Illinois Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

This Black Tie Wedding Defines Timeless Elegance

We’ve featured countless black-tie weddings over the years, yet they’ll never cease to make our hearts pitter patter when an exceptionally lovely one like this comes across our desks. From the beautiful lace detailing on the back of the Bride’s gown and the dapper gentlemen sporting attire from The Black Tux, to the gold accents, pretty arrangements by Steve’s Flower Market, and romantic candle light at the reception, this wedding by Elizabeth Nord Photography is the absolute definition of timeless elegance.

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From Elizabeth Nord Photography… Kevin and Laura began their wedding day by getting ready at the super cute Rafaello hotel, had their first look on the hotel’s rooftop (called Drumbar), and then held their ceremony at Germania Place. There are so many things that I loved about their wedding day including her dainty, rose gold accessories, the men’s custom fitted suits, the couple’s portraits at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the personal touches that they included in their wedding ceremony. They both chose to wear something from their grandparents – Laura wore her grandmother’s ring and Kevin wore his grandfather’s cuff links. I love how important family is to them and how they trusted me completely when it came to portrait locations! The colors of the wedding were so classic and beautiful. I loved the pink, green, and white floral paired with the gold decor that was so gorgeously designed by Steve’s Flower Market. All of the speeches were so warm and heartfelt. It’s obvious that this couple is loved by so many… And it’s easy to see why! This was one wedding I’ll never forget. I had so much fun working with these two!

A Blush Hued Celebration That Highlights the Beauty of Chicago

This blushing beauty of a wedding is not only draped in the most gorgeous shades of pink but it’s also highlighting the elegance of a classic Chicago celebration. With river views, gorgeous architecture and romantic details galore, take a front-row seat to this pretty day through the lens of Tim Tab Studios.

From the Photographer… James and Amy met 8 years ago on their first day of undergrad at Florida State University. After graduation, James moved up to Chicago with Amy as she started medical school. They fell in love with the city, and now couldn’t imagine leaving. James proposed to Amy on a trip to Hawaii, in the most romantic way possible: on the beach at sunset, with a photographer hiding in the bushes since he knew Amy’s love for pictures. Their process of wedding planning was slow, as they had a two year engagement due to Amy’s little free time out of the hospital. This actually became a huge blessing for them, since there was no pressure in making decisions quickly and they could take their time in making everything just right. Amy dreamed of a romantic and dreamy theme, with shades of blush, white and champagne. They were able to have the ceremony in the beautiful Rockefeller Chapel, on University of Chicago’s campus where Amy would receive her MD just three weeks later. They chose Galleria Marchetti for the reception venue, as it gave them the romantic and dreamy feel they were looking for. James really tapped into his creative side, as he played an integral part in the planning process. Their advice to couples in the planning process is to decide together the few most important parts of a wedding to them first. Weddings can get incredibly expensive, and knowing you and your partner’s priorities up front is crucial. For them, the most important factors were that their guests had a fun party and the photographs could be something they could treasure for a lifetime. The day goes by so quickly, so also take some time with your new spouse to be in the moment of the day.

This Is How You Do a Garden-Inspired Wedding, Without the Garden

Although this Bride had envisioned a garden wedding with overflowing greenery, her winter nuptials in the Windy City meant it was going to be cold. Very cold. With a little creative planning and the help of Avant Gardenia, she pulled off a classic indoor affair that still felt garden-inspired, with the Bridesmaids in floral Plum Pretty Sugar getting-ready robes and then flowing blush Jenny Yoo dresses, the light and organic bouquets, and the table runners made from ample greenery interspersed with romantic candlelight at the reception. After perusing the gallery by Tim Tab Studios, we declare this Chicago wedding as pretty as any English garden we’ve ever seen.

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From the Bride… Chris and I got engaged in Chicago in April. We were so excited to start wedding planning, but we didn’t get very far before we realized the timing was going to be tricky. We knew we didn’t have time to rush into a wedding that summer, but we didn’t want to wait over a year until it was wedding season (and decent weather) again. After hours and hours of research on destination weddings and exploring different options for locations, we ultimately decided to keep it local and set out to plan a winter wedding in Chicago!

One good thing about planning a February wedding in Chicago is that you know it’s going to be cold, so it takes all the guesswork around weather off the table entirely. I had visions of a garden wedding, and even though that’s virtually impossible in the city in winter, we found The Ivy Room and knew it was the perfect venue for us as soon as we walked in. It’s a fantastic space with a simple elegance and rich wood floors, which was the perfect backdrop for the garden-style floral and greens I had been imagining. And on our wedding day, when surrounded by romantic vintage-inspired candlelight, it was truly a dream.

The courtyard just behind the venue is an oasis in the middle of the city and was the perfect spot for the two of us to escape to be alone for just a few minutes during our reception and reflect upon the amazing day we’d had. (And to take a few pictures before returning to the dance floor!)

