St. Mary of the Hills Roman Catholic Church

Wedding Ceremony

Royal Park Hotel

Dinner Reception at Royal Park

Recent Announcements 

Hotel room blocks will be released back to the public by July 17th. Book soon to get our group rate and priority reservation. ~ C+M 7/12

Royal Park Hotel & Wedding Reception Directions 

Our Wedding

It was August 2017, when Courtney and Marco first crossed paths. Courtney had just joined a new gym and noticed Marco. She thought he had a genuine and friendly smile. Over the course of the next few weeks, she mentally prepared to ask him out. The big day came and Courtney called him over, and asked him 3 questions: 1) What's your name? 2) Are you single? 3) Would you like to go out sometime? About a week later, they went out on their first date at a putt-putt course. Marco must've been impressed by her putting skills, as they continued to hit it off ever since.

How We Met

Unfortunately, due to the start of the pandemic Courtney and Marco were not able to properly celebrate Courtney's birthday in March. Several months later, things started to ease up and Marco planned a make-up dinner "birthday celebration" on the 12th of September. On the day of, Marco seemed to be a little out of character but assured Courtney it was nothing and only due to an energy drink he had. Courtney had her suspicions but didn't think anything of it till later that day. Throughout the day, Marco had employed Courtney's mom and one of her friends to keep her distracted from the big surprise and to make sure the timing went smoothly. This included trying to show up early before dinner reservations so Marco could "check out" the stream and nature trail next to the restaurant. As they were driving to the nature trail, Courtney started to realize a couple of things. Either Marco had way too much caffeine for the day and was chatting furiously or they were about to get engaged. They arrived at the restaurant and started walking up to the back patio when Marco "forgot his wallet" and at that moment, Courtney knew something was about to go down. A videographer walked by and Marco soon followed after to guide Courtney to the stream and nature path. They walked a few paces down the trail, where he turned around, got down on one knee and proposed. We were engaged soon after. In addition to the engagement surprise, Marco with the help of Jordan, had secretly invited a few of our other close friends to dinner. Very much to Courtney's surprise, she was greeted by loud cheers as they rounded the building corner from their close friends who were also in on the surprise engagement! What started as a belated birthday dinner, ended up being an engagement celebration.

Our Engagement

Today, we live in Metro Detroit and can be found gardening, biking around the nearby neighborhoods, or cooking up something new. Marco loves golfing, catching up with his friends, and working out. Courtney enjoys working out with friends, trying new restaurants and baking. We enjoy spending time with our cat Peanut, although we're not convinced the feeling is always mutual. Outside of Michigan we have enjoyed a few road trips, tested out local cuisines, and traveled outside of the states. We are more than ready for our next adventure and we can't wait to celebrate our day with you!

What We Are Doing Now

Our Story

There will be a private shuttle from the hotel to the reception venue and back. Shuttle times will be provided closer to the wedding date.

Hyatt Place Detroit/Auburn Hills

This hotel is the same site as the wedding reception. No shuttle needed after the event.

Hotel Accommodations

A perfect mix of historic and hip, downtown Rochester attracts both local residents and visitors from across the state of Michigan. Downtown Rochester is home to more than 350 shops, salons, restaurants and professional service businesses; 85% of which are independent merchants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Downtown Rochester’s natural beauty is attributed to the waterways that surround the city and the abundant green space that three parks and two winding trails offer.

Explore Downtown Rochester

[About 16 minute drive] One of the most known malls on the east side of Michigan, a nice place to wonder around and check out the shops.

Somerset Collection

[About 22 minute drive] Want to do some last minute shopping? The outlets have a lot of stores to choose from (Nike to Nordstrom Rack, etc...)

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Things to Do

Ashley and I met in grade school and became best friends senior year. Ash and I have remained close while attending separate colleges (go green!) and celebrating other significant life events. We love a good day at the spa, priceless gut laughs, and the obvious 4th meal, also known as "second dessert". She's a real, one-of a kind peach and I am so honored to have her part of our special day!  

Ashley Schornack

Jordan and I met freshman year at MSU and became quite the duo shortly after. She's a wild card in the best possible way, predictably unpredictable, and always down for a great time. We can be spotted in our prime with a bottle of quality vodka (preferably in Caseville or Clare Michigan), near freshly carved pumpkins, or transforming into the infamous Panda and "Puss" (cat). In all seriousness, Jordan is a legit diamond of a friend, and I am so excited to have her be with us on our big day! 

Jordan Godlewski

Janessa and I started started as cousins, now we're here. Although she's years younger than me, she's wise beyond her years and has always been a positive light in my life. She's tiny, sweet, and spunky. Together we love going to country music concerts, relaxing by a bonfire, or whipping up something new in the kitchen. She's an amazing person and friend and we are so excited to have her be by our side on our wedding day!

