Written by Chef Lisa Shaw, Lisa’s Boutique Catering | Photography by Dayson E. Roa

We can all agree the celebration of marriage is one of the greatest milestones in life with your partner. The excitement of the engagement alone is a beautiful moment that lasts a lifetime. Many couples get married within a year or two of their engagement. Some couples have it all planned out, while others take their time to do their due diligence.

No matter how large or small your wedding is, it can be a little tricky navigating the planning process due to all the moving parts. When selecting the venue, wedding party, theme, wedding dress/attire, catering, etc., many couples are stepping outside of the box, moving away from or elevating traditional wedding themes, especially when it comes to the menu.

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Written by Aly Heintz Raddatz, Creative Director at Elevated Events | Photo by Tim Tab Studios

You’ve got the date, the venue, the wardrobe and your hype crew — next up: the soundtrack! For most couples, choosing songs for their wedding is either super exciting or very overwhelming, but it is an important step in creating a vibe and sound that makes your wedding unique to the two of you.

A great DJ/music consultant will give you steps to guide you along the way. At Elevated Events, we have blog posts and planning questionnaires to help couples no matter where they are on the music selection spectrum, from super-involved to “please-do-it-for-me.” Here are some of our tips for making your ultimate wedding soundtrack.

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Written by Rob Gorman, co-owner, The BRIX on the Fox, and Alexandra Dillard | Photography by Beth Joy Photography

Yes, you are getting married, but you are also throwing the biggest party of your lives. Weddings are a celebration of the couple, and a celebration of family and friends. How can we make sure that your family and friends have almost as amazing of a time as the couple? (Because let’s be clear, the couple should have the most amazing time!)

When The BRIX on the Fox was designed, it was based on creating a beautiful place to celebrate, and a venue that fulfilled all the needs of ensuring an entertaining and meaningful wedding.

Was this mission successful? Take a look at the owners’ very own daughter and son-in-law’s wedding at The BRIX on the Fox and see for yourself.

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With 20 years of experience working with every kind of nearlywed, Kelly Delamater of Backyard Soirée offers a sampling of her best advice. 

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A talented florist will guide you into the perfect flower choices for your budget, season, and style. But when it comes to bouquet size and structure selection, there are options to consider! 

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Flowers are one of the most magical parts of a wedding. They breathe life and energy into a space. They soften harsh lines and brighten dark spaces. Your wedding flowers communicate the style and feel you want to flow through your day. Your flowers are going to be in nearly every picture taken. The question is, where do you begin?

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Photo above by Stephanie Wood Photography

Whether you have children already, younger siblings or are a blended family, including the kids most special to you into your wedding day is important. While a full wedding day might not be thrilling to a little one, use these options to make sure all your guests — no matter their age — feel welcomed and ready to celebrate.

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Photo above by TWA Photographic Artists

Selecting your wedding photographer can feel like a daunting task. The cake will be eaten, the dress will be worn, but the photos are what will last for years to come. As you search for your wedding photographer, start the process by determining what style of photography you want. Some photographers are able to shoot and edit in a number of styles, while others have one signature look. Whatever photographer you choose, you’ll want to be able to effectively communicate to them what style you’re looking for. Here are some popular photography styles for you to consider.

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The Graceful Ordinary

3 E. Main St. | St. Charles, IL 60174 | 331.235.5803 | thegracefulordinary.com

From its riverfront location to its acclaimed chef, this newly opened restaurant and event venue in downtown St. Charles is anything but ordinary. In a sophisticated setting along the scenic Fox River, rustic fare from Executive Chef Chris Curren dazzles. Their chef-driven cuisine is centered around the kitchen’s wood-burning hearth with a menu of elevated, yet approachable tavern fare. The Graceful Ordinary is the ideal setting for all your wedding celebrations, with 4,700 square feet of interior space and 2,200 square feet of waterfront terrace space outside. Unforgettable views, chef-driven cuisine and gracious hospitality — The Graceful Ordinary is the memorable backdrop to your life’s special events.

Photo by Matthew Reeves

Lola Valentina

6430 Hamlin Ave. | Lincolnwood, IL 60712 | 224.251.7614 | lolavalentina.com

Lola Valentina is revolutionizing fine linen rentals and event branding by offering access to original designs and fully custom options for all your event rental needs, including tablecloths, table runners, decor placemats, napkins and more. There is a full team of designers in-house, so customers can access fresh and exclusive designs without any limitations. All items are environmentally conscious and proudly crafted in the U.S.

Photo by Jessica Lorren

WarPaint International Beauty Agency

On-site Beauty. Whenever. Wherever. | Chicago, IL | 917.740.2896 | warpaintinternational.com

WarPaint International Beauty Agency is an on-site “beauty-on-demand” agency. We specialize in intimate, luxurious, on-location wedding hair and makeup experiences in Chicago. We know weddings! With thousands of happy brides serviced over 10 years in business, we are true professionals that strive to make your day flawless. Our team of hand-selected and experienced Artisans are passionate about perfecting your special day. WPI Artisans are interviewed, technically tested, receive ongoing education, are nationally background-checked for your safety and expected to have the highest standard of sanitary practices. WarPaint International is the ultimate symbol of luxury and excellence in hair and makeup artistry.

