Illinois Weddings

An Industrial-Chic Wedding Like You’ve Never Seen!

From The Bride…To be fully honest, we wouldn’t change a thing about our Chicago wedding in late November 2015. From having all of our family and friends in one place at one time to every single vendor making this “Type A” bride as calm and happy as could be, the day truly was the best ever. The big decisions for the wedding came easily – the venue, the caterer, the DJ, the florist, the photographer – because we fell in love with each one as soon as we met them!

Our favorite part of the day was all of the personal touches we were able to put on our wedding day: Our friend, Wyatt, and Ryan’s cousin, Joni, played guitar and sang at our ceremony. Not a guest in the room had a dry eye at the end of their version of Better Together! Anna’s coworker and friend, Angela, read a personalized piece at our ceremony that epitomized us. Faith from Winsome + Wright, as you can see, took our breath away with how flawlessly she captured our big day. Ryan’s uncle, Gary, performed our ceremony and made it so personal for us by integrating our family into our vows to each other. Anna’s bridesmaid, Kendall, made all 20 of the individual, absolutely delicious, table cakes. She’s a champ. Ryan’s groomsman, Jason, and a family friend, Jerry Rumler, home-brewed, personalized craft beer for our cocktail hour and reception that were huge hits! Tiffany from Foraged Floral is a dear friend that flew across the country to provide florals for our big day that couldn’t have been more beautiful.

We hand-wrote personalized place-setting notes for each of the 140 guests to emphasize how important each guest was to us! We wanted each guest to know how truly thankful we were to have them there with us to celebrate our forever commitment to each other. We not only hope that our guests had a great time that day, but that they’ll also remember us and our love for each other for a very long time. We know we will never forget them and our perfect wedding day!

I never gave a second thought to March Madness – this is, until it came to the pages of SMP. We brought you March Madness, real wedding style and we’re continuing the countdown to your bracket winner. But first, let’s stop and spend some time with this chic little number that took home the “modern” crown. It’s a urban wedding designed by Foraged Floral with an industrial-chic twist, and thanks to Olivia Leigh Photographie the party can continue in The Vault.

Click below to see all the reception details!

Industrial Chic Restaurant Reception

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Industrial Chic Restaurant Reception

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From Foraged Floral…Christina and Howard had a vision of an intimate and naturally styled wedding in downtown Chicago. They were inspired by the unique decor that The Kitchen (a completely new restaurant and venue – we were one of their first weddings!) offered with its industrial charm, but also wanted the environment to be cozy, and intimate, for their guests to enjoy and relax. They decided on not having a bridal party at all, so their friends and family could all relax and not stress about anything. We worked together for many months planning and perfecting the vision they had, which included many seasonal inspired florals to compliment the botanical prints they loved, as well as some beautiful handcrafted pieces.

Their ceremony took place at Bond Chapel, on the University of Chicago’s campus, where Christina attended. The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows, amazing wooden details and a cozy atmosphere. We brought in a classically trained pianist to serenade guests with music that you wouldn’t find at your normal wedding (more classical piano pieces from operas and theatrical events, no Canon in D here!), which really set the tone for a sophisticated and unique ceremony. After the ceremony, guests were transported to The Kitchen, just along the river in downtown Chicago, for a delicious and unique family style dinner among long, wooden communal tables and lounge areas.

As their florist and event designer, I really loved designing their arrangements and bouquets, but some of my favorite details were the smallest ones – the vintage botanical print book that Velvet Raptor made into a guestbook, the fact that they hand wrote each couple a letter on handmade paper, which designated where they would sit at the family style tables with calligraphy by BUSHYL, and even the signature drinks they crafted together. I have to admit, watching each guest open the envelope with their seating assignment listed on it, only to find a handwritten note from the couple was the sweetest thing, and something I know they will cherish for a long time.

The florals used for Christina and Howard were something special and I spent many weeks planning out exactly what flowers I wanted to used to fit their theme and warm palette. We incorporated a large amount of seasonal flowers like local dahlias, garden roses, fall foliage, scabiosa, and we were lucky enough to get peonies too! :) SO rare in October, but we were so happy!

Olivia Leigh, who is nothing short of amazing, captured the day with film and digital images, which I love! Olivia truly knows how to make everything pop and was so impressed with the images she passed along to us after their wedding.

Nothing was missed, as they wanted their guests to feel at home, comfortable and loved. Christina and Howard are some of the nicest, most gracious and wonderful people out there, and they deserved nothing but the best for their October celebration in Chicago! Congrats to Christina and Howard!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Wedding Dresses

Alvina Valenta

Fall 2015

Spring 2016

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

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See a Paper Designer’s Invitations For Her Own Beautiful Wedding

I always get a little giddy when someone in the wedding industry ties the knot – because let’s be honest – you know their Big Day will be amazing. So when Catherine of The Charm Studio shared her beautiful photos by The McCartneys, I gushed over the details longer than a care to admit. Catherine worked her paper design magic to create hand-drawn stationery with custom lettering by Bien Fait Calligraphy and the result is one of the prettiest invitation suites to EVER grace our pages. Go see lots more waiting in The Vault!