We planned our wedding in about 10 months, and there were some stressful moments, but my advice to any Bride is to try to have fun with it. Time just flies when you’re planning a wedding, so find time to pause throughout the process to appreciate your fiancé and all your family and friends surrounding you along the way. Oh, and if at all possible, budget for a day-of wedding planner to help ease the stress of the wedding weekend and the days leading up to it. It’s seriously money well spent!

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All You Need is Love and A Romantic Beatles Themed Wedding

For a couple who watched Across the Universe on their first date, this Beatles themed wedding planned by Sweetchic Events was the perfect fit. Inspired by the hit songs of the Fab Four, it’s a mix of gorgeous florals by Avant Gardenia, sweet images by Kristin La Voie and a subtle theme that brings it all back full circle to when they first met.

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Jennie & Nic had the kind of wedding day dreams are made of. Meticulously planned by Courtney of Sweet Chic Events, the lovebirds’ magical Beatles themed wedding was pulled off without a hitch. One of Jennie & Nic’s first dates consisted of watching the Beatles inspired movie “Across the Universe” so the day appropriately so incorporated beautiful hints of the Beatles; the “All you need is love cake”, the Octopus themed escort table and bow ties, their “love” table favors, and of course, the band!

Looking for a unique space to tie the knot? We found it.

Let’s be honest, no one wants a cookie cutter wedding. But if finding a venue that is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and totally unique wedding space has left you a little frustrated, we’re here to help. Because today we’re hosting a little meet and greet with The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, a hotel that has everything you’re searching for. Find your dream space below.

Situated in the center of downtown Kansas City, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the type of venue that just makes sense. Surrounded by Hallmark’s Crown Center and more than 85 acres of fabulous shopping, yummy restaurants and entertaining theaters, it’s the perfect spot to spend a weekend with your nearest and dearest, celebrating your big moment. But what really stands out about The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the amazing venue options. From sophisticated ballrooms, to the gorgeous panoramic views from The American, to the elegant rooftop locale known as the Games Deck, each venue will truly stun your guests. Which means saying goodbye to a generic, cookie-cutter wedding and hello to an awe-inspiring soiree for the ages. Just like you want.

Ready to host the wedding of the century at a hotel that knows everything there is to know about glamorous nuptials that are as unique as you and your love? Contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center today to start planning your dream day. With a talented team of wedding specialists, an amazing downtown location and accommodations that are the definition of luxurious, you honestly can’t go wrong. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about their Hallmark Wedding Packages, because, well… they’re awesome. Happy planning, loves!

Embracing the Rain with a Chic and Romantic Chicago Affair

Returning to the city where their love story began, this Bride and Groom threw an insanely romantic Chicago wedding….rain included. Captured by Kate Weinstein, the gloomy day set the scene for a chic celebration planned by Estera Events, including blush colored blooms by Stems, watercolor stationery by EVR Paper and the prettiest portraits under the umbrella.

From the Photographer… Susan & Peter met while in college in Chicago and their first date was to a dog park. After a few years of dating, they moved to NYC so Susan could pursue her dream to work in fashion, and Peter in tech. Since they are both from Chicago and it is where their love story began, they decided to get married in Chicago and chose Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park for its natural but still urban setting. Chicago weather in March can be quite unpredictable and it ended up being a foggy day with intermittent rain, but the bride was not the least bit concerned with the weather. Susan said she loved that it was raining because it made the usually busy city feel “so still, and peaceful.”

Estera Events planned the day to perfection, and Stems created the florals. Peter and Susan got ready at the Public Hotel and had their first look on the Ava Terrace at the hotel. Susan chose an embroidered dress by Lee Petra Grebenau, and accented it with a white fur stole for extra warmth. Joanna B Artistry designed Susan’s makeup, and Gia Tovar designed her hair. The Groom wore a suit by Double RL – Ralph Lauren. At Cafe Brauer, Tiger Lily Weddings provided the catering, Alliance Bakery created the cake, Toast and Jam DJ’d, String Theory provided the ceremony music, and Nimble Well provided rentals. The paper and invitations were designed by EVR Paper, who created a custom watercolor of Cafe Brauer to fit Susan’s vision and colors. For their first dance, Susan and Peter danced a piece choreographed to a musical medley from one of their favorite movies, La La Land!

This Inspiration is a Study in Classic, Blush Colored Romance

For this wedding shoot, the end goal was all out romance. Think elegant neutrals, blushing roses and a sparkle of gold. It’s as classic and glamorous as can be with design and florals by Splendid Weddings and Events and the prettiest of images by Codrean Photography. Sneak a peek at truly romantic inspiration right here.

Bride Steals the Show in a Pink Vera Wang Wedding Dress

ANY Vera Wang number is a showstopper in my opinion. But a pink Vera Wang? Hold the phone. This Bride absolutely rocked hers and it was perfect for this city fete planned by LOLA Event Productions. How fun would it be to prance in the street in this beauty?! Amanda Megan Miller Photography captured it beautifully, along with the entire day—here in the full gallery.

