Grace + Patrick

July 28, 2016Leave a comment

Grace and Patrick’s big day was so much fun to plan–they had such fantastic taste! From getting ready at the Four Seasons to the ceremony at St. James Chapel, and finally the reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art, their wedding day was full of beautiful locations and vivacious experiences! The photography team from T&S Hughes came along for the ride, and captured every incredible moment.

After the stunning bridal party shots, it was time for Grace and Patrick to say their vows in the ascendant St. James Chapel.

The wedding paraded from the church to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The reception was an ethereal experience, with cafe lights and larger-than-life statues in the heart of Chicago.

Grace, Patrick, and their guests had a fantastic time dancing into the night, surrounded by family, friends, and modern art.

Band: Second Wind

Bagpiper: David Johnston

Catering: Wolfgang Puck

Ceremony: St. James Chapel

Decor: Event Creative

Hotel: Four Seasons

Photographer: T&S Hughes

Reception: The Museum of Contemporary Art

Videographer: Amor in Motion

Planner: Honey Bee Weddings

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!

Alison + Mitch: Part One

November 3, 2011Leave a comment

I first met Alison and Mitch at a Starbucks in River North. Although Alison have been engaged for only a month, she had a binder filled with wedding plans. One of her wishes was to make sure someone was there to allow her to relax and be in the moment. I am so glad I could be apart of their special day and fulfill her wish!
Ceremony and Reception: The Museum of Contemporary Art
Catering: Wolfgang Puck
Florists: A Stem Above
Hair + Make-Up: Beauty on Call
DJ: Okyne Medialab, Inc.

Photography: Artisan Events
All photos by Artisan Events.

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Alison with her sister before she put on her dress. Alison’s sister was a wonderful matron of honor.

Alison and Mitch each carried a monogrammed handkerchief to wipe their happy tears throughout the day.

After getting dressed, it was time for the first look.

The first look was in Olive Park. Their wedding was over Labor Day weekend and the weather could not have been better!

After Olive Park, they were off to get a classic city line picture.

It was was finally time to get married. The ceremony in the gardens behind the MCA was beautiful!

Following the ceremony and formal pictures, Alison and Mitch met alone with their adorable dog, Monster. They had their dog walker drive him to Seneca Park to have a quick moment. Being a dog love, this was my favorite detail!

And then one quick photo to enjoy the artwork out front of the Museum before the reception.

I will post about the reception tomorrow!

Ali + Josh: The Details

February 11, 20102 Comments

Yesterday, I posted about the wedding. Here are all of the fabulous details.

Ali’s wore sparkly pink heels that complemented her dress.
Her romantic bouquet included peonies, hydrangeas and ranunculus.

The Ketubah was a whimsical painting of the bride and groom.

The aisle was dotted with bunches of pale pink hydrangea. Flowers also decorated the four corners of the chuppah.

Their programs were printed on fans and accented with a pink ribbon. Luckily it was a beautiful September day, though Chicago weather is fairly unpredictable. (It was almost 90 when I got married in May!)

Ali’s mom brought these candies from Cincinnati. Plates were placed on each dinner table.

An artist created canvases with each guests’ name and seating assignment.
The bride and groom asked me to create maps in calligraphy illustrating the location of each table.

Their cake featured beautiful brooches and bows.

For centerpieces, milk glass vases of various sizes were clustered on each table. A coordinating canvas illustrated the table name. A pale pink ribbon was placed on each plate below the napkin.

Who doesn’t love a late night snack? The couple offered cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s. Yum!

Ali + Josh

February 10, 20103 Comments

It’s such a great compliment when a couple refers you to a friend! Meagan, whose wedding I coordinated in June, referred me to her bridesmaid, Ali. It was great to be able to hang out with Ali and Josh and get to know them a bit better before their own big day. They were a great couple to work with!
Cake: Cake Girls
Ceremony + Reception: Museum of Contemporary Art
Caterer: Wolfgang Puck
Photographer: Agnes Malorney
Videographer: Megan McDonough
Hair: Kiva Salon
Makeup: Adriana Aude
Musicians: Dave Ivaz Music
Florist: Asrai Gardens
Lanterns: Event Creative

All photos by Agnes Malorney.

Many of our couples meet for the first time before the ceremony begins. These private moments are very sweet. And, from a practical standpoint, you often have more time for photos. Here they are in the honeymoon suite at the Ritz-Carlton.

The ceremony and reception were held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The front steps make a bold backdrop.

Each of Ali’s bridesmaids purchased their own short black dress, one they truly will wear again! The variations make for some interesting pictures. (Have you noticed that I love photos? If I were only a bit taller, I may have become a photographer!)

This looks like it was taken on a romantic tree lined street somewhere in Europe.

How adorable is this?!

Ali and Josh chose to get married in the garden behind the museum. The rocks are laid out in a geometric pattern. We actually had an aerial view from the suite at the hotel. The cocktail hour was held on the patio above.

This was the guests’ view during the ceremony. I heart Chicago!

Can we discuss Ali’s fabulous dress by Amsale? Pale pink, shorter in the front with a beautiful brooch… I’ve never seen a dress like this before. Not off the runway, at least.

The dinner took place in an exhibit hall featuring color panels and light installations. Ali also had some paper lanterns strung throught the space. It created a softer, more intimate feel perfect for dinner.

Josh’s siblings gave a joint “toast”.
Their funny skit explained to the guests how the bride and groom met and fell in love.

They shared their first dance as husband and wife to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

Tomorrow, I’ll highlight some of the details from their wedding.

Real Wedding: Shannon + Rick: The Details

January 7, 2009Leave a comment

Yesterday, I posted about Shannon and Rick’s wedding. Today, it is all about the details!

All photos are by Monika Lozinska Lee from REM Photography.

The couple opted to have use traditional escort cards. The benefit to having seperate envelope and card is that it is very easy to move “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” to Table 9 by just switching the envelope.

The cocktail hour was held on the patio at the MCA. Waiters passed glasses of water and wine with their customized napkins by For Your Party.

Shannon’s Clever DIY Project
She had her monogram printed on the corner of pretty velumn paper. Then, she curled the paper up and filled it with petals.

Shannon and Rick had one table serve many purposes:
gifts and the card box, the guest book, and photos of family as well as the couple.

The couple made their own menus,
which highlighted their gorgeous brown and pink color palette.

The room at the MCA.

A clever ring shot.

After dinner, the bar re-opened for the rest of the night. There were more napkins from For Your Party announcing the after party at the Sofitel.

Shannon’s fabulous pink and brown candy buffet. It was a huge hit!

Real Wedding: Shannon and Rick

January 6, 20091 Comment

Shannon and Rick were married in September 2008 at St. Luke Luthern Church with a reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art. When I first met Shannon, she said that she was confident that her vendors would do a great job. She just wanted to make sure that all the little things were taken care of. Well, there was no need to worry. The day was virtually flawless.

All photos are by Monika Lozinska Lee from REM Photography.

The couple were married at St. Luke Luthern Church.
The church has gorgeous stained glass windows in the front of the alter.