Illinois Weddings

Lesson of the day: if you are looking to tie the knot in a drop-dead gorgeous, fairytale-like setting, the amazing Armour House is most definitely the place.  The towering mansion, beautiful gardens and breathtaking staircase are enough to woo any lover of weddings, but throw in the expertise of North Shore Weddings and Events and Deonna Caruso and, well… perfection, lovelies.  See it all here.

And a little something special from Twelve Twelve Studios… enjoy.

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From The Bride…The Armour Mansion at Lake Forest Academy truly was the quintessential venue for a fairytale wedding. The venue’s old world charm, lavish gardens, and breathtaking architecture left all of our guests speechless. Choosing this venue was very special bonding moment for my father and me, as he handpicked this venue to give away his little girl. Interestingly, Jonathan Ogden Armour shared the same sentiments; designing a grandiose bridal staircase in the mansion for his daughter. This historic mansion set the ambiance and overall design of our wedding. As we planned our honeymoon in Tuscany, Italy, we also wanted to make our guests feel like they had escaped to an Italian countryside. Our guests filled the lush gardens, as the harpist played “The Gentle Maiden”, Irish Air, in significance of my husband and my family’s Irish decent.

From Deonna Caruso Photography… On July 13, 2013, Dana Parkhill and Frank Miller were married at the beautiful Armour House in Lake Forest. What a perfect day for an outdoor wedding and when I say perfect, it was truly that! The day could not have been better for the two of them. Dana and Frank met each other a couple of years ago through a mutual friend. When they first met their friend said “Mr. Nice Guy meet Mrs. Nice Girl.”  When you meet both of them you realize that pretty much sums it up. After they met each other they dated and endured a long-distance relationship for awhile. Frank was finishing up undergrad at Wake Forest in North Carolina and Dana was finishing graduate school in Bloomington, Indiana. They spent summers together and saw each other when they could. When Frank graduated in 2012, he came to Bloomington and got a job. They were so grateful to finally be in the same town! Frank proposed to Dana at a local winery in Bloomington in October of 2012 and the rest is history. When you see the two of them together you can see how much love and respect they have for each other and it was such an honor to capture their gorgeous wedding day!

Photography: Deonna Caruso Photography | Videographer: Twelve Twelve Studio | Wedding Planner: North Shore Weddings & Events | Wedding Cake: Deerfield's Bakery | Band: Final Say | Harpist: Renee Wilson | Floral And Decor: Ashland Addison Floral & Event Decor | Hair/Make Up: Antonette White | Wedding Reception and Ceremony: Armour House

Take some rustic chic goodness and add in a little vintage charm all designed by a bride who knows a thing or two about planning the perfect wedding (she owns Dixie Bleu Events, after all) and the results are amazing.  Think bundles of baby’s breath meets galvanized pails meets burlap tied bouquets.  See it all captured in beautiful images by Redeeming Love Photography right here.

From the Bride (Dixie Bleu Events)… We wanted our wedding to be a reflection of us, so we took the best of the midwest country boy and the southern wildflower and combined it together with a country, vintage, DIY, flea-market twist. The wedding had the comfort of the midwest corn fields and country feel with a splash of southern charm. My mother and I went to auctions, antique stores, goodwills and yard sales all over to collect pieces that captured our personalities and upbringing. It turned the wedding planning into an adventure trying to find over 200 vintage floral china plates and milk glass from all over Southern Illinois.

The wedding was a family DIY project, everyone pitched in someway or another. We had our families’ heirlooms and hard work all around us on our special day. It gave the wedding a touch of warmth and family pride, we felt as though every piece had a funny story or memory attached.

The wooden centerpieces came from the woods at York Farms, cut in his saw mill by Justin’s grandfather (DIY). The flag bunting that hung in the tent was hand-sewn by my 80-year-old grandmother (DIY). The vintage linens were hand sewn by Justin’s grandmother from the 60’s & 70’s (Heirloom). The golden deer antlers were found in the York Farm Woods (DIY). The vintage china, milk glass, mason jars, wooden doors, suitcases, and vintage furniture were collected by my mother and me. The straw bales were baled from York Farms. The Model T Ford was donated and driven by a life-long family friend of the York’s. The antique quilts donated by friends and family.

My something old was my late grandfather’s hankee sewed into my dress. My something borrowed were Alpha Delta Pi Sorority pins from Andi’s sorority sisters and bridesmaids Carly, Kelli, and Becca. My something new were monogrammed hankee from my momma. My something blue was my Florida Gator garter and a six pence in my shoe. My wedding and engagement rings were custom designed and made from my mother’s rings.

Photography: Redeeming Love Photography | Floral Design: Ahner Florist | Cake: Artistry on Cakes | Invitations: Wide Eyes Designs | Ceremony Venue: The Weingarten | Reception Venue: The Weingarten | Bridesmaids Dresses: Allure Bridal | Catering: Roy-el Catering | Make-Up: Krista Lam | DJ: Short Circuit Entertainment | Groomsmen Attire: Jim's Formal Wear | Bar Sign: August Park Etsy Shop | Bridal Dress: Maggie Sottero | Bridal Hair: Barri Allen | Bridal Jewlery: Sorrelli | Bridal Shoes: Toms | Custom Wedding Rings: Wolenhaupt Jewelry | DIY Projects (Mother/Daughter Team): Dixie Bleu Events | First Look: Eckert's Farm | Flower Girl Dress: Olivia Kate Couture | Getting Ready Attire: Monkey See Boutique | Koozies: Rook Design Co | Photo Booth: Niche Photography | Pre- Bridal Photo's: Unforgettable Photography By Anna | Programs: Splash of Silver

Chicago has chic weddings down to a science, and this stunning soiree at the The Rookery planned to perfection by Sweet Chic Events with gorgeous lighting and draping by Art Of Imagination is no different. Studio Starling was behind the lens to make sure we didn’t miss a single gorgeous detail, and they are all waiting for you right here.

