letter from the editor

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT LOVE finds us when we least expect it. That we don’t find love, it finds us. As I reflect on the stories in this issue, that maxim seems truer than ever.

Take, for example, Mohammed Udbin and Narissa Mursjamsi (page 76). Their story began in 2018 when Mohammed, who was on vacation in Bali, spotted Narissa in a café. They struck up a conversation and developed an immediate connection. Three years later — despite Covid delays and thousands of miles between them — they celebrated their marriage with a beautiful ceremony blending two vibrant cultures.

Sarina Rose and Blake Zachary (page 44) are another couple who happened to be in the right place at the right time for love to bring them together. In July 2017, Sarina’s good friend asked if she wanted to go to a local bar with her because she was meeting a guy from online and she didn’t want to go by herself. Sarina said yes, and it turned out she made a decision that changed her life. She locked eyes with Blake from across the bar, and it was love at first sight for the couple, who tied the knot in September 2021.

However love finds you, there’s nothing better than celebrating it with a wedding that perfectly reflects your personality. Whether that’s an intimate elopement or an over-thetop affair, you’ll find a wealth of ideas in this issue to help you plan your day. From one-of-a-kind vintage rings (page 30) and boutonnieres that are works of mini floral art (page 34) to personalized wedding party gifts (page 26) and invitation suites for every style (page 37), the details of your wedding set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.

If, when it's time to celebrate your love, you’d rather pack your bags and get away from it all — but you still want to look chic — turn to our cover story (page 64). Here you’ll find fashion forward looks for all your destination wedding events, from relaxing pool side in a cute bikini to walking down the aisle in a couture gown.

Whatever your wedding style, I hope this issue helps make your dream day a reality.

Cheers,

5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 248-691-1800 Fax: 248-691-4531 editorial@hourdetroit.com

Volume 20 • Issue 2

PUBLISHER Jason Hosko

EDITOR Rebecca Voigt COPY EDITOR John S. Schultz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lindsay Richards JUNIOR DESIGNER Steven Prokuda GRAPHIC DESIGNER Keagan Coop

CONTRIBUTORS E.E. Berger, Angela Flynn, Lians Jadan, Meagan Keck, Blake Miller, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Erika Patterson, Jennifer Pickering, Erin Schmidt

PUBLISHING & SALES COORDINATOR Kristin Mingo ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett, Karli Brown, Lisa LaBelle, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Mary Pantely & Associates OUTREACH SPECIALISTS Jessica VanDerMaas, Alice Zimmer

IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nick Britsky DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell, Bart Woinski DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Travis Cleveland VIDEO PRODUCER Ken Bowery VIDEO EDITOR Taylor Lutz

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Knox SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTISTS Stephanie Daniel, Robert Gorczyca SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jill Berry ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ramona French GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jim Bibart, Colin McKinney

CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Elise Coyle, Jaz’Myne Jones, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Lisa Sawyer MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR Jodie Svagr MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATORS Kelsey Cocke, Drake Lambright MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS LEAD Asia Jones

MARKETING RESEARCH MANAGER Ana Potter MARKETING RESEARCH MANAGER Georgia Iden MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT Alexandra Thompson PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexa Dyer

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER Natasha Bajju SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Andrew Kotzian ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Samantha Dick DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy

HOUR MEDIA CEO Stefan Wanczyk | PRESIDENT John Balardo

Metro Detroit Weddings is published by Hour Media

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Metro Detroit Weddings, 5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 248-691-1800. TO SELL METRO DETROIT WEDDINGS MAGAZINES: 248-588-1851

Copyright © 2022 Hour Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Metro Detroit Weddings is a registered trademark of Hour Media.