Wedding registry options…at the new West Elm!

October 6, 2014October 4, 2014 by Steph | Leave a comment

Last Wednesday, my husband and I got to go to a preview “soft launch” of the new West Elm store in Birmingham, MI. Okay, okay. Yes, this blog is Detroit-centered. But Sean really loves West Elm. And this blog post includes Detroit and socially-conscious items that we learned about at the preview. Read onward…

If you are trying to figure out where you want to have your wedding registries, add West Elm to your list to check out. Whether you and your soon-to-be-spouse are looking for glassware, bedding, locally crafted goods, curtains… you’ve got a lot of quality items to choose from.

The store has a “West Elm Local” section with goods that are, well, local! Right now Detroit-based Jodi Lynn’s Emporium of Doodles has some great artwork available at the store.

We also discovered that West Elm has a partnership with FEED, “a social business dedicated to ending world hunger through the sale of products that have a measurable donation attached to them.” So far FEED has provided almost 84 million meals. Purchasing the mug pictured below leads to FEED providing four meals.

From bedding made from materials produced at the country’s oldest woolen mill to entirely handcrafted rugs, you get the sense from wandering around the store that items are selected for quality and with care. Also, there is an in-store stylist that can help you figure out your interior decor plan. You can bring in your floor plans and get to work!

If you’re interested in setting up a wedding registry, visit the store at 215 W. Maple Rd in Birmingham or click here.

Detroit farm flowers for your Detroit wedding

September 12, 2014September 11, 2014 by Steph | Leave a comment

My sincerest apologies for the long break between posts! As some of you know, I recently won the primary election to serve as state representative for House District 6. It’s been a busy year. Anyway, on to the blog post!

This summer Sarah of Fresh Cut Detroit and I connected. I was excited to learn about her flower farm! Have you been trying to find locally grown flowers? Want to support a Detroit vendor as you plan your Detroit wedding? Read on!

Tell me about Fresh Cut Detroit! When did it start, and what’s the story of you got started as a flower farmer here in Detroit?

Fresh Cut is a flower farm in Woodbridge, Detroit. This is our first season on this land, with this business, though I have been growing flowers, fruits, and veggies for around 9 years. After 3 years in Detroit managing a farm site for local nonprofits, I decided I was ready to start my own farm. I’d been honing in on the idea of a flower farm for a while. There’s a strong network of very local veggie growers, but not much of a specialty in cut flowers yet. Nationally, the trend of local flowers has followed closely behind local food, so it seemed like a good bet that that same desire for small-scale, locally grown flowers was heading to Detroit! Also, it’s easier to hold $20 in your hand with flowers than it is with veggies (it weighs less, too!) so it makes it a good option for a family business on a small plot of land.

What kinds of flowers do you grow in your garden at the edge of Woodbridge? How do you decide what to grow?

I grow a big mix – around 100 varieties. I have established many perennials, which will provide blooms for years to come, though they’re not ready for much commercial harvest yet: dicentra, astilbe, baptisia australis, centaurea, alstroemeria, foxgloves… For the next couple years, I will be relying more on annuals like dahlias, snapdragons, thai basil, scabiosa, ageratum, flowering kale, long-stemmed marigolds and zinnias; and wildflowers from around the city, like asters, chicory, sweet peas, queen ann’s lace, brassicas, and yarrow.

I use many factors to decide what to grow: what’s well suited for this climate, what trends I see in wedding media, what is affordable to purchase and establish, compared with what the market price and demand for that stem, and spreading the blooms out from the earliest spring to the latest fall, as well as what can be dried or otherwise stored for winter events. I’m growing (and drying) in preparation for winter things like dusty miller, strawflower, statice, and gomphrena. I’ve also been lucky enough to inherit some beautiful plants from the previous owners of our house: a mature apple and cherry tree, roses, and peonies!

Can you tell me about how Fresh Cut Detroit is environmentally and/or socially conscious?

