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Urban Chic Chicago Loft Wedding

From Estera Events… Sarah lived in a building overlooking Chicago’s MCA for a few years. After making the move to Brooklyn with Stan, the MCA remained a special place for them. When deciding where to have their wedding, hosting it at the MCA was an easy decision for them! The lower patio and garden was transformed for their ceremony, which incorporated both Persian and American traditions. Guests sipped champagne while Sarah and Stan said their vows. Cocktail Hour took place on the upper terrace, with guests sipping cocktails, enjoying the photobooth, and ordering drinks from the bar covered in gold sequins. Once guests entered the MCA for dinner, they were greeted with an escort display of hanging ribbons and tassels with their escort cards attached. Dinner was served in the atrium of the MCA, with a unique table layout and enormous white balloons suspended overhead. For desert, five delicious cakes were flown in from Momofuku Milk Bar in New York, a favorite of Sarah and Stan’s. These gorgeous cakes were displayed on Nimblewell pieces. Dancing took place in the cafe, where Sarah and Stan had their first dance to Etta James “Teach Me Tonight”, and Sarah changed into the most gorgeous custom feather mini skirt!

Intimate, personal, and nothing short of magical, this chic Chicago fete is the definition of fun. From the mini chicken and waffles served during cocktail hour, to the DIY paper cranes, to the couple’s dog posing as a paper cut out, every detail was planned to perfection. With touches like personal vows and the couple’s homemade sugar pie the sweetness is evident with every T&C Photographie image here!

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Modern Black + White Chicago Wedding

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Modern

From the beautiful Bride… This love story began when the two of us met through a mutual friend. We hit it off immediately, and became fast friends. We spent the better part of the following year diving head first into best-friendship, but couldn’t deny that we were falling for each other. I told my parents and friends that I just knew I was going to marry him before we even started dating.

Matthew & I got married at Loft on Lake in Chicago, IL. We wanted to showcase the beauty of the Loft space itself by keeping decorations clean and minimal. We had our ceremony indoors, and moved to the front area for cocktail hour while the room was flipped for our reception. To start off the day, the Groomsmen and Dads joined Matt for a straight razor shave and haircut party at a local barber shop, while the Bridesmaids, Flower Girl, Moms and I got ready in the Presidential suite at our hotel. We had an incredible team of vendors to help pull off our vision, but we did all of the planning on our own! Matt & I did quite a bit of DIY to make the day feel more personal, and my family made an incredible paper crane piece that hung on the Loft’s brick wall from a birch branch.

We wanted to make sure our wedding felt extremely personal and the opposite of traditional. The day was intimate, personal, and nothing short of magical. We believe that definitely shows in our photos. August 30th, 2014 will be my favorite day forever!

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DIY paper crane wall/backdrop
1 | Fold paper cranes in a variety of 6″ x 6″ solid colors
2 | Thread gold embroidery floss on a needle
3 | Use needle to thread cranes from the hole in the bottom through the top center
4 | Thread as many cranes as you’d like onto a single string (we liked them varying heights/numbers)
5 | Spread cranes out along the string
6 | Add dot/bead of hot glue underneath the bottom of each crane, and slide the crane just over the bead of glue
7 | Once dry, tie each string onto a birch branch (you could also use a dowel rod, or any other long object)
8 | We hung our birch branch and cranes up against the wall behind the head table. It also makes a fantastic backdrop for photos.

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What’s black and white and chic all over? This modern beauty captured by T&S Hughes and Amor In Motion. It’s what happens when two professional designers say “I do” in a Chicago loft that screams urban chic from the inside out. Complete with one of the coolest ceremony backdrops of all time, I promise this pretty part is only get started.

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Sophisticated Chicago Tavern Wedding

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Vintage

From Amor In Motion…A black and white affair with a vintage flair set against an urban backdrop. This wedding could not have been more picturesque. Not surprising that every last detail was designed by the designer couple themselves, Morgan Marie and Chris… Sweet. Yes, Sweet. A fitting last name for this stunning couple.

Everything tied in perfectly, we love the mural hanging “We seem to have been designed for each other” and the symbolic S painting… The dark cool venue with a trumpet band and a first dance song that says “If I couldn’t have you I’d rather be alone.” The tears, the simple lines, the brick wall, the hanging bulbs, and the Greek goddess-like dress that no one could take their eyes off…it was all spot on.