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From Studio Starling…Their event and ceremony were held at the stunning Rookery. With this architectural icon as their starting point, the couple used the theme of Chicago architecture throughout their wedding plans. We made photographs on LaSalle street, near the Calder and also traveled to Olive Park for a skyline view. Inside the venue Sweet Chic Events pulled the event together with flowers by Scarlet Petal and architecture themed table numbers, cards and signage, all designed by the bride’s adorable sister.

Although the day started a bit stressful for the couple, the act of going outside, walking around our beautiful city and having fun making photographs really helped the day be fun and carefree.

From Sweet Chic Events…It was a pleasure working with Rebecca and Ty on their wedding. The Rookery is one of the most beautiful and historic event spaces in Chicago and their wedding vision was a lot of fun to be a part of. Theirs was truly a labor of love and all of the details were amazing and personalized. It was a pleasure working with this wonderful couple and helping make their day truly special!

Photography: Studio Starling | Planner: Sweetchic Events, Inc. | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Cake: Oak Mill Bakery | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Jewell Events | Hair And Makeup: Kim Piech | Transportation: Windy City Limousine | Hotel: The Aspen Institute At Wye River | Venue: The Rookery | Brides Dancing Shoes: Toms | Floral: Scarlet Petal | Lighting And Draping: Art of Imagination | Music: The Party Faithful

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Blush + gold is the color palette of the moment, but it’s not without good reason. One part sweet and another part sophisticated, it strikes the perfect balance of girly gone glam and this Midwest beauty planned by Michelle Durpetti Events is yet another reason to love. Shot through the lens of Jen Lynne the gallery is busting with goodies and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t shed a few happy tears during the film from Brittania Drew!

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From the Bride… While Alex and I consider ourselves Chicago city-dwellers, we always knew we wanted a wedding that was God-honoring and tucked away in a beautiful setting that would be filled with lots of sweet, quiet moments.

After being engaged for less than 72 hours, we booked the Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms. The venue was everything we could have ever dreamed of. Located in Rockton, IL, it was the perfect back drop to our vision of our wedding day – rustic, serene, and tucked away in the country of northern Illinois. Our families stayed at the gorgeous Copperstone Inn, a bed-and-breakfast adjacent to the Pavilion. We were married on a hill underneath two oak trees on what turned out to be a gorgeous, cool fall day in September.

Our blush and gold décor theme was the perfect complement to the rustic but elegant structure of the Pavilion. We worked with Anna of Beautiful Day Linens to choose the perfect blush lamour to add warmth to the open space. We used La Tavola’s copper sparkly linen for our escort card table. Faith, of The Floral Company, worked with us to create beautiful arrangements that fulfilled both of our desires for blush-family florals with a rustic touch. Faith hand painted each of the gold planter boxes for our centerpieces! Kathy of Sugar Jones bakery created the most delicious blush-frosting cupcakes that guests continue to rave about. Our favors were warm cinnamon-sugar cider donuts and half pints of apple cider from Edwards Orchard nearby.

When we met with Paul of Abreo restaurant in Rockford, we discussed our vision for a very rustic and seasonal, farm-to-table culinary experience. We could not have chosen a better caterer to partner with! Paul knocked it out of the park with a menu consisting of beef short ribs and roasted chicken paired with roasted root vegetables and fresh herb parmesan polenta. Our guests said it was “the best wedding food” they’ve ever had!

Other details from our wedding day included DIY projects we tackled throughout the months leading up to our wedding – Craigslist hunting for a large window for the fireplace mantle, a Polaroid photo booth, and designing our gold-foil and blush invitation suite.

Our wedding would not have been what it was without the amazing support of our families and friends, and the creative direction of our vendors especially our wedding planners Michelle Durpetti Events, Kacie Benjamin of The Pavilion, photographer Jen Badalamenti of Jen Lynne Photography, and videographers, Laura and Stephen Drew of Brittania Drew. We were so blessed by this amazing group of people who worked seamlessly together. Because of their collaboration and flawless execution of our creative details, we were able to enjoy all the sweet and joyous moments of our beautiful day!

Photography: Jen Lynne Photography | Videography: Brittania Drew Photo & Video | Wedding Planner: Michelle Durpetti Events | Cake: Sugar Jones | Jewelry: The Left Bank Bridal Finery | Catering: Abreo | Hair & Makeup: Arch Apothecary | DJ: Spinnin Discs | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Pavillion At Orchard Ridge Farms | Floral & Decor: The Floral Company | Linens: Beautiful Day Linens | Rentals: Northpark Rentals | Vintage Rentals: The Savoy Flea

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Michelle Durpetti Events

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There isn’t a single thing I don’t love about this wedding. And when I say love, I mean head over heels, squeal-worthy love. With the help of Estera Events and HMR Designs this couple took tradition and gave it a gorgeous twist of their own, leaving us with a gallery from Julia Franzosa Photography that is simple perfection. Soak it all up here.

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Photography: Julia Franzosa | Event Planning: Estera Events | Floral Design: HMR Designs | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Invitations: Sarah Drake Design | Catering: Shallot's Bistro | Makeup: Rachel Reiman | Hair: Belle-Row Hair and Makeup by Elena Denning | Calligraphy: The Left Handed Calligrapher | Band: SWAY Chicago | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft

As a former Windy City resident, I’ve been following (and swooning over) stunning events and weddings crafted by Bliss Weddings & Events since forever. With over 20 years of experience in luxury event planning, floral design + interior design, the creative geniuses behind Bliss will make sure your big day is totally unique and perfectly planned from start to finish!

