Three…Two…One! Real Wedding: Emma & Tom

The newest issue of CS Brides {the Chicago Brides’ go-to for all things dreamy in the local wedding world} is out!  I was thrilled to have a favorite client wedding featured on their glossy pages.
The incredibly romantic wedding of gorgeous young couple Emma and Tom was too much fun to plan!  The couple came to me in the very earliest stage of planning…post engagement.  They had been to very few weddings, weren’t quite sure about colors and stylings and wanted a partner to help shape their New Years Eve wedding vision into something romantic, formal, wintry, festive and current…

{haha}
I had such a wonderful time working with the blissfully happy couple {and the brides’ incredibly fabulous mother} that I wanted to share a bit more about their day.    
I started playing with a few color combinations to get conversations going.  With only mere deliberation, we landed on a palette of creams, greys, dusty blush and golds.  Here was the inspiration board I created to use as a planning tool throughout the process.
After quite the hunt, the couple fell in love with an intimate private club, The Racquet Club of Chicago, and thought it was the perfect location for their winter wedding.  The club has such a charming, residential feel – absolutely perfect for the intimate guest count of 100.
Beautiful boxes bound in grey velvet ribbons awaited guests that traveled from near {the brides’ dearest friends and family were from Indiana} and afar {quite the trip for the grooms’ friends and family who traveled from England}.  The boxes contained indulgent treats hand-picked by the couple including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, Garretts Popcorn, Luna Bars, nuts, mints and much much much more…
 The bride wore a dramatic full gown by Vera Wang and her ladies wore Jenny Yoo in a gorgeous slate grey {my favorite alternative to black}.  The brides’ bouquet was inspired by the bouquet her mother carried years ago and was composed of individual white phalaenopsis orchid blossoms.  Her bridesmaids had petite bouquets of cream garden roses, dusty pink lisianthus, velvety grey dusty miller and subtle hints of winter green.  
The groom, wanting to dress as a proper Englishman, wore tails.
We arranged for the couple to have their first meeting in the charming and intimate library of the private club where the wedding ceremony and reception took place.
The ceremony was held in the card room at the Club.  My dear friend and fabulous designer, Jesse Deckard of Event Creative, took care of all floral, lighting and decor.  Here, Jesse’s staff custom built a shelving unit to perfectly slip into the window frame, allowing us to display copious amounts of candles to provide the romantic evening ceremony backdrop.
The couple floated on air, as they recessed as husband and wife.
Both the cocktail hour and dancing took place in the living room, walls of windows overlooking the gorgeous Gold Coast residential street.
The dining room featured two exaggerated, long tables, each set for 50.  The heavy beams above were cascading with suspended candles, twinkling above guests as they dined.  

The tables were dressed in grey damask linens and topped with countless candles and floral arrangements in containers ranging from cut crystal and vintage silver to white peeling birch bark.  Florals included a creme collection of hydrangea, garden roses and orchids, subtly accented with dusty pink pepper berry and lisianthus, bleached peacock feathers and snow-tipped pine cones.
 Unique flocked succulents adorned the tabletop, with worn votive cups flickering in the backdrop.
Because there were only two tables from which to assign guests their seats, we had each menu card hand calligraphied with each guests’ name.  Guests were encouraged to wander the room, taking in the insanely gorgeous setting, as they found their seats.  

Charming signs reminded the couple of their location.
The main bar was set in the library after the couples’ first meeting.  Jesse custom designed this bar to look as if it was a piece of furniture – perfectly fit for the charming setting.
A gorgeous and indulgent spread awaited guests after dinner, set in front of the fabulous trophy case.  Cupcakes were from Sweet Mandy Bs, petite fours, home made marshmallows, macarons and a croquembouche were done by Vanille Patisserie… and that only supplemented the heaps of candies I also arranged for!
Following a loving toast from the groom, waiters passed out flutes of champagne and individual packs of golden confetti.  As the clock struck twelve, everyone celebrated to a rowdy version of old lang syne {a decidedly English tradition}.
This young couple is simply mad about one another.  Their will be no secrete to their success – they’ll always have each other {and the memories of their fantastic affair on New Years Eve!}
{event credits}  all coordination and event styling by bliss weddings and events.  photo and video by studio this is.  floral, decor, lighting and custom props by event creative.  music and entertainment by bill pollack orchestra.  all printables from invitations to signage by cheree berry.  rentals by tablescapes.  linens by bbj.

Real Wedding – Nadere + Jeff…Surprise!

I had the absolute pleasure of working with the most gorgeous couple for their unique {and shall we say unexpected?!} winter wedding in December.