Chris and Morgan, may that sparkle and joy never fade from your eyes. You were, indeed, meant for each other.

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Bluewater Kings Band

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Set alongside the Chicago river, this darling duo wed amongst family, friends, and a stunning view. Cattails transformed their ideas of romance into beautiful arrangements that perfectly complemented the South Branch Tavern space. From Jenny Yoo clad ‘maids hopping on a trolley, to every cityscape scene, the gallery captured by Jacqui Cole is the best place to see it all, more here!

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Vintage Inspired Chicago Wedding

From Jacqui Cole Photography…Rachel and Chris’ wedding was such a happy and elegant affair! They chose to have their ceremony and reception outside at South Branch Tavern, Chicago. Their style was sophisticated and chic, yet super fun at the same time! Rachel looked absolutely stunning in her Pronovias gown and the Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses complimented her perfectly.

The day began at the beautiful getting ready suite at The Palmer House Hilton. Rachel and Chris decided to have a first look at Lurie Gardens in Millennium Park. It was such a sweet and intimate moment between the bride and groom.

The venue itself holds stunning views over Chicago’s river, where the guest’s enjoyed their cocktail hour. We were able to sneak out to capture an iconic image of the couple in the middle of a Chicago bridge!

Dinner was held inside the restaurant, with bright florals and a beautiful metallic cake! When hosting a wedding reception at a class-A downtown restaurant you can be sure that the food was outstanding! The dinner reception then welcomed guests onto the open air dance floor on a perfect summer’s evening. After the heartfelt first dance, they partied the night away underneath the city lights.

From The Bride and Groom…We spent nearly three months driving around Chicagoland to find the perfect venue for our wedding. Since we were not getting married in a church, we wanted to find a place that could host both a ceremony and reception. We also were looking for something close to the city for our friends and family from out of town. Since we wanted to shy away from having a ‘wedding color’, a space that was already decorated was a high priority. When we stumbled across South Branch Tavern & Grille, we both sensed that we had found our venue. The beautiful indoor dinner space and outdoor bar were exactly what we were looking for.

Jacqui Cole was, by far, the most helpful, professional and skillful vendor we dealt with throughout the wedding planning process. She helped make our wedding day go very smoothly, and in the process captured beautiful photos. Lisa Atterberry from Cattails did a phenomenal job transforming our ideas into beautiful floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the space.

One of the best parts of our wedding day was hopping on a trolley, and riding around the city to take photos before the ceremony. It was fun wandering through the Lurie Gardens and Olive Park in full wedding gear. We would advise anyone who reads this to really take the time to get to know your vendors. The more time you spend with them, the easier it is for them to capture and create exactly what you are looking for. Also, remember it’s your party… have fun!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

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Wedding Dresses

Pronovias

ATELIER PRONOVIAS

PRONOVIAS

Dancing Lights, Cruise Collection

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This is a wedding where romance takes center stage. Think two gorgeous sweethearts tying the knot in a vintage-inspired celebration with the amazing Chicago skyline as their backdrop. It’s lush blooms from Fasan Florist meets a fabulous Justin Alexander gown meets one jaw-droppingly gorgeous image after another captured by Tamara Gruner Photography. See them all in the full gallery.

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Fall Weddings

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Vintage

From Tamara Gruner Photography… Katie and Kyle grew up worlds apart. She in the US, while he in New Zealand. But, they were meant to be. Their wedding was a coming together of two hemispheres and they made that happen in style!

The rooftop at the Wyndham, in Chicago, was a perfect setting for a quaint celebration with close family and friends, who joined them from far and near. Dressed in Justin Alexander, Katie exuded a vintage look for a modern bride. The bridesmaids chose to wear unique, yet matching, designs which elegantly complemented the bride. Soft, yet subtle, the bouquets completed an absolute wonderful look.

The evening was a very emotional affair. Perched high above the Chicago skyline they celebrated the day watching the fall sun drift away as the delicate candle lights took over. The couple joined their guests rejoicing and celebrating this romantic evening.

We were delighted to be part of this wonderful wedding and we wish the couple the very best!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Justin Alexander

Spring 2016

Spring 2018

Justin Alexander Fall/Winter

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Hayley Paige Occasions

Occasions Spring 2016

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SMP Midwest Welcomes Our Advertisers + A Discount!

