Tag: bridal bouquet

Christa + Nicholas’ University Club Wedding

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Christa and Nicholas had a beautiful summer wedding that incorporated many of the best parts of the city. From their gorgeous ceremony to the lively reception at the University Club of Chicago, every part of the day showcased their love for each other. Their elegant celebration was full of fun and personal touches, all captured beautifully by Kassia Phoy Photography. 

Photographer: Kassia Phoy Photography 
Hair and Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago
Lighting: Frost Lighting

I had such a wonderful time working with this lovely couple and am so happy that I was able to be a part of planning their special day. 

Laura + Mark: Part 1

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As we mentioned a few weeks ago, Laura and Mark were featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs.  Laura and Mark wanted a gorgeous weddings with a modern feel.  I can’t think of a better venue than The Modern Wing.  The clean lines really created a beautiful wedding!


Band: Alison Ruble
Florist: Larkspur
Hair + Make-up: J. Gordon Designs
Ceremony + Reception: The Modern Wing

All photos by JPP Studios.


Laura getting ready for the day.


I adore the hairpin!


Modern traditionalism: you can’t go wrong with Manolo Blahnik!


Classic peals?  After just a few photos, Laura’s style is so apparent!


I adore any sort of embellishment but this is really gorgeous!
Laura’s gown at the Elysian (now the Waldorf Astoria).

Such a gorgeous bouquet, thanks to Larkspur!





The sash being tied is the final touch.


The first look.



Tomorrow, we’ll have more photos of the ceremony and reception!

Mariana + Matt – The Ceremony and Reception

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Mariana and I met over lunch almost a year before her wedding. Like many of my brides, she was in control of all the planning, but wanted to be able to hand everything off for the day of the wedding and just enjoy being a bride. Perfect!

Cake Take the Cake
Ceremony Christ the Savior Church
Ceremony Chairs Classic Party Rentals
Cocktail and Reception Music Style Matters
Florist Golden Leaf
Hair and Makeup Mario Tricoci
Photographer Rachel Owen of Modern Image Studios
Reception Sofitel Hotel
Videographer Multihead Productions

All images by Rachel Owen of Modern Image Studios.

Mariana and her bridesmaids got ready in adjoining suites at the Sofitel. She left this note so the girls would know which door to use!


Putting the finishing touches on her ensemble. (I needed to get up on a chair for some height!)


Mariana was escorted down the aisle by her dad. The light in the church was so pretty.


Their sponsors took part in the Orthodox ceremony.


Chicago bridges are always popular photo locations.


I love the vibrant purples in Mariana’s bouquet.



The couple opted to sit with their immediate families at dinner.


They chose a classic song for their first dance: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis.


Everyone loved posing in front of this great skyline painting.


In our next post, we’ll highlight some details from their wedding.

Royal Wedding, The Bouquet

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I love Kate’s bouquet for many reasons. I love that you can actually she her waist and the bouquet is small enough that it is the accent rather than the focal point. I am not a fan of a massive bouquet where you cannot even see the dress…or the bride. I attended a wedding once where the bride looked topless. Why? She carried the bouquet far too high (let your arms rest on your hip bones) but also it was too large for her size 0 frame.


What are my other two reasons for loving her bouquet? Tradition. She carried flowers that had been used in other royal weddings. Brides rarely want to wear than mother’s gown but they could copy this idea and carry the same flowers. I really like that idea.

Finally, Kate opted to follow the meaning of the flowers. Did you know that flowers have meaning? I haven’t heard of this tradition being followed in years but I do enjoy the significance. According to the official royal wedding website, Kate chose her bouquet to include:

  • Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happiness
  • Sweet William – Gallantry
  • Hyacinth – Constancy of love
  • Ivy: Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection
  • Myrtle: the emblem of marriage; love

Kristen + Scott: The Details

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As mentioned earlier this week, Kristen and Scott were recently featured in Brides Magazine. My first post highlighted Kristen and Scott’s ceremony. My last post showed their reception photos.


All photos by Olivia Leigh.

The flowers in Kristen’s jewelry were complemented by her beautiful Oscar de la Renta shoes.


I love all things paper, and I definitely appreciate a cohesive stationery suite. Here are their programs.


The bridal bouquet incorporated hydrangeas and orchids.


They used a book from the Art Institute as a guest book. It was fun for out of town guests to flip through the colorful pages about Chicago.


Their modern centerpieces included moss, orchids, carnations and succulents. Here is the arrangement on the head table.


These books from the Art Institute doubled as favors and escort cards. I did the calligraphy on the belly bands, which matched the invitations.


Decor included letters from Anthropologie and framed family photos.


This was such a fun wedding. Thanks for letting me be a part of your big day!