Illinois Weddings

OK, all you style-savvy wedding gurus out there it is time for you to step up to the plate and show off your stellar design skills.  We have an awesome chance for you to gain some major board building bragging rights because the incredibly talented Sarah Drake is back for another From Inspiration to Invitation challenge SMP Illinois style!  We are looking to you to come up with a chic, unique inspiration board that Sarah will turn into a gorgeous stationery suite!

Past From Inspiration to Invitation winner Chiara Francolino

The rules are simple, just create an inspiration board using our easy peasy board building tool based on any style/look/theme you’d like to see translated into an invitation design. (Please note, this is a design challenge not a giveaway.) You must tag your board “SD Challenge” to be considered. Sarah will pick one of your boards to turn into a fabulous new invitation and we cannot wait to see what you come up with. We’ll announce the big winner on Friday, November 11th and share the sure-to-be-amazing invitation right here on SMP in January!

I am about as smitten as one can be with this gorgeous Monticello affair by Mark Romine Photography.  And let me tell you, that’s pretty darn smitten.  From the breathtaking location (Hello, Allerton Park!) to the stunning jewel-toned bouquets by English Hedgerow (ADORE) to some seriously sweet bridesmaid frocks, I am lovin’ every minute of this traditional soiree.  Believe you me, this charming fête will leave you swooning through the weekend.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… In the weeks leading up to my engagement to Jared, I already had wedding planning on my mind and began noticing and seeking out beautiful potential venues online.  I mentioned in passing to my mom that my ideal setting would be a Southern plantation with a picturesque mansion and grounds.  This would be simple enough if I hadn’t also always planned on getting married near my hometown in Central, Illinois.  My mom, already aware that Jared was planning on proposing soon, was a few steps ahead of me and had done some local research.  She pointed out that Allerton Park, only an hour away from my childhood hometown, had exactly the combination of beautiful formal gardens and a Georgian style mansion that I envisioned.  After browsing through a few pictures online, we concluded that Allerton was the perfect compromise of Central, Illinois and an elegant mansion wedding.  Luckily for me, the planning officially began a few days later when Jared proposed!

Because Jared and I both live in Chicago, my mom became our local wedding coordinator.  We both had the same vision for a wedding: classic, elegant and traditional.  We wanted to showcase the beauty of the gardens and mansion so we chose a palette of rich jewel tones with gold accents.  Given the elaborate gardens and traditional décor in the mansion, we were able to keep our added details simple.  The only place where I deviated from traditional was with my dress.  Thankfully, my Matron of Honor convinced me that if there is a day to wear a fluffy, feathery dress, it’s your wedding day.  After the reception was over and everyone had headed to bed in the mansion, Jared and I snuck downstairs to look around and there were little petals here and there as a memory of the night.

It was very important to us to acknowledge our families, especially my father who passed away three years ago.  My mom bought gold picture frames whenever she came across them and we used them to display pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days.  I also wore my dad’s wedding band throughout the day.  I associate rainbows with my dad because on the day of his visitation, there was a beautiful rainbow, a rarity for Illinois in November.  To incorporate this into the ceremony, during the unity candle lighting, the musicians played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and my aunt, my father’s sister, also, read an Irish Wedding Blessing, “For Every Storm, A Rainbow.”  One of the most special moments of the reception was when Jared and I danced our first dance to one of my dad’s favorite songs, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.  Jared and I took dancing lessons from Phillipa Tabachow of JiveRoc in the weeks leading up to the wedding.  We had a blast both practicing and surprising our guests with a choreographed dance.  After the first dance ended, we stayed on the dance floor the rest of the night surrounded by our friends and family.

Wedding Photography: Mark Romine Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Allerton Park / Flowers: English Hedgerow / Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Bella Bianca / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade via Nordstrom / Bride’s Jewelry: Sorrelli / Bride’s Purse: Vintage Judith Leiber

I’ve literally been rendered speechless by this stunning Chicago affair by Gerber + Scarpelli Photography… and when you take a peak at all of the gorgeous below, you’ll see why.  Simply brimming with the most amazing of DIY details crafted by the oh-so-talented bride and groom (including paper airplane programs, vintage tie save-the-dates and the coolest homemade favors ever), it just does not get any more fabulous than this.  I’ll be spending my morning, noon and night soaking in all of this lovely… and I suggest you do the same.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… Travis & I wanted our wedding to feel like us. And we figured the best way to do that was to really get our hands on everything. The more we could make, build, and design ourselves the better.

For the save-the-dates, we collected used men’s ties and designed a “Tie the Knot” label to iron on. Each was rolled into a mailing tube and sent to our guests (some guests ended up wearing the ties to the wedding which was unexpected and really fun). The invites came next, each with a custom illustration. We bought a tool to perforate the reply card so that guests would tear off either the YES or the NO and mail it back. We printed funny excuses on the NO card like “sorry my favorite TV show is on that day.”

Travis and I love to cook and bake together. So we decided to make and bottle baking extracts for our guest favors. We made mint, lemon, or vanilla (our house smelled great for days). Each was paired with a recipe featuring that flavor. We displayed them in old crates we found at an antique store.

The bridal party wore gray with lots of accent colors. The guys couldn’t find ties in a color they liked, so the bridesmaids and the MOB got together and sewed yellow ties for the groomsmen. It turns out making ties isn’t so easy…but the end result was great and the guys loved them. The girls bouquets were dahlias wrapped in twine. During rehearsal, the guys said “The girls get to hold bouquets but we don’t get to hold anything…”  so during the ceremony, the guys each held a beer.