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Ballroom Weddings Religious Institution

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Romantic Downtown Chicago Wedding

From The McCartneys Photography… Catherine & Andrew were married in August at the church she grew up in and Andrew’s cousin, Father Steve, was their officiant. The ceremony was held at the absolutely beautiful church in Glenview, IL, with the reception just a few minutes down the road at the Glen View Club, which happens to be where Catherine’s parents had their wedding celebration as well!

Paper goods are always the first impression a guest will have of your wedding, and Catherine made sure to have an incredible impact. As the owner, designer and illustrator of The Charm Studio, Catherine’s guest knew her invitations would be especially beautiful…and boy, were they all right! Catherine created a hand drawn Fitzpatrick/Sullivan family crest which combined elements from each of their own family crests, and carried out this theme with hand drawn blooms throughout all of her paper goods: charger menus, escort board, ceremony programs, welcome bags, save the dates & of course the invitations, which included custom calligraphy by Bien Fait Calligraphy. Catherine also designed her own custom-made wedding dress, which was inspired by her mother’s, wore a veil and headpiece designed by her friend, and a bracelet which was made by her grandmother for her mom when she was married!

Elegance upon elegance with hydrangea blue everywhere. Fleur hung lush greens from the chandeliers and dressed each table with beautiful white blooms atop La Tavola Linens. After heartfelt toasts, all of Catherine & Andrew’s wedding guests crowded the dance floor with the High Society Band!

A little bit more about the couple…

Catherine & Andrew were introduced by a friend and they started dating in the summer of 2013. One year later they had dinner plans and Andrew forgot his wallet, so he ran back to get it before they continued on with dinner at a french restaurant. When they got home afterwards Andrew’s place was decorated with roses, petals and candles, serving as the most romantic setting to propose to Catherine with a stunning ring they hand selected together!

In planning for their wedding, Catherine & Andrew left not one detail overlooked! Catherine has a studio in downtown Chicago where she designs lovely wedding invitations & paper goods at The Charm Studio. We can only imagine how many times she was asked what her own wedding invitation might look like leading up to her & Andrew’s wedding day! Needless to say, we were absolutely blown away. By hand, Catherine drew a crest combining elements from each of their family crests, which was used throughout their wedding on the invitation (with gorgeous custom calligraphy by Bien Fiet Calligraphy) as well as their escort board, menu chargers, table numbers and more!

After a beautiful ceremony at the church Catherine grew up with, we arrived to Glen View Club where her parents are members and were absolutely in love with its exquisite architecture and landscaping. With a beautiful palette of white, light green and hydrangea blue, Catherine & Andrew’s wedding celebration was timeless and elegant! Their wedding day was blessed with endless sunshine and we couldn’t get enough of the Club’s giant oak trees, which made for a perfect portrait spot with this most classic bride & groom!

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio before entering one of the most grand settings where greens hung from giant chandeliers, Catherine’s hand-drawn crest marked each table, and Fleur brightened up the light-filled room with white & green centerpieces. Catherine & Andrew were seated at a long table with their bridal party, all of whom dined on the most darling hydrangea blue plates. After sneaking Catherine & Andrew out for photos during a perfect sunset, they cut their cake and were welcomed to the dance floor by High Society Band. We couldn’t help but smile when guests immediately flooded the dance floor!

Wanting to bring their love of the outdoors in, this darling duo turned to a talented team of vendors to bring their spectacular vision to an awe-inspiring reality. Think gorgeous floral creations from HMR Designs, a stunning Anne Barge gown from Fabulous Frocks Of Alexandria and brilliant captures from the always-amazing Cristina G Photography. All set against a breathtaking Ivy Room backdrop, this, loves, is an absolute must-see. Head to THE VAULT for more.

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Outdoor Weddings Weddings in Historical Venues

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Al Fresco

From The Bride… I am a romantic at heart and appreciate historic buildings not only for their architecture but for the stories they tell us about the people who lived or worked in them. When Mike and I decided to get married in Chicago, I wanted to find a space that told a story and to which I could bring what I love the most, nature. I find timeless beauty in the simplicity of plain wood, grass and fresh flowers. I imagined how beautiful it would be to have a candle lit dinner, in the woods, surrounded by people we love. That image inspired every detail of our wedding reception, from the white flower and green foliage garland centerpiece to the candle lit wood plank chandeliers and the three wedding cakes simply decorated with soft fondant ruffles, small flowers or light gold paint.

That same vision was the inspiration for the dinner menu. I wanted to offer our guests an exquisite plant-based (exclusively vegan) menu that would highlight the flavors of fresh vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Our wedding turned out better than I imagined. Old and new friends met in a space where Mike and I felt joy, as although we met at work we truly bonded running outside… along the Charles River in Boston.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Anne Barge

Spring 2012

Fall 2012

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Fall 2014 Couture

Fall 2014 Black Label

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Rustic + Contemporary Elegant Ballroom Wedding

Julie and Tom’s elegant ballroom wedding is filled with enough pretty that it’ll surely fill your Pinterest boards, but more than that? It’s a sweet celebration of boy meets girl that’s both organically chic and elegantly urban at the same time. With the talented averyhouse behind the lens this is one gallery that is sure to turn ballroom weddings up a notch, and we’ve got it all waiting in The Vault!

