No nearlywed should feel they need to change their appearance for their wedding. However, it’s understandable if you’d want to incorporate some new pampering elements into your routine. In the spirit of embarking on a new chapter, try out some new inner and outer beauty regimens. If you’re looking to enliven your everyday look and feel for your wedding, here are some product considerations.

Bonus: All of these goods are from Chicago-based companies. Treat yourself while also supporting the community!

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Written by Victoria Greatrix, Pastry Chef & Designer at The Quintessential Cake
Photo by Cinder & Vinegar Photography

Going back centuries, wedding cakes have been an integral part of weddings. Originally they were not only a sign of celebration, but of social status as well. The more tiers and the whiter the frosting, the higher the social standing of the two families. Wedding cakes were said to ensure fertility for the bride and bring good fortune to the couple and all who ate it.

While nowadays most don’t subscribe to the notion that a cake’s size is a direct correlation to the couple’s importance, a wedding cake still has modern relevance. The cutting of the cake is a rite of passage; it is one of the first acts newlyweds do together as a married couple, and symbolizes unity and teamwork. Following the cutting, the couple feeds each other a bite, representing affection and a playful spirit. These little actions symbolize the start of a beautiful marriage.

Choosing a wedding cake can be a big deal! And let’s be honest, you’ve tasted a bad wedding cake before. I don’t have to go into much detail, you probably know that dry, tasteless cake that leaves you thinking, “Why did I just eat that?” No one wants their cake to fall into that category. And I promise you it doesn’t have to be that way. So how do you go about selecting your wedding cake? And more importantly, who do you choose to create it for you?

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Five Chicagoland cake artists were tasked with creating a cake inspired by the essence of a specific flower. The result was a collection of cakes worthy of their own spot in a flower shop.

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WRITTEN BY Alexandra Dillard | Featured Photo by Alana Lindenfeld Photography 

For most couples, photography is a crucial element of their wedding day. While they immerse themselves in the joy of the celebrations, it is the photographer’s responsibility to capture those precious moments. Whether it’s the pre-wedding primping or the energetic dance floor at the reception, every detail needs to be documented precisely as you’ve dreamed.

While a skilled wedding photographer usually has their own shot list of tried-and-true favorites, it’s a good idea to ensure that both you and your photographer are on the same page. Here are some helpful tips to make certain that you and your photographer are in sync.

1. GO OVER SPECIAL DETAILS
   Did you create a specialty menu you want to be captured on film? Does the bouquet have family heirlooms incorporated? Every wedding is full of these special details that turn the event into your very own special day. Be sure to let your photographer know which important details of your day you’d like captured, they won’t know unless you tell them!

2. CURATE YOUR “MUST-HAVES” SHOT LIST
   If you have specific photos in mind that your heart is set on, don’t hesitate to inform your photographer. Compile a list of a few “must-have” shots, so that the photographer understands how to prioritize their time. Whether it’s a dramatic sunset dip-and-kiss or individual portraits with each sibling, ensure that your photographer is aware.

3. ENLIST HELP
   Designate a trusted attendant, family member or friend to be in charge of herding people for photographs. As the marrier, you don’t need this extra task of wrangling! This designated person can efficiently wrangle everyone necessary for each group shot, saving valuable time and ensuring no one is left out of the picture!

4. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
   Remember, your photographer knows what they are doing! They have a keen eye for lighting, backgrounds and posing. Sometimes, they might even ask you to do something that feels odd or unnatural, but trust them. They want you to look good — it’s their job!