The wedding was held at the Red Canary in Chicago. It has a casual but sophisticated 1920’s lounge feel. The ceremony was outside in the garden. Programs were printed on blue paper and folded into paper airplanes that guests threw instead of rice. The reception décor was old tins filled with flowers. They were the perfect mix of vintage and modern. Everything turned out better than we could have hoped for. Having all of our friends and family together in one place to share our wedding day with us was so special. And our ridiculously talented photographer Melody of Gerber + Scarpelli was able to capture everything perfectly. The night felt like it went by so quickly, and being able to look through pictures that truly show how much Travis & I love each other, our family and our friends is priceless. We hope that our marriage is just as hands-on as our wedding was. The more love and hard work you put into something, the more you cherish it.

Wedding Photography: Gerber + Scarpelli Photography / Flowers (Bouquets): Flowerama Mundelein / Flowers (For Tins): Mariano’s Grocery Store / Cupcakes: Luscious Layers Bakery / Wedding Venue: Red Canary / Music: DJ Intel / Boutonnieres: Pomp & Plumage / Wedding Dress: GiGi’s Closette

Ya gotta love a backyard wedding, especially if your backyard looks like this gorgeous, tree-filled North Shore Chicago yard. This gorgeous DIY wedding was truly a labor of love and although it was mainly homespun, it has an elegant quality that is clear to see in the amazing images from photographers Dawn E. Roscoe and Torie McMillan. We’re loving each and every detail from the handmade and hand painted ceremony chuppa to the delicious looking signature cocktails complete with herbs from their very own garden. No doubt this wedding was just as special and meaningful as it is beautiful. Click here for even more.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Drew and I met after college while living in New York through a mutual friend. Oddly, we had both attended college together at Northwestern, and actually lived in the same dorm for a year, but didn’t cross paths. Luckily, fate kept trying. We moved back to Chicago after two years in New York – me for law school and Drew for business school – both at our alma mater, Northwestern! After dating for four years, Drew proposed on the shore of Lake Michigan, with the gorgeous ring that his grandfather gave to his grandmother for their 50th wedding anniversary. Since then, we graduated in June, got hitched in September, and will be starting our new careers in downtown Chicago in October. Drew and I knew that we wanted to have a very personal and homey wedding.  And what better place to accomplish that than in the exquisite garden of my parents’ home on the North Shore of Chicago – the same house where I grew up and where my older sister, Christie, got married two years prior.

Our garden, our home, and our family history were really the entire inspiration for the event. We tried to exude a sense of warmth and “backyard elegance,” and pretty much everything was home-spun. We incorporated contributions from friends and family, showcased personal relationships, and added homemade details as much as possible. My mom, aunt, and cousin made all the desserts for our dessert table from scratch. Drew’s cousin hand-painted and hand-sewed our ceremony huppah, and the huppah posts were borrowed from a neighbor. I handmade the invitations, programs, and other paper cards along with help from various family members and friends. Our signature cocktails were made with fresh herbs from our garden and each came with a bamboo stir stick with a fun little flag that I made with a variety of paper that I found over the course of the year. I made the lavender-infused lemonade (a refreshment we provided before the ceremony) with lavender from our garden. My dress, veil, and shoes were my sister’s, which she wore at her wedding two years prior. (In fact, the only “something new” I had were my Spanxx!)

We collected jars and bottles for the flower vases, and I bought and tied about 200 ribbons for them. I handmade all of the chalkboards that we used for wedding signage out of chalkboard spray paint and wood panels. Our friend, Tim, played our ceremony music on his guitar. Drew’s father, brother, and family friends sang Here, There, and Everywhere by The Beatles during our ceremony – the same song that was sung at Drew’s parents’ wedding. The judge who presided over our ceremony was the judge with whom I formerly clerked during law school. We got married on the lawn, with a lush ravine as our backdrop. Cocktail hour took place throughout my dad’s beautiful garden – on the patios, decks, and little garden “nooks” on the ravine’s edge – with the doors to the house wide open to allow people to access wherever they might like to explore. The reception was under a clear-span tent we had set up on the other side of the house.

For our “First Look” Drew was standing in a beautiful and quiet part of the garden waiting for me. When I came, he turned around, and we both immediately had tears in our eyes. I cry all the time, so this was no surprise for me, but I have never seen Drew cry in the five years I’ve known him. We just stood there holding each other and sobbing and whispering how happy we were to be getting married to each other. It was such gift to share such a tender, happy, and relieving moment with the one you love amidst such a hectic day.

Venue: Private Residence / Wedding Photography: Dawn E. Roscoe / Second Photographer: Torie McMillan / Wedding Planner: A Perfect Event, Debi Lily / Floral Design: Asrai Garden / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Bridesmaid Dresses: Simple Silhouettes / Make-up: Adriana Aude / Hair: Kim Schmidt with Beauty on Call / Band: Entourage / Jewelry: David Yurman (gift from Bride’s father and groom) / Invitations: Handmade by the Bride

While this wedding isn’t technically in Illinois, it IS a hop across the pond (sort of kind of) and with so many great vendors in close proximity, we thought it would be the perfect spot to showcase all the gorgeous. Plus the lovely couple is from Chicago so we’re making it count people. Photographed by K. Holly Photography, this is one of those weddings that had us at that Lazaro dress, or maybe it was those sassy purple kicks. Whatever the case, it kept us coming back for more and then stopped us dead in our tracks with a breathtaking film by Epic Motion. We saved that little ditty for the end so get comfy, peruse through image after stunning image and check out the gallery for more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

Gorgeous, right? And wait until you see it live straight from the lens of Epic Motion. Enjoy the show!

From the Bride…Christopher and I live in Chicago, but we knew we wanted to get married in Michigan.  He is from Michigan and my parents have a cottage near Shelbyville. We chose Bay Pointe Inn because it is beautiful setting for a lakeside wedding. We knew that we wanted to add our own personal touches to the design, and Bay Pointe’s pavilion allowed us to create our dream wedding!  But most importantly, it has a laid back atmosphere!

