Illinois Weddings

I’m pretty sure I was on my way to building at least a hundred photo boards when I first sat down with this wedding. I just couldn’t stop myself. Can you blame me really? This wedding is what wedding bloggers’ dreams are made of. So editing this beauty down wasn’t an easy task. Thankfully all the images from Gina Cristine  are nice and comfy in this gallery, and boy is it a beautiful place to be. See it all here.

It all started back when they were in the 6th grade together. Meeting for the first time when they were 11 years old, never did they think they would end up spending the rest of their lives together! They went out for about a week but it didn’t work out just then. While remaining friends for years, throughout high school they would find themselves hanging out every once in a while. After graduation they went their separate ways. Four years later, during a random night out with some friends they both ran into each other at a local bar. Steph knew after seeing him again there was something special about Tim. Since that night, they haven’t stopped talking and this October will mark six years together. After Tim graduated from law school, he moved to DC to train for his career. Steph finished school and moved to DC to be with him so that they could start their lives together in June 2011. They now reside in Washington, D.C., where Tim works for the government and Stephanie is a dental hygienist.

Tim proposed to Steph October 14, 2011. On this day, Tim had a limousine pick her up from work and take her to the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Island. During the drive to this location, the driver was not allowed to tell her where they were going, but only allowed to pass along a number of cards (timed out during the 15 minute ride) that expressed how much Tim loves her and that slowly raised the big question. Since the date was close to their celebrated anniversary, Steph wasn’t quick to jump to the biggest probability; although as soon as the cards were being passed she knew right away. During the ride, a mix of songs were playing in the background that Tim and Steph both had a connection with, and reminded Steph of their time together. She was dropped off by a bridge that led her on a path through the park to the Lyndon Johnson Memorial. It started to drizzle as she was walking the path, so she started walking faster, she saw through the bushes on the winding path, Tim standing all alone waiting her to meet him. She ran toward him, standing so handsome, in one of her favorite dress shirts of his, while Steph was in her scrubs from work. It started raining a little harder now, when Tim saw Steph, they both were very emotional, Tim started expressing his love for her. The backdrop of their engagement site was the view of the National Mall, from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Capital Building. Tim got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. It was the best moment! Filled with excitement, they went back to their apartment at the time, and Tim had another surprise waiting for her. He made a slideshow of pictures and fun jokes expressing his love, and also surprised her with a trip to Philadelphia for the weekend. On their trip they spent their days exploring and making great memories!

Next was the wedding planning! First thing first, was picking a date for the special day! For a year a half, they planned for the best day of their lives and came about the wedding date by combing the days that mark both of their birthdays! Tim was born December 22nd, and Steph was born May 6th, so it made perfect sense to pick 06/22/13. Being from Chicago, they planned their big day in the city! They had a lot of fun traveling back and forth from D.C. to Chicago, meeting with vendors, enjoying food tastings, having bachelor/bachelorette parties, hair and makeup trials, multiple dress fittings, and finally picking out all of the details to make the day just perfect.

Steph always envisioned their big day as something with a classic but modern chic feel while tying in some rustic accents. She wanted to turn the day into something truly beautiful and a day to definitely remember. She was fortunate enough to have a lot of close friends and family that have many great talents that helped the day turn into a unique event, and everyone made their mark in some way. Some examples of special touches; Tim had a custom made suit that fit to perfection, Steph added a customized belt that to her dress for personal detail, and Tim, Steph’s father and brother all wore handkerchiefs in memory of the recent passing of Stephanie’s grandmother on 05/22/2013. Steph’s brother created the remarkable graphics on all of the stationery made for their day. Steph’s cousin made all of the beautiful jewelry for the bridesmaids. Linda Farber, Stephanie’s maid of honor (Sarah Farber) mother, was the florist. She did an amazing job creating arrangements that were beautiful and unique. Steph’s maid of honor was also the connection to the wonderful work of the hair and makeup artists! Tim and Steph’s officiant, Dale West, is a close friend and the fiance of one of Steph’s bridesmaids, Sheila Walsh. Steph’s mother, Pam, has a great talent for design and creativity and helped with ideas that were incorporated into the ceremony and reception decor, as well as Steph’s jewelry and blusher. Stephanie wore a pearl bracelet that was created through each birthday that she has had. Her mom had purchased a pearl for every birthday, creating a string of pearls fit for a perfect wedding accent. It was very special to Stephanie and her mom. Pam also made the blusher that Steph wore during the ceremony. The single pearl on the headpiece belonged to her beloved grandmother, along with the handkerchiefs previously mentioned. A truly unique touch was when Steph’s brother, Nigel Dennis, sang her down the aisle during the ceremony, and Alan Broomhead (Tim’s father) performed during Tim’s dance with his mother at the reception. The music selection was planned throughout the entire day and set the mood for a great party, from Tim and Steph’s first dance to Alicia Keys Not Even The King, all the way to the very last choice, Kanye West Homecoming. Everything was planned to a T and they couldn’t have imagined it any better! It really was the best day in both of their lives and a great start to a wonderful life in marriage together.

Having been married for a few months now, it has been such a great experience. Starting a new life together is full of unexpected possibilities and excitement! They look forward to traveling and living life to the fullest as newlyweds, with plans to start a family in a few years. No one knows what their future holds, but they are so happy to be able to spend the rest of it together!

Photography: Gina Cristine | Floral Design: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Reuter's Bakery | Shoes: Nine West | Shoes: Steve Madden | Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | Shoes: Johnston & Murphy | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bari Jay | Catering: Cucina Paradiso | Catering: 2MayToz Event Catering | Makeup: Jessica McKane | Hair: Salon 95 | DJ: Toast and Jam | Ties: Calvin Klein | Groom's Attire: Astor and Black | Groomsmen Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo | Wedding Venue: Loft on Lake | Accomodations: Hyatt Regency Chicago | Blusher: Pamela Dennis | Bridesmais Jewelry: Emily Ellison | Cuff Links: Calvin Klein | Monogram Tie Bars: Spiffing Jewelry | Sash: J.Crew | Stationery Suite: Nigel Evan Dennis | Tie: Hugo Boss

Brides are so smart these days, I swear. They realize just how important it is to let a fabulous photographer like Markit Photography capture all the little moments leading up to their big day. So now this couple not only has the fabulous memories of this time in their lives, they also have stunning images to prove it. See it all here.