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings

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Whimsical

From averyhouse… Still running off the good vibes from Julie + Tom’s Nature Boardwalk Engagement Session we couldn’t believe it was already time for their wedding at the W City Center! A country girl at heart, we were thrilled to hear to hear that Julie was planning a romantic & elegant wedding that was the perfect mix of city chic all the while maintaining an organic spirit. Both Julie and her husband to be got ready at the W’s City Center and with it’s centralized location we were able to easily make our way over to the Art Institute’s South Garden for their first look. With it’s stunningly beautiful locust trees in full bloom we took advantage of the gorgeous weather for portraits of their blush and burgundy clad wedding party. Guests of the ceremony were literally taken aback by the stunning beauty of the gold chandeliers and flickering candlelight that lined Julie + tom’s aisle. And as Julie took her first steps towards becoming a wife you can see the excitement beaming from her huge smile. The enchanted garden theme carried through from the luxurious escort card table topped with moss, oak, and ivy to their extravagant reception. Looking for a fun way to tie in unique details to your wedding day? These adorable gold horses that held guests escort cards were a cute nod to Julie’s horseback riding days. After Tom’s emotional speech to his new wife everyone hit the dance floor HARD and the party continued until well into the evening. We think this wedding is pure magic!

Romantic Racquet Club of Chicago Wedding

Infused with the loveliest green hues and elegant styling throughout, this chic Chicago wedding at the Racquet Club Of Chicago is prettiest in its purest form. With Two Birds Photography behind the lens to ensure every moment was captured in the most perfect of ways, we are all left with a gallery too gorgeous to ignore. See it all in the VAULT.

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Spring Weddings

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Ballroom Weddings Religious Institution

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Tented At Home Chicago Wedding

From The Bride…Waking up on a surprisingly sunny, 75 degree early May day in Chicago, Elizabeth and Ben knew their wedding day would be special from the start. Ben put the final touches on his groom’s speech at home, while Elizabeth had a quiet breakfast with her Mom who would preside at their ceremony.

The festivities kicked off with their first look in NoMi’s wine cellar at the Park Hyatt, where Ben proposed in a suite overlooking Lake Michigan 15 months before following a whirlwind engagement scavenger hunt.

Two Birds photography captured their favorite photos of the day with the wedding party at iconic Chicago landmarks before arriving at the church.

An intimate ceremony full of positive tears was exactly the family gathering they envisioned. Their Racquet Club reception was characterized by great food, a packed dance floor, and speeches that captured the authentic love and meaning of the day.

Elizabeth and Ben topped off their perfect day with a shared slice of wedding cake at 2am while reading through the guestbook well wishes of their best friends and family. What a day to #sayyestothehess.

My favorite moment was being serenaded with “Set Your Heart on the Higher Gifts” by an all-family choir during the ceremony.

Ben’s favorite moment was kissing Elizabeth as family and friends cheered his groom’s speech with a standing ovation.

My very favorite weddings are typically classic as can be. I’m all about elegance and formality paired with family and tradition. Oh and if a Monique Lhuillier ballgown happens to be involved, you certainly won’t hear me complaining. So just imagine my excitement once I got my hands on these images from Jose Villa. True to form, he perfectly captured a celebration inspired by decades past, brought to life by Kehoe Designs and Reva Nathan. Follow me to The Vault for a glimpse into the moments that made up this day.

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Backyard Outdoor Weddings

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Al Fresco

From The Bride…Our wedding was at our family home in the suburbs of Chicago. It was important to both of us to get married in an intimate setting where we could create the vision we had for the evening without a ton of constraints. We were inspired by images with lots of greenery and exuberant amounts of delicate flowers. With this in mind, we wanted to highlight the natural beauty of the venue and create an environment dripping in decadence. Our main goal was to try and create an over-the-top party inspired by decades past with elements of art deco and an abundance of gold – these juxtaposing ideas were executed flawlessy by our event team by utilizing a transparent tent and lining the tent was with trees. This gave the illusion that guest were dining al fresco while the tables had overflowing boxes of flowers and endless amounts of vintage pastel China lending to the air of luxury and extravagance.

Through the entire planning and execution of our special day we wanted our personalities to shine through and make a lasting impact on all who were in attendance. Since I am a Chef & Brian loves to eat, food was a huge part part of the puzzle for us and we added little surprises all along the way to pay homage to our other true love- some of the highlights included a sushi station by our favorite local restaurant (sushi dokku), an entire tent fashioned into a bakery named after my pastry company, Sweet Lyon, complete with a neon sign and all! The pastry tent was stocked with desserts from all of our favorite bakeries across Chicago and there was custom packaging branded for the day to send guests home with goodies. Late night we had a pancake food truck (Baby Cakes) and a portable wood burning oven making the most delicious pizzas for guests to take on the buses back to the city by The Nomad food company.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Romantic Candle Lit Wedding at The Ivy Room

The secret is out, The Ivy Room wins when it comes to wedding day venues. For not only does this stunning hidden gem provide a beautiful courtyard, but it’s also got a ballroom that makes you feel like you’ve entered a private oasis. So it comes as no surprise that Brooke and Brian’s nuptials at this stunning venue were gorgeous to say the least. Complete with a Vera Wang gown and thoughtful details through, Britta Hundertmark captured every moment to share and it’s waiting for you in The Vault!

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Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event + A Giveaway!

