Real Wedding…Cristina & Shane!

The highly sought-after and always charming Renny Pedersen of Bliss Weddings and Events came to me months ago to help out with her lovely client’s wedding design.

Cristina’s wedding was recently held at The Chicago Cultural Center, one of my absolute favorite venues in Chicago.

Cristina was inspired by natural design, slightly organic in it’s elements and style. She loved the idea of sharing an evening inspired by the sumptuous beauty of Napa Valley with family and friends.

I was immediately inspired by her vision and was thrilled to help pull the visual details of her wedding ceremony and reception together.

The reception took place in Preston Bradley Hall, with the massive east windows overlooking the incredible view of Millennium Park.

Simple champagne colored linens provided a sophisticated neutral backdrop for two centerpiece designs.

Guests were seated at rectangular tables, as opposed to the more expected round tables, allowing for the art of conversation.

The remarkable mosaic detailing is breathtaking. The simple addition of up-lights highlighted the detailed craftsmanship.

The elevated centerpieces were woven with silvery blue fresh olive branch, laden with the seasonal, ripe fruits. The base of the custom-made trees hosted a landscape of knobby roots and grapevine along with fern foliage, dahlias and roses.

Rustic mason jar votive candles dangled from branches adding a gorgeous glow around the room.

Renny hired Frost Lighting to pin-spot each centerpiece, letting the gorgeous designs really stand out when guests entered the room.

The lower centerpieces were designed in custom richly stained wooden rectangular boxes. David Gould (Botanicals head designer and my personal hero!) was the hands-on master that took all of the gorgeous elements that I proposed and created a rolling landscape composed of wood stumps, fresh grapes, hydrangea, dahlias, roses, purple fountain grass and gorgeous gorgeous folaiges including fern plants, woolly lambs ear and dusty miller to name a few. Rich burgundy pillar candles were nestled into the design and flickered just below eye-level.

The wedding was stunning, the couple looked like they were floating on air and Bliss Weddings and Events pulled off another seamless and dreamy affair – thanks for including us!

{photo credits} event images taken by erica barraca

Loving Lilly!

Before the summer air fades – I felt the need to honour one of my favorite beachy brands…Lilly Pulitzer!

Lilly was a fun-loving socialite living the Palm Beach life in the glamorous 1950’s. To pass her time, she initially created a juice stand, taking citrus from her husbands’ citrus groves to sell freshly squeezed juices to passers by. To her frustration, she found that the popular refreshments often led to less-fashionable juice stains.

She set out to create a chic uniform using brightly colored patterned fabrics, to mask any stains – only leading up to an impending fashion frenzy. Her dresses quickly began to outsell her juice. An old school friend, Jackie Kennedy, was photographed wearing one of her designs and the brand took off.

Lilly Pulitzer is more than a simple shift dress…it epitomizes the affluent preppy lifestyle – one I often pretend to live (much to my husbands grumblings)…

I adore some of these classic Lilly prints, along with some unexpected new designs…

A few fun dresses, tops and pants from the current line…

Loving the Lilly accessories…from bags, to shoes, to sunglasses to jewelry – simply too much fun fun fun for us girly girls…

The Lilly lifestyle may inspire you to walk your dog in style, take your husband on a cutie picnic, fashionably file your bills, keep your croquet game times separate from your tennis lessons in your scheduler and even ooze Lilly essence with perfumes or scented candles….

And for the ultimate Lilly lover – don’t miss the limited edition Jeeps, Steinway’s, boardgames, sorority T’s (how could I have passed up the darling DG Tee back in the day?!), and the over-the-top attire for men…

Oh how I love my Lilly…

{photo credits} images taken from the lilly pulitzer website

Kara’s Current Obsession…The Violet Hour!

I am so overly tardy on a proper post – I just seem to get busier by the minuet at work, leading to longer hours and allowing much less time for inspiration and writing when away from the studio.

Although I had to peel myself away from my desk last night – I did make time to sneak in a bit of a catch-up with friends for happy hour.

We made our way to The Violet Hour and both drink and decor was enough to demand that I carve out some time to gush.

Although this hushed pre-prohibition inspired lounge opened in summer of 2007, it was just last night that I finally made my way through the unmarked, graffitied wooden doors.

Upon entry, you are thrown into a world of calming design, of muffled conversations and of a modest luxe that allowed me immediately relax. The ornate framed sign requesting all patrons turn off their cellphones made me giddy with ease.

Designed by architect Thomas Schlesser, the decor of The Violet Hour is about so much more than the beautiful furniture and fabrics seen throughout. The space was designed to inspire conversation – more of a salon – with the use of floor to ceiling velvet curtains acting as partitions to add intimacy and privacy for guests.

