Illinois Weddings

Getting dolled up on your wedding day, with super star perfect hair and a gorgeous gown, is one of the best feelings ever.  Everyone loves looking like a movie star every once in awhile so what could be better than having one more day of glamour with just you and your honey?  The day-after photo session is the perfect way to get a little longevity out of that post-ceremony glow!  This urban, Chicago shoot is so romantic, sexy and fun.  I love every shot captured by Erin Leppo Photography.  See them all in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL photo session!

From Erin of Erin Leppo Photography… We did a day after session in Chicago, Illinois, a week after their barn wedding. They were still all excited and the bride was really excited to be in her wedding dress since she will most likely never wear it again. I thought their session was super fun (ice cream and all) and also had some sensual bits (alley and the sunset on Lake Michigan).

Photography: Erin Leppo Photography / Location: Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal (Style 1995)

We like to kick off the week in grand fashion here on SMP Illinois – and today’s fab Belvedere affair will most certainly do the trick.  Yep, with a traditional meets modern vibe, soft blue glow and room overflowing with romantic candlelight, there’s not a moment of ballroom goodness that doesn’t have our hearts skipping a beat.  Thankfully, Kristin La Voie Photography was on hand to capture all of the lovely, because we are in for a Monday filled to the brim with PRETTY.  Click here for more.

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From Kristin of Kristin La Voie Photography… This wedding was infused with cultural elements and the most beautiful design elements to create a spectacular event, just as you would expect from an interior designer like Kaitlyn. She played a large part in coordinating the affair. Kaitlyn, who comes from a large Irish family, and Odilon, who comes from a large Hispanic family, decided to incorporate their cultures into their wedding with live entertainment at the reception including Irish step dancers and Spanish dancers. Every detail was beautiful, bright, and bold.

Wedding Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Belvedere in Elk Grove Village, Illinois / Floral Design, Decor + Linens: Yanni Design Studio / Wedding Cake: The Baking Institute / DJ + Photobooths: Spinnin’ Discs / Irish Dancers: Trinity Irish Dancers / Spanish Dancers: AMDM / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals via House of Brides / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Jewelry: Kay Jewelers / Tuxedo Rentals: Black Tie Formalwear

A few months back we challenged all you lovelies to inspire a brand new invitation collection by Sarah Drake with your awesome design board building skills.  We were blown away by what you all created but ultimately this fun, Mexican beach-inspired board totally totally captured our hearts.  Sarah has been hard at work crafting a new invitation suite so perfect for a vibrant, summer-time soiree.  Before we reveal her awesome design let’s take one more look at the beautiful board that started it all!

Aren’t you so excited to see what Sarah Drake designed?  Well, we won’t keep you in suspense any longer because the outcome is just too good to keep secret!

From Sarah Drake… I was drawn immediately to the bright colors and beachy vibe from Taylor Jane’s inspiration board, and know upon seeing it, that I wanted to design something with Mexican clay handmade tiles as the base. The colorful tiles really showcase what Mexico is known for, and I think are a great jumping off point for a bright, fun, laid-back wedding. The best thing about these invites is that they can be digitally printed, so no matter how many colors you choose, they will still be an affordable invitation set. We paired ours with fuschia envelopes, but white would pop just as nicely, and be more wedding-like!

If you are anything like us, you’ve been soaking up and filing away all the steal-worthy ideas from this week’s Bridal Shower Inspiration Week thanks to the lovelies at Macy’s. From fashion finds to registry must haves, it’s been like a fabulous course in Swoon-Worthy Shopping 101. And today’s lesson is creating a bridal shower that is stop-in-your-tracks glamourous, and it goes without saying it’s a lesson worth learning…

First let’s take a look at a bridal shower that achieved this very type of glamour. A fête that makes you feel fancy just by looking at all the lovely images by Julia Franzosa Photography. With invitations that set the tone of chic Chicago elegance by Sarah Drake Design and jaw-droppingly gorgeous florals by Pistil & Vine – it’s a lesson in lovely that you’ll want to study up in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL bridal shower!

Now we couldn’t show you all that pretty inspiration and not give you a few ideas on how to bring in all that glamour to life at the next shower you host. Take notes lovelies, because these are must haves for your next fabulous fête!

1. Vera Wang Golden Grosgrain 5-Piece Place Setting 2.Leeber Candle Holder Sparkle Tealight 3. Lighting by Design Candle Holders 4. Excell Napkin Rings 5. The Cellar Cake Stand with Mini Dome 6. 7. kate spade new york Vase, Hydrangea Collection 8. Vera Wang Ice Bucket

From Megan of Pistil & Vine… French Regency meets Urban Elegance at this downtown Chicago boutique hotel, a venue known for its rich, modern decor, exceptional service and amazing Gold Coast location. We created focused variations of height and texture with three high arrangements of soft celadon hydrangeas, blush sweet pea, French tulips, peonies, delicate dusty miller, ranunculus and our favorite English-grown garden rose, appropriately named Juliet. The negative space between these towering displays featured mirrored panel boxes, extending over four feet in length upon the table top, mimicking the elevated floral arrangements subtle watercolor-esque tones and floral selection.