How do you spend the perfect Sunday? Getting to know the fabulous + oh-so-talented team of eco-friendly wedding vendors at the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance. Because when it comes to hosting an amazing event that is also socially conscious, this is a group of vendors that will most definitely deliver. Learn so much more about their mission… and their crazy cool wedding show, Committed, below.

From Chicago Green Wedding Alliance… The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is a group of eco-friendly wedding vendors that is committed to making less environmentally impactful events. We connect vendors with the conscious consumer for mindful weddings and social events. Our vendors create gorgeous events that transcend people’s expectations of “green” weddings.

Check out the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

The GWA is hosting a wedding show on February 22nd at Greenhouse Loft! Any couple that books with the code “SMP” will get $5 off! The discount on tickets can be redeemed on the Eventbrite ticketing page.

Elegant Wedding at Saddle & Cycle Club

We’re saying farewell to yet another pretty week on the Little Black Book blog, but not before we go out with a bang in the form of this Kate Ignatowski wedding. Her imagery defines elegance and the combo of sparkle, ribbons, floral patterning, eclectic blooms and metallics is spot on. So grab that Friday afternoon cocktail (we won’t tell if you start early) and click through this gallery goodness—it’s so worth it.

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Fall Weddings

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Sophisticated Chicago Wedding at the Drake Hotel

From Kate Ignatowski…Karen + John’s wedding was sophisticated yet fun and relaxed. One of my favorite elements was their ceremony backdrop – gold and white drapes over an earthy wood structure. I also love how they integrated their love of good food and wine with the cheese paired escort cards. Everything came together so beautifully.

While it did rain a bit in the morning, we were lucky that it cleared up in time for family photos + the outdoor ceremony. I still think Karen + John would have had the perfect day had it poured the whole time – they were so happy and in the moment. And I love the way they look at each other.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

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Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

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Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

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Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

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Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

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Joanna August

Babes of the Nile

Ceremony

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Tadashi Shoji

Spring 2017 Mother of the Bride

Spring 2017 Bridal

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Take a sophisticated setting like The Drake Hotel and add in a stunning gown designed by Project Runway contestant Kate Pankoke and a whole host of amazing details coordinated by Lola Productions and the results are this: a drop-dead gorgeous set of nuptials that take classic to an entirely new level. See it all captured by MaiCamera right here and the beautiful Smiling Toad Productions’ film below.

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Kate Spade-Inspired Chicago Wedding

From the Bride… George and I had a lot of aspirations for our wedding (not necessarily the same!) but at the end of the day it came down to three main things: work with people you love, respect your heritage, and throw a great party.

George is from Russia where weddings (and all parties for that matter) are not beholden to the 12:00 cut off of most American venues. We knew we wanted a place that would entertain our late curfew and allow us to go crazy on the food, drinks, and whatever else might come up. Thankfully we were able to work with my favorite hotel in Chicago (The Drake) to create the wedding of our dreams. As a nod to my Jewish heritage, we had our first look at the Ketubah signing ceremony. It was a wrestle of schedules to accomplish, but in the end it was perfect. With just our families around us, both my mom and mother in law remarked to me later that it was like having a private wedding ceremony. The pictures from that moment capture the build up and excitement of the day perfectly.

For the reception, we wanted to create an atmosphere where people felt relaxed but taken care of. That meant a family style dinner of beef stroganoff, lamb, potatoes, and kugel that kept our guests happy even through a marathon 10 speeches (including one fully in Russian). But the real highlight of the night was the ice luge which – together with our Russian DJ – kept everyone dancing way past 1 AM. (The photo booth later in the night captures the progression pretty accurately.)

The day was a huge success but it couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of our vendors. Our florist, Cornelia McNamara, helped us achieve our vision of relaxed, natural floral arrangements that complemented, but didn’t fight against, the fantastic decor of the room. Our invitation and stationery designer satisfied George’s desire for “lots of things with wreaths on them,” and my darling dress designer Kate Pankoke not only granted my wish for a ridiculous amount of tulle, but made the dress shopping experience so special that to this day we remain good friends. Our photographer, Mai Duong, captured the day perfectly and had such a great time she stayed through the after party to capture the groomsmen jumping in lake Michigan at sunrise. It was just one of the many unexpected moments that made the day truly memorable.