Janessa Johnson

Chelsea and I met at MSU freshman year. We were part of the same sorority, stayed close throughout both of our grad school programs, and even enjoyed each other so much we decided to live together for a bit as we started to take on life's adventures after college. Chels and I have always enjoyed a good nap, happy hour, and traveling together. We can't wait to spend our day with you!

Chelsea Zalewski

Nucci and I met at MSU in our Sorority. We quickly became close and even got the opportunity to be roommates. Nucci is my go with the flow friend who is always down for a good time. We enjoy long catch up sessions, full glasses of wine, and door dash deliveries. We can't wait to have you be part of our special day!

"Nucci" aka Kelsey Nucci

Ash and I met farther back than I can remember (preschool)...and this is where it all began. For the next 18 years we could be frequently found eating ramen noodles with extra beef, playing Mario Party or zipping around on our snowmobiles. She was my first best friend and I am so happy we've shared so many of life's adventures together. We enjoy going to brunch, working out, and attending any country concert. Ash has always been someone I can count on and we are so happy to have her join us for our big day!

Ashley Craig

Sarah is one of my original OG's from Bad Axe. Since I met Sarah, she's been the life of the party so having her in our wedding was a no brainer. She brings the dance moves, cold drinks, and entertainment wherever she goes! Sarah and I can be found sitting at a bonfire sipping on a margarita or doing karaoke in her kitchen. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Sarah McDowell

Perrin and I met just a couple years back and somehow she won me over shortly thereafter. She's been a rockstar friend to me, mom to my nephew Sebastian, and partner to my brother, Trevor. We love online shopping, sharing recipes, and Detroit Cookie Company. We are so honored to have you be a part of our wedding crew!

Perrin Paxton

Sister to Marco, and shares the same passion and love for animals and photography. Kathleen is a professional pet photographer and owner of KatKu Photography, local to metro Detroit. Kathleen is the youngest of the Ku family. 

Kathleen Ku

Zoey is our only niece.  Zoey loves going boating and biking with her dad, and  hanging out at “Grammy’s Camper”. This girl has no fears and is always ready for an adventure and a good laugh!  As soon as Zoey found out how much Marco loves to play tag, she was pretty much sold on getting another official Uncle. We can’t wait to celebrate our special day with you!

Zoey Shemka

Mike and Marco met through Derek while working at Whirlpool.  Derek invited both of them to lunch where Marco was quiet and Mike thought he was too cool to be there.  Soon after, they were hitting all the buffets in the local area during lunch, playing sports, helping Marco with housing projects and been friends ever since. 

Mike Vandlen

Derek and Marco met at his first job out of school working for Whirlpool.  We don't exactly remember how everything went down, but we have been friends ever since.  Derek and Marco shared a lot of common interests in sports and even introduced Marco to golf.

Derek Kovalcik

Marco and Garrett first met while exploring the iron paradise (the gym) of picking heavy things up and setting them back down.  Their friendship has evolved over the years but they stay connected through their love of staying active and watching sports.

Garrett Willobee

Brother of the same mother, Kevin is Marco's older brother and they share the same passion for the gym, trying new foods and sports.

Kevin Ku

Mike, his wife Jordan, and Courtney have been quite the trio since college. Together, they've made many memories including taking on Cheeseburger in Caseville, St. Patrick's day in Clare, cheering on the Lions in Baltimore, and representing the three blind mice for Halloween. There aren't many things the three of them haven't gotten into. Following suit, we are so excited to have Mike join the wedding party for our big day!

Michal Godlewski

Tyler is the oldest of the three siblings in the Shemka family. Tyler is known for being goofy, his unique dogs (feel free to ask him for some evidence) , and being that role model dad. He loves any and all activities/sports, especially if his daughter Zoey is able to be his partner in crime. Tyler will be found on the dance floor showing off his moves and we can't wait to see them...

Tyler Shemka

Trevor is the youngest of the Shemka siblings and arguably the one that grew up the fastest. He's known for his juggling skills, witty jokes and being an all star dad to Sebastian. Trev is always looking for a good time and we can't wait to celebrate our special day with him.

Trevor Shemka

Sebastian is the youngest member of the Shemka family. He loves monster trucks, jumping on his trampoline, and hanging out with his cousin Zoey or “Zzz”. He’s sweet, super smiley, and so smart. We can’t wait to see this little man walk down the aisle in August and show us all his dance moves on the dance floor! 

Courtney & Marco

Courtney & Marco

C&M

Recent Announcements

Wedding Ceremony

Dinner Reception at Royal Park

Royal Park Hotel & Wedding Reception Directions