This pastel palette was inspired by the Parisian open-air flower markets and was highlighted by soft pink champagne linens gracefully muted by a crisp hand-tailored hemstitch runner anchoring the center of the overall composition. Silver mercury accented candlesticks boasted flickering candlelight within various height hurricanes, radiating from each display. These details accent the already-beautiful Hemingway Salon, an intimate setting that boasts fabric-covered charcoal grey walls, antiqued mirrors and two opulent chandeliers. The decadent sweet table was detailed with a three-foot tower of pastel macarons, alluding to a window display at the famous Ladurée in Versailles. The little delights were subtly infused with rose essence, fresh apple and pistachio, and were created by esteemed pastry chef Andrew Johnson. House-made butterscotch pots de crème and pickup sweets completed this afternoon of perfection.

Photography: Julia Franzosa Photography / Venue: The Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois (Formerly The Elysian Hotel) / Floral + Event Design: Pistil & Vine / Invitations + Menus: Sarah Drake Design / Catering + Sweets Table: The Waldorf Astoria Chicago / Linens: BBJ Linen / Calligraphy: Stacey Shapiro

Chicago just might have the prettiest skyline in existence. But all of you Chicagoans knew that, right? And for a couple who wanted to celebrate that skyline and their love of architecture, the The Rookery was the perfect spot to play host. It’s chic city glamour and stunning architectural views all wrapped up into an out of this world fete. Now throw The Rasers Photography into the mix and the result is one beautiful image after another. Pore through them all right here.

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From the Bride… We really wanted to focus on the beautiful city of Chicago and its amazing architecture. When we first walked into the Rookery building, we instantly knew we wanted to get married there. It is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. I wanted the entire day to reflect its luxurious, classic and elegant feel, while staying true to our own simple and modern tastes. I kept this in mind as we chose our photo spots, my dress, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, flowers and even the place settings.

From Derren + Lisa of The Rasers Photography… When you think of Chicago, the first thing that comes to mind is its skyline and its memorable mix of historic and iconic buildings. Melany and Eddy hail from downtown Chicago, and one of the things that helped set their day apart was the way they incorporated this unique aspect of the city into almost every part of their day. From where they both chose to get ready, their first look, their portraits, and finally their ceremony and reception, every aspect of their wedding was set against a striking piece of Chicago’s architecture.

This modern and elegant theme was present in every aspect of the day, starting with the suite at the JW Marriott where Melany chose to get ready, right in the midst of downtown. Eddy and his groomsmen chose to relax and prepare for the day at a chic modern loft on the West Side, which was complete with modern art and decor and a metal spiral staircase. The theme continued when Melany and Eddy met for their dramatic first look on the famous staircase in the entryway of the JW Marriott. For Melany and Eddy’s portraits, we incorporated the impressive columns and iconic Great Hall of Union Station. They also wanted to use the Kinzie Street Bridge, Chicago’s famous bascule-style bridge, well known for its distinct design and history. We ended our portraits by capturing them together on the striking, one-of-a-kind staircase inside the Rookery building itself. From start to finish, Melany and Eddy created a day that was full of the kind of elegance that you can only find in a city like Chicago. Being able to tell the story of their unique day through our images was so memorable and beautiful.

Wedding Photography: The Rasers Photography / Wedding Venue: The Rookery in Chicago, Illinois / Floral Design: Vale of Enna Flowers / Catering: Jewell Events Catering / Wedding Cake: Bittersweet / DJ: Music Masters Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Jewelry: Nordstrom + David Yurman / Hair: Livia Caporale / Makeup: Morgan Blaul / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor / Bridal Party Preparations: JW Marriott Chicago / Groomsmen Suits: Formally Modern Tuxedo / Drapes: Start With Imagination

This Rockford wedding by Turner Creative Photography is packing some serious charm.  From the gorgeous garden-inspired stationery suite that the graphic designer bride created herself to the darling yellow and blue country club reception, every inch of it is super sweet and loaded with perfect summer details.  I’m going to spend the morning day-dreaming of summer in the full gallery and you should too!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Turner Creative Photography… Megan and Ryan had a pretty summer wedding 4th of July weekend 2011 in Rockford, Illinois. Preparations and photos took place at her parent’s home overlooking the Rock River. The traditional ceremony was held at Christ United Methodist Church. Megan wore a beautiful WTOO gown and chose soft blue and yellow for the florals and reception decor. Megan is a graphic artist and designed the entire set of wedding stationery, from the invitations to the place cards and reception decor.The entire wedding party traveled by boat on the Rock River and arrived at the dock of the Rockford Country Club for the reception. 

Wedding Photography: Turner Creative Photography / Wedding Flowers: Stems Floral / Ceremony Venue: Christ United Methodist Church / Reception Venue: Rockford Country Club / Wedding Invitations: the bride / Wedding Cake: Patricia’s Patisserie of Rockford IL / Bride’s Shoes: Ivanka Trump / Bride’s Dress: WTOO / Jewelry: Alecia Tank  / Hair: Estilo Salon / Suits: Tommy Hilfiger / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Sara Grace of Rockford / Bridal hair flowers: Clark and Diversey / Wedding bands: Hands Jewelers of Iowa City IA

I know I say this a lot, but you are going to love this couple. They’re so sweet, and so in love, and I’m beyond excited that thanks to Loudbyte Cinematography, we get a little peek inside their adorable relationship. The Love Story was shot before the wedding, during a time that, you lucky engaged LBBers know, can be the most exciting time of your story together. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about their smiles – so I’ll leave you with their story.