My whole body of experience in agriculture is in organic settings that based their decisions on a balance between organic standards and research, long-term health of land, workers, and customers, and productivity balanced with fertility. This is the only way I know how to grow, and I’m doing my best to enact those same types of decisions on the farm. Socially, living in Detroit these last 4 years has raised my consciousness immensely. I don’t have any rule book to follow, but I try to do my best to be fair, respectful, and supportive of my neighbors in all my decisions.

Are there certain flowers that you find the most fitting for a summer wedding next year that you grow in your garden?

There are so many wonderful things blooming in June and July that there’s no way to go wrong. There are lots of pinks and oranges available, as well as a wide variety of berries in various stages of their lives. This is a great time to add unripe raspberries into bouquets, as well as baby grape bunches on beautiful strong vines. Right now my zinnias are just beginning and I’m so in love with the dark, dramatic patterns on the unopened buds. They are wonderful for detail work like bud vases, boutonnieres, and crowns.

How would a bride or groom get started in working with Fresh Cut Detroit on some flower arrangements for an upcoming wedding?

For special event flowers from Fresh Cut Detroit, the best thing to do is email me [freshcutdetroit@gmail.com] with your date and any aesthetic interests. I’ll send on my basic price list, then if it looks good to you we’ll get together and talk through what you want, what you like, and what is seasonal. I’ll prepare a detailed quote, then to reserve you’ll provide a deposit, usually around $200. Most of my weddings are under $1000, and I’m really happy to be able to provide beautiful special event flowers for prices that are accessible for many. I also provide a range of options, from buckets of blooms for you to arrange, to just accessories for the wedding party, to full design and delivery.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’m actually surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed wedding work. I thought that brides and grooms would be really difficult and demanding to work with, but the customers that find their way to me are interesting, lovely people who want to direct much of their wedding dollars into the local economy. They’ve been flexible and adventurous! My favorite part is drawing peoples’ attention to the specific smells of their wedding flowers – be it lilacs, privet, peonies, roses, honeysuckle… and that’s just springtime! Since scent is such a strong tie to memory, I love the idea that every year when that flower blooms, these people will be reminded of the joy and commitment of that day.

Thank you Sarah for sending over these beautiful images and sharing your experiences with LoveintheD!

Readers: What kinds of flowers do you see in Detroit that you would love for your own wedding?

Unique weddings at the Science Center in Detroit

May 2, 2014May 1, 2014 by Steph | Leave a comment

Did you grow up going to the Science Center in Detroit? Or are you engaged to a self-described science geek? If so, consider the Michigan Science Center as a wedding venue!

LoveintheD blogger Shannon interviewed Melissa Wilson, the events manager at the Michigan Science Center. Check out the interview below!

Tell us about the Michigan Science Center.
The Science Center is a unique museum in the midtown cultural center. We have hundreds of touchable, hands-on educational and entertaining exhibits that bring out the kid in all of us. Of the five theaters in the center, my two favorite are the Toyota Engineering Theater where 150 people at once can ride through a kayak obstacle course, and the DTE Energy Sparks Theater, our classic show about electricity that can make your hair stand on end (if you’re lucky!). We also have two huge dome theaters, our planetarium, which seats over 100 and the IMAX® theater, which seats over 200. We have truly unique aspects that can only be experienced at the Science Center.

Have you hosted weddings before? How many? Can you share any details about them?
The Michigan Science Center has hosted several wedding receptions over the past year. One couple decided to just use the main floor of the museum, which included a huge sit down space for 230 of their guests. They used the Health & Wellness Gallery for the cocktail reception and then later as the unmarked dance floor. The reception was held in the Lunar Gallery and decor was specifically designed to connect with the ambiance in the room.

Many people probably wouldn’t think to host their wedding in a science center. Why is it such a great venue?
The site visits I conduct are for couples thinking outside of the traditional reception venues. The Science Center is full of quirky spaces and spacious floors filled with fantastic hand-on activities. There are a variety of ways you can use our building to create the FUN in your special day. You could have a sit-down dinner in our Lunar and Space Gallery for up to 300 guests or a strolling dinner for 400. Dessert can be set up on our lower level among our Sounds, Waves and Vibrations exhibits centrally located near the Chrysler Science Stage, a dance floor, big enough to hold a band AND your dancers!

