East Coast Inspired in the Heart of the City

I am so excited for my clients’ wedding this weekend!  
The bride and groom were initially inspired by their hometowns on the east coast, rustic but refined details and a feeling of relaxed formality.  We’ve got a wonderful day planned with photos in the gardens of the Art Institute, a traditional ceremony at St. James Cathedral and a group walk led by our newlyweds to the celebration at one of my favorite venues, the Ivy Room.  
Here is the inspiration board I created months ago to help guide us through the design process – can’t wait to see it all come together!
[click here for more events at the ivy room]

Easy Entertaining – Savvy Shortcuts!

This has become a bit of an easy obsession, lately.  Forget parties – I keep a pitcher of this refreshing and slightly unique bevi in my fridge at ALL times!  I find I make fresh batches nearly every other day –  I’m certain you will too!
Rosemary Cucumber Lemonade


What you’ll need:
Crystal Light Lemonade [or your favorite lemonade brand – I love that it is virtually calorie free!]
2 large sprigs of washed fresh rosemary
1/2 cucumber, sliced

And here’s what to do!
Make the lemonade according to the package directions
Add whole rosemary stems [for easy removal]
Add slices of cucumber 
Refrigerate
Voila!
I prefer to let the goodies steep overnight in order for the full flavor to really come through.  You can keep both the rosemary and cucumber soaking in the lemonade for up to 3-4 days – at that point, I suggest removing before you end up with pickles!
Yes – darlings – it is that easy and is that delish!

J.CREW and The Man Who Dressed America

I will absolutely be TiVo’ing a special on CNBC this evening about J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler and the  fashion force that has come so far over recent years.  Check it out or be sure to catch it after the fact.  
I caught a quicky interview with crush, Jenna Lyons this morning on the Today Show.  Check it out below:

Cafe Brauer Real Wedding from Style Me Pretty

A darling autumn client wedding was recently featured on Style Me Pretty and my shameful lack of free bloggin’ time has kept me from properly posting.  Here are some of the beautiful photos from the Cafe Brauer wedding, captured by Amanda Hein.
Dramatic sweeping views from the room where the girls dressed.
Final touches before the dizzying events of the day got underway.
Escorted by her father, the bride made her way to her awaiting car that would take her to meet her future husband.
Both the ceremony and reception took place in the historic ballroom of Cafe Brauer.  The officiant that performed the ceremony also married the brides’ parents decades ago.  The ceremony was heartfelt and perfectly tailored to the head-over-heels couple.
The I Do’s with Lincoln Park Zoo as the backdrop.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with loads of laughs and a packed dance floor from start to finish.  
I love love loved working with J&G and their lovely families.  
It was evident that this special day was merely the start of a lifelong love affair.
Continued best wishes, you crazy lovebirds!
Xx.
[photo credits] all images shot by amanda hein

Over the Moon

I seriously can’t wait for an absolute favorite client wedding this weekend.  
Here was the inspiration board I created as we were embarking on the design process months ago.  Everything is taking place at the remarkable Skyline Loft at the Bridgeport Art Center and we have a dream roster of vendors lined up – all are equally eager to make T&K’s wedding a smashing success!
[Wouldn’t it be amazing if the clouds parted allowing our photographer to capture what’s due to be the  “Super Moon” late Saturday night?!]

Welcome to Chicago…We’re So Glad You’re Here

Been so very busy working with clients on upcoming weddings [this weekend and next], helping new clients with the exciting initial stages of planning [venues, bands, photographers!] and preparing all sorts of dreamy details for more May, June, July, August & September client weddings.  
One thing I whipped together for a recent client were the contents of their very simple welcome bags [for their 90% out of towners wedding celebration!].  This price-savvy collection of goodies represents some Chicago Favorites for around $15/bag.  Mmm…Garretts Popcorn, Carole’s Cookies and Frango Mints….
Off to update checklists!
[Now here’s praying the weather holds up Saturday!]

Wonderful World of Weddings

Sparklers.  Valentino shoes: unknown. Champers. Cake. Tent. Chuppah. Crystals. Signage. 
It’s about that time!  Wedding season is upon us and I am caught in dizzyingly festive preparations for upcoming celebrations…and this is merely the beginning.  
While it has been and will be difficult to squeeze in regular posts [in between floral consultations, venue walk throughs, logistics meetings and the soirees themselves] please continue to check back for helpful hints and pretty pictures, as I will continue to share inspiration whenever I have a free moment!
Xx!