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When I was 27 I woke up one morning with the strangest (and nuttiest) light bulb moment: “Why not move from Chicago to NYC!” I had always dreamed of what it would be like to live there, and literally, two weeks from that moment I was unpacking boxes with two other girlfriends, freshly moved into our new home in Astoria, Queens. The plan was to live it out for a year, maybe two… and then come home. But something happened.. FATE (by the name of Giovanni) happened. We met in the least likely of places- Match.com. And like the very best of fairy tales, he swept me off my feet. 

Once Giovanni proposed, we decided we’d be living our lives together on the east coast.  Though my Chicago family and friends were happy for us, we soon recognized how sad they were to lose me.   So as our wedding date soon approached, we decided to surprise our guests with a welcome video to showcase our love but above all offer a sense of comfort to all our loved ones that I was in good hands. The video was not only a success in beautifully showcasing our love story, it also solidified our promise to love and cherish each other in the next chapter of our lives together. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and we are forever indebted to Loudbyte for giving us something we’ll cherish forever.

Cinematography: Loudbyte Cinematography

We are ending this fabulous week at SMP Illinois with a bright and sparkly beauty of a wedding by JordanQuinn Photography.  The bubbly personalities of this couple shine through every single detail of their wedding decor like the adorable mustache and lips invitations and escort cards, balloons, and the bride’s red sequin Toms.  Click here to see it all!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Last June, when Dave and I got engaged, tears and dropping to a knee were conspicuously missing. Instead, the engagement was full of laughter and riddled with little jokes that make us the couple we are. There was no question that the wedding needed to be the same thing — we wanted guests to leave the reception talking about how fun and how “us” the whole wedding was. We did everything possible to leave no part of our personalities out. We checked out ballrooms and hotels and museums, but it wasn’t until we walked into sunlit loft of the Ravenswood Billboard Factory that we’d found the perfect place. It encompassed the vintage but modern, fun but refined, and bold but relaxed feel that we envisioned the wedding being. We chose an early fall palate of crimson red and charcoal gray that was ever-present in the bridesmaids’ dresses, the groomsmen tuxes, the antique balloons that lined the ceremony, my glittery red Toms, Dave’s red Chucks and every single flower. We were lucky enough to have a Dave’s uncle perform the ceremony and the three of us wrote nearly the whole thing from start to finish with our own words. We even made up a unity ceremony so that not just our biological parents but also his stepparents could be equally involved.

The wedding was slowly coming together, but it wasn’t until we stumbled on the ‘Stache and Lips invitations on Minted.com that the whole thing sprung to life. The invitations just sang to us. Dave has been known to rock the occasional mustache and the deco detailing made them elegant enough that even his grandmother couldn’t help but love them too. Suddenly mustaches and lips were sneaking their way onto every piece of paper and even onto the groomsmen’s feet. They became constant reminders to every guest that this wedding was going to be fun. I’m actually shocked that no one came to the wedding with a mustache on their face, but since no one did, we provided some in the form of baked goods and escort cards that they could enjoy all night.

The morning was filled with hair and makeup for the ladies and straight razor shaves for the guys, culminating in a Chinese tea ceremony with all of our relatives from around the country and the world. Clad in Chinese qi paos my best friend (and maid of honor) poured tea while Dave and I knelt to receive blessings from our elders the way that our family had for generations before us. Later that afternoon, after photos around the city were done and the wedding rings has been warmed with the wishes of every guest, Dave and I each walked down the aisle with our dearest friends and our parents. We laughed and cried together during the readings and during our vows, and on the evening of our four year anniversary, we were married. I am not sure if there is one moment that I can definitively call out as my favorite from the whole day, but one that I can’t get out of my head is Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” as the last dance of the night. Dave and I had been on the dance floor all night so this song was no different, but instead of moving from group to group of guests saying good night, the guests spontaneously formed a giant circle around us. People who made friends with one another at dinner were now arm in arm belting out the lyrics and filling the room with more love than we ever thought possible.

Wedding Photography: JordanQuinn Photography / Wedding Venue: Ravenswood Event Center in Chicago, Illinois / Floral Design: Ashland Addison Florist Co. / Day of  Coordinator: Laura Susin Koo of Honey Bee Weddings / Wedding Coordination & Venue Contact: Alyssa McKenzie of Ravenswood Event Center / Wedding Invitations: Minted / Wedding Cake: Luscious Layers Bakery / Officiant: The Groom’s Uncle / Wedding Dress: Watters “Mojave” / Bride’s Shoes: TOMS

I just LOVE the idea of creating a little love film that welcomes your guest to your reception – mostly when it’s as darling as this one from Blu Couture Wedding Films. And if your guests are anything like me, they will be glued to the screen letting out a tear or two because of all the cuteness. It’s such a fabulous way for all of your guests to feel connected to your story, and it is a must watch this morning for sure!

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From Mandie of Blu Couture Wedding Films… Margot and Jamie wanted to do something a little more special for the guests attending their wedding in Washington, DC. Their love story film, shot in Chicago, was the perfect introduction to their grand entrance at the reception. It gave all guests an inside scoop as to who they really are as a couple.