What kind of space do you offer for weddings? Is there room despite all the exhibits?

Currently, we have a great open space called the Science Hall on our fourth floor that is about 9,000 square feet, or the size of a ballroom. It’s the perfect space to design as your own, using lighting, draping and table linens and can hold over 600 guests. The best part is that you get the Science Center along with that huge space, including a dance floor and separate cocktail reception area.

What kind of people get married at the Science Center? Is it just science geeks?

The stories I’ve heard from the couples that either call us or book site visits vary. Most are looking for a really unique venue with an incredible backdrop to their special event. Some either met at the Science Center, came on a field trip when they were young, or really are science geeks. I’ve met engineers marrying physicists, nurses marrying chemists and even a couple who met in their teens during a robotics competition!

What steps should someone take if they’re interested in holding a wedding at the Science Center?

Step One: Contact me at melissa.wilson@mi-sci.org or 313.577.8400, or simply visit the Science Center one day! Walk around, feel the atmosphere, envision your family and friends roaming around just like you are. Step Two: Schedule a site visit. I can help you see past our normal day-to-day activities and envision your special day in this great venue.

Anything else?

Some bonuses to the Science Center: You may choose your own caterer or use our preferred caterers. We have a great flow to the building, allowing your guests to experience it in stages. We have three great theaters where you can run your personal slide show or video for your guests’ enjoyment. We can open our planetarium during your event for casual viewing of the night sky with our projectionist pointing out constellations and showing your guests beautiful nebulae and solar systems. We have a central, built-in dance floor with plenty of space for a band or DJ AND all of your guests!

Readers: What is the most unique wedding venue you have experienced?

Weddings at the MOCAD

March 13, 2014March 12, 2014 by Steph | 1 Comment

By: Shannon Mackie

Today’s post comes from fellow blogger Shannon Mackie! Check out her blog, One Inch of Grace.

Once a couple is engaged, generally the first big question is: “Where should we get married?” The venue decision is a big one because it impacts the budget and sets the setting (literally) for all of the other important decisions that come with wedding planning.

Shannon recently interviewed the staff of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, located on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Did you know that they host weddings? If you didn’t before, now you know! Check out what they had to say:

For those who might not know, tell us about MOCAD.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is a non-collecting institution based on the Kunsthalle model popular in Europe. This allows us to work with art and artists from the last 30 years without being constrained to an aging collection. With this flexibility we can address and engage many current ideas and issues in almost real time.

Why is MOCAD a good wedding venue for those who love Detroit and want to support the city?

MOCAD has an interest in the holistic and long-term success of our community and works hard to engage at all levels. The ideas presented by the museum in our exhibitions and programs help to leverage shifts in thought that in turn act as catalysts for the actions needed to bring change to the city.

What options does MOCAD offer for weddings?

Depending on availability, the museum can offer 5,500 to 22,000 square feet of total space. The typical rental space (open almost the entire year) can hold about 140 people seated with room for a dance floor and food service.

How many weddings has MOCAD hosted? Are there any ceremonies that were particularly unique/memorable?

MOCAD has hosted many weddings. In 2013, we did around 10 weddings. A unique/memorable wedding that we had took place this past October at the Mike Kelley Mobile Homestead. The couple had their ceremony performed in front of the garage of the mobile homestead. It was officiated by artist Carey Loren from Destroy All Monsters and who was a good friend of Mike Kelley. The ceremony was open to the public and had a great turn out. The reception was held in the café of the Museum.

What makes MOCAD a unique venue for weddings?

MOCAD is a unique venue for weddings because we offer an alternative to the traditional wedding venues. Our walls allow for a blank slate for decorations and simplicity.

Can MOCAD accommodate/recommend local and sustainable vendors?

MOCAD has a list of preferred vendors for catering and rentals. These preferred vendors must be used unless there is a special exception that the preferred vendor cannot meet, such as dietary needs or specialty menus. Cakes can come from where the wedding party desires.

