A resolute and resounding welcome to our lovely and loving guests! By now you’ve probably received the splendidly-crafted invitations, but below is a refresher on the vital statistics for our wedding celebration:
Joshua Ray Stephens to take the hand of Mary Lynn Santanello
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Ceremony at 5:30 p.m., under the Peristyle
Reception to follow immediately thereafter, along the Reflecting Pools
For the rest of the bloody details, best to explore the other posts… but first an explanation for the question that has most often popped up upon announcement of our engagement: Why Detroit?!? She’s a Cardinals fan, he’s got the southern drawl, they live in Brooklyn—how is Michigan involved? The obvious link to Detroit, and Cranbrook specifically, is that Joshua Ray attended graduate school there. The campus also happens to be one of the most stunning man-made sites in all of the States (= not too shabby a backdrop for wedding photos). But perhaps the dearest reason for choosing Cranbrook is that we both share a whole-hearted and full-bodied belief that it is one of the most essential, subtly-influential and consequential institutions of our time, and we’re delighted to use the opportunity of our nuptials to introduce even more special people to its magic.
01 June 2008
RSVP = early and often
Borrowing from our resourceful friends Kara and Sean, we’ve decided to save a tree or two and forego the old-fashioned reply cards. Instead, we’re requesting that our guests RSVP by taking a moment to call, email or post a comment here.
One important thing to note in your RSVP is which of the following main courses you would prefer:
1. Pan-sauteed Lake Michigan whitefish, served with a lemon caper sauce
2. Spice-rubbed free-range chicken cooked under a brick, accompanied with a roasted tomato chipotle sauce
3. Herb crepes filled with grilled summer vegetables and fresh ricotta, seasoned with a basil tomato sauce
Being that Mary is both incredibly impatient and woefully worrisome (and that Joshua Ray must endure Mary’s aforementioned endearing but exhausting traits), we would greatly appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience and kindly before August 1.
But we would also welcome any updates or queries you may have leading up to the big day, from switching your dinner selection to scoping out who will be staying in the dorms. We realize that attending a “destination” wedding requires a tad more planning than the usual hometown affair, and we truly want to offer whatever assistance we possibly can—so keep us posted!
One important thing to note in your RSVP is which of the following main courses you would prefer:
1. Pan-sauteed Lake Michigan whitefish, served with a lemon caper sauce
2. Spice-rubbed free-range chicken cooked under a brick, accompanied with a roasted tomato chipotle sauce
3. Herb crepes filled with grilled summer vegetables and fresh ricotta, seasoned with a basil tomato sauce
Being that Mary is both incredibly impatient and woefully worrisome (and that Joshua Ray must endure Mary’s aforementioned endearing but exhausting traits), we would greatly appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience and kindly before August 1.
But we would also welcome any updates or queries you may have leading up to the big day, from switching your dinner selection to scoping out who will be staying in the dorms. We realize that attending a “destination” wedding requires a tad more planning than the usual hometown affair, and we truly want to offer whatever assistance we possibly can—so keep us posted!
RECEPTION = revelries and reveries
Our first act as husband and wife will be sharing a decadent meal with our guests—not unusual as wedding receptions go, but especially fitting for us because we love eating! Living in the big city for five years has exposed us to some amazing food and drink, so we've attempted to choose the freshest and most high quality selections possible for our nuptial feast. Our amazing caterer, Kathleen at Canape Cart, has worked with us to source as many locally-grown, humanely-raised and ecologically-sound ingredients as can be found in Michigan, and the menu she has put together looks simply scrumptious.
The feasting will begin with delightful cocktails and delectable hors d'oeuvres on the patio along the reflecting pools promptly after the ceremony, around about 6ish to be exact. We will then sit down together for a family-style dinner and hearty conversation—please be sure to let us know your preferred entree if you haven't already. A dessert smorgasbord will segue into a dancing deluge (or so we hope) led by DJ Goose Commander. We're open to requests for the iPod interludes, so be sure to send us your suggestions or post a comment here.
