Bliss Real Wedding!

Renny recently had a favorite client wedding at Chicago Illuminating Company – she borrowed my camera for the evening, and after returning it I discovered the beautiful pic’s and wanted to share.
Chicago Illuminating Company is a sought-after venue for chic, urban brides looking for a contemporary, fairly raw space.  The incredibly simple color palette of bright, crisp white, gunmetal gray and rich French {or Bliss?!} blue was beyond stunning.

The focus of the simple ceremony set-up was a custom backdrop created by Jesse for Botanicals.  A classic floral monogram was centered above the couple and relocated for later use.
Because of the smaller guest count of 80 {how dreamy does that sound!}, the ceremony was held in one room at CIC, cocktails in another and dinner in yet another.  The perfect progressive event! 
French blue curtains were dramatically pulled back to invite guests from cocktails to dinner.  Chic square tables were dressed in BBJs gunmetal bengaline and topped with low, lush centerpieces.  Bold white chiavari chairs added the perfect balance to the design.

This is the perfect example of a way to let other elements lend color to your event, rather than simply relying on flowers for color {a much surer way to get the exact hue you’re looking for}. 

Each table was focused with a single pin-spot to illuminate the gorgeous, seasonal floral creations.
A few of the guest tables were custom built by Botanicals and inlaid with a gorgeous metallic paper.  The lovely and  unexpected additions fit the setting perfectly.
Textural florals included fluffy white hydrangea, open roses, fragrant peonies, delicate lilac, Dutch tulips and garden stock.  
Some of the tables were designed with four petite cubed arrangements gathered in the middle of the table, creating the same footprint as the other larger boxed centerpieces.  A great way to keep your guests guessing!
Forgoing a traditional wedding cake, the bride and groom served individual cakes to guests.  I am absolutely obsessed with these cuties, created by Amy Beck Cake Design.

  Just look at the single hydrangea floret detailing on each cake!  Love.
Extra-long sparklers were used as a charming and whimsical send-off as the beautiful couple made their way down the cobblestone courtyard to their awaiting car.
And they’re sure to live happily ever after…

Well…Dressed! Bridal Shower

I’m inspired to write for a couple of reasons.

First, I was honoured to be included in a friends bridal shower over the weekend.  After someone asked me what I thought was appropriate to wear to a daytime shower, I looked around the room at the gorgeous girls…

You always want to respect the guest of honour.  You also want to let the hostess know you appreciate the trouble she’s gone to.  It’s nearly always safer to be a bit overdressed than under-dressed {in my unofficial opinion!!}.  But, lovelies, please use common sense – a cocktail dress is not fitting for a daytime event and yet jeans are typically not welcome in a country club.

Secondly, after an absolute out-of-the-blue surprise gift from Renny, I was forced to take a spin around my favorite boutique on Oak Street:  Kate Spade.  There were plenty of pieces that would be perfect for a shower, so I’ve put together the following simple solutions for the next time you’re on the receiving end of a wedding-cake-shaped invitation:

Let’s start with the outfit on the left:
-The gorgeous sleeveless Kate Spade top beautifully frames your face – this blouse can certainly be the cornerstone of your ensamb
-Paired with skinny J.Crew ankle pants, the shirt can be comfortably left un-tucked {perfect for the pastries you’ll want to undoubtedly indulge in!}
-Gorgeous Prada heels add height and contemporary drama to this otherwise classic outfit
-Over-sized David Yurman knot earrings will look perfect with your Lily Vanderwoodsen-esq pulled-back hairstyle
-The covet-worthy terra cotta colored Brian Atwood clutch can be used year round {or so you tell your man when he sees the bill}
Now let’s talk about my dreamy collection on the right:
-Surprise, surprise – we’ve got a bold orangey red Kate Spade dress as the start to it all off…{will I ever tire of this color?!}
-With the simple, chic cut of the dress, understated shoes end up being the perfect pairing.  These JCrew flats fit the bill {and would also look fabulous with it’s neighbors’ black pants!}
-Simple studs by Slane and Slane add a bit of a Parisan punch to the look
-I adore the skinny yellow Kate Spade clutch – just big enough to fit your iPhone and lipgloss
-Grey is proving to be the perfect neutral this season.  I am obsessed with this grey enamel Hermes bangle – an understated {yet ostentatious} finish to the look
Simply and stylishly…Well Dressed!

Wedding Trend Report – Nonfloral Bouquets!?

