Dayna and Jackson’s wedding day was one of those celebrations that just felt good from the moment it started — full of family, history, and a little bit of luxury mixed in. As Michigan wedding photographers, we get to see a lot of beautiful moments, but this day was special in such a genuine, effortless way.
Dayna and Jackson began their morning at the Royal Park Hotel, getting ready just a few doors apart. The atmosphere was calm, joyful, and full of anticipation. They chose to share their first look in the hotel’s library — an intimate, tucked-away space that felt perfect for a quiet moment together. Afterwards, we explored the property for their portraits, taking advantage of the beautifully remodeled interior and fall foliage around the hotel. Doing all of their photos before the ceremony ended up being the best gift to themselves; once they said “I do,” they were able to simply enjoy the rest of the day.
St.John Fisher Catholic Church- A Ceremony Full of Family History
The morning began at St. John Fisher Chapel, a place that already held so much meaning for Dayna’s family. Her parents and her grandparents were married there, so watching her walk down the same aisle felt incredibly emotional. Jackson lit up the second he saw her- and Dayna could not have looked more radiant.
There was something so grounding about being in a space that had already held decades of love stories from the same family.
Saint 1881
After the ceremony, we made a stop at Saint 1881, a very chic Rochester bar that somehow manages to feel both high-end and cozy at the same time. It was the perfect spot to slow down, grab a fancy drink, and soak everything in before heading to the reception.
The moody lighting, the marble bar, the warm wood tones — all of it worked so well for portraits. It gave their gallery this cool, sophisticated vibe that balanced beautifully with the classic church and elegant venue.
Royal Park Hotel
From there, we headed to the star of the evening: the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI. If you haven’t seen the remodel yet, it’s stunning. Clean lines, timeless décor, and the kind of space that feels both modern and warm — truly a dream setting for a Royal Park Hotel wedding.
Dayna and Jackson’s reception was full of energy from the very beginning. Beautiful florals, candlelit tables, heartfelt toasts, and so many happy tears. Their first dance was the kind that makes the whole room go quiet. And once the dance floor opened… it stayed full all night.
A Day That Fit Them Perfectly
What I loved most about this wedding was how true it felt to who Dayna and Jackson are — a mix of tradition, elegance, and a little bit of fun. Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt overdone. It was simply a beautiful day celebrating two incredibly kind people.
If you’re planning your own Royal Park Hotel wedding and looking for Detroit photographers or Michigan wedding photographers, I’d love to photograph your day with the same laid-back, storytelling approach.