From Markit Photography… Kelli and Fei are such a gorgeous couple! Just look. Kelli reached out to me about their unique wedding earlier this year. She described the photography and day as more of a couples shoot with she and Fei around their city, and a dinner reception with family and friends.

The two are jet-setting off to Lake Como, Italy for a destination wedding this fall. Many of their family cannot make it across the pond so Kelli and Fei hosted a beautiful, 5-course dinner with wine pairing at the Roscoe Village restaurant, Piazza Bella.

Before the dinner, we took a quick stroll through Lincoln Park to get a few shots of the stunning couple, as well as snuck into the less-attractive, more unique and industrial parts of Chicago. The results were so fun, spontaneous and beautiful! The night couldn’t have been more perfect with live music, cocktail hour, fun and good food. I know these two will have a fabulous destination wedding and can’t wait to follow along in their journey!

Photography: Markit Photography | Florals: Gratitude-Heart-Garden | Dress: Amsale | Cake: Bake Chicago | Shoes: Brian Atwood | Suit: Suitsupply | Paper Goods: Noteworthy Notes | Restaurant: Piazza Bella | Shirt + Tie: Tom Ford

When I first laid eyes on this beauty of a wedding by Dabble Me This, I found myself speechless. I simply couldn’t find words to describe just how lovely this wedding really was. But, it really only takes one peek at all the pretty in this gallery to truly understand why words will never do it justice, but thankfully we have pages of pretty pictures that tell the story beautifully. See it all here.

From Dabble Me This… Emily and Andrew couldn’t of planned their wedding any better. I was in love with the Oscar Swan Country Inn the moment I stepped out of my car. It was the epitome of any bed and breakfast I’ve ever seen. I adore the soft natural colors and the hint of pink was perfect! Everything fit Emily and Andrew to a T. From the details to her dress, two words… simply stunning!

Emily and Andrew were surrounded by love, family and friends; which made their day truly an honor to be apart of. Being a photographer you couldn’t ask for anything more.

Photography: Dabble Me This | Florals: The Floral Company | Wedding Dress: The Dress By Nicole | Catering: Oscar Swan Country Inn | DJ: Crestline Entertainment | Men's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Wedding Venue: Oscar Swan Country Inn | Bridemaid Dresses: The Dress By Nicole

Sophisticated and elegant, this Chicago wedding is all about the beautiful details.  I’m talking drop-dead gorgeous florals from A Stem Above, a mesmerizing Pronovias gown and a Peninsula Hotel setting that will literally make your heart sing.  (It’s true.)  In other words, it’s a traditional stunner from start to finish and you can see every last love-filled moment captured by Emilia Jane Photography right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Our story is very unique.  Jimmy and I met randomly during the summer in Chicago – we all know how fun those are! I was en route to a concert with my best friend. We were waiting at a stoplight, and Jimmy rolled up to us on his bicycle (coming back from Castaways). Jimmy decided to strike up a conversation while we all waited for the light to change. It just so happens that he was going to the exact same concert as we were! Being the outspoken and daring guy that he is, he asked for my number and said we should hang out at the show – so we did! We ended up spending the summer together… and the rest is history!

When Jimmy proposed on my birthday trip to Chicago (we were living in New York at the time), we knew that there was no other place in the world we would rather tie the knot than Chicago. There are so many amazing venues in the city, so it was a hard choice for us to make, but the more and more we thought about it, we knew the Peninsula was the place for us. It was classic, open and airy, and Jimmy had experience throwing a party there before (with his Fraternity when he was in school at Northwestern). We wanted our wedding to be simple, elegant, and of course, an awesome party – which is exactly what we got. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Photography: Emilia Jane Photography | Floral Design: A Stem Above | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Invitations: Lee's Specialty | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair + Makeup: Enrique Enriquez | Band: Momentum Talent Group | Groom's Suit: J.Crew | Wedding Venue: The Peninsula Chicago

These two are awesome.  Like so seriously awesome that they managed to throw a stunning wedding that seamlessly combined modern stylings with rustic touches and romance as far as the eye can see.  And beyond all of the pretty (see: beautiful blooms from Hello Darling), they infused the entire day with sooo much personality. I’m talking a Pittsburgh-style Cookie Bar and a cake cutting ceremony to “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”  Dive into every amazing moment captured by Olivia Leigh Photography right here in the full gallery.

From Olivia Leigh… Emily and Ben had a gorgeous wedding that really crossed so many different styles and feels, but managed to effortlessly tie it all together. Emily and Ben are one of the most gorgeous couples I have ever met, and photographing them was such a pleasure, both from the beautiful and easy portraits to the emotional and heartfelt ceremony that was perfectly timed for the climax of sunset in the heart of Chicago.

The decor and flowers had a very vintage feel, with lots of golds and whites, but infused modernity with a sleek column gown, super modern short black shifts with exposed gold zippers for bridesmaid dresses, and amazing pointed toe black Tom Ford heels. The day also had a chic, romantic feel, but then amped up at the reception with an *amazing* band that the couple flew/drove in from the bride’s home of Pennsylvania, with the singer rocking a keytar (yes) and doing a loungey rendition of “Baby Got Back” (yes yes). They also had a Pittsburgh tradition, a cookie table where tons of women attending the wedding baked probably a thousand cookies, along with a lovely cake that the couple cut to “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”

Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie | Event Coordination: Lovebirds | Floral Design: Hello Darling Event Design | Wedding Dress: Palazzo | Cake: Sweet Mandy B's | Invitations: Magnificent Milestones | Catering: Galleria Marchetti | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: Galleria Marchetti | Music: John Parker Band

This Chicago wedding by Robyn Rachel Photography is the definition of drool-worthy. From start to finish, it filled with wow-worthy details that could make your jaw drop a time or two. From the stunning jewerly to the gorgeous florals from A Stem Above to the beautiful couple saying I do – it’s pure prettiness in every sense of the word, and there is even more to see right here.

