Real Wedding – Diana and Reas!

The breathtaking Elysian has been hosting events for less than a mere year, after it’s much anticipated opening last winter.  For the countless times I’ve been there – whether for meetings, site visits or a delish dinner – it took until this past weekend to actually host a client event there.  The stunning and rich details of the classically current hotel are enough to inspire alone.  Marry those qualities with the amazing service staff {from the valet attendants to the waiters} and mouthwatering cuisine and I must say…Chicago has one superior venue – absolutely perfect for anyone’s stylish special event.

Acknowledging and honouring the setting is often my first step when designing a wedding.  The Elysians’ varied grey hues, crisp white molding and marble, black chairs and chargers and dazzling crystal detailing proved to be the perfect backdrop for Diana’s chosen color collection.  Classic and crisp black and white was highlighted with a varied range of pink tones – ranging from dusty pink champagne to boldly saturated fuchsia.  I partnered with my wonderful friend and designer extraordinaire, David Gould of Lush Flowers {he is now also heading up Event Creative’s floral department}.  He went above and beyond – as always – focusing on quality, detail and design like no other…
Here are a few images from Diana and Reas’ celebration {ps:  they are absolutely head-over-heels-in-love, I’ll have you know!}

Diana carried a gorgeous bouquet composed of insanely fragrant garden roses, ranunculus, anemones and scabiosa.  The groom wore a dapper white anemone boutonniere.  {David made a second boutonniere, as anemones are quite delicate and may need a swap out mid-day!}

Prior to the ceremony, the couple hosted a brief champagne welcome reception – always a fabulous way to start a celebration!  A charming tower was constructed from old fashioned coupes set atop the hotel’s luxe white marbled credenza.

Simple black and white programs awaited guests at their seats.  The content highlighted the traditions of their special Jewish ceremony.

The unique {and plentiful} ballroom chandeliers feature a gorgeous, argyle-like pattern that was my inspiration for the aisle treatment…
A glamorous chuppah was custom design and created for Diana and Reas’ wedding.  The luxe tufted, upholstered canopy was created in an unexpected oval shape – perfectly sized for the petite ballroom.  White fabric panels, edged in black tumbled to the ground, cinched mid-way by fluffy rose tie-backs.
The short aisle was also bordered by flickering candles, perfect for their evening, autumn ceremony.
Guests found simple seating assignments arranged on a table set in the foyer following the ceremony.

When guests re-entered the transformed ballroom to find their seats, they were presented not only with their choice of wine, but with offerings of shots of vodka and cognac – an absolute must for the brides’ Russian Jewish guests.  A certain way to ensure a great {if not rowdy!} celebration!

Three varied centerpiece designs were placed on alternating tables around the room.  The charming black and white toile linen was a fresh alternative to the {dare I say…overdone?!} damask patterns that were also available.  Here, the low centerpiece featured a black lacquered compote hosting a lush, full and tailored collection of varied pink roses and garden roses – subtly accented with dark cotinus foliage.  
Black menus were scribed in rich pink calligraphy, allowing guests to start dreaming of the meal, yet to come, as soon as they were seated.  A pair of petite rosebuds accented the dark menu, tucked neatly in the corner of each folded napkin.

 Table numbers featured Russian characters, another charming detail tailored to the brides’ family and friends.
Ornate black risers hosted sphere-like arrangements, also massed with an abundant collection of roses, garden roses and cotinus.
The bride and grooms’ chairs were highlighted with petite signs secured with thin silk ribbons.

Her gorgeous cake {made by the talented hotel staff!} featured a tufted/quilted texture, similar to their chuppah.
The third centerpiece design was a tall candelabra, hosting graceful, long, thin taper candles and petite vases of coordinating blooms below.  I am absolutely mad about the elegant, residential look of their ceilings!

The wedding was simple, beautiful, elegant and sophisticated.  And while I’m certain the bride and groom were mesmerized by the beauty of their intimate affair – they really and truly seemed to only have eyes for each other…
All the best to Diana and Reas!  Xx.
{image credits} happy couple by dan verson.  remaining photos taken by me – stay tuned for more of the professional ones!

Too Cute Engagement Shoot!

An absolute favorite couple of mine, Emma and Tom, just recently had their engagement shoot with their dreamy photographer Jeremy of Studio This Is.  The pictures were too cute for words and I needed to share a few from the fun, whimsical afternoon…
After a relaxing afternoon in the sun, Emma and Tom decided to move inside for a little paint project…

We are planning their wedding for this New Year’s Eve {as you can see!}.  The wedding is going to be an absolute stunner from start to finish as their wintry black-tie affair will be laden with special details to reflect their spot-on style and fantastic taste, the grooms’ classic English heritage and the bride’s love of all things charming and fashionable.  The wedding will be held at a private club in the Gold Coast with decor designed to make guests drool, cuisine paired with cocktails dreamed up by family friend and the head chef of The Club – all with the true focus on family, friends and the undeniable love shared between Emma and Tom.

We’ll be certain to share the end result early next year, but until then…you’ll just have to wait!

{image credits}  all images property of studio this is  

All Dressed Up…!

