love story

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WAS IT CHANCE OR LUCK THAT BROUGHT A YOUNG COUPLE TOGETHER? written by blake miller photography by jean smith photography

SARINA ROSE was only trying to be a good friend. Back in July 2017, a close friend asked her if she wanted to go to a local bar because she was meeting a man she met online and she didn’t want to go by herself. “So, of course, I went with her even though I don’t love the bar scene,” Rose says. As it turned out, she made a decision that would change her life.

“I walked in and said, ‘Is this what you guys do at a bar? You sit and wait for a guy to approach you?’” Rose says. Not long after, she locked eyes with “a super attractive, tan man. We kept making eye contact.” Within minutes, she was introduced to Blake Zachary, and the pair quickly became enamored with each other. “We opened up so quickly to each other,” Zachary recalls. “We became best friends very quickly.”

While their relationship began quickly, the road to their engagement was a bit slower. As the 2020 Christmas holiday approached, Rose was hoping for a ring. “We just bought a house at the end of 2020, and he kept telling me that he promised we would be engaged by the end of 2020,” Rose says. “So it was always in the back of my mind.” After a few bumps in the road, Zachary proposed on December 23 — “Way to cut it close,

Blake!” Rose says with a laugh.

The couple quickly began wedding planning with a date set for September 2021, just nine short months after their engagement. During that time, Rose’s godfather, Chris Jeannotte, and his partner, Steven Weingartz, threw the couple an epic Great Gatsby-themed bridal shower with roughly 175 guests at their home in Pleasant Ridge. “I wanted to make it a very magical night that Sarina wouldn’t forget,” says Jeannotte, who arranged for complete 1920s-themed décor top to bottom. The night was chockfull of entertainment, including swing dancers, a Charlie Chaplin impersonator, flappers, 1920s candy girls, and a live performance by Detroit’s Ben Sharkey, all while mermaids floated in the pool.

As guests entered the venue, they were greeted by a 1920s flapper girl whose dress was the red carpet of the event while swing dancers taught guests the proper way to swing dance. Guests noshed on filet, shrimp, orzo, asparagus spinach pie, and, of course, dessert: a Cassata cake with cannoli cream. “When we walked in we were both in complete awe,” Rose says. “It was memorable for us to see the amount of detail and creativity that went into this party, from the candy bar, the balloons and feathers, the special cocktails, the entertainers, the decor, the music, photographers, the rented out vintage car,

“Ever since I met Blake, he’s been home to me,” says Sarina Rose. The couple celebrated their marriage in September 2021 with a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament and a reception at Meadowbrook Country Club.

the videographer. It left us speechless. I knew it would be a beautiful shower, but we had no idea the content of what it was going to be. It was a stunning event shared with our families and friends that we will always talk about for years to come!”

Their wedding day was just as memorable. Held at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, the traditional Catholic ceremony preceded a reception at Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville. “We both grew up going to this club,” says Rose of their choice. “Both our grandparents belonged for years. Blake’s parents got married there. So it was a special venue to us.” At the reception, guests enjoyed chargrilled filet with shrimp scampi in a lemon garlic white wine sauce and a three-tier coconut cake with lemon and raspberry buttercream from Maddie Bakes in Birmingham.

After dancing the night away, the couple embarked on their new life as husband and wife. “Our wedding day was a day we shared our commitment to each other under God in front of our closest friends and families. Marriage has a mystical way of revealing God, a way of bringing a smiling peace to our restless hearts,” Rose says. “Ever since I met Blake, he’s been home to me.”

Bold colors and beautiful flavors combine for an elegant wedding feast

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIE FRANCES STYLED BY RA EVENT DESIGN FOOD BY THYME & HONEY FLORALS BY FLOWERS FOR DREAMS COCKTAILS BY CLOUD NINE BARTENDING

A bespoke grazing table by Thyme & Honey features an elegantly designed array of fruits, whipped feta, charred antipasto, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and accoutrements. A few of the standouts include caviar eggs, ricotta and fig toasts, and honey herb burrata paired with melon. Thyme & Honey, St. Clair Shores; thymeandhoneyfood.com.

RA Event Design created a bold, colorful tablescape with hemstitched linen runners, ombre and pressed flower taper candles, bubble glass votive holders, and pink depression glass amuse bouche plates. An amuse bouche of either Beet Napoleon (pictured here) or Salmon Citrus Crudo in a half shell, a signature Pear Pomegranate Spritz, and macarons housed in cut glass mini domes were placed at each setting. RA Event Design, Birmingham; 248-821-1128; ryan-abney.com.

A cocktail display created by Cloud Nine Bartending highlights beautiful colors and exceptional garnishes. The cocktails featured include an Elderflower Smash, Cloud Kissed Champagne, and Flora & Fizz, with garnishes ranging from cotton candy to floral ice cubes and sugared pear slices. Cloud Nine Bartending, Brighton; 701-648-0056; cloudninebartending.com.