Cinematography: Blu Couture Wedding Films / Location: Chicago, Illinois

It’s another lovely Monday here on SMP Illinois and we just can’t think of a better way to jump start the week than with this stunning Chicago affair captured by Doug McGoldrick Photography.  Held at the BREATHTAKING Palmer House and bursting with sweet, traditional details and vibrant green hues, there’s not a single moment of this amazing affair that won’t leave you seriously longing for more. Luckily, the gallery is overflowing with ballroom goodness, including those pretty blooms by Walden Floral Design Co. and uber-gorgeous images of the adorable bride and groom.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Doug McGoldrick Photography… I had a super time with a great couple at this wedding. Caroline and Joe where a total pleasure to work with and stayed cool through out the day. I also got to work with Denver Smith, a guy who I have shot for a couple times — he is a blast and the total life-of-the-party kind of guy. Another great thing about this wedding was the Palmer House. I’ve had a couple brides get ready there in the past and was aware that they have the best looking lobby in Chicago, but getting to shoot a reception there was totally amazing. Their ballrooms match the amazingness of the lobby. These may be the best looking rooms in Chicago — it’s like stepping into a European palace ballroom. The crew from the Palmer House did a really fantastic job with keeping the reception running flawlessly. One of my favorite DJ companies, Toast & Jam, was great as usual. They played a really cool set of music and kept the party jamming.

Wedding Photography: Doug McGoldrick Photography / Second Shooter: Denver Smith Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois / Floral Design: Walden Floral Design Co. / Wedding Planning: Jane Himmel of Palmer House (jane.himmel@hilton.com) / Wedding Cake: Take the Cake / DJ: Toast & Jam

Craving some fabulous boho inspiration to jump start your weekend?  Well, this darling photo shoot captured by Evan Hunt Photo is bursting with just the dose of whimsy you are looking for – including a pretty woodland setting, a bundle of sweet vintage details and a whole lot of vibrant pink hues.  All designed by the talented duo of Visions Event Studio and Natural Beauties Floral – and featuring a literal dream team of Illinois vendors – you’ll spend your ENTIRE weekend swooning over every last beautiful moment.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

Oh, and we’re not done yet.  We have one seriously amazing film from One Fine Day Productions to take you into the weekend… Enjoy!

From Natural Beauties Floral Inc.… The Bohemian Woodland Romance wedding style truly captures the free spirit and charm of a unique bride and groom. The open range of nature’s wilderness provided the perfect backdrop for this whimsical celebration. From feminine details of ruffled blush peonies and antique lace to masculine adornments of rustic antlers, pheasant feathers and deer pelts, the couple’s nomadic treasures define the essence of their eclectic style. The metallic embellishments of candles and chargers provided a hint of enchanting romance. However, in a heartbeat the couple would leave behind their trinkets because it’s their true love they cherish on this journey. The lovely bride wore a bohemian style gown made of a lace bodice and a sheer fly train. Her hair was adorned with a metallic halo made from beads and wire showing off her subtle, long, wavy locks. Her lips were stained a ravishing burgundy.

Photography: Evan Hunt Photo / Location: Busse Woods in Schaumburg, Illinois / Floral Design: Natural Beauties Floral Inc. / Event Planning: Visions Event Studio / Event Design: Visions Event Studio + Natural Beauties Floral Inc. / Cinematography: One Fine Day Productions / Invitations: Julie Hanan Design / Wedding Dress: KT Jean Designs / Fur Coat: Vintage / Bridesmaid’s Attire: KT Jean Designs / Dinnerware: Plate / Baked Goods: Bleeding Heart Bakery / Stemware, Silverware, + Chairs: Classic Party Rentals / Chargers: Ravisloe Country Club

J. Nelson Photography is making our morning this fine Wednesday with this seriously stylish engagement session dreamt up by the beautiful Bride to be. We absolutely LOVE when we hear SMP Brides using our board builder to make their inspiration a reality, and this lovely lady did just that – creating a vintage aviation engagement session that will make your heart soar. See it all here!

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Jenny of J. Nelson Photography… Randy is a pilot, and Brittany is his fun, creative and gorgeous bride-to-be. We were able to take out a vintage Yak-52 Russian plane as a giant “prop” for their travel-themed engagement portraits. We also took portraits on the campus of Northwestern University, right down the street from their home. Brittany sent us inspiration boards she put together on SMP for her engagement and would be beside herself if her own photos ended up as someone else’s inspiration!

Photography: Jenny Nelson and Nate Agnini of J. Nelson Photography / Locations: Waukegan Regional Airfield in Waukegan, Illinois + Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois

Sweet Illinois, you are in for a burst of goodness with this chic cultural weekend of festivities by Christy Tyler Photography. Goodness, I tell you, in the prettiest of fashions -two fêtes that couldn’t be more gorgeous all for one couple so completely in love it seeps through the screen. A weekend of love, perfectly curated details and full gallery to keep it all in one pretty place – it just doesn’t get better, does it?

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Let’s top it all off with their gorgeous film by I Do Films, shall we?