We believe that our inspirations for our wedding style came from a few different places.  One of the first things we did after we got engaged was look for a photographer.  K. Holly Photography’s portfolio represented the mood we wanted to create for our wedding.  Fun, vintage, with a touch of rustic.  We also knew Chicago was a major component we wanted to represent throughout our wedding.  So our place cards were vintage postcards from Chicago! Our favors were also Garrett’s Popcorn – the BEST popcorn from Chicago! And our table names were streets names of Chicago.  Personal touches like the wedding wish tree, the drink stirrers, and the photo booth were a fun interactive addition to our wedding day!

Our ceremony was amazing.  It was pouring rain a few hours before, and Christopher and I were prepared to get married inside of the the venue’s pavilion.  However, the sky cleared up and we finally saw the sun!  Our first bridesmaid walked down our dog, Jersey. I had both of my parents walk me down because they both have had an huge part in my life. Christopher and I wrote our own personal vows, which was very important to us.

There are a couple memories that stand out to the both of us.  I will always remember when Christopher sang and played the guitar for me in front of our wedding guests.  He played Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits, which is one of our favorite songs.  Incredibly romantic and incredibly touching.  Christopher has said he will always remember me walking down the aisle because that was what we wanted – the sun finally came out while I was walking towards him.  We are grateful for our amazing wedding day – it was perfect. But more importantly, we are extremely blessed to have found each other, and I know we will continue to have a life filled with happiness and sunshine!

Wedding Photography: K. Holly Photography / Wedding Videography: Epic Motion / Floral Designer: Modern Day Floral / Invitation Designer: paper + pinafore / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Sweet Cake Designs / Wedding Gown: Lazaro / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lazaro / Photobooth: Magnolia Photobooth / Venue: Bay Pointe Inn

What could be better than a whole lot of romance with a little bit of rock n’ roll mixed in?  My heart did a few (hundred) little backflips when I first spotted this Lake Forest wedding by Fig Media.  The chic color combo of black, white and hot pink is elegant, unexpected and oh-so much fun.  The fluffy love cloud of baby’s breath surrounding the ceremony alter is straight of a dream and the hot pink centerpieces are out of this world amazing. Click here to see it all!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Jason and I met almost six years ago when I was working as a live-in nanny for the Walgreen family.  We had an instant connection but it was difficult dating with such an unconventional job (my time off was quite limited). After five months of dating and not being able to see each other very often Jason asked me to move to Australia with him for graduate school.  As someone who suffers from wanderlust, I jumped at the opportunity although most everyone I knew thought I was a bit crazy.  Living abroad together created a strong and intense bond between us and helped shape who we are as a couple.

For our wedding we wanted our international adventures, personality, and style as a couple to be reflected so I made it my mission to do just that while sticking to a tight budget (we paid for the wedding ourselves).  The location for our wedding was certainly unique and was a kind and generous offer from my former employer.  They offered their backyard and courtyard to us for our ceremony and reception.  It was the perfect setting for our vision of a intimate, outdoor wedding. What helped make our wedding so personal and intimate was that almost everyone that contributed was a friend of ours including my make-up artist, hair stylist, Rabbi, and violinist to name just a few.  Being around so many familiar faces certainly helped relax me on the big day.  DIY ideas from SMP were also a huge contribution!  My morning routine for the entire year leading up to the wedding was checking SMP updates.  We created our chuppah from a wooden pergola and bunches and bunches of baby’s breath (I saw something quite similar on SMP and had to have it).  It was the centerpiece for our ceremony and truly set the mood for the evening.  Our service took place at sundown and the Lake Michigan background was spectacular.

Following the ceremony our guests enjoyed signature cocktails, Graham Beck sparking wine (my husband is a wine rep so all the wine was hand-picked with a great deal of passion), and a raw bar.  Dinner was served family style with five long tables.  My mother-in-law donated her time and expertise and made the tablecloths with my vision in mind.  Instead of traditional chair covers I used black tulle and tied big bows on the back of the chairs.  It helped create a dramatic look while keeping costs down.  The lights wrapped around the trees and tent were done by my father-in-law and created an intimate and magical ambiance.  The speeches before dinner tugged at my heart strings.  My dearest friend, Jennie flew over from Adelaide, Australia with her five month old baby girl (what a committed friend), my husband’s best friend, my father-in-law, Brooke, the now young adult who I used to take care of as her nanny, and my mother made us both laugh and cry at the same time!  I felt so loved and honored by their words.  The night concluded with dancing and a hot dog cart at midnight.  Who doesn’t enjoy a Chicago style hot dog at the end of a night!

Through the process lots of people give you advice (wanted and unwanted) but what resonated with me the most was to remember what the day is about (you and your husband not the bad weather forecast or not getting the flowers you want).  For me it took a village to make our day happen and it was such a beautiful reminder of all the people that love you in your life.

Wedding Photography: Fig Media / Flowers: Cattails Inc. / Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence / Invitations: Anjenu + DIY / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham via Le Salon Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Bridesmaid Dresses:  J.Crew / Groom’s Attire: Sebastian Grey / Make-up: Lauren Rubenstein / Hair: Aja Wong / Tent: HDO Production / Lighting: Blanford Design / Midnight Food: Hubby’s Dog House / Flowers: DIY

If you are a fan of flowers, and, really, who isn’t, you are going to go bonkers over this beautiful Chicago wedding.  Romantic blossoms inspired by the french countryside cascade down every inch of this beauty.  I especially love the creamy, lush arrangements sweetly tied to the bride and groom’s chairs.  Olivia Leigh Photographie‘s images perfectly capture the classic elegance of the day and every amazing detail.  Click here to see them all!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Olivia Leigh Photographie…Laura and Elliot were married July 23, 2011, at the Chicago History Museum. They were originally to have an outdoor ceremony but due to the heat and forecasted (not non-existent!) rain, they opted to have the ceremony indoors in the museum’s gorgeous indoor space. The room where they were married features historic stained glass from Chicago, and the amazing team at Kehoe Designs built a gorgeous chuppah for them to say their vows beneath.

