July 20, 2024
By Nick Lico / Photography by AlbaPro
As first-generation American Albanians, it was important for Taylor and Robert Nikprelaj to honor their heritage.
“Our wedding embraced Albanian traditions throughout the day. It was a beautiful way to honor our roots while celebrating our future together. It felt right to bring in all of the Albanian traditions into a modern wedding because it unites multiple generations while keeping traditions alive,” Taylor said.
Taylor grew up in Novi and Robert in Shelby Township. They met through friends and social media and were married at St. Paul Catholic Albanian Church in Rochester on July 20, 2024.
“We chose this church as the place for our ceremony and reception because Robert and I grew up attending it and it holds a special place in our hearts,” she added. “It was equally important for us to pay tribute to Robert’s late father, Pete Nikprelaj, who was so loved by our family and the Albanian community.”
Pete Nikprelaj, owner of Marcus Grill in Shelby Township, passed away in November 2021. Robert now runs the restaurant with his brother Christian and mother Lidia. The couple resides in Shelby Township.
“In addition to celebrating Robert and me, our wedding was also a way to honor the sacrifices our families made. We hope we made them proud. Our wedding day was special because we had our families with us to celebrate our big milestone,” Taylor explained.
Their cake was prepared by Arnold’s Home of Sweets in Shelby Township and featured gold florals and love birds.
“Arnold also did my engagement cake and bridal shower cake and he has done many of our families’ celebrations, as well. He is well known in the Albanian community for his stunning and delicious cakes and deserts,” she said. “I loved our cake; it was vanilla with raspberry moose filling and fresh berries. We also had mini desserts from his bakery and they were a huge hit. Arnold is simply the best.”
Choosing the florist was also a no-brainer.
“Our florist is a family friend and is well- known for her work at various churches around Macomb County. She also did my bridal shower and engagement party so it was a no brainer to have her also do my wedding. I wanted to keep my flowers elegant. White roses, orchids, hydrangeas and greenery. Eman Louis work was a perfect blend of beauty and meaning,” Taylor said.
To couples planning their upcoming nuptials, Taylor offered the following, “Decide what’s most important to you and let that guide your decisions. Focus on the love you’re celebrating; involve the people you care about and savor the day. It goes by so fast. We are deeply grateful to the community that surrounds and for the deep connections that made our wedding day special. Finally, we want to recognize our families. We could not have done it without their love and support.”
Local Vendors:
Dress: Roma Sposa, Birmingham
Cake: Arnold’s Home of Sweets, Shelby Township Formal Wear: Hugo Boss and Men’s Wearhouse, Shelby Township
Flowers: FaithFloralDesign, Macomb County Ceremony: St. Paul Catholic Albanian Church, Rochester
Photography: AlbaPro, New York Décor: Couture Events, West Bloomfield
Salons/Makeup: Angela Kiryakos Salon, and Falim Hakeem, Blush and Glow Salon, Rochester Wedding Planner: Susan Elian Events, Farmington Hills