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From the bride… When my then-fiancé and I set out to plan our wedding, we wanted it reflect us. We wanted an intercultural, interfaith weekend that celebrated the fusion of our differences and commemorated all that we already shared – a fitting and uncanny juxtaposition to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The wedding weekend was kicked off Friday night, September 9, 2011, by the Mehndi (henna party): a lively, colorful affair that gave my friends and family a taste of Pakistani culture while still demonstrating that two cultures, separated by thousands of miles, could find commonality in music, dance and alcohol. The event started with Shaan and I making separate grand entrances. After we took our place in front of a large and beautiful backdrop, our siblings and close friends performed a Bollywood dance for the crowd that was choreographed by Shaan’s sister. I wore a teal dress with a lot of embellishment that was made in Pakistan. We also participated in some cultural rituals, including feeding each another chocolate, being garlanded by our sisters and having henna placed on our hands. Henna artists painted henna designs on our guests’ hands, and ladies were invited to wear colorful bangles that were provided. The remainder of the night was a fun dance party where Bollywood music segued to R&B.

Saturday, September 10, 2011, was the day of the interfaith wedding. Our motif for the day was inspired by a beautiful brooch that we found in a shop in Indonesia. We decided to use the lotus-like flower on the brooch on our paper goods, cake and even the henna on my hands and feet. (To honor my Irish heritage, I also had shamrocks painted into my henna design.) My wedding dress was handmade in Chicago with the help of Shaan’s aunts in Pakistan. They sent us samples of different fabric from Pakistan, one of which I picked to use as my sash fabric. My dressmaker sewed the flower brooch from Indonesia into my sash. One of my favorite parts of having a customized dress is that I got to request that pockets be put in! Also, my mom sewed a piece of fabric, which had “9/10/11” in blue thread (for my “something blue”) hidden in the inside of the skirt. On the morning of our wedding day, Shaan and I snuck away from everyone else and went for breakfast together near our hotel. It was surreal to be sitting together like any other day, knowing that later in the day we’d be married. Before the ceremony, Shaan and I did a First Look and photo safari of just the two of us around Chicago. The wedding ceremony included two string musicians (violin and cello) who collaborated with a sitar and tabla player, traditional South Asian musicians. I walked up the aisle to Canon in D, but it was a unique, fusion version utilizing all four musicians, unlike anything anyone had heard before. We crafted our ceremony with the help of the officiant and used readings from the Bible, the Qur’an and contemporary writers. Shaan and I also wrote our own vows. I carried a family rosary that my grandmother, mother, aunts and cousins also held in their wedding bouquet.

On Sunday, September 11, 2011, Shaan’s family hosted a brunch reception called a Valima at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The brunch was followed by an interfaith blessing at the University of Chicago’s Bond Chapel, performed by a Catholic priest and a Muslim imam.  Overall, it was a perfectly intercultural wedding weekend celebrating everything that’s important to us as a couple!

Mehndi Vendors:
Photography: Christy Tyler Photography / Venue: Harold Washington Library in Chicago, Illinois / Cinematography: I Do Films / Event Design: Event Creative / Event Planning: Laura of The Ideal Day / Catering: Food for Thought / Henna: Aurora Mehndi + Crescent Moon Henna / DJ: DJ Chicago / Bride’s Dress: Nasreen Shaikh Design House

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Photography: Christy Tyler Photography / Wedding Venue: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago, Illinois / Event Planning: Laura of The Ideal Day / Wedding Flowers: Barbara Devlin / Wedding Cinematography: I Do Films / Catering: Food for Thought / Wedding Cake: Amy Beck Cake Designs / Wedding Invitations: Magnificent Milestones / Favors: Katherine Anne Confections / Officiant: Reverend Marian Hale / Wedding Dress: MJ Ernst / Groom’s Tuxedo: Munib Nawaz / Groom’s Bow Tie: Stefano Ricci / Groom’s Accessories: Paul Stuart / Graphics: Sandra Rogers / Ceremony Music: Caprice Music Ensembles + Alexander Duvel /  DJ: Toast & Jam / Menu Cards, Escort Cards, Table Cards: DIY by the Bride and Groom / Wedding Guestbook: Quote Ya

I think orange and blue just might be my new favorite color combo, because these vibrant hues are SERIOUSLY warming my heart this morning.  In fact, this ENTIRE affair is making me feel all nice and cozy – from the darling bridesmaid frocks to the fabulous florals by Larkspur to the uber-stunning bride and groom, there isn’t a sweet, sweet moment captured Jenna Cole Photography that isn’t absolute PERFECTION.  Yep, I think I’ll spend my Friday soaking in every last ounce of lovely… and, trust me, you should, too.  Join me in the gallery for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… After almost five years together, we were married in the Chicago suburbs, at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, surrounded by huge willow trees and next to a beautiful lake. We had been worrying about the weather for the days leading up to the wedding since the forecast was showing a fairly decent chance of rain. As we had planned an outdoor ceremony, we were a bit concerned… The morning of the wedding, we did wake up to rain, but by early afternoon when we were scheduled to start pictures, it luckily stopped and was dry enough that everything could proceed as planned. Our wedding guests told us that the sun came out from behind the clouds right as we were saying our vows.