Laura looked gorgeous in her traditional but still clean and modern gown accented with a beautiful taupe sash, and she carried a gorgeous bouquet that included fawn ostrich feathers. The girls looked lovely in silver bridesmaids dresses that flattered all of their figures!

After the lovely ceremony, guests went into the foyer where vintage furniture was arranged to create unique seating options. Guests sipped on white sangria with summer fruit, ate mini ice cream cones of goat cheese, and enjoyed tomato soup topped with grilled cheese sandwiches from Food for Thought. Kehoe transformed the space with a romantic French countryside theme. Blooms were placed in vintage glass and silver holders, and silver candelabras with lampshades created a cozy feel. Guests enjoyed toasts and dancing, with metallic flip flops available for all the ladies. A range of cakes from Bittersweet was available for guests, placed on cake holders that Laura and her mother had collected prior to the wedding. Lori from LOLA helped to pull everything together and keep the day on track with ease and grace, and Rachel from Toast & Jam kept guests boogying all night! It was such a beautiful day!

Wedding Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie / Wedding Coordinator: Lori Stephenson at LOLA Event Productions / DJ: Toast & Jam / Floral + Design: Kehoe Designs / Catering: Food for Thought / Venue: Chicago History Museum / Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom / Cakes: Bittersweet

How fabulous does getting married on a yacht surrounded by your nearest and dearest sound? It sounds pretty darn amazing to me, and by the looks of the gorgeous images from Chicago wedding photographer Dana Ann, my assumption is dead on. Add a stunning bouquet by Bella Flora, a seriously swoon-worthy dress, the gorgeous Chicago skyline as the backdrop and you have the makings of a gallery full of gorgeous!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Dana Ann Photography…This intimate wedding was decorated by God Himself with the gorgeous weather, cloud painted blue sky, sparkling Lake Michigan waves playing off sunshine all day long.  The sophisticated bride graced in her birdcage veil and perfectly stated short-length one shoulder adorned dress stepped into view carrying flower blossoms saved only for occasions this special!   With spectacular views of the Chicago skyline, the Chicago harbor lighthouse and Navy Pier as the many backdrops….every moment captured is fresh and gorgeous.

Venue: The Sophisticated Lady Yacht Charters / Floral Design: Bella Flora, Elaine El-Aboudi / Wedding Photography: Dana Ann Photography / Dress: Thread from Bella Bridesmaids

Can you believe I’ve never been to Chicago? I am itching to go after drooling over gorgeous Chicago wedding after gorgeous Chicago wedding on SMP Illinois. It’s almost as if that windy city defined chic, and I’m ready to start walking if I have to just to see all of its gorgeous ways. Case and point – this timelessly lovely affair by Kara Pearson Photography. It’s perfectly Chicago chic. Chic, timeless, elegant – and there is even more to see in the full gallery!

Click here for the full gallery of images!

From Kara Pearson Photography…Ashlee and Chris were married at the iconic Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue. The reception was across the street at the Westin Hotel.

Ashee went to Michigan State University and Chris went to the University of Illinois, so they decided their colors would be green (MSU) and orange (UofI). Chris and the groomsmen wore orange and blue socks, while Ashlee had an orange calla lily bouquet and the bridesmaids wore green dresses. Their name cards were U of I and MSU, and table names/photos were places on the campuses.

They own a dachshund, so their cake topper were bride and groom dachshunds. During the reception, to honor Chris’s Polish heritage, they did a traditional Polish dance – the baby doll dance.

Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian / Reception: The Westin-Michigan Ave/ Cake: Oak Mill Bakery / Flowers: Ashland-Addison Florist Co. / DJ: Sounds Abound Entertainment, Keith Talaga / Dress & Veil: Mikaella Bridal Style #1456 / Tuxedo: Balini Custom / Bridesmaids Dresses: Venus Bridal Style #BM1267 / Makeup Artist: Chanelle Bernt-Este Lauder / Hair: Steven Papageorge Salon / Cake Topper: Etsy.com / Photographer: Kara Pearson Photography

I think it’s finally safe to say it… Fall has officially begun!  (Yay!)  And what better way to welcome the brand new season than with a stunning Gallery 1028 wedding by the oh-so-amazing Heather Parker Photography?  Trust me, you’ll be craving hot cocoa and a warm fire the very second you lay your eyes on the beautiful florals by Studio AG, the breathtaking lighting and design by Ted Van Hyning (Brother of the bride!) and that oh-so-chic wedding gown.  Fall never looked so very, very good and thankfully, there’s an entire gallery of images just waiting to fill your day with warm and cozy.  Join me there for so much more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… The most important feature of our wedding was having a unique location to set the theme of an urban, non-traditional, intimate wedding.  After looking at a few other loft spaces, the Millenium Park Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Art Institute and a hotel, we found Gallery 1028 to be the perfect lay out and raw space to create a beautiful ceremony and amazing reception dance party.  We also had a great first impression of the venue manager and catering manager, who became wonderful, supportive resources during our wedding planning. My brother, who is a professional lighting designer, designed his own wedding a few years ago.  The wedding was breathtaking in that it was an outdoor setting with a tent, but the coolest lighting décor Mike and I had ever seen.  As soon as we became engaged we knew we wanted a wedding that was just as stunning as my brother’s.  We knew we wanted to transform a space as opposed to just ‘decorating’ a space with flowers and loved the idea of incorporating natural light from candles and artificial lighting design.  Our vision was focused on featuring a fall theme of branches, ranges of color and a few chic touches such as modern centerpieces and chandeliers.

