Rehearsal

Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament

160 Main

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Colony Club Detroit

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Westin Book Cadillac Detroit - The Motor Bar

After Party

Summer

Our Wedding

With Rob being a Michigan native and Christina being a Massachusetts native, they often get asked the question, “Well, how the heck did you two meet?” Back in November 2021- we’re talking COVID masks and vaccine cards- Rob had been visiting Boston for a long weekend with his childhood friend Jon to catch a few Celtics games (Go C’s). On Thursday night, Rob and Jon ended up at a Southie bar that Christina frequented on the weekends since it was near her apartment. As fate would have it, she happened to be there that night celebrating the promotion she received at work earlier that morning. Rob made his way over to Christina to introduce himself and the two hit it off right away, exchanging numbers. In fact, the night went so well that Rob called Christina the next day to invite her to tag along to the Celtics game with them. Christina met them at TD Garden for their first “date.” Little did they know, Rob's parents were watching the game on TV knowing he would be there and spotted their son with his arm around a mysterious blonde girl - the calls and texts to follow were hilarious. After the weekend, Rob flew back home to Michigan and the two got to know each other over frequent calls and Facetimes, and their Facetime dates soon turned into flights to see each other whenever they could. In 2023, after a year and a half of long distance, Christina packed up her Southie apartment and moved to Michigan so they could start a new chapter together - one that did not involve quite as many trips to the airport. A few months later, for Christina's 30th birthday, Rob proposed in Northville, Michigan in front of both their families - he managed to fly her parents to Michigan without her knowing - and they all celebrated well into the night with friends. We can't wait to celebrate with all of you!

Our Story

Wedding Party

Q + A

Date you must book by for discount: July 11, 2025 The easiest way to book at the discounted rate is with this direct link: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1723306400302&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1723306400302&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a> The discounted rooms are available from August 1, 2025 through August 3, 2025. Stay as long (or as little) as you'd like!

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit (Marriott)

Date you must book by for discount: June 17, 2025 The easiest way to book at the discounted rate is with this direct link: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/detdhgi-xlww-56313d02-3e7b-4152-a34c-4b5feee562a5/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/detdhgi-xlww-56313d02-3e7b-4152-a34c-4b5feee562a5/</a> Alternatively, you can call 1-800-HILTONS and reference the room block for Laney/Wiinikainen Wedding (Group Code: XLWW) to reserve at the discounted rate. The discounted rooms are available from August 1, 2025 through August 3, 2025. Stay as long (or as little) as you'd like!

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown

Hotels

If you are driving, there is a free gated parking lot adjacent to the cathedral for the ceremony.&nbsp;

Complimentary parking is available for the reception at Comerica Garage(50 W Montcalm St, Detroit, MI 48201) using parking code: 4506 If leaving your car overnight on the night of the wedding, it must be out of the garage by 9am the next day to avoid a parking fee for the following day.

Parking

Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the museum showcases everything from mummies to modern art in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Home of the Detroit Tigers. Three level, open air stadium with spectacular views of the downtown skyline.&nbsp;Catch a ball game, eat a hotdog, or schedule a stadium tour.

Comerica Park

The Detroit International Riverwalk spans more than three miles. Take a walk or bike ride and take in the views of both Detroit and Canada (which is just across the Detroit River - bring your passport if you want to cross over, eh!).

Detroit Riverwalk

Home of the Detroit Lions. It is an indoor stadium and hosts many concerts and shows as well if football isn't your fancy.

Ford Field

Attending Saturday Market is an experience that is undeniably Detroit. Over 225&nbsp;market vendors share their local produce, flowers, snacks, art, jewelry, and more with up to 40,000 visitors in one day during the summer. The tradition of this market has been a cornerstone of the city for 125 years. One of Rob &amp; Christina's favorite things to get is the fresh, handmade perogies. Saturday Market – 6am-4pm, WeeklySunday Market&nbsp;–&nbsp;10am-4pm, Weekly

Eastern Market

Home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons, and countless other entertainment and community events.&nbsp;Grab some tickets or schedule a tour.

Little Caesars Arena

MGM Grand Detroit Casino

The Detroit Zoo has more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee, and Arctic Ring of Life. The Zoo’s newest attraction is the spectacular Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility for penguins in the world.

Detroit Zoo

Allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. Step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. Play pilot as you explore flight innovations, starting with the Wright brothers' achievements, or make yourself at home inside Buckminster Fuller’s circular Dymaxion House.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Newly re-opened! The first floor will be open to visitors for self-guided tours. Admission is free, no tickets or registration required. Fridays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp; Summer at The Station also features outdoor entertainment and food trucks on the plaza in front of Newlab and Michigan Central.&nbsp;

Michigan Central

If you're looking to extend your trip and explore areas outside of Detroit, see below for some of our favorites or visit: https://www.michigan.org/. There are so many lakes, hikes, and cities to explore. Feel free to text/call Christina or Rob for more ideas!