From the Bride… Our theme was modern elegance with a Pakistani twist. We met, fell in love, and got engaged in Chicago so it seemed fitting to also get married in our favorite city. For our venue we chose our favorite hotel with our ideal style, The Wit Hotel.

Although the groom’s family is from Chicago, the location was a destination for all other guests including Adnan and I. We met in medical school at Loyola University School of Medicine, but since graduating our residencies have taken us away from the city we love. We visit whenever possible and always stay at The Wit Hotel, making it our home away from home. We dated for almost six years before getting engaged on the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River. We agreed immediately that we needed to get married in downtown Chicago. Planning a destination wedding was made carefree with our amazing wedding planner from Big City Bride. The week leading up to the wedding was filled with a Nikha, Mendhi and Walima—all beautiful and colorful Muslim traditions.

The big day was started out with brunch, mimosas, hair and make-up in the wedding suite for the bride, mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids. Everything about our big wedding day was a fusion between the two of us. The ceremony was short and simple with readings from the Bible and the Koran. My mom walked me down the isle and our families wrote letters to each other that we tied in a box with a ribbon, not to be opened until our 1-year anniversary. My dress was a simple light gold fitted dress accented with over-the-top sparkling Pakistani jewelry. My hair and make-up were perfect and beyond what I imagined. The ceremony was small, intimate and candle lit. It was perfection!

We then celebrated with a cocktail hour on the Roof at The Wit with beautiful photos of city views. Our reception was beautiful with gorgeous floral centerpieces and lighting filled with our color scheme of golds, purples, fuschia and orange, designed by A Stem Above. The reception was highlighted by dancing, humorous speeches and a photobooth. The food was superb and late night bites were a big hit. The cake was gorgeous and delicious; in fact people are still talking out the cake months after the wedding!

The entire day our amazing photographer, Robyn Rachel, created artistic and beautiful shots culminated with night time sparklers and images in front of the Chicago Theater. We have gorgeous photographic memories of the best day of lives.

Photographer: Robyn Rachel Photography | Wedding Planner: Big City Bride | MakeUp: Juli Valdez | Hair: Nicci Loiacono | Lighting: VLS | Officiant: Father Greg | Wedding Venue: The Wit Hotel | Floral and Decor: A Stem Above | Music: Monastero Entertainment | Video: Lexoria Wedding Films

I’ve professed my love for Chicago weddings a time or two on this blog, but I don’t think I’ll stop any time soon. Mostly when I come across a wedding like this one at The Drake. It’s the definition of Chicago chic, and the exact reason why I will never tire of weddings in the windy city. It’s filled to the brim with gorgeous florals from Exquisite Designs, a gorgeous cake from Amy Beck Cake Design that almost looks too pretty to eat, and it’s all captured beautifully by Bellissima Photography  – making me fall head over heels for Chicago weddings all over again. See why here.

From the Bride… Brian and I chose the Drake because we love Chicago and wanted to incorporate a Chicago theme as much as we could and felt The Drake has so much history behind it and is one of the most famous hotels in the city. We had looked at a lot of places and when we walked into the Gold Coast Room, it was the first and only place Brian really loved so I knew we had to have it there.
It was also important to me to have our ceremony at a Catholic Church because I grew up going to Catholic schools and when I moved to the city, I joined Holy Name as a parishioner and knew I wanted to get married there. It also has so much history and beauty behind it so it tied in well with The Drake.
I chose my vendors mostly on referrals. I met with 3 vendors each and whoever I felt most comfortable with and had a connection with, I selected them. I knew they would be a big part of how our day played it out so it was important I clicked with them and had a good relationship with them.
Brian and I met indirectly through a mutual friend. He was out with our friend and I ran into them and Brian saw me and thought I was cute and the next day our friend called me telling me that and we met up again on St Patrick’s Day and the rest is history. We both share a lot of the same interests-being active and outside, similar tastes in food, both working for our families companies and the importance of family to both of us. I’m a little more vocal and outgoing, while he is quiet, so we balance one another well.
He proposed to me on February 1, 2012 in St Lucia. We had gone out on an excursion that day and I was so tired and wanted to just order room service and relax that night and he was extremely insistent that we eat at the hotel restaurant. I finally gave in and got dressed with no make up on and not drying my hair. We ate dinner and then he suggested we go down by the pool to overlook the ocean and when we got down there, they had two champagne glasses and candles and he proposed!

Photography: Bellissima Photography | Cinematography: Lexoria Films | Event Planner: Soiree Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Exquisite Designs, Inc. | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Invitations: Printing Plus | Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral | Reception: The Drake | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Makeup: Juan Jose Herrera (Mario Tricoci) | Hair: Frankie Christina | DJ: Okyne Media Lab

Aside from the Bride walking down the aisle, the first dance always melts my heart. It’s a sweet moment of pure excitement for the newly weds, with bursting smiles that sum up how deeply in love they are with each other. Swoon. It doesn’t get more romantic that that! But, when it comes to prepping for your big debut, you may want to consider some lessons and tips from the pro’s, like our friends at Dance SPA. They’ll teach you how to dip, twirl and tango your little hearts out and they’re here today with a handful of crash course tips for what to expect!

Why should an engaged couple take dance lessons prior to their wedding?
Engaged couples should take lessons prior to the wedding for many reasons. Most brides dream about twirls and dips on the day of her wedding and many grooms are unsure how to properly lead a twirl or dip. It is important to look cool and confident on the dance floor or most couples. In just a handful of lessons, an instructor can have the couple moving across the floor and twirling and dipping with ease. The next important reason is often over looked. There is a lot of pressure, stress, and tough decisions to be made months prior to the wedding. Couples have found dance lessons to be fun, relaxing and perfect one on one time during the intense planning leading up to the big day.