Made up of a group of uber-talented planners and designers, the Bliss Weddings & Events team is as stylish as they are creative and fun! And that, my dears, comes shining through in each and every one of the high-end events they design and orchestrate. With a focus on personalizing every event with impeccable style, clever touches and creativity, not a detail is left behind. Guiding couples through the sometimes overwhelming process, Bliss will design every last detail of your event, from florals to lighting to paper goods. Chock full of inventive ideas and contemporary charm, a cookie-cutter event is simply not an option when working with Bliss.

Offering both full planning as well as month-of planning by their fabulous Month-Of Mavens, the Bliss team helps couples create streamlined and specialized events that will have your guests in awe. SMPers, the Bliss Belles and Beau are simply the answer to your event design + planning worries! Ready to get started on your big day? Now’s the time, because Bliss is offering $150 off  contracted month-of planning packages! Simply mention SMP in your email inquiry to redeem discount. 

While most couples dream of sunny, Spring weddings this Chicago duo was quite the opposite. They chose to embrace the city’s wintertime beauty, and the results? Pure magic. Dive right into JPP Studios’ captures to see for yourself!

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From JPP Studios… This showcases the magic of a winter wedding. I think it’s fair to say that most people have a negative impression of winter and weddings during this time of year, as a whole, are mostly overlooked. However the typical winter elements that discourage people (i.e. staying indoors, snow, cold weather, minimal daylight, etc) are actually what make this Chicago wedding shine. Despite the fact that the wedding reception took place in an industrial building within a dense, urban city, the whole affair felt very cozy and intimate. The beautiful decor and ambient lighting created a rustic and almost rural feel, as if you were around a camp fire. Much of the success is owed to the coordinator, Miss Daniels, for tying everything together and making the ship sail smoothly. Lastly, to top it all off, it snowed that day…and despite what the skeptics might say, a winter day in Chicago can be a very beautiful and romantic place.

Photography: JPP Studios | Coordination: Honey Bee Weddings | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Stationery: Poeme | Ceremony Venue: St. James Chapel | Reception Venue: Gallery 1028 | Band: Gold Coast All Stars | Decor: Revel Decor

Believe it or not, this bride’s grandmother was about 90 years ahead of the whole colored wedding dress trend. Seriously! This is her grandmother’s handmade wedding dress from the 1920’s, that’s as stunning today as it was back then. Paired with a vintage hat, the Groom’s seersucker suit, and lovely pictures from Jennifer Kathryn, and we have a brunch garden party wedding worth fawning over. Check out the gallery for the full bloom.

From the bride: Matt and I met online, on OKCupid. I was Matt’s first ever Internet date! :) When we met in person for the first time, we met at Maxwell’s, a famous music venue and bar near my apartment. We we’re having a great conversation, and all of a sudden Matt stood up and said, “I have to go! I’m late for rehearsal!” I have often teased him that you’re supposed to have an exit strategy in case the date is not going well, not somewhere you have to be even if it is going well! :)

The first thing I noticed was his nose. He has this lovely Roman nose, but he didn’t post any profile shots on his OKCupid page, so it was a surprise to me. I love his nose! What he noticed about me was my optimism. On our first date we talked about Israel, and I told him one day I’ll take him there and show him the country from the locals’ perspective. He loved that I was already making world travel plans on our first date. We’re actually living in Israel together now, so I came through on my promise!

Matt will tell you that when he left our first date he thought, “I should call my mom and tell her I met the girl!” He’ll tell you (as he told me when he proposed) that he loved me from the moment he saw me. For me, it took longer. I needed to get to know him before I gave my heart away. But once I did, there has never been a doubt in my mind. I don’t think there was “a moment” when we knew we were in this together forever. As we got to know each other we learned that we were two strange peas in a strange pod, and we wanted to sign up to spend a lifetime together in that pod. We are in “mutual weirdness,” which is love, according to Dr. Seuss.

The brunch at the Cheney Mansion was Matt’s parents’ idea. Because we were having a very small wedding in Connecticut, they wanted to throw a party to celebrate with Matt’s friends and family in Chicago, where he grew up. They, along with Matt’s sister, Joan, owner and lead planner at Five Grain Events, chose the venue and planned most of the details. Matt’s mother even potted lovely flowers for the tables. But, I am totally obsessed with the 1920’s and 1930’s, so as soon as Matt’s parents suggested a brunch I said, “Garden Party!!!” We bought Matt a seersucker suit and boater hat. I wore my great-grandmother’s handmade wedding dress (circa the late 20’s or early 30’s) and made a hat to match. Matt made a custom playlist of Jazz Age songs, and we let the guests know that hats and parasols were welcome. Matt is down for whatever makes me happy; I’m a lucky lady!

Photographer: Jennifer Kathryn | Event Planner: Five Grain Events | Catering: J And L Catering | Wedding Venue: Cheney Mansion

For this Chicago duo, the only “rule” in wedding planning was that there were no rules. Set in an industrial-style warehouse, they opted for a cocktail party reception in lieu of a sit down dinner and made sure every detail spoke to their story along the way. Natural Beauties Floral glammed up space with rich-hued bloomage and you can see it all through Stoffer Photography’s lens right here.

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To play up the party vibe and compliment the raw materials in our venue, we chose rich colors like sapphire navy, ox blood red florals and gold metallic accents. There were no rules to any of the details – we just made sure we asked ourselves at every decision point if this was staying true to who we were. That method took the pressure off doing what was “in” or what our other engaged friends were doing. In the end, the evening felt cohesive and we regretted none of our decisions. For the ceremony, Aaron and I wanted to create an atmosphere of inclusion and unity, and used several elements to pull this together. Tea lights lined the walls and an assortment of hurricane candles were placed at the “altar” space.