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Event Venue

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Romantic

From Britta Hundertmark… Brooke and Brian were married at the lovely Ivy Room, in Chicago. If you have not yet seen this venue, it is a stunning hidden gem, with a beautiful courtyard, and a ballroom that makes you feel like you have entered someone’s private home. The space feels naturally romantic and cozy, but also exquisitely grand at the same time.

The morning of Brooke and Brian’s wedding we were greeted with temperatures will into the 90s, with high humidity (Oh, Chicago in the summer). The original plans for an outdoor ceremony were changed at the very last possible minute, to assure that guests would be comfortable. I watched in awe as the amazing teams from HMR designs and the Ivy room quickly transformed a portion of the reception space into one of the most beautiful indoor ceremony space I could have imagined.

Every piece of this day was carefully chosen by Brooke, who has an incredible eye for style. Her Vera Wang gown paired with Ivanka Trump flats created the perfect bridal look, that will always feel timeless. The reception details were exquisite. Every detail, from the china, to the vases, to the addition of mirrored tables, art deco inspired cake, and gorgeous cocktails, made the guests feel like they were walking into a dream. The entire day was filled with one magical moment and detail after another. The speeches were heartfelt and the dancing was on point. I couldn’t have enjoyed photographing this day any more.

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More Wedding Day Looks Right Here!

Old Hollywood Gowns | Lace Gowns | Beaded Gowns | Classic Gowns

If there is one thing we love here at SMP, it’s a reason to celebrate. Think drop-dead gorgeous weddings, glittery gold anything and, of course, the Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event happening on April 10, 2016 at The Westin Cleveland Downtown. It’s the city’s most intimate bridal experience, complete with yummy treats, insanely gorgeous inspiration and a never-ending lineup of seriously talented wedding experts. It’s going to be sooo awesome.

Whether you are a modern couple planning your dreamy rooftop wedding or a romantic duo who can’t wait to say “I do” in a garden surrounded by lush florals, the Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event has everything (and I mean everything) you’ll ever need to plan your perfect Big Day. I’m talking Cleveland’s most sought-after vendors joining forces with an entire 4 hours of dazzling inspiration and supporting sponsors Catering by Heinen’s and L’Nique Linens. Plus, each and every stunning moment will take place at The Westin Cleveland Downtown, a hotel that knows everything there is to know about throwing an amazing party. It’s Planning 101 with vendors who will all make it happen seamlessly. And we couldn’t be more excited.

So what are you waiting for, loves? Mark those calendars for Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 11 am – 3 pm. You’ll mix and mingle with the best in bridal salons, cake design, floral design, photography, catering, event design, entertainment, cinematography, health + beauty, wedding planning… and more. Plus, you’ll receive an ah-mazing gift bag, have the exclusive on event-day discounts AND be automatically entered into some fabulous giveaways. Oh, and did I mention the bubbly and dessert? Don’t miss out.

Register for the Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event here and be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. #JstyleWeddings

What: The Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event is giving one lucky SMP reader a (1) complimentary overnight stay at The Westin Cleveland Downtown with breakfast for (2) and complimentary valet parking ($300 value)!

How: Simply leave a comment below telling us what you are looking forward to the MOST at the Jstyle Weddings Bridal Event! (Ex: I can’t WAIT to chat with all of the amazing cake designers! Yum!)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, April 1, 2016! For terms and conditions, click here. Good luck, loves!

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Photography (Top to Bottom): Jstyle Weddings (Photos 1,7) + Lauren Gabrielle Photography (Photo 2-6) + Catering By Heinen’s (Photo 3) + Genevieve Nisly Photography (Photo 8) | Event Planning: Kirkbrides + A Charming Fête | Florist: Blooms By Plantscaping + Molly Taylor and Co. | Catering: Catering By Heinen’s | Hotel: The Westin Cleveland Downtown | Bridal Magazine: Jstyle Weddings | Country Club: The Country Club | Linens: L’Nique Linens

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Petit Bouquet

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Classic Chicago Wedding at the Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park

Give me a rich color palette, a killer dress, a candlelit reception plus the cutest crew of littles you ever did see, and officially won my wedding loving heart. Add in the planning talents of Bliss Wedding & Events, and Tec Petaja behind the camera and it’s officially next level. Join me in The Vault to see a city celebration done so very right.

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Outdoor Weddings Religious Institution

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Elegant Fall Chicago Wedding at The Standard Club

From Tec Petaja… Claire and Peter knew from the start they wanted their wedding to be an intimate affair. Their goal was to have everyone feeling like dinner guests in their home, in the heart of downtown Chicago. They chose the Harris Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park for its location but wanted the vast space to become warm and cozy.

To do this, they hired Renny Pedersen of Bliss Weddings & Events to transform the space to achieve their dinner party vibe. Renny partnered with Jesse Deckard, design chief at Bliss, to drop the 30 foot ceiling down to 15 feet to create a soft, warm tented effect.

Candles, seasonal floral in deep jewel tones, herbs in terracotta pots, topiaries, succulents, and grasses covered the mirror-top tables creating a glamourous yet comfortable feel. Natural linens and hundreds of other textures were used throughout the design and the garden-meets-city vibe. It was a chilly Chicago evening, but walking into the reception guests would never know it thanks to the ambiance (and space heaters!)