I would never have been able to pull this wedding off without my mom. She helped me in so many ways, from making trips to Michael’s and Joann Fabrics to helping me spray paint picture frames and letting me vent about whatever silly planning crisis I was going through that week. We DIYed the table numbers, escort cards, labels for the donut favors, programs, menus, bathroom baskets, lots of signage, tags for the flip flops and other things I’m probably forgetting! We tried to incorporate as many personal touches as we could. We had the florist wrap my bouquet with lace from my mom’s wedding dress, and also attached a locket that contained photographs of my two grandparents who had passed away. We used the same cake-cutting knife that my parents had used at their wedding almost 30 years ago. As one of our readings, we had an excerpt of dialogue from the TV show “The Wonder Years.” One of our groomsmen, who is an incredibly talented graphic designer, designed our invitations. Also, during the dancing portion of the evening, we played both of the songs that our parents danced to at their weddings — it was a surprise, and it was so much fun to see their excitement when the songs came on!

There were so many amazing moments throughout the day that it’s hard to pick favorites. Seeing my soon-to-be husband during our first look and FINALLY showing off my dress to him was so exciting. Walking down the aisle, seeing the faces of everyone that we love looking at me, was something I will remember forever. And dancing together to our last song, surrounded by a circle of friends and family, was something I had envisioned since we first got engaged. Overall our wedding surpassed our expectations, and it was such a happy day. Our biggest focus throughout the planning was making sure our guests had a fantastic time, and judging by the feedback, it was a success. Our vendors were all so, so fantastic — we couldn’t have done it without them!

Wedding Photography: Jenna Cole Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, Illinois / Florist: Larkspur / Wedding Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery / Officiant: Father Jef Johnson / DJ: Kyle Mosher of Music By Design / Wedding Videography: David Kasdan / Late-Night Mini Donuts: Jimmy’s Bag O’ Donuts / Wedding Dress: La Sposa via Weddings 826 / Dress Alterations: Mary Catomy (847-678-7226) / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Becky + Maris of Blend Beauty Studio / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Bride’s Earrings: Nadri / Bride’s Bracelet: Ann Taylor / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lord & Taylor / Bridesmaids’ Necklaces: J.Crew / Invitations: Oh Twenty One / Engagement Ring: Littman Jewelers

We don’t post too many boudoir sessions but the moment we laid our eyes on this magical shoot by Alea Lovely we knew we had to mix things up a bit.  Not only does it possess the most ethereal looking bride, a gorgeous, light-filled room and uber-romantic styling but also an intimate, tender portrait of a couple in love.  Each captured moment is so sweet and just a little bit blush-inducing (which I love!).  Click here to see it all!

Click here for the FULL session!

From Alea of Alea Lovely... This photo shoot was just a boudoir to exemplify the love in a couple’s marriage. They are very classy, fashionable people and I wanted something that represented their style and love in a romantic  session. Boudoir means room to me, not necessarily something overly sexy, so we gathered pieces of their room and life to accent their session. The wife, Rachel is a fashion blogger/photographer in Chicago, and her husband Gareth is also a fashion photographer originally from England. That is why the cameras and clothes were included in the shoot as such a key elements of their lives.

Photography: Alea Lovely / Location: Chicago, Illinois

This Bride, her Groom, her pretty maids all in a row, her flowers, her decor – it’s all enough to make you squeal with delight first thing on a Wednesday morning. And don’t worry, we fully endorse starting the day with a squeal or two. La Belle Fleur Events brought the Bride’s perfect day to life and Ashley Biess Photography was there to make sure every moment was captured, so the full gallery is FULL of even more lovely to squeal about!

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And to sign off with a bit more pretty, you just must watch this couple’s video by Sterling Wedding Cinema…

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From Ashley La Fleur of La Belle Fleur Events… Joyce & Michael married on a breezy late August day. It was very important to the couple to incorporate their cultural beliefs into their wedding, as well as have an amazing party for their friends and family who from traveled far and wide for the celebration. Joyce chose the colors of orange, yellow and soft pinks to go along with the late summer feel of their wedding.

The couple married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in front of a gorgeous stained glass window and then spent the afternoon at the Morton Arboretum exploring the paths with their bridal party. Once the party started, the dancing didn’t stop! Joyce, a native of Columbia, started off the party with a Colombian Waltz, which is a dance that the bride, groom and their parents all join in on. After that, it was straight into the La Hora Loca, which is a Colombian tradition of an hour of crazy dancing with masks, boas and props. Joyce and her two sisters later changed into traditional Colombian dresses to celebrate their heritage!

Wedding Photography: Ashley Biess of Ashley Biess Photography / Ceremony: St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois / Reception: The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois / Wedding Planning: Ashley La Fleur of La Belle Fleur Events / Florals: Fleur Couture / Wedding Cinematography: Sterling Wedding Cinema /  Catering: Classic Fare Catering at Morton Arboretum / Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani “Cincinnati” via The Dress by Nicole / Bride’s Belt: Saison Blanche Couture via The Dress by Nicole / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: RaVon Fashion Convertible Wrap Dress / Shoes: Poetic Licence

The engagement sessions is the perfect way to give your guests a little sneak peek of what’s in store when the wedding day rolls around.  From the look of this Chicago shoot and video by Kristen Lynn Photographie, this couple’s guests are in for a real treat with loads of fun and unique details.  I love that they expressed so much of their personalities through the images with the adorable vintage and comic book styling.  After you watch the sweet video below make sure you click here to see the full gallery!

