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…

Press Feature…Who ME?!!

I was honoured to be selected by The Knot magazine as one of their Style Stalker Features in their current Spring/Summer 2010 issue.

They reached out to me months ago, hoping for loads of information about my personal wedding style – and after 5 pages of written beauty and design goodness that I passed along, The Knot narrowed it down to a few simple questions and {some paraphrased} answers.  I thought I’d elaborate just a bit.. {but please forgive me for any overlapped details from previous entries!}

When I started to think about, dream about and envision our wedding day, I imagined how everything would look in photographs…after all, once the day flies by that is all we are seemingly left with!  Because the setting of Hinsdale Golf Club was so dreamy on its own, I took cue from the grounds.  I was very much inspired by Gatsby-inspired looks, also driven by my color palette of white and bold yellow with Frenchy black accents.
While I adore fashion and design of all kinds, my personal style is rarely trendy.  I do always strive for a ‘unique’ look, but do tend to be attracted to timeless, sophisticated styles over anything too avant-garde.
I went for a look that was ‘Country Club Chic’, ‘Garden Gatsby’…current, but again timeless and sophisticated.  I wanted people to say, “that is so Kara”.  I still hear that to this day.
 
The tent was set in the middle of the golf course, guests arrived via open-air trolley {once the thunderous rains stopped!} 
Inside the tent, graphic black and white linens provided the backdrop for Frenchy footed urns and ornate stands topped with lush, textural and gardeny floral arrangements of peonies, roses, orchids, arabicum and fresh lemons.  I was also obsessed with our ultra-classic black and white checked dance-floor!
 
I loved these little guys…the satellite arrangements were nestled at the foot of the elevated centerpieces.  I am also known for being quite the foliage snob…see the charming richly hued camellia and gardenia foliage accented by the velvety soft grey dusty miller?  Love.
While cocktails were initially to be held in the lawn, the awful weather encouraged everyone to stay inside.  Here were the barely-used cocktail tables, finished with cutie black and white striped custom seat cushions.

Because our ceremony was to take place outdoors in the garden, I never wanted anything too formal for my dress.  Our wedding was not black tie – crystal detailing, ornate embroidery, formal trains etc. did not feel appropriate for our setting.  I certainly wanted something unique, but didn’t want to fall prey to too many trends.  Local designer, Alice Padrul, designed the absolute perfect dress for me.
 
I loved how the light, loose chiffon pieces gently danced in the breeze…
 
 The ring I ‘borrowed’ to wear on my right hand came from our jeweler, Joel Singer.  I already felt amazingly like a celebrity, borrowing gorgeous jewels for the evening…but when my husband let me know I didn’t have to give it back, I was beside myself!
Even in my everyday life, I am a HUGE lover of vintage earrings – large, classic and slightly obnoxious.  I found these gorgeous earrings at Weddings 826 in Lincoln Park and knew they were perfect.  They reminded me of the Chanel Camellia pair I’ve drooled over for years!  
I didn’t ever envision myself wearing a veil…again, it seemed too formal for our garden-party wedding.  A single, off-set gardenia was nestled into my perfectly coiffed hair by Sophia, our Beauty on Call stylist.

I knew I wanted the girls in bold yellow party dresses…{poor girls, what troopers – but don’t they all look fantastic?!}…Good old J.Crew had the perfect color in charming styles I thought would look great against the verdant green backdrop of the golf course.  
I chose rich magenta peonies for the girls unexpected bouquets, simply because my mother and I adore the bold hue {look at her stunning dress – it matches the girls’ bouquets perfectly!}.  Because I have done plenty of client weddings incorporating the beautiful color, we shied away from using it as a key player.  That said, however, we did need a bit of a ‘pink-fix’ and thought it would add a lovely contrast to the girls dresses.

The bridal party looked smashing – boys in black tuxes with black and white stripped ties and yellow spray rose boutonnieres, next to the beautiful girls in sunny yellow…A friendly {while a bit rambunctious and unorthodox} game of croquet was the perfect way to relax in the lawn between dances.
Thanks again to The Knot for the feature…we wedding insiders covet the glossy pages for trends, stories and features!
{image and detail credits} magazine images from the knot.  all photography by gerber and scarpelli.  tent and lighting provided by partytime productions.  all linen from bbj linen.  chairs, tables, chargers, goblets etc. from tablescapes ltd., all flowers produced by botanicals, dress by alice padrul, earrings from weddings 826, hair & make-up by beauty on call.  bridal party dresses from jcrew

Real Wedding – Meg & Josh!

An absolute favorite client of mine was recently married on a wintry, festive holiday evening.

