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
Written by Carrie Mantey | Photography by Rachael Schirano Photography
Have you always dreamed of escaping to a European castle to say your “I do’s?” Or maybe the thought of proclaiming your love for your significant other with white-capped mountains as a backdrop makes your heart flutter? Hosting a destination wedding can be a memorable event your guests won’t soon forget, however, there can be challenges that you should account for during your planning to make it an amazing experience for everyone involved.
PLANNER/STYLIST: Sarah Kathleen Events
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Town & Country Gardens
CAKE: The Quintessential Cake
CALLIGRAPHY: Nerissa B. Modern Calligraphy
STATIONERY: LullaBelle Design
RENTALS: Elegant Presentations
CHAIRS & TABLE: Ellie & Rose
VENUE: The Drake Oak Brook
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jana Blue Photography
Written by Kelsey O’Shaunessy-Podgorski | Photography by Photography by Lauryn
No one wants a blemish or dried-out hair on their wedding day. You need that gorgeous newlywed glow! Follow these simple steps to achieve a radiant complexion, fabulous hair and a dazzling look for your big day.
Written by Stephanie Seija | Photography by Photography by Lauryn
Your reception should be the pinnacle of your perfect day! Whether you’re hosting an intimate affair or a massive celebration, the reception is where your guests get to let loose and enjoy themselves. There are multiple ways to make your party unique — try one of our suggestions or come up with something that fits even better with your soirée. Mixing it up will leave your guests with extra-special memories of their time celebrating you and your big day.
For years, gold has been a very popular wedding color as it symbolizes wealth, elegance, luxury and warmth. It has also been used to celebrate longevity in a marriage such as the milestone 50th wedding anniversary. Whether in wedding decor or attire, setting the Gold Standard is always appropriate.
Handpicked by…LAVERNE MATHEWS, OWNER/SENIOR EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN SPECIALIST, THAT SPECIAL TOUCH EVENTS
It’s important to establish a healthy regimen for your skin, hair and nails well before the invites drop in the mail. Eating healthy and drinking lots of water is a great way to start working on your glow. Quality cleansers, moisturizers and serums are key to achieving the fresh face you want for all of those important wedding events and photos. With so many products on the market, it can get overwhelming. So we’ve consulted with some of Chicago’s most skilled wedding professionals to come up with a few suggestions to help get you started.
Written by Stephanie Seija | Photography by Jana Blue Photography
While food is a central part of every wedding celebration, there are no rules that say you must offer the traditional plated meal or buffet. Many couples are beginning to reimagine the ways they can serve the meal, heightening the drama and creativity as well as being mindful of safety protocols as they offer a delicious culinary experience for their guests.
New ideas for serving your spread may be necessary now, but those that are delightful and surprising are likely to endure. After all, isn’t the way to anyone’s heart through their stomach? Featuring unique food displays is just one approach to make your event an unforgettable affair.