From Kirsty Basch of LOLA Event Productions… Jenna and John wanted an intimate celebration full of good music and great food. We love giving the client what they want! They found the perfect location for their affair at A New Leaf in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. Being a flower shop, a New Leaf provides the perfect amount of quaint and cozy, all while surrounding it’s guests in a garden-like atmosphere.

The day started at the Public hotel where Jenna enjoyed the company of her bridesmaids. It was impossible for anyone to ignore the gorgeous blush Vera Wang gown in the room which was the perfect accessory to the bride’s beaming smile. She was truly a vision.

Their courtyard ceremony was warm and welcoming, and full of laughs. You know a couple is meant to be when they each shout ‘HELL YES’ when asked if they would take the others’ hand in marriage. The reception to follow was just as fun. To create a relaxed, less formal, environment, Jenna and John chose to have a cocktail style reception instead of a classic sit down dinner. Per usual, Limelight catering wow’d with their delectable small bites, raw bar, and charcuterie station, – just to name a few! And who could forget about the donut wall from Do-Rite Donuts?! Guests were definitely energized after a fantastic meal to get out and shake it on the dance floor!

We loved the simplicity and softness of the decor at this wedding. The blush peonies and accents of greenery everywhere provided a nice feminine touch while still keeping some edge and sophistication with the brick walls and industrial feel of the space. As always, finishing off the space with an abundance of candlelight will do the trick to set the mood! There were perfect details all around to show off the subtle and classic style of the couple while complimenting, not competing with the already gorgeous surroundings of the venue. This intimate Chicago wedding was oh so dreamy!

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A Classy Engagement Session at the Crown of Chicago

With sweeping views of the city where they fell in love and where they call home, this couple’s engagement photos taken in the crown of Chicago’s Tribune Tower are absolutely breathtaking. Clary Pfeiffer Photography captured these two lovebirds as they danced and spun around, and we can’t get enough of their joyful expressions… or the beautiful movement of Torie’s gorg ruffled skirt.

From Clary Pfeiffer Photography… Torie and Amarit’s entire session was in the crown of The Chicago Tribune Tower, high above the city, looking over the river and white gleaming skyscrapers. This perspective of Chicago is breathtaking and one of my favorite locations ever for a city session! Being so high up in the sky felt magical. One moment I loved is The Wrigley Building’s clock peeking through while Amarit spun Torie in her gorgeous ruffled skirt.

Torie is wearing an A.L.C. top, a ruffled skirt from Alice and Olivia, and pumps from Pour La Victoire. Her engagement ring and wedding band were designed with help from Seth Brennecke at Diamond Consultants. Amarit is wearing a three piece suit from Suitsupply with shoes from To Boot New York. His watch is his wedding gift from Torie, a vintage Rolex from the year he was born.

From the Groom… Despite growing up just a few blocks from one another and attending rival high schools in downtown Chicago, Torie and I never met until after college when we both began working for Lettuce Entertain You in 2011. We became great friends almost immediately, and there was always a distinct gravity in our relationship, although it took over 2 years before we both realized what was really going on. Our close friends tell us they always knew we had strong chemistry, but we were both oblivious to the fact that we were falling in love with one another.

Three years later, I asked Torie to marry me in New York where I took her on our first date. Our engagement photos were taken at the beautiful Tribune Tower, an historic Chicago landmark completed in 1925. Although we both grew up a few blocks from the building and spent many years working just down the street, it was our first time up in the famous “crown” of the tower – looking down on the Chicago river and the very building in which we met six years earlier.

Pops of Citrus for a Fresh Take on a Summer Wedding

We love the fresh interpretation LOLA Event Productions took on this summery, Chicago wedding. Between the bride’s romantic gown with a pretty illusion neckline, the bridesmaids in flowing, peachy dresses, and the pop of citrus throughout the florals, it hit all the right, warm-weather notes. Stoffer Photography captured the cheerful and bright day – see the whole thing, in the gallery.

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From LOLA Event Productions… Maddie and Patrick wanted their July wedding at Skyline Loft to be welcoming, fresh, and summery. That’s exactly what we gave them. The day started out at the Palmer House Hilton in the heart of the city. Hair and makeup for the girls, and fresh, hot shaves for the guys. Talk about a morning of pampering!

Photos continued as Maddie and Patrick made their way to the stunning elevator bank of the hotel. It was a perfect backdrop for the sweetest first look you could imagine. The wedding party made their way around town to have a little fun in front of the camera. Finally, they arrived just in time to head up the classic elevator of the Bridgeport Art Center and down the garland lined aisle of the Skyline Loft.

The only things more stunning than the suspended ceremony arbor were the bride and groom found below it. With tons of textural greenery and pops of citrus, the flowers and farm tables created the perfect backdrop for their family style dinner menu. The suspended ceremony piece made the perfect accent for the head table décor during the reception, while the menu provided by Limelight catering was fresh and colorful. Café lights overhead were the perfect finishing touch to the dance floor to truly give the guests the experience of a Chicago summer night.

