Our Latin Mass Wedding at St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit / Kelly & Raymond
I am finally getting around to sharing our wedding day here on the blog, and wow, this has been such a hard task. Rounding up my favorite photos from the most special day, all captured so beautifully by Colette of Colette Lucille Photography and her husband Tom, felt nearly impossible. Which explains why there are so many. I just couldn’t choose.
I am going to walk you through our day and share some of the moments and details that meant the most to us.
It was a crisp October morning in Detroit, and the girls and I were getting ready in the church’s social hall. The morning flew by as we listened to music, got ready together, and talked through the excitement of the day. Before I knew it, our photographers and content creator had arrived, and everything started to feel real.
I have been a part of so many wedding mornings for our couples, but experiencing it for myself felt completely different. It was surreal.
While we were getting dressed, Ray and the groomsmen arrived and took photos around the church. Not long after came one of my favorite parts of the entire day.
Ray and I had written many letters to each other throughout our relationship, so I was especially excited to read the one he had written for me on our wedding day. He is such a talented writer, and I truly hang on to every word he writes. It was the most special thing I have ever read, and there were many tears.
What Ray did not know was that I had been keeping a pretty big secret.
Back in February of 2021, before I had even met him, I started writing in a journal to my future husband. I filled it with prayers, thoughts, frustrations, and the qualities I hoped for in the man who would one day lead me and our family to Heaven.
On our wedding day, I finally gave it to him.
Inside, there was a note that said, “Open to the bookmarked page.” That page held my wedding day letter explaining what the journal was and why I had written it. It was so special to place it in his hands, knowing he was the one I had been writing to all along. He says it is the best gift he has ever been given.
As if that was not enough, both of my brothers surprised me with letters of their own. Words of affirmation have always meant so much to me, and their words are something I will treasure forever.
Another moment that meant so much to me was pinning my dad’s boutonniere. I have done this for so many of our couples over the years, and it was important to me that I got to serve my dad in that same way on my own wedding day.
And then it was time for Mass.
Walking into St. Joseph Shrine, everything shifted. What had been such a joyful and emotional morning became something deeper and more sacred.
Our Solemn High Nuptial Mass in the Traditional Latin form was, without a doubt, our favorite part of the entire day. The beauty of the liturgy, the reverence for the Most Holy Sacrament, the incense, and the chant drew us into something far beyond ourselves. It truly felt like Heaven on earth.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass made the weight and beauty of what we were entering into feel very real. We were stepping into a covenant that calls us to lay down our lives for one another, just as Christ gave Himself fully for His Bride, the Church.
It was emotional in a way that is hard to put into words.
We were also incredibly blessed to have a priest, deacon, and subdeacon at the altar who have had a profound impact on our lives, especially Ray over the years. Having them witness and take part in our marriage made the Mass even more meaningful. It is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
After Mass, we spent time taking photos with our family and friends around the church grounds. It was such a joyful and lighthearted part of the day. We hugged everyone, soaked in their excitement, and finally got to celebrate together. The guys even took a moment to enjoy cigars, which felt very fitting.
Soon after, everyone began heading to the reception.
One of the best decisions we made was opting out of a party bus. As fun as that can be, we really wanted a few quiet moments together to talk and take in everything that had just happened.
So instead, we got into Ray’s truck and drove to the reception together. That short drive, where we were finally able to say “we’re married,” is a memory I will never forget.
We arrived at Zerbo’s Market and Bistro, and just like that, the celebration began.
We took a moment to look at our dinner space, which was set with long rectangular tables, candlelight, and floral arrangements that my mom, my aunt, and I had put together a few days before. Seeing it all come together was really special.
From there, we entered into cocktail hour and went right into our first dance to Unforgettable by Nat King Cole. We had practiced a few simple moves in my parents’ living room in the months leading up to the wedding, and being out there together felt surreal.
We then made our way into the dinner space and listened to the most heartfelt and funny speeches from the best man, maid of honor, and matron of honor. Afterward, we enjoyed one of the best meals we have ever had while looking out at our closest friends and family gathered in one room. It was such a special feeling.
As Rat Pack style music played, we spent time walking around, greeting guests, and taking in every moment. Before long, we cut our cake and opened the dance floor.
Our DJ and friend, Jason, from Alpha Z Productions kept the energy high all night!
One of the most fun surprises of the evening was an ice cream cart from Ray’s favorite shop, Ray’s Ice Cream. It was such a personal touch, and our guests loved it.
It truly was a day we will never forget. From our sacred ceremony in Detroit to the celebration that followed, we are so grateful for our family, our friends, and every vendor who made it all possible.
Church: St. Joseph Shrine
Venue: Zerbo’s Market & Bistro
Planning & Design: By Kelly Kathleen
Photography: Colette Lucille Photography
Content Creation: Andre Media
Hair: B Pampered Bridal
Personal Flowers: Floral Flows by Hayley
Cake: Brookies Cookies & Cakes
Ice Cream Cart: Ray’s Ice Cream
Dress Alterations: Sarah Kolis
