Abby + Scott: School of the Art Institute Reception

August 15, 2012Leave a comment

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!

Connie and Brian: The Reception

July 20, 20121 Comment

Yesterday, I wrote about Connie and Brian’s morning as well as the Catholic ceremony and Korean tea ceremony. Today, it is all about the reception at Terzo Piano.

All photos by Avery House.

Connie really wanted purple to dominate their decor. Their escort cards were the traditional card in an envelope style.

Honey Bee Weddings has worked at Terzo Piano many times but this was the first client that wanted to transform the space. We added uplighting, linens, and three gorgeous centerpiece designs by Revel Decor.

Amy Beck designed a cake that mimicked the bride’s gown.

One of the centerpieces sat on mirrored boxes to create a truly modern centerpiece.

Some brides mention a flower or a color that they would like to be used on their wedding day. Connie was very specific: She wanted purple dendrobium orchid blossoms in the tall centerpieces.

The last centerpiece was my favorite: low and lush arrangements with tons of color saturation to create a linear tablescape.

Magnificent Milestones designed menus that reflected the modern look of the invitation suite and included their monogram.

The bride and groom had their monogram made into a gobo.

Cheers!

I love this photo because you can see the details of the dress and the cake.

Garter tosses are a rarity these days but you wouldn’t know it by looking at this expressive crowd of gentleman!

A kiss in front of the Restless Rainbow.

No one could have imagined the installation on terrace. I thought that it was beautiful. The shocking colors did make me think of a rainbow!

The bride and groom took photos on the walkway.

Dancing the night away!

Christine and Marc Part II: Ceremony and Reception

April 12, 2012Leave a comment

Yesterday, I blogged about Christine and Marc getting ready. Today’s post focused on the ceremony and reception. If you haven’t been to the W City Center, the W is very unique compared to other hotel ballrooms. There is a smaller ballroom for the ceremony and a large ballroom for the reception. Both ballrooms are on the same floor on the mezzanine level, overlooking the gorgeous lobby. It was a perfect fit for Christine and Marc!

All Photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

The aisle had bright flowers, which was exactly what the bubbly Bride wanted.

The aisle was lined with tall arrangements

Christine had a custom unity candle made for their ceremony.

The monogram on the programs was designed by Christine’s Mother.

Marc walking up the aisle with his parents. Both families were involved in the family. It is so wonderful when everyone participates in the planning.

Marc waiting for Christine.

Christine walking down the aisle with both of her parents.

The very chic bridesmaids all lined up.

I love a photo that catches a moment like this, during the ceremony.

Mazel tov!

The escort cards were also the favors!

A little special something for one of the guests?

Is this not the most amazing cake? Yes, it is a cake. Christine really wanted their dog to be apart of the wedding day but realized that it wouldn’t work out. So, to surprise Marc, she had TipsyCake make a cake to look just like him!

The room set-up for the reception.

The room was decorated with two different centerpieces.

Christine wanted pops of color with black and white. The colorful centerpieces were so vibrant in the grand ballroom.

The cake was decorated with skylines of Chicago and Cleveland as well as swirls. Christine came up with the clever design herself!

The hora is always my favorite part of the evening.

Congratulations Christine and Marc! I had such a wonderful time being apart of your wedding day.

Laura + Mark, Part 2

March 14, 20121 Comment

Yesterday, I blogged about Laura and Mark’s morning until their first look. Below is rest of their gorgeous wedding!

All photos by JPP Studios.

Laura and Mark took portraits around the city, including the Bean.

They also took some photos at the Modern Wing.

The couple’s menu in a pocket-fold styled napkin.

The lush and modern centerpieces look lovely on the rectangle tables.

The escort cards had a decidedly modern feel! I like that the arrangement wasn’t in the middle of the table but off to the side.

Guests enjoying the cocktail hour space

Laura and Mark in front of the Restless Rainbow installation.

The couples dance the night away!

Kelsey + Dave: Part 2

February 10, 2012Leave a comment

In my last post, I shared Kelsey and Dave’s getting ready and photos around the city. Now, I’m excited to share their ceremony and reception!

All photos by Jordan Quinn Photography.

Kelsey and Dave held their ceremony in the atrium at the Ravenswood Event Center. The room was filled with beautiful, warm sunlight and the couple accented the room with big, red balloons! Their ring bearer was even lucky enough to walk down the aisle with a big red balloon of his own.

What a beautiful aisle for Kelsey to walk down in a fantastic space!

Finally, Kelsey and Dave were officially husband and wife!

While the ceremony was taking place upstair, I was downstairs making sure everything was ready for the cocktail hour and dinner.

Kelsey and Dave’s cake incorporated special details, including their cat, the Chicago skyline and the London skyline.

Mustaches were a theme throughout the day, and I love how the couple incorporated them into their escort cards! The gentlemen received mustaches and the ladies received big, red lips.

They were a big hit with the guests!

During dinner, I went back upstairs to the atrium to get ready for the dancing part of the reception. Kelsey and Dave crafted an amazing sweets table for their guests! They provided some chocolates and other items that were special to them, and then Luscious Layers provided delicious whoopie pies and all kinds of tasty treats.

The red balloons from the ceremony were also repurposed around the room.

Kelsey and Dave shared their first dance…

…and then the dance floor was opened up to everyone. This group was not shy and everyone had so much fun!

To keep the party going, a hot dog cart was rolled out and Chicago-style hotdogs were provided as a late night snack. Yum!

Kelsey changed back into her cheongsam and the couple danced the night away!

Kelsey and Dave, I had so much fun being a part of your day!

Sam and Kyle: Reception

February 7, 2012Leave a comment

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

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!

Alison + Mitch: Part Two

November 4, 2011Leave a comment

My last post, I shared the first part of Alison and Mitch’s Labor Day weekend wedding at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

All photos by Artisan Events.

Their escort card table and gift table was stunning! A Stem Above hung the all of the bridesmaid’s escort cards from the branches.

Each table number was hand painted by Alison.

Cute personalized tins of gum as favors!

They opted to have a sweetheart table at the front of the room.

A picture of the room, ready for guests! Alison and Mitch really lucked out with perfect artwork on the walls. It was a modern black and white design that went perfectly with their decor.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they had a sweet table with bite size desserts and fresh fruit.

After dinner, the gallery doors were opened and guests were allowed to walk around throughout the night. Alison and Mitch took some great photos in front of the different pieces of art!

A city shot to end such a wonderful night!

Congratulations Alison and Mitch!

Irene + Joshua’s city chic reception

July 25, 2011Leave a comment

My last post focused on Irene and Joshua’s ceremony. Today’s post is all about their gorgeous reception.

All photos by Amanda Hein.

What an elegant shot of Irene’s fabulous shoe.

Irene made these fabulous escort cards herself!

The tall centerpieces were full and luscious.

The one of a kind cake was designed by the amazing bakery, Flour.

A close-up photo of the pink and purple color scheme.

The table lay-out at the James. I love bright colors against the chocolate brown.

Details on the gift table.

One of my favorite sweetheart tables of all time!

The James ballroom is perfect for the modern bride.

All catering is done by David Burke. It’s delicious!

Irene and Joshua agreed to keep the chalk drawing displayed for the reception.

Dancing the night away!

Did someone say dessert?

The couple had an extensive dessert table.

Since most guests were full after the cake, the couple had to go containers to take home some treats from the dessert table.

I had such a great time working with Irene and Joshua. I wish the both of you a lifetime of happiness!

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!

Kristen + Scott: The Details

March 10, 2011Leave a comment

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.