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It’s Wedding Weekend! We are so excited to celebrateً with you!
It’s Wedding Weekend! We are so excited to celebrateً with you!

Nassim & MariaNassim & Maria

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Things To DoThings To Do

The Wedding Website of Maria Banou and Nassim Ajami
Will this be your first time in Detroit? It was Nassim's first visit to Detroit when he started dating Maria. Here are the spots we checked out on our first few dates. If the city is new to you, we hope you enjoy the long holiday weekend by experiencing Detroit's best features. The city is experiencing a great resurgence and offers French-inspired art deco architecture, world-class museums, and amazing food.

Hair and Makeup RecommendationsHair and Makeup Recommendations

Yes! Maria has done some diligence on beauty professionals who are willing to travel to the hotel and/or also local salons with availability. Please click the link to access the google doc that lists those options.

6 Salon6 Salon

1441 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

===PLACES TO SHOP======PLACES TO SHOP===

Parkers AlleyParkers Alley

Parkers Alley, Detroit, MI 48226

The Shinola Hotel Parker’s Alley, which is lined with specially-curated shopping options, offers a mix of global brands and homegrown businesses that celebrate Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Somerset CollectionSomerset Collection

2800 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084

Somerset Collection is an upscale, luxury, super-regional shopping mall, located in Metro Detroit, in Troy, Michigan with more than 180 specialty stores. It is highly reccomended for guests seeking an indoor mall - notable stores include Nordstroms, Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. You will need to take a car to Somerset - about ~30 minutes from downtown detroit.

Woodward AvenueWoodward Avenue

Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

The iconic Woodward Avenue starts at the city center of Downtown Detroit. From Campus Martius Park all the way to Foxtown district, you'll be able to shop at stores such as lululemon, Nike, H&M, Madewell, Shinola, Bonobos, and other major retailers.

===PLACES FOR FUN======PLACES FOR FUN===

Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

We went here as part of our first Valentines' Day celebration together. It was the first museum in the country to showcase a Van Gogh. Its splendor rivals that of the Art Institute of Chicago!

Five Iron Golf DetroitFive Iron Golf Detroit

600 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226
, 8005135153

Located within the Cambria hotel! Five Iron Golf brings a high-tech golf experience to the city. Golfers of all levels can enjoy top-tier simulators, lessons, and a full-service bar and lounge. They also have multisport games, shuffleboard, foosball, and more.

===DETROIT PLACES TO EAT======DETROIT PLACES TO EAT===

BARDA

BARDABARDA

4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48208

If you know Nassim, then you know he loves steak - and he's on the record saying that thesteak at BARDA is some of the best-tasting steak he's had anywhere. This Argentinian-inspired restaurant was a finalist for the 2022 James Beard award for Best New Restaurant, and it absolutely lives up to that accolade. Don't skip out on the cocktails or the appetizers. Don't forget the baked alaska for dessert!

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters DetroitDessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

1220 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226

This is where our engagement photos were taken! The couple loves getting coffee here amidst downtown activities.

Evening Bar

Evening BarEvening Bar

1400 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

This is where we went after Nassim proposed to Maria! Enjoy nice cocktails in a stylish hotel.

Highlands Detroit

Highlands DetroitHighlands Detroit

400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243

We went here New Years' Day 2022. Nassim loved their steak. The couple loved the views.

Leila

LeilaLeila

1245 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226

We came here two days before Valentines' Day 2022. This is right across the street from Dessert Oasis! Nassim loved their Lebanese ice cream. Maria loved their decor.

Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit

Sahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District DetroitSahara Restaurant & Grill- Bar The District Detroit

77 West Columbia Street, Detroit, MI 48201

Featured chaldean (iraqi aramaic) cuisine maria grew up with!

shelby

shelbyshelby

607 Shelby Street, Detroit, MI 48226

This hidden old bank vault has been turned into a cocktail/shareable dinner spot. Address will take you to 'Coffee Down Under' coffee shop - once you've spotted the neon coffee sign, come downstairs & tell the host you're “here to see shelby.” Reservations highly encouraged.

The Monarch Club

The Monarch ClubThe Monarch Club

33 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48226

We've spent many a summer evening at this rooftop. Both of us love the views, the drinks, and the old-school aesthetic.

Wright & Company

Wright & CompanyWright & Company

1500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
, 3139627711

Creative small plates with a seasonal focus, plus craft cocktails, in polished vintage surroundings.

== MIDDLE EASTERN PLACES OUTSIDE DETROIT ==== MIDDLE EASTERN PLACES OUTSIDE DETROIT ==

AlTayeb Restaurant

AlTayeb RestaurantAlTayeb Restaurant

15010 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
, (313) 908-9527

Relaxed destination specializing in Lebanese cuisine including meat plates, plus takeaway.

Country Chicken Restaurant

Country Chicken RestaurantCountry Chicken Restaurant

5131 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI 48126
, (313) 582-6677

This is Maria's family's FAVORITE restaurant in Dearborn. Casual Dining and great middle eastern food.

Khalaf Grill

Khalaf GrillKhalaf Grill

15100 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126

For those eager to get their middle eastern food fix, this is the first stop in Dearborn! For kibbeh nayeh enthusiasts, Nassim recommends the mixed raw meat platter.

Qahwah House W Dearborn

Qahwah House W DearbornQahwah House W Dearborn

22000 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124

This Yemeni coffeeshop's original location is in Dearborn, MI. Check it out if you're a fan of the coffee, or want to try a new coffee experience!

Shatila Bakery

Shatila BakeryShatila Bakery

14300 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126

The iconic bakery featuring Lebanese sweets and delights! It's a must-have experience if you haven't visited them in person.

Zarzoor Restaurant

Zarzoor RestaurantZarzoor Restaurant

4220 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310
, (586) 983-9045

Vibrant Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Iraqi dishes including lamb chops, shawarma, and biryani.

For all the days along the way
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