Avli on The Park

180 N. Field Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60601 | 312.600.9997 | avli.us

Avli on The Park opened in May 2021 and is centrally located in Chicago with easy access to hotels, Maggie Daley Park and all the city has to offer. Curate the perfect destination-style celebration in downtown Chicago with stunning rooftop cabanas, skyline views, a beautiful private banquet room in the main hall and more. Along with contemporary Greek cuisine and a lively beverage program, Avli on The Park is an unparalleled choice for group dining, birthdays, celebrations and events that’ll transport your guests seamlessly to a seaside resort in Greece.

Photo by Mac Yellek

Revelry 675

675 S. River St. | Batavia, IL 60510 | 630.940.8987 | revelry675.com

From Exceptional Events by Shuki Moran comes Revelry 675, a new and elegant wedding and events venue. Located along the Fox River in the heart of Batavia, Revelry 675 boasts a luxurious and spacious 8,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor property. Just as the name “Revelry” implies, the venue is synonymous with dancing, festivities and celebrating the night away in style. Adorned with gold starburst chandeliers, white marble flooring and an outdoor patio with strung bistro lights, this newly renovated space has found new vibrancy. With an established presence as a luxury and celebrity event planner, Shuki Moran knows how to host an unforgettable fete, and this new venue continues that legacy.

Photo by Lynette McCarthy Photography

voco Chicago Downtown

350 W. Wolf Point Plaza | Chicago, IL 60654
Hotel: 312.836.5000 | Catering: 312.529.1124 | vocohotels.com/chicagoil

Chicago’s newest wedding venue, voco Chicago Downtown, is located at the confluence of the Chicago River on iconic Wolf Point. Defined by Chicago’s urban style and an unrivaled location at the heart of River North, The Loop and Fulton Market, voco Chicago Downtown features dazzling city and river views from the 15th floor of 350 North Orleans. The venue offers three upscale ceremony and reception spaces — two with floor-to-ceiling windows — and warm and inviting guest rooms for you and your guests. Whatever you need, they’ve got it covered.

City Cruises Chicago

600 E. Grand Ave. | Chicago, IL 60611 888.741.0282 | citycruises.com/chicago

Whether enjoying the breathtaking cityscape while cruising the Chicago River or the city’s striking skyline from Lake Michigan, you’ll love Chicago’s most unique and elegant wedding venue. Say your vows aboard the Spirit of Navy Pier, the newly renovated tri-deck vessel expanded to provide ample space for cocktail hour, formal dining and dancing. The rooftop bar has been completely reimagined to create a luxurious top-deck lounge with photo-perfect, open- air views. Relax and let their complimentary event planners provide City Cruises’ signature service, delicious dining, custom décor and distinctive entertainment. Bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties or post-wedding brunches — the event of your dreams is waiting on the water!

Photo by Photography by Lauryn

Copper Fox by FoxFire

477 S. 3rd St. | Geneva, IL 60134 331.248.0422 | copper-fox.com

Copper Fox by FoxFire is one of the newest, most complete event spaces in downtown Geneva. FoxFire, being well known since 2003, has always had requests for larger parties, so the family owned, small business decided it was time to take the event venue world by storm. With over 20 years of event experience, and a full remodel inside and out, Copper Fox was born. They offer full catering, event décor and design, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, and a team of professional event staff. Their Event Coordinator will be with you from the beginning of planning, through to the big day and will assist you in planning the wedding day of your dreams.

Photo by B&B Photography

Wedding Design Studio by 1440 Event Design

5514 Lincoln Ave. | Lisle, IL 60532 630.946.6807 | weddingdesignstudiochicago.com

The Wedding Design Studio is a 7,000-square-foot space created by 1440 Event Design. A collaborative concept, drawing together a group of industry experts and artists with decades of experience in wedding, floral and decor design, bridal gowns, and custom design and alterations. WDS Chicago offers full-service event design and production alongside an expansive collection of designer gowns in a one-stop shop for all things bridal. Offering a sense of genuine expertise and enthusiasm, specializing in thorough and informative service, the WDS team invites you to discover “Your Wedding Wonderland.”

Photo by Marcello Rodarte

The Matrix Club

808 S. Route 59 | Naperville, IL 60540 630.581.7200 | matrixvenue.com

The Matrix Club is a new premier wedding, banquet, convention and performance venue, opening in the summer of 2022. Their talented and versatile events team creates exquisite engagement and wedding ceremonies for diverse cultures. Award-winning chefs create world- class culinary delicacies from around the world in their in-house state- of-the-art kitchens. Your wedding should transcend your expectations and The Matrix Club’s goal is to make that happen. Delivering an immersive experience, it’ll be unique and one that’ll linger with you and your guests for years to come. Details matter, and The Matrix Club will take care of every single one for you.