Meet Your One-Stop Shop for the Wedding of a Lifetime (Hint: It’s Amazing)

We all know Hallmark as THE place to go for greeting cards + gifts for every occasion. But take Hallmark’s knack for making every moment special and combine it with The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and the results are pure magic. We’re talking beyond luxurious details, amazing accommodations and an all-inclusive wedding destination in Kansas City. This, loves, is how you say “I do” in style. Scroll to learn so much more about Hallmark Weddings.

When it comes to planning your Big Day, narrowing down the perfect venue isn’t always easy. Until now. That’s because with Hallmark Weddings at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you can host your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony AND reception all in the same locale. Which means saying “goodbye” to a year of stressful planning and “hello” to an easy, streamlined experience with Hallmark’s Wedding Specialists. Think totally unique celebration packages with everything from customized menus, makeup + salon services, spa time and wedding registry + invitations provided by Halls Department Store. They can even help you with your engagement + wedding rings, bridal party gifts, suits, tailoring AND accessories for the Big Day. It’s literally a one-stop shop for everything you’ll ever need, all wrapped up in pretty, pretty packaging. Oh, and did I mention you and your guests will be staying at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center? Amazing.

Contact Hallmark Weddings today to begin working with the talented team of wedding pros that will take your day to the next level… and then some. You’ll receive a complimentary consultation with a sales manager, your very own online portal and complimentary gift packaging + delivery in Kansas City. You’ll even receive a 15% off registry completion discount, a $100 gift card and your very own registry from Halls Department Store. And, obviously you’ll want to check out Hallmark for all things paper goods, like your Save the Dates, wedding invites and day-of stationery. They can even help you with gifts for your guests and bridal party. Contact a Hallmark Wedding Specialist for all of the info at (816) 391-4410 or email hallmarkweddings@starwoodhotels. This is so awesome, you guys.

Select The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center as your wedding destination and you’ll receive special rewards and bonus Starpoints® which can be used immediately towards honeymoon nights including:

Up to 100,000 bonus Starpoints®*.
Overnight guestroom or suite accommodations for bridal couple on wedding night.
Sparkling toast during the wedding reception.

*Valid on weddings reserved this year and hosted by December 31, 2018. If you have 10 guests or more visiting from out of town, their stays will also earn you both additional Starpoints, redeemable for your honeymoon.

Venue: Westin Kansas City At Crown Center

These Eclectic Florals Are a Work of Modern Art

The florals at this Art Institute of Chicago wedding, designed and planned by LOLA Event Productions, are just WOW! Exquisite Designs truly outdid themselves with eclectic instillations, interesting arrangements, and floating garlands that look right at home in the Modern Wing where the celebrations took place. We’ll let Olivia Leigh Photographie‘s images speak for themselves – see them all in the Vault.

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From LOLA Event Productions… Andrea and Dih-Loan had a spectacular wedding at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago this past July. They started their day by getting ready at Hotel Monaco – a pooch friendly property which turned out to be perfect when it came to photo time! After photos around town were complete, 400 guests enjoyed a simple, heartfelt ceremony accented by clean lines and colorful, vibrant blooms. After the “I Dos” were exchanged, a spectacular multi-course meal reflective of Dih-Loan’s Chinese culture in Griffin Court was served. Finally, dinner was followed by dessert and dancing in Terzo Piano. The lush and colorful florals were the perfect complement to the simple grandeur of the space. It was as if the space had been made as a blank canvas for such a vibrant palette. Guests were in awe of the “floating garlands” which seemed to fit like perfect puzzle pieces in the long and narrow corridor, which is the modern wing. Even the paper goods had the mix of a modern white canvas with a splash of color to tie the whole look together!

This Reception Took Place Under the World’s Largest Tiffany Dome

When it came to planning their wedding day, this darling duo wanted to highlight the city that played the backdrop to their romance. From growing up and then falling in love in Chicago, to their Navy Pier proposal, the Windy City held a special place in their hearts, so it seemed only natural that they choose the magnificent Chicago Cultural Center as their wedding venue. Boasting the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, it made for one stunning and elegant wedding, captured by Two Birds Photography. See all the grandeur in the Vault!

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From the Bride… Jim and I met at a country concert through mutual friends in September of 2011. We hit it off instantly and found that we had more than a just few friends in common. Growing up about a mile apart, it felt like we had known each other forever. It wasn’t long after the concert when Jim asked me out on our first date. When we began dating, I was living in Lakeview and we were both working in downtown Chicago. We fell in love that year exploring the city – trying new restaurants and shows, attending baseball games and concerts, walking along the lake, and taking weekend trips. We dated for another three years, and in March of 2015, Jim proposed at Navy Pier with the city we both love so much as the backdrop. After the proposal, Jim surprised me with an engagement party to celebrate with all of our family and friends. It was definitely one of the happiest days of our lives!

