Feature Photo by Aspen Avenue

As weddings become increasingly personalized and style-savvy, wedding attire is no different. Suiting doesn’t have to be all black and white tuxedos! There are several ways to infuse personality into your wedding suit style, from tailored jackets with patterned linings to embroidered accents. Whether you want to make a statement or infuse sentimental subtleties, consider customizing these parts of your wedding day attire to ensure you walk down the aisle in your own unique style.

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Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHY Anamaria Vieriu Photography
VENUE Room 1520
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
FLORAL & DECOR Branching Out Chicago
HAIR & MAKEUP Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup Artists
GOWNS Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride Bridal Boutique, Kathryn’s Bridal, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, Grace + Ivory, Laury Bride, Love Story Bridal, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique, White Satin Bridal
JEWELRY Rolland’s Jewelers
MENSWEAR Formally Modern Tuxedo, Generation Tux
SHOES Kailee P.
ACCESSORIES Aveil
MODELS Aryss Gayden, Rune Model Management; Greta Meyle, The Rock Agency; Santo Perez, The Rock Agency; & Cici Rindy
CONTENT CREATOR Jennifer Tello with Amorélla Events

Feature Photo by Ryan Davis Photography

In recent years, brewery weddings have become increasingly popular for couples seeking a unique and laid-back celebration. Chicago, with its flourishing craft beer scene, offers an array of exceptional brewery wedding venues that blend industrial charm with a touch of Midwestern zest. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” amidst copper kettles and oak barrels, check out these stunning brewery wedding venues.

Remember to reach out to each brewery to inquire about their current wedding packages, capacities and availability. Since these businesses operate as active taprooms, their private event availability might be limited. Weekends are their big business nights! Additionally, inquire about any specific catering and beverage options they offer to ensure your wedding day is a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Cheers to love, laughter and the perfect pint at Chicagoland’s finest brewery wedding destinations!

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By Doree Haight-Motl, Owner of The Haight| Gather
Feature Photo by The Still Life

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Words and Photo by Mairaj Hakim, Hakim’s Studio

I’m Mairaj Hakim, the Creative Director at Hakim’s Studio, where we’ve been weaving visual stories for over seven decades. Your wedding day is a unique tapestry of love and commitment, a moment deserving to be painted with strokes of artistry and finesse. As you embark on this extraordinary journey, here are some handpicked tips to guide you in choosing the perfect photographers and ensuring your experience is nothing short of magical.

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By ECBG Cake Studio
Photos by Aspen Avenue

Have you heard the sweet news? We haven’t just been busy baking and decorating cakes… we have also been working on a major glow-up! Our online home, ECBGstudio.com, has gotten a major makeover, and trust us, it’s as delightful as sinking your teeth into our incredible cakes. We’re elevating our brand to better represent us—modern, bold, luxurious, cheeky, fun, but also approachable and user-friendly, to make your online experience as irresistible as our treats.  (more…)

While Hollywood’s biggest night, the Oscars, is all about captivating performances on the silver screen, the stars’ fashion statements undeniably take center stage. Last year, we saw a lot of overtly wedding-inspired looks, but this year’s 96th Academy Awards ceremony gave more subtle nods to the aisle. As stars graced the Oscars red carpet and then the ever-fashion-forward Vanity Fair Oscar Party, we couldn’t help but take note of some styles that gave ultra wedding vibes.

Check out our favorite wedding-inspired looks from the 2024 Oscars to get inspired for your special day! From sparkling details to unique suits, there’s something for everyone.

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• What is the appropriate amount of involvement that a mom should have?
• Can I tell my daughter which gown is my favorite?
• Does my daughter really want my opinion?

The Honor of your Company

Offer Your Approval

Share in the Excitement

The Grammys red carpet has always been known for producing some of the most iconic fashion looks, from Cardi B’s Vintage Thierry Mugler in 2019 to Jennifer Lopez’s tropical and sultry Versace look in 2000. This past weekend’s 2024 Grammy Awards was no exception. Amidst all the stunning formalwear looks, we also saw so many bridal-inspired ensembles gracing music icons.

Check out these fashions from The 66th Annual Grammy Awards and start dreaming about how you can translate music’s biggest night into your wedding.