Not all of the unexpected moments were positive of course – the groomsmen all forgot how to tie bow ties, one flower girl insisted on being photographed eating cheese (who could blame her), and I fell out of the chair during the Hora. But the day was perfect despite its imperfections. With your friends and family around you, and the love of your life by your side, it can’t help but be.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Elaya Vaughn Bridal

2015 Accessories

Behind the Gilded Veil

Romance in Bloom

2016 Collection

2016 Accessories Collection

2017 Collection

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Equal parts glamour and artisanal, this colorful soiree is my personified daydream. With Kate Spade and Kinfolk acting as inspiration, their Big Day was filled with bright balloons, Toast And Jam tunes, bow ties, and a craft beer and cake pairing table (uhm, genuis!). Estera Events incorporated organic greenery atop butcher paper covered tables, and you can enjoy every bright and bubbly detail here!

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Fall Weddings

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Outdoor Weddings Religious Institution

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Chicago Winter Anniversary Session

From Julia Franzosa Photography… Kelly + Tim got ready at Hotel Lincoln overlooking the lake. The weather could not have been more perfect or clear for their day. The wedding party even joked that Kelly had to have bribed someone for the weather! Their ceremony was during the afternoon at St. Vincent DePaul Church, and afterwards we explored the city with their wedding party for photos.

The dresses Kelly picked for her bridesmaids were perfectly Kate Spade inspired and the groomsmen looked absolutely dapper in their bow ties. A New Leaf was decked out with a colorful balloon display over the dance floor filled with gorgeous greenery (seriously. how amazing is that!?) butcher paper table runners and a Craft Beer and Sweet Mandy B’s Cake pairing table. Guests danced the entire night away and it was such fun capturing their wedding!

Brideside + A Discount!

I’ll admit it. As much as I love being a bridesmaid (and, oh, do I love it), trekking to bridal shop after bridal shop to try on gowns is, well, seriously tiring. Which is why I am all sorts of obsessed with Brideside, the online retailer that brings the bridal shop to YOU by letting you browse bridesmaid dresses online and then try them on in the comfort of your very own home. Say it with me, loves: awesome.

With Brideside, you can choose from a plethora of style choices and colors, all with the help of an amazing stylist who works with you every step of the way to guarantee a fabulous (+ chic) bridal party. Just chat with the stylist about your dream wedding and vision, then let them take over and guide your besties through an array of different designers on Brideside’s online store. They’ll even provide instructional videos on measuring and selecting the best dress types for your body! And when every last dress is chosen, they’ll ship the samples to your home, so you can have that girl’s day with mimosas and cozy yoga pants. Soooo comfortable and soooo fun.

Ready to get started? Visit the Brideside website ASAP or, if you live in Chicago, make an appointment with a stylist here. And don’t forget this exclusive discount for SMP readers: When you buy your bridesmaid dress in February, the first $20 is on Brideside! Use discount code “SMP20” at checkout. (Terms & Conditions: Cannot be combined with any past or future promotions. Readers must purchase bridesmaid dress at full price on or before 2/28/15. Offer does not apply to the following designers: Joanna August, Donna Morgan, Jenny Yoo.)

Winter is upon us and there’s no doubt that for all you darlings who live in snow-covered locations, it’s the best season to snuggle up to your sweetie. This afternoon, we’re getting a dose of those warm embraces in the form of this cozy five year anniversary sesh with Britta Hundertmark. The Mrs. in a snug sweater, prettied up by Carly Pribich and the Mr. in his wool coat… snuggle up to the gallery here!

From Britta Hundertmark…If you have ever thought of having an anniversary session, but thought “eh, we already have our wedding photos, do we really need another session?” I will tell you right now, the answer is YES!!!

When you have been with your love, married for one, two, three, fifty years – you have a comfort and a connection with them that didn’t exist during your dating, engagement, or on your wedding day. It is incredible to see the ease with which married couples interact in front of the camera; the chemistry is not fueled by excitement surrounding the wedding planning or the day itself (though that energy is SO incredible!!) but it is a chemistry fueled by hope for the future, by the good and bad times that have passed, by knowing someone as well as you know yourself, or better. It is a reflection on how the past few years of life, living with your best friend, doing life with them. It is the perfect way to commemorate your love, the way it is, right in that moment.

When Elizabeth (also a wedding photographer!) came to me a few months back to talk about an anniversary session, I was thrilled! She and Vincent have been married for five years, and have not had any professional photos taken since their wedding. They had recently moved to Chicago from the south and wanted to use the background of this gorgeous city (even in the winter!) as the setting of their photos, to celebrate their new home.