When we began wedding planning, we knew we wanted to have a full Catholic mass. Jim and I both come from strong Irish Catholic families on the Southside of Chicago, so we chose St. Christina Church in the neighborhood where we both grew up. We also knew we wanted to have the reception downtown, and after visiting the Chicago Cultural Center, we left in awe. Preston Bradley Hall, with the world’s largest Tiffany dome, was one of the most beautiful rooms we had ever set foot in. Our decision was made, and we (quickly) booked our date for August 27, 2016.

With the two major venues set, the details began falling into place. We agreed on a classic and elegant theme and chose a neutral palette of ivory, gold, and blush to complement the green and gold accents of Preston Bradley Hall. The groomsmen wore black tuxes, and the bridesmaids wore long, black chiffon dresses for an elegant look. We accessorized with blush bouquets and boutonnieres. My mother helped me pick out my wedding dress, which was very special to me. Not only did I feel it suited my personality, but it also suited the venue. I loved how it was simple with a touch of glamour on the capped sleeves; yet the full skirt gave it a presence under the large dome.

For a personal touch, I designed all the wedding stationery from our invites and programs to the signs and menus, using quartz paper, gold ink, and blush accents. All of our vendors that we brought into the Cultural Center were absolutely amazing and, in my opinion, made our wedding live upe to the beautiful venue. Everything came together perfectly – the awesome band (312 Chicago), amazing food (Food Evolution), beautiful cake (Cake Chicago), and gorgeous florals and centerpieces (ZuZu’s Petals).

The morning of our wedding, it was pouring rain, but by the time we went to the church, the sun was out. Our wedding mass was exactly how I envisioned – we were surrounded by our family and friends with our wonderful bridal party standing by our side and our godparents and Jim’s grandfather playing a special part. I’ll never forget my dad walking me down the aisle trying not to cry or the overwhelming sense of calm that came over me after we said our vows.

After the mass, the bridal party went downtown to take pictures at the south garden of the Art Institute, which is one of my favorite spots in the entire city. I absolutely love the trees, ivy, and greenery – it inspired our summer wedding! After the Art Institute, Jim and I took a few pictures on the LaSalle Street Bridge – which have that iconic, downtown Chicago feel – before we went to our reception. When Jim and I walked up the grand staircase and into Preston Bradley Hall, it was truly magical. Seeing the entire room set up and lit with candles, and viewing the beautiful cake below the dome (Cake Chicago) was exactly how we envisioned and more. We had the absolute best day and night of our lives celebrating with all our friends and family in one room. We could not have asked for anything more.

A special thanks to our wedding planner, Lindsay Green Wedding and Events, and her team who took care of every detail the month leading up to and day of our wedding. From coordinating the vendors ahead of time to getting ready in the morning and cleaning up after the reception, they made everything run smoothly so we could truly enjoy every minute of our day. After the wedding, we received our amazing photos (Two Birds Photography) and video (One Fine Day Productions) and could not have been happier with how they captured every detail. Jim and I feel truly grateful for our beautiful wedding day and for the wonderful memories we will have for a lifetime.

A Classic, Lake Michigan Wedding Anchored in Tradition

There’s something special about a traditional wedding. Each detail – like the couple’s sweet history with the location, the bride’s beautiful bouquet wrap crafted from her mother’s veil and grandmother’s gown, and the groom’s heirloom toasting goblets – overflows with love and thought. Grab a tissue because this elegant event captured by Laura Ann Miller Photography will pull on your heartstrings. See all the thoughtful details in our Vault!

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From the Bride… Although Dan and I met and now reside in Missouri, there was never any doubt that we would marry in Wilmette, my beautiful hometown. Situated on Lake Michigan just north of Chicago, it’s a special place for us – even more so after Dan asked me to marry him there on my childhood beach. We hope to one day settle in Wilmette with a family of our own, so it only felt fitting to become husband and wife there, too.

Dan and I were together for seven years before we became engaged, so we had a long time to dream of our future wedding. Once our engagement was official, our vision for an elegant, romantic and traditional wedding came together quite easily, especially because I previously worked in the wedding industry and had filed away ideas for my own special day over the years. We knew we wanted a classic wedding that wouldn’t look too dated in the albums we one day show our children. Above all, it was important to us that the day feel personal and intimate; that drove all our decisions, from our venues to the decor to small details throughout the day.

We chose beautiful vintage venues with personal connections to my family. We married at my childhood church, and our reception followed at Michigan Shores Club, a historic social club in the neighborhood where I grew up. Michigan Shores is just steps away from the beach where Dan proposed, making it all the more special. The beautiful Tudor architecture of the club and the traditional-yet-intimate ambiance of both venues drove my design for our wedding day.

We chose a neutral and romantic color palette of blush, ivory and gold with black accents – a combination that both reflects our style and is a nod to our alma mater, Mizzou, where we fell in love. Our floral design was garden-inspired, with green garlands, large hydrangea blooms, and garden roses. To create an intimate ambiance and encourage conversation, we opted for long tables adorned with low floral arrangements and lots of candles to add warmth to the space. We also mixed in small, round tables with blush linens and high candelabra centerpieces for contrast.

