A Detroit Love Story: Event Planning in Southwest Detroit

Angela T. Perez Harris
Erik Howard
April 18, 2024

As an event planner for over ten years in Detroit, I’ve worked on major events like Fiesta Tigres, Fun at Bat – Clark Park, Detroit Tigers Opening Day, and the Red Wings Community Skate Fest, to name a few. So orchestrating my wedding, the most important event I could plan, allowed me to bring together the incredible talents and trusted vendors I’ve enjoyed working with throughout my career. This celebration was a personal milestone and a testament to the rich tapestry of talent within Detroit’s vibrant Southwest community.

From the outset, I knew I wanted to work with those who shared my vision and passion for creating memorable experiences. For years, I have worked with creative and innovative Latino vendors. Staying connected to the community played a pivotal role in curating an event that reflected the unique spirit of Southwest Detroit.

Food is a part of my cultural identity, so I decided to collaborate with Coronados Southwest Taco food truck, a local gem in the area, a nod to the flavors of my hometown and a testament to the remarkable culinary talent present in the barrio. My decision went beyond having delicious food; it was about fostering relationships and supporting the culinarians who make our community thrive.

The way a wedding is decorated has a profound impact on the look and feel of people’s memories. I wanted the decorations to reflect both of us, so I partnered with Under the Rainbow events owned by Roxanne Rodriguez, a Southwest Detroit native, who brought her passion for design to life, creating an ambiance that not only complemented The Riverside, a loft style events venue on Grand River Ave but also spoke to the soul of our love story. This collaboration reinforced the importance of nurturing relationships within the community, turning them into opportunities for shared success.

Wedding images help tell the story of your wedding day, from the moment you start getting dressed to the end of your wedding reception. I didn’t just want wedding photos; I wanted documentary-style images to chronicle our day. Erik Howard, an internationally recognized photographer, captured these moments, a deliberate choice rooted in trust and familiarity. Erik can tell a story through his photography. I entrusted him with capturing the essence of our wedding day—not just the ceremonial moments but the broader narrative of community, connection, and love.

I chose to work with exceptional vendors, such as Cafecito Alvarez, a Mexican-style coffee bar that never existed before. The Alvarez sisters cultivated the art of Mexican coffee, such as cafe de olla, and made it accessible to our community.

Then there is Alana Rodriguez from Mama Coo’s Boutique, who used unique vintage accents to add romantic and delicate details to the venue. Rodriguez is an artist who curated and built an ofrenda, an emotional detail representing generations of loved ones, most notably my mother, whom I had recently lost the year before.

I proudly hail from Southwest Detroit, and this wedding wasn’t just a personal celebration but also a declaration of my ongoing commitment to the neighborhood that feels like my family. The connections forged and the collaborations showcased at The Riverside underscored the importance of staying rooted in the community and celebrating the raw talent that makes Detroit a center of creativity and inspiration.

My wedding wasn’t just about planning and executing an event; it was about championing the local talent and local small business that make Detroit a creative hub. Brides or businesses planning events in the city, need to look no further than the wealth of talent here in Southwest Detroit.

Here is a list of other vendors or individuals
I worked with who have ties to Detroit:

Ties to Southwest Detroit