How far in advance should a couple start taking dance lessons before the big day? 
Couples should start lessons 3-6 months prior to the wedding.

What should a couple bring to their dance lessons?
Couples should bring a CD or ipod with their song choices. Typically couples will have more than one song in mind for their first dance. An instructor can help couples pick the song that will be easiest to dance to and create the ideal mood or the first dance.

Should the couple already have their wedding song picked out, prior to their lessons? 
Couples do not have to have one song picked out prior to their lessons. It is good to have a few options. The instructor can show you different dance styles that will work for each song. The couple can then decide which style best suits them for their ideal first dance.

How long should the first dance last?
Wedding dances should be 2:30 minutes to 3:30 minutes. Just enough time for everyone to oh and awe at how happy the couple looks! There are two main styles of first dances. The first is the most simple and can be done in 3-10 lessons. This first dance includes a few turns, dips and poses and travels around the dance floor. This style is more about comfort and has an elegant look with little “entertainment value.” The second style is more complex with flashy moves, side by side choreography, and lots of show stopping and entertainment pizzazz. Depending on the couples vision, this can be achieved in 5-20 lessons. Most of the time, the instructor is able to splice music to provide the couple with the ideal song length.

What are some of the most appropriate dance styles for the couple’s main wedding dance?
The dance style for a first dance is often dictated by the song the couple chooses. Most common dance styles used are Foxtrot, Rumba, Night Club Two Step, Swing, Waltz and Tango.

What are some of the main differences between group and private lessons? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?
In group dance lessons couples are forced to learn at the pace of the others in the group and limited to the steps that are planned for the class. Groups are a great way to get started and learn about your teacher and some of the dance terms and vocabulary. Private lessons are more individualized and planned for the couple. On a private lesson couples can learn at their own pace and often feel more comfortable asking questions when having trouble with a step. A disadvantage is often scheduling conflicts.

What types of clothing and shoes should be worn to a dance lesson?
Comfortable shoes that you can dance in are the best to wear on a lesson. Most common shoes are ballet flats, dress shoes, and wedding dress shoes. Never wear a flip flop to adance lesson. Clothing for dance lessons can vary from suits and ties if they are coming from the office, jeans or comfortable workout clothes. Come dressed to move!

What is the best way for a couple to select a wedding dance studio and/or an instructor?
The best ways to select a dance studio or instructor is to read online reviews, find a convenient location, and ask friends! Word of mouth and others experiences is a great way to find a comfortable place.

[dotted]

See our full gallery of first dance moments, right here!

[dotted]

Dance Tips and Lessons: Dance SPA

As much as I adore a beautiful rustic or traditional wedding, modern parties are my happy place.  Clean, sophisticated lines, simplistic + breathtaking stylings, bold + dramatic details… I can never get enough.  And when that contemporary pretty makes it way to me as a mesmerizing photo shoot from a talented team of vendors that includes CityGirl Weddings, Greenstar Paperie and Ann & Kam Photography, that’s an entirely new level of happy.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

From Ann & Kam Photography… When dreaming about this shoot we, along with Sharokina from CityGirl Weddings, asked ourselves what a truly modern city wedding could look like. One of the wonderful things about a city like Chicago is the variety of styles and venues available, including wonderfully modern spaces like Venue SIX10. From the first time we visited, my husband, Kamran, and I were in awe of the open spaces, clean lines, wonderful light, and, of course, the amazing Michigan Avenue location of Venue SIX10.

Shar and I wanted to create a shoot that reflected the light and airiness of the modern space, with a pop of fun and whimsy. We chose a metallic silver with pops of yellow for our main colors. Adriana from Life Made Pretty provided the spectacular florals, from sophisticated calla lillies to light and delicate orchids. These provided a wonderful pop of color for the centerpieces as well as the lounge areas. Our outdoor lounge area, in particular, provided cozy chairs and an array of sophisticated florals that really popped against the cool blue of Venue SIX10’s outdoor balcony.

The beautiful gowns by VWIDON really set the tone for sleek sophistication. Venue SIX10 provided many of the accessories used in the shoot, including most of the jewelry and the sleek toasting flutes. Couples can purchase these unique and chic items right in the Venue SIX10 gift shop. What a cool way to remember your venue!

Our thanks to our lovely models Erin Thompson, Alexandra Pinheiro, Matt Hansen and Ryan Crice!

Photography: Ann & Kam Photography & Cinema | Floral Design: Life Made Pretty | Stationery: GreenStar Paperie | Jewelry: Spertus Shop | Makeup: Flawless Beauty | Hair: Jen Johnson | Suits: Formally Modern Tuxedo | Venue: Venue SIX10 | Design + Coordination: Citygirl Weddings | Dress Design: VWIDON | Linens: Windy City Linens | Modeling Agency: Intrigue Talent

Ok, I adore this engagement session from Diana Lupu Photography. The images are breathtaking, that red dress is to die for, and the location is perfection – but the thing that really puts me over the edge (the good edge, of course) is the way these two look at each other. It’s beyond adorable, and you can see every sweet look right here.

From the Bride… Doug and I met in Chicago, fell in love in Chicago and of course then planned our wedding celebrations…in Chicago! So it was a no brainer to take our engagement photos in the lovely courtyard of the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church right in the heart of our city. We were lucky enough to work with the uber-talented Diana and her sweet husband Adi from Diana Lupu Photography. We wanted the look to be a representation of us – simple and classic – and to be outside because we love summer in the city.

Photography: Diana Lupu | Venue: Fourth Presbyterian Church

I actually had the pleasure of visiting family friends in Chicago when I was 14 years old. I was much too young to really grasp everything the city had to offer, but I do distinctly remember feeling like it held its own kind of magic. I’ve been meaning to go back to experience it properly ever since, and with Alexis Buryk‘s tips & tricks I know I’ll be well equipped when I do. Plus? There’s a whole gallery filled with lots more if you’re looking for it!