I planned every detail of the wedding myself, and everything had a personal touch or meaning. I customized my strapless Tara Keely wedding gown to add removable, off-the-shoulder lace sleeves, which at the time was a look I wasn’t able to find in stores but one I envisioned for my wedding dress. I designed the wedding-day paper, signage, and bottle-coolers for our reception bars. My parents and I scoured antique shops for vintage vanity mirrors to use on our escort table and painted vintage frames for our displays. I sourced all the candles and tabletop decor for months. I wore Badgley Mischka shoes, and my bridesmaids wore Badgley Mischka dresses, a nod to my day job. I was also fortunate to work with wonderful vendors who brought my ideas to life, in particular our floral design by Kristin of Petals N’ Bloom and our gold thermography wedding invitation suite by Alicia of On Three Designs. I loved working with Alicia to design our invitations and incorporate personal details, like the vintage-inspired monogram and wedding map.

One of my favorite details that went unseen by most was my bouquet wrap. My mother made my bouquet wrap from pieces of my grandmother’s wedding dress and her own lace wedding veil. The finishing touch was my mother’s pin from our shared sorority – my something borrowed that day. Dan and I were also the latest in a long line of couples to toast with his family’s silver goblets; we loved continuing the tradition.

As much as we wanted a sophisticated and elegant wedding, we also wanted a fun wedding! Our DJ, Karin of Toast and Jam, played a huge role in creating a party atmosphere. Her music kept our dance floor going all night. The photo booth (complete with cardboard cut-outs of our beloved dog, Henry) was also a big hit, as were the festive sequin accents throughout. Seeing all the people I love having such an amazing time made all the hard work planning and coordinating on my own so worth it.

One of the best decisions we made was to have a long engagement, which allowed us to take our time with planning and to enjoy every step of the process. We also had plenty of time to relish being engaged and all the pre-wedding celebrations that come with it. My advice to brides is to give yourself the gift of time and enjoy the planning process.

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How an Easter Table Setting Can Inspire Your Wedding

Whether you’re a spring bride or not, you can certainly take style cues from this inspiration shoot designed around the prettiest pastels of the Easter season. A sense of soft romance was woven throughout thanks to Katherine Healy Brown of Clover Events and from the lush florals to the dipped naked cake, we’re ready to pin every detail. Thanks to Kristin La Voie Photography for the images we’ll be staring at all week long.

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Katherine Healy Brown of Clover Events… Here in the Midwest, we endure a pretty brutal winter season. The days are short, cold, and dark, and with the lack of sunshine, cabin fever often sets in. With February approaching, I was looking forward to being outdoors and working with some springy colors. A greenhouse on the grounds of a historic mansion seemed like the ideal location. Come wind, snow, or rain, I knew Kristin La Voie would be the perfect photographer to capture the light and romantic feel we were all craving.

I asked the ladies at VEIL Event Design and Gather Vintage Tablescapes to dream up the perfect pastel table palette suited for an Easter weekend in Paris. We incorporated pops of subtle peach, light blue, soft lavender, and touches of the muddy, natural colors early springtime offers into the floral, invitations, and place cards.

The gorgeous naked cakes from Sugar Fixe were perfectly accented with gold flecks, and our chairs and linens provided by Classic Party Rentals rounded out our Parisian-inspired table. Our bride and groom looked flawless with the ever-so-talented beauty team consisting of Alyssa Kristin Bridal, Bianca Sansosti Artistry, and GEM Jewelry. We hope you enjoy these incredible images from Kristin La Voie Photography and the video from Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films!

Crafting an Open + Airy Bathroom Retreat without Changing the Footprint

One of my most favorite things about traveling is snagging a hotel with a big, huge, spa-like bathroom. And if I landed a room with a bath like this? I’d so never leave. Elizabeth Stamos Design crafted a master bath retreat that feels expansive and serene without changing the footprint. So no walls were knocked out in the making of this gem but a whole lot of goodies were added in. From floor to ceiling subway tile to modern sconces and a gorgeous rug, this bathroom beats all those hotel suites I thought I so loved.

When I first saw this bathroom I knew that this was going to be a fun project and great transformation. My clients had been living in their modern home for just a few years and were excited to get started on their dream bathroom and I was thrilled to help. When starting on a project I always take into context the style of the clients and the home. This house was previously renovated by an architect and had lots of sleek, modern details throughout. The bathroom needed to be an extension of that. We weren’t able to enlarge the overall footprint of the space, but reworked some details to make the bathroom feel more open and airy.

We eliminated a never used tub and replaced it with a spacious double master shower complete with modern fixtures (including handhelds to hose down their two adorable Westi’s-form and function). We ditched the old, stall-like shower and instead made custom walnut shelves to increase the storage in the space. The location of the vanity stayed the same, but we updated with a custom piece I designed that matched the shelving.