Photography: Britta Hundertmark | Make Up: Carly Pribich, Makeup Artist | Venue: Chicago | Film Lab: The Find Lab

Glamorous Culinary Chicago Wedding

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. This Chicago fête? It’s got a little of everything. A show-stopping venue like The James Hotel? Check! A sparkling Jenny Packham gown? Check! A foodie feast at The Publican? Check! Tunes a la Toast And Jam? Check! Elle Rose Photo captured what can only be described pure glamour, and I can’t help but come back to the gallery for a second serving here.

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings Religious Institution

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Contemporary Salvage One Wedding

From Elle Rose Photo… Ben and Claire live in Shanghai, but are both from Chicago and planned a gorgeous, food lovers wedding in the urban Fulton Market District of Chicago. What a visually stunning, and wildly fun wedding this was. There was glamour, heartfelt speeches, urban backdrops, huge smiles, sweaty dance moves, tons of love, and some sparklers to cap it all off. Oh – and food. SO much amazing food! I was seriously impressed that they were able to plan this wedding from around the globe! I loved getting to be apart of this intimate + personal wedding, and photographing the day as it unfolded was so great.

Claire wore a killer Jenny Packham dress, the Esme, and the whole day was flanked with amazing florals by Cornelia McNamara. Ben was dapper as ever in his custom Navy suit. The favors were sake glasses that came in small bags that were made by Claire’s mother from old kimono dresses that she hand carried over from Japan.

Their wedding program was the greatest idea ever – completely original. They made their wedding program, you know those cards/papers people hand out in church to say who is in the wedding, who is reading, and all that info – only they made a book. That was pretty much the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. It opened with the standard ceremony layout, then got into the bridal party. Each bridal party member had a page of their own with an interesting fact, and some awesome drawings around a picture of them. Then at the back of the book was a list of every guest that attended and a fun/interesting/ridiculous fact about them in their native language!

The reception and food were held and taken care of at The Publican Chicago. They wanted their pictures to represent them, not be overly “gushy” and so show off the urban backdrop of the Fulton Market area.

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Jenny Packham

Bridal 2016 Catwalk

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It only takes one look at these gorgeous images from Tim Tab Studios to see that this duo easily falls into the soulmate category. Their wedding was a combination of love and beautiful touches from the Bride, her mother and Amy Stockbridge, and the result? Well, with Pollen Floral Design blooms and a Vera Wang gown, lets just say I’m sure to remember this gorgeous gallery forever.

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Romantic Warehouse Wedding At Ravenswood Event Center

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Modern

From the beautiful Bride… Tommy and I met through friends five years ago, moved in together a year after that, and have loved each other since the beginning. Tommy is a metalhead loving butcher and I am a vegetarian paralegal, and together we form a very happy union.

The wedding planning process was a super fun and exciting time for both of us. We had a vision from the day we got engaged: laid back, natural, and super fun. My mom helped a ton with finding vendors who fit our vision for our wedding and our planning process was super fun.

Tommy and I made every decision together from food to flowers to escort cards. Loved ones from both sides of the family helped personalize the day, from the guestbook, to stringing up the escort cards, to the homemade chuppah, to the memory cards for guests to fill out and the homemade fans that Tommy slaved over until the day before the wedding. Planning the event was definitely a labor of love.

I always recommend warehouses to my engaged girlfriends. You can literally do anything, transform them into any scene. And this wedding at the Ravenswood Event Center proves my point perfectly. As someone who planned countless weddings for others already, this bride knew what she was doing when she crafted her own. Jordan Quinn captured it all and this gallery is popping with Pinterest-worthy ideas!

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Spring Weddings

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From The Bride… I crept through the dimly lit stairwell I had led hundreds of brides up before, in my big white dress, stepping softly in my shiny flats. As the general manager of this intimate, exposed warehouse, I had coordinated more weddings here than I could count. I’d seen every great idea, every example of commitment, every celebration of love. Six years and six months after my first day of work at the Ravenswood Event Center, the best day ever had finally arrived. It was MY wedding.

All of the stress and anxiety that I usually feel for my couples met me on my special day. But with each step, I was getting closer to my friends, my family, my colleagues, and my husband.

As I reached the top, I was greeted with the familiar scent of the cologne Dave had worn on our first date and the proud smile I had so recently cracked during our first look. I held my grandmother’s brooch tightly around a blush bouquet, and walked down the aisle of the Atrium to meet him.