Even the open rooms are laden with precisely positioned ultra-high wing backed chairs to allow one’s group to feel segregated and secretive.

The lights are so dim that candles are necessary to truly get a sense of the copious pages that are their drinks menu.

As I typically find myself sticking to wine or bubbly over cocktails – I did find myself drawn to one of their creations – the Juliet and Romeo – selected the “third best cocktail in the states” by GQ Magazine.

Not only was I drawn to the charming cocktail coupe/saucer it was served in, the selection of ingredients were not to be passed up: gin, mint and cucumber infused rose water. It was truly one of the most delicious and refreshing cocktails I’ve had.

There has been a steady buzz about the Violet Hour from day one, garnering prestigious claims from Esquire Magazine, calling it “One of the best bars in America” and CondeNast who noted that it is “One of the best bars in the world“. Along with buzz, however friends, comes a wait. This chic scene does not take reservations and works on a first come first serve basis. Both a wonderful pro and a frustrating con; they only let a small number of guests in at a time – to ensure the art of conversation and cocktail is always center stage.

Although there is certainly an aristocratic flair to both the design and essence of The Violet Hour, I found that the staff was quite welcoming and our server, Krista W. was an absolute pleasure.


Whether sneaking away with your amore or celebrating with your besties, the gorgeously glamorous speakeasy The Violet Hour effortlessly impresses.

{photo credits} floor to ceiling curtains by michael robinson photography, other images from the violet hour website

Real Wedding: Kate & Mike!

An absolute favorite client of mine recently had her gorgeous wedding reception at the Peninsula Chicago.

Her late June wedding was a beautiful day that brides daydream about their entire lives.

The charming ceremony was held earlier in the afternoon at St. Clements, situated on a tree-lined street in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Upon arrival at The Peninsula, guests descended the grand staircase and passed through floor to ceiling curtains we added to create a more private, intimate setting for the cocktail hour. The curtains add much drama to the setting, while also framing the beautiful place card display perfectly. Cocktails were held in the foyer outside of the ballroom and on the stunning terrace overlooking the hustling and bustling Gold Coast summer activities.

The cream lamour curtains were held open and cinched with hand-tied bundles of summery flowers including hydrangea, roses and spray roses.

The seating assignments were arranged in a tidy spoke fashion, visually anchored by a collection of beautiful glass vases and compotes hosting varied gatherings of event flowers in muted hues. Varied forms of candlelight looked lovely as the sun began to set later in the evening.

Flowers and elements included open roses, hydrangea, peonies, viburnum, succulents and fresh mosses.

The curtains were closed just before guests were invited to dinner in the Grand Ballroom, to add to the romantic, candlelit feeling. As the sun set later in the evening, the curtains were re-opened revealing stunning city views and night lights.

We did a collection of elevated centerpieces and lower tabletop centerpieces. The lush and tailored garden arrangements were elegant, sophisticated and romantic – fit for Carolyn Rhome herself.

Coordinating flowers were accented by unique foliages including graceful maidenhair fern fronds, velvety broadleaf geranium foliage and muted dusty miller.

The elevated centerpieces will designed atop elegant glass vases – well above guests sightlines. To detail the tabletop, a collection of three vintage glass budvases hosted varied floral gatherings, while a trio of warm amber hurricanes added a twinkle around the room.

The low centerpieces were designed in footed glass compote bowls and hosted equally beautiful gardney arrangements.

The bridesmaids carried adorable bouquets designed with a fluffy base of green hydrangea. Butter yellow, antique pink and warm apricot roses were nestled into the hydrangea for a tailored, rounded bouquet.

Each setting was detailed with a glass beaded charger plate, topped with a folded napkin enhanced with a silk ribbon and a menu card scribed in the perfect shade of matching sage green.

I wish Kate and Mike (and their Hollywood-worthy-good-looks!) a lifetime of happiness! Perhaps they’ll renew their vows next year with an equally smashing celebration!

photo credits: outside of the peninsula – annie leibovitz for the peninsula. all additional images compliments of erica barraca

Hitched in Chicago!


The current issue of CS Brides came out earlier this month. We industry folk adore the magazine for all of it’s features – from bridal fashions to haute cuisine to remarkable design, the stylish editors of this glossy mag know more than most about what is fresh and new in Chicago Weddings.

Our wedding announcement was featured in this season’s issue, just in time to celebrate our one year anniversary! Can we do it all again?!

Le Sigh.

{photo credit: gerber and scarpelli photography}

Real Wedding: Stephanie & Scott!

