Tag: DIY

Abby + Scott: School of the Art Institute Reception

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Yesterday, I blogged about Abby and Scott getting ready photos and their Catholic ceremony.  Today’s post is going to feature their gorgeous reception.


All Photos By: Life on Prints

The gorgeous invitation suite by Courtney Callahan.

The ballroom is located right on Michigan Avenue.  It’s a beautiful building!

The couple, who are fairly traditional, opted for tall red rose centerpieces with touches of greenery in mercury glass vessels.


The cake, designed by Amy Beck, created an amazing sphere cake with touches of red and black.


Abby DIYed the escort cards by heat embossing the stamp on the left.


Another view of the room with the black linens and chivari chairs.

The cake knife was used by two other couples – it has been passed down within the family. Isn’t that sweet?

Abby and Scott during the first dance.


I love the dance floor at the School of the Art Institute ballroom!


Mazel Tov!  The bride, who is part Jewish, couldn’t imagine skipping Hava Nagila!



Thank you for having me apart of your wedding day!

Jaisa + Charlie: Cafe Brauer Reception

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Yesterday, I posted about Jaisa and Charlie’s morning and their ceremony at Saint Michael’s Church.  Today, there are lovely photos about their gorgeous Cafe Brauer reception.

All Photos by Jeremy Lawson  Photography.

A very modern invitation.

I love any cake with buttons!  The style would fit perfectly on my Gustavian pin board.



I adore their linen choice.  It is very modern and chic!


The gorgeous centerpieces.


The menus matched the modern invitations.  Can I just mention one more time how much I love that linen?


It’s always so nice to see family wedding photos displayed at a reception.


A place card (not an escort card) with a pretty bow.


I love the little touches like these.  
Do you love the handmade map aesthetic?  I just love it!


I love the little giraffes… they are my favorite animals ever!  So cute.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs!

Kate + Drew: Reception

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My last post was about Kate and Drew’s beautiful outdoor ceremony. Now, it’s time to see the reception with lots more unique decor!


All photos were taken by Anthony Barlich.



The reception was at Acquaviva Winery which was accross the street from the ceremony location. Here is a great picture in front of the sign.

The reception was filled with as much decor as the ceremony. Each centerpiece was different and yet each perfectly captured the vintage look Kate wanted.

She used lots of candles, too.

More centerpieces and again the flowers are all made out of fabric!

The turquoise and purple was a great contrast from rest of the decor.

The cocktail hour was followed by a plated dinner. This picture is during the toasts.
One of Kate’s brother is a senior in high school. His homecoming football game was the night before the wedding so he flew into Chicago that morning. Kate is so sweet and had the band announce his team winning and gave him a crown!
Kate did not have a wedding cake but she did have a birthday cake! Their wedding date is also her mother’s birthday.
Along with the birthday cake was a sweet table filled with cake pops…
…and cupcakes!

After dinner, it was time for the first dance. In the foyer of the winery is a beautiful rotunda where they shared this special moment.
However, about 2 minutes into their song, the music changed and their entire bridal party joined in for a flash mob!

She also invited guests to be apart of it. Grandparents even took the time to learn some of the dance moves!


The flash mob was a great way to kick off the dancing for the rest of the night.
It was a filled dance floor until the very end!



Thank you Kate and Drew for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day!

Emily + Jason, Part 2

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Yesterday, I posted about Emily and Jason’s morning and ceremony.  Now, it’s time to take a peak at their wedding reception!



A kiss on the staircase before the cocktail hour.


DIY deliciousness.  The adorable escort cards made by the Bride.


The escort cards all lined up at the cocktail hour.


I love that the bride had a flower at each place setting.  


The modern cake, inspired by an image that Emily found online while planning.


Did someone say cookies?  The bride made cookies for guests to take home.


I love this photo because it shows what happens to any candy buffet.  Demolished!


The cute favor boxes that the bride DIYed.

Emily and Jason, thank you so much for having me be apart of your wedding day!

Emily + Jason, Part 1

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Emily and Jason had this fabulous preppy chic with a dash of whimsical aesthetic that translated into a relaxed affair.  When we met for our initial consultation, Emily discusses her plans that included many DIY projects, balloons, and her desire not to worry.  Well, the day went off without a hitch.  

