Tag: menu

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!

Connie and Brian: The Reception

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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!

Laura + Mark, Part 2

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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!

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!

Laura + Steve: The Details

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This week I’ve highlighted Laura and Steve’s ceremony and reception. Today, let’s look at some of the special details.



All photos by: Laurie Peacock.



Laura purchased her earrings and necklace from Precious Meshes on Etsy.
The jewelry is made from vintage chandelier crystals and hand-crocheted fine silver mesh.
Did you notice how, when held up to the light, you can see a heart in the crystal?


I love her fabulous birdcage veil!

Each bridesmaid received a vintage handkerchief, perfect to tuck into their pockets on the day of the wedding. I adore dresses with pockets! The hankies were from Kindred Thymes on Etsy and the dresses were from White House Black Market.


Laura made these clutches for her girls. I like the contrast of the fun lining. Tucked inside is the Maid of Honor’s toast.


Laura’s bouquet was wrapped in lace from her mother’s dress and vintage typewriter keys.

Here are the programs. I am a sucker for coordinating paper items.



The unity candle was also wrapped in coordinating damask fabric.

These pomanders were another DIY project. They were a perfectly simple way to line the aisle.

Steve changed into Converse sneakers after the ceremony.


I tucked the escort cards into the blades of grass.

The cake was a real show stopper. We delayed cutting it until later in the evening so as to leave the cake on display. The custom cake toppers are from Goose Grease on Etsy.

Laura and Steve got creative when it came to table tents as well. Each card featured the bride and groom from their cake topper with different items that are reflective of the couple. Photos included Scrabble pieces, Wii controlers, cooking and baking utensils, and books. Their dog, Charlie, was kind enough to model for this one.


The couple purchased bags of granola as favors and packaged them in these muslin bags.

A donation was made to Blue Sky Bakery.


The accordion menus sat at each place setting. They included a thank you note to the guests.



I really enjoyed working with you both. Laura, I am excited to work with you as fellow coordinators as well!

Lauren + Tom, the reception

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Yesterday, I blogged about Lauren and Tom’s morning and ceremony. Now, we are on to the reception which was held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Chicago!

All photos by Bella Pictures.

After the ceremony, guests headed outside for the cocktail hour. The views were magnificent. The couple recreated a view of the skyline with this ice sculpture.

Guess where the bridesmaids were sitting? Below is a photo of their vibrant bouquets along with the small table arrangements for the cabaret tables.

When guests headed back to the second floor, they stopped to pick up their escort card. The cards had a picture of the Eiffel Tower as a nod to the couple’s honeymoon destination.

The head table was gorgeous. The couple opted for an ultra modern clear table with Ghost chairs. I adore Ghost chairs! I love the look! It may be my favorite Head Table to date!

The cake was made by the Hotel Baker. The cake topper featured the couple, and their adorable dog, Red. Lauren and I are friends on Facebook and I hear about this dog (and his crazy antics) all the time! I thought this was a cute way to include their non-attending pet.

The couple had a gobo with their monogram. The monogram was used throughout the reception.

The menus were so cute! I love that the couple included a nice note to all their guests.

Examples of the visually stunning place settings.


This is such a great picture of the head table, but the couple look awfully cute together!

Lauren and her Dad are super close. He was one of the most involved Father of the Groom’s that I have worked with to date. He knew every detail of the wedding!

After dinner, there was a dessert buffet. Actually, the term dessert buffet doesn’t do it justice. There was more desserts that I have EVER SEEN at a wedding. It was delicious!

And if that wasn’t enough, the couple also had a gelato bar.
The bar was made of ice and lit underneath.


Since there was more than enough dessert, the couple had to go containers with a slice of cake. The lid had a sticker with their monogram.

Congratulations Lauren and Tom! I hope that the both of you are enjoying your first year as Newlyweds!

Real Wedding: Noelle + Joey

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Yesterday, I posted about Noelle + Joey‘s wedding day. Here are the pictures from the reception.

All photos are by Michele Rivera from Mischa Media.

The tables were dramatic with brown and turquoise accents.

The menus were designed by Amanda from Made with Love Paperie.

Noelle had flip-flops for each of her bridesmaids so that they would dance all night long.
It worked!

The bridesmaids and groomsmen each came in to the room with their own funky dance.

One of their close friends performed a solo during the entree course.