james bond partyGrand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan hosts an annual President’s Ball, in which we celebrate our school’s excellence and honor those involved. The chosen theme this year was 007. When I first heard of this I was ecstatic, I am a major James Bond/Daniel Craig fan so I knew that this event was perfect for me.

I began by going to a local barbershop for men and requesting “The Daniel Craig” as advised by David Zaritsky in his YouTube series. The style looked great so next I purchased my very first tuxedo, I went with, The Ultimate Secret Agent Package from My Tuxedo Direct, the brand of the Tuxedo is Alexander Dobell, it came in a great package with everything you need and the customer service is phenomenal, it fits into the frugal Bond lifestyle at just over $100 for the whole package and it is supported by the 007 brand! As for my watch I wore an Invicta Pro Diver watch which I already owned as it resembles an Omega.

Ok, so I had the Bond style for me, but every Bond needs a “Bond Girl”. My girlfriend Kate purchased a stunning long black dress in the style of Vesper from Casino Royale. Her hair was also done in a Vesper approved style. The package could not be complete however without an Algerian Love Knot necklace with matching earrings which turned out spectacular.

The evening took place at the Devos Place Ballroom, it has a very Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale feeling to it. Gold staircases and magnificent views of the city all around. They used a blue lighting tone in the ballroom in what I believe to be in honor of Skyfall. The centerpieces featured different James Bond actors, we sat at the Sean Connery Table. We were given a poker chip to denote the meal of choice, (I went with a roasted beef while they also served chicken).

The evening was kicked off by an unforgettable live performance of Adele’s “Skyfall” by Grand Valley’s own orchestra band ‘Crossbow’.

After some awards were given out we ventured up to “Casino Royale” the upper room of building where they had a bar and dessert buffet along with another live band playing jazz music.

It was here that I was able to try my first Vesper Martini, shaken, not stirred; and I wont be the first to tell you, “once you’ve tasted it, it’s all you want to drink.”

As for the desserts, Casino Royale featured poker themed chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, champagne martini jello (in Martini glasses) and cupcakes with “Goldfinger” foil on top. Speaking of Goldfinger, there was a complete dining area detected to all things Gold. A candy bar was set up with gold tables and assorted gold candies and champagne accompanied by various copies of Ian Flemming’s Novels. There was a photo booth as well to help mark the occasion.

As my first true “Bond Experience” outside of a movie theater I can only say that I want more; it felt great to be in that atmosphere. I hope to continue to enjoy living life as Bond with help and tips from The Bond Experience.

Matt Harris