Akisha & Benjamin’s American & Ghanaian Multicultural Detroit Wedding at the Rattlesnake Club

A multicultural Detroit wedding celebrating Ghanaian and African traditions along with long-distance love made local, family and friends.

Akisha & Benjamin had an amazing multicultural Detroit wedding celebration at the Rattlesnake Club. Benjamin’s Ghanaian cultural traditions were so amazing and colorful, from the handmade ties and textiles to the engagement ceremony the night before, to the festive Ghanaian money dance at their reception.

Their story is incredible one! Dr. Akisha Jones is an ambitious and accomplished academic. She decided a couple years ago that she wouldn’t marry, and would spend her time exploring the world. A good friend asked if she’d like to go to Ghana and, loving all things African, she jumped at the chance. She was walking around the famous Accra art center, in Ghana’s capital, and her life changed forever.

Benjamin is an artist, designer, and trader of Ghanaian and African goods. He was an art vendor there and they talked and hit it off. She went back, saw him again, and they spent hours together as he helped her navigate through the arts center. The rest, as they say, is history! After a whirlwind year of soul searching, travel, immigration, and long-distance love, they had their multicultural Detroit wedding on a rainy but glorious spring day. They were married by Akisha’s uncle at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, founded by some of Akisha’s ancestors. Though they both have suffered tragic family losses, they were surrounded by such loving family and friends, who warmly welcomed Benjamin into the fold of their family and his new culture.

The Ghanaian engagement ceremony was rich with traditions, taking place at the Athenium Hotel. The wedding ceremony was warm and meaningful, performed by Akisha’s dear uncle. The rain never stopped, but we had the amazing opportunity to use the historic art deco masterpiece of the Fisher Building lobby as a backdrop for photos of this lovely couple. The elegant reception took place at the legendary Rattlesnake Club, where the staff, food and service is always impeccable. We have always had amazing weddings here, like this gem, this one…oh and this one too!  Jen House Designs did a fabulous job with all of the floral design – the bouquets and centerpieces were beautiful!

This wedding is one for the books- we absolutely love celebrating multicultural traditions and we always adore a good story! We are so honored to have been part of this weekend and the beginning of a long and happy road forward. Long distance love turned local <3