Friends and family were asked to sit where they felt comfortable; readings were both secular and spiritual. Our close friend officiated the ceremony and incorporated personal anecdotes into his marriage address. That, while being surrounded by family and friends, lead to a powerful and moving experience and absolutely the best part of the day. As we were announced husband and wife, our guests blew New Year’s Eve paper horns as a celebratory tribute to how we met. The Ravenswood Event Center’s Industrial Ballroom had the perfect space for a “strolling cocktail party.” The center used passed dishes, food stations and carted treats to keep the flow moving. Andy and Jen at REC dreamed up a menu that reflected our tastes (which is anything but fancy) but added a creative spin (think grilled leek and shrimp quesadillas, and honey and prosciutto white sauce flatbread). Even though it was a cocktail party, our guests left stuffed and couldn’t stop talking about the food. I wanted to be very hands-on with the wedding crafts but for projects beyond my capabilities I enlisted the help of some very talented and creative family and friends.

My aunt – a talented cake decorator – has made me my birthday cakes since I was born. To keep tradition, she baked and decorated a special wedding cake for us to enjoy. My uncle – a carpenter – built the outside sandwich board which my cousin hand-painted. All the paper goods – from the invites to the program to the little food signs – were all designed by a dear friend. And my dad built all the ceremony pedestals (which are now re-purposed as nightstands in our tiny Chicago apartment). All the other details were chosen because they had special meaning to Aaron and me. Our signature drink – the May-garita – was not only titled after our new married name (May) but also a nod toward our love affair of Mexican food. Cocktail napkins displayed “fun facts” about us; discovering these were an amusing ice breaker during cocktail hour and got the guests going back to the bar to collect more.

Other personal touches included wrapping my bouquet with my late grandmother’s handkerchief, using my mother’s ring pillow (with our embroidered wedding date below her’s) and using my late grandma’s blue bird pin as my “something blue.” Even our dessert table included frosting shots (tiny cups of vanilla frosting) as it is oddly my favorite treat from the bakery. Aaron’s dad has long personal ties to Superdawg and made sure the famous Chicago dogs were served as a late night snack. At the end of the night, our guests were treated to an assortment of our favorite sweets which they could enjoy on their way home. The day was unforgettable and emotionally overwhelming in the best way possible. We couldn’t be more grateful for the love of our family and friends, and the talent and care of our vendors.

Photography: Stoffer Photography | Coordination: Rebekah Covay | Floral Design: Natural Beauties Floral, Inc. | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Sweet Mandy B's | Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN | Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Make-up: Beauty By Alana | Hair: Salon Blue | DJ: Spin Chicago | Venue: Ravenswood Event Center | Cake Topper: Caro And Coco | Getting Ready Location: Villa D' Citta Bed And Breakfast

Nothing is a straight shot to my heart more than a good dose of nautical inspiration. And oh, do Kyle John Photography and Linn P. Wheeler sure know how to deliver. The sun, the sand, insanely pretty props from Refind Joy, breathtaking calligraphy from Jenna Blazevich and wildly magnificent florals from Forget Me Knodt… it’s more beauty than I can handle and it’s all right here.

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Ocean, pray, how deep are you?
Ocean wide, how old?
Could I but wander, wander through
Your blue depths, silent–cold!

Old Ocean, your sheer, satin gown,
Is good and fair to see:
Those that with battered wrecks go down,
In it shall folded be.

Then give me, Ocean, restless strength
To travel o’er you far,
To know your reach and sinuous length,
Till towering mountains bar.

– Benjamin Franklin Field

Photography: Kyle John Photography | Styling: Linn P. Wheeler | Floral Design: Forget Me Knodt | Jewelry: Mineralogy Design | Hair: Weronika Bobula | Calligraphy: Jenna Blazevich Calligraphy & Design | Venue: Beach | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | MUA: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | Model: Khrystyna B | Props: re:find Joy | Wardrobe: Gossamer

I’ve always been a black & white girl. Simple, pretty, classic. So when I see other couples who planned their days with that very same mindset, I tend to feel like kindred spirits.  Jai Girard captured the photo goodies and Studio 272 put together the film, so what are you waiting for? Dive straight into this love story right over here!

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From The Bride…Set on a rainy October day, our wedding tied together all the fairytale moments that I hoped for on our special day. The locations of our ceremony and reception seemed to fit perfectly with our close ties to home, and our love of nature and the outdoors. Marc and I met and fell in love in Colorado. After an injury to my foot from running, I wanted to learn how to swim for exercise. He gave me swim lessons for a couple of years until he went away to grad school in Arizona. We spoke on the phone for hours talking about our dating life and giving one another advice. Marc would come back to visit on his breaks from school. Over the course of the 6 years that we knew one another, we became very close friends and eventually fell in love when Marc injured his back on a visit to Colorado, and was immobile on my floor for weeks.

We were married in a magical little church called Kenilworth Union Church in Kenilworth, IL. I wanted the church to be cozy filled with all of our favorite people. The church was perfect for our vision. I loved the fantasy that a little hobbit might pop out from behind a stone wall, or that the vines growing up the sides of the church walls might come to life. The church itself reflected a similar feel for our love. Cozy and comfortable, but romantic too.

We drove to a pier at Lake Michigan afterwards to take some photographs in front of the water. Even though it was raining, there was something really peaceful about being at the lake front and breathing the fresh air. It was a way for us to tie in our love of the water, and spend a few moments reflecting. It’s one of the moments I remember very vividly despite all the chaos of a wedding day. I remember feeling really refreshed by the crispness of the Fall air coming off the water. Just to look out on the water with the one I love felt like the best thing ever. It was a very special moment.