What’s hot and stylish in wedding design right now? Posh Personalization. Going Green. Creative Color Palettes. Mixing Metals.
Here’s a lovely way to bring all of those trends together with one simple and memorable element: A gorgeous Brooch Bouquet. Check out this stunner photographed by Alice Hue:
Start collecting brooches and buttons during your engagement. Spread the word to your shower hostesses and have them ask everyone attending to bring a special piece to add to your collection. Borrow baubles from family members. Spend a weekend antiquing with your girlfriends to find some vintage pieces. Your friends and family will feel honoured to have made such a special (and simple!) contribution. Just think of the calm you can achieve at any given moment on your wedding day by glancing down to your bouquet and remembering all those who love and support you and your man!
After the wedding, the options are endless. Use your bouquet in its entirety as a sculptural detail on your mantle, or pull it apart to use the pieces individually: Use to enhance your clothes. Add glitz to your coats. Banish bad hair days by clipping them to headbands. Use it as a gorgeous clasp on a simple belt. Create napkin rings to bind your heirloom linens etc. etc.
This chic bouquet is a certain way to ensure your bridal blooms don’t fade before your candles burn out. Take satisfaction in the fact that seasonality doesn’t have to rule this design!
With your own special collection of brooches, you’re sure to have a lifetime love affair with your unique and completely personalized bridal bouquet.
That’s the Scoop!
{image credit} gorgeous bouquet created by amanda heen of fantasy floral designs photograph by alice hue

Spring Lunch – Pour Deux!

I adore the simple extravagance of this table, set in an unkempt field under a beautiful, blooming tree.  Simple crisp white linens, layered and knotted will make sure your cloths don’t get caught in the breeze.  I love the use of the worn rustic chairs with beautiful pillows for padding.  What’s on the menu?  I imagine a beautiful collection of warm breads and cheeses, petite scone sandwiches and gorgeous fresh berries for dessert.  And let’s be real…doesn’t champagne make everything better?
Love.
{image credit} taken from country homes and interiors

The Sport of Shopping {Fit For Brides!}

While I must admit the majority of my clients will register at the usual suspects: Bloomingdale’s Home, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma etc. {all of which I think are wonderful options}…I do get excited about the more unexpected options {Ok, ok, so we may have registered for Cutco knives, but that’s not what this is about…}.

One of my favorite local tabletop and home boutiques, Tabula Tua, has gorgeous and unique home accessories, china and furniture.  It also has a…registry!  Shop in the charming boutique or direct friends afar to the website for gorgeous gifts galore.
Right now, I’m loving the elegantly rustic Match pewter pieces found at Tabula Tua:
The beautiful dinnerware is handmade in northern Italy.
I adore the vintage look of the pewter pitcher.  Use with freshly cut blooms when you’re not using it as a serving piece.
The beautiful and varied candlesticks look gorgeous clustered or singly – anchoring a mantle or adorning a tablescape.
Registering for your wedding doesn’t mean you have to select china, linens and flatware…have some fun with pieces that inspire you and your beloved… 
-The honey jar is perfection – in use or not!  
-I also adore the butter dome…your bagel never had it so good!  
-Just because you’re perfecting your nighttime routine of wrinkle fighters {sniff sniff…haven’t won that battle yet!}, teeth whiteners or lash enhancers doesn’t mean you have to do it with plastic pieces from your college years.  Get rusticly glam with Matchs’ bath collection!
-Accent your guest room nightstand with one of their gorgeous timepieces – your pals will never be late for breakfast again!
As if we need an excuse to shop…
For registry information – click here.

Derby Darling!

Freshly back from celebrating my husbands’ grandfather’s 95th birthday in sunny Florida, we’ve got to efficiently prepare for a big afternoon/evening.  The Kentucky Derby {one day my schedule will allow for a full day of fun and fashionable prepiness} and a big hockey game…{Blackhawks vs. Canucks – less thrilled, but I’m a good sport…}
In order to simultaneously unpack and freshen up for the evening, cocktails seemed appropriate {if not necessary?} – and what better way to celebrate the day than with a fresh Mint Julep?  {Mint taken from my moms’ thriving herb garden only hours ago inspired it all!}
I just finished the batch {pictured above}; the simple recipe taken from Epicurious :
3/4 cup sugar 
2 cups chopped fresh mint, plus additional whole sprigs for garnish
crushed ice
1 1/2 ounces good bourbon
…..
In a saucepan combine the sugar and 3/4 cup water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. 
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chopped mint, and let the mixture stand for a bit. 
Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a small bowl, pressing hard on the solids, discard the solids, and let the syrup cool.
For each julep fill a silver julep cup or 10-ounce glass with some of the ice, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mint syrup, or to taste, and 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, and stir the julep. (A frost will form on the outside of a silver cup.) 
Garnish each julep with 1 of the additional mint sprigs. 
Finish with a trimmed-down straw in order to enjoy fragrant sips.
Cheers!

Well..Dressed Hairdo!

As the wedding industry continues to boom…it seems as though nothing can be too customized, too chic or too fashion forward.  Seemingly an infinite amount of choices need to be considered by any average bride…

Colors – it’s not just pink and green or an all white wedding anymore.  Brides are selecting color palettes that are unique combinations reflecting themselves, the season or their moods. 

Dresses – first it was Vera, then Monique…now dozens of dress designers are creating gowns fit for any fashionista – and at any budget!

Dinner Tables – round tables were the norm just a few years back – but not only have square and {my favorite!} rectangular tables become almost common, there are even more to choose from now.  Rental companies are now offering taller tables where guests are seated on custom stool-like chairs to add yet another layer of texture and dimension to your setting.  Decor firms are moving forward with handfuls of customized table options – whether mirrored or even inlaid with a custom fabric (or gorgeous patterned wallpaper!), brides are able to ensure their special day is unlike any of their girlfriends.