SAMPLE SHOT LIST

Getting Ready

• Wedding attire hanging in your getting ready venue (hanging on a wardrobe, draped over a settee, backlit in front of a window, etc.)
• Wedding attire details (showing texture, buttons, beading, brand label, etc.)
• Stationery flat lay
• Flat lay including accessories like jewelry, shoes, heirlooms, stationery suite, perfume/cologne, florals, etc.
• Bouquet and boutonniere shots
• Detail of wedding rings together
• Candids of hairstyling and makeup application
• Final hair and makeup
• Parent or wedding party member helping the to-be-wed into their attire (zipping up a dress, placing a veil, tying a bow tie, attaching cufflinks, etc.)
• Putting on shoes
• Reflection in a full-length mirror once fully dressed and accessorized
• Solo portrait
• First look reveal with the wedding party and/or parents and family
• Toasting with the wedding party
• Gift giving and opening with the wedding party and special helpers

First Look

• Solo focus on each partner as they anticipate seeing the other
• One partner approaches the other from behind, tapping on the shoulder
• Turning around to see each other for the first time
• Close up reaction shots of couple’s faces
• Embracing
• Reading their wedding letters to each other
• Holding hands
• Posed couple portraits

Couple Portraits

*These can be taken before the festivities or during cocktail hour. It’s up to you and how you want to use your time.

• Individual portraits
• Smiling, looking at the camera
• Smiling, looking at each other
• Lovingly looking into partner’s eyes
• Forehead to forehead
• Hugging or kissing
• Kissing on the cheek
• Kissing on the forehead
• Dancing together
• Walking towards the camera
• Walking away from the camera
• Partner twirls the other around

Ceremony

• Details of the empty ceremony site (reserved seating, altar decor, florals, candles, etc.)
• Guests arriving at their seats
• Ushers guiding guests to their seats
• Close-ups of each partner waiting for each other
• Immediate family members coming down the aisle
• Wedding attendants coming down the aisle
• Flower girl, ring bearer or honored pet coming down the aisle
• Wedding attendants lined up and waiting by the altar
• Partners individually coming down the aisle (with or without parents)
• Couple meeting face to face at the altar for the first time
• Officiant conducting the ceremony
• The audience from the couple’s vantage point (shot from behind the altar)
• Each partner’s face as they exchange vows
• Close up of rings being placed on each partner’s finger
• The first kiss
• Couple happily recessing back down the aisle as a married couple
• Couple exiting the ceremony venue
• Couple greeting and embracing guests outside the venue
• Signing the marriage certificate

Family & Wedding Party Photos

• The whole wedding party together
• The whole wedding party walking towards the camera, laughing
• Everyone joyously looking on as the couple kisses
• Just one partner and their attendants, then the other partner and their attendants
• Each partner with each individual member of their wedding party
• Each partner with their immediate family
• Each partner with their parents, then add in the other partner
• Each partner with their siblings, then add in the other partner
• Each partner with their grandparents, then add in the other partner
• Couple with both sets of parents
• Couple with ring bearer and/or flower girl

Reception

• Exterior of the reception site
• Empty, decorated reception site
• Table settings and floral arrangements
• Centerpieces
• Name cards, menu and signs
• Guest book and gift-receiving table
• Each appetizer
• Each course of the meal
• Custom drinks or bar menu
• Wedding party entering the reception with introduction
• The couple entering with fanfare
• The first dance as a married couple
• Dances with each partner’s respective parents
• Guests raising glasses for a cheers
• Guests conversing over dinner
• Couple at head table
• Parents’ table
• Each speechmaker
• Couple reacting to each speech
• Cake or dessert table
• Couple cutting the cake
• Feeding the cake to each other
• The band/DJ performing
• Guests partying on the dance floor
• Parents dancing together
• Grandparents dancing together
• Couple leaving the reception
• Couple getting into the getaway car and departing

Now that you’re clear on your shot list, let’s book you a photographer! We suggest checking out these Chicago area photographers.

Written by Anna Novak, Marketing Manager at Kathryn’s Bridal
Photo by Bailey Leigh Photography

Wedding dresses get a lot of love and attention, and rightfully so! But oftentimes, it’s the veil and accessories that take a bride’s aisle style to the next level. McHenry-based bridal salon Kathryn’s Bridal shares insight into deciding if a veil is right for you and how to pick the perfect one.

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This cotton candy daydream at Walden Chicago intertwined modernity with rose-colored nostalgia. The colors and fashions of garden parties inspired Walden’s Natalia Mangieri to assemble a vendor team and craft this city-chic interpretation. With this youthful garden party in mind, the vendors spread their wings to showcase whimsical florals, delectable desserts and punchy tablescapes. The fun flowed with lovely libations by Walden’s in-house bar team and their popular custom cocktail menu. To capture the fanciful vision, hi-contrast flash photography by Bradley Moss showcased a new wave of wedding photography. Sticky, sweet and oh-so-delicious, this styled shoot is as flirty as can be.

