With sunny skies, a tropical breeze, and temperatures in the mid-80s year-round, it’s no wonder the slogan of Aruba is “One Happy Island.” It’s a perfect Caribbean destination for the most romantic weddings and honeymoons in every season: consistent weather, white sand beaches and Instagram-worthy turquoise waters.
Your wedding cake is the sweet ending to your perfect day. From elegant floral creations, to colorful bold designs, the possibilities are endless. Dress it up with sugar flowers, brush strokes and gold leaf, or keep it simple with sleek white buttercream and fresh flowers. But don’t get lost in the design—flavor is just as important. Opt for bakeries that use premium ingredients for a wedding cake that tastes just as good as it looks!
Whether you prefer a traditional wedding cake, or you’re in search of something that’s uniquely you, these 8 Chicagoland wedding cake bakeries are ready to create the cake of your dreams!
The Holiday Inn Chicago West-Itasca, located only an hour outside of Chicago’s Loop, is dedicated to making your event perfect from start to finish. Memories made there will last a lifetime. On a sunny afternoon, the fresh green outdoor ceremony space was pulled together by a handcrafted birch arch, with lush, creamy florals affixed to each corner. The light pink rosebuds on the unity candle table ensured classic elegance is felt in every aspect of the event. Each bouquet in the ceremony was re-purposed as a centerpiece for the reception to follow.
Inside, the reception space was ethereal and sultry, but still fresh and cultivated. Tables were set with crisp white linens, china and additional ivory florals. The seats were draped with silky white and gold fabrics. The four-tiered cake took the spotlight, dressed with baby blush rosebuds and a hint of lush greenery. A palette of light pink, ivory and champagne echoed the event’s timelessness and kept the dreamy mood distinguished and beautiful until the end of the night.
Venue: Holiday Inn Chicago West-Itasca, Photography: TWA Photographic Artists, Event Planner: Glamour & Lace Events, Floral: Aberdeen’s Wedding Florists, Draping: Quest Events, Cake: Central Continental Bakery, Chair Linens: Cinderella Event Studio, Stationery & Table Linens: Holiday Inn Chicago West-Itasca
Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.
Photo by Northern Art Photography
Just across Lake Michigan, a not-so-far-away destination offers stunning, picturesque scenery with the nation’s longest freshwater coastline, wildlife refuges and over 100 state parks. Combined with its rich automotive and arts history, Michigan is an ideal place for a romantic getaway, whether it’s a honeymoon, or everything from the bachelor party to the reception.
Despite the arctic temperatures outside, brides-to-be and newly engaged couples found their way to the Duke Ellington Ballroom at NIU, Dekalb. Inside it was warm, cozy and full of top wedding vendors and professionals. Couples planning their perfect wedding day found everything they needed from DJs to makeup artists to floral designers. There was no shortage of gorgeous wedding day attire inspiration, thanks to Alexis Kay Designs. They showed stunning wedding gowns and sharp formalwear in a wide variety of styles. The Northern Illinois Bridal Expo 2019 was an ideal one-stop-shop for engaged couples looking for wedding professionals and style inspiration.
Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.
There are a few tips that are universally applicable for skin of any age. Add these 3 tips into your skincare routine and lifestyle for accelerated results.
While we always love stepping up the level of hydration this time of year (like using a heavier moisturizer), we’ve found that incorporating a regular exfoliation step into your skincare can actually get to the root of the problem to help your skin both absorb and retain moisture better. And who doesn’t love a peel pad?
Our favorite wintertime skincare product to recommend to clients in their 20’s are the Exfoliating Peel Pads from Eminence Organics.
Why we love them: These peel pads are formulated with alpha hydroxy acids and natural active ingredients, so they are extremely effective while still being gentle on the skin. The pads work to remove dead skin cells to unveil a softer and revitalized complexion. And don’t fret— these peel pads don’t come with any downtime.
At Lapiel, we carry 3 varieties of the Exfoliating Peel Pads: Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel, Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel, and Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel. Each peel is formulated with a specific skin condition in mind, so stop by Lapiel to find out which formula is right for you (or visit the Eminence Organics website) for more info.
