacht Club
groom getting dressed at the Detroit Yacht Club
bride's mother zipping up her dress
bride's mom putting on bride's bracelet
candid moment of the bride getting her veil ordered

First Look + Wedding Portraits Around Detroit

One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to explore downtown Detroit with Madison and Michael for their portraits. Their waterfront first look at Hart Plaza was followed by photos near the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Public Library, giving us a mix of city architecture and classic Detroit scenery.

groom enjoying the first look with his bride at hart plaza in Detroit
Detroit Yacht Club wedding party portrait
Detroit Yacht Club wedding portrait
Newlyweds portrait at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit

Wedding Ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament was such a stunning setting for Madison and Michael’s ceremony. The beautiful architecture and timeless atmosphere made it an especially memorable place for them to exchange vows surrounded by their closest family and friends.

groom watching the bride walk down the aisle at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament
father walking bride down the aisle at Detroit wedding ceremony
dad giving away his daughter at the alter at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Michigan
bride and groom at the altar at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Michigan
exchange of vows during a wedding at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Michigan
bride and groom receiving a blessing at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Michigan
bride and groom kiss in the aisle at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Michigan
Newlywed portrait after Detroit wedding ceremony

Detroit Yacht Club Wedding Reception

The Detroit Yacht Club was an incredible setting for the rest of the celebration. From Madison and Michael’s unforgettable arrival by yacht to the thoughtful details throughout the reception, the evening felt completely personal to them.

Guests enjoyed an amazing dinner and dessert bar, while live wedding painter Julia McNally captured a scene from the celebration as it happened. Once the formalities were over, everyone was ready to celebrate, making for such a fun ending to an already unforgettable Detroit wedding day!

Detroit Yacht Club wedding reception design
bride and groom on the water at the Detroit Yacht Club
bride and groom's grand entrance to a Detroit Yacht Club Wedding
Newlyweds arrive to Detroit Yacht Club wedding on private yacht
Full Dining room at the Detroit Yacht Club
Newlyweds pose waterside at sunset
Father daughter dance at Detroit Yacht Club wedding
bride and groom's formal dance at a  Detroit Yacht Club wedding
couple doing the YMCA on the dancefloor at Detroit Yacht Club weddding
bride singing during a wedding reception at the Detroit Yacht Club
night shot of the city of Detroit from a Detroit Yacht Club Wedding

Michael & Madison’s Detroit Yacht Club Wedding Team

Hotel: Detroit Mariott at the Ren Cen
Planner: Your Perfectly Planned Occasion
Hair and Makeup: Drake Artistry Collective
Music and Video Team: jdentertainment.com
Ceremony: Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Venue: Detroit Yacht Club
Live Wedding Painter: Julia McNally
Engagement Session: Lake Erie Metropark

FROM THE BLOG

Featured Weddings

Grosse Point Academy

The Inn at Bay Harbor

Detroit Yacht Club

Orchard Lake Country Club

© Michele Maloney Photography 2026