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From the bride… David and I love the city of Chicago, vintage things and comic books. (Well, at least David loves comic books.) We wanted our engagement photos to really get our guests excited for our upcoming retro-themed wedding and express our personalities. Our photographers really ran with it, and we are beyond pleased! We’re so excited for our vintage Americana/comic book wedding on 07/07/2012!

Photography + Cinematography: Kristen Lynn Photographie / Engagement Session Location: Chicago, Illinois / Hair: Jenna Baltes / Makeup: Jenny Baker FaceDesign / Dress: Clothes Optional Vintage

Chicago, you just might be the queen of classic, downtown-chic fêtes. I am constantly blown away by the Windy City’s style, and when LK Events is involved on top of everything, stylish doesn’t even begin to cover it. She put the chic in Chicago for this affair, and you can see even more of her stylings at work in the full gallery of images!

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From the bride… Having both grown up in the suburbs of Chicago and meeting each other at our office on Michigan Avenue, our initial ideas for a wedding after getting engaged were anything but a downtown occasion. We were so inspired by the romantic and whimsical DIY farm weddings we saw online and hoped for something to reflect our love of low-key, outdoor camping, barbeques and snowboarding trips with friends. But ultimately we decided it was most important to us that all our family and friends be able to join our celebration so to make it accessible to everyone, downtown it was! The easiest choice was our band. My sister got married the previous summer and booked Ken Arlen’s Entourage. They made the night! We were so certain Entourage would be crucial to putting on the best possible party, that we actually picked our wedding date based off when they were open. They did not disappoint. We also had a great wedding planner, Lauren at LK Events. She is a true professional, incredibly organized and kept us positive (so important!).  I don’t know how we would have managed the final days without her!

The weekend started with a family dinner at Gibsons — they are always so good to us, and it’s a classic Chicago experience for out-of-towners. Our rehearsal dinner was along the same vein, at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in River North. That evening set the tone for the weekend, which was very Chicago and fun coming first before pomp and circumstance. Our group isn’t one to call it a night after dinner, so after Harry’s we headed to District, which we closed out the night before our big day.

You often hear people say that their wedding day was the best day of their life, and Saturday, November 19th was exactly that. We had a rather large wedding party, 19 attendants in all, and were so grateful we had each and everyone with us as we got ready and took wedding party pics before the ceremony. Eric and I did our first look on the bridge joining Millenium Park to the Art Institute of Chicago over Monroe Street — we don’t have words to describe the feeling.  Following that, we spent about 45 minutes with our amazing and super laid-back photographer Peter Wynn Thompson taking pictures with our favorite pieces in the museum. It was like a dream, all dressed up, walking through the Art Institute just hours before taking our vows. And before we knew it, the trolley filled with our best friends scooped us up to take pictures around the city. We had a ball. The venue itself was extra special because my mother has been a volunteer docent at the Art Institute of Chicago for over 25 years. Jessica, a designer at Botanicals made it extra special by incorporating rustic elements and an earthly feel to give the modern space a cozy, backyard feel. Our ceremony was officiated by a friend of the family, also a docent at the Art Institute and a Lutheran pastor. The rest is a bit of a euphoric blur. Eric and I even got to steal a moment alone towards the end of the night by Lunar, a solar-powered object on the Bluhm Family Terrace that glows to reflect the color of the moonlight. We ended the evening walking back to the Affinia from Jake Melnick’s, an Engelhart post-wedding tradition.  Thanks to my dear friend Kate for gifting me a silver pair of TOMS, allowing me to party through the wee hours!

Wedding Photography: Peter Wynn Thompson / Wedding Venue: Terzo Piano at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Planning: Lauren of LK Events / Flowers, Decor + Lighting: Botanicals, Inc. / Catering: Bon Appetit / Wedding Cake: Mother of the Bride / Chalkboard-Painted Table Number Bottles: DIY by the Bride + Groom / Band: Entourage via Arlen Music / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Hair Flower: The Left Bank / Hair: Anna Gowler of Beauty Bar by Anna (630-945-4532) / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo + TOMS / Bridal Party Getting Ready Location: Affinia Chicago / Groom + Groomsmen Getting Ready Location: The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago / Family Welcome Dinner Venue: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse / Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse

We are going to ease you into the new work week with the loveliest of shoots designed by Events By Willow as seen through the talented lens of Matthias Photography. It’s just the perfect way to get the week off to the prettiest of starts, and we are sure you will agree. This shoot just oozes inspiration from every perfectly picked detail, and you can see every bit of it in the full gallery of images!

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From Cynthia and Kara of Events By Willow… Chicago is a city of history with hundreds of beautiful old homes tucked away in unassuming locations. We stumbled upon this beautiful old mansion in the south loop of Chicago that is currently being renovated by its owner. The Prairie House is an elegant, warm home with light flooding into every room. The architects were so intent on the mansion having enough light that they built a three-story, domed skylight in the center of the house, which draws light into the otherwise wall-to-ceiling paneled wood home. With a deep love for beauty and history, we found this to be the perfect setting for a vintage-themed shoot. With the deep woods and warm colors of the home, we were instantly drawn to golden tones for this shoot. The gold owls used in the shoot symbolize both the regal history of the past and the playfulness of birds. We found these owls at an amazing vintage shop in a small arts district of Dallas, Texas, and fell in love with them. They keep popping up all over our shoot! The bride’s dress is a truly spectacular work from Pronovias Barcelona — chosen because it carries an elegant and formal, yet somehow playful feel. The bride truly becomes a shining piece of art in this dress.

