We did it!

With a little help from the Detroit Party Marching Band, the Belle Isle division of the Detroit Recreation Department, the unexpected wizardry of karaoke night at the Harbor House, a handful of vendor magicians, and the smiles and tight embraces of dozens of loved ones.

And Hitsville USA.

We laughed a lot.

We danced a lot.

And we went home feeling like the luckiest kids alive.

Oh, and then we went to New Orleans!

I can’t wait to tell you all about it, but I’m still feeling kind of dreamy, disoriented and at a loss for words. So check back next week! We should be in full swing. We have things to discuss: the centuries of history Detroit and New Orleans share; Pontiac’s rebellion; Zug Island.

Meanwhile. Ben Blackwell wrote a song about Elmwood Cemetery for Esquire. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. Name checked: Parents Creek, the Battle of Bloody Run, Lewis Cass, Coleman Young. And it’s also about the natural topography of the city.

This might be the best thing that has ever happened to the national profile of early Detroit history.

The wedding pictures are courtesy the ever-fabulous Kat Berger, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who also wrote a sweet post about our wedding with a trove of beautiful photos from the day.

#belle isle#ben blackwell#detroit party marching band#detroit weddings#elmwood cemetery#history songs