The epitome of an elegant yet modern main course, the grazing table crafted by Thyme & Honey featured a mouthwatering selection of fruits, whipped feta, charred antipasto, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and accoutrements, including tete de moine cheese flowers created with a girolle. Thyme & Honey, St. Clair Shores; thymeandhoneyfood.com.

To start the menu, Thyme & Honey created two amuse bouche, Salmon Citrus Crudo presented in a half shell (pictured here) and Beet Napoleon. Thyme & Honey, St. Clair Shores; thymeandhoneyfood.com.

A mod yet romantic cocktail dress is a très chic ensemble for an intimate dinner party reception. Alexandra Grecco "Dali" gown, $1,100, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com.

SHOT ON LOCATION AT GROSSE POINTE WAR MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PRODUCTION BY ERIN SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN AND RENTALS BY MODERNLY EVENTS FLORALS BY BETSY + BOBBI HAIR AND MAKEUP BY JILL SOLLARS STATIONERY BY ANNABEL REESE FLAT LAY STYLING BY BIRCH AFFAIR MODEL: LEXIE GEORGOFF WARDROBE PROVIDED BY BELOVED BRIDAL

From place cards to earrings, black bows are a classically elegant design element. Place card by Annabel Reese, Birmingham; annabelreese.com. Engagement ring, price upon request, at Tapper's; 800-337-4438; tappers.com. Madewell satin bow statement earrings, $28, at madewell.com.

Lush florals styled in unexpected ways create visual interest and spark conversation. Floral installation by Betsy & Bobbie, Detroit; betsyandbobbie.com. Alexandra Grecco "Odette" top, $600, and Kyha Studios "Millie" skirt, $3,095, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com.

Delicate blush glassware and luxe gilded flatware perfectly complement a romantic centerpiece of roses, sweet pea, butterfly ranunculus, anthurium, stock, and carnations. Centerpiece by Betsy & Bobbie, Detroit; betsyandbobbie.com. Rentals by Modernly Events, Livonia; 248-361-7224; modernlyevents.com.

Alexandra Grecco "Dali" gown, $1,100, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com. Bella Belle "Matilda" polka dot tulle heels, $345, at bellabelleshoes.com. Bouquet by Betsy & Bobbie, Detroit; betsyandbobbie.com.

A stunning ruffled cake echoes the couture silhouette of this bridal skirt. Alexandra Grecco "Odette" top, $600, and Kyha Studios "Millie" skirt, $3,095, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-8344696; belovedbridal.com. Wedding cake by Bella e Dolce Cakes, Walled Lake; 248-295-1500; bellaedolce.com.

A très soigne swan graces a delicate cookie nestled on each guest's plate. Cookie by Bella e Dolce Cakes, Walled Lake; 248-295-1500; bellaedolce.com.

Shades of blush are offset by beautiful calligraphy and a black ribbon for elegant wedding stationery. Invitation suite by Annabel Reese, Birmingham; annabelreese.com.

Alexandra Grecco "Dali" gown, $1,100, and Tara Lauren "Charlotte" veil, $500, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com.

Vassallo Atelier “Delfine” draped satin faced chiffon gown, $1,975, at vassalloatelier.com. Tory Burch “Puffed Up” sandal in spark gold, $398, at Tory Burch, Somerset Collection South, Troy; 248-458-1307; toryburch.com. Gabriel & Co. 14K yellow gold Bujukan bead cuff stackable bracelets, all price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry.com.

Ines Di Santo “Beau” halter neck plunging keyhole sheath gown, $4,225, and signature couture bow train, $1,265, at Roma Sposa, Birmingham; 248-723-4300; romasposa.com. A.Jaffe 18K white gold diamond eternity engagement ring with a round center stone, Tacori RoyalT Collection platinum emerald cut diamond eternity band, and Gabriel & Co. 14K white gold long graduating diamond circle and bar earrings, all price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry.com.

Ines Di Santo “Coeur” halter cut-out cocktail dress, $1,840, at Roma Sposa, Birmingham; 248-723-4300; romasposa.com. Customizable platinum 8.20ct radiant diamond eternity band, $38,850, at Diamonds Direct, Troy; 248-8908021; diamondsdirect.com. Tory Burch knotted heeled sandal in coconut, $398, at Tory Burch, Somerset Collection South, Troy; 248-458-1307; toryburch.com. Funboy clear rainbow chaise lounge pool float, $80, at funboy.com.

Pronovias beaded lace gown, $2,500, at Piera’s Bridal, Shelby Twp.; 586-566-7800; pierasbridal. com. Nina Mûr “Simona” sunglasses, $415, at Optik, Birmingham; 248-646-6699; optikbirmingham.com. Tacori RoyalT Collection 18K yellow gold diamond engagement ring with a cushion diamond bloom, price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry.com.

Rhythm “Masina” bandeau top, $48, and bikini bottom, $48, at Good Neighbor, Detroit; 313-788-7800; shopgoodneighbor.com. Marni banana earrings, $450, at Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212; tenderbirmingham.com. 18k yellow and white gold 2.20ct fancy yellow diamond cluster ring, $15,530, at Diamonds Direct, Troy; 248-890-8021; diamondsdirect.com.

