Wedding at the Royal Park Hotel

Thursday, November 3rd, 2022

The first time I met Justina and Kristian was their wedding day. They had just come in from Chicago a few days before and we connected over the phone to confirm the details of their wedding at the Royal Park Hotel. There was a hint of nervousness in Justina’s voice before we said goodbye. She admitted that she was nervous about the day not going perfectly; however, I assured her that her wedding was truly ideal and that she was going to embrace the day and enjoy herself. What made it ideal? Honestly, Justina and Kristian prioritized their day around the thing they valued most – each other. They decided to do a first look on Belle Isle and spend nearly three hours around town just with each other, before coming back to the Royal Park to join their families. While they were surrounded by family and friends, they didn’t have an official bridal party and instead decided to focus their attention just on each other. The day moved slowly in the best possible way. There was no rush, no pressure, on each moment or phase of the wedding day. Each moment was deliberately planned and represented an important aspect of their lives and relationship. It was a relaxing Saturday where the couple just so happened to get married at the end of the evening.

After I delivered the gallery to Justina and Kristian, I received an email from her. It was so touching that I saved it in a special folder as a reminder of why I am a photographer. Certain photos and moments from the day had a heighted effect on Justina that will be relived and cherished for years to come. I explained to her how this is the ultimate goal of photography – to not just take pretty photos, but meaningful ones. I am so proud and happy to know that we were able to do that for this amazing couple.

So please, enjoy these photos from Justina and Kristian’s wedding at the Royal Park Hotel.

A Shinola watch sits on a wood desk with cufflinks and black bowtie.

A man fixes his bowtie in a hotel room of the Royal Park Hotel.

A man fixes his cufflinks in a hotel room of the Royal Park Hotel.

A portrait of a groom as he buttons his jacket at his wedding at the Royal Park Hotel.

Wedding first look at Belle Isle, Detroit.

A wedding portrait in front of the Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

A groom hugs a bride from behind at the Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

A groom kisses a bride from behind at the Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

A bridal portrait at the Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

A portrait of a seated groom at the Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit by Brian Weitzel Photography.

A married couple walks away from the Belle Isle Fountain on their wedding day.

A couple stands in front of a classic car from Motor City Vintage Rentals in Detroit.

A grooms stands in front of a classic car from Motor City Vintage Rentals in Detroit.

A couple kisses in front of a classic car from Motor City Vintage Rentals in Detroit.

A couple rides in a classic car on their wedding day.

A wedding day portrait of a couple in front of the Conservatory on Belle Isle, Detroit.

A bride poses with a classic car on the streets of Detroit near the Masonic Temple.

A couple poses with a classic car on the streets of Detroit near the Masonic Temple.

A groom poses with a classic car on the streets of Detroit near the Masonic Temple.

A couple poses with a classic car on the streets of Detroit in front of Cadillac Place Apartments.

A bride poses in front of Cadillac Place Apartments in Detroit while holding her veil.

One special moment of the day that is worthy of an additional note is the first look Justina shared with her dad. We are very fortunate to have Justina’s dad with us today, so she wanted to take time on her wedding day to share a special moment with him. It was a very emotional moment for the two of them and an honor to be present to capture it.