For our reception, A 10,000 square foot tent was built on my parent’s property in Bannockburn, IL for our 200 person wedding. The tent took over a week to build, and nearly a week to tear down. The look of the reception was romantic and soft, but had some edginess at the same time. We knew we wanted it to be a big occasion for our guests to wear their prettiest dresses and most handsome tuxedos and suits. The colors were black and white, eggplant purple, and mossy greens. We focused a lot on texture to bring the outside natural elements into the tent. One of my favorite parts was the holes that were put in the tent to bring some of the tree branches in. While the wedding was black tie and elegant, we didn’t stray far from the earthy wooded feel we wanted to keep. I love the feel of mixing sparkly elements with organic elements. The juxtaposition of “dress-up glamour” and the beauty of nature pair together in a really unusually awesome way.

I wish we could go back in time and do it all over again. My Dad did an amazing job documenting the build of the tent and the tear down. I think our photographs tell the story of the excitement of seeing the event come to life, the joy and beauty of the moments we had during the event, and the bittersweet feelings as it all came to a close. Our videographer wrapped the day together in a lovely little package.

I wouldn’t change a thing to celebrate the beginning of our marriage.

Photography: Jai Girard Photography | Videographer: Studio 272 | Wedding Planner: Ryan Alexander Events | Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Cravings | Reception: Private Residence | Shoes: Mui Mui | Caterer: Pure Kitchen | Makeup: Sonia Roselli | Hair: Livia Caporale | Band: Gold Coast All Stars | Officiant: Pastor Peter Warmanen | Officiant: Kenilworth Union Church | Accessories and Decor: Private Residence | Bridal Boutique: anna be bridal boutique | Bride and Groom's Wedding Bands: Jes Maharry Jewelery | Church/Ceremony: Kenilworth Union Church | Draping: Art of Imagination | Floral Designer And Stylist: Avant Gardenia | Groom's Tuxedo: Astor and Black | Lingerie: Victoria's Secret | Rentals: Tablescapes Event Rentals | Stationer: Be U Brides | Tent and Lighting: Party Time Productions | Tenting: Stellar Productions | Wedding Designer/Stylist: Private Residence

Fact: there’s nothing more romantic than vowing your life and your love with a backyard wedding. Especially when that spot happens to be your family’s 142-year-old farm house complete with wide, open views and Midwest charm. And while it wouldn’t be a farm wedding without a hog roast and a little rain, it was the unplanned moments that added up to perfection. See more from Shannon Leigh Anderson here!

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From The Bride…The front porch of my family’s 142 year old Illinois farm house served as the backdrop to the wedding that exceeded my dreams! I wore an Allure Couture dress as my Dad walked me out the front door of my childhood home to my groom, Jacob Calaway and 350 of our dearest friends and family waiting patiently in a soggy yard. It had rained for 2 days straight before the wedding. After all, what’s a wedding without rain and a farm without mud! Despite the rain, the whole day was perfect. At the moment when we said our vows the clouds parted and the sun shined down on us through the elm trees. I was given a strand of pearls from my parents. My husband’s father, Nathan Calaway married us using his Grandfather’s bible. My youngest brother, William, walked down the aisle with a ring bearer pillow made from a quilt my great grandmother had made.

So, needless to say family is a huge part of our lives! We wanted to incorporate family into every aspect of our wedding. I have a big family. Ok, it’s huge. I have six brothers, three sister and a total of 49 first cousins from both sides of my family and we’re all close! My aunt Katrina Messmore was my wedding planner and she did a fantastic job of keeping things organized and keeping me calm. Oh, and she also made our wedding cake! I had other aunts who made pies and cheesecakes for the dessert table. A cousin made the fun, groom’s cake that had waves, little Fondant people who looked like Jacob and I and a surf board. Along with my cousins, sisters and sisters-in-law and friends, we made all of the decorations for the big day. The men pitched in too by doing the dirty work like landscaping, painting and even building a dance floor. Everything had a family touch to it! Everyone did such an amazing job of helping capture the farm with a “touch of whimsy” style I had pictured for my special day.

After the ceremony and pictures, taken by the wonderful Shannon Leigh Anderson, we walked to the back yard to the reception tent. Dinner was especially delicious and served buffet style. Catering was provided by The Pantry in Tuscola, IL and Dutch Valley Meats in Chesterville, IL, who, by the way, roasted a whole hog! When it came time for the the toast, my sister, Alyssa, who was my Matron of Honor stood up and sang “Stand By Your Man” instead of giving a traditional speech. It was awesome! I had a surprise planned for Jacob for our first dance. My dad and I had written a song a few years ago that The Band Perry had recorded and made a number 1 hit, called “All Your Life.” I had recorded (unbeknownst to Jacob) my own acoustic version of our song and it made a perfect, sweet moment come true as we danced to it! “All Your Life” has been “our song” from day one because I sang it for him on the beach the day we met.

At the end of the day on May 4, 2013 the hem of my dress was six inches deep in mud and I was married to the man of my dreams! It was truly a perfect day. 

Photography: Shannon Leigh Anderson | Cupcakes: Chante Cutter | Catering: The Pantry | Catering: Dutch Valley Meats, Inc. | Hair & Makeup: Libby at Trim Classic Barber | DJ: Toby Tucker - WDZQ | Reception Tent: Champaign County Tent

Weddings are hard to ever categorize into one single “box.” Especially when you’ve got a day that infuses both modernity and tradition into one seamless event. With a classic church ceremony followed by a contemporary, loft-style reception this wedding, dear SMPers, is the best of both worlds. Alexandra Steele snapped up the goodies and the perfect start to your Friday is waiting right here.

