Kristy and Brandon were married in an intimate wedding ceremony with fifty of their closest friends and family surrounding them at the historic Biggs Mansion in Chicago …



Now the home of Il Mulino, the venue instantly appealed to them. Built in 1874, the mansion ~ with its fifteen-foot ceilings, marble fireplaces, gorgeous woodwork, crystal chandeliers and grand staircase ~ offered the perfect ambiance for Kristy & Brian’s beautiful day.

Kristi and Brandon’s wedding was sent to us by two of our fabulous LBB members, RedBliss Invitation Design and Birch Design Studio …
Kristy and Brandon’s florals were chosen to compliment the architectural detail of the historic building, as well as evoke a romantic feeling. For her bouquet, Kristy knew she wanted a luscious, cascading bouquet of white phalaenopsis orchids. Brandon had a matching orchid as his boutonniere. As a focal piece for the ceremony, a simple, elegant fabric canopy was created to fit into a large bay window. The structure was detailed with a charming, vintage-inspired wire chandelier as well as floral and foliage accents. For both the ceremony and reception, varying sizes of low containers presented antique-tone florals, including champagne, ivory, pale pink, and lavender. This romantically muted floral palette beautifully juxtaposed with the mansion?s interior details. Floral arrangements were placed on the wood hutches, fireplace mantels, and ornate tables. Abundant candlelight throughout the venue was key to creating the soft, timeless ambiance Kristy and Brandon desired.


Rich mahogany opera chairs complimented the mansion’s detailed woodwork. Alternating antique china patterns and crystal glassware created perfect place settings atop a creamy taupe lamour table linen. This careful attention to detail created a table that looked as if it was pulled from the Bigg family’s original china cabinet. Custom paper goods, including invitations, menus, escort cards, as well as table numbers, were a central focus of Kristy’s vision and were inspired by the antique chandeliers of the Bigg mansion. Her color palette combined jet black, soft metallic silver, and silky white to develop an art deco-inspired motif. Everything was personalized for the guests ~ even the menus.

And the best thing we’ve seen in a long, long time …
In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Kristy chose to serve her favorite cupcakes from Swirlz in Chicago. To tie this unique idea to her nostalgic decor, cupcakes were placed in individual vintage tea cups.


Did we just hear a long collective oooooooohhhhhhh?
Chandeliers and crystal and lovely lush roses ~ gorgeous! But cupcakes in antique teacups? Love.
You can see more of the beautiful photos from Kristy & Brandon’s wedding in their photo gallery {here}!
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Thank you SO much to Birch Design Studio and Christine at Red Bliss for sharing!
Wedding Credits:
Photographer~Cara Garbarino, Garbo Productions, Wedding Gown~Amsale, Event Planner~Birch Design Studio, Event Designer~Kehoe Designs, Invitations & Stationery~RedBliss, Cake~ Swirlz Cupcakes, Car Service~Classic Chassis, Location~Il Mulino, Chicago, Makeup~Wendy Kimmel, Hair~Ginger Damato
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Love the cupcake/teacup idea... so pretty and yet so practical.
I can not get over that orchid bouquet. My goodness it is gorgeous!
That is definitely a fresh take on wedding cupcakes!! It would be wonderful for a bridal shower as well and the guests could take the teacups as favors, LOVE the teacup idea!!!
I love the details of this wedding! Her bouquet...shoes...flower fixture...and those teacup cakes!! So beautiful!
Who is the designer of those shoes?!? I want.
I love this wedding! Il Mulino looks so inviting and romantic.
Everything is so beautiful! The orchid bouquet is unbelieveable. The shoes, the chandelier, and the cupcake display made to look like a four-tiered cake are all awesomely elegant....love, love, love!
The cupcake cake display is marvelous! How creative is that and using the pattern on the china. really nice. I'm sure some brides will take this idea to heart.
The cupcakes in teacups idea is so refreshing - Love it! The whole feel and display has that 'Mad Hatter' look about it. Weddings are best when the individual style of the couple really shines through. Thanks for sharing!!
Wow! Can I just get married at Swirlz? Just right in the shop, surrounded by delicious cupcakes!
And I'm in love with the florals draped on the chandeliers, I don't think I've ever seen that before, but it's such a great idea!
Absolutely unique and beautiful tea cup wedding cake. I don't think I have every seen a cake like that for a wedding. Fantastic!
Well I never ! I have never seen anything so gorgeous as this. First of all I was bowled over by the shoes, and then the cupcakes in teacups. Inspired. I have a cupcakes theme on my website but I've never thought of this. you really have given me some inspiration now. Thanks
Have the most wonderful weekend