Our design was centered around the fall season, which was carried through in every detail from the invitations to the dark orange ink on the name cards. Our wedding was a collaborative effort of both of our families!  We thought through all the talents of our family that we could incorporate into the wedding.  One brother of mine is an artist who sketched the save the date for us.  Both sets of parents and my brother met in Chicago to view the venue and create the vision for the design.  My other brother designed the lighting, while my sister in law helped with flower decisions from her knowledge of working with a florist for many years.  We also relied heavily on vendor recommendations.  We learned planning a wedding long distance relies on building trust with vendors through conference calls – not in-person meetings.  Our venue recommended the florist.  Our caterer recommended our photographer.  Our photographer recommended our dj.  Our friends recommended the photo booth.  We also relied on Yelp reviews to guide us through some decisions. Mike and I wanted our marriage ceremony to be focused on the coming together of our families and to be as simple and intimate as possible.  We decided not to have a bridal party, wrote our ceremony with Mike’s godfather, the officiate, and ate dinner at a table with our immediate family members, all of which made it so focused on our family and the new family we were creating.

From Ted Van Hyning, Event Designer and Brother of the Bride… I knew that Laura and Mike were looking for a wedding that blended a contemporary feel with classic sensibilities and that reflected Chicago, the city where they met and fell in love. As soon as I saw the venue, Gallery 1028, I knew that we could deliver on their vision. By blending modern elements such as LED-lit bars and moving lights with timeless touches such as crystal chandeliers, organza linens and chivari chairs, we were able to create an immersive environment that spoke to Laura and Mike’s personalities. One of my favorite elements of the reception was the “movie theater” that we created in a corner of the space. We edited video of Chicago landmarks together with photos of Laura and Mike and projected it on the raw brick walls for a different take of the tried and true wedding slide show. I think that the fall color scheme, along with the amazing florals from PJ at Studio AG, the lighting provided by Automated Lighting Designs and the fabulous food from Calihan catering also contributed to this being one of my favorite events that I’ve done. I was honored to work with my sister and the man she has chosen to spend her life with on a tribute to their love and their future together.

Wedding Photography: Heather Parker Photography / Wedding Location: Gallery 1028 / Caterer: Calihan Catering / Officiant: David Fisher, Godfather of the Groom / Makeup: Rebecca of Sonia Roselli Weddings / Hairstylist: Stephanie of Sonia Roselli Weddings / Flowers: Studio AG (773-327-0200) / Lighting + Event Design: Ted Van Hyning / DJ: Spencer Lokken of Style Matters DJs / Transportation: Think Green Limousine / Gown: Avant Mariée by Winnie Couture via Weddings 826 / Suit: Hugo Boss / Groom Shoes: Ecco USA / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Save the Dates: Original Sketch by Peter Van Hyning / Photobooth Company: The Traveling Photo Booth

I LOVE a black and white color palette (it just might be my favorite of all time) and when you throw in some splashes of vibrant pink, well, I doubly LOVE it.  Which explains why I am so completely smitten with this traditional Wilmette soiree by Laura Witherow Photography.  It’s a black, white and pink wonderland, complete with a gorgeous Anne Barge gown, crystal candelabras and some seriously stylish Badgley Mischka heels.  Plus, cake pops!  Yes, this entire affair is just brimming with the pretty, pretty moments, so join me in the gallery for every last one!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Laura Witherow Photography… Ryann and Mike’s Romantic June wedding was held at the Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette illinois on June 18, 2011. Their day was filled with classy touches and romantic details. Their tent reception was a beautiful mix of candle light and classic centerpieces. The brides dress had a alencon lace bodice with ribbon detail and a full asymmetrical layered tulle skirt with horsehair trim and Alencon lace appliques.

Wedding Photography: Laura Witherow Photography / Brides Dress: Anne Barge / Brides Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet / DJ: Spencer Looken of Style Matters DJs / Wedding Cake: Niles of Oak Mill Bakery / Wedding Ceremony Location: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church / Wedding Reception Location: Westmoreland Country Club / Photo Booth: The Fun Ones / Flowers: Fill It With Flowers / Late Night Pizza: Italian Village Restaurants / Linens: BBJ Linens / Videographer: Modern Image Studios / Favors: Bomboniere from La Bomboniera, Chicago

I’m in love with a dress.  Yes, it’s true.  From the moment I laid my eyes on this bundle of tea length goodness (complete with rockin’ red heels and an oh-so-chic birdcage veil), I have done nothing but daydream about this wonderful dress and me.  It’s an obsession, really.  And when you add to all of that dress fabulous some perfect blooms by Pollen, yummy cupcakes from Molly’s Cupcakes and beautiful images by Anna Routh Photography, well, there’s just no end in sight to the love I am feeling.  Trust me, you don’t want to miss a moment of pretty.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

Click for the FULL wedding!

From Anna Routh Photography… This was a beautiful, stylish, fun, laid back wedding that took place in the heart of Chicago. These two LOVE their city, so they chose a Chicago theme and ran with it. The Chicago flag is light blue and red, so that became their color palette for the big day. One of my favorite things Molly did was hire eco-friendly Chicago florist Pollen which allows clients to direct on color choice and general look, but they work with what’s in season and sustainably grown in the area. There was a huge variety in the floral and everything was beautiful. Molly’s dress was stunning and her gorgeous red pumps were so much fun. This was a fun wedding with a killer dance party, delicious sweets and lots of love!

Wedding Photography: Anna Routh Photography / Catering: Kenmare Catering / Florist: Pollen / Hair: Shelby George Smith / Makeup: April Toofan  / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander / DJ: Adam Novak / Venue: Kitchen Chicago / Cake + Desserts: Molly’s Cupcakes / Wedding Invitations & Cupcake Toppers: Blue Eye Brown Eye

I just can’t get the romantic, lakeside wedding inspiration from yesterday out of my head!  The soft, romantic palette, the perfect blend of vintage and modern and the organically elegant flowers have planted themselves in my wedding-loving heart and have no plans on evacuating any time soon. So I thought I’d put together a little buying guide to get you started on creating your own heart-stealing event.  I would love to see a real wedding inspired but all the lovliness that Melissa Hayes Photography, Naturally Yours Events and Pollen put together, wouldn’t you?