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From Alexandra Steele Photography… Grace and Jim’s wedding celebration was a beautifully personal take on a traditional yet modern wedding, with meaningful touches and modern flair woven through each piece of the day.

Grace and her bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready at the Hotel Lincoln, a local Chicago icon overlooking the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan.

The couple were wed in the beautiful St. Clement Catholic Parish in the heart of Lincoln Park. Nearly one hundred years old, St. Clement was a beautiful backdrop for the couple’s heartfelt family-focused wedding vows and ceremony.

While Grace and Jim wanted to include the beauty of Chicago’s modern architecture, they were most excited to capture beautiful portraits of their dear friends in their bridal party and so selected the Lincoln Park Conservatory as the location for their bridal portraits. The skyline was a beautiful addition to a few of the portraits at the end of the session.

From the gorgeous century-old beauty of Lincoln Park for the ceremony and bridal portraits, the celebration continued at the glamorous Gallery 1028 for the cocktail hour and reception. Each piece of this wedding was deeply personal to Grace and Jim and their guests. The bride’s brother-in-law built the photo booth from scratch; the bride’s sister made the monogrammed hangers; each bridesmaid’s dress was selected on a special individual shopping trip with Grace.

The “I Do” forks were hand-made by the couple’s brother-in-law, and the getting-ready gowns were custom-made for the bridesmaids as well. All of the jewelry that Grace wore on her wedding day were gifts that Jim had given her over the years together. Each one had significance to a specific milestone they reached together (so sweet!).

The heart of Chicago really was the perfect setting for this couple’s embrace of both old and new, vintage and current. There was such a tender overtone of love outpouring through the whole day; it was an absolute pleasure for me to capture these memories for Grace and Jim. I have never photographed a wedding where the bride’s reach had truly touched every aspect of the day, and each person who was a part of their celebration could feel it, too.

The couple was so amazingly attentive to each individual guest, vendor, and staff member throughout the day, it was clear how much the happiness of others–especially each other–truly meant to them, which made their day all that much more unique. It was a joy to be a part of.

Photography: Alexandra Steele Photography | Floral Design: Kehoe Designs | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Bittersweet | Stationery: Seven Swans | Ceremony Venue: St. Clement Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Gallery 1028 | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Calihan Catering | Band: Peter Hennes Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Saint Laurie Tailors | Drinks Service: Calihan Catering | Make Up Artist: Crizen Hasegawa | Succulent Placecards: San Pedro Cactus

Vintage served with a heaping helping of charm, this Wilder Mansion wedding captured by Cassandra Eldridge Photography is the definition of darling. It’s the kind of wedding that will warm your heart right up the minute you lay eyes on all the prettiness, and you can see just what I mean here.

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From The Bride…My husband and I met in college 8 years ago and from the start, we were the very definition of two opposites that attract. He a college athlete and business major, me a nerdy anthropology student involved in academic clubs. What brought us together was our mutual love and dedication to our families and we really tried to incorporate our family and cultural traditions into our wedding.

We selected the Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst for its historic charm but also its casual elegance. Guests could move from room to room. They could sit and visit with old friends or dance the night away. When planning the reception décor, I really looked to the mansion for inspiration. After all, it is really just a big home. We set the tables with centerpieces made exclusively from family pieces. From crystal punch cups, silver pitchers and my grandfather’s books, each space was a unique representation of our families’ past. Our florist, Natalie of Zuzu’s Petals, really helped bring our vision to life. Touches of lavender and rosemary mixed with traditional garden roses and hydrangea. The result was an elegant ambiance that still held the comforting warmth of the familiar.

The women in my life worked so hard to help make the day special. A touch of blue on my dress was a Swedish enamel heart charm to honor my mother’s heritage. It is also a tradition for Swedish brides to wear a tall crown on their wedding day, typically one made of silver or gold and passed from mother to daughter. My homage to this tradition was to use my family’s crown as the perfect topper for our beautiful cake created by CHOW in Elmhurst. Lastly, mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends, all gathered the night before to pack each wedding favor: homemade cookies and chocolate truffles from family recipes.

Of course, a few DIY projects were incorporated too. We made all of our invitations, programs, menus and signs with materials from Paper Presentation. Cute little cocktail flags for the reception were made from washi tape and ribbon wands added a bit of fun to our ceremony.

With a few surprises along the way, the love of our family and friends, some amazing staff and a pinch of luck, our wedding was everything we could have hoped for and more!

Photography: Cassandra Eldridge Photography | Florist: Zuzu's Petals | Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals | Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom | Caterer: CHOW | Makeup: Maureen Dickinson | Historic Mansion: Wilder Mansion

This bride admits getting a November wedding in Chicago to feel “warm” is a challenge, but with the help of Clementine Custom Events, florals from Studio AG, and a significant number of candles, she most certainly pulled it off. Christy Tyler Photography did a lovely job capturing the event so if you like what you see, find the full gallery here. And don’t miss the film from Xpress Video Productions at the end!

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From The Bride…Brian and I first met on the first day of class at Indiana University in 2005. Starting off as friends first, by spring semester we were officially dating and in May of 2012 we were engaged. I grew up in New Jersey and Brian was raised in the Chicagoland area, so Chicago has played a huge role in cultivating our relationship as Brian has strong roots and is where I would frequently visit. In the past, I had visited Chicago with my family and can remember riding the Ferris wheel and falling with the romantic setting that was Navy Pier. Frank Sinatra’s My Kind Of Town came over the speaker and I can remember saying to myself, “this is the perfect place to get engaged one day.” During one summer in the beginning of our relationship, I visited Brian where we rode the Ferris wheel together and I told him this story. Brian would later admit that it was in that moment he realized this was real and if our relationship continued, is where he would propose. As fate would have it, Six years later, he got down on one knee in one of the gondolas and asked me to marry him.

