Marissa Dillon
A Detroit Elopement Story - Erica and Cody
It all started with a phone call when Erica and Cody reached out to me, a wedding photographer in Detroit, Michigan. They told me they wanted to elope and asked if I'd be there to capture their special day. I was so excited when they said yes! So, on that beautiful autumn morning, we met up at an Airbnb where the two of them got ready together before heading over to Belle Isle for their private vows. After that was done, we headed to Eastern Market Brewing Company for some beer and champagne by the famous zebra wall. It was a day that truly felt like them – warm, intimate, and full of love.
To me, this is what elopements are all about – it's not just about having a smaller wedding; it's about making sure that every single moment feels like you. Every detail should be tailored to who you are as a couple and what matters most to you. For Erica and Cody, that meant getting ready together instead of separately, saying their vows privately on Belle Isle – a place they both love – and celebrating with beers at Eastern Market Brewing Company. It was perfect for them because it felt like them!
The best part about documenting these moments is getting to know my couples better. I always strive for my clients to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera so that I can capture their true emotions accurately. By the end of the day, I had gained two new friends in Erica and Cody! It's always such an honor when my clients trust me enough with such an important part of their lives – especially since elopements are even more personal than traditional weddings!






































































Eloping can often feel intimidating or overwhelming due to its smaller scale compared to traditional weddings. But if you take your time planning out what you want your elopement day to look like, there’s no reason why you can’t have the most magical wedding experience imaginable! Erica and Cody's unique journey proved this—they had the perfect mix of intimacy and fun. If you're looking for someone to capture your own elopement story in Detroit (or anywhere else!) then please reach out - I'd love nothing more than helping create lasting memories for another couple! ;-)