Source: Dziekonski Photography

What steps can someone take if they’re interested in holding a wedding at MOCAD?

If someone is interested in having their wedding at MOCAD it is best to contact the Facility Rental Coordinator by either calling MOCAD or emailing rentals@mocadetroit.org. Our website, MOCADetroit.org has a rental inquiry form that people are able to fill out and submit to us as well. We can give them all of the rental information they are seeking, as well as schedule a walk-through of the Museum.

Local letterpress love from Salt & Cedar

August 23, 2013August 22, 2013 by Steph | 1 Comment

Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Leon of Salt and Cedar, one of Detroit’s fine letterpress companies! I knew that Salt and Cedar produced quality letterpress but did not know anything about their event space used to host locally sourced dinner events.

Read on and take a look at some wedding invitations!

About Salt and Cedar

Salt and Cedar recently celebrated its one year anniversary, but Leon has been involved in paper-making, binding, distributing, and letterpress for two decades. He loves that with letterpress printing, “we have control over all aspects of production.”

Leon wanted to incubate a business in Eastern Market where he and his partner have lived since arriving to Detroit in 2010. One of his favorite things about living in Eastern Market is finding great local produce on Saturdays. Leon says it “feels wonderful to be part of a community of merchants” that have been here for decades. The print shop was imagined as a space for collaboration and it has grown tremendously over one year.

So what is letterpress all about?

Letterpress presents an opportunity for “deep engagement with hands-on processes as a designer.” Letterpress designers are not governed by pre-established fonts because the letterpress uses movable type and each letter is set by hand. Designers control the quality of the paper. The charm of letterpress may come from the “practically sculptural” metal type and tactile nature of letterpress. Sean and I had letterpress invitations for our 2011 wedding (click here to read Sean’s blog post about the process of designing the invitations) and can testify to the amazing creations that can result from letterpress!

What is the role of the kitchen at Salt and Cedar?

At the back of the letterepress print shop, Salt and Cedar developed a market studio kitchen, which hosts five to six dinners each month. Leon is “interested in the power of the dinner table” in cultivating community and loves to work with the farmers selling at Eastern Market, artists, and papermakers.

Weddings in Detroit

Let’s say you’re a bride or groom exploring the idea of letterpress wedding invitations. If you contact Salt and Cedar, you’ll enter a collaborative process for design. You can view 30-40 invitation projects and an incredible font selection. You can discuss the quality of paper you would like and personalize, personalize, personalize. As a couple, you have creative control. Leon “can really cultivate an invitation or packet of materials that is distinctive to your tastes, ethics, and aesthetics, similar to a custom built bicycle.” After you choose which paper you prefer, you can choose the ink color, perhaps based on the flower arrangements and other details of the wedding Salt and Cedar will actually hand mix your batch of ink in front of you, and allow you to take the metal plates as keepsakes!

Photo credit: Miranda Clark

Photo credit: Renee Sandoval

Salt and Cedar is teaming up with Trinosophes to host a Detroit wedding in October at the Trinosophes space on Gratiot. From custom cocktail drinks and thirty roasted organic chickens to letterpress wedding invitations, this wedding is chock-full of local Detroit goodness.

Leon has noticed that couples wish to be more and more involved and hands-on in all aspects of the wedding invitations and printed materials. Engaged couples want to be involved in the process!

Detroit’s “image repertoire”

Leon notes that Detroit has an incredibly powerful and provocative image repertoire — from the landscape to antique maps of the city to old photographs of Detroit homes, Salt and Cedar has spent some time looking at Detroit images. One Salt and Cedar customer wanted to use a photo of their parents dancing when they were teenagers, so Salt and Cedar created a black and white line drawing based on that photo. Whatever image emerges as a priority, Salt and Cedar will find a way to translate via metal onto your invitations.

Readers: Are you a fan of letterpress printing? What has your experience been with designing wedding invitations?

