Intimate White Chapel Wedding at the Palazzo Grande | Shelby Township, Michigan | Isis + Ryan

“We were together. I forget the rest” — Walt Whitman

The celebrations we see as Detroit wedding photographers come in all shapes and sizes, from grandiose extravaganzas to a close-knit circle of friends and family in a backyard. Each event has its own character and nature, an ambiance you can feel the moment you walk into the space. Isis and Ryan’s white chapel wedding effortlessly combined both the spirits of grand celebration and intimate emotion by pairing their white chapel ceremony with a spectacular reception in the Palazzo Grande Banquet Hall. After experiencing this celebration, one could only say it was truly “the best of both worlds.”

Getting Ready at the Royal Park Hotel

Anticipation was already beginning to grow as Isis and Ryan began to prepare for the day ahead. Isis and her loved ones spent the morning enjoying the ambiance of the Royal Park hotel, drinking in every moment as she waited to see Ryan for the first time. After spending the morning with some of his closest friends, Ryan was transported across town, where he and Isis were able to share a few intimate moments together before departing for the ceremony. Never ones to ignore an opportunity, even their walk from their hotel room to the shuttle below quickly transformed into an impromptu portrait session with the Royal Park Hotel as the backdrop.

Ceremony at the Historic Hope Chapel

As if by magic, Hope Chapel seemed to appear from nowhere in the midst of Mae Stecker Park as guests began to arrive for the ceremony. The Chapel housed the intimate ceremony, complete with stained glass windows and weathered wooden pews, adding to the quaint charm of the church. Upon the conclusion of the celebration, Isis and Ryan almost leapt at the opportunity to ring the church bell, a confident proclamation that the newest Mr. And Mrs. Burke had arrived. Before long, guests joined them outside on the grounds before gathering together and making their way to the reception.

Cocktail Hour at Palazzo Grande

Upon arrival, guests encountered a buffet of delicious delicacies as they were encouraged to enter and explore the ballroom of the Palazzo Grande. The space had been designed with care and love by the team at Susan Elian events, and once the cocktail hour began, Isis and Ryan wasted no time and begin their greetings as hugs and well-wishes were shared from table to table. As a special treat, the couple had designed an ingenious surprise for their guests that married their love of trading cards with their bridal party members. Two of these members, their best man and maid of honor, shared stories and memories of their lives with Isis and Ryan, reminding everyone of the kind souls they had come to celebrate.

The Reception

As the crowd settled in for an evening full of excitement, Isis and Ryan quietly stepped out for one final mini-session of portraits, this time as husband and wife. Upon their return, the room seemed more than ready to begin the festivities. Isis and Ryan escorted their parents out to the dance floor as the final formality of the first dances organically transformed into a packed dance floor. One last surprise for the evening created an uproar as Isis suddenly disappeared from the room, only to appear moments later in a new dress perfect for the hours of dancing still ahead of her.

The Congratulations

Isis and Ryan, we are so excited to finally have the chance to celebrate this day with you! From the first moments in the morning to saying goodbye at the Palazzo, the day felt to us like a love letter to your incredible story so far. But more than that, this day felt like it did not just look to the past, but also into the future and to the beautiful impact you two are going to have on the world. We wish you all the best, and we feel like there is only one appropriate way to close: here’s to the newest Mr. and Mrs. Burke, pass turn.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Royal Park Hotel | The Palazzo Grande
• Planner: Susan Elian Events
• Florals: Sam’s Florist
• Hair Artist: Team Glam Detroit
• Makeup Artist: Team Glam Detroit
• Cake Artist: Allergy Free Bakery
• Live Band/DJ: Mike Staff Productions
• Men’s Suits: Milano Tailor
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie

If the emotion of an intimate ceremony spoke to you, you can find another beautiful chapel wedding here.