Lauren + Charlie – The Details

June 29, 2011Leave a comment

Earlier this week, we featured Lauren and Charlie’s ceremony and reception. Now we’ll highlight some details from their event.

All photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

Lauren wore a beautiful lace dress by Monique Lhuillier.

Her shoes added a playful touch.

Lauren carried a beautiful umbrella. This usually guarantees dry weather… and we did avoid rain for most of the day!

Their color scheme was black and white with pops of bright yellow. Here is the ceremony set up.

The flower girl basket and ring bearer pillow.

Runners on the dinner tables coordinated with the damask pattern. Vibrant flowers brightened up the space.

The cake perfectly matched the color scheme.

Lauren made the rosettes on the escort cards. It was such a pretty DIY project.

Congratulations again on a fabulous wedding!

Lauren + Charlie – The Reception

June 28, 2011Leave a comment

Yesterday’s post showed Lauren and Charlie’s ceremony. Now we’ll look at the party!

All photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

The maid of honor and best man gave some great toasts!

They shared their first dance to “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson.

After cutting the cake, the bride took a nibble off the decorations!

Winding up to toss the bouquet.

And Charlie threw the garter into the crowd!

The couple spent lots of time on the dance floor. This always makes me happy!

Guests always love stepping out on the balcony for the fireworks show.

In the last post, we’ll check out some details from their wedding.

Lauren + Charlie – The Ceremony

June 27, 2011Leave a comment

Lauren and Charlie were planning their ceremony and reception at Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, a location where I had previously coordinated a wedding. It’s always interesting to see the same space decorated in a totally different way!

Cake Amy Beck Cake Design
Caterer Phil Stefani Signature Events
Ceremony + Reception The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
DJ Toast and Jam
Florist All Things Elegant
Linens Elite Chair Covers
Makeup Starlight Makeup
Officiant Meaningful Moments
Photographer Dennis Lee Photography

All photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

Almost ready at the hotel. Lauren was very calm the morning of the wedding.

Ready to go out and meet her groom.

Lauren and Charlie opted to have a first look before the ceremony.

The bridal party took photos at River Esplanade Park.

The groomsmen were a bit more animated!

Here’s a creative use of your surroundings!

Crystal Gardens is such a pretty, lush backdrop for a ceremony.

Members of the bridal party each took a moment to bless the couple’s rings.

In the next post, we’ll look at their reception.

Beata + Josh: The Details

February 25, 20103 Comments

Yesterday, I posted about Beata and Josh’s wedding. Here are some of the details from their celebration.

All photos by Gerber & Scarpelli.

The bride’s heels had just enough sparkle yet did not compete with her intricate gown.

Beata’s bouquet included succulents, green hypernicum berries, ivory lisianthus and seeded eucalyptus berries.

Their rings were engraved with each other’s names.

The beautiful lace on the train of her dress.

Beata opted not to wear a veil and instead pinned beautiful orchids in her hair.

The leaf pattern was featured on all their paper items.

It’s usually best to work with your surroundings.
The brown and green color scheme perfectly complemented the space.

Beata is a Sox fan, while Josh is a Cubs fan. Their save the date featured a photo of the couple wearing their respective teams’ shirts. The same playful sentiment carried over into their favors, Cubs and Sox M&Ms.

The Ketubah featured an amazing photo from their engagement session.

The couple offered an extensive sweet table in lieu of wedding cake.
I admit chocolate covered strawberries are my own personal weakness.

The twinkling lights coupled with the moonlight make the space look magical.

All guests were invited outside to a private balcony for the fireworks.
What a fantastic view, especially for out of town guests.

Congratulations again, Beata and Josh!

Beata + Josh

February 24, 2010Leave a comment

Beata and Josh’s wedding had an international flair. Their ceremony and reception incorporated their respective traditions, and included the hora and Sto Lat, a traditional Polish toast sung by guests. The one unexpected element? The flamenco music they selected for their ceremony!

Caterer: Phil Stefani Signature Events
Ceremony + Reception Location: Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
Photographer: Gerber & Scarpelli
Videographer: Orange Video Production
Ceremony Music: TransAcoustic Productions
Cocktail Music: Lesniki
Reception Music: Gentleman of Leisure
Florist: Fleur
Chairs + Linens: Elegant Presentations
Hair: Beauty on Call
Makeup: Faces by Tracy

Their Chihuahua, Tiger, was at the hotel as Beata got ready. He dressed up for the occasion!

Josh sat in front of a mirror as he waited to see his bride for the first time.

The couple booked a suite at the W Hotel Lakeshore. We had a fabulous view of Navy Pier from the room. It’s exciting to be able to see your venue from the hotel!

Posing with their bridal party on one of the city’s bridges.

Practicing for their first dance later.

Heading up the ceremony site at Navy Pier. Tourists love spotting a bride and groom!

The ceremony took place in the Crystal Gardens, amid the lush foliage.

Mazel Tov!

Couples sometimes hire coordinators to help with very specific items on the wedding day that are important to them. I was tasked with purchasing Ferris Wheel tickets for Beata and Josh the morning of the wedding, and working with the security staff to make sure they could skip the line.