By Shelby Deering | Photography by Clay for Lyons Photography
When you first get engaged, there’s excitement, exhilaration and all-around happiness. And if these sound a lot like the emotions that you and your fiancé experience when you travel or take a much-needed vacation, then a destination wedding may be right up your alley.
As we head into the winter months, we can’t help but picture snow softly falling down, as a bride and groom kiss under twinkly lights. Or crimson and green floral pieces for the perfect Christmas ceremony. Or an extravagant display of silver and gold decorations at a glamorous winter wonderland reception.
There are so many ways to incorporate this frosty season, but we’ve rounded up six of our favorite weddings. Visit their galleries for more winter wedding inspiration and start planning your own snowy ceremony today!
Lead Photo by Kristina Lorraine Photography
When you picture your perfect wedding venue, what do you see? Crystal clear waters? A gorgeous waterscape? A free-flowing river? Water is such a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day, and these eight Chicago area venues have taken full advantage of their stunning settings to create the ultimate landscape for your event.
We all know the saying, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” If you’re covering that ‘something blue’ with a blue color scheme for your big day, you’ll want to check out these six gorgeous invitations featuring everything from a light sky blue to deep navy.
Pictured above: River Roast | Photography by Victoria Sprung Photography, LLC
When you start planning your wedding, many would agree that the first step is to choose your venue. After all, your wedding venue sets the mood for your big day. Are you going for a rustic chic look, or do you want more of the metro vibe? Downtown Chicago offers so many amazing venues (find our downtown venue guide here!), often with remarkable views of our beloved city. Here are 5 you should check out, if you’re looking for the best seats in the city.
Photography above: courtesy My Charcuterie
Whether you are looking for an elaborate display of desserts to feature alongside your wedding cake, or you’re in search of a different treat to take the spotlight, our Chicago area bakeries are experts in all things sweet. Try one of these four delicious options for your wedding!
Photography by Crane’s Photography (above)
You can find wedding inspiration anywhere nowadays; people find it in their favorite shows, their favorite colors, their favorite style…so why not their favorite season?
While many people get married in the summer months, the fall months are quickly gaining popularity in our region. And why wouldn’t it? The beautiful foliage and rich hues can provide the perfect tone for your rustic or rich-colored wedding.
If you’re planning an autumn wedding — or just love the season — you’ll love these ideas we’ve gathered on how to incorporate fall into your big day.
Congratulations to Chloe and Kevin, our latest honeymoon winners! The couple will enjoy a honeymoon to Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya after their wedding, provided by Apple Vacations. Read their love story below.
Written by Kelsey O’Shaughnessy-Podgorski | Photography by Rachael Schirano Photography
There’s a certain kind of sizzle to the atmosphere when a musician takes the stage. Whether it’s an ‘80s cover band, a jazz musician or an epic wedding band that covers all the hits, the crowd knows something big is happening the minute the mic turns on.
Choosing the perfect wedding cake is more challenging — and more important — than you might think. Your cake is often a. centerpiece of your reception décor, which means it has to be as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. You’ll be posing next to it and photographed feeding each other the first decadent slice. You want a cake that complements your overall vibe and fits in with your carefully chosen color palette. You’ll need enough for everyone in a flavor combination that is appealing to your guests. That’s a lot to expect from one sugary confection, so let’s break it down and help make choosing the perfect cake for your big day simple and straightforward.
Written by Emily Conley | Photography by Jana Blue Photography
Written by Emily Conley | Photography by Photography by Lauryn
A contentious relationship with your in-laws is a tried and true theme in TV shows, books and movies. While these relationships can be complicated in real life, they don’t have to be as problematic as they are portrayed. Including your spouse’s family in your wedding planning is a great first step toward a peaceful and enjoyable relationship, and should help you all feel a bit more like family.
PLANNER/STYLIST: Event Shoppe Chicago
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Bloome
CAKE: Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Café
STATIONERY: Designed by You Invitations
LINENS & CHARGERS: F&S Linens
RENTALS: Elegant Presentations
VENUE: 21c Museum Hotel Chicago
PHOTOGRAPHY: Carrie White Photography
Written by Stephanie Seija | Photography by Meagan Lindsey Photography
When you hire a photographer for your wedding, you’re entrusting them with one of the most important aspects of your big day. Memories fade but photographs last forever! Professional photographers are talented artists and they know how to make you look your best for your engagement shoot and your wedding day. But there are also steps you can take to set your photographer up for success. With a little bit of planning, you can make decisions that will elevate your photos and create an inspiring scene for your photographer to capture. Keep reading for some practical tips that will take your wedding photographs from bland to beautiful.
A very special couple decided to have the wedding of their dreams, 60 years later! Bob wanted to give Dee an intimate and personalized celebration for their milestone anniversary because they were unable to have a traditional wedding back then!
– CAROLINE EIMERMAN, SALES AND EVENT MANAGER, BELVEDERE EVENTS & BANQUETS
PHOTOGRAPHY: Picture4Ever Studio
VENUE: Belvedere Events & Banquets
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Yanni Design Studio
CAKE: Delicity
COOKIES: Italian Bakery
