You are Cordially Invited to "A WEDDING in a BOX".....

Article from The Downingtown Daily Local Paper (8/8/09)

You could say that five designing women were thinking outside the box when they came up with the idea of packaging their talents inside a box.

Specifically, "A Wedding in a Box."

The friends' services and products — custom jewelry, honeymoon planning, photography, makeup consulting and yoga/massage — don't literally come packed in a box, of course.

But for the time and frustration the one-stop shopping can save, the concept itself might seem like it's gift-wrapped and tied with a bow to a detail-oriented bride-to-be.

"It all has to do with branding," said Carrie Grabowicz, the jewelry crafter of the group. "We do give out a jewelry-size bracelet-type box that has our cards inside explaining all about our services. So everyone sort of can remember us as 'those box people.' The idea just makes it all easier for brides, with everything in one place, neatly packaged up for you."

The idea for A Wedding in a Box evolved from the successful businesses of the five women, who found that the synergy of collaborating ultimately enhanced the experience for the entire bridal party, said Grabowicz, of

South Coventry.

In January, the women, who are stay-at-home moms, combined their efforts, ironed out a business plan and set out with the new concept.

"Brides can benefit from our combined expertise. We combine our talents and treat brides the way they should be treated, with custom and personal touches that are top notch."

The partnership helps each of the A Wedding in a Box businesses grow independently as well, she added.

"We're all separate entities and function separately," the 34-year old Grabowicz said. "But 'A Wedding in a Box' is a way to have five people promoting you, working together and trying to offer you the best."

Should photographer Melia Rios-Lazo's display at The Court at King of Prussia, promoting her own business, Priceless Moments, drum up some new clients for her, it could well bring some of those wedding dollars to the other partners' endeavors as well.

Rios-Lazo, 31, lives in North Coventry.

"Everything we offer can also be purchased a la carte," Grabowicz pointed out. "So people aren't obligated to take everything we offer."

With Hammi Jammi Jewelry, Grabowicz creates brooches and other pieces of "wearable art" from sterling silver, copper and even domino tiles.

"My company name comes from a name I gave my kids when they're acting goofy," she said, laughing. "I customize everything according to what the bride wants, like earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Many brides tend to wear pearls, but sometimes they may want something a little more bold, like a ruby color."

The jewelry items can be for the bride herself, or for the bridesmaids to wear the day of the wedding, Grabowicz said.

Squaring off "A Wedding in a Box" enticements are stress-relieving yoga and massage offerings by therapist Barbara Kosciewicz, 39, of North Coventry, who tends to both "the bodies and minds of the wedding party," makeup and skin care attention by Clare Herkendaal, 40, of North Coventry and honeymoon possibilities offered by CruiseOne's Danielle Weber, 31, of Downingtown.

Though most of the women live in northern Chester County, they are all "very mobile" and available to present a mini bridal show throughout the area, Grabowicz said.

"A bride and her attendants can have a massage, try on make-up, enjoy a high fashion photography session, learn about honeymoon destinations, try on some one-of-a-kind jewelry ... while enjoying camaraderie with friends — and some chocolate."

Grabowicz said Wedding in a Box has also partnered with two West Chester-area golf clubs and is looking to partner with more.

"They pass out our information when they have a bridal consult," Grabowicz said, adding that Wedding in a Box passes out the golf club's reception information when they have their bridal consults.

Grabowicz said Wedding in a Box is hoping to form the same type of mutual promotion with florists, salons and bakers.