Organic Detroit wedding cakes by Good Cakes and Bakes

August 13, 2013August 13, 2013 by Steph | 2 Comments

So I missed Jazzin’ on Jefferson this summer because I was out of town, but Jazzin’ on Jefferson (a must-visit summer festival in Detroit) is where my friend Tierney met April Anderson of Good Cakes and Bakes! About a month later, Sean and I met April at the East English Village 100th Anniversary Party.

Of course we ordered a red velvet cupcake (one of my faves), and it was delicious!! And get this … Good Cakes and Bakes uses local organic ingredients whenever possible and is based right here in Detroit. I knew there must be a spot on LoveintheD for this local socially conscious wedding vendor! Last week I had the joy of interviewing April. Read on for the details!

April Anderson has been baking since she was nine or ten years old. She used to bake for everybody in the family! When she was ten years old, she hadn’t purchased a Mother’s Day gift for her mother, so instead she made her a cake and got a great response from her family members. April found her passion in baking and says “people can never be sad when you have baked goods!”

In 2008, she decided to take a cake decorating class and later made a birthday cake for her niece. After that, people began to offer to pay her for her cakes. A year later, she decided to go to school for pastry art. She found the perfect program at Macomb Community College, which is the only college in Michigan which offers a specific pastry art degree. Skip ahead to June 2013. April left her day job and has now been running Good Cakes and Bakes full time for a few months!

What does Good Cakes and Bakes have to offer a Detroit wedding?

Good Cakes and Bakes has cupcakes, cookies, sheet cakes, cake pops, brownies, pies, French pastries like danishes and croissants… you name it. As April says, she can “do anything that requires sugar and butter!”

April has baked cakes and cake pops for several Detroit weddings. She also has a September wedding for which she will bake a cake along with more than 100 “cakes in a jar.” I had no idea what a cake in a jar was (here’s a link to a cakes in jars Pinterest page but be forewarned that mouth-watering is likely to ensue), so April explained that she bakes a cake in a wide-mouthed jar and then puts icing on the cake along with decorations such as wedding monograms.

Say you’re a bride or groom interested in Good Cakes and Bakes for your wedding. Two months or more before the wedding, you would set up a tasting appointment for which April would make samples with three different fillings and icings. Together you will develop an image for the cake or you can give April a sense of what you want and she will make it happen!

How is Good Cakes and Bakes socially conscious?

Whatever April can purchase locally, she does. The eggs used in Good Cakes and Bakes cakes are from Beaver Farm in Southwest Detroit. She purchases fruits and vegetables at Eastern Market. For red velvet cakes and cupcakes, she does not use red dye. Instead, she uses beet juice! April’s interest in organic cakes began because of her wife, who “eats organic everything!” April realized she could really taste the difference. She began using unbleached organic flour. She does not use ingredients that include hormones or steroids.

Detroit themed wedding cake, anyone?

If April could do any Detroit-themed cake, she would love to make a Motown record cake. If she was into three dimensional cakes (she isn’t so much), she would like to say she would make a car cake.

I asked April if she has observed any trends in the wedding cake business in Detroit. Cupcakes and dessert tables are where it’s at, people!

Big news!

Guess what? Good Cakes and Bakes is going to have a storefront on Livernois Avenue, the Avenue of Fashion in Detroit! Good Cakes and Bakes is among the winners of the Revolve Detroit “Art + Retail on the Ave” competition, and will team up with Local Social Ice Cream on a storefront opening on September 20! April found out about the competition when she had her pop up earlier this summer and local residents encouraged her to apply.

Congratulations, Good Cakes and Bakes!

[gifts] Modern housewares — from your Nora wedding registry to your kitchen

May 30, 2013June 10, 2013 by Steph | 2 Comments

Have you done any shopping (window shopping or otherwise) at Nora? Nora is a housewares, home decor, and gift shop on Cass Avenue in Detroit. Among our Lafayette Park neighbors are one of the owners and the manager of this lovely shop, which features Scandinavian housewares, Japanese pottery, and more! I was so excited when Nora launched its wedding registry this spring. If you are engaged, want to have modern, high quality housewares on your wedding registry, Nora is a must-visit.

