(photo credit: Caitlin Gerres, Caitlin Gerres Photography)

Everyone knows there's a lot of pressure around getting married. Once the big question is popped, the planning starts in earnest! Each wedding celebrates the union of two unique people, and so it's only natural that spouses-to-be are always looking for new ways to make their big day stand out.

Here at Discover Teas, it is our honor and our pleasure to have been approached by many couples about making our quality, all-natural loose-leaf tea part of their wedding experience. Our versatili-tea means that we can do more than just provide tea for the reception (although that is an option, depending on the rules of the venue). We can also provide tea for showers and as wedding favors for guests!

Of course, in order to make the tea as special as the wedding will be, not just any tea will do. That's why Lindsey and Neil D., whose blend is featured above, came to us when they were planning their big day. They wanted to build a tea that was not only appropriate to the late fall weather, but also matched their personali-teas.

One of our favorite parts of the process is being able to sit down with the happy couple in person for a custom consultation to create their very own exclusive wedding tea blend or blends. This allows us to discover what truly makes each person unique and blend a tea that celebrates the union of their best qualities. Our custom blend consultations are free and available by appointment by e-mail or phone.

For example, Lindsey and Neil wanted something that would showcase their zest for life, and that would reflect their enjoyment of putting a modern spin on classic traditions. Their Harvest Union blend of spicy cinnamon, black tea, and tart harvest fruits was the perfect complement to their partnership and to the upscale rustic theme of their ceremony and reception!

The next step is to figure out how to serve or distribute the blend. This of course changes from couple to couple, but for those who are looking to give the tea as gifts to their guests, we can even custom-print labels, pre-bag tea, and fill small tins for an additional fee. DIYers like Lindsey and Neil, of course, can always order special-tea blends and filter bags to do their own packaging and printing at home, for a presentation as unique as the couple and their tea.

Popular teas for wedding blends vary seasonally as well as for each couple, but here are some combinations with broad appeal:

Jasmine Green and Earl Grey
Piña Colada and Kyoto Cherry Rose Festival
Peach Apricot Black and Whimsicle
Rose Black and Le Marche Spice
Ti Kuan Yin Oolong, lavender, and Vanilla Cream Black Tea
Chocolate Chai and Irish Mocha La'Tea 

With over a hundred different teas and blending options, we can make sure your special tea is as memorable as your special day!

And if you're not getting married yourself, but have a lot of weddings to go to, a personalized custom tea blend for the happy couple also makes a great one-of-a-kind gift. ;)

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Gerres Photography, used with permission.

As former high school teachers, Emily and I are often asked, "Why did you leave the education sector?"

The long answer is that we merely changed subjects and environments. Although I started at Discover Teas a little over a year before Emily did, we were both drawn to the educational aspect of Discover Teas. It is one of the major factors that helps set us apart from other retail options, and called to our passion for helping people learn, both at events such as our tea tastings and tea classes, and in simple one-on-one Q&A sessions with our customers. As with most teachers, we love learning as much as we do educating, and both dove in with gusto when we discovered the vast depths involved in the world of tea. There is so much more to tea than most people have been taught, and it's always exciting to be able to open the doors to others or clear up long-held misconceptions or confusion. We love being able to expand horizons and help people learn something new every day! 

Instead of teaching world languages, we're now teaching about the differences between green, black, white, and oolong teas. Instead of classrooms, we get to teach in a soothing, laid-back environment, surrounded by tea. 

So, when people ask us, "why did you leave education," our short answer is: We never did. In fact, we have great respect and affection for our former colleagues, which is why this May, for National Teacher Appreciation Month, we're proud to be hosting our first Tea for Teachers Grade-In event on May 28th. 

What's a Grade-In? Well, if you're an educator who is tired of spending countless hours in the classroom after the final bell, or if you find it hard to concentrate on grading at home where there are a million other things to do and the bed is far too tempting, try a change of scenery! Come enjoy a cup (or pot) of tea and our free Wi-Fi at both Discover Teas Williamsburg and Discover Teas Port Warwick, where you can enjoy working through stacks of grading or other work in a relaxing, stress-free environment. The calming, yet stimulating properties of tea are a natural match for helping you stay on task while managing your stress, and we have over a hundred different varieties of tea, including blends like our Mo-Rockin' Mint, which is excellent for helping maintain focus and boost energy. Who knows? You might learn something new about tea, too!