Petruzzello Wedding Brimming with Love, Tradition, and Luxury

i do {weddings}

A romantic and elegant Petruzzello wedding in Rochester, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated Rochester wedding photographer, and her team.

A Petruzzello Wedding Filled with Culture and Romance

Mario is lively, outgoing, and full of energy. Gabriela is quiet, steady, and beautifully grounded. Together, they balance each other perfectly, and their Petruzzello wedding was a reflection of that harmony.

They first crossed paths through mutual friends, and without ever announcing it, simply started arriving together and leaving together. Mario grew up on the soccer field and now coaches several teams. Gabriela cheers him on, faithfully in the stands. Their wedding day carried that same theme of togetherness, anchored in culture, family, and a love story rooted in consistency.

St. Paul Roman Catholic Church Ceremony

The day began with a classic Catholic ceremony at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. Gabriela’s bridesmaids wore dreamy, mismatched blue gowns, while Mario and the men looked sharp in traditional tuxedos and bowties. Her sister tucked a bulb of garlic into her gown to ward off evil, while her cousin circled her with money before placing it in her dress. Those subtle but meaningful rituals carried the weight of generations.

Outside, family and friends cheered as the newlyweds exited the church in a lively Albanian tradition. We paused for portraits in front of the church’s stone architecture, some of my favorite images of the day, before heading to a nearby park where the lake and soft summer light gave their portraits a romantic, painterly feel.

Reception at Petruzzello’s

Petruzzello’s provided the perfect canvas for a black-tie wedding. Unstructured florals in whites, creams, and greenery with pops of blue mirrored the bridesmaids’ gowns and added to the elegant atmosphere. Guests were warmly welcomed with signature cocktails. A special thank you to both gracious mom’s, who were both hosts and a steady presence behind the scenes.

From there, tradition took center stage. Men carried the American, Italian, and Albanian flags during introductions. A single Albanian drummer called everyone to the dance floor, where Gabriela carried her silver shami with the same joy she and her sisters had as children. Red and gold scarves were passed out for dancing, and at one point, singles were tossed across the floor as their guests circled them. A symbol of luck and prosperity.

Guests, even the youngest ones, enjoyed a putting green during cocktail hour, and every moment felt like a mix of Mario’s lively energy and Gabriela’s quiet grace.

A Celebration of Culture and Connection

What stood out most was the way Albanian dancing anchored the reception. Everyone, family, friends, and children were drawn into the rhythm. It was a celebration not just of two people, but of heritage, belonging, and the joy of community.

Kari’s Favorite Moments & Memories

I loved watching the balance of their personalities, Mario leading the dance floor with laughter while Gabriela remained poised, radiant, and centered.

The portraits at the church and park will stay with me, too, the stone, the light, the lake, and the ease between them. And, of course, Mario’s mom and Gabriela’s mom, and her aunt, with her hospitality. This Petruzzello wedding had everything: luxury, tradition, and the kind of joy that can only come when two families and two cultures blend into one.

One of the best parts of our work is photographing weddings filled with culture, heritage, and joy, just like Mario & Gabriela’s. If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels true to who you are, we’d love to connect. Request a consultation.

We’ve photographed many beautiful Detroit-area celebrations, from elegant Colony Club Weddings to timeless Book Tower engagement sessions and so many locations in between.