Some wedding venues feel beautiful. Others feel full of character. Adams Manor somehow manages to be both with ease.
Located on 40 private acres in Oakland County, Michigan, Adams Manor is a historic wedding venue with deep family roots. Originally built as a private residence, the property has been lovingly preserved and transformed into a welcoming space where couples can celebrate their wedding day surrounded by character, history, and natural beauty.
Originally built in 1932, the English Tudor estate was designed by renowned architect Arthur LeBaron Weeks. From the slate roof and original craftsmanship to the timeless architecture that defines the property, the manor feels elegant– without feeling intimidating. One of the most unique elements I noticed when shooting Kayte and Matt’s wedding was that the space is large enough to hold all the loved ones you could imagine, but isn’t barren or uninviting in a way that some larger venues are. Adams Manor ensures you aren’t sacrificing sophistication while trying to avoid losing that intimate charm.
Current owners Todd and Allie Detwiler discovered Adams Manor after leaving New York City during the COVID pandemic and returning to Allie’s home state of Michigan. Searching for a slower pace of life and a place to put down roots, they immediately fell in love with the historic estate. Today, they live on the property with their two children, and welcome couples from across Michigan and beyond to celebrate some of life’s biggest moments.
What makes Adams Manor especially characteristic is the care that has gone into preserving and restoring the home. The Detwilers are only the third owners in the estate’s nearly 100-year history, and they approach the property as caretakers rather than simply owners. In asking Allie about the site, she said, “There is always another project waiting. Another room to restore. Another chapter to write in the property’s story.” And that next chapter could be your big day.
For Kayte and Matt, it was the perfect backdrop for a wedding day that felt completely and unapologetically like them.
Their celebration was filled with intentional details that reflected their personalities and story. Instead of following every wedding tradition, they chose elements that felt meaningful and fun. Guests were greeted by porch goose welcome signs, and beer donkeys made an unforgettable appearance, after months and months of Kayte convincing Matt it would be iconic. And obviously she was right.
Every part of the day felt thoughtfully curated. Their flat lays included vintage family heirlooms, weaving pieces of family history into the visual story of the day. They prioritized moments that mattered most to them and approached each decision with purpose and care. This paired with the historic character of the venue truly conveyed that feeling so many couples strive for– the “this marriage is bigger than just us” vibe.
One of the standout moments was their choreographed first dance. Rather than treating it as a quick formality, they turned it into an experience that reflected their relationship and gave guests a glimpse into who they are together, and how much they valued and respected their attendees presence.
As the day unfolded across the grounds of Adams Manor, it became clear that the venue and the couple were a perfect match. Both embrace individuality, history, and meaningful storytelling. The estate provided a beautiful setting, and Kayte and Matt’s intentional approach and radiant, individualistic love truly brought the space to life.
Their wedding serves as a reminder that the best celebrations aren’t about following a formula. They’re about creating a day that feels authentic to your relationship, surrounded by the people you love in a place that inspires connection.
And here, connection seems to be woven into every corner.
If you’re having your wedding at Adam’s Manor and are still looking for a photographer who can capture that vintage, classy-but-lived-in, romantic vibe– hi, I am Kendall. I specialize in cinematic, storytelling wedding photography, and can’t wait to hear from you. Reach out now so we can bring your vision to life!