How will the registry work?

You are encouraged to set up an appointment at the store to select items for your wedding registry. I mean, you want to see these beautiful pieces in person, right? Alternatively, you can set up an online registry. Contact Nora to get the process started. Your guests will be able to make their purchases either in store or online. Gift-wrapping services are available at Nora! You as a couple can either pick up gifts from the store or make arrangements to have them shipped.

What kinds of pieces are available at Nora for a wedding registry?

Nora’s wedding registry items feature three fabulous lines of housewares. Hasami Porcelain, mud australia, and iitala. iitala actually is a combination of the company’s own line and a handselected crew of other Scandinavian brands. If you’re looking for flatware, plateware, glassware, tea sets… you are in luck. Check out the photos below of just some of the items that are available for wedding registries.

First up, mud australia! My husband and I love tea so let’s start off with this gorgeous tea pot and colorful variety of tea cups.

Next up is the Hasami Porcelain collection of mug cups, plates, trays, bowls and tea pots. Everything is stackable!

And last but not least, iitala! The glassware is by Kaj Franck. The vase is by Alvar Aalto. The colored stripe bowls are by Alfredo Häberli. The turquoise, grey and white bowls and plates in the last photo are by Kaj Franck.

Readers: Which is your favorite piece from Nora’s wedding registry collection?

Vintage bridesmaids looks from the Peacock Room

May 23, 2013June 10, 2013 by Steph | 1 Comment

Did you enjoy the vintage wedding inspired bridal photoshoot last week on LoveintheD? Check out more Peacock Room looks captured by bella moon Photography! These dresses would work wonderfully as bridesmaid dresses for spring or fall weddings. Make-up artistry was provided by Ethereal Beauty.

Marcia (left) and Lauren (right) are both wearing vintage dresses.
Kezia (center) is wearing a new but vintage-inspired dress.

Okay, okay. These dresses aren’t vintage but I love their simplicity and elegance.

Consider checking out the Peacock Room’s fascinator collection!

Readers: Are you thinking about purchasing vintage bridesmaid dresses? Or vintage wedding accessories?

4 reasons to go vintage … and a bridal photoshoot!

May 13, 2013June 10, 2013 by Steph | 13 Comments

Have you thought about “going vintage” with your wedding? From the decor to the photography and everywhere in between, there are so many options and there is no way I could fit everything about vintage weddings in one blog post. So I’ll focus on vintage wedding gowns!

Why buy a vintage dress?

1. Rachel, owner of the Peacock Room, alerted me to the environmental impact of purchasing new clothing. Did you know that by reusing one pound of clothing, you can save 10,000 pounds of water, a half pound of fertilizers, four ounces of pesticides, and six pounds of carbon emissions? All that water is used for milling fabric. Gallons and gallons of chemicals are put in into the water supply and those pesticides are, of course, used on crops that are used to create fabric. [Source]

2. Chances are, you probably won’t see your wedding gown on another bride! Why not go for something unique and one-of-a-kind — something vintage? Vintage styles and vintage cuts will make you stand out.

3. Save some money. Buying a vintage wedding gown could save you some serious cash.

4. Quality. Multiple sources indicate that vintage wedding gowns often have high quality construction.

There are several places to find vintage apparel in Detroit, and the Peacock Room is one of them. LoveintheD recently brought some Detroit women of color into the shop to try on some of the vintage and vintage inspired pieces that would be perfect as wedding dresses and accessories. I am excited to share this fabulous vintage wedding inspired bridal photoshoot by bella moon Photography. Ethereal Beauty did an amazing job with the make-up!

Lauren in a vintage dress. What do you think of that lace?

Lan tried on (and purchased!) this vintage-inspired dress. Also, check out the awesome necklace!

Okay. I will admit that I was skeptical about this blue vintage dress as a wedding dress but, as Tim Gunn would say, Marcia totally makes it work!

Lastly, how amazing is this vintage bridal headpiece?

