Wedding Day

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Ceremony

Planterra Conservatory

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

Unbeknownst to us, our story began Fall 2012 at the Intuit Art Museum in Chicago during the orientation for our upcoming study abroad trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Rafi, prideful of all things Michigan, was bonding with one of the program instructors over his recently acquired Michigan-made hot mustard at the condiment end of the sandwich station. Meanwhile, Hoa, who takes her food seriously, was standing by thinking, “Honestly… will this guy ever put down the mustard?” Fast forward a few months and a few thousand miles, for three weeks, we found ourselves ascending cobblestone streets, savoring museum café chocolate cakes, and reading poems on train rides that paralleled the edges of the Alps. The spark was there, even if it took a little time to catch fire. Once Hoa agreed to 'go steady,' three years of distance ensued (Chicago-Detroit and Chicago-Tel Aviv). While unconventional for some, those miles became our secret ingredient, teaching us patience, humor, and how to show up for each other in ways we never expected. Our story has unfolded in moments big and small: falafel in Jerusalem, white-knuckle drives up to Masada, standing sushi dates and late night blues in Chicago, tent camping from the Dakotas to the Tetons to Zion, annual Little Rock road trips with antique treasures in tow, San Francisco for artist retrospectives, New York for plays in the round, film festival premieres, red carpets, dance floors, and quiet mornings filled with books, coffee, and pup snugs. Turns out, hot mustard is the ultimate accoutremont with forever love.

From Mustard to Marriage

Our Story

Photos

Nick Jacobs

Lauren Villo

Matt Swain

Megan Swain

Michael Zuppke

Peggy Hart

Stephen Mastrocola

Lisa Jasnowski

Wedding Party

Q + A

Embark on a journey of discovery at The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel, where each stay unfolds as an exploration in subtle luxury. Nestled in Novi, steps away from Twelve Oaks Mall and Fountain Walk offering upscale shopping, eateries, and amusements, this modern hotel radiates a distinct charm, infusing vibrancy into every corner where unparalleled comfort awaits in each room and suite. Parking is complimentary; Toasted Oak Grill &amp; Market, a 24-hour gym, and business center are on-site. Upgraded rooms add access to a lounge that offers free continental breakfast and evening snacks.

The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel

Accommodations

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a museum institution located in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. It has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States.

Detroit Institute of Arts

The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's east side, just north of the city's historically African-American Black Bottom area. It was created in 1986 by the artist Tyree Guyton, who was assisted by his wife, Karen, and grandfather Sam Mackey.

The Heidelberg Project

Expansive public rink that's open seasonally for ice skaters of all skill levels.

Rink at Campus Martius

The Eastern Market area is named for the 19th-century market operating here, with vendors selling everything from tacos to colorful produce every Saturday. Sundays see the space packed with local jewelers and artists. Hip cafes and places serving classic Coney Island hot dogs dot the district whose warehouses are being revitalized with murals. There is live jazz and Motown music at relaxed Bert’s Warehouse Theatre. The area is packed with antique shops, offering a diverse array of antiques, vintage clothing, and books, plus used furniture.

Eastern Market

Swanky, restored art deco club serves creative, eclectic fare with live jazz on stage nightly.

Cliff Bell's

Eclectic hipster watering hole with quirky decor featuring classic drinks &amp; live music.

Cafe D'Mongos Speakeasy

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo - Get ready to be wowed by millions of sparkling LED lights as you stroll through a mesmerizing light tunnel, explore a glowing field of lights and discover endless surprises at the wildest light show around!

Detroit Zoo

Guests will be transported through time while viewing curated exhibits, the actual apartment Berry Gordy lived in with his family during the label’s earliest days, along with original recording equipment and the legendary Studio A. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, who will share the interesting history, fascinating anecdotes and captivating stories that all took place at Hitsville U.S.A.

Motown Museum

Downtown Ferndale is a favorite destination and a mindset that embraces the diversity of culture, class and creativity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Within&nbsp;it are 350+ businesses, most owned and operated by inspired entrepreneurs, driven by a personal passion to deliver goods and services in engagingly unique ways. Downtown Ferndale is a favorite local and regional destination, known for its shopping and entertainment,&nbsp;and public art.

Downtown Ferndale

Birmingham’s lively, pedestrian-friendly downtown offers one of the midwest’s premiere shopping districts. Comprised of nearly 300 retailers, the Birmingham Shopping District offers a diverse assortment of fashion boutiques, restaurants, gift shops, jewelers, salons, spas, antique shops and art galleries. Movie theaters and a centrally located park complete the city center.

Hoa & Rafi

Hoa & Rafi

Photos