September 2, 2024
By Tracey Moro /Photography by Faith Rowley Photos
Krysta Jean Kincaid and Ryan James Kolean began their story on the dating app Hinge. While Ryan was just about giving up on finding the love of his life, Krysta was just diving into the dating pool. Once matched, Krysta claimed she didn’t waste any time sending her opening message to Ryan – “I’m bored, let’s go do something.”
Catching Ryan out of town, he quickly responded “I’m skiing with friends in Wisconsin right now, but let’s plan a date.” The two later met on a snowy February night at The Corner Bar in Ferndale. They played games, shared conversation and even ended the night with their first kiss. From there, Krysta said, “Our connection grew and we began sharing adventures, and exploring new places together.”
In September of 2022 the couple drove to Traverse City for a weekend unplugged. The day began with the couple strolling through downtown. During a private wine pairing in the vineyard at Mawby’s House of Bubbles, Ryan proposed and the next adventure was about to begin.
Taking their time figuring out exactly what they wanted, Krysta and Ryan leaned on their incredible circle of friends and family for connections. To plan their magical day, they went with Jennie Bryant, with Dreams2Vision Events, as their full-service wedding consultant and Bellisario Florist for flowers and decor. Jennie quickly became like family and even stepped in during some challenging times when Krysta’s mother was hospitalized. With two years to anticipate the big day, September 2024 would prove to come quickly.
Invitations captured the creativity of the couple with a watercolor of the yacht by Mrs. S that was mailed out to family and friends. Krysta found her bridal dresses at The Wedding Shoppe, in Berkley and Piera’s Bridal, in Shelby Township.
Guest traveled from all over the country, with some coming as far as Poland to celebrate. They stayed at the Atheneum Hotel in Detroit, alongside the couple.
On wedding day morning, separate hotel rooms had music, dancing and the wedding party getting ready. The couple’s First Look took place at the hotel bar, where they exchanged their signature drinks, an Old Fashion for Ryan and a French 75 for Krysta. Then they captured photos in downtown Detroit, a city that holds deep meaning to them, before heading to the venue in a limo with photographer, Faith Rowley.
For September, the weather was perfect, slightly overcast and in the 70s. They arrived in St. Clair Shores, to a marina on Lake St. Clair where the Infinity Yacht is docked. Next to it Krysta would find a breathtaking floral arch that would bring her to tears. The ceremony, led by their close friend Manwa Khoury, was held right there on shore. It featured a symbolic sand-blending ritual with red sand from Krysta’s Arizona roots and sand from Michigan’s dunes for Ryan.
Following the intimate ceremony everyone boarded the yacht for a celebrational ride on Lake St. Clair with dinner, dancing, speeches and more. Their DJ, Chris London, was discovered on YouTube. He offered the perfect mix of dance music and live instruments. Once back on shore the evening was not over, with a crowd heading back downtown to an afterparty with more dancing before the couple escaped to Mexico for their honeymoon.
Starting their life together, with yet another adventure, the couple remembers their most memorable adventure, swimming with whale sharks – “A truly magical experience to start married life together.”
Local Vendors:
Planner: Dreams2Vision, Eastpointe
Dresses: Piera’s Bridal Couture, Shelby Township Flowers: Bellisario Florist, Eastpointe
Reception Venue: Xfinity Yacht, St. Clair Shores
Photography: Faith Rowley Photos, Wedding & Elopement Photography, Detroit
DJ: Christopher London Wedding DJ Service, Detroit
