ourmichiganwedding.com

I tried on my dress, and boy, it did not look right. I had the dress tailored about 2 months ago, and when I put it on two weeks ago, it was like an overstuffed dumpling. I have been eating out a lot and not exercising. I forced myself to not eat out AT ALL for like 8 days in a row, exercised every day, and lost about 4 lbs. The dress now feels a bit better, and I didn't starve myself or change my diet drastically. Also no alcohol. That's just empty calories.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn is one of the classier joints around Southeast Michigan. According to what I've heard (a price quote my brother received in early 2007) the basic price per person at the Ritz is around $150 per person. I wouldn't be surprised if it's more. The Ritz can easily accommodate 400 guests.

I've attended two or three weddings at the Ritz and, although nice, weddings at the Ritz aren't particularly memorable as a guest. I readily confuse memories of the Ritz with the Troy Marriott. Being on the host end of the wedding however is probably easier because service at the Ritz is impeccable. Having been to a buffet-style Indian wedding and a regular plated-dinner wedding I can say that the food at all stages are great. I think the Indian buffet food comes from your choice of approved caterers while regular food comes from the hotel.

I've seen two memorable food items at the Ritz. First was the martini bar where the server poured through an ice luge to chill the drink. Second was the Coldstone Creamery-style ice cream bar. If you don't know what that Coldstone Creamery is, think of a Dairy Queen flurry but a server uses spatulas to fold your choice of toppings (M&Ms, cookie crumbs, etc.) into ice cream on a chilled stone slab. The stone slab reduces melting.

I'm sure options and extras add up fast but if you want a high-class hotel wedding reception in the metro Detroit area the Ritz fill fit the bill.

According to its website Cranbrook allows photography but you must arrange it through one of their approved photographers or approved in writing by the Cranbrook administrators. I think Cranbrook would be a great place to have wedding photos or engagement photos.

Cranbrook Photography

It wouldn't be so special for me personally because I went to middle school and high school there. I never felt a great loyalty towards the school and I know if I do anything there, Cranbrook boosters will be hitting me up for money for the rest of my life. In fact, they already do hit me up for money all the time.

Cranbrook has beautiful grounds and I have heard they do opulent weddings. If the weddings are anything like the events we had during school I would say yes, that is the case. I am sure they have draconian policies and restrictions. Why I went to school at Cranbrook for middle school and high school (6-12). They are highly protective of the grounds and the building interiors. Don't count on being able to pee in the bushes.

http://www.cranbrook.edu/about/venue/