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Brides Bedecked

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DETROIT'S

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New local boutiques, businesses and
brands you may not know — but should.

By Lynne Konstantin

hen Leah Tolwin wed her hus-
"I have had an incredible response
band, Rabbi Alon Tolwin, there
she says. The Wedding Shoppe in
Royal Oak, for example, regularly
was just one thing she wasn't
thrilled about.
donates between $30,000 to $50,000
worth of merchandise
"I didn't love my dress,
and no one told me it
each year, and boutiques
didn't look good on me,"
including Maria's Bridal in
she says.
West Bloomfield, Roma
Sposa in Birmingham and
So eight years ago,
Tolwin decided to
others have also been
put her education in
eager to help.
marketing and sales
Tolwin will work with
and social work to the
each bride to help her
best combined use she
achieve the gown of her
could think of to benefit
dreams, even if it means
her community and her
mixing and matching a
Jewish ideals.
piece of lace from this
This bride was decked out
"I want every bride
through the Br idal Canopy. gown and a sleeve from
to feel beautiful 'says
that gown, plus alterations
Tolwin, who created
for a perfect fit.
a nonprofit organization, the Bridal
"We have outfitted 636 brides so far
Canopy (under the umbrella of Aish
— about 70 a yeaCsaysTolwin.
While the majority of her clients are
HaTorah), out of her Southfield home
to provide as many of those adorn-
"modest" (requiring covered neck,
ments to Jewish brides as possible.
shoulders and arms), she has brides
"What I'm really good at is telling
from all sects of Judaism. All she asks
brides what looks good on them; says
in return is a donation to help pay for
Tolwin."We have wedding dresses,
cleaning and alterations, and that all
chuppah, glasses for the groom to
brides have their shoulders covered
step on, jewelry and veils — almost
under the chuppah."Everyone has
anything you can think of:"
been very accommodating" she says.
And most of it has been donated.
Tolwin always plucks a tiny piece
"This is where my marketing
of each gown — a bead or a piece of
background comes in7saysTolwin. In
lace — and adds it to her communal
exchange for a small donation, brides
wedding canopy.
who either can't or don't want to pay
"That way" she says, "everyone who
for costly bridal accoutrement yet
comes through here is a part of every
dream of looking like a princess can
future wedding:'
borrow from Tolwin, who scoops up
To schedule an appointment or make a contribu-
bargains and solicits local and national
tion at the Bridal Canopy, call Leah Tolwin at (248)
shops and individuals for contribu-
953-0503.
tions.

Innovation from Serta!

W

valentine's Day falls on Thursday this year, which means a long weekend
filled with Metro Detroit events that celebrate love in all its many forms.
The Yenta has a tradition of buying heart-shaped pizzas from Papa Ro-
manos for all the boys in her life, but if you're looking for something to do as
a couple, here are some ideas: Head to"My Folky Valentine"
at the Ark in Ann Arbor — a Valentine's Day concert
featuring married musical couples, including Annie
and Rod Capps and many more. You can also celebrate
the day with your special someone at the Townsend
Hotel in Birmingham, which offers an a la carte
Valentine experience, with options that include a
romantic dinner at The Rugby Grille and sweets from The
Townsend Bakery. If you want to brave the cold, head
to the Detroit Zoo for its inaugural Valentine's Day"Love
Gone Wild"event. Couples and singles (adults only) can
tour the zoo, learn about its residents' mating habits, and
perhaps get a inspired to do the wild thing themselves.

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RrD TIIRIAD I February 2013 39