Wedding planning began and we both knew that we wanted the wedding day to encompass three central themes – Our love for our families, our love for the city of Chicago, and our love for each other. We both have large extended families and a unique network of friends who hail from various locations. Several family members and friends traveled from India, the Netherlands, and Japan along with other guests who arrived from Texas, Washington State, Washington D.C., and from all over the East and West Coast. The day was 18 months in the making and every moment was as we had imagined and hoped.

As a young girl, my father passed away and my mom, in all of her strength, was left to care for myself and my younger sister Alana. My mom would eventually remarry and together we would create the most loving blended family but I still wanted to find a way for my dad to walk me down the aisle. Growing up, I kept a tie that reminded me of him in a box in my room after he passed away. So on our wedding day, I took that tie and wrapped it around my bouquet so that he could be with me. My mom walked me half way down the aisle where I then was joined by my step father until we met Brian at the end. All of our guests in attendance who are like family to us, understood this symbolized our path and how each person joined our lives in different stages.

We wanted our guests to feel enveloped in warmth which we’ll admit, is hard to do in November in Chicago. To create this feeling, we decided on décor which consisted of warm off-white flowers, mix metal floral vessels and more candles then I think the fire code actually allowed. The ceremony musicians played renditions of Coldplay, The Beatles and Adele songs so the room felt more like a family room. All of my bridesmaids being so wonderfully unique were able to select their favorite flower, all beautiful and exceptional just like them.

TheWit hotel also had the absolute perfect backdrop for a swanky cocktail hour on ROOF, which gave our mostly out of town crowd, a VIP experience and a taste of one of our favorite rooftop bars in the city. The Reception included more nod’s to Chicago with each table named after some our favorite Chicago landmarks with a printed history on the back since Chicago history is one of Brian’s favorite subjects.

My most favorite part of the day though was after reading our vows to each other which we wrote in secret, hearing us both ending our vows with a promise to love each other “Always and forever.” Almost every love letter, card and post it note I wrote to Brian until then ended this way and perfectly encapsulates why we wanted to make this commitment to each other. If I could ask for one more thing it would be the opportunity to do it all over again in exactly the same way.

Photography: Christy Tyler Photography | Videographer: Xpress Video Productions | Event Planning: Clementine Custom Events | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Cake Chicago | Invitations: Erickson Design | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Makeup: Juli Valdez | Hair: Erin Graham Hair | Favors: Vanille Patisserie | Tuxedos: Vera Wang | Officiant: Rev It Up | Ceremony Music: Belle Music | Bridesmaids Bracelets: J.Crew | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Wit Hotel | DJ & Reception Lighting: Okyne Media Lab | Favor Packaging: Tableau Party | Floral Design/Decor: Studio AG | Table Numbers: Purple Sapphire Designs

Vibrant, modern and packed with personality, this Chicago soiree planned by LK Events and designed by Heffernan Morgan Designs has it all going on. From the happy color palette, to the sparkly bridesmaid dresses, and everything in between – every image sitting pretty in this gallery by Averyhouse is pin-worthy to say the least, and you can see them all here.

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From Averyhouse…With a stunning view of Chicago as their backdrop, my amazing bride and groom chose to have their ceremony and reception at the Adler Planetarium. They also incorporated some traditional Palestinian traditions in for the groom during the reception. I hope you’ll love their personal touches throughout the day that turned that perfect September day into a perfect wedding!

Photography: averyhouse | Event Design: Heffernan Morgan Designs | Wedding Planner: LK Events | Cake: Cake Chicago | Catering: Food For Thought | Wedding Venue: Adler Planetarium

I look at a lot of weddings, but hands-down my favorites are when you look at a couple and sincerely feel happy two people in this world found each other. That, my friends, is what we have here. Heartfelt vows, a beautiful sunset filtering through the windows at the Ravenswood Event Center, and most importantly, lots of champagne and dancing. So sit back and enjoy the film, courtesy of Beloved Wedding Films….

Photography: Katie Kett Photography | Videographer: Beloved Wedding Films | Ceremony Venue: Ravenswood Event Center | Hotel: Raffaello Hotel

This wedding had me at hello.  Or, if we’re being technical, it had me at “a vintage, jazz filled, history-inspired, Old Chicago wedding.”  Because anytime you give me a classic venue like The University Club Of Chicago mixed with beautiful vintage-inspired details and a bride and groom who are too cute for words (seriously), I am one very happy lady.  Press play to see every moment captured by Nicodem Creative.  It’s amazing.

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From Nicodem Creative… There is a certain marriage of timeless strength and graceful beauty in the city of Chicago, IL. From the stone and steel skyscrapers that tower over Michigan Avenue to the curving lake shore dotted with bobbing sailboats, it is a city built for classic, elegant affairs. When we met with Robby and Tala a few months before the special day to discuss their hopes and dreams, that was the plan they proposed: a vintage, jazz filled, history-inspired, Old Chicago wedding. And it did not disappoint.

The day began at the University Club of Chicago, a private social club that began in 1887 in the heart of the Loop, and a pillar of old city tradition. While the men donned their suits and pocket watches in the Billiards Room, complete with felted poker tables and various game birds stuffed and mounted on the walls, the bride and her bridesmaids busied themselves with their hair and makeup in the Club’s chic Barber Shop. And no First Look could have been as timeless and truly classic as what immediately followed in the stately, spacious Library, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city below, shelves lined with old books, and rich leather chairs scattered before a massive stone fireplace.