DJ: Toast & Jam
Florist: Family
Hotel: Wyndham
Make-up: Andie Cumber

All photos by Orris Photography.


Emily’s gown before getting dressed.


Emily wanted a fun shoe… I love the color!


My favorite part of Emily’s look was the look of her chic headband and the ties dangling in the back.


One very lovely bridal bouquet.


I love how bridal gowns take up the entire backseat.


Holding hands with her Dad, before she is about to walk down the aisle.


Emily and Jason took photos around town after their Catholic ceremony.


I love a long veil, well in Chicago.  The wind always gives the veil a life of its own!


Did someone say balloons?  

There will be more photos tomorrow of Emily and Jason’s reception!

Sam and Kyle: Reception

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Part 3:  Ceremony and Cocktails

Kyle and I had the best night of our lives.  We were so thrilled to see our guests enjoying themselves. It was surreal seeing all my hard work fall in to place. I definitely had my dream wedding!





All photos by Steve Koo Photography.



As the guests entered the reception, they picked up their escort card. I embossed 3 white snow flakes and then my mom wrote the names of each guests in black.


Our gift table was also where we put the wine guest book. We decided to display the Merci sign during the reception. I thought it was perfect for the table.




I previously blogged about these lovely cake pops that were our favors. I can’t thank my mom enough for making all 150 in one day. They were a hit!





Using the same silver paper, I made menu cards for each place setting. We also decided to bring in silver linen. At first, I didn’t think it was necessary but I am SO thankful I spent the money. It made such a difference in the decor.




I previously blogged about the table numbers which were cities we’ve visited together. I decided on the silver stands which I think went great with the linen.


We were so happy the way our cake turned out!





Now it was finally time to enjoy the party. This is one of my favorite wedding photos! We were so excited!





The guests were clinging glasses all night.








My sister’s toast was the best that I have ever heard. A small part of it was about gifts Kyle has given me in our relationship. Unfortunately, when we were in high school, I thought this blanket was a good idea. I was shocked when my sister brought it out.  Our guests thought it was hilarious!





She was an amazing MOH.


I had to post this picture because of our expressions. Right before we were about to cut it Kyle told me he was going to smoosh it all over my face. Clearly, I didn’t like that idea and was telling him be better not. I’m glad he listed to me!









The first dance was one of the only moments where I felt like Kyle and I were the only ones in the room.



My dad and I dancing to Forever Young by Rod Stewart.



Then, it was Kyle and his mom’s turn.



Finally, after a great meal it was time to dance. We had such a great time dancing the night away!



Kyle hugging it out with his best friend/groomsmen. This picture makes me laugh every time!



The end of the night quickly came but this picture sums everything up for me. Kyle and I together surrounded by our friends and family.




We had the perfect day!

Sam and Kyle: Ceremony and Cocktails

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Part 1: Getting Ready!
Part 2: First Look and City Photos


After the bridal party finished taking photos throughout the city, we went to Spiaggia and started our family formals. It was so much fun walking into Spiaggia and seeing everyone hard at work making my vision come to life!

All photos taken by Steve Koo Photography.

 Kyle and me with his family.


Kyle and me with my family.


I made these tissue pouches for every other chair at the ceremony. I picked up the paper and labels at Papersource and saw the design in a Martha Stewart wedding magazine.

My programs ended up being one of my favorites wedding item, which is ironic because prior to my engagement, I was not a paper person. That embossed whimsical silver wreath is gorgeous!

This is right before we walked down the aisle. I was so excited and ready!

Here are the moms lighting the first candles of the unity candle right after they walked down the aisle.

One last poof of the veil before I walk down. I have to say walking down the aisle was overwhelming.  Right before we were about to begin, I made my dad stop because the song that I obsessed over wasn’t at the exact moment. This was one of the few times the planner in me came out.

This picture perfectly captures the moment of my dad giving me away.

Steve did a great job of not only taking photos of our emotions but also the guests. This is Kyle’s grandmother who usually is not a crier…


…and my parents taking it all in.



A great room shot. I was obsessed with my baby’s breath centerpieces which lined the aisle during the ceremony.


Kyle and I lighting the unity candle to Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath.



The most romantic kiss!

This was right after the kiss. I had to post it because I love the lighting and the expression on our faces.