From Alexis.. Chicago is a city of ambles and sprawls, nestled and tall against the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Ignore what you’ve heard about it being a version of anywhere else. Meeting this Midwest city on its own terms is the only way to experience its real charms: the orange glow of its lights at night, the sips and tastes of its ever-bustling food and drink scene, the form and function of its remarkable and historic architecture, and the pleasure of being surrounded by genuine and friendly people.

While the Loop remains Chicago’s iconic physical center, the city’s true heart lies in its neighborhoods. Pick a spot and take a walk, or hop on an L train and go from downtown skyscrapers to cozy close-knit streets in a few minutes. I’ve lived here for four years, and never tire of the way in which Chicago unfolds without pretension. It’s simply a city that knows itself, and one that you should get to know, too.

EAT + DRINK

Coffee + Sweets:
Chicago has some serious bean culture, so while you’re here check out homegrown roasters Intelligentsia. They have various locations throughout the city, including their original and recently updated spot in Lakeview. You can also find them served at Floriole, a Lincoln Park bakery that has the most incredible selection of flakey and sweet goods, in a beautiful and airy space.

Brunch + Lunch:
Wicker Park’s Division Street corridor has lots of great nosh options, my favorite of which is Milk + Honey. Go for a late morning coffee and pastry, or something more substantial like their huevos rancheros made casserole style, and take home some of their granola. Publican Quality Meats in the West Loop is the place to go for top notch sandwiches and picnic possibilities.

Pizza, Burgers + Hot Dogs:
Check out local Lincoln Park favorite Pequod’s for deep dish delights, away from where most of the tourists dine. If burgers and true Chicago hot dogs (no ketchup, ever!) are more your thing, Lakeview’s DMK Burger Bar with its delightful options (lamburgers with tzatziki sauce? yum!) and Hot Doug’s dogs and duck fat French fries in Avondale are definitely the way to go.

Sips + Supper:
This category is bursting with delicious potential, because Chicagoans love their sips and suppers, especially when the weather is fine and you can sit outside. Tiny Lounge in North Center has great small plates to share and a solid cocktail and wine menu, while Scofflaw in Logan Square offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of spirits. Hopleaf in Andersonville has a staggering amount of beer on tap, including some great imports, while Revolution Brewing Company continues to astound with its original brews rotating constantly, and food that puts other pub grub to shame. If you’re looking for something just a little more fancy, make a reservation or cozy up to the bar at The Girl and the Goat, the incredible restaurant headed by Stephanie Izzard of Top Chef fame, which defies description, other than to say it is completely delectable and worth every penny!

SEE
Before heading out to wander the neighborhoods of Chicago, begin downtown where ornate 19th and 20th century architectural gems and the silvery structures of Millennium Park and Cloudgate (aka the Bean) are main attractions. Take a walk through the gardens and stop by the Art Institute of Chicago if an art-filled afternoon is on your mind. Architectural boat tours on the river are also a favorite of tourists and locals alike, for the education and sheer beauty of cruising along the Chicago river in a canyon of skyscrapers.

Up further north in the Gold Coast, you can meander among the mansions of Chicago’s elite, and make your way along the Lakefront Trail into Lincoln Park, where the city’s Greenmarket is held in warm weather every Wednesday and Saturday. And if you’re not completely exhausted yet, continue up towards Wrigleyville, and take in the amazing structure of the ballpark while ignoring the teeming crowds of boisterous revelers. Take in an improv show at the iO Theater, and finish your day with a nightcap after riding the Brown line L train back south towards a glittering cityscape.

SHOP
There are so many walkable shopping corridors within the city, retail therapy is all too easy! For home items and antiques, check out Swedish neighborhood Andersonville between Foster and Bryn Mawr, where shops like Scout and Roost offer great curated finds while The Brown Elephant resale shop is like a treasure hunt, with the bonus of all your purchases benefiting the Howard Brown Health Center. The Halsted and Armitage corridors of tony Lincoln Park have upscale clothing and body care shops in their quaint brick buildings, while nearby Old Town features shops like the lush A New Leaf for exquisite flowers.

Lovers of bookshops and record stores should meander down Broadway in Lakeview or Milwaukee and North Avenues in Wicker Park. And for a more eclectic afternoon, Lincoln Square on the far north side has shops ranging from kitchen goods (The Chopping Block) to mind-stretching games (Marbles: The Brain Store) to an old-fashioned Apothecary (Merz).

Photographer: Alexis Buryk

City Brides know chic. It’s in their DNA, making tying the knot amongst the stylish city streets a no brainer for them. And boy am I glad beautiful Brides like this one sitting in these gorgeous images from Sarah Postma chose to do so. Because the result is a wedding dripping with style and layered with love, and you can see every last fabulous moment of her chic day right here.

From Sarah… How lucky for Ellie and Jack to be married in Chicago! I can’t get enough of this lovely city, with its mix of classic and modern architecture set alongside beautiful Lake Michigan. Their traditional ceremony took place downtown at Holy Name Cathedral, and photography followed along the lakeshore at Olive Park, with its stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Their reception at Hotel Palomar had a perfect clean and modern look, and I loved their stunning floral decor expertly and elegantly done by Yanni Design Studio.

Photographer: Sarah Postma Photography | Florist: Yanni Design Studio | Ceremony Venue: Holy Name Cathedral | Reception Venue: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Music: Stitely Entertainment

Beautiful barn weddings dripping in gorgeous DIY details are my favorite.  They’re all at once intimate and lovely, with the sweetest atmosphere you could ever wish for on your wedding day.  Add in two cuties with a love that literally bursts from the computer screen, bundles of perfectly imperfect florals from Blooming Creations and fabulous paper goods designed by those aforementioned cuties and this, my friends, is the perfect way to spend your Wednesday.  See it all captured by Amanda Megan Miller in the full gallery.