Nadere and Jeff were engaged only a handful of months before their wedding day – the two have been together for ages and knew they didn’t want a long engagement.  They also acknowledged early on that they wanted the wedding to be less about the spotlight, the show and teeny tiny details, but more about a celebration of the clear and complete love they share.  When one jokingly suggested they should host a surprise wedding, they both giggled at the thought.  And then they stepped back, individually, and let the ‘silly’ idea sink in a bit.  They were sold.

With only their parents, their best man and matron of honour in the know, Nadere and Jeff began the preparations for the surprise of a lifetime.  Under the false pretense that the couple was going to get married privately in the Caribbean this coming spring, they decided to host an “engagement party” for all friends and family to locally share in the excitement of their future nuptials…
It was an icy, wintery Chicago day – but the sun was shining as the couple shared their ‘first meeting’ in their cozy room with a view, at Trump.
The couple dressed in their wedding attire for their first meeting, but had to change into cocktail attire before leaving their hotel room in case anyone were to spot them en route to the venue.  
Dressed and ready {wedding dress sneakily in tow} , the couple made their way over to Prairie Productions.
Midway through the cocktail hour, we discretely stole the bride, groom and family away to prepare for the ceremony.  The charming grandfather of the groom addressed guests with what started as a lovely toast to the couple…but swiftly changed gears as he clued everyone in on the big secret.  Simultaneously, the curtains were drawn to reveal a second room, lit by dancing candlelight and set for a wedding ceremony.  
What started as confusion, progressed momentarily with caution, and then rapidly morphed to disbelief and sheer enthusiastic excitement.  Guests charged the ceremony area like bulls gunning for the red cape.
A glammed-up Olga clearly couldn’t contain her excitement, either.
The dapper officiant was a long time friend of the groom, able to provide insightfully heartfelt and honest touching words about Nadere and Jeff {artfully wedged in between witty cracks}.
The dazzling ceremony lasted less than 30 minutes and had guests riveted and beaming with excitement the whole time.
Mazel mazel.
After the ceremony, guests were ushered back to the foyer for a second cocktail hour {fun or trouble?!} as we all pitched in to transform the ceremony room into the simple and elegant reception.  The lovely Amy of Blumen had perfectly chic collections of monogfloral bundles of white flowers including lisianthus {above}, orchids and roses detailing the varied white linen-clad dinner tables.
The sweet-as-pie matron of honour {and owner of the fabulously popular neighborhood hotspot – and personal fav – Gemini Bistro!} was beyond thrilled to finally speak openly about the true excitement she had to suppress during her months of secrecy.    

To call the love and adoration, between Nadere and Jeff, evident, is quite the understatement.  It simply radiates off each of them!

The night continued to buzz with excitement, guests danced and danced and danced and danced {to the fantastic sounds of Front of House} and this couple will certainly live happily ever after…
Nadere and Jeff:  Thank you for letting me in on your little {big} secret – it was a blast from start to finish.
Xx.
{image credits}  all photos taken by fig media

Real Wedding – Yui & Bill!

A beautiful couple, Yui and Bill, hired me to help plan their wedding in mere months.  The bride had visions of her ceremony in a lush, outdoor setting, while they both wanted the reception to feel cool and contemporary – leading us to choose The Ivy Room, as the setting for both the ceremony and reception.

We enlisted fab photogs Dana and Spencer of Dana Rossini Photography to capture their day…here are a few of the artful images, showcasing their chic and modern urban wedding.
Dana and Spencer had a blast scouting unique and special locations for the hours we allowed for photos around the city, prior to the ceremony.
A fun spin around town also happened prior to the wedding…not quite married yet!
The groom was sure to tailor his attire to his typical taste…tough guy.  
The bride was sure to tailor her ensamb to her taste…sky-high heals were a must!
The early evening ceremony took place in the charming courtyard of the Ivy Room.  The bride, from Bangkok, wanted to incorporate traditional elements of her heritage so the ceremony was a beyond beautiful combination of both Thai and Western traditions.
{all floral and decor provided by the lovely renee of kehoe designs}
Dressed in custom traditional Thai for the ceremony, the bride and groom said their vows as the early fall breeze just barely made itself known.