The feasting will begin with delightful cocktails and delectable hors d'oeuvres on the patio along the reflecting pools promptly after the ceremony, around about 6ish to be exact. We will then sit down together for a family-style dinner and hearty conversation—please be sure to let us know your preferred entree if you haven't already. A dessert smorgasbord will segue into a dancing deluge (or so we hope) led by DJ Goose Commander. We're open to requests for the iPod interludes, so be sure to send us your suggestions or post a comment here.
LODGING = a soft pillow at the end of the day's merriment
We are coordinating the opportunity to stay on campus, amidst the blooming greenery, the sculpture and fountains and Cranbrook mystique, in the academy dorms. A breezy stroll from the ceremony and reception site, these are clean, comfortable spaces designed by Eliel Saarinen (i.e. the grandfather of this country’s most fillibusteringly fabulous landmark, the St. Louis Arch). And the price is right—at $55 for couples, $45 for singles, we thought this option could help cut down on travel costs.
Our hearts are aflutter with the idea of guests from both sides of the aisle bunking together in the dorms, second cousins and college roommates swapping stories about the lovely couple in the common room—our favorite people hand-picked from the ends of the earth, all under one splendid roof, basking in the glow that is Cranbrook if just for a weekend. You can be part of the dream—email Joshua Ray and he will hook you up with further details.
=====
We have also arranged for accommodations of the more traditional type at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills, which is less than a mile away from the festivities and features an indoor pool and a cute little courtyard. The price is $104 per night—here’s how to make a reservation:
Call 248.644.1400 or 1.800.333.3333 and ask for the Santanello-Stephens wedding
OR
Reserve online with code SWW28
Unfortunately, only a limited number of rooms are available (warning: not just the usual corporate speak, we have legit competition with a conference that’s in town that weekend), so be certain to contact the hotel at your earliest convenience if this is your first choice… and definitely no later than August 4.
=====
If you’re interested in a slightly more spacious setting, we’ve also reserved rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Detroit-Troy, only five or so miles from Cranbrook and priced at $99 per night. These one-bedroom suites offer an indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast buffet. In order to receive the discounted group rate, please make your reservations by August 8:
Call 248.816.6500 or 1.800.call.home and ask for the Santanello-Stephens wedding
=====
There are certainly other lodging options in the surrounding area, on both the higher and lower ends—please let us know if you need assistance in finding a spot that suits you. For purposes of driving directions, note that Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303.
Our hearts are aflutter with the idea of guests from both sides of the aisle bunking together in the dorms, second cousins and college roommates swapping stories about the lovely couple in the common room—our favorite people hand-picked from the ends of the earth, all under one splendid roof, basking in the glow that is Cranbrook if just for a weekend. You can be part of the dream—email Joshua Ray and he will hook you up with further details.
=====
We have also arranged for accommodations of the more traditional type at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills, which is less than a mile away from the festivities and features an indoor pool and a cute little courtyard. The price is $104 per night—here’s how to make a reservation:
Call 248.644.1400 or 1.800.333.3333 and ask for the Santanello-Stephens wedding
OR
Reserve online with code SWW28
Unfortunately, only a limited number of rooms are available (warning: not just the usual corporate speak, we have legit competition with a conference that’s in town that weekend), so be certain to contact the hotel at your earliest convenience if this is your first choice… and definitely no later than August 4.
=====
If you’re interested in a slightly more spacious setting, we’ve also reserved rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Detroit-Troy, only five or so miles from Cranbrook and priced at $99 per night. These one-bedroom suites offer an indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast buffet. In order to receive the discounted group rate, please make your reservations by August 8:
Call 248.816.6500 or 1.800.call.home and ask for the Santanello-Stephens wedding
=====
There are certainly other lodging options in the surrounding area, on both the higher and lower ends—please let us know if you need assistance in finding a spot that suits you. For purposes of driving directions, note that Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303.
