FAQs

Question

The wedding is on an island? How do I get to this Belle Isle?

Answer

Belle Isle is just minutes from downtown Detroit. You access the island from the MacArthur bridge, located on Jefferson Ave (at E Grand Boulevard). There are signs that point to Belle Isle. If you are using a navigation app, and enter "Flynn Pavilion Detroit MI", you should find it easily. NOTE: There can be a traffic backup getting onto the island. Please allow some time.

Question

Is there a charge to access Belle Isle?

Answer

Yes. Belle Isle is a Michigan state park, and requires a day pass to enter. (Unless you are a Michigan resident, and you purchased the recreation pass with your license plate) Immediately when you drive into the park, there is a small drive-up building, where passes can be purchased. Currently, day passes for non-residents are $11. Sorry - We tried to purchase passes in advance, but their policy prohibits that. TOP TIP: Traffic can back up for purchasing passes. PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME. ANOTHER TOP TIP: On some days, there is nobody working at the entry building...

Question

How do I find Flynn Pavilion?

Answer

The simplest route: When you cross the bridge into Belle Isle park, the road curves to the right toward the little building where you purchase day passes. You'll be on Sunset Drive, which changes name to The Strand. After 1.1 miles, you will turn left onto Picnic Way (You will immediately cross a small bridge). The road quickly comes to a "T" at Loiter Way. Turn left onto Loiter Way. Flynn Pavilion parking is the 2nd left. There is a small wooden sign that says "Skating Pavilion" out front. (You can also follow the directions of your navigation app - We tested Google Maps and Apple Maps, and both found Flynn Pavilion)

Question

Is there a charge for parking?

Answer

No. There is no charge for parking at Flynn Pavilion or Assumption Cultural Center. Both have ample and free parking, including ADA accessible parking spots.

Question

What is the attire for the day?

Answer

Somewhat formal, but comfortable! This is a summer wedding in Michigan - It could be very hot and humid, or maybe snowing. We want our guests to feel comfortable and confident, and to enjoy the day! There is a DJ and dancing at the reception - Bring comfy shoes.

Question

Is there construction near the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Locals know there are 2 seasons in Michigan - snow and orange barrels. This is not all-inclusive, but some of the heavy hitters: As of July 10: If you're traveling from the south, several exits on I-275 are closed or down to one lane. (NB I-275 to WB M14 and NB I-275 to EB I-696 are closed) If you can avoid I-696, do that - It's a hot mess right now. Multiple exit and service drive closures, and part of the expressway closed entirely. NB I-75 exit to SB M-10 (Lodge Fwy) in Detroit - Exit closed, starting July 18 EB I-94 near Martin Rd and Shook Rd (Roseville, St. Clair Shores) - Several lane closures Jefferson Ave, near Van Dyke St (just east of Belle Isle): We have seen lots of lane closures here the past couple of months - Please allow some extra time, traveling to the reception.

Question

How do I get from the wedding to the reception location?

Answer

You could follow your navigation app, but it will take a boring freeway route. We hope you'll take this much more scenic route: 1) When you leave Belle Isle and cross the bridge, turn right onto Jefferson Avenue. 2) Stay on Jefferson through the east side of Detroit. (There is currently some construction around Van Dyke, which might require some patience) 3) At 3.7 miles from Belle Isle, you will cross Alter Road, and enter the city of Grosse Pointe Park. Just stay on Jefferson Avenue - The road briefly changes name to Lake Shore Road. This drive offers some stunning views of Lake St. Clair, and some beautiful large houses. WATCH YOUR SPEED through here - It is heavily patrolled! 4) At 10.8 miles from Belle Isle, the road curves sharply to the left, just as you pass the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, and enter the city of St. Clair Shores. In another 0.6 miles, you will reach Marter Road - Turn left onto Marter. 5) Follow Marter Road to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. (You'll be driving through a neighborhood, but the church is large and visible). Assumption Cultural Center is at the rear of the church - The doors are near the patio. Enjoy the cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres and the beautiful outdoor garden patio. We look forward to visiting with everyone, as soon as we can get there!

Question

Where should I stay? Any hotel recommendations?

Answer

We do not have a block of hotel rooms reserved. These are not "recommendations", but rather a general list of places to stay. (We tend to like the nicer chain hotels) Several people are staying near our home. It's a bit of a drive to Belle Isle, but only about 20 minutes from the reception location: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - 45800 Market Place Blvd, New Baltimore, MI Holiday Inn Express & Suites - 45825 Marketplace Blvd, New Baltimore, MI Hampton Inn & Suites - 45725 Marketplace Blvd, New Baltimore, MI TRU by Hilton - 45301 Marketplace Blvd, New Baltimore, MI There aren't a lot of hotels near the reception site in St. Clair Shores. You might look at AirBnB, if you want to stay in St. Clair Shores or Grosse Pointe. If you want to stay in downtown Detroit, there are some very nice (but "spendy") spots, a little distance from Belle Isle: Westin Book-Cadillac - 1114 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI Shinola Hotel - 1400 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI Courtyard by Marriott - Downtown - 333 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown - 351 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI (by Comerica Park) DoubleTree Suites by Hilton - Downtown, Fort Shelby - 525 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI

Question

Why Belle Isle? What is Flynn Pavilion?

Answer

Detroiters have been enjoying Belle Isle park for 180 years! The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park. Flynn Pavilion opened in 1949, and was designed by noted architect Eero Saarinen (His designs include the GM Tech Center in Warren, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis). The building opened as an ice-skating pavilion for nearby Lake Tacoma. Today, Flynn Pavilion is used as an event center and for a canoe/kayak livery. We really like the mid-century architecture and the views across to the Canadian riverfront (And the building is air conditioned!) We enjoy hiking, biking, ship-watching, and numerous bird-watching opportunities on Belle Isle - There are even frequent visits by Bald Eagles! After the wedding ceremony, if you drive back to The Strand, it is a ONE WAY perimeter drive around the park. It can be a little busy, but provides a great look around the island, before ending up back at the bridge.

Question

Have you considered sustainability for this celebration?

Answer

YES. Efforts have been made to ensure that all aspects of the day consider effects on the environment and community. We have worked with vendors to ensure that recycling and re-use are incorporated in materials and operations, waste is prevented, and that remaining food is provided to those in need.

Question

My question isn't listed here. I need more info before I come there!

Answer

No problem. Feel free to drop a line to Tom anytime, at dugans_dad@yahoo.com We are honored for you to join us in this celebration, and want to make sure everyone is comfortable and has a great time!