And that was just the beginning. From photos in front of the city’s iconic “Cloud Gate” and up along the shore of Lake Michigan, to the ceremony held in historic Wrigleyville, back down to the University Club for cocktails in the Library, all culminating in a delightful dinner and dancing in the grand ballroom, it was a night of pure elegance. And no true Chicago wedding experience could end without a private rooftop kiss overlooking the city streets below, the fireworks from Navy Pier bursting in the distance at just the right time. It was a joy to take part in the celebration of Robby and Tala, and the epitome of a classic, Old Chicago wedding.

From The Bride… Robby and I met at a wedding in Miami, FL. A year later, he called me out of the blue and we began getting to know each other while I was living in Detroit and he in Chicago. After nine months of long phone conversations, lengthy car rides and flights to see each other, Robby proposed on his family’s farm in Western Kansas. I moved to Chicago shortly after and had eight months to plan our big day!

When we decided to get married in Chicago, Robby and I were immediately drawn to the historic buildings in the city that had charm and character. Our elegant vintage theme was effortless to attain after choosing the University Club of Chicago as our venue. We have a mutual love for live jazz, old books and mid-century fashion which came together magically for our wedding day. One of my favorite moments was our private first look in the library; all the details that we had worked so hard to perfect culminated at that point and we could relax with each other and enjoy the rest of the day. The entire occasion was everything we hoped for, and we are still reminiscing about the best day of our lives!

Cinematography: Nicodem Creative | Floral Design: The Wishing Well Florist | Wedding Gown: Enzoani | Ceremony Venue: Miseo Dei | Reception: The University Club Of Chicago | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Bride's Accessories: The Left Bank Bridal Finery | Bride's Hair: Antje Kastner's Studio | Bride's Makeup: Milian Bonillo | Bridesmaids' Hair: Bride Style Beauty | Bridesmaids' Robes: Etsy | Catering And Cake: The University Club Of Chicago | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo | Live Music: The Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra | Pocket Watches: The Left Bank Bridal Finery

With temperatures creeping up near the hundreds in good ol’ Las Vegas, this winter engagement session from Britta Marie Photography is certainly a breath of fresh, cool air.  It’s also the sweetest romp ever through the snowy (+ breathtaking) Chicago landscape with two cuties who aren’t afraid of getting a little chilly (love will keep them warm).  Cool down with me right here.

From Britta Marie Photography… I think sometimes, living in the Midwest, we see only the annoyance that winter brings. Snow is wet and cold and makes driving on the interstate a pure nightmare, but it can also be beautiful. Whenever a client contacts me about a winter wedding or engagement session my heart flutters a bit – there is just something so romantic about using your love to keep you warm, and something so energizing about the idea of spending the afternoon in the snow. All of the sudden you have to get creative with how you are going to dress fashionably for a photo shoot while simultaneously staying warm.

I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to spend the afternoon with, out in the Chicago snow, than Sam and Frank. The two of them are having a winter wedding and wanted their engagement session to coincide. I have known Sam since high school and had no doubt in my mind that she would be able to work the cold weather outfit constrictions to her advantage, and I was not disappointed. From her adorable booties to her statement hat, the girl knew what she was doing when selecting her looks.

Not only are these two gorgeous and highly fashionable, but they are also some of the most easy going, kind hearted people I have had the privilege of knowing. Because of the severe weather we had the week prior to their session, a number of the locations we had wanted to shoot at were unexpectedly closed. But they did not let it phase them. They were completely on board with all of the last minute solutions we had to come up with, and I am so thankful for that.

The weather seemed to have scared some tourists away (not that I can blame them), and as we walked around Grant Park I felt as if we had the city to ourselves, and it was magical.

I can’t thank Sam and Frank enough for their willingness to adventure through the city in January, and I can’t wait to do it again with them next year, that time, for their wedding day.

Photography: Britta Hundertmark

Infused with family traditions and the type of elegance that will never go out of style, this wedding is one that will stand the test of time. Captured beautifully by Kina Wicks, this gallery is simply overflowing with all the things we adore here at SMP, and you can get lost in all the lovely here.

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I had my Pi Beta Phi pin attached to my flowers, to honor the sorority that brought me my lifelong sisters. All of the jewelry I wore were borrowed from important women in my life. My maternal grandmothers Bible sat on the altar with our unity candles. The crown my paternal grandmother wore on her wedding day over 55 years ago sat on the top of our delicious cake. The women in my family baked hundreds of Italian cookies to give out as favors. Tim’s grandmother was a huge influence in his life, and we served oreo cookies and shots of milk on the dance floor to honor her, as this was his favorite memory of her, sitting at her kitchen table eating cookies and milk together. For new traditions, we had the artist Happy Menocal create our custom family crest, spent many (fun) nights crafting our signature cocktail, the George’s Grapefruit Gimlet, and read an untraditional poem during our ceremony that is important to us. (I Like You).

Photography: Kina Wicks | Event Planning: Anne Book Signature Style | Floral Design: Pistil & Vine | Wedding Gown: Vera Wang | Cake: Cake Chicago | Brides Shoes: Burberry | Bridesmaids: Amsale | Makeup: Shannon O'Brien MUA | Hair: Your Stylist AJ | DJ: Fig Media | Groom's Attire: Paul Stuart | Officiant: Reverend David Danaher | Bridesmaids Robes: Silk And More | Ceremony Musicians: Magnolia Strings | Custom Crest: Happy Menocal | Custom Printing: Magnificent Milestones | Getting Ready Robe: A Girl With A Serious Dream | Groomsen Attire: Vera Wang Black For Men's Warehouse | Photobooth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co.