Adding one of these peel pads into your winter routine will leave your skin exfoliated, smooth, and ready to soak in any layer of moisture you put on top of it.
Retinol has long been lauded as the holy grail of skincare ingredients, and it’s no surprise why. Retinol has no shortage of benefits, including diminishing fine lines/wrinkles, improving uneven skin tone, refining the skin’s surface texture, and protecting against the environment. However, some retinol products can be extremely harsh and leave skin feeling sensitive, which isn’t great, especially with freezing Chicago temperatures and wind!
We’ve tried lots of retinol products, but our favorite across the board is the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer from Eminence.
Why we love it: This moisturizer is a magical blend of PhytoCellTec™ Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells, coconut, shea butter and grape seed oil, and Eminence’s Natural Retinol Alternative Complex. On top of the formula smelling like summer (yum!), this product actually works to fight signs of aging and protect skin against harmful free radicals. Plus, the formula feels rich and luxurious without leaving skin greasy or oily.
Adding this product into your routine will result in more firm, toned, and tighter skin… and who doesn’t want that?
Many of our clients who walk into Lapiel want to know about products that will defend their skin against aging, and Tensage Antioxidant Defense Serum is one of our favorites to suggest.
Why we love it: Tensage Antioxidant Defense Serum is a lightweight serum that packs a powerful punch against signs of aging, while also protecting skin against environmental stressors, of which there are no shortage of in Chicago! This formula, created by Tensage, is a plant-based option that fights damage caused by the environment with a blend of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Ferulic acid.
This cocktail of ingredients will brighten dull winter skin and serve as a barrier against anything and everything the city throws at you.
If you are age 50 or above, we recommend investing in a truly splurge-worthy night cream to give your skin that extra dose of moisture it craves. Our all-time favorite product is the Tensage Stem Cell Cream, which can be used on the face, neck and décolleté.
Why we love it: This night cream from Tensage is a silky product that makes a big difference right away for both moisture and signs of aging.
As we age, the cells in our skin break down and the natural stem cells are less able to replace them. Even while trying to carefully avoid sunlight and other damaging conditions, the natural aging process eventually takes over and leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adding a product like Tensage Stem Cell Cream into your routine can help improve skin’s appearance during the aging process and add stem cells back. (The stem cells in this product are actually extracted from the eggs of the Cryptomphalus aspersa snail in a patented process…how cool?!)
This night cream is a true investment and will work to make the skin appear firmer and plumper over time. We promise your skin will thank you!
Schedule a free consultation with our Aesthetician Julie to learn more about our services and products, or walk into our location at 3454 N Lincoln Ave to check out the products mentioned in this post!
Call 773-453-8696 or contact us via email at [email protected]
Couples should consider having a photo booth because it uniquely captures fun and memorable moments with loved ones on their special day.
The Mirror Booth is different from the conventional photo booth in that it allows guests to take full-length body photos and simultaneously gives more room for larger groups of people to join in on the fun! Our selfie mirror allows you to see exactly what the photo will look like without squinting at a screen or waiting for your photo to print. It allows guests to add emojis and filters to their photos as well as giving retake options, so everyone gets the perfect shot every time.
Couples should consider the different types of booths and space location before booking. They should think about what photo layout they want for their photo strips (one photo or a multi-photo layout), what kind of experience they want their guests to have (more private in a closed photo booth or room for larger groups in an open photo booth), and if the venue will have adequate space to host a photo booth. They should also check to make sure there is an accessible outlet where they want to place the photo booth.
To get the most out of your mirror photo booth use, we recommend that the couple have signs that encourage guests to snap a photo to keep as a favor. Other ways can include having the DJ announce the photo booth’s presence and having the mirror booth attendant encourage guests to step in the booth and make a memory.
The Mirror Photo Booth can be enjoyed at any event. Chicago Mirror Booth has experience working with clients who use our services at corporate events, anniversary parties, graduation parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet 16’s, quinceañeras, baby showers, and more!
Chicago Mirror Booth offers a special and unique way to make any event better with their mirror photo booths. Email [email protected] for more information.