Accessories are no exception.  If you’re not familiar, please let me introduce a new obsession…ban.do!  Started by two stylists in LA, ban.do is a super-duper charming lot of {mainly, but not exclusively} hair accessories like headbands, pins and bows.  Each even comes with it’s very own haiku!

The pieces are not limited to brides, however, many would make a gorgeous accent for girls who choose not to wear a veil – but still want some drama {yipee!  tiara’s are not the only non-veiled option!}

Here are a few of my favorites:
Their bridal line has beautiful head-bands and pieces, many with vintage inspired detailing.
The black label contains unique pieces that are all either one-of-a-kind or limited edition.  Vintage elements are incorporated, found from all over the world.
And the cutie heart by ban.do is an affordable line – with all pieces under $50.
When you’re in love – why not tell the whole world?!
A pretty yellow bow can make any basic outfit extrodinary!
Even your hair can be Well…Dressed!

Wish a Wish…

Bliss Weddings was beyond honoured to be ask to coordinate the first ever Chicago Wish Upon a Wedding.  A new charity similar to Make a Wish Foundation, Wish Upon a Wedding has a very special focus:  to give weddings to people affected by life-threatening illnesses.

It gives couples a chance to focus on things other than health issues, medical bills and treatment schedules.  Wish Upon a Wedding allows committed couples to share and experience the wedding of their dreams, without cost or sacrifice on their end.  All services are donated – from gowns to make-up, from music to decor.

Beth and Nick met over 10 years ago and after quite a few years as friends, the pair realized that they were much, much more than – just friends.  Beth was diagnosed with urachal adenocarcinoma in December 2009.  Nick immediately proposed.
Their wedding took place this past weekend, hosted at their dear friends’ restaurant, Giovan’s.  Renny and I were on board to oversee all special details of the day.

While Beth has embraced her chic, shaved head – she decided to don a simple bob for her wedding day.  A charming bird-cage veil was adorned with gorgeous, dazzling crystals.
The emotional ceremony was laden with love and humor – it was so clear that Beth and Nick found their soul-mates in one another.
The gorgeous spring day was the perfect backdrop for the pink and green color palette.  The tables were fancified with specialty rentals from Classic Party Rentals and set with menus {printables were provided by CW Designs} highlighting the meal and hosting petite packets of seeds for guests to plant in their gardens.  The gorgeous cake, by Mary from Take the Cake, featured coordinating cherry blossom branch details.  All florals were provided by Amy at Blumen.  Beth carried a gorgeous and modern elliptical-shaped bouquet bursting with peonies, viburnum, lilac {from Amy’s garden} and jasmine vine.  The centerpieces were presented in polished silver bowls and hosted a spring-inspired collection of ranunculus, viburnum, roses and tulips.  The programs also doubled as seating assignments – a luxury we could afford to do with the intimate 50 guest wedding.
The day was beyond special, the bride was glowing and the groom seemed to float on air.  Thank you so much to Wish Upon a Wedding for including us in the celebration and for their wonderful gift to deserving couples like Beth and Nick.
{image credits} most images provided by kurt and nick gerber of gerber and scarpelli.  a few also shot by me.

Uggs.

I just can’t stand my {home?} office view.  Totally uninspiring.

Alright – I’m a liar.  I’m obessed with my city.  Obsessed with beautiful late afternoon spring days and after a lovely day with some favorite clients and ahmazing vendors, I can’t help but be obsessed with my career.

Enjoy the weekend – Renny and I will be preparing for a very special wedding Sunday.  Incredibly emotional and romantic.  Can’t wait to share!

Xx.
Kara

Hello, Lover.

As each day passes, we have more and more blooming beauties available at the local florist or floral market {swoon!}.  Here is a small champagne bucket hosting an unruly and textural collection of fuchsia peonies (still pricey, but quite a bit hardier!) and fluffy green viburnum.  Love at first sight.  {Many people mistake viburnum for hydrangea – however one woody stem of viburnum will give you multiple petite, clusters of floral heads, as opposed to a single, larger head on a stem of hydrangea.}
Here, a single bunch of pink flowering dogwood was so abundant I was able to fill a pair of vases!
When thinking about wedding or event flowers {why do I always feel like the bearer of bad news?  So sorry – I just never want anyone to be disappointed!} please keep in mind that flowering branch is quite hard to time, seasonally.  Seasons of availability shift from year to year due to the weather.  So to plan on 30 elevated centerpieces of stunning flowering dogwood for your April 3rd wedding next year may leave you either: at the beginning/middle {fabulous!}/or end of their peak seasonality.  Speak with your floral designer to make sure you are familiar and comfortable with any “plan b” options in case they need to make a game-time decision based on the quality of product, a specific year.
And as spring continues, I will vow to keep you in the loop of what’s gorge, available and in the running of becoming my new floral obsession…