Bliss had an absolutely nutty event this past weekend, we’re dying to share!  The event was in celebration of a fantastic couple’s 25th wedding anniversary – and the inspiration was Animal House. {Well…Animal House designed to the nines and planned to perfection!}  As guests were encouraged by the charming invitations Renny and Cheree Berry designed, they all arrived in full toga costumes – some fashioned from simple bed sheets, others seemingly put together by guests’ talented stylists.  
The event was held at one of my absolute favorite venues, the Ivy Room.  Not only is the ballroom versatile and elegant, but there is an outdoor courtyard that is truly an unexpected oasis in the heart of the city…and on top of it all – we really just love love love working with the dreamy duo that run the Ivy Room, Donna and Matt!

Guests arrived for cocktails in the courtyard, serenaded by the ethereal strummings of a harpist. 
A crisp color palette of white and gold popped against the lush ivy backdrop of the courtyard.
Oversized garden-urns-turned-highboys further reflected the serene surroundings.
Stone statues were brought in and nestled into the scenery…they could not have looked more comfortable in their urban home for the evening if they were ancient ruins in Greece!
Guests moved inside to the themed setting dressed and draped to perfection by Erin at Heffernan Morgan.
Intimate lounges were created with sky-high cabanas complete with sofas, upholstered chairs and ottomans.
Billowing gauzy fabrics cinched by golden tassels added to the glamorous, festive feeling.
Etched golden votives twinkled as feathery maidenhair ferns danced in the bustle of the party.
Food stations were positioned around the room, each paired with perfect alcohol partners…Sushi and sake, greek flavors and ouzo and latin with tequila!  The party atmosphere took no time to kick into high gear – guests took full advantage of Entertaining Companies’ delicious displays.
Living statues were positioned both in the garden and in the ballroom – a fabulous and playful addition!
And…the one and only Otis Day surprised guests with tunes from the iconic movie!!  He was an absolute blast – the dance floor has never been more packed!  {and…he LOVED Renny!}
The party went on and on and on…and I can’t tell you how much we love loved the absolute fabulousness of this themed event as it paired perfectly with a to-die-for sense of humor that kept smiles on our faces all night long!
{event credits} floral and decor: heffernan morgan, catering: entertaining company, lighting: frost, venue: the ivy room, invitations: cheree berry, band: underwater people and otis day

Happy Wedding Day!

Off to a client wedding at Cafe Brauer…  Today is a gorgeous Chicago day – weather brides dream about!  It will be perfect for their outdoor ceremony!
I hope you all enjoy the weekend!
Xx.
Kara
{image credit} image taken from house beautiful

CS Bliss!

The new issue of CS Brides is available!  Brides and the bridal industry, alike, go bananas over the chic, glossy pages of the publication.

In addition to a beautiful Bliss feature from a wedding Renny did last year, a past client wedding of mine {back from my Botanicals Days} is also featured in this issue!

That said, what I really want to share is the new Bliss Ad from the photoshoot Renny and I did back in February with Artisan Events.  Cutie.  Give you one guess what our inspiration was??

Have a great weekend, enjoy the new issue!  {Either online or in hand!}

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…

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.

Just Another Blissful Day at the Office…

Renny and I had so much fun playing around with beautiful florals and delicious, incredibly indulgent treats yesterday for a brainstorming session {turned photo-shoot} at the Bliss studio…Here are a few photographs I took as our day came to an end.  I am certain I could be more productive surrounded by all of this gorgeousness and decadence everyday!

 
Our charming office setting…treats everywhere you turn!
The full and abundant garden roses, peonies and ranunculus I picked up from the floral market were put to good use arranged in a vintage compote bowl and positioned aside my favorite macarons from Fritz Pastry.
 
The Bliss Butterfly adorning seasonal blooming forsythia, Veuve, and a custom creation by Take the Cake.
Trading tea for champagne…
 
Red velvet cake, macarons, champagne and Southern Weddings…all the inspiration you’ll ever need!
Can’t wait to see how the actual {legitimate} images {shot by the wonderful and talented Tina from Artisan Events} turned out…stay tuned!

More Inspiring Blooms…

I had a lovely time at the flower market this morning, wandering the aisles to select a few bright and bold bunches of the seasons’ finest.  Renny and I have a photo shoot tomorrow and I’ll be putting together just a few modest arrangements to liven our setting.  I do have to admit {as long as my workload allows!} I always love an excuse to play with flowers.

Here are just a few of the beauties before I start to design:

As I’m sure I’ve previously mentioned, ruffly ranunculus are a brides’ favorite…It truly seems everyone loves them!  Here I’ve selected sunny yellow and rich magenta.
 
Ranunculus are absolutely beautiful right now and will continue to be in top shape for another month or two.  Beyond that, prices will increase and you’ll have to sacrifice on quality a bit.
A less common late winter/early spring flower is Mimosa – it has a very short window of availability.  The fluffy yellow cutie puff-ball-like flower has a completely unique scent.  Almost a muddled sweetness.
 
Beautiful fuchsia garden roses will only last a day or two…perfect for tomorrows shoot – but always a disappointment when they drop their petals so soon.  The powerful fragrance is intoxicating.  
I’m taking these vibrant, seasonal blooms as a bit of inspiration, I’m hopeful that spring is around the corner…