From Amanda Megan Miller Photography… The chemistry between these two is just ridiculous. The way they just effortlessly settle into each others arms, they way they look at each other with unabashed love, and the way they make each other laugh with such ease – its like their love was written to be, written to fit together in this perfect way like puzzle pieces. Not only is their love a perfect fit, but so is their skill in the crafting department. Every single detail of their wedding was either a family heirloom, a hand-picked antique, or hand-crafted by the couple themselves! Jess says Bridgette comes up with the ideas and Jess figures out how to make it work! From the design and creation of their invitation suite to the amazing letter H marquee light for their reception backdrop! Everything was thought of and styled to perfection for their barn wedding!

[dotted]

Photography: Amanda Megan Miller Photography | Event Design: Designed + Handcrafted by Couple | Ceremony + Reception Location: Byron Colby Barn | Cinematography: Chelsea Styler | Floral Design: Blooming Creations | Catering: Chef David Fiesta Catering | Invitations: Designed by Couple | Photobooth: Traveling Photo Booth | Baker: Baking Institute | DJ: Just Press Play Productions | Makeup + Hair: Flawless by Tiffany | Suit: Ann Taylor | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Shoes: Qupid Heels + Frye Oxfords 

It’s easy to fall head over heels in love with this wedding. The pretty palette, the gorgeous blooms, the modern setting of the Greenhouse Loft – it all makes for one sweet fête to swoon over. But what if I told you the icing on this pretty cake is that this Bride’s dress was made by her mother? Because it so was, which totally ups the ante if you ask me. See it all here.

From Christy Tyler Photography…Kyle and Erin have a love that is palpable. When these two are together they just light up the room, and that is exactly what they did on their wedding day! These two wanted to create a wedding that was unique and that felt like themselves, and they did just that. It was a perfectly laid-back day held at Greenhouse Loft full of so much joy, good food, and beautiful music. And I can’t help but mention that Erin’s stunning dress was made by her mom!

Photography: Christy Tyler Photography | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Urban Outfitters | Catering: Food For Thought | Makeup: Brandon Trumfio | Hair: Jack Alexander Salon | DJ: Mobile Music | Ceremony & Reception: Greenhouse Loft | Groomsmen Wear: Men's Wearhouse | Preparations: Hotel Monaco

There is no other way to say it – this engagement session from WojoImage Photography is downright adorable. From the sweet stationery by Chykalophia Design (hello save the date kite!) right down to all the nautical touches – each and every moment planned by HeartilyWed couldn’t be cuter. See it all here.

What better way to spend your sunny summer day then at the beach with your loved one. We wanted to incorporate just that into our inspirational nautical themed engagement session. Details such as: balloons, coca cola and a custom made kite made this session fun and unique. The kite was custom designed especially for this session and it even matched the nautical custom designed invitation suite. We hope that with this session we can inspire couples to get creative and have fun during their engagement sessions. [dotted] Photography: WojoImage Photography | Stationery: Chykalophia Design | Stylist: Ari Krzyzek | Hair + Makeup, Accessories: Evelyn Smesh | Organized by: HeartilyWed | Models: Evelyn Smesh & Will O’Connor | Location: Gillson Park, Wilmette, Illinois

Chicago has chic down to a science. I don’t know what it is, but couples that call that city home know how to throw a glamorous affair. And this pretty little number from Robyn Rachel Photography and planned by Big City Bride is the perfect example. It’s Louboutin‘s and a gorgeous Rivini gown. It’s the gorgeous ballroom of Chicago Cultural Center filled with twinkling candles and florals from A Stem Above. This wedding is literally overflowing with gorgeous, and you can see it all right here.

From the Bride…Jimmy and I knew that we wanted to get married in Chicago right away- we met in Chicago- in poetry class at Loyola, we had our first date in the city and eventually, 6 years later, he proposed in the city- at the Art Institute at the same Lion his grandfather proposed to his grandmother.  We still go to the same church in the city so we knew exactly where we wanted to have the ceremony.

We chose a winter wedding because Christmas is my favorite holiday and I LOVE the city right before the holidays with the lights and music.  Everyone always seems to be in a great mood around the holidays no matter what.  I wanted something different-after all, I had been in so many weddings, none of which were in the winter.  We wanted a wedding unlike any we had gone to before and this time of year was perfect for that.  

I would have to say I first knew I wanted a winter wedding when I saw Katherine Heigls wedding back in 2007-It was the first wedding I looked at in a magazine that truly took my breath away.   She did all red and white- with candles everywhere which I liked at the time but 5 years later, I changed my mind abit.   I wanted more of a glamour/vintage old Hollywood vibe while keeping it classic.  I was looking for inspiration in hundreds of magazines and finally I found this one bouquet with amnesia roses- the perfect “vintage” colored flower.  Its a pink/purple/beige/blue/gray color and it remains my favorite flower!  I chose ivory flowers because that has the winter/snow touch and the light blue berries/ dusty miller also gave it the winter/holiday feel.  I knew I wanted candles everywhere and mercury glass candle holders so I chose the textured gold table cloth to compliment the room and the mercuryglass.  The candles gave it the romantic/night time feel that I was going for- I had to keep in mind that it was going to be dark outside during the whole reception since I chose to have a winter wedding.  Rather than red, I chose eggplant was my “pop” of color to give the flowers, tables and room some dimension.  I chose green because it gave that tiny Christmas touch without being too clich.  I picked the mirrored Vases because my house is filled with mirrored furniture- I love it!!  The baby’s breath at cocktail hour was inspired by the idea of making it feel like there was a huge poof of snow- It was important to me that I still had that winter vibe and since there was no snow outside that day- I am glad we had some inside (even if it was flowers).

I really took the beauty of the room & the Tiffany dome into account when choosing the color scheme.  I wanted to compliment the room not compete with it.  All the colors together looked so rich and sophisticated and that’s exactly what I was going for!  We had round and rectangular tables and there were a total of 4 different tables capes. We wanted a combo of high and low center pieces.  We liked the dimension it added to the room and it was important to me that everyone could talk amongst each other at the tables.  The fruitwood chairs also gave it that touch of class I was going for.