Monks from the couples’ temple ensured the ceremony was incredibly memorable.
A lengthy, but special, shell ceremony encouraged participation for all guests during the ceremony by pouring holy water from beautiful conch shells over the couples’ hands and passing along their individualized well wishes for the bride and groom.
Guests moved inside for the chic, lounge-style reception.  A combination of seating styles featured varied lounge vignettes, custom leather tall tables and cocktail tables to inspire movement and a true party atmosphere.
Cool blue and purple hues saturated the room for a surprising contrast from the garden-like ceremony.
Clean arrangements of lilies and orchids subtly enhanced the setting.
The brides background continued to play into the evening through simple and small details.  Here, a VIP lounge was a respite home-base for the bride and groom.
{all printables provided by jenna of clementine ink+paper}
While a delish popcorn bar was set-up for late night bites inside the ballroom, we had individual bags of the gourmet goodness bagged for guests to take on their way out.
{all food and beverage provided by melissa and the fabulous blue plate catering team}
In addition to the savory saltiness, it was important that there were lovely sweet treats for guests to indulge in, in between dances.
The couple beamed with love and appreciation for one another and for the gorgeous day they shared with their closest friends and family.  I had TOO much fun working with Yui and Bill and miss them terribly!
{image credits}  all images taken by dana and spencer of dana rossini photography

Real Wedding – Chelsea and Adam!

Wonderful photographer, Becky Hill, recently told me that a wedding we did together this summer was featured on Elizabeth Anne Design’s blog and I wanted to share a few of the images as a way to inspire us to keep the faith this chilly winter weekend…summer will in fact make it’s way back to us, and it is so very worth the wait!
The sunny August day could not have been more picturesque – it was a day that girls dream of from early ages when the only weddings attended were hosted in the backyard in honour of favorite stuffed animals.  Chelsea and I worked together to design a wedding that was simple, elegant, refined and sophisticated.  A romantic and classic color palette of creams, ivories and champagnes were subtly highlighted with dusty antique pinks.    
The traditional ceremony took place at the charming neighborhood church, St. Mikes in Old Town.  With a bit of time between the ceremony and reception, the bridal party and Becky toured the city in search of beautiful photo ops – copious to be had.
The bride and groom were among the first to arrive at Hinsdale Golf Club for just a few moments to themselves before the celebration continued in the formal gardens.
The gorgeous ring {on loan from her jeweler} was just the perfect shade of soft pink.
The dinner and dancing was held in the beautiful dining room overlooking the verdant golf course.
A trio of centerpiece designs {by great friend and designer extraordinaire, David Gould} enhanced guest tables around the room.  Here, a low silver-footed bowl hosted abundant collections of open roses, spray roses and hydrangea.  Understated hints of seeded eucalyptus added a bit of depth and texture.  
The cake was created by local bakery Toni’s Sweets, and accented with silk ribbons and crystal brooches.
Chelsea and Adam started the evening off with a first dance to the sexy Sade song, By Your Side.  {Music provided by Mary from Toast and Jam}.
It was a pleasure to work with such a beautiful couple in such a lovely setting…Many happy years, Chelsea and Adam!
{photo credits} all images taken by becky hill photography

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!

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

Real Event…For Your Perfect Picnic!

I had the most charming and special event this weekend.  A client hired me to help design and plan her daughters first bridal shower at the Wit Hotel.  The mother of the bride is beyond sophisticated with fantastic style and to say I had a blast working with her would truly be an understatement.
The guest list was an intimate group of gorgeous girls, most traveling to Chicago for the celebration.  Because of the small party, I was able to have creative direction and attention to details that we rarely have with our typical client weddings of around 200!  Too much fun!
We selected a charming theme {I know, I know – you thought I hated themes!  In my opinion, themes are acceptable for less formal events like showers!} of a gardeny, summery picnic.  I partnered with one of my absolute favorite designers, Cheree Berry to create the adorable invitations and unique printables to introduce guests to the inspired event.  
The ladybug motif was chosen to appear in just a few understated places as a reminder of the brides childhood.
The added cutie tandem bicycle was an unexpected accent on the outside of the invitation envelope.
On the day of the shower, guests were welcomed by a petite table that hosted a verdant patch of wheat grass upon which I placed a packed picnic basket, a colorful bridal bouquet and the invitation to set the tone for the lunchtime event.
The small rectangular picnic-like-tables were dressed in textured white sorrento linens from BBJ.  The gorgeous summery centerpieces were created by my great friend David of Lush Designs.  He made custom long, narrow fabric covered boxes that hosted a textural and casual collection of the seasons finest:  dahlias, ranunculus, tulips and gorgeous foliage. 
I had adorable, coordinating placemats made that added a casual, whimsical touch.
The centerpiece of the buffet table was a fresh manzanita tree for added height, centered in the beautiful picture window.
The petite swing was yet another whimsical accent that guests loved!
The light lunch menu of gourmet treats was finished with miniature cherry pies completed with adorable latticework.
One of my favorite tasks was to put together amazing favor bags for all guests to depart with.  A collection of items included an outdoor entertaining cookbook, custom gingham picnic blankets, bamboo cheese boards with matching knifes and a collection of sweet treats from the brides favorite local bakery.  The beautiful and bountiful bags were the inspiration each of the girls needed for their next perfect picnic.

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.

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