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Feature Photo by Rachael Schirano Photography

Congrats, you’re preparing to take your relationship to the next level and get married! Getting married is a joyous occasion, and beyond all the glitz and glam, obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in the process. If you’re planning to tie the knot in the state of Illinois, understanding the requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license is essential.

Let’s walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

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Feature photo by The Snells

Once upon a registry, two hearts became one, and the adventure of a lifetime was set to begin. Now that the whirlwind of wedding planning is behind you, it’s time to embark on your honeymoon! Honeymoons are a treasured tradition, allowing time for couples to relax, bond, and soak up their new marriage status. So beyond the obvious considerations — like location and duration — we’ve compiled a guide with essential travel suggestions. Transition from aisle to isles and make your honeymoon one for the ages!

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Making sure your culinary team hits the mark is a crucial part of ensuring a memorable day for your guests. Luckily, Chicago is home to some of the most talented chefs in the world. Here are two you should know.

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If there’s ever an opportunity to embody main character energy, it’s your wedding day. And for this elegant wedding scene at Chicago Winery, the silver screen is the perfect stage.

The frames of this film reel are filled with the warm, urban glamour of Chicago Winery’s venue. Highlighting both the quiet luxury and sparkling disco bridal trends of the moment, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture styled models in Vera Wang, Lihi Hod, Galia Lahav and Lazaro.

Whether floating down sunlit stairs or reapplying peachy-nude lipstick for your close-up, it’s your day to radiate and turn heads. Shine like a star because the aisle is your red carpet.

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Rempel Photography
VENUE: Chicago Winery
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Vrinspirations
HAIR & MAKEUP: Rare Bird Beauties
STYLING: Katie Mántica with Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
GOWNS: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
FORMALWEAR: ESQ Clothing
MODELS: Hannah Debok, Roberto Mántica, Jalbelly Guzmán, Stephen Wilkes

As white frosting on the heart-shaped cake taunts, “No Take Backs,” we are welcomed into this vibrant love story. Fun, creativity and a touch of whimsy certainly define the essence of this wedding vision at CSK (Centre Street Kitchen) in Lincoln Park.

In the wedding world, neutrals and pastels will always have a treasured home. But just because those color palettes are a reliable force doesn’t mean denying bold, colorful inspiration. When dreaming up this styled shoot, the team envisioned a not-so-bohemian garden party vibe. Thus a playful and zesty ambiance emerged, rather than the vintage vibe often associated with courtyard events. Unbridled fun thrives here, enlivened by elements like a rosé tower and vegan red velvet cake.

As if handwritten in glitter gel pen, this playful scene invites couples to embrace whimsy. Consider this your sign to explore the possibilities, deny the neutrals and let love lead the way.

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY: Marissa Kelly Photography
VIDEOGRAPHY: David Bustos
VENUE: CSK Lincoln Park
PLANNER: Bridget Mary Weddings
FLORAL: The Flower Club
CAKE: Gâteau Groovy
LINENS: Windy City Linen
TABLETOP DÉCOR: Hall’s Rental
HAIR: Lindsay Dee Beauty
MAKEUP: Erika Alexis Beauty
GOWNS: Grace + Ivory
FORMALWEAR: SuitShop
JEWELRY: Plum Diamonds
MODELS: Haley Huskey, Anthony Baldasare

Interview by Alexandra Dillard | Photography by Bryte Media LLC

In the radiant glow of engagement, it’s easy to become consumed by the whirlwind of wedding planning. From choosing the perfect dress to deciding on the ideal venue, there’s a thrilling journey toward matrimony ahead! Yet amidst the excitement and anticipation, one often-overlooked aspect can make a profound difference in the success of a marriage: the relationship’s foundation.

Couples seeking not just a picture-perfect wedding day, but a lifetime of happiness might consider premarital counseling. Premarital counseling isn’t just for troubled waters, but it’s a tool for forming a more resilient and harmonious partnership. We turned to Operations Director Bailey Kraft, MS, LMFT and Clinical Director Mike Connell, MA, LMFT from Balanced Life Counseling to explore the keys to establishing a solid foundation for a flourishing marriage.

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