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Elizabeth Fillmore

Fall 2013

Fall 2014

ON - Going

Spring 2013

Spring 2014

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In between the city scenes and glowing candlelight, this day captured by Shaun Menary Photography is layered with an irresistibly warm love. A love full of tradition and heirlooms, of newlywed glances and giddy cake cuttings, just for starters. Make sure to catch the entire wedding story in The Vault!

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Ballroom Weddings

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Organic Botanical Inspired Downtown Chicago Wedding

From The Bride…Introduced by our sweet and amazing hairstylist, who we are forever grateful to, I realized after our first date that Dani was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and took a chance and began documenting our first 40 dates. This eventually became part of our proposal.

Born in Chicago, raised in Dallas, I knew I wanted to take our special day to the city that held my most precious memories with family. And for the groom being raised in Dallas with a large family, primarily from Israel, it was important for us to find a way to combine both of our traditions. Luckily my mother and best friend, is a Certified Meeting Professional, so I had the best partner helping us bring our visions together.

The Standard Club, situated in the heart of Chicago’s business and cultural community, became the perfect location to bring family and friends together from all over the world. An elegant atmosphere with large open spaces, beautiful hardwood floors, Baccarat Crystal chandeliers, and historic detail, provided the beautiful backdrop for this celebration. The ceremony was a total dream with a chuppah romantically lit with hanging candles and attended by those closest to us.

There were many features that made our wedding, beautiful, elegant, and romantic, but it was the smallest details that most people were unaware of that brought the most meaning to our ceremony. I wore a garter and our late nana’s watch that my sister wore at her wedding. I carried a handkerchief that belonged to my late grandfather accompanied my something blue. Diamond earrings from my most fashionable grandmother, who also helped select my dream wedding dress, and my gold wedding band created from jewelry belonging to my great-grandmother. In addition, during the ceremony, Dani and I were wrapped in his late grandfathers Talis that’s over 100 years old.

We enjoyed every minute of our wedding, and as everyone says it goes by entirely too fast, we made sure to stop and take in those extremely special and rare moments.

Lastly, there are not enough good things we could say about Shaun Menary Photography. Shaun and Shannon were such a dream to work with, and the value of their photos is beyond incredible. We feel exceptionally lucky to have such a beautiful record of our most wonderful day.

This dream Monique Lhuillier gown is the wedding dress equivalent of business in the front and party in the back. And truth be told? I’m wholeheartedly obsessed. It’s the kind of dress that sets the scenes for only the prettiest of days, and the designers at Foraged Floral didn’t disappoint. Go ahead and bookmark this baby, because Olivia Leigh photographed a gallery you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

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Eatery Religious Institution

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Timeless + Elegant Chicago Fall Wedding at Jacob Henry Mansion

From Foraged Floral…Christina and Howard had a vision of an intimate and naturally styled wedding in downtown Chicago. They were inspired by the unique decor that The Kitchen (a completely new restaurant and venue – we were one of their first weddings!) offered with its industrial charm, but also wanted the environment to be cozy, and intimate, for their guests to enjoy and relax. They decided on not having a bridal party at all, so their friends and family could all relax and not stress about anything. We worked together for many months planning and perfecting the vision they had, which included many seasonal inspired florals to compliment the botanical prints they loved, as well as some beautiful handcrafted pieces.

Their ceremony took place at Bond Chapel, on the University of Chicago’s campus, where Christina attended. The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows, amazing wooden details and a cozy atmosphere. We brought in a classically trained pianist to serenade guests with music that you wouldn’t find at your normal wedding (more classical piano pieces from operas and theatrical events, no Canon in D here!), which really set the tone for a sophisticated and unique ceremony. After the ceremony, guests were transported to The Kitchen, just along the river in downtown Chicago, for a delicious and unique family style dinner among long, wooden communal tables and lounge areas.

As their florist and event designer, I really loved designing their arrangements and bouquets, but some of my favorite details were the smallest ones – the vintage botanical print book that Velvet Raptor made into a guestbook, the fact that they hand wrote each couple a letter on handmade paper, which designated where they would sit at the family style tables with calligraphy by BUSHYL, and even the signature drinks they crafted together. I have to admit, watching each guest open the envelope with their seating assignment listed on it, only to find a handwritten note from the couple was the sweetest thing, and something I know they will cherish for a long time.

The florals used for Christina and Howard were something special and I spent many weeks planning out exactly what flowers I wanted to used to fit their theme and warm palette. We incorporated a large amount of seasonal flowers like local dahlias, garden roses, fall foliage, scabiosa, and we were lucky enough to get peonies too! :) SO rare in October, but we were so happy!

Olivia Leigh, who is nothing short of amazing, captured the day with film and digital images, which I love! Olivia truly knows how to make everything pop and was so impressed with the images she passed along to us after their wedding.

Nothing was missed, as they wanted their guests to feel at home, comfortable and loved. Christina and Howard are some of the nicest, most gracious and wonderful people out there, and they deserved nothing but the best for their October celebration in Chicago! Congrats to Christina and Howard!!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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To say that we’re majorly color crushing on Liann and Kyle’s Big Day would be putting it lightly. Because not only did these two plan the perfect fall celebration complete with soft grays and saturated seasonal hues, but they also enlisted the ever-so-talented Jacqui Cole Photography to capture every happy moment and we’ve got to say we’re obsessed. See it all in THE VAULT!