A recent client of mine had her beautiful wedding ceremony and reception at the Chicago History Museum. The ceremony took place outside on the 90+ degree day, squeezed in between spurts of cooling drizzle and rumbles of thunder.


The simple and elegant ceremony was positioned on the terrace of CHM, a custom wrought iron arch created the frame for the bride and groom, laden with apricot and sage green colored flowers and foliages to visually pop against the verdant green backdrop.

A custom runner was pre-laid and secured, while the aisle was noted by simple graphic pomanders composed of green button pomps, suspended by chocolate double-faced silk ribbon loops.

The couples pooches were the stars of the ceremony, standing in as ring-pups. I made adorable floral pillows that were secured on foliage garlands and tied around the pooches’ necks.


The reception took place inside, safe from any weather issues. A world of sage green, apricot and chocolate greeted guests. Copious amounts of polished wood containers and artful manzanita branches were detailed with sage green hydrangea, cutie chocolate brown cosmos and a few varieties of open apricot colored roses and spray roses.

The bride and groom were gorgeous and seemed as if they were floating on air as their careful planning paid off in the form of their dream affair.

{photo credits: bride and groom recessing + pooch picture by elegant videos by kris; remaining photos compliments of erica barraca}

Forever a Bargain

I had quickly fallen head over heels for this dramatic Lanvin necklace I found at Barneys a bit ago. While I didn’t have the nearly $3,000 to spare for the piece, my heart still fluttered each time I saw it. {I adore simple, updated-classic clothing paired with bold accessories and thought this necklace was simply dreamy!}

Then, last evening – inspired by the summer heat that so quickly hit Chicago, I went looking for a few bargains at Forever 21.

While I was initially hunting for cutie dresses to wear on the 4th of July – my absolute favorite holiday! – I did, however, come home with a heaping sack of fantastic designer-inspired statement necklaces. Here were a few of my favorites – each ranging from $7-$16!:


These necklaces are perfect for a chic dinner in the city or dressing up your rehearsal dinner ensemb, or even paired with a simple cotton maxi dress to turn heads while shopping at the farmers market!

While my heart is still in a tizzy for the beautiful Lanvin piece, my craving for drama is temporarily satisfied with my pouch full of purchases from Forever 21…

{photo credits: lanvin necklace from barneys.com; apricot, white and blue necklaces from forever21.com}

Real Event – Consultants Dinner at The Ivy Room!

We were thrilled to be invited to participate in a wonderful event a few weeks ago. Blue Plate Catering {one of my favorite special event caterers here in Chicago!} invited a collection of the most influential wedding and event consultants to an evening of culinary inspirations, stunning decor {all provided by Botanicals!}, lively entertainment {compliments of the amazing Ken Arlen Orchestra!} in the wonderful setting of the Ivy Room.

My partner in crime, Jesse Deckard, took care of pulling nearly all of the details together while I was crazy busy fine-tuning Caroline’s wedding details {only two days later!}. Because we designed the event, Blue Plate graciously invited us to enjoy the evening along with all of our favorite planner friends. The night was incredible, one to remember!
The weather was spectacular, allowing us to cocktail in the charming courtyard. Simple crisp white pintuck linens dressed the tables. High boys were cinched with fresh moss cuffs, and each of the tabletops were accented with a white lacquered urn hosting a solid sphere of mosses. {See image below}

When guests were invited to dinner, we unveiled a room dressed in peacock hues. We framed each of the windows overlooking the courtyard with blue and teal toned taffeta curtains, each accented with a crystal chandelier. The 9 dinner tables were each highlighted by an oversized sphere of solid peacock feathers, hung with precision just feet above the center of each table. {see image below}

Centerpieces were kept low, balancing out the drama occurring overhead. Generously sized white lacquered boxes hosted copious amounts of fresh green viburnum and plum hued sweetpea. Our custom tables were used in place of rented dinner tables. The white square tables were inlaid with a true platinum leaf finish, reflecting the abundance of candlelight. {See image below}
Chic lucite ghost chairs allowed the decor to be on show. {See image below}


A contemporary and comfy lounge setting was positioned in front of each window. Our pintuck covered couches were adorned with teal and blue throw pillows, hedges of purple iris enhanced the cocktail tables along with inset peacock feathers and a cozy circular rug lent a rest from all of the geometric lines of the room. Custom end tables provided yet an additional spot to place one’s {17th!} cocktail. {see images below}
Our white tufted semi-circular bar became a focal with a larger peacock feather orb suspended overhead. Peacock feather projections added a textured movement around the room. {See image below}

This was certainly one of the most fun industry nights to date! Special thanks to Matt from Sound Investments for providing the stunning lighting for the event, to Donna at the Ivy Room for her gracious hospitality, The Blue Plate Gang for pulling everything together, Ken Arlen and his wonderful full orchestra, Elizabeth Grace for her perfect printables and to all of the consultants that made the evening such a blast!
{photo credits: all images shot by erica barraca}

Real Wedding: Caroline & Gene

Some may recognize this board…I created it earlier this winter for my oldest and dearest friend, Caroline.