Our officiant began by sharing our love story, one that was 15 years in the making. After a series of traditions, vows of commitment and life changing questions, we spoke directly to one another. Making promises to understand each others’ wants, admirations, love, and to spend the rest of our lives side-by-side. The homespun location and our family, our friends and our humble vendors who have become friends, in the crowd made every minute of that day unforgettable and so, so beautiful.

I remembered the last journal entry I wrote to him on April 11th, how fast 24 hours can pass, anticipating every one of the 365 passage and doodles he put to paper during the last year of our engagement. I thought ahead to our one year anniversary, where we will open the bottle of red we had picked during one of our many winery adventures and read the letters we wrote to each other on our wedding day.

As we walked our guests down the cracked sidewalk to the ordinary hallway I walk through every morning, I lost my breath at the enchantment, the candles and the transformation. I broke bread with our head chef, swung around the dance floor with my florist, and surprised my husband, not with the 16ft farm table of desserts, but the small, perfect Marine cake I secretly ordered to honor his time serving our country.

Every weekend, I cross my heart and hope for a clear blue sky. I fluff white, ruffled dresses, and am so satisfied when I can give my brides everything they had hoped for on their wedding day. But nothing will ever fill me like the generosity, the love and the hard work I received from those around me on my day. For every one of the candles suspended in the air, for every stem outlining the entrance into my reception, for every bite of our delicious dinner, I am truly grateful for all of those who made our special day an honest labor of love.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

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Elegant Chapel Wedding

Between the mint ‘maids and the lovely Dilly Lily blooms, this unbelievably stunning gallery from Kina Wicks Photography can only be described as dreamy. With a light filled venue and a peachy mint palette, this gorgeous affair is show-stopping from beginning to end. What lies beyond all the pretty is moment upon sweet moment of perfection. Click here for more and check out the fun I Do Film below!

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Romantic

From Kina Wicks Photography… Elegant and classic with a bit of whimsy is how I would describe Diana & Ryan’s day. Diana got ready for the day at their Lincoln Park home with her sweet dog Maya tagging along the entire time. There was an air of excitement the entire morning and it perfectly came together as Ryan had the biggest smile on his face as Diana walked down the aisle of Madonna Della Strada Chapel. The color scheme was a refreshing mint and peach and the perfect sunny day that accompanied the color scheme made the day truly beautiful.

Downtown Chicago Summer Engagement

This windy city e-shesh has totally run away with my heart after laying eyes on all the lovely images from Jacqui Cole Photography. With Chicago as their backdrop, these lovebirds were all smiles and sweet stares as they embarked on their city stroll. A lovely riverwalk against a beautiful skyline, the gallery is filled with even more gorgeousness, and you can see it all right here.

From Jacqui Cole Photography…I just love everything about Lauren and Mike’s quintessential Chicago engagement session. Lauren and Mike are both from Arizona and were planning their Chicago wedding from a distance. They are such an easy going, kind-hearted couple. We started the session at the Art Institute and strolled down Michigan Avenue to Chicago’s River walk. It was a beautiful summer’s evening and it made the perfect backdrop for this stunning couple :)

I’m so glad that our schedules worked out to fit in their session before the big day! I absolutely love when my couples opt to do an engagement session for multiple reasons. Firstly, how often do you get to have professional, romantic photos of you and your beau?! I still have my e-session photos framed all over our home. I think it’s really important to capture such a special time in your lives, in such an effortless way. Secondly, it’s super beneficial for the wedding day! I find that my couples that I get to connect with over their e-session are always instantly relaxed when they see me on the big day. The entire evening is all about creating wonderful memories that will be captured for years to come.

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography

Weddings & Events at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel)

Take just one step inside the doors at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) and one thing will be certain… this is the place you’ll host your wedding. Because The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) isn’t just any wedding venue, it’s the perfect combo of breathtaking beauty (hello, Grand Ballroom) and top-notch service… all wrapped up in one dream-worthy locale.

Located just steps from the amazingness that is North Michigan Avenue and nestled amongst some of the world’s coolest landmarks (think the Museum of Contemporary Art and the John Hancock Building), The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is not only a seriously stunning place to say I do, it boasts a team of Wedding Experts that will handle every last aspect of your big day, from providing those much needed vendor recommendations to customizing yummy menus to organizing the guest accommodations. And speaking of guests, they’re going to love sampling the crazy culinary skills of Executive Chef Martin Knaubert, the floor-to-ceiling skyline views of Chicago and the 400,000 crystal chandelier located in the ballroom. It’s basically a wedding paradise.