Ashlyn crop top, $620, and Paco Rabanne knit skirt, $950, at Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212; tenderbirmingham.com. DIFF mirror aviator sunglasses, $98, at Good Neighbor, Detroit; 313-788-7800; shopgoodneighbor.com. Tacori sterling silver and 18k yellow gold black onyx ring, $350, at Diamonds Direct, Troy; 248-890-8021; diamondsdirect.com.

Hellessy “Rubell” draped silk bustier, $1,290, at Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212; tenderbirmingham.com. Lucca “Majorca” straw hat, $74, at Good Neighbor, Detroit; 313-788-7800; shopgoodneighbor.com. 18K yellow gold 3.20ct diamond tennis necklace, Doves 18K yellow gold sunburst necklace with clear quartz over mother of pearl, and Tacori RoyalT Collection 18K yellow gold diamond engagement ring with a cushion diamond bloom, all price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry.com.

Ines by Ines Di Santo “Beatrice” sleeveless deep plunging V-neck trumpet gown with textured skirt, $5,690, at The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley; 248-541-1988; theweddingshoppe.net. Gabriel & Co. 14K white gold diamond station layered Y necklace, Tacori platinum engagement ring with graduated diamonds and diamond halo, and 18K white gold diamond tennis necklace, all price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry. com. Funboy “Mellow Yellow” striped tube float, $39, and “Ibiza Bohemia” tube float, $39, at funboy.com.

L Space “Nico” underwire bikini top, $125, and “Portia” high-waisted bikini bottom, $88, at anthropologie.com. Marni earrings, $990, at Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212; tenderbirmingham.com. L.A. Eyeworks “XOX” sunglasses, $450, at Optik, Birmingham; 248646-6699; optikbirmingham. com. Funboy pink metallic lip float, $60, at funboy.com.

MICHAEL Michael Kors washed linen boyfriend blazer, $325, and white palm lace slip dress, $275, at select Michael Kors stores; michaelkors.com. Bailarose “Alessandra” necklace, $98, at bailarose.com.

Despite pandemic delays and nearly 10,000 miles between them, Mohammed Udbin and Narissa Mursjamsi's families came together for a March 2021 wedding that brought their two worlds together.

merged together at the wedding of Mohammed Udbin and Narissa Mursjamsi, who married on March 28, 2021 at the Town Center Garden Atrium in Southfield. The intimate 50-guest ceremony was an event several years — and thousands of miles — in the making.

Mohammed, whose family is from Bangladesh, and Narissa, who was born and raised in Indonesia, met while Mohammed was on vacation in Bali in 2018. He spotted her in a café, they struck up a conversation, and the pair developed an immediate connection.

The strong bond remained even after Mohammed returned home to Michigan. The couple continued to talk and meet up in various parts of the world, including Japan and South Korea — the latter being where Mohammed proposed to Narissa in 2019.

In Narissa’s culture, it’s customary to ask the bride’s family for permission, so the couple headed to Indonesia to do so. Soon after, Mohammed and Narissa began planning for a September 2020 wedding. However, the onset of COVID-19 — combined with the nearly 10,000 miles between them — provided some unique challenges.

“We thought everything would go as planned, we’d have a ceremony, our reception, and we were also planning to go to Indonesia and do a party with her family,” Mohammed says. “Fast forward, 2020 came, COVID came, and shattered all dreams and hopes for a lot of us.” Despite everything in their way, the couple found that they grew closer together during this time as they developed strong communication with one another and discovered that there was a solution to every problem.

As COVID-19 cases started decreasing, the couple decided on a new date in March, at a time when their families could safely travel to Michigan. With both families able to come together for this special day, Mohammed and Narissa wanted to ensure that they wove in traditions from each of their cultures.

For example, they both wore traditional Bengali attire at the ceremony, though Narissa highlighted her own culture and opted for a white sari instead of red or pink. In keeping with Indonesian wedding culture, they had a moment between Mohammed and Narissa’s father where a blessing was exchanged and Mohammed expressed

The intimate celebration incorporated elements of Bangladeshi and Indonesian culture. "For any couple getting married from different cultures, it’s important to combine both to show how great the world is,” Mohammed says.

his commitment to Narissa. Following the ceremony, the couple honored Bangladeshi tradition and participated in a fish cutting ceremony where the groom brings the bride a fish, which she then prepares.

From the beginning of their engagement to the last moments of their wedding, the couple ensured that each of their backgrounds was beautifully represented in their celebration of love.

VENDORS Reception Venue: Town Center Garden Atrium, Southfield Photographer: Mahin Traditional Attire: Kebaya by Karina Hair: Hair by Aysha Makeup: J Hobby Makeup Studio Wedding Bands/Jewelry: Lino & Sons, and Festive Essentials Flowers: Wafaa’s Flowers Videographer: TTL Production