The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and grounds is one of the prettiest places in all of metro Detroit. The Grosse Pointe Shores estate was designed by Albert Kahn with grounds and gardens cultivated by famed landscape designer Jens Jenson. The family moved into the home in 1929.
Edsel Ford died in the home in 1943 and Eleanor lived there until she died in 1976. She wished for the estate to be used to benefit the public and to this day it is immaculately maintained and is open for tours.
This year marks Edsel and Eleanor's 100th wedding anniversary and so the organization that maintains the estate is hosting celebratory events throughout the summer and fall, a series they're calling "A Century of Love."
The kick off to six months worth of events begins tomorrow, Saturday, June 25 with a mass vow renewal at the Ford House.
A limited number of couples will be allowed the rare opportunity to renew their vows on the picturesque grounds of Ford family’s estate. The ceremony, preformed by Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel, will be followed by a reception with a gourmet strolling dinner, beer, wine, and dessert. There will be live music by the Sun Messengers and dancing, plus an exclusive sneak peak of the new Ford House South Cottage exhibit Down the Aisle: 100 Years of Ford Family Weddings.
Tickets are $250 per couple for the vow renewal. Tickets for guest just looking for join the party are $100 person. The vow renewal starts promptly at 5:15 p.m.
If you're not married or can't shell out $250 to say "we do" again, but still want a reason to enjoy this beautiful estate, you can stroll through the new exhibit starting Sunday, June 26.
The exhibit will take visitors through four generations of Ford weddings with 16 bridal gowns worn by the Ford women on display. There will also be never-before-seen images on display from the family's private collection.
The weddings took place between 1916 and 2011 and each is a peak into the time period's fashion.
More special programs will follow, including a flower arranging class, an outdoor tea, a ballroom dancing class, and a discussion on the preservation of wedding gowns. For more info click here.