Newly Wed-nesday: Megan and Brandon, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

As I mentioned in yesterdays post, I want to share with you some of "how I spent my summer." One of the highlights was the wedding of my favorite nephew Brandon to his sweet fiance, Megan. I was honored to help them plan the wedding and it was truly a wonderful experience. Megan has a wonderful personal style and Brandon is classic and traditional. Their wedding was every bit a reflection of the two of them.

All The Details:

Color Story: Tiffany Blue, White, Pink

Ceremony: Christ Church Cranbrook was gorgeous without any additional embellishment. The incredible architecture of the historic church was the backdrop during the traditional evening ceremony. Megan and Brandon were the centerpiece of the moment. It was elegant and reverent but filled with joy and personality.

The Happy Couple:  Brandon was quite dapper in his Brooks Brothers tuxedo and black tie. His very classic attire was set off by his Tiffany blue socks peeping out of his loafers.  Megan stunned us all in her gown by Priscilla of Boston. The strapless ball gown created by the designer made famous by Grace Kelly, featured a bodice of handmade rosebuds. She wore satin pumps embellished with crystal butterflies by Aruna Seth. The bridesmaids wore short Tiffany blue dresses that tied at the waist with pockets, of course. Her sister and Matron of Honor wore a robin egg blue version of the same dress.  The brides bouquet of white peonies and baby's breath and maid's bouquets of blue hydrangeas were created by Fleurtech. 

Reception: The Village Club was in full bloom and the lush grounds were the setting for the cocktail hour on the patio. This night was literally a garden-party. After dinner, guest returned to the lantern lit patio. The bride and groom provided family and friends with a cigar bar to enjoy, as well as passed hummer ice cream cocktails.  

Design: Table top decor included huge white hydrangeas, baby's breath in Tiffany style boxes and birch bark lined containers and accented with metal lanterns and blue and clear glassware. Each table was named for a location in Chicago where the couple met and lived. The escort cards and table tents were handmade and depicted a silhouette of each Chicago landmark.

Sweets:  In lieu of the traditional cake, Megan and Brandon had a cupcake bar, featuring with oodles of yummy sweets from Taste Love Cupcakes, winner of the Food Networks 2012 Cupcake Wars. Flavors included, Red Velvet, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Double Vanilla Bean all dressed up with Tiffany blue icing and the signature white bow.

The Party: Brandon and Megan wanted their day to be a celebration, making certain to stick to old traditions but still create a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The bride and groom finished their bridal dance with a "snowball" dance. Making sure that every guest hit the dance floor at least once to enjoy their nine piece band. Other goodies included Tiffany boxes of dancing shoes for tired party feet created by Lisa's Gift Wrapper's, who created all the Tiffany boxes and card box for the event. The brides mother passed around lighted maracas to get guests in festive spirit and the couple set up a photo booth to capture friends and family enjoying their big day. Finally, the evening wrapped up with guests taking home a taste of Michigan with Towne Club Pop and BetterMade Potato chips waiting for them as they departed.

Family weddings are always special and although I am not impartial, I have to say this was one of the best. It was a great time with a beautiful couple. I could not be happier to see my wonderful nephew marry such a lovely and caring wife. Many years of happiness Megs and Brandon. We love you. Happy Life! Ta.

Photo Credits: Laurie Tennent Studio, House of Gray, MadLab Designs, Random Family and Friends.

The Reinvented "Of-The-Month" Box

Well, Hello! Its been quite a summer. Gone too quickly as usual. I'll be catching you up on all the goings-on over the next week or so, but today I wanted to share a great idea for long distance gift giving or especially for the college back to school-er. Its not a new concept to sign a loved one up for a monthly delivery of fruit, meat, etc but there are several companies that have refreshed the concept with some really interesting, socially conscious and healthy incarnations.

Umba Box - Umba provides the recipient with their specially selected handmade gift or gift(s) each month. They concentrate on jewelry, stationary, accessories and bath items with several options for length of subscription. "We are passionate about handmade products and the connections that can be forged between consumers and artists. We shine a light on handmade products by including a story about the artist in each Umba Box. Ultimately, Umba Box is special because of the insight each subscriber gains into the lives of artisans." 

ManPacks - The name speaks for itself. This is a great option for college fellas, a guy just starting out or the too busy to think about it type. You can send ManPacks every 3 months. The packs come in several options including, "Gym Rat" and "The Natural" or "CEO" to suit every guys style. They include socks, undies, shaving items and if you so choose, for the progressive parent/gift-giver...cover your ears children...condoms (said with a whisper). Another convenience is you do not need to know the recipients sizes or address. They will contact them directly to collect the info. 

Hammock Pack - A super idea for someone who really needs a little me time but just won't take the time. Hammock Pack offers a solution that arrives on their doorstep and they never have to leave home. "Whether it’s as simple as a movie night or mementos from that exotic vacation you can’t find the time to take. So relax and let a little “me time” come to you." They offer three affordable subscription options and unique themes each month. What a great mid-term treat or for Mom after a busy summer with the kiddos.

Birch Box - If you have someone who is really into the latest and greatest in beauty products and accessories this is the box for them. They have boxes for men and women. Birch Box sources high-end beauty products from established to up and coming companies. "The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories."

Blissmo Box - These boxes are filled with eco-friendly and non-toxic products and offered with a 3 month gift subscription of either their beauty or snack packs. They search out new brands as well as established product names. "We want to use products that are better & safer for our bodies, our families, our communities and our planet, but realized it difficult to know where to find these products or if they were truly safer...We figured others had the same frustration so set out to help health-minded and earth-minded shoppers discover what's better."

The Honest Company - Made famous by its founder, actress Jessica Alba, The Honest Company specializes in safe, earth friendly cleaning and baby self branded products. Their gift packs come in 1, 3 and 6 month options of either the family home essentials or the diaper and wipes option. This is a fabulous idea for a new mom, but the cleaning products would be a creative and useful gift for a new grad with a new apartment and a college loan to pay off. Either option is practical and thoughtful.

There are lots of companies that are hoping on the gift box wagon. Whichever you choose, its a convenient and useful gift that is still personal and creative. The joy in these gifts is the anticipation of knowing you have surprise to look forward to each month. Who doesn't want to stretch out a birthday, holiday or special occasion as long as possible. I'll be checking the stoop for some goodies...Happy Giving! Ta.