Illinois Weddings

When a garden affair is on the agenda, my day is made. And today’s soiree just so happens to be a garden affair complete with barn, ring bearer in seersucker, and pretty amazing light, captured so brilliantly by Kristin La Voie Photography. And the love at the center? Blog worthy, to say the least.

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From the photographer… This is a stunning rustic barn wedding at Byron Colby Barn, just outside Chicago. Nestled between fields and charming homes, this venue is one of my favorite hidden gems in the suburbs. The barn was completely transformed into a gorgeous affair fit for a queen with Forget Me Knot’s amazing florals on every table, the perfect Loveseat placed at the sweetheart table, and the adorable trees strung with lights and doves. Not to mention, the most adorable ring bearer on the planet, Michael (Joe & Diana’s son) was dressed in the cutest seersucker suit and bow tie. The bridesmaids all wore the most unique dresses I’ve ever seen (which the bride found on Etsy). It was a perfectly sweet garden affair!

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Flowers: Forget Me Knodt | Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios | Cake: Chef Paul's Catered Events | Ceremony Venue: Byron Colby Barn | Reception: Byron Colby Barn | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Armour San Anguish | Hair & Makeup: Shelby George | DJ: Just Press Play Productions | Suits: Men's Wearhouse | Belt: Etsy Seller Get Noticed | Earrings: Mikiye Creations | Headpiece: Gilded Shadows

What better way to cure a case of the Mondays than with a sweet-as-sugar barn wedding? This little beauty, by Kristin La Voie Photography, combines the cutest couple with tons of DIY-details and personal touches (I’m loving the handmade birdseed favors!) You’ll definitely want to catch the rest of this celebration in the full gallery!

From Kristin La Voie Photography… Mandy and Cale, the sweetest couple, had their hand in every detail of their beautiful, fully-DIY, rustic barn wedding at Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, Illinois. DIY projects included: menus, programs, cake, twinkle light trees, table decor and birdseed favors. Just being in this couple’s presence really gave me the warm fuzzies. Mandy and Cale had a beautiful and intimate first look, followed by photos and a cocktail hour before the outdoor ceremony. The evening concluded with a wonderful reception inside the barn with great food, great music and great fun!

Wedding Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography / Wedding Venue: Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, Illinois / Floral Design: Entwined / Wedding Cinematography: StoryMix Media / Catering: Chef Tim / Band: Matt Stedman Band / Menus, Programs, Wedding Cake, Twinkle Light Trees, Table Decor + Birdseed Favors: DIY / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Hair + Makeup: Studio 21 / Bride’s Headband: J.L. Johnson Bridals / Bride’s Purse: Handmade by Carol Nelson, The Bride’s Mother / Bride’s Earrings + Bridesmaid’s Purses: Picardy Shoe Parlor in Brookfield, Wisconsin (262-784-3434) / Bridesmaids’ Necklaces: Charming Charlie / Tuxedos: Jim’s Formal Wear / Rings: Helzberg

We are rounding out this oh so pretty week on SMP Illinois with this personality-filled party by Anticipation Events. And may I say, I am digging this couple’s dapper style! I’ll admit it – I just can’t get enough of bow tie wearing grooms! But the style doesn’t stop there – oh no, take my word for it when I say Jeremy Lawson Photography filled the full gallery with enough pretty to keep you busy all day!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Elizabeth at Anticipation Events… Stephanie and Brian were married in August at Byron Colby Barn, which is just outside of Chicago but feels like a completely different world. They were such a fun couple to work with because their wedding was a reflection of their personalities and unique style. Stephanie rocked an amazing dress and some killer heels, and Brian’s personality shone though with his hat, bow tie and Chucks. They trooped through the fields surrounding the barn with Jeremy Lawson to have their first look and got some fantastic pictures. While they were out, they stumbled across this horse who agreed that Stephanie looked good enough to eat.  Luckily, Stephanie has quick reflexes.

Anticipation Events organized the bridal party, and Stephanie’s brother escorted the lovely bride down the aisle. Linda, a close family friend of Stephanie’s, presided over the ceremony, and when she pronounced them man and wife, all of the guests shook ribbon wands that Stephanie and her family made. Naturally, Brian could not resist a giant fist-pump at the end of the aisle.

Fabulous details from the party include the spectacular backdrop for the ceremony that Brian and Stephanie built, painted and assembled. Anticipation Events spent the day decorating the barn: hanging massive amounts of paper flowers, ribbons and café lights that we strung from the beams of the barn to encase the dance floor. Stephanie collected vintage doilies that we fashioned into table runners and blue mason jars that Nancy Rolison Designs filled with gorgeous wildflowers. Brian painted a tree stump that they used in place of a guest book and had all of the guests sign, and they incorporated pictures of them as kids as well as burlap banners to complete the wild, cozy feel of the barn.

Wedding Photography: Jeremy Lawson Photography / Wedding Planning + Styling: Anticipation Events / Flowers: Nancy Rolison Designs / Wedding Venue: Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, Illinois / DJ: Stax O Wax / Catering: Catered Productions / Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal / Shoes: Irregular Choice “Can’t Touch This” / Jewelry: Eliot Danori (Available at Macy’s) / Ribbon Wands, Ceremony Backdrop, Tree Stump: DIY