This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails. If you have never seen Lake Michigan in person... you must! Climb the dunes (or drive to the top) for an unforgettable view.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

If you've never zipped in an open buggy around a 200-foot mountain of sand, know you'll be smiling every one of those 40 or so minutes of the trip.&nbsp;

Saugatuck Dune Rides

The wine aficionados will find themselves at home with more than 140 wineries to choose from across the state. Chateau Chantal is only one of our favorites for wine with a view. Grab a flight and try them all!

Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

No cars. No chain hotels. Just world-famous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/fudge-making/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mackinac Island Fudge</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/history/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historic Fort Mackinac</a>, unique shopping and diverse dining. Over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails befit the ranking as the #1 Island in the Continental U.S. as named by Travel &amp; Leisure Magazine. Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton have all experienced the elegance and unique atmosphere of the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel’s award-winning golf course,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michigan.org/property/jewel-grand-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Jewel</a>, is the only course in the world where players are transported between the front and back nine via horse-drawn carriage.

Mackinac Island 

Most recently it was named "Beer City USA" as it has 80+ breweries.&nbsp;Explore 200+ restaurants, shops, museums and entertainment venues within a 10-minute walk of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.experiencegr.com/plan-and-stay/about-grand-rapids/grand-rapids-regions/downtown/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">downtown</a>&nbsp;hotels.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.experiencegr.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-sports/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golf, hike, bike, fish and paddle</a>&nbsp;as close as five minutes from the city center. Attend outdoor concerts and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.experiencegr.com/articles/post/cultural-festivals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cultural festivals</a>, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.experiencegr.com/play-their-way/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zoos and family fun parks</a>,&nbsp;and thrill to the racing action at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.experiencegr.com/listing/berlin-raceway/3198/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASCAR Home Track</a>. Voted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2024/travel/americas-best-towns-to-visit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">America's Best Towns to Visit in 2024</a>&nbsp;by CNN Travel.

Grand Rapids

<a href="https://www.annarbor.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ann Arbor</a>&nbsp;is a popular university town and culinary hot spot with a walkable and accessible downtown. Home of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> (where Tom Brady attended), the largest football stadium in the U.S. known as "The Big House," globally inspired&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annarbor.org/restaurants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dining</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annarbor.org/blog/post/top-shopping-spots-in-ann-arbor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unique retail</a>&nbsp;and world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annarbor.org/blog/post/top-shopping-spots-in-ann-arbor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">arts and culture</a>. Top things to try while here are a Reuben from Zingerman's Deli and brunch at the Gandy Dancer's historic train depot.&nbsp;

Ann Arbor

Things to Do

For the visiting foodies:

Does the backdrop look familiar? This is where our engagement photos were taken and also one of our favorite date night spots for a cocktail and/or appetizer. The Monarch Club has an indoor bar as well as one of the biggest rooftop bars in downtown Detroit (with firepits!). https://monarchclubdetroit.com

The Monarch Club

One of our very first date spots! Serving shareable plates based on seasonal offerings and local products. There is always something new on the menu. https://www.wrightdetroit.com

Wright & Company

Formerly the home of the Detroit Fire Headquarters, the dining room still features the original red fire doors and three fire poles. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner! https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room/

The Apparatus Room

A great spot for Italian! http://ottavavia.com/

Ottava Via

Located on the 71st floor of the Renaissance Center, The High Bar is the perfect spot for grabbing a cocktail (A++ cocktails) and an appetizer with spectacular views of Detroit! The Highlands, on the other side of the room, is a great spot for a steakhouse dinner and also has amazing views of the city. https://www.highlandsdetroit.com/highbar

The Highlands / High Bar

Craft beer and pub food - the OG Cosmik Fries are THE best. https://www.hopcat.com/detroit/home

HopCat

A very casual vibe - a hidden gem for $3 mini sliders of all kinds and $4 cocktails... order the Mystery Cocktail and let us know what you think! https://www.greendotstables.com/detroit-1

Green Dot Stables

Platters of tender ribs and piles of pulled pork, slow-roasted chicken and mounds of BBQ wings. Everything on Slows’ menu is prepared the old-fashioned way, over smoky coals and meticulously slowly, just as the name says.&nbsp; https://slowsbarbq.com/

Slows Bar BQ

For the best Mediterranean food, stroll down Greektown. Pegasus Taverna serves authentic Greek cuisine&nbsp;and the "Saganaki Opa!" flaming cheese is a must try! https://www.pegasustavernas.com/

Pegasus Taverna

Chicago and New York pizzas have nothing over Detroit’s, where the city’s favorite pie comes square-shaped and is rooted in Sicilian tradition. The "Detroiter" with caramelized onions is our go-to order. https://www.buddyspizza.com/downtown-detroit

Buddy's Pizza

Coney dogs are a Detroit mainstay, brought to Michigan by Greek immigrants who first settled near New York’s Coney Island. Coney restaurant favorites include&nbsp;American Coney Island,&nbsp;Lafayette Coney Island, Leo’s Coney Island and&nbsp;National Coney Island - you can find one around every corner! Another Detroit tradition? Arguing about which dog is best.

Christina & Robert

Christina & Robert

C&R

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM–7:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM–11:30 PM

Reception

11:30 PM–1:30 AM

After Party