While on a trip with friends to Monica Van Acker’s family cottage on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, Zack Shaver took the opportunity to propose to his beloved. After asking her to spend the rest of her life with him, he surprised her yet again by arranging for them and their friends to hop on two small planes to take them all to Mackinac Island for dinner. “Then the real surprise came when we landed and both her parents and my parents had flown in to join the celebration,” remembers Zack of his grand plan to celebrate their betrothal. 

When they returned home, the couple hired a wedding planner who helped make their incredible wedding possible. “She had remarkable vision, which matched perfectly with how we imagined our dream wedding,” shares Monica. “Even further, she knew exactly how to carry out the necessary details and feats to bring it all together.” They chose a gorgeous venue in Downtown Detroit, the city where their relationship grew after they reconnected following their first meeting years prior at a pre-med club at Michigan State University. 

The wedding weekend began with a rooftop rehearsal dinner complete with champagne, cigars, and music, which set the tone for the “Great Gatsby” theme of their nuptials. Choosing a venue that provided the aesthetic they envisioned was of the utmost importance to create the desired atmosphere. “We have always loved Art Deco styling and the 1920s era, especially as it relates to the history of Detroit,” adds the groom, noting the Penobscot Building even lit its top spire green as a tribute to their wedding. “Our main goal was to give our guests the experience of a lifetime.” 

The couple was married in a traditional service at a gorgeous cathedral. As their friends and family rose from the pews, Monica walked down the aisle with both of her parents wearing a stunning gown from the same boutique where many of her family members had purchased their wedding dresses over the years. Zack was handsome in a custom tuxedo with a white bow tie. 

“Monica and I love to throw a party, and we envisioned this wedding as being the ultimate party for all of our favorite people.”

After the “I dos,” nearly 300 attendees enjoyed a sophisticated cocktail hour featured strolling appetizers loosely based on the Art Deco era, including caviar potato crisps, oysters Rockefeller, and glazed meatballs, before entering the grand ballroom for the reception. “A breathtaking room, world-class meal, and heartfelt toasts were followed by a flash mob of dancers that kicked off the reception!” says Zack. “No one saw that coming, and it set the tone for the rest of the night.” 

The vast reception space featured dramatic décor in black, gold, and white, as well as gold-tinsel chandeliers that added to the allure. While gorgeous blooms were incorporated, an emphasis was placed on candlelight. King Arthur-style tables were lined with tall, cylindrical candleholders, and over 800 candles were used to create the aesthetic. “We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome,” Monica shares. Floral arrangements showcased white roses and orchids, as well as gold-painted baby’s breath, and guests were seated atop chic black-and-gold chairs. 

“Monica and I love to throw a party, and we envisioned this wedding as being the ultimate party for all of our favorite people,” Zack smiles of their special day. “I feel we created an incredible event that represented us and also captured incredible highlights of Detroit and the era of the 1920s.” 

To keep the party going, they invited their friends and family to an 80s-themed after-party at the same venue featuring a multicolor glowing dance floor, light-up necklaces and glow sticks, as well as an array of nostalgic candy and treats they were encouraged to take home in memory of the very best night.

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