1. One of my favorite elements from the photo shoot are the gorgeous dresses with soft, flowing fabric and classic lines.  Ivy & Aster carries my ultimate dream dress – the Sweet Pea – that would definitely be my do-over gown if I could have one.

2. Succulents are such an easy, fun way to add some sustainably chic style to your floral arrangements and decor.  I love how perfectly the silvery, purple hue of these matches the romantic theme.

3. We absolutely adored the lovely paper goods that Tweedle Press designed for the shoot!  These invitations by splendid press are reminiscent of the swirly scroll and also incorporate a little bit of the lace detail which we love!

4.  Crates are huge right now not only in weddings but home decor as well (I may have a small collection growing) and every time I go to the flea market I see them everywhere.  They aren’t always cheap though so you have to be a real bargain hunter or wheeler and dealer to get them at a fair price.  Of course, Etsy has a great selection of all different style and sizes too!

5. Of course, to really capture the classic romanticism of this shoot you need lace, lace and more lace!  Drape it over everything – crates, tables, chairs and even wrap it around the napkins for a sweet little touch!

6. I love using glass cloches or bell jars in design.  They can instantly turn the look of a normal looking table set up into one with a modern, vintage, steam punk or industrial vibe.  These are becoming more and more popular too and you can find them at almost any decor store like World Market or Save-on-crafts.

7. The antique keys add a little secret garden element to the design, no?  I think they are so sweet and perfect for the escort cards!

8. Vintage plates are definitely a must!  There are many vintage table decor rental companies popping up and Classic Party Rentals even has a line of vintage-inspired dishware if you don’t feel like scouring the thrift store for your own.

9. The hanging vases over the table add an element of modern whimsy to the inspiration shoot and I adore them.  CB2 carries these that are perfect to use as vases or candle holders and are oh-so easy on the budget!

10. Not that the stunning Ivy & Aster gown needs any help in the gorgeous department but if you wanted to add a little chic accessory to the already divine dress then a simple belt like this lacy beauty by Little White Dresser will do just the trick.

I have been totally swept off my feet by this uber-romantic, sustainably-chic, lakeside inspiration shoot by Melissa Hayes Photography.  The details are the perfect blend of classic meets modern and organic meets whimsical and each one has found a little place inside my heart.  Naturally Yours Events made sure that all the lovely, soft details were not only completely gorgeous but eco-friendly as well and the elegant florals by Pollen are naturally modern and absolutely breathtaking.  Visit all of this modern day fairytale in the full gallery!

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From the Melissa Hayes Photography:

Before we all say goodbye to the summer here in the Midwest, we wanted to put together a very natural, soft yet chic, wedding inspiration shoot at the beach. Lakefront weddings are a rare occurrence in Chicago, and we wanted to showcase how perfectly intimate the beach at Glencoe Park can be for those brides that dream of a private, sandy lakeside ceremony. With its spanish style beach house, cliff views of beautiful Lake Michigan, and serene beach, guests will be amazed how close they are to the city of Chicago.

Using the rustic wooden tables bordering the sand for dining, Carlene softened them by installing a lace table runner. A smooth, white fabric was draped above to sway in the wind pairing shabby chic with the rustic table, but to also provide shade for guests while dining. Soft, pale pink roses and ribbon were accented with deep purples in the succulents and plums. Sun kissed glass globes were hung at varying lengths to hold delicate blossoms reinforcing an airy feel.  Table florals were displayed at varying heights to mirror the florals above. Neutral toned chargers and satin table runner made for a lovely transition to the lace and whimsical plates.

As a member of the Green Wedding Alliance, Naturally Yours Events also incorporated eco-friendly elements with certain details.  Florals designed by Pollen, specializes in sustainable arrangements. Flower garlands were handmade from old sewing patterns. Paper goods designed by Tweedle Press, were printed on 100% recycled and chlorine free paper and used sustainable ink for the letterpress invitations. Vintage dinnerware provided by Plate whose co-owners discover and repurpose vintage dinnerware for events. Last but not least, the crates and plums were sourced by local farmers from the Windy City Farmers Market in Chicago.

Photography: Melissa Hayes Photography / Coordinator and Design: Naturally Yours Events / Florals: Pollen / Rentals + Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Dinnerware Rental: Plate / Wedding Cake: Tipsy Cake / Cake Pedestal + Vintage Cake Server + Vintage Keys: BHLDN / Pastries: Alliance Bakery / Paper Products: Tweedle Press / Lace and Ribbons: Mignonette Designs / Gowns + Accessories: Belle Vie Bridal Couture / Makeup: Sonia Roselli Makeup Studios / Model: Cassandra of Factor Women / Location: Glencoe Beach Trellis

We just love modern weddings here at SMP. We get all excited and giddy when they come our way and this pretty yellow and grey fete has us even more giddier than usual. Captured by the talented Laura Witherow Photography with beyond beautiful florals from Fleur, Inc., this Chicago wedding is sure to leave a big, happy smile on your face this morning. If you want to see more, and I don’t blame you, just head on over to the full gallery of images!

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From Laura Witherow Photography: Jenna and Scottie met at Elon college while they were both involved in sports. They relocated to Chicago after graduation and some time soon after Scottie proposed. Their July 30th wedding was held at The Wit hotel in downtown Chicago. Jenna was apart of every detail of the day as her personality shines through in the color, the dress and each tiny detail. I loved the gray and yellow color combination with the bridesmaids dresses and shoes. It all seemed to tie in perfectly with the invitations, menus and save the dates.