We are finally Mr. and Mrs. Roemer!

Right after the ceremony Kyle and I snuck into a room just the two of us. This is us walking there and me looking at him saying, “We did it!”


Our bridal party after the ceremony. They were happy to make it through, too!


Our guests enjoying the live Irish Music during the cocktail hour.
Steve got some great family pictures and this is one of them with my two aunts and great aunt!


Kyle and I joined our guests for the cocktail hour. I am so glad we did participated instead of taking photos. We were both able to visit with so many guests during this time.

Then right before the cocktail hour ended, Kyle and I took a quick look at the reception room.  It was another one of my favorite moments!

Next, I will finish with one last post about my reception!

Project "Wedding Weekend"

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The countdown is 20 days; I can’t believe how time if flying. Thanksgiving weekend has been planned since early fall as Project Wedding weekend. My fiance and I decided not to travel home and stay in Chicago to try to get as much done as possible! We did get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my cousins. The weekend was successful! In 3 days, we finished a bunch of projects.  The only thing left to do is embossing all my paper products.  We’re going to that next weekend!

Project 1: 16 Table Numbers
We decided to make our own table numbers.  Instead of numbers, we are using cities that we visited together. Below is the end result. I am so happy with how they turned out. I am the first to admit that I am not creative or crafty. In fact, I had never been in Paper Source before my engagement. However, these projects have now turned me into a semi-paper fanatic!



I bought silver paper for the background and velum for the city name. I printed out the pictures and glued them on the silver background. Then, with double sided tape, I sealed it with the velum. I still need to buy the stands. This is one I had laying around the house.

Project 2: Tissue Pouches
I found this picture on Martha Stewart’s website and thought it was adorable! I used it as my inspiration…


…and here are mine! Luckily, she provided directions online on how to make each little pouch. So I went to Paper Source and bought these two types of wrapping paper and folded 75 of them. (I am placing them on ever other chair at the ceremony). Then, I added a circle label saying, “for your tears of joy.” The week of the wedding I will put a tissue in each pouch!

Project 3: Wine Guest Book
I previously blogged about the guest book and it is finally complete. We are going to have 1 large (and empty) 750mL bottle with our personalized label.  There will also be two other bottles for the guest to sign. One is a chardonnay that we plan to open on our first anniversary.  The other is a Chateauneuf de Pap that we plan to open on our fifth anniversary. The guest will use silver pens to sign their bottle of choice!

We bought an empty Pinot Noir bottle from our local wine store that they just had in their window for decoration. However, we did not like the label so Kyle created his own. I love how it turned out! The picture is of us in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower. It’s hard to see but our wedding date is in the left corner, too! The label was purchased at Paper Source, which we then printed our design. Paper Source has been the overall theme of our wedding projects! 🙂




Project 4: Welcome Letter
I can’t attach a picture since it is a word document but that was another project that got finished this weekend! Each letter will be inside the welcome bag that we are giving out at the hotels.


The last two photos are projects, but I can’t take credit for them. I just thought they were fitting for the blog post. These are two ideas I saw online that I had made for me!

I had Lynn Claire form Etsy make my this personalized hanger for my dress on my wedding day!

Last project is a “Merci” sign I had Jackie from Shambora Studios make. Kyle and I will take a few pictures with the sign and then use the photo has our wedding thank you card!

DIY Cake Pops

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Last weekend, I had my first try at a DIY project. I attempted making cake pops, which I want to give as favors. I found a great recipe online with detailed instructions. I also decided to go back home since my Mom is always a great help (and I am not the best in the kitchen).

This first step which is mixing the cake mix and a can of icing. I used Funfetti since it was my favorite flavor as a kid. It brought back great memories!



Then we hand rolled them into small 1 inch balls.


I made most of them into cake pops.

I also left a few without the stick to just try as normal cake pops.



After leaving them in the freezer for six hours we iced them with candy coating. Since we were just trying them out we experimented with sprinkles, chopped peanuts, and different designs. My favorite were the ones with the peanut coating.



This is the final product. I used ribbon that we had in the house, but will upgrade the ribbon for the wedding. I also want to add a cute tag that says thank you and the flavor of the cake pop.

Not only was this a lot of fun, but they were extremely yummy. I hope my guests like them as much as I do!