At Willow, we have a love of reusing things or taking old things and making them feel new. This was the thought behind our dried floral bouquets. We recycled flowers from a previous wedding. It seemed to fit seamlessly with the old home and rustic feel, as well as being a simple homage to the changing seasons and the coming of winter.

One of the most famous bakeries in Chicago is Molly’s Cupcakes. They are known for their delicious creations, and of all the bakeries in Chicago, Molly’s has the best vegan cupcakes. The pumpkin vegan cupcakes are delightful, and are the perfect treat for the fall. We incorporated golden tones in every detail, down to the groom’s tie, to permeate the entire shoot. We love the ambiance set by a warm and old-feeling atmosphere. Candles and cupcakes created a light, airy feel to the shoot and celebrated an aesthetic of joy. By using twine and a variety of fabrics, we were able to bring about a modern twist to an aged setting.

Photography: Matthias Photography / Photo Shoot Design + Floral Arrangements: Events By Willow / Venue: The Prairie House in Chicago, Illinois / Vegan Cupcakes: Molly’s Cupcakes / Calligraphy + Invitations: Emilee Cornetta / Hair + Makeup: Jess at Lucid Salon / Bride’s Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Wedding Dress: Pronovias Barcelona “Diamante” / Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic

This Chicago wedding goes out to all you modern loving brides out there!  And who doesn’t love a simple and chic yet totally glam wedding?  I, for one, am a HUGE fan and loving every inch of this colorful and contemporary celebration.  The pops of pink, yellow and orange create a striking contrast to the sleek Chicago hotel.  The result is polished and positively perfect.  It could only be made better by the sweet images by Robin Lin Photography!  See them all in the full gallery!

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From the bride… Our wedding was July 23, 2011. We met exactly 3 years prior on our first date after finding each other on eHarmony! Yes, we are an eHarmony success story. As busy professionals, we were both looking for a way to meet a quality individual who had the same relationship goals in mind. Our first date was in Chicago and we thought it was only proper have our impending nuptials there. Since the majority of our guests were from out of town, we wanted to make the day’s logistics as simple as possible. theWit Hotel provided the ideal venue where we could have the rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and accommodations all in one place! The décor blended perfectly with the modern and minimalistic mustard + charcoal gray theme of our wedding. I created a “home town” goodie bag to greet each of our out of town guests that included a local, hand-made soy candle adorned with our custom wedding label, Chicago-style mix popcorn (caramel/cheddar), locally made chocolates, and organic fruit and nut bar, water, scenic postcards, and a “to do” guide, all packaged in a sustainable and reusable canvas bag with DIY labeling. 

The simple and elegant ceremony featured a harpist playing carefully selected pieces that created a romantic mood in which we exchanged our personally written vows. Delicate orchids placed on light boxes at the altar, along with colorful rose petals on the aisle, created the perfect atmosphere. The ceremony was followed by a private screening for our guests in the SCREEN ROOM. We prepared a pre-wedding video that was shot in the vein of an eHarmony commercial so our guests could get a real flavor of us as couple. Guests were served popcorn and lemonade garnished with fruit as a theatrical refreshment. This flowed into a cocktail-style reception where heavy appetizers and food stations accompanied flowing libations. The room was scattered with high-boys, low-boys, chaise lounges, cubes, and couches to create a lounge environment. The table centerpieces alternated between warm votives and fresh orchids.

Upon completion of passed bites, my nephew, who is a poet, recited a beautiful poem written exclusively for my husband and me. My favorite line: “Love is that tingly feeling when you feel their touch; for when you hear their voice it’s what keeps you awake at night because suddenly reality is better than your dreams” still resonates with me on a daily basis as it is so true. Following bites of our delicious square three-tier cake and our first dance (“Lets Stay Together” by Al Green), guests were encouraged to take a picture (goofy or otherwise) in the photobooth while leaving a few words of goodwill in the guest book that was created on the spot by the photobooth technician. In the morning, we bid our out-of-towners a fond farewell with an assortment of fresh juices, coffee, fruit and pastries during the post-wedding breakfast.

Wedding Photography: Robin Lin of Robin Lin Photography / Flowers: Asrai Garden / Event Design + Planning: Bride + Monique Speight (monique.speight@gmail.com) / Wedding Venue: theWit Hotel in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Ceremony Programs: DIY / Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau via White Chicago / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo via Nordstrom Rack / Wedding Cake + Reception Favors: Luscious Layers / Ceremony Music: Faye Seeman of Kithara Trio / DJ + Lighting: Edwin “Eddie” Maldonado of Pitch Control Productions (djedlo@gmail.com) / Rentals + Lounge Furniture: Classic Party Rentals / Hair + Makeup: Montgomery Martha of Marquin Salon and M.A.C. at Macy’s on State Street / Jewelry: The Left Bank