Photography: Laura Witherow Photography / Florist: Fleur, Inc. / Dress: Kenneth Pool / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Save the Dates: Minted / Invitations: Pink Lily Press / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Shoes: Nina / Favor: Garrett Popcorn / Venue: theWit Hotel / DJ: Toast and Jam

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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I’d start off by telling you how much I adore today’s lovely Redfield Estate soiree, but I fear that’s an understatement.  No, I don’t just adore this wedding, I all caps ADORE this wedding… And when you lay your eyes on those insanely gorgeous blooms by Hlavacek Florist, the breathtaking ceremony space and that beautiful lace gown, you’ll see just why I can’t seem to get enough of this romantic affair.  All captured in brilliant images by yazy jo, there’s no end in sight to all of this pretty.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

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From yazy jo… This wedding was celebrated with a beautiful, vintage, earth-tone palette of colors that made everything seem like a wonderful dream from a different era.

The bride thought of every detail to memorably trace the path of their new lives.  The air was warm and embracing.  Her dress draped with layers of beautiful flowing lace.  Her hair was adorned with a single flower that whisked lightly in the wind as the couple set out for a whimsical ride on a tandem bicycle.

The natural, organic surroundings represented the true simple love that this couple shares.

Wedding Photography: yazy jo / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Redfield Estate / Florist: Hlavacek Florist / Wedding Cake: Rolf’s Patisserie

This Chicago wedding by Melissa Hayes Photography is proof that sometimes the most fabulous and meaningful details aren’t necessarily the ones that we can see.  This sweet couple made sure that family was a big part of their wedding day by getting married in the same church as the bride’s parents.  She even wore here mother’s vintage wedding dress though you would never know it wasn’t a modern design!  Such a pretty, classic look!  Of course, the details that you can see are just perfect from the beautiful, lush bridal bouquet to the organically elegant centerpieces and warm, glowing candlelight.  Get cozy in the full gallery to see all the details!

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From Melissa Hayes Photography…Jessica & Coe’s vintage garden themed wedding was filled with beautiful details.  Some of these details aren’t apparent by viewing their photos. Their wedding ceremony took place at the same church the brides’ parents were married in, her vintage, designer wedding gown was worn by her mother on her wedding day, and they were married just a few days shy of her parents’ wedding date.  At the rehearsal is when we learned it was the exact same church her parents were married in, when we saw the framed wedding portrait of her parents’ in front of the church.  We knew right away that we wanted to recreate that moment for Jessica & Coe after the ceremony.

Guests were given bells as they made their way outside the church and were cooled off with a delightful assortment of ice cream as they waited for the bride and groom to make their exit. Jessica & Coe decided to do a faux getaway into their mini cooper and met with their bridal party on the other side of the church.

Upon entering Gallery 1028, guests were transcended into a vintage garden with warm candle light glowing from the floor to window panes hanging from the ceiling and wildflowers, white blooms, succulents, and birch trees created the perfect garden feel for dining.

Jessica & Coe did such a wonderful job ensuring that their wedding day reflected their families as much as themselves and we couldn’t be happier for them!

Wedding Photography: Melissa Hayes Photography / Wedding Videography: Studio 272 / Venue: Gallery 1028 / Catering: Calihan Catering / Flowers: Renee Price of Kehoe Designs / Wedding Cake: Creative Cakes / Music: Harsh Singh at DJ Harsh / Hair: Lisa Thomas Salon / Make-up: Elisa Vekkos at Makeup by Elisa / Invitation Design: Sasha Cerrato / Program Design, Menu, Table Numbers + Place Card Design: Amy Heitman at Amy Heitman Mural & Design / Wedding Dress: Vintage / Bride’s Shoes: Coclico / Bridesmaid Dresses: Leifdottir / Groom’s Suit: DKNY / Groom’s Shirt: M-82 by George Mccracken 

Hello ballroom!  This stunner by yazy jo is the epitome of classic chic and represents a ballroom reception done oh-so right!  Lush flowers, shimmery metallic and crystal touches and perfect lighting that transforms the space into an elegant wonderland.  Everything about this celebration is dripping with luxurious and stylish details. See them all in the full gallery!

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From the Bride…Vince and I met in September of 2006.  My cousins and I were in Las Vegas for my 21st birthday at the same time as Vince was there with his friends visiting from Italy. Although we had been to two of the same weddings earlier that summer in Chicago, Vince and I did not have a formal meeting until this night out in Vegas. We hung out, got to talking and clicked right away.  Vince asked if we could hang out again at home and I said yes.  Once we were back in Chicago, Vince and I went on a few dates a couple of weeks later.  It was easy for us to see that we had many things in common and had instant chemistry.  We have been together ever since.

For our big day there were many things that were a must. My sister Rita passed away five years ago and it was the most important thing for me to keep her close to me throughout my wedding day.  My cousins gave me a locket with my picture and Rita’s picture in it. I decided to pin it to my wedding bouquet so I could hold her in my hands and remember my angel watching over me.  We also lit a candle in her memory at church and had a poem in our program to remember her by. Besides this, Vince and I wanted to make sure that our guests had a great time and enjoyed themselves at our reception. We had a band as well as a DJ to play a variety of classic and contemporary songs.  We both come from large extended families and we wanted to try to make our wedding as intimate as possible given the size of our event. We had over 550 guests. We also wanted to highlight our Italian background – we had an English and Italian ceremony and food at our reception was extremely important.  We put much thought into our cocktail hour, our reception dinner menu, and our sweet table room.

It really is all about the details when creating an elegant event – and there were so many details to think about when planning a wedding! As a bride, I always envisioned an elegant formal affair. One of the most fun parts of wedding planning was picking out my wedding dress.  I ended up picking out the first dress I tried on – as it was everything I had wanted. It was full at the bottom with a beaded belt.  The look on my mother and aunt and cousins’ faces when they saw me in this dress helped me know that this was the one.   I felt like a princess in it! The flowers were also a big part of the planning.  We used huge white bouquets of flowers with hanging crystals and hints of pale pink that matched the color of the bridesmaids dresses. The up lighting in light purples and pinks also set the tone of the wedding against the sleek white dance floor with our wedding “logo” on it.  We made sure that every detail matched the look we were going for – classic yet chic, elegant yet fun.

