Ray Anthony Photography

The Townsend Hotel | Michigan Wedding Venues

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In January of 2005, I was fortunate to meet Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet in downtown Birmingham, Michigan and began renting showroom space in her office. The decision to establish myself in Birmingham and connect with The China Closet was probably the best business decision I ever made. I instantly began meeting and booking more and more couples from the area, which then led to additional future clients that were relatives or friends in this great community!

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One of those couples are Merideth and Cory Kroneman who were referred to me by Carolyn shortly after moving into The China Closet. This amazing  wedding was the first of mine to be published in The Knot wedding magazine! The interesting story about Merideth and Cory’s wedding is that a last minute decision was made to move the reception location on the very morning of their wedding day, July 16th, 2005, due to a torrential rain storm! Originally, it was to take place at Cory’s parent’s home for an outdoor celebration under a tent in their backyard. Because of Carolyn’s great connections, she was able to secure the grand ballroom at The Townsend Hotel, moving “everything, tables, chairs, food, liquor, flowers, linens, everything!” Had you not known about the original plans of the reception, you would have not known it was always intended to be at The Townsend Hotel. “Carolyn Hefner, their wedding planner, helped mobilize the relocation effort and made sure everything worked out beautifully.” (quoted from The Knot Magazine). Photos from Merideth and Cory’s 2005 wedding are below.

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This was my introduction to The Townsend Hotel going all the way back to 2005! It’s a memory I’ll never forget! Since Merideth and Cory’s wedding, I have photographed weddings there every year since, sometimes multiple times per year.  Even for couples having their receptions elsewhere, I have photographed many brides on the morning of their wedding in one of the Townsend’s beautiful suites for getting ready photos. The Townsend Hotel is nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, and is central to some of the most sophisticated salons and spas in all of Metro Detroit! 

The Townsend Hotel is known as a timeless centerpiece of style and doesn’t need my recommendation, even though I emphatically do. It has already cemented its reputation as one of the most prestigious, European-style, luxury boutique hotels in Metro Detroit. During your wedding banquet, with its impeccable service and grandeur, the catering team will treat you like royalty. Needless to say, I get very excited when receiving a prospective couple’s inquiry about my availability for their Townsend Hotel wedding! Why wouldn’t I? From my past experience, many of the weddings I have photographed there have been some of my career highlights! Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s amazing venue spotlight!

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What is the history of Townsend Hotel? 

The prestigious hotel was opened in the year 1988. The Townsend Hotel is a Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond venue with its luxurious guesthouses, penthouses, suites, and multiple event centers. 

What are the space limitations for wedding receptions? 

The Townsend Hotel has two great reception rooms that I have photographed for weddings. The 2,700 square-foot, unique and impressive Regency Room; and, the 5,000 square-foot exquisite Townsend Ballroom, built in grand style, and has four separate ballroom salons. There is a 2,100 square foot foyer adjacent to the Townsend Ballroom perfect for cocktail parties.  The Townsend Ballroom seats up to 320 guests. I have also photographed wedding rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, and after-wedding brunches in the more intimate Clancy Room, Tea Room and Rugby Grille.

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Are there Bridal Suite Options?

There are a variety of luxurious options available for both your overnight accommodations and providing a perfect location for your getting ready with your wedding party.  I have photographed many brides staying at The Townsend for just getting ready photos and the rooms are perfect luxurious backdrops for memorable photos.  Most local salons will provide on-site services for hair and makeup and know the hotel very well. There is ample room in the Presidential Suite, the Executive Suite or the Luxury Suite. 

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What sets the hotel apart from other venues? 

From the very day you first visit the Townsend as a prospective venue for your wedding, you will experience impeccable service walking in the door as you are greeted by the doormen and valet service. As you inform the courteous front desk staff of your reason for your visit, you will be introduced to the Townsend Catering Department team of Joanie, Liz and Merritt. Immediately, you will know with confidence that this experienced staff is extremely capable of translating your wedding day dreams into a well-planned, well-orchestrated reality. You will be impressed to learn of their bridal suite options offered. These include customized details and amenities like white glove service, customized key cards for your room, security elevators, gift bags for your guests, in-room amenities, in-room massage services, pre-scheduled in-room dining, and coordinate transportation. Complimentary services for their wedding reception packages include glass, china and silver, linen, banquet chairs and tables, votive candles and table numbers, a stage for your band or DJ, and a dance floor. Last but not least, I can personally provide my own five star recommendation for the Townsend’s very own Executive Pastry Chef! I would be lying if I denied having a slice or two over the years of Chef Taylor’s pastries. He will make the wedding cake of your dreams!

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Have measures been taken to protect customers from COVID-19? 

The safety of The Townsend Hotel customer is tantamount to anything else. They ensure that their residents, hotel guests, and employees are kept safe and healthy by constantly disinfecting the entire hotel premises. There is deep cleaning of public spaces, equipment, and doors; there’s the provision of hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and frequent changing of air filters. Numerous other preventive measures are also taken every day in the hotel. 

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If The Townsend Hotel appeals to you as your venue of choice, I can assure you, Ray Anthony Photography would be a perfect complement for your wedding photography team! The Townsend is such a timeless and classic venue that I can assure you with our documentary-style focus to capture your unique and personal wedding story, our attention to detail, and our years of experience at the one-of-a-kind venue, will provide you with stunning photos that you will treasure a lifetime! Give us a call or text us at 866-UNPOSED (867-6733) or simply click on “contact” above.

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