I know that they like the DIY touches- I went to archivers for the favors and used a die cut to cut out all of the snowflakes and then I bought glitter spray to make them shimmer once they were cut and then I used 2 separate stamps for the “thank you” and the bride and groom.  Then we just pre tied them and bought the stickers to make then stay in place on the prosecco bottles.  Prosecco is my favorite wine and thats why we chose it as our favors for our guests.

[dotted]

Photography: Robyn Rachel Photography | Event Planning: Chrissy Magliano, Big City Bride | Floral Design: A Stem Above | Transportation: Select & Royale Limousine Services | Linens: Big City Bride | Lighting: Video Light Sound | Band: Final Say | Cake: Alliance Bakery | Sweet Table: Sweet Mandy Bs | Food: Blue Plate | Invitations: Carlson Craft | Place Cards/Menus: Paper Source | Videography: Lexoria | Hair: Nicci Loiacono | Tuxes: Joseph Aboud | Wedding Dress: Rivini |Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Venue: Chicago Cultural Center

Mixing rustic and modern just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite wedding combinations; a style choice that is guaranteed to make me weak in the knees the moment I lay my eyes on its pure awesomeness.  Such is the case with this beautiful day captured by C. Tyson Photography, a stop-you-in-your-tracks DIY affair set against the industrial amazingness known as the Prairie Street Brewhouse and featuring one of the most beautiful bouquets you will ever, ever see from Broadway Florist.  Soak in every last gorgeous moment right here in the full gallery.

From Christopher… I met Brittany and Joe in 2010 when I photographed their friends’ wedding. They were just dating at the time and were both in the Bridal Party. After seeing the photographs from that wedding, they made it clear that when they did get married, I would be the one to document their wedding. Fast forward three years and here we are! Brittany and Joe have been absolutely huge vocal supporters of me over the years and when they got their engagement photographs, I could not believe how rapidly they spread them through every social media platform. I feel they did a great job of honoring tradition yet they were not afraid to make it theirs. They even tossed the idea of cake out the window and just had an ice cream bar instead!

The church they were married at was St. Bridget Church and is very unique with the entire sanctuary being round with a spire in the middle that lets all kinds of natural light pour into the venue. This church is the church that Joe and his entire family grew up in. So while the space is beautiful, the church means something to the couple. The reception space was the Prairie Street Brewhouse. The Brewhouse was originally built as the Peacock Brewery in the 1850’s. Through the years it has survived fires, the prohibition area, recessions and much more. Yet in the early 2000’s, the brewery was a shell of itself and it needed many repairs. In the past four years it has undergone an entire transformation and is now a hub in the downtown revival that Rockford, Illinois is undergoing. While it has been updated, the builders have been very careful to retain as many elements as possible to keep the rustic, urban feel that the Brewhouse had originally had.

Photographer: C. Tyson Photography | Florist: Broadway Florist | Wedding Dress: Sarah Grace | Ceremony Venue: St. Bridget Church | Reception Venue: Prairie Street Brewhouse | Caterer: Altamore | Hair and Makeup: Thexiprence Salon and Spa | Lighting: Luxe Productions | Lighting: Spin N Play | DJ: Spin N Play | Suits: Jos. A. Bank

People always ask me what really makes a wedding shine on SMP. My answer is always soul. When a wedding has so much heart you can feel it through the computer screen, that’s when I know it will resonate with everyone that passes by the pages of SMP today. This wedding from Photography by Katy Carlson has soul and then some, and it only takes one look at this gallery to see precisely what I’m talking about. See it all here.

From Katy… Kayla and Ethan’s wedding was inspired by Bilbo Baggin’s going away party from the “The Fellowship of the Ring”, except without the silly costumes. The venue could not have been more perfect with a miniature forested area for the ceremony, a grassy area for dancing and a tent for feasting. Upon arriving the guests were asked to light and hang a mason jar in the trees but the details didn’t stop there. Kids and grown-ups alike left their touch on a painting canvas and a canopy-tent decorated like a living room beckoned you to leave a note of advice to the Bride and Groom.

While some details were meticulously planned, others were left to unfold naturally such as the toasts and the open mic dancing. These spontaneous moments were what truly made the memories that night as they showcased what everyone who loved the couple was able to bring to the table. Following sparklers, the grooms dad even gathered everyone around to tell one of his kids’ favorite “scary stories” while guests cozied on the benches with blankets that had been laid out. This truly blissful day was one that everyone, both young and old, will be remembering for years to come.

From the Groom… Remembering the wedding is a lot like those moments after sleep where you find yourself trying as hard as you can to hold onto the slipping details of a good dream. I remember the feeling of the small of Kayla’s back when we kissed- delicate and a reminder, as well as a motivator for the sense of pride and protection I still feel. I remember the look of pride in my Father’s eyes, and loves in my new Mother-in-law’s. The lanterns reminded me of something out of Peter Pan, colored glowing mason jars suspended from trees like fireflies.

Photography: Photography by Katy Carlson | Wedding Dress: An Elegant Affair | Catering: Jazzy Rupert's | Wedding Venue: Dayspring Farm

It never fails.  Classic Chicago weddings always leave me speechless.  It’s true… no matter how many beautiful affairs I lay my eyes upon, I am never quite prepared for just how truly amazing they are, or how chock-full of pretty they can be.  And when it comes to speech-defying beauties, this Drake Hotel soiree is most definitely ranking high atop the list with a gold meets pink color palette, two seriously stunning sweeties and moment after moment of pure elegance.  See it all captured by Shane Welch right here.

From the Bride… Our wedding day was what I had dreamt it to be and more. After several days of rain leading up to the wedding, it ended up being a beautiful Spring day in Chicago- 71 degrees, partially sunny with a slight breeze. We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather.