From Jacqui Cole Photography.. Chicago gave Liann and Kyle all of its’ beautiful colors on this perfect October day! Liann and Kyle chose to wed at the historic Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet, IL. Many of Liann’s decor items were DIY with the help of family and friends. When you were at the wedding it really felt like every guest had put a piece of their heart into planning the day. One of the best moments of the day had to be when a few of the guests broke out into a Jimmy Fallon ‘lip sync battle’ at the reception! To say the crowd couldn’t stop laughing is an understatement! SO many congratulations to the beautiful couple – I’m so very happy for you both!

From the Bride… Kyle and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity we had to customize each decision there was to make. We didn’t want to be confined by traditions or strung along by the day. We envisioned a day that would intentionally involve those closest to us, that would honor our parents and grandparents, and that would celebrate a love that we were taught to know. When choosing colors, we always wanted to pick colors that would be timeless. When we chose a Victorian mansion as the venue, we knew the colors needed to be neutral to not clash with the vibrant ones in the church and reception space. Kyle loved the idea of charcoal suits, and I wanted floor-length dresses in the taupe family.

We incorporated many DIY elements in the wedding day. My mom and sister designed the centerpieces themselves, collecting mercury glass from friends and various stores. Any signs at the reception were put into frames that went with the Victorian décor. There was also a photo tribute to my grandmother who had passed away a few months before the wedding. The flowers were designed by my friend Jenny of Petals Design Co. She did such a great job keeping it neutral, but tying in some deeper tones to compliment the elegant setting. The cake was designed and made by my friend Marla Wang. We aren’t the biggest icing fans so we knew we wanted a “naked” cake, but Marla took it from there! My gown was designed by Ellis. It was a complete surprise to me, and was honestly nothing like what I thought I would pick. Actually trying on dresses is such a game-changer, and the one I chose was definitely the one I could not stop thinking about. In lieu of favors, Kyle and I made a donation to GRIP, which is a non-profit that was created to meet the needs of fatherless teenagers in the city of Chicago.

Some of my favorite moments from the day were before the ceremony. The time getting into my dress with my friends, sisters, and mom, the first look with my dad, and the first look with Kyle. Each time helped to calm my nerves and provided such sweet moments with my favorite people. My favorite crafted detail would have to be the invitations. The materials came from Paper Source, and my friend Heather LaHood designed them, even down to the fonts that were used!

Some of my best advice to future brides would be to take one thing at a time. All the details of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but sometimes making one decision can decide others. I found it easier to let my vision develop as we went rather than forcing it to happen. I didn’t know I would be getting married at a Victorian mansion, but that helped me pick colors, a dress, etc. that would compliment the setting well. Enjoy it! The process will be as stressful as you let it.

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Elegant Urban Wedding in Chicago at Prairie Productions

For as long as I have been writing about weddings, I know one thing – Chicago just gets it. They know how to do city chic in a way that is fun and approachable, and weddings in the windy city always make me wish I made the guest list. Sprinkle in the talents of The Ideal Day and Field & Florist with amazing photography from averyhouse, and we’ve all struck city wedding gold.

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Urban Space

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Fall Country Club Wedding at Golden Hour

From averyhouse…A wedding venue that truly reflects a couple’s personality is such a joy for us to photograph. Case in point, the chic, sophisticated, and wonderfully bright space that is Prairie Production. Meeting Julia + Phil and witnessing the love that they share is absolutely a breath of fresh air and now we can understand exactly why they chose Prairie Production as the location for their vows and (let’s be serious) all out dance party. We fell for Julia + Phil when they told us their story of having lived apart for WAY too long and finally moving in together in Chicago’s West Loop. When we asked what one of their favorite memories was while shooting their West Loop Engagement Session their answer was that it wasn’t necessarily a memory, but a favorite spot-their patio. The same patio that has since hosted dinners with friends + family and important discussions with moscow mule in hand. It only makes sense that Julia and Phil would have their first look on the Public Hotel rooftop with sweeping views of the city before heading to the lush Lurie Garden for photos with their wedding party. Shortly after we were whisked off to Prairie Production for a tear jerker ceremony (we cried too!) and enough champagne to feed a small army. We can pretty much promise that with one look at Julia + Phil’s beautifully elegant wedding and you’ll fall hard for them too.

Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties

Abby Capalbo Styling

The first and last images of this wedding feature sum up what I love most about this dreamy day captured by Kristin La Voie Photography. The complete, utter merriment that everyone’s Big Day should radiate and that glow. Oh, that golden hour glow. It’s undeniable and it wraps it’s sunny arms around this fall fete like no other. Soak in all the love and warm rays here in THE VAULT.

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Ballroom Weddings

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Classic + Elegant Armour House Wedding

From Kristin La Voie Photography…Gina & Brant’s big day may have been blessed with the best light we have had all year! There is something so breathtaking about fall time and golden hour; add in this beautiful couple dancing under the willow trees at The Grove, and this is what happens! Everything was absolutely dreamy.

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Maggie Sottero

Savannah Collection

Serencia Collection

Amarosa Collection

Lisette Collection

Aracella Collection

Avery Collection

Cordelia Collection

Emerald Collection

Alistaire Collection

Maggie Sottero Fall 2019

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A bouquet of pink peonies, a gorgeous lace wedding dress, a beautiful al fresco ceremony and a glamorous manor reception—weddings don’t get any prettier than this. And thanks to the incredibly talented Ann & Kam Photography and THE VAULT, you can gush over (and pin!) each and every detail of this pretty Lake Forest wedding!

