a festive palestinian wedding in detroit full of culture and love

A classic black-tie summer Palestinian wedding in Detroit at the Colony Club by Kari Dawson and her team.

A Palestinian wedding in Detroit…

The way a couple communicates with each other when they think no one is listening can be very telling of the nature of their relationship and connection. I overheard Danielle tell Devin that she has known him for many, many years and she has loved him for most of them. They met before they were teenagers as volunteers for their community’s Arab nonprofit. They stayed in touch during high school and reconnected at the University of Michigan. Their community support and involvement continued as they spent tons of time together in protests, dabke performances, and Arabic classes. They made their romantic relationship official in 2015. As highly educated adults they have returned to lead the same nonprofit where they met.

I can see and feel the passion in these photos that the two of them carry for each other, their family, their country, and their community. They both have successful careers in a humanitarian sense. They continue to spend their days and lives fighting against injustice in many arenas of their lives. I have told Danielle at least a dozen times how excited I was to meet the parents and siblings that raised these two phenomenal humans.

Back to their wedding day…

The Siren Hotel was the perfect backdrop for Danielle and the ladies prep and portraits. My home has a mauve colored formal dining room that has a mirror – disco ball that lives on the floor and reflects the incoming light. That is a very clear indicator of how much I loved the space Danielle rented at the Siren Hotel for her bridal and bridesmaid portraits. The Candy bar is an intimate lounge in Detroit that is pink and adorned with a giant mirror – disco ball feature hanging from the ceiling. The vintage vibe of the Siren and the Shinola where Devin prepped with the gentlemen segued perfectly into the Motor City Vintage vehicle that transported them each to the church.

Traditions…

Their ceremony was full of tradition. There funny moments. And there were segments where everyone in attendance sang and participated in their nuptials. Once their reception kicked off, I could see exactly why they were both so dang excited to skip to the good part! The Zaffeh was phenomenal and have every single person on the dance floor. I had to (reluctantly) steel them away for a few minutes for the night shots I adore so much and all of us are so thrilled we took the time to do so.

To the newlyweds…

Devin and Danielle, you already know how much I adore you both. I have loved every second of this journey with you both. I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained along the way in addition to your friendship. I know you will continue to pour yourselves into your community and you’ll never stop demanding change. Remain in agreement with a grateful and selfless heart and you’ll find peace and joy together for many years to come.

Wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.

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WEDDING DAY VENDORS

Photographer: Kari Dawson

Second Photographer: Caroline Olsen

Bride hotel: Siren Hotel

Groom hotel: Shinola Hotel

Ceremony: Annunciation Cathedral 

Planner: Nikki Johns Events

Floral Artist: Parsonage

Cake Artist: For the Love of Sugar

Video: Mike Staff

Music: NXT GEN

Hair + Makeup Artists: Primp Me Up

Bride’s Dress: Winnie Coutoure

Menswear: Suit Supply

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Zaffeh: Turab Beladi

String Quartet: Go4Baroque

Vintage Vehicle: Motor City Vintage Rentals