Wedding Photography: yazy jo / Flowers, Lighting + Drapery: Yanni Design Studio / Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center / Invitations + Ceremony Programs: F.U.N Cards and Gifts / Wedding Dress: Kenneth Pool via Ultimate Bride Boutique / Linens: Covered Affairs / Band: Soco 7 / DJ: Jojo and Gizep / Wedding Videography: Watermark Studios / Wedding Planning: Tracie Simkin of Partie Girl Inc.

My head is all a flutter at the moment because I just don’t know where to begin with seriously stylish New Year’s Eve affair captured by StudioThisIs and designed by Bliss Weddings and Events. There is just so much goodness! But I just have to say something about that gown – oh em gee. That Vera Wang gown is what my dreams are made of. And that reception design? No words. It’s just elegant perfection. It’s all just fairytale, and you can get lost in all the pretty in the full gallery of images!

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From StudioThisIs…Emma & Thomas met in college, there the groom was overseas on a golf scholarship. With his most charming English accent, Tom asked Emma for a proper date over tea… Emma swooned. The couple, although young recent grads, knew immediately that there was something incredibly special and unique about their easy relationship. They both found they had the same core values, enjoyed a healthy, active lifestyle, enjoyed shopping, fashion, and sports. Once the couple was officially engaged, they decided to plan their wedding to be a New Year’s Eve celebration so the Groom’s family could easily travel from his native Nottingham, England.

The couple hired Kara Superfine of Bliss Weddings & Events to coordinate and design the details from the beginning. Emma and Thomas had yet to attend many weddings and needed much help shaping their vision. Kara was inspired by their early ideas and had a blast presenting them with the ideas that would fit their festive, formal, wintery Chicago wedding. The wedding and ceremony were held at The Racquet Club of Chicago – an intimate and charm-laden setting that felt more like someone’s home rather than an impersonal ballroom.

Kara helped them decide on a color palette that was soft and romantic composed of creams, grays, and a subtle dusty pink color. Jesse Deckard of Event Creative helped bring the vision to life. With hundreds of candles – from the custom shelved backdrop that framed the couple during their I-Dos to the dozens of votive candles suspended overhead during dinner – the evening had a celebratory feeling. The intimate guest count of 100 allowed for an unexpected floor plan of two exaggerated, long feasting tables instead of standard round tables. Guests were encouraged to wander the room, taking in the details, to find their hand calligraphed menu card donning their seating assignments. The tables were adorned with flickering candelabras and varied vintage vessels hosting bundles of hydrangea, roses, phalaenopsis orchids and anemones. A decadent dessert table, designed by Kara, hosted sweet treats including cookies and cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s, petite fours, croquembouche and maracons from Vanille Patisserie and color coordinated candies presented in bowls and jars.

The couple celebrated to the sounds of Bill Pollack Orchestra, straight up to the New Year when gloved servers handed out flutes of champagne and customized wedding confetti packets and noise makers to celebrate the start of the couple’s new beginning together.

Wedding Photography + Videography: Jeremy Bustos, StudioThisIs / Wedding Consultant + Design: Kara Superfine, Bliss Weddings and Events / Venue + Catering: The Racquet Club of Chicago / Floral, Lighting + Decor: Jesse Deckard, Event Creative / Entertainment: Bill Pollack Orchestra / Cupcakes + Cookies: Sweet Mandy B’s / Croquembouche, Petite Fours, Macarons: Vanille Patisserie / Hot Dog Cart: Carts Chicago / Transportation: Chicago Motor Coach / Beauty: Beauty on Call / Linens: BBJ Linen + Tablescapes Ltd. / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Paper Goods: Cheree Berry Paper

What is pink, sweet and chic all over?  That would have to be this adorable Chicago celebration by Ashley Biess Photography.  It is just jam-packed with cute and classic details, romantic, feminine flair and some super fun DIY projects.  Everything that could possibly be oh-so right about a elegant barn-meets-ballroom bash.  See all the lovely little details in the full gallery!

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From the Bride…Our intimate, Midwest wedding was planned over the course of our two-year engagement. We kept things simple, yet elegant while staying true to our laid back personalities through unique details. We opted for non-traditional music during the ceremony, therefore a string trio performed current tunes such as “Yellow” by Coldplay and  “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones. Our grand exit was accompanied to the tune of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles. Ribbon wands were used in lieu of traditional rice or bubbles for the grand exit from the church.

Personalized cootie catchers were placed on each table at the reception hall and revealed fun facts about us, entertaining guests before the party began. Guests were prompted to take goofy photos/videos from disposable cameras and flip camcorders by following the I Spy set of instructions. Slipper socks were provided to keep guests comfortable out on the dance floor. Instead of a guestbook, our wedding guests provided us with wisdom and advice on a large, canvas frame that has been since been hung in our bedroom. My favorite flowers, orchids, were used in all of the floral arrangements and as cake decorations. Our wedding colors were dusty rose and charcoal grey.

Our beautiful pictures were taken at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, IL which is my hometown. The day was a dream and we couldn’t have been happier!

Wedding Photography: Ashley Biess Photography / Wedding Cinematography: Studio One Naperville / Flowers: Town and Country Gardens / Wedding Planning: The Bride and Mother of the Bride / Ceremony Location: Batavia Covenant Church / Reception Location: Abbington Distinctive Banquets / Invitations: InvitationPie.com / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Wedding Dress: Adele Wechsler / Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six / Tuxedos: Formally Modern Tuxedo / Bridal Jewelry: Susan G. Allen / Bridesmaid Bracelets: The Wedding Etc. / Make-up + Hair Services: One Bridal Company / Wedding Cake: La Petite Sweet