Meg and Josh got married at the most charming Lutheran Church in Chicago, St. James, situated on a tree-lined residential street in cutie Lincoln Park.

After the ceremony, guests were transported through the holiday-dressed city to the iconic Drake Hotel for a wonderful night of dinner and dancing with nearly 400 of the bride and grooms closest friends!

The Gold Coast Room literally twinkled from top to bottom with hundreds of flickering candles of all different forms.  Tall gold candelabras were enhanced with winter greens, rustic pine cones and snowy white blooms. 

The ladies wore beautiful graphite dresses, kept {just a bit} warmer with the help of beautiful pashminas.  Even Santa couldn’t stay away!

Meg and Josh found true love in one another.  There is no doubt that their life will be brimming with love and happiness.

{credits} all images taken by amazing chicago photographer kris kasperek of iklik photowww.iklikphoto.com.  all floral and decor by botanicals – a branch of hm designs

Real Wedding…Ours!

Thanks so much to the wonderful editors of Brides Chicago for selecting my very own wedding to feature on the glossy pages of their publication!  The Spring/Summer issue is on stands now.  Here are just a few of the details highlighted by the Brides Chicago feature…

Our wedding took place on the grounds of the charming and beautiful country club where my family has been members for years, Hinsdale Golf Club.  The ceremony was initially intended to be set in the gorgeous manicured gardens, however, in an unsurprisingly Chicago turn of events…weather forced us inside for the ceremony and cocktail hour.  A second chuppah was created out of the fabric backdrop behind the band in a mere 20 minutes as guests were arriving.

My girls wore adorable party dresses from JCrew and carried bold magenta peonies {number one favs of my mother and I!}, accented with charming dusty miller and camellia.  Our custom letterpress invitations were produced by the lovely Jenna from Clementine ink + paper.

My mother in law and I surprised my husband {and our guests} with a serenade by the Cubs Dixieland Band for the duration of the cocktail hour.

Dinner and dancing took place in an elegant {and massive!} white tent set in the middle of the golf course – guests arrived via chauffeured golf cart and open air trolley.

Petite cabaret tables were positioned on the lawn outside of the tent where we had croquet and cigars available for guests, once the weather cooperated.  These cocktail tables were dressed in yellow linens and surrounded by white chiavari chairs with custom black and white striped cushions.

Back in 2006 {just after we got engaged} I chose a color palette that I had yet to execute for a client…Frenchy black and white accented by sunny yellow {ok ok, so since then the color combo has been a bit overdone…} The tables were set with graphic black and white linens from BBJ and topped with centerpieces set atop ornate lacquered stands and garden urns.  Flowers included cattleya orchid blossoms, casablanca lilies, open roses, fragrant peonies and barely-in-season viburnum.  We had beautiful yellow silk ribbons detailing each guest napkin that perfectly framed our menu cards.

Partytime Productions provided the tent and gorgeous lighting – pin spots highlighting each centerpiece as well as textured projections shone on the canopy above.  The tent ceiling also featured suspended votive candles that twinkled above guests as they danced and a black chandelier noted our family head table.

The sweltering day and unexpected weather did not disappoint.  The day was about love.  About life.  About family and friends.  It was absolutely overwhelming to look around the tent knowing that every person in attendance was there to celebrate and support Joel and I.

Forget dreams of a McMansion, luxe cars and expensive jewelry – can I throw a fabulous wedding-themed fete each year?  Please…?

{credits}  images taken by gerber and scarpelli.  tent and lighting by partytime productions.  linens provided by bbj.  tables, chairs, chargers, goblets etc. provided by tablescapes.  all floral and decor executed by my former home…botanicals.  my gown by the amazing alice padrul. 

Absolute Bliss!!!

I am thrilled beyond words to announce that I will be moving on from Botanicals to join forces with one of the cities most respected wedding and event planners – Renny Peterson of Bliss Weddings and Events.

This move will allow me to have so much more involvement in my clients’ visions…I have found that design, details and drama goes well beyond bouquets and centerpieces. With my horticulture background, previous wedding planning experience and event design expertise – I have goosebumps thinking of the fantastic future parties yet to plan.

I have so cherished my years at Botanicals and will miss the entire Botans team on a daily basis. I am sure my clients and I will see plenty of them in the future!

I am inspired and delighted about this natural-next-step for me and couldn’t be more honoured to have joined the acclaimed Renny and the Bliss Weddings and Events team.

Let the dreaming begin…

Kara Hillier Superfine
Senior Wedding & Event Design Consultant
kara@blissweddingsandevents.com
http://www.blissweddingsandevents.com/

{photo credit} image taken from funny face

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

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}

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}