REGISTRY = a delicate decision
Crafting a registry was surprisingly exhausting. There are so very many choices that abound, especially in the inundation of commerce that is New York City. But we wanted to make careful suggestions for gifts that are more than simply things—for items with spirit that will add interest to our home, not just clutter. Ultimately, we visited four quite different establishments and selected objects that we would feel comfortable buying ourselves, that seemed helpful, joyful, thoughtful or just beautiful. These registries are also conveniently available online, via phone or in-store.
=====
If you’re looking for a stunning, over-the-top gift that will make Mary swoon with glee, consider the highlight of our registry: Grand Versailles china from Bernardaud, a family-owned porcelain producer established in 1863 in Limoges, France. The lushly-detailed narrative quality of the pattern is taken from silk tapestries, embroideries, trimmings and brocades found at Louis XIV’s Chateau of Versailles—ooh la la. We’ve registered for these luscious, luxurious dishes, along with some other fancy shmancy stuff, at another family-owned business, Michael C. Fina, a New York institution since 1935.
Please click here for our registry at Michael C. Fina
or call 1.800.Buy.Fina.
We realize that over the past five years of living in the big city, our tastes (and our tolerance for outrageous prices) have evolved—please be forewarned that this china pattern is no exception. If you would like your gift to be something special but think an item from Michael C. Fina seems a bit much, we would also be quite elated to receive gift certificates.
=====
Perhaps the complete opposite, though equally exquisite, are the playful, functional and smartly original objects at Moss, a haute couture design store that specializes in one-off and limited edition pieces but also carries classic and affordable examples of high-design. Looking to raise an eyebrow of approval from Joshua Ray? These sleekly elegant objects are a wise approach.
Please click here for our registry at Moss
or call 1.866.888.6677.
=====
We’ve also selected some basic but (mostly) essential household items from Bed Bath & Beyond and Williams-Sonoma, nationwide retailers likely with an outpost near you. Even at these two mega-stores, we did our best to find quality products that would last a lifetime instead of ending up in a landfill. Please do keep in mind that if we didn’t register for it, we probably already have it, so don’t be alarmed by the random collection of choices.
Please click here for our registry at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Please click here for our registry at Williams-Sonoma.
=====
If you’re looking for a stunning, over-the-top gift that will make Mary swoon with glee, consider the highlight of our registry: Grand Versailles china from Bernardaud, a family-owned porcelain producer established in 1863 in Limoges, France. The lushly-detailed narrative quality of the pattern is taken from silk tapestries, embroideries, trimmings and brocades found at Louis XIV’s Chateau of Versailles—ooh la la. We’ve registered for these luscious, luxurious dishes, along with some other fancy shmancy stuff, at another family-owned business, Michael C. Fina, a New York institution since 1935.
Please click here for our registry at Michael C. Fina
or call 1.800.Buy.Fina.
We realize that over the past five years of living in the big city, our tastes (and our tolerance for outrageous prices) have evolved—please be forewarned that this china pattern is no exception. If you would like your gift to be something special but think an item from Michael C. Fina seems a bit much, we would also be quite elated to receive gift certificates.
=====
Perhaps the complete opposite, though equally exquisite, are the playful, functional and smartly original objects at Moss, a haute couture design store that specializes in one-off and limited edition pieces but also carries classic and affordable examples of high-design. Looking to raise an eyebrow of approval from Joshua Ray? These sleekly elegant objects are a wise approach.
Please click here for our registry at Moss
or call 1.866.888.6677.
=====
We’ve also selected some basic but (mostly) essential household items from Bed Bath & Beyond and Williams-Sonoma, nationwide retailers likely with an outpost near you. Even at these two mega-stores, we did our best to find quality products that would last a lifetime instead of ending up in a landfill. Please do keep in mind that if we didn’t register for it, we probably already have it, so don’t be alarmed by the random collection of choices.
Please click here for our registry at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Please click here for our registry at Williams-Sonoma.
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