Stylewise the goal was to create a really clean, modern bathroom that still had personality. To keep things bright we decided to keep all of the walls white. I knew with such a simple palette, I would have to add interest with layers of texture and material. I found a handmade elongated subway tile that we used in the shower and behind the vanity in a stacked installation. Its not as perfect as a machine made tile, but the imperfections add a casual warmth and texture to the space, which is important when working with a limited palette. The rich wood of the walnut vanity and shelving also helped add warmth and the grey hexagon tile added a fun modern shape.

I was really excited about the sconces behind the vanity. I fell in love with this Kate Spade for Circa lighting Double Swing Arm sconce and was so happy when my clients were on board to use it. We coordinated with a pair of simple RH Modern Sconces in the same antique bronze finish to pull it together. The grommet detailing of the RH medicine cabinets and sleek lines of the Kohler Purist faucet layered just the right amount of interest to finish it off.

How This Couple’s Two Dogs Brought Them Together

Chad and Veronica were distant acquaintances at their gym for nearly 3 years, but it wasn’t until they struck up a conversation that they realized how much they had in common. Most importantly, their beloved chocolate lab dogs. And get this – those chocolate labs are the exact same age and share the exact SAME NAME. Call if fate, call it chance…we call it meet-cute perfection, and Kate Weinstein’s photos beautifully capture the love.

From Veronica, the bride-to-be… We had mutual friends so we knew of each other for 3 years. We were members of the same gym, but in that time we never had a single conversation. A simple “Hi, how are you” or a “See ya” at the gym may have been spoken a time or two but other than that, we were just in different places in our lives. After some time, we found ourselves talking to each other for the first time and realized we had an undeniable connection.

It just so happened that Chad had a chocolate lab he got in college. Well, I had the same story. I got a chocolate lab, out of the blue, in college as well. What makes this story even weirder is that we both named them Hunter. Two chocolate labs, same names, same age. It was just meant to be!

Within the next few weeks, we were out for a mutual friends birthday party. I remember he grabbed me and said “This may sound crazy but I think we are supposed to be together.” Eight months later we were engaged and the rest is history! We now live happily ever after with our chocolate labs, Hunter & Hunter, and will tie the knot this fall.”

Photography: Kate Weinstein Photo

Modern + Chic Chicago Wedding

With the ceremony at a Presbyterian church and the reception at a modern industrial venue in the middle of Chicago, this couple perfectly mixed tradition into their chic city wedding. The trendy design elements, including an iron gate escort display and a donut dessert wall, are wedding details made in heaven in my mind! Big City Bride lead the planning of this gorgeous event and Riverbend Studio captured every last detail.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Religious Institution Urban Space

Styles

Modern Romantic

From the event planner… The beautiful bride, Elizabeth Wanders, married her hometown sweetheart, John Moore Jr. At the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue followed by a stylish celebration at the modish Morgan Manufacturing venue. The couple met in their hometown of Winnetka, Illinois where the groom made his hockey debut. Moore, now a promising pro in the National Hockey League, plays for the New Jersey Devils. The sweethearts, who were married mid-July, reside in their Chicago condo as they await the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, due on their first wedding anniversary.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Designing a Custom Wedding Dress with Whitney Bischoff

Hello again, brides! If you haven’t been able to tell, I’m a lady who loves to plan, but I can also be very indecisive at times. So when it came to selecting a wedding gown, the planner in me paired with my indecisiveness created a challenge. I could not wait to try on wedding dresses, but it didn’t go quite as planned. I’m so excited to share how I ended up with a custom designed wedding dress, and as always, thanks for following along this journey down the aisle.

Like so many of y’all reading, I had dreamt of this day for SO long. The only problem was that with every dress I tried on, there was just something not quite right; something I couldn’t pinpoint (cue the indecisiveness). I found a few dresses that were 99.9999% perfect, but I wanted something 100%. This is not a decision that I could make a mistake with, but it was also a decision that I did not want to wait too long to make (cue being a planner). Goodness gracious.

After hours of researching online and collecting photos that inspired me, I walked into Belle Vie Bridal Couture completely overwhelmed. I could not understand how any woman could say yes to just ONE dress! I felt as if I desired 10 dresses to encompass a little bit of everything I loved….strapless, long sleeved, ball gown, sleek, lace, beading, color…are y’all catching my drift? I loved everything!

But let’s be real, I’m a bride with a budget in mind, and I absolutely could not have 10 dresses. Thank goodness for Amanda Bonnell, owner of Belle Vie Bridal and the creative director at Audrey Grant. Amanda put my mind at ease and ensured me that with a little bit of trust, I could have it all, even with one dress – a custom designed dress.

Trust in your vendors is something I know I mentioned in last month’s post and I will continue to do so because it is of utmost importance when planning a wedding. Being the planner I am, there is no way I could have decided to design my own wedding gown without a designer who I could trust with my vision. Amanda took the time to listen to my likes and dislikes, look at ALL of the pictures I had saved, and after trying on a few dresses, she sketched for me a custom dress with all of my favorite attributes.

