When my friend Preston Bailey ^[1] told me he was getting married and that he wanted me to make the favors, I was feeling the pressure. Preston is known for his extravagant and fabulous events (he's worked with Oprah Winfrey, Donna Karen, Uma Thurman, Liza Minnelli, and royal families). For my inspiration, I thought about what could make the favors ^[2] personal since the wedding took place at the stroke of midnight last night ( Valentine's Day!). What better than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and bubbly for all the guests to take home? After searching for the perfect chocolates, ribbons, and trimming, this is how it came out.

I started with chic Jacques Torres ^[3] truffle boxes. Then I sketched the couple in front of the NYC skyline (including the Empire State Building, where they wed), and Cheree Berry ^[4] worked her magic to create the heart cards that were pasted on top of each box. Given that Preston is all about details and and lots of them, I did not stop there. I turned to calligrapher Bernard Maisner ^[5], who makes any word look extra special, and he wrote "Be Ours" for the boxes. Bernard also calligraphed the couples' names on the tags to make it as if the couple was giving their guests valentines. I got some of my favorite Paper Source ^[6] gold paper to make a scallop around the box, and then finished it off by glueing a pleated ribbon from M& J ^[7] along the edge. The box was tied with a golden bow of satin Midori ^[8] ribbon.

Cheree also designed labels for these mini Chandon bottles, which were a perfect way to end the night!

^[9]

I am so happy for Preston and Theo and I thank them for allowing me to be part of their special day. I hope all the guest are eating truffles and drinking bubbly today to celebrate the newlyweds!