Come back next week to check out the vintage bridesmaids looks, also courtesy of the Peacock Room, bella moon Photography, and Ethereal Beauty.

How to select the perfect wines for your wedding [Interview with Vino Dream]

April 25, 2013June 10, 2013 by Steph | Leave a comment

I was so excited when Meg Pouncy contacted me about her wine business! One of the best things about blogging is that I’ve connected with amazing women who have started their own businesses. Meg owns Vino Dream, a wine pairing and event company in Detroit!

How did you get started as a sommelier and what is the story behind Vino Dream?

I was working in San Francisco as a designer and ended up working on design for a wine bar! That piqued my interest and I started learning about wine. I got a job in Pennsylvania, the fifth largest wine producer in the country at the time, and I started going to wine classes. Friends started calling me when they were having friends over, asking for advice about what wine should be paired with the meal they were about to prepare. More and more friends were calling for advice. Eventually I moved home to Detroit for family reasons and decided to start a business! While planning, I flew around the country to get to know the wine industry. I tried 320 wines! And interviewed people everywhere I went. I started Vino Dream using this new knowledge and experience.

Tell me about your love for Detroit – why start your business in Detroit? What do you love about this city?

There is no other place I could imagine living at this point. I’ve lived on the East Coast and I’ve lived on the West Coast. Detroit is closest to my heart. There are amazing opportunities here! This is a chance of a lifetime to participate in the rebuilding and entrepreneurial energy that is captivating the city right now. There’s no better place to start a business; the support network is great. People embrace each other – literally. That doesn’t always happen in other cities.

Any tips for discovering unique Michigan or local wines to serve at a Detroit wedding?

Consider the whole experience! Many people think only about the champagne toast and then cake. Don’t serve a dry fruity wine right before a sweet frosted cake. Try a Michigan dessert wine or Canadian ice wine. Try something that will complement the cake. Think about serving different types of wine throughout the meal. Start with an appertis before the meal, and then serve another wine with the meal, followed by a dessert wine. Always look for balance when planning your wedding meal.

Let’s say I’m planning a summer backyard BBQ wedding. How should I go about selecting wine for my wedding?

Wine started out as a drink of the people, not something reserved for the rich or special occasions. Wine is for everyone. There are wines perfect for a backyard wedding! If you are grilling, there are wonderful wines that pair well with smoked meat or BBQ flavors. A Chiraz would be terrific with a grilled or seared steak. Remember to serve the wine at the right temperature. When Vino Dream caters weddings, we keep the bottles on ice until it’s close to serving time. We bring a thermometer to make sure the wine is the right temperature. If you are getting married outside and you’re having an informal reception, let your food and drinks speak to that relaxed feel!

What sorts of wine tastings and private events does Vino Dream put together?

For our pairing service, we would talk about your wedding menu and make pairing recommendations. For wedding venues that allow outside wine, Vino Dream is happy to source and serve the wine. I also do wine etiquette and Sommelier in a Day classes. I recommend those classes to individuals who are getting married and want well-rounded information about wine. You’ll leave feeling more comfortable about wine — and know how to hold the wine glass the right way, why and when to twirl, etc. I also hold Wines of Spain and Wines of Italy trainings. Finally, I do wine tasting events – for networking events or private parties.

I’m curious about the environmental impact of wine. Is there a way a bride or groom can be environmentally conscious in their wine selection process?

The wine industry is moving away from corked bottles to screw cap wines. Cork comes from trees and screw caps don’t exhaust the earth’s resources in that way. Gone are the days where wine with screw caps are only “cheapwines.” Now boxed wines are trending — boxes are easier to recycle than glass and are more efficient. You’ll also see some wines in tetrapaks. One of my favorite wines comes in a tetrapak! Another big push is toward organic wines. The extra bonus is that people who are allergic to the sulphites in many wines are able to drink organic wines.

Readers: What wine(s) are you planning to serve at your wedding or upcoming event?

LoveintheD

Socially conscious Detroit weddings and happenings

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