There are so many things to take into consideration when you’re planning a wedding. Sometimes, it’s tough to know where to start. First, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind which services you want to splurge on and which you want to save on. Make a list of what’s most important to you and go from there. (more…)
True: When it comes to engagement rings, there are many styles to choose from. The cut, not necessarily the size, of the center stone is very important. It may be round brilliant, emerald, Asscher, cushion, oval, princess, pear, marquise, or radiant. The cut you choose should reflect the wearer’s personality. It is good practice to try on as many shapes as possible before deciding which looks best on your finger. There’s no
wrong choice! After style and cut, the budget is the most important factor when shopping for a ring. Do your homework and shop with a trusted jeweler, someone who will happily work within your budget. After you have set your budget, decide where you want to put your dollars. If you’ve set your cap at $8,000, for example, understand that this must include the cost of both the center diamond and the mounting. Once you have determined what you are comfortable spending, your trusted associate at Razny Jewelers can help you find the perfect ring.
False: We suggest doing your homework on the reputation of the jeweler you choose. Be sure to find out how long they have been in business. What do past clients say about them? What is the guarantee they will be in business if you need repair work in the future? Will they be able to help you if you need your ring re-sized?
Buying an engagement ring is a major purchase— something your loved one will wear for many years to come. It is essential that your jeweler also be able to service your needs for many years to come. Razny Jewelers has been in business for over 65 years. Now a third-generation jeweler and family of certified diamond experts, we partner with the largest wholesalers to leverage the highest quality for our clients while offering the most competitive prices. For us, this is more than a business. It’s our legacy.
True AND False: These days, many couples shop for a ring ahead of the proposal to find the style they like most. We suggest that while at Razny Jewelers, nonchalantly ask our associate to check the size of your finger. Another option is to offer to have your partner’s jewelry cleaned. If she has a ring that she often wears on the left hand, make sure to get it sized while visiting our store. Whatever happens, rest assured Razny Jewelers offers complimentary re-sizing after your proposal.
False: The perfect ring does not have to cost you a fortune. Finding the best symbol of your love is more about style then purchase price. For this reason, many couples opt for a custom design that is crafted within their budget. Our designer would be more than happy to sit with you to bring your vision to life. The only limit is your imagination!
False: It is extremely easy to design your custom ring. In fact, it can be as simple as choosing a ring from our showroom, selecting a diamond from our vaults, and having the two set together. We also offer private appointments with our CAD (computer-assisted design) specialist. She will put your ideas on paper and bring your vision to life through a wax mold which then makes its way to the hands of our skillful artisans. Depending on complexity, this process can take from a few hours to 4-6 weeks. We manage your expectations by providing turnaround times and price information upfront.
For over 65 years, and now three generations, Razny Jewelers remains family owned and operated, providing superior guest services, quality, and value.
Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.
The Clubhouse, in Oak Brook, Illinois, is committed to creating an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The classically elegant décor incorporates pops of bright colors and fun twists. It was the perfect backdrop for this beautifully bold styled shoot. Taking advantage of the signature winding staircase, the bride and groom swept up to their reception, pausing for a few photos along the way. The bride turned heads in a Paloma Blanca satin gown with a grand chiffon train and a custom hairpiece. Stopping to cut their cake on their way to celebrate, they stepped into the candlelit bar where the fireplace glittered behind them. The emerald green cake was speckled in gold and bright blooms. A King’s table was set for the wedding feast and delicate gold pieces added sparkle to this dramatic look. Guests sat at tables nearby dressed in champagne golds and classic dark woods, topped with personalized menu cards with touches of emerald green. More vibrant flowers in antique gold vases tied the whole room together to complete this intimate reception. The Clubhouse added drama, style, and fun to this perfectly polished shoot.
Venue: The Clubhouse, Photography: Ashley Rufino Photography, Event Planner: Sarah Kathleen Events, Bride’s Gown: Bridal Boutique of Naperville, Bride’s Accessories: Forever Helen, Hair & Makeup: Breeauna Marie Bruce Hair & Makeup Extraordinaire, Stationery: LullaBelle Designs, Rentals: Satin Chair Naperville, Cake: Delish Cakes, Floral & Décor: Trillium Floral Artistry, Models: Hailey Huffman; Naftali Kark
Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.