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Luxury Venue Outdoor Weddings

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Al Fresco

From Ann & Kam…Imagine a classic fairy tale wedding. Beautiful sunshine, bright peonies, happy bridesmaids, men in tuxes and a bride who can take your breath away. Erin and Matt’s gorgeous ARMOUR HOUSE wedding was just that. This stunning venue was the perfect backdrop for this timeless wedding, with its immaculate gardens and house right out of a dream. The day was like a dream come true, and we couldn’t have imagined a better group to spend it with than Erin, Matt and their families!

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Essense of Australia

EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

Spring 2017

Fall 2017

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Lake Forest Beach Engagement Session

Kristin La Voie Photography, you sure know how to make our hearts happy. Because Julie and Will’s beach e-session is one we’re clearly smitten with. For when it comes to stealing a few smooches with your main squeeze, take note from this duo and bring along a blanket for added warmth. It’s the ultimate sandy shore session and we invite you to witness every sweet moment in THE VAULT!

From Kristin La Voie Photography…It was a perfect day with the perfect couple. Lake forest beach, one of my favorite locations ever, was the perfect setting for Julie and Will. Beautiful blue skies and turquoise water, abundant sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky. It felt like the entire beach was for us. It was quiet, peaceful, and sweetly intimate for the two lovebirds. A little chill was in the air (my preferred weather!) which was even more appropriate for Julie & Will to snuggle under a blanket together. There is something so magical about this place, but it was Julie and Will together that really created something even more spectacular. Let’s not forget to mention Julie’s to-die-for engagement ring, which was her Grandmother’s! I wish I could relive it over and over again.

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Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Venue: Lake Forest Beach | Black Dress: White House Black Market

Traditional Royal Fox Country Club Fall Wedding

Let’s talk about this Bride’s dress. Blush, tulle, lace and beading—does it get any better than this? I think not, except for the gift to her Groom: Lord of the Rings cuff links and tie clip. From the personal touches and beautiful fall bouquets to the stunning Royal Fox Country Club setting and the Bride’s glowing makeup from Carly Pribich, this couple’s day was the perfect beginning to happily ever after. See all the pretty from Katherine Salvatori Photography in THE VAULT!

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Country Club Outdoor Weddings

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Chic Modern + Contemporary Gallery 1028 Wedding in Chicago

From The Bride…Our wedding day was literally a dream come true, and above and beyond anything I had envisioned or hoped for. It was so exciting to see all of the planning come together. It also made me feel so special when all of the little details and personal touches I spent a lot of time on, and to make our wedding unique were noticed and appreciated. I wanted our wedding to be very elegant, classy and timeless, but to look and feel like a fairy-tale. Fall is both of our favorite seasons because of the colors, weather, and overall cozy vibe. We owe a very huge thank you to our family, friends & vendor team! We are so overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, and love.

From the second we walked into Royal Fox Country Club, we knew it was our wedding venue. I loved how the venue had an “old world elegance” feel to it and had such a grand entrance. The building is actually modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home. We also both loved the library and rich wood throughout the venue. The ceremony was held outside (it was beautiful weather – 50’s and sunny!) Jane Spair (the wedding coordinator there) was absolutely amazing every step of the way. She went above and beyond several times to make sure everything was perfect. We owe a huge thank you to her!

I knew I wanted my wedding dress to be unique from anything else I had seen. I chose a lace and tulle champagne ballgown that had beautiful beaded crystal detailing on the waist, as well as running down the train. The dress originally came with cap sleeves, but I knew I always wanted longer sleeves! Rosa (the seamstress at Wolsfelt’s) was able to make my vision come to life. She exactly matched the lace to the lace of the bodice and was able to hand sew custom sleeves for my dress. It definitely gave the dress the fairytale look that I had hoped for & felt so much more like “me”!

For floral design I had a specific vision of what I wanted, and a great florist who worked with me to make it happen. I knew for my bouquet I wanted very big, garden-like, a lot of texture, messy but not too busy, and burgundy mixed with greenery. My bridal bouquet was also very wide and I had wanted my bridesmaid’s bouquets to be a smaller more rounded version of my own. My florist introduced me to dahlias which became the focal point of my entire floral concept. I absolutely loved how the dark burgundy dahlias popped against all of the different types of greenery, and made such an impact both in person and in photo. For both the arch and head table, we had a floral greenery garland that coordinated with the bouquets. For the guest tables, we wanted a simple scattering to play off the beautiful oil lamps from the venue, and create visual interest at the bases.

My husband is a huge Lord of The Rings fan and a few years ago he made me one! We both knew we wanted LOTR to be a part of our wedding day – especially with the beautiful library – so we had our ring shots with my husband’s leather-bound LOTR book. Little did my husband know that my gift to him was a custom made set of Lord of The Rings cuff links and tie clip!

Choosing Katherine Salvatori Photography was one of the very best investments for our wedding that we made! There is no one else I would have rather to have captured our special day. We are so thankful we have these beautiful photographs to cherish throughout the years.