Being my own fit model has been such a once in a lifetime experience, and also gives me such peace of mind knowing that tweaks can easily be made. It’s been so amazing to witness Amanda working her magic throughout this process, and I absolutely cannot wait to see this dream gown come to fruition!

To all the brides who are on the journey to finding and/or designing their perfect gown, here is my advice:

DO NOT SETTLE

If something seems off when you’re trying on a wedding gown, it probably is, so be sure to follow your intuition.

ASK QUESTIONS

Designing is an art. Designers have a knowledge, expertise, and eye for details that you and I may not notice or understand.

SPEAK UP

Once you have decided to design your own gown, be sure to voice your opinion along the way. I can guarantee your designer will want you to be ecstatic about the final product and that you said yes to your one-of-a-kind, never duplicated dress.

Until next time!

xoxo, Whitney

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Follow Whitney’s Wedding Journey

Engagement Photos | Planning a Domestic Destination Wedding

Photography: Carly Michelle Photography | Event Planning: Always Yours Events | Wedding Dress: Belle Vie Bridal

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Carly Michelle Photography

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Whitney Bischoff

Blogger Bride

Whitney Bischoff Talks Planning a (Domestic) Destination Wedding

You know Whitney Bischoff as the newest member of our SMP Blogger Bride Squad, and today this gorgeous bride-to-be is dishing a few details of her Cape Cod wedding. Based in Chicago, Whitney is planning a wedding across the country, but pulling off destination nuptials its no small task. She’s sharing two MAJOR tips – from one bride to another – to save your sanity and make the wedding planning journey one to remember.

From Whitney… Hello again! I hope everyone had a very Happy New Year and is getting back into the swing of things following the holidays. As I mentioned in my introductory post, Ricky and I got engaged the middle of July and almost immediately the questions started flooding in…”When are you getting married? Are you getting married in Chicago? Are you getting married in Kentucky?” Brides, I know y’all understand the feeling, am I right?! In today’s post, I’m hoping I can share some tips with couples who are hosting a destination wedding which have served us well since we made the decision to have a domestic destination wedding!

Ricky’s family has ties to Cape Cod, and so it was suggested we consider the Cape as a potential wedding location. Something in my heart told me I would not be disappointed and this is the place I should marry the love of my life. When Ricky and I traveled to Cape Cod in September 2016, I knew immediately this was the perfect location. We toured the area, looked at venues and by the end of the weekend, we had decided the Cape is where we would say “I do.”

With a date and a venue, we both took a huge sigh of relief, looked at one another, and thought “What in the world do we do now?!” If we were going to get married on the Cape, how in the world would I plan this wedding from so far away without having minor panic attacks on the regular? I would have to choose my vendors from afar and trust I’m making the right decisions through phone calls and pictures. For all the destination brides reading, I know you understand this feeling well! To say we were overwhelmed was an understatement. I started collecting wedding planning books and began my online research.

I soon realized there were two very important things I had to do in order for us to successfully plan a destination wedding from Chicago: I had to find local Northeast professional wedding vendors I could trust and connect with, as well as hire a wedding planner.

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Tip #1: Connect With Local Vendors

The power of social media in this day in age is quite mesmerizing to me. I love connecting with people and following their stories, seeing their travels, fashion, families growing, the list goes on, but never did I think that social media would be where I found my very first vendor- I kid you not! I mentioned I started doing a lot of research – this included reading and browsing SMP, but also looking for inspiration through Instagram. While browsing one evening, I saw an insanely gorgeous picture that appeared to be on the Cape. I started following this photographer immediately so I could keep track of photos I hopefully could capture for my day. Not too long after, I started corresponding with Carly from Carly Michelle Photography.

Not only was I obsessed with her pictures, but I was equally obsessed with how kind she was. This is a girl that if I lived out east, we would 100% be friends. And that’s when it all started to click. Not only do I want vendors who are talented, I want professionals who are passionate, kind-hearted, hard-working and who I enjoy being around. Soon enough, Ricky and I signed on the dotted line. We officially had a location and a photographer- there was no stopping us now.

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Tip #2: Hire a Wedding Planner, ASAP

A week or so later, Carly emailed she had just shot a wedding on the Cape with an incredibly talented wedding planner. Originally I was not going to hire a wedding planner. But I trusted Carly (trusting your vendors is KEY, I cannot reinforce that enough) so I decided to jump on a conference call just to get a feel for what this sweet gal, Keri Ketterer, owner of Always Yours Events, was all about. An hour later, I didn’t want to get off the phone. All of the anxiety and overwhelming feelings I mentioned previously were gone. She understood me and my vision, what I was looking for in a design and how personal I wanted my wedding day to feel.

For all of you planning a destination wedding, a wedding planner is mandatory! Trust me. Your fiancés can thank me later when they realize although it might add a bit to the budget, your sanity is worth every penny. Having someone who can represent you in person at vendor meetings when you cannot be present can relieve so much stress, and just having a professional and experienced planner by your side to guide you through the process is invaluable! From there, let the magic happen.

Until next month!

xo, Whitney