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.