After over a year of long distance planning from San Francisco, Caroline and Gene became husband and wife this past weekend.

While the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon get-away…I’d love to share a few images of their stunning decor.

Caroline and Gene both appreciate design – Caroline is a landscape architect and her husband, Gene, is an architect. Caroline adores texture, depth and movement and appreciates interesting foliages accented with fluffy and bold blooms. We went with a color palette of 75% varied green tones, highlights of saturated melon hues and cool periwinkle tones.

The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the iconic University Club, a charming haven for relaxation, sophistication and socialization. Caroline’s family has been members for years – so the intimate Michigan Room became the setting for the love-filled nuptials and celebration.

The bride carried a gorgeous, textural clutch-style bouquet designed with white and dusty grey hues. Elements included peonies {in varied stages of development}, lisianthus {with their cutie undeveloped buds}, sweet pea {in honour of a nickname her mama used to call her}, fragrant lilac, grey brunia berries, velvety lambs ear and dusty miller foliages. The bridesmaids carried striking coral/melon peonies accented with unexpected grey dusty miller and plum colored cotinus foliages. {see image below}

Because the ceremony and reception took place in the same room, the catering staff and my Botanicals staff had to ‘turn’ the room. We wanted a different feeling for the ceremony and reception, so we decided to keep the ceremony simple and romantic. We closed the heavy drapes along the east and south walls and created an aisle framed by a pathway of flickering candlelight. A pair of rich wooden columns hosted graphic white lacquered vases topped with verdant fern plants to simply flank the couple. Finally, we always ribbon off the last row of chairs to encourage guests to be seated down the sides. The ribbon is untied before the processional for added drama. {see images below}

Guests exited the Michigan Room after the special and unique ceremony and made their way past the place card table to the Presidents Bar for wine and cocktails.

The place card table hosted a collection of varied vases and apothecary jars – each hosting different elements…some showcasing bold arrangements, other elements contained within the walls of the jars like terrariums. Richly colored plums and grapes were used for a beautiful visual and textural contrast against the varied green and melon tones. Finally, we provided four shallow white lacquered boxes hosting a tailored bed of fresh mosses upon which guests’ seating assignments were displayed. {see images below}

When guests’ re-entered the Michigan Room, we unveiled a stunning urban backdrop of Millennium Park by opening the Clubs’ existing curtains. Guest tables were dressed in crisp white pintuck linens, pre-set with the Clubs’ crested charger plates {a wonderful benefit of a private club!} and accented with crisp apple green bengaline napkins.

We created two centerpiece designs: A single white urn hosting a full, lush and crazy textural collection of varied foliages including meandering jasmine vine, feathery maidenhair fern fronds, oregon ferns, broadleaf geranium foliage, grey dusty miller and plum colored cotinus {I’m a total foliage snob and was obsessed with the selections!} Gently punctuating the rich foliage base were coral/melon peonies, fluffy viburnum, melon godetia {super cost effective bloom!}, green spider mums, lotus pods, succulents, seed pods and periwinkle scabiosa. Rich plums and tumbling grapes finished the sizable arrangements.

The alternating guest tables featured a collection of pieces placed in the middle of the tables. A mid-sized white urn hosted a petite version of the other centerpieces. Extending the design further, our cutie miniature white urns hosted varied floral/foliage pairings.

It was important to Caroline and Gene that they got to share their dinner with the bridal party – but also wanted to make sure there was room for dates/spouses. We lined 3, 8′ long rectangular tables end to end to create a grand setting. Guests were seated all around to add to the intimate feeling.

A long shallow and narrow box {measuring 12′ long!} was positioned in the center. Varied glass cylinder vases were either used to display the bridal party flowers or were swirled internally with artful fern fronds and topped with floating candles. The exaggerated box housed a little landscaped world of foliages and flowers used throughout the event.

Caroline and Gene shared their special day with just over 100 guests. The day was tailored to fit the the two of them – from start to finish. A day filled with love and emotion, style and beauty. A day to inspire them for the rest of their lives.

{Special thanks to: my wonderful Botanicals team – who pulled everything together while I was busy0 getting my hair and make-up done, to Lisa Zimbler Events for her day-of assistance, to the University Club for providing the wonderful setting for the day.}

{photo credits: all images shot by erica barraca}