So what are you waiting for, lovelies? Head on over to The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) (and their blog!) to start planning your dream wedding… you’ll even receive a guest room stay the night prior to the wedding day and complimentary lunches for the men’s and women’s changing rooms on the day of the wedding!

Photography: Amanda Hein Photography | Photography: Kingensmith | Photography: Katie Kett Photography | Photography: Gerber + Scarpelli Wedding Photography | Photography: Kent Drake Photography

Bachelor Pad 2 Winner Ties the Knot in Chicago

For all you Bachelor Pad fans, you might recognize a few friendly faces at this elegant Chicago affair. When Michael Stagliano married his true love, Emily, surrounded by friends and family last Memorial Day weekend, it was a day to remember. From the classic elegance of Galleria Marchetti, to the delightful details choreographed by Big City Bride and captured by the always-wonderful David Wittig, you’ll see in a heartbeat just how lovely the day was! See more of the fun they had at the party – and spot those familiar ABC faces in the gallery! Oh — and don’t miss the same-day-edit film from Imagique Weddings.

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Style Me Pretty Midwest Welcomes Our Advertisers + A GIVEAWAY!

From Big City Bride… Michael Stagliano ABC’s The Bachelorette star in 2009, Bachelor Pad 2 winner in 2011 and Bachelor Pad 3 in 2012 tied the knot in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, exactly two years from their first moment together in Chicago. Michael Stagliano and his beautiful fiancee Emily Tuchscherer’s love is quite the fairytale. Chrissy Magliano of Big City Bride planned the wedding of their dreams at Galleria Marchetti, an enchanting venue. The outdooor ceremony was intimate and romantic. The couple shared their vows under a beautiful structure covered in soft white draping and flower petals lining the aisle. Cocktail hour followed in the courtyard. During this time guests signed Michael and Emily’s one of a kind guest book. The couple asked each guest to help design art work for their home. Guests grabbed a bottle of spray paint and designed!

The reception moved into the tented area at Galleria Marchetti. The design was classic and elegant. The reception was full of fun surprise dances performed by the wedding party. Michael, Emily, Michael’s twin brother (married to Bachelorette winner DeAnna Stagliano) and Emily’s sister surprised guests with a dance to “Classic” by MKTO. Later, Michael and his groomsmen performed a surprise dance dedicated to Emily, which was a mix of songs showcasing Michael’s breakdancing moves. Many Bachelor/Bachelorette alums were in attendance at the wedding including: Tenley Molzahn, Kiptyn Locke, Robby Descant, Ed Swiderski and Michael Stagliano’s twin brother Stephen Stagliano with his “Bachelorette” wife DeAnna Pappas.

When it comes to wedding day beauty, Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team really knows how its done. From glamorous updos to that perfect smokey eye and everything in between, their team of beauty experts will make sure you look like the best you on your wedding day. Fabulous? We think so. Spend your Saturday getting to know them… and check out the amazing giveaway below!

From Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team… Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team are experts at helping you develop the look your trying to achieve! Every artist on our team is an expert in their field. We all teach makeup and/or hair to other artists and travel the country working with bridal magazines and designers helping them create the looks they love. We know that every wedding is different and every bride is unique! We know you want to look your best self, not a cookie cutter of another bride.

You’ve spent hours creating this overall look and feeling for the day. Our wish is to take all of that information and create a look with you that perfectly fits you into that feeling. Are you a Vintage Bride? Classic Bride? Romantic Bride? Or a bride like no one has seen before? We’ve worked with them all and meeting you is what we’re excited to do.

At our trials we sit down with you and customize a look that makes you feel nothing less than amazing. Looking forward to meeting you!

Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team is giving away a free makeup lesson and an an organic spray tan (Value $200)! To enter, just leave a comment below telling us your ideal look for your wedding day! A winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, January 30th. For terms and conditions, click here. Good luck, lovelies!

Winter Wonderland Holiday Inspiration

‘Tis the season for holiday decorating, my friends, and the talented team at Art of Imagination is here to show us just how awesome it truly is. Think rustic meets contemporary with a big ol’ side of glitter to really spice up the action. Now add in the crazy cool venue known as Chez and Amanda Hein Photography to capture it all beautifully with her lens and, voila! Pure perfection. See it all here.

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