Tag: calligraphy

Real Wedding: Liz + Calvin

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Would it be cheeky of me to say that Liz has great taste? Probably so, but that is only because we had so many of the same vendors! Liz and Calvin were married at the Hotel Allegro, used the same fantastic band, linen company, as well as had their rehearsal dinner at the same place. We even wore the same color nail polish (Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. by OPI). And, we opted to incorporate our husband’s culture into the ceremony. But you know what? Their wedding was completely different and I loved theirs just as much as mine.


Liz’s wedding day, unfortunately, started off on the wrong foot. Liz had hung her dress on a billiard cue rack. While it probably would have made for an amazing gown shot, the dress ended up with blue chalk all over the back. A quick call to the gown experts, The Dress Doctor, and the stains were gone. If that wasn’t enough, Liz had purchased an antique brooch to pin to her bow. As soon as we went to pin it on, the brooch broke in half. When her bridesmaid tried to sow it together, the brooch crumbled. Luckily, we have the same (great) taste and I had a brooch very similar at home. My husband came with the brooch and some much needed Starbucks. Like me, Liz never broke a sweat. She stayed totally calm after two minor freak accidents. And after that, it was smooth sailing.

Band – High Society Orchestra

Cake – Rolf’s

Florist – A Perfect Event

Linens – Covered Affairs

Photographer – Jeff Owen at Modern Images

Reception – Hotel Allegro

Rehearsal Dinner – Giordano’s

Transportation – Windy City Limo

Videographer – Modern Images


I have to include a few posts of Liz & Calvin’s paper suite. It is gorgeous! I really do believe that invitations set the tone for a wedding. That said, how do you not love these invitations? They’re a classic ecru with a modern bronze colored print and bow to seal it all up. I loved them.

Liz used Marilyn, one of the other Honey Bee Weddings coordinators, as her calligrapher.
Photo Stamps add a fun personal touch. Liz & Calvin used one of their engagement photos.
Their menu was printed on paper with a heat embossed stamp and then matted on bronze paper.

The dress with the borrowed brooch.
Inside of the dress was a patch with the couple’s name and wedding date.
Liz’s dress had pockets. I LOVE POCKETS.
The bride wore the cutest Kate Spade sequined ballet flats.

Liz also carried a hankerchief as her something blue as well as a family ring.
Liz was the perfect balance between a Modern yet Classic Bride.
For some bling, Liz wore the most gorgeous hair accessory.
Liz’s Mom, who may be the nicest Mother of the Bride ever, with some of Liz’s bridesmaids. Pashimas will always be in style for winter bridal parties!
The couple decided to have their first meeting on the grand staircase.
The Bridal Party took some great photos around the city, including the classic Chicago skyline shot.
Calvin and Liz on Michigan Ave.
The bride twirls away on the el.

The rest of the couple’s day is coming tomorrow!

M+D: Our Head Table and the First Course

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When we sat down after our bridal party introductions, I was so happy with our head table.  I’ve seen many head tables that have simple decor.  It just wasn’t my style.  I opted to line the head table with a dozen trio of vases with dyed water that had a floating candle as well as rose petals, the perfect stemware, and place cards.   The table was monochromatic scarlet red with silver accents.

Our gorgeous head table with the stemware that I obsessed over!

Since we were having a formal wedding, we had place cards as well as escort cards.  The calligraphy was done by Marilyn, my Day of Coordinator.

On the back of each chair for the bridesmaids and close family, we put flip flops on the back of the chairs.  My bridesmaids told me that it was better than the Tiffany jewelry.

Our toasting flutes.  I begged my husband for us to register for this crystal to compliment our china.  He doesn’t like the flat bottom style.  I snuck and added these to the registry.  When he saw them on the table, he was surprised but not upset.  The servers pouring our last minute addition, Iron Horse champagne.

The first course was served once the bridal party was seated.  Another nod to my Italian past was our selection of our first course.  We started our totally customized meal with a pasta course.