Once again, providence has smiled on this humble scribe. I had the good fortune to be a guest at the nuptial celebration of two fine young individuals – Brynne and Shawn – at a glorious venue surrounded by friends and family of the couple.
Sunshine and gusty winds welcomed about 150 of us to the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Michigan. We got a good chuckle when the wind nearly whipped the bride’s veil off her head while her father was giving her away and the impossibility of lighting the unity candle during the outdoor ceremony. The celebrant assured the newlyweds that “wind” like “love” is a force that can’t be seen but definitely can be felt. Knowing these two fine newlyweds, I see no omens in the unlit candle.
If you’ve never been on the grounds of this historic estate in the greater Detroit area, you are missing beautiful architecture, superb customer service, and a tale of personal success contributing to the broader welfare of society. From their website (http://www.meadowbrookhall.org/explore/history/meadowbrookhall):
Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home of one the automotive aristocracy's most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, her second husband Alfred Wilson, a lumber broker and their four children, Frances and Danny Dodge, and Richard and Barbara Wilson. It exists as an indirect product of the achievements and good fortune of her first husband, automotive pioneer John F. Dodge, co-founder of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company who quickly prospered in the burgeoning auto industry before his tragic death in 1920, leaving Matilda one of the world's wealthiest women. This fortune not only built one of America's finest residences and country estates, it also supported numerous Detroit charities and organizations, and made possible the founding of Oakland University.After the ceremony, we mingled on a patio overlooking a beautifully groomed golf course while white-gloved attendants brought a tasty mix of hors d oeuvres and snappy mixologists poured celebratory libations. A multi-toned alert called us to a rich and beautifully appointed tent where we gathered, applauded toasts (and roasts!) to the happy couple, and dined on spectacular grub. Everyone was happy.
Meadow Brook Hall was built during the country place era, a time when wealthy American industrialists pursued rural life in settings of great beauty. It represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America and is especially renowned for it superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square feet. Inspired by the country manor homes in England, it was designed and built by the Detroit architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls between 1926 and1929, at a cost of nearly $4 million.
Carefully preserved with original family furnishings and art, the 110-room mansion is elaborately detailed with carved wood and stone, ornate plaster ceilings, Tiffany stained glass, custom made hardware, and filled with fine and decorative art. Although the interiors reflect various historic styles, the house is equipped with every "modern" amenity appropriate to the active lifestyle of the Wilson's and their children.
Meadow Brook Hall was built on the 320-acre farm estate John and Matilda Dodge had purchased years earlier as weekend country retreat. The Wilson's expanded the estate to include 1,500 acres and several residences. For the Dodge and Wilson families, the farm estate provided a splendid setting for recreational activities and pastimes such as equestrian sports, motoring, and gardening and developed into one of the finest agricultural complexes, producing the finest lines of pedigree livestock.
Through the course of the evening, a miscellany of music fought for attention with forks clinked on glassware demanding the happy couple revel in public displays of attention. Our table laughed and recounted our ties to the couple. Each table had a booklet into which we could offer thoughts and good wishes to be read by the couple on various anniversaries. As we were table four, the plan is that they will read our comments on that anniversary.
The bride’s parents spent some time with us and I loved seeing their eyes glisten with happy tears as we recounted the beauty of the day. And then I received one of the greatest compliments ever. The mother of the bride, Paulette – a truly special person in my life – said that no one in attendance was on the margins. That is to say, everyone invited was unanimously chosen by the bride, groom and immediate family.
I’m smiling recounting the many splendid details of the evening and feeling humbled by “making the list.” All happiness and good wishes to Brynne and Shawn!
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