The bridal party started the day by getting make-up done by Kayla Consolo of Make U Bella Artistry in the Executive Suite at the Drake Hotel. Hair was done by stylists at Salon Buzz located a couple of blocks away from the hotel. I absolutely loved my hair and make-up. It was simple, elegant and timeless. By mid-morning our photographers, Shane Welch and Samuel Grove from Shane Welch Photography, arrived to photograph the bridal party getting ready.

My wedding dress was an Oscar de la Renta two-piece, ball gown with a heavy lace bodice and silk taffeta skirt. The seamstress from Ultimate Bride hemmed the front of the dress 4 inches short so the beautiful pleating of the underskirt was visible. The dress fit like a glove! I added a cathedral veil for extra drama but, the most unique and stunning part of my ensemble was my 1930s Ert earrings passed down to me from my grandma. I also wore a vintage pearl bracelet and a vintage diamond tennis bracelet.

The ceremony took place at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Lincoln Park. It was a beautiful, intimate ceremony. It was so special to have an entire church filled with all the people in our lives that love and support us. In between the ceremony and reception, the bridal party went to Montrose Harbor for additional photos. Our photographer, Shane Welch, scouted different areas a few days before our wedding and discovered a beautiful bird sanctuary along Lake Michigan with Chicago’s skyline as the background. The setting was the perfect mix of nature and industrial!

The reception was held in the Gold Coast Room of The Drake Hotel, a Chicago landmark. The blush colored peony, rose and lemon leaf centerpieces by Anthony Gowder Designs, Inc. were soft and feminine which complimented the gilded ballroom beautifully. The finished room was absolutely breathtaking. We showcased our cake in the middle of the dance floor during dinner. Thanks to Amy Beck Cake Designs, our ombre blush and ivory butter cream cake was 5 tiers with each tier a different cake and frosting combination. The top of the cake was adorned with blush and pink peonies. A champagne toast parade started off the celebration and was followed by dinner, speeches and dancing. Our first dance was to “I Got You Babe” and was choreographed by Alex at Arthur Murray Studios. The band, Peter Hennes Orchestra, performed the song which definitely added to our special moment. The band played up-beat music the entire night as our guests danced the night away.

We had such a blast the entire day and night! I would not have changed one single thing. Our vendors were all amazing. We owe a special thank you to The Drake Hotel’s Assistant Director of Catering, John Moses. We couldn’t have pulled off such a spectacular day without his expert advice, patience and dedication to our wedding!

Photography: Shane Welch Photography | Floral Design: Anthony Gowder Designs | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Ceremony Venue: St. Vincent De Paul | Reception Venue: The Drake | Bride's Shoes: Prada | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Hair: Salon Buzz | Band: Peter Hennes Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Groomsmen's Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo | 2nd Photographer: Samuel Gove | Bridal Boutique: Ultimate Bride Boutique | Bride's Veil: Vera Wang | Bridesmaids' Dresses via: A L’Amour | Engagement + Wedding Rings: M.J. Miller & Co. | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Groom's Tailor: Mount Tabor Park | Invitations + Place Cards: The Paper Source | Limo Bus: Elite Chicago Limo | Photobooth: Platinum Flash Photo booth | Veil via: David's Bridal

I’m one of those sappy romantics that believes in fate, true love and all things meant-to-be.  One of those ladies who can’t seem to ever get enough of a romantic story (here’s to you, Jane Austen) or a fabulous, love-filled wedding.  And when I meet two cuties as sweet as this adorable duo captured by Ashley Biess Photography, my day jumps from amazing to outrageously happy.  Because these are the type of sweethearts that have a story that is beyond movie-worthy (hint: they met in pre-school) and a wedding that is chock-full of pretty.  See it all in the full gallery.

From Ashley Biess Photography… About 20 years ago, Emily, JT and the rest of their pre-school class gathered around the playground for a class photo. Everyone smiled for the camera and then resumed back to their games and play time. It was Emily and JT’s first photo together; and while they didn’t know it at the time, it would certainly not be their last. These two little pre-schoolers would meet again later in life, and someday become best friends and husband and wife.

Emily and JT’s wedding, in one word, was perfect. It was the most beautiful Spring day at the Morton Arboretum, where guests gathered in the Hedge Garden to watch the couple’s knot tying ceremony. The vibrant yellow flowers and handcrafted decor made the sunny day shine even brighter. JT’s heartfelt vows to his bride had everyone in tears. Guests applauded and cheered as JT and Emily shared their first married kiss.

At their reception, beauty was everywhere to be found! Everything from the flowers to the handmade decorations to the room itself at the Morton Arboretum were perfect for their summery wedding. The room looked effortlessly gorgeous and fit perfectly with their personalities, style, and story. Emily’s pinwheels were found as both decor and escort cards, leading guests to their tables. Friends and family wrote well wishes to the couple on Jenga pieces, so that Emily and JT can reread the happy notes every time they play. My favorite detail was JT’s home brewed beer and root beer, appropriately titled Something Brewed, that he made special for all of their guests. It was a big hit!

From the Bride… One of my favorite memories of the day was hearing my husband’s vows to me and all the emotion that he had behind them. His words were filled with love and affection. For him to confess his love in the most raw form, in front of our family and friends, was absolutely amazing. Another moment that I won’t forget is sitting with my husband at our table watching all of our guests dancing and enjoying themselves on the dance floor. It whas at that point that I realized how after 18 months of planning for our wedding, it turned out to be even better than I had envisioned.

Photography: Artistrie Co. | Cinematography: Blink of an Eye Productions | Coordinator: Ryan Alexander Events | Floral Design: Forget Me Knodt | Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani | Cake: The Cakery | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Cristine | DJ: Sounds Abound | Venue: Morton Arboretum | Accommodations: Lisle Hyatt | Bridal Boutique: Dimitra's Bridal Couture | Bride's Robe: Victoria's Secret | Bridesmaids' Robes: Just Cottons | Paper + Invitations: Anna Malie Design | Photobooth: Concept One | Strings: Innocenti Strings