Photography by Erin Schmidt
Piera’s Bridal Couture
A MARRIAGE OF PAST and future fills the air at Piera’s Bridal Couture of Shelby Township, where three generations of women have created an inviting bridal destination that radiates with warmth. “We welcome every bride into our family,” says owner Piera Sbrocca. Recently, we visited the salon and sat down with Piera’s granddaughter, Piera Angela Sbrocca, to chat about family, fashion, and the future of this east side gem.
A Family Affair
“We have my grandma, her daughter, her two daughters-in-law, and myself working here. It can be crazy at times but it’s really nice,” Piera Angela says. “We are a big Italian family, and we are together all the time.” She says having this close-knit environment provides brides with an intimate, intimidation-free setting, and brides will feel at home the moment they walk through the front doors.
A Gown For Every Girl
“We want to have something for everyone who comes in,” says Piera Angela, who is responsible for all the buying decisions at the salon. Each of the designers they carry has “their own flair,” she adds. Boho brides will swoon over romantic Lillian West dresses while those looking for more dramatic designs will love Eve of Milady and Alessandra Rinaudo’s dazzling couture creations.
The Modern Bride
With her eye on the future, Piera Angela is focused on keeping her grandmother’s salon at the forefront of the industry. “The millennial bride is a totally different girl … Everyone wants something different … and that expands beyond the dress,” she says. Recently, the salon installed an impressive paper floral backdrop by The Harmony Collection for brides who’ve found their dream design. “It’s an Instagram moment,” Piera Angela says.
A Passed-Down Passion
“My Nonna is the most hard working and generous woman I know, and I am so grateful to be able to work with her and learn how she does what she does so well,” Piera Angela says. “She has such a passion for this, and more than that, she loves the brides.” With more than 30 years of experience, her grandmother brings an unparalleled knowledge of the bridal industry to her boutique-style salon and is devoted to giving each bride impeccable service and exquisite bridal options — a philosophy she has instilled in her family. “There really is nothing like helping a girl find her wedding dress,” Piera Angela says. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. So to see that joy is pretty amazing.”
To join the family, call 586-566-7800 or visit pierasbridal.com.
The Black Tux
Thanks to Andrew Blackmon and Patrick Coyne, the geniuses behind The Black Tux, suiting up has never been easier. Blackmon and Coyne have redefined what it means to rent a tuxedo by creating a quick, easy to use online rental service that offers quality options for the discerning gentleman — bye, bye polyester! Starting at just $95, your groom and his men have a myriad of options — three styles of tuxedos, two less formal suits, crisp cotton shirting, leather shoes and various accessories. Once a correct fit is chosen, the suit (crafted of luxe merino wool) arrives seven days before your event — leaving plenty of time to exchange if needed. After the event, simply ship it back in the original box. Additionally, shipping is free both ways.
To suit up, visit theblacktux.com.
Big Love Ball
Make a statement on your big day with the Big Love Ball. The company, launched three years ago, delivers a giant inflatable sphere — available in multiple colors and sizes — as a way to uplift, connect, and spread compassion, says creator Wendy Williams Watt. With its powerful imagery, this oversize sphere (the original spans 5 feet in diameter) has become a social media star and a hit at weddings and events across the globe. Available online or locally at Talulah Belle in Rochester, this conversation starter will “instantly activate the fun” at your event, Watt says.
For more fun, visit bigloveball.com.
Punch Bowl Social Detroit
Punch Bowl Social Detroit is beloved for its good eats, drinks, and games, but did you know the downtown hot spot could also host your nuptials? The venue, which opened in 2014, offers event space that accommodates 10 to 1,000 guests. That can include use of the 360-degree bar, private karaoke rooms, and bowling lanes. In addition, the staff can create a signature punch for your event, a special one-of-a-kind Snapchat filter, and provide full audio-visual services. Not to mention the menu can be customized to suit all styles and tastes — whether that’s a grab-and-go buffet with mini chicken and waffles or a more formal sit down. So, if you’re looking for a hip setting to host your reception or even post wedding brunch, Punch Bowl Social, with its cool industrial vibe, may be just the place.
For more information, visit punchbowlsocial.com.
BLUSH Couture Bride
“Impeccable one-on-one customer service” is what you will find at BLUSH Couture Bride — the latest luxury addition to downtown Birmingham. After 25 years of operating her family’s bridal business, Donna Sbrocca, along with her sister, Tina Keilani, opened her own boutique with a mission “to ensure that every bride finds the dress of her dreams.” With a warm and inviting atmosphere, brides and their guests will love the private appointments allowing for uninterrupted service and the stunning gown selections from such beloved designer collections as Kenneth Pool, Enaura Bridal Couture, Atelier by Pronovias, and Laine Berry Couture. “Whether your style is timeless elegance or fashion forward couture, our knowledge of fashion and design coupled with our attention to detail ensures your experience at BLUSH will be enjoyable, stress free, and memorable,” Sbrocca says.
To book an appointment, call 248-839-5870 or visit blushcouturebride.com.
Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary
Since opening 70 years ago, Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary has become the destination for those looking to discover hard-to-find wellness, beauty, personal care, and fragrance products ideal for the bride-to-be. “In the stressful days before a wedding, the bride should take a bit of time for herself to reset and do something nice for herself,” says Mills’ retail director, Rita Sayegh. “We stock dozens of beautiful bath salts, oils, and scrubs that are at once therapeutic and luxurious.” At Mills’ Birmingham and new Midtown Detroit locations, you’ll also discover luxe hair treatments from Leonor Greyl, Lucie + Pompette Lip Batters, and even Madame LA LA Tan’s self tan mousse for a beautiful bronze glow. As for the groom, Mills has plenty for him, too, including Detroit-made Burton & Levy beard combs (above) — modern heirlooms that make great gifts for his groomsmen, too.
To pamper yourself, visit millspharmacy.com.