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Photo by Marc & Mindy,  invitation pictured from Shutterfly

Yes, you’ve been knee-deep in wedding planning and dreaming since your engagement, but your guests’ first entry into your wedding world comes with the invitations. The stationery (or invitation) suite is the place to really set the scene for your celebrations. Couples have the opportunity to communicate a lot more than just the date and time on their wedding invitations. A wisely crafted invitation suite can share everything from event logistics to the overall feel to attire expectations.

In a digital world, formal invitations sent in the mail are a treasured rarity. So it can be confusing to understand the details like how to address them, how to word the invite itself and whom to include in the address.

A good designer can make sure the stationery aesthetics are just right, but you have to know what details to print on them! Here is a quick guide to what information to include and how to say it.

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A romantic art deco vision unfolded at St. Charles’ The Graceful Ordinary. Kristina Jones Events organized this moody and intimate scene to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. To showcase this vision, Emma Belen Photography captured the works of Creative Cakes, Kristina Jones Events, Lola Valentina, Maxe Designs and Town & Country Gardens in The Graceful Ordinary’s fine-dining riverfront destination.

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Written by Amy Reifenstuhl, owner of Rustique Swan Event Design & Curated Decor, and Alexandra Dillard
Photography by Photography By Lauryn

Boho pampas grass or metallic opulence? Moody romance or vibrant jubilation? Neon signs or flickering candles? Deciding on your wedding aesthetic and theme can be daunting. There are so many directions to go in, and all of them are just as beautiful as the next! So how do you and your partner get started?

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Photo by Stephanie Wood Photography

Beyond all the pomp and circumstance and decor, what happens at the altar is the most meaningful part of your wedding. You’ll have an officiant to guide the ceremony, but when it comes to exchanging vows, this is your time to really focus on what matters most. You’ll enter your own bubble as you look into your loved one’s eyes and swear your best and worst days to them. Guests, musicians, officiant and wedding attendants will fade into the background as you have these few minutes to soak in what this celebration is all about. So how do you even start writing such an important collection of words? Let’s get started.

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Featured Vendors

PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION Wildman BT
PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Wood Photography
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
HAIR & MAKEUP WarPaint International
VIDEOGRAPHY Phillip Christopher Videography
JEWELRY Razny Jewelers
GOWN PROVIDERS Bella Bianca, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride, Kathryn’s Bridal, Luxe Bridal Rack (LBR), Veiled By ChaCha, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique, Wedding Design Studio by 1440 Event Design
SHOES Lori’s Shoes, Bella Belle Shoes
MODELS Carmen Garcia & Alexandria Hill, 10 MGMT

Cocktail photography by Jasko Omerovic Photography

With help from Binny’s Beverage Depot and their party planning concierge service, we present you with a taste of some custom cocktails to personalize your wedding bar.

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Reception entertainment, a timeless keepsake and a work of art all encapsulated in one canvas. Live wedding paintings and illustrations are growing in popularity by adding flair and uniqueness to your day.

It’s fun to walk through extravagant museum halls and see portraits of important figures painted with careful detail and preserved for centuries. Most of us see the experience of a quality painted portrait as a thing of the past. But it doesn’t have to be. Likely, you’re already planning for an incredible photographer to capture your day. But add another layer to that by hiring a live wedding painter. Photography is documentarian, but a painting done in the moment can capture the full essence of the day.

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Your wedding day is a complete reflection of you and your partner. You put everything you love into this day. From including your best friends as your wedding attendants to crafting a menu of favorite dishes to marrying your favorite person in the world, your wedding is all about what you love most. So why not tie your ideals and values in as well?

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Whether you’re hosting your celebration in the heart of downtown Chicago or in the suburbs, it’s always fun to give a taste of Chicago to your guests. Try to incorporate some of these elements to make your day a Windy City experience.

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