What advice would I give to brides-to-be? Make your wedding feel personal. Incorporate & highlight your interests as a couple. It’s ok to care a lot about your details and want things to look a certain way! Looking back at the day & my photos, I am so happy that I was particular about “all of those little details” because they made the day feel even more special for us! It’s also important to hire the right vendors & people who can not only help bring your visions to life, but really do add to your special day! My vendor team was amazing & I am so thankful for them! Also as a Professional Makeup Artist for brides & weddings (I’m honored to be a Style Me Pretty Little Black Book Member!) I suggest giving yourself & your wedding party plenty of extra time to get ready in the morning! You’ll be able to be relax, not feel rushed, and should enjoy being pampered!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who played a part in our wedding day!

From The Groom…The only word I can think of to describe our wedding is Perfect. Everything went exactly the way we envisioned, and in many cases exceeded our expectations. I still can’t imagine a better day! It started with all the guys meeting at the hotel to get ready; it was nice to hang out and relax before pictures. I think they were all a little jealous of the awesome LOTR cuff links and tie clip Carly got me! I was happily surprised when I saw those, but that’s nothing compared to how I felt when I saw her for the first look. I was literally at a loss for words when I turned around, she was absolutely breathtaking! And from there it just got better. From the pictures at Cantigny to the wonderful ceremony to the dinner and dancing, everything just made our night more special and memorable. Our DJ was incredible; the dance floor was rocking all night and stayed packed until the very end of the night (people didn’t want to stop!). I can’t believe how many compliments we got about the venue as well. Our guests were in awe at the beauty of Royal Fox, and so many people told us the food was the best they’ve ever had at a wedding (and we agree!). We continue to hear from friends and family about how great the ceremony was, how much fun everyone had at the reception, and how outstanding the pictures are. And we can’t wait to see the video too, we know it will be beyond our expectations too! People say that your wedding day goes by fast, that you need to make a little time for yourselves during the crazy, hectic day. Truth be told, we didn’t want the day to end. We were able to spend the entire day together, surrounded and supported by our loved ones, and I would not have changed a thing. It was perfect.

From Katherine Salvatori Photography…Carly and Jon’s wedding day was magical from start to finish! From the moment I met Carly, we just clicked and I looked forward to her wedding for over a year! Carly’s attention to detail was superb, and from the Lord of the Rings cuff links to the lace detail on her dress, everything fit together perfectly and was so unique. I am in love with the deep green bridesmaid dresses, and the gorgeous bouquets and florals tied everything together. One of my favorite details was the adorable street sign their venue made with their names on it. Carly and Jon totally adore each other, which made my job as a photographer incredibly easy. Their day was perfect from start to finish, and we are so happy we were a part of it!

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Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

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Allure

Allure Bridals Fall 2014

Allure Couture Fall 2014

Allure Romance Fall 2014

Allure Bridals Spring 2015

Allure Romance Spring 2015

Allure Couture Spring 2015

Allure Bridals Fall 2015

Allure Couture Fall 2015

Allure Romance Fall 2015

Allure Bridals Spring 2016

Allure Couture Spring 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2016

Allure Bridals Fall 2016

Allure Couture Fall 2016

Allure Romance Fall 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2017

Allure Couture Spring 2017

Allure Bridals Spring 2017

Allure Couture Fall 2017

Allure Fall 2017

Allure Romance Fall 2017

Wilderly Collection

Allure Bridals Spring 2018

Allure Romance Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection

Allure Couture Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection 2019

Allure Couture Spring 2019

Allure Bridals Spring 2019

Allure Romance Spring 2019

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At first glance this wedding is all about the pretty, but dive deeper and you’ll find the real meaning behind Allison + John’s special day. Love. Proving that this pretty comes with a purpose and with Kristin La Voie Photography capture every pop of pink, and Toast And Jam spinning tunes, this is one gallery that you’re going to need to witness. See it all in THE VAULT!

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Urban Space

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Classic Lincoln Park, Chicago Wedding

From Kristin La Voie Photography…No amount of rain or bad weather was going to keep Allison and John from enjoying every moment of their big day. Trump Hotel was the perfect place to start our day with the lovely couple. Allison wore an incredible Jenny Packham gown that was just made for her. John looked handsome as ever in a J. Crew tux. While the rain came down, we arranged their first look in the popular Trump tower walkway with the sparkling river view at our fingertips. The terrace at Trump was our next stop for the most incredible portraits of the couple and their wedding party. Everyone looked amazing in front of this stellar backdrop. We arrived to the transformed Gallery 1028 ceremony space, with the most breathtaking ceremony arch by Stems. It was completely jaw dropping. After the couple exchanged their vows, the venue flipped the room for the reception, which turned into a romantic, candlelit dinner for their closest family and friends. Everything was perfectly planned (thanks to the super organized groom!) and just spectacular.

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Wedding Dresses

Jenny Packham

Bridal 2016 Catwalk

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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

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Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

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In my opinion, the very best weddings are the days layered with meaningful moments. And this Chicago celebration is chock-full of them. The couple chose to marry in a city that played an important role in their love story, and sprinkled in bespoke details that made the day feel all their own. The groom wrote the music his bride walked down the aisle to, and their dearest friends read poems and scripture through the ceremony for a cozy, intimate feel. See more in The Vault from The Great Romance Photo.

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Spring Weddings

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Religious Institution

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