The Moment on Main

122 N. Main St. | Wheaton, IL 60187 630.433.8906 | themomentonmain.com

The Moment on Main is the new urban event venue located within the heart of downtown Wheaton. Offering modern elegance with a minimal design concept, the venue’s goal is to inspire couples with personalized planning so their vision becomes a reality. Creating a venue that is carte blanche was and is their core inspiration to everything they do. The experienced and talented vendors partnering with The Moment on Main will ensure each wedding is perfected and a moment in time to remember forever. Outside of their four walls, The Moment on Main is surrounded by beautiful city parks, urban streetscapes, eateries and bars to enhance your wedding getaway experience.

Photo by Photography By Lauryn

Chez Hotel

519 W. Algonquin Rd. | Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847.437.5590 | chezhotel.com

Be one of the first couples to celebrate in the new Chez Hotel, opening in 2022! Situated in the charming suburb of Arlington Heights, Chez Hotel is a high-end 4-star luxury boutique hotel offering reception halls, luxury dining, a modern rooftop terrace, beautifully appointed rooms and friendly multilingual staff. Make a grand and glamorous entrance with beautifully curated spaces and the only luxury outdoor rooftop venue in the Chicago suburbs. From cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners or brunches on the rooftop to formal weddings in the European Crystal Banquet Grand Ballroom, you’ll find the ideal reflection of contemporary luxury. An exceptionally well-prepared on-site event team will help you realize your vision and ensure your big day experience is a memorable one.

Inspired by the vibrant colors and romantic rave-stylings of the ‘90s, this styled shoot by Fierce Productions celebrated the unapologetic magic of love. At the forefront of inclusivity in the Chicago wedding scene, Fierce Productions specializes in events that are bold, non-traditional and fearless. Complete with cosmic brownies, neon lights and heart-shaped sunglasses, this faux wedding showcased all the liveliness that comes with being authentic to who you are.

From the planner & stylist…

I wanted to plan and design a styled wedding at the brand new Chicago venue, The Arbory, that was funky, punchy and off-beat. It was really important to the team that we featured a BIPOC, LGBTQ+ couple. Inclusivity is part of our mission at Fierce Productions so anytime we do a shoot we are looking to represent every couple!

– LAURA REITSMA, OWNER, FIERCE PRODUCTIONS

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Photo by Kristin Sweeting Photography

It’s no secret that wedding planning can be stressful. To keep yourself feeling refreshed and relaxed, be sure to schedule time to pamper yourself and prepare for the big day. Whether that be a relaxing massage to ease stress or regular hair blow-outs to keep your hair shining, check out these options for some much-needed pre-wedding pampering.

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There’s an often overlooked component to weddings: the groom.

But not anymore.

A vision for showcasing luxurious possibilities for grooms came to life in the hands of Ramsey Prince of Maison Du Prince. Prince is known for turning heads with his recognizable flair and bespoke styling, so these scenes came together beautifully in his handwriting.

With rich orchids, gilded accents, and incredible menswear, a fabulous grooms’ weekend at The Thompson Hotel unfolded.

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Photography by Rachael Schirano Photography | Collection Photography by Danielle Simone & Co.

Fueled by a swirl of almond latte art, Goli Parvinian Young creates bridal attire for the true believers. Having lived in Chicago, London, Auckland, New York City and Melbourne, she embodies a restless urge to absorb the world. Throughout her years of international travel and moves, a vision for her own bridal line marinated and, in 2019, Goli June was born.

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Written by Patty McGuire, Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup Artists | Photography by Joy Lyn Photography

The getting ready process on the wedding morning is a fun and celebratory time that sets the tone for the rest of the day’s events. What could be better than having your hair and makeup done to your favorite song with the people you love the most while indulging in champagne and sweet treats?

As a professional hair and makeup team, we are privileged to have witnessed a lot of touching moments during our travels. While there are certain traditions that will never go out of style, we’ve seen some new and meaningful trends that are on the rise. Instead of the focus being solely on the bride or groom, there is a heartwarming shift happening. With more emphasis on lifting up the wedding party members by recognizing them as individuals, our nearlyweds are shining a spotlight on what each attendant means to them. The events of the last few years have made us all want to love harder and to be more expressive when it comes to letting people we care for know how much they mean to us. These 12 must-haves are inspired by the incredible nearlyweds who are taking things to another level and making the wedding day morning truly unforgettable.

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Is your pet just as important to you as your significant other? For many couples, incorporating their furry friends into their wedding is a must. While they might not make the invite list, they certainly deserve to be represented in the festivities one way or the other.

Photo above by Emily Elizabeth Photos

CUSTOM PETS COOKIES

What is cuter than a portrait of your pet on a deliciously designed cookie? Include these sweet treats in your guests’ welcome bags, at the reception dessert table or as a departing gift.

Photo by Louie Abellera Weddings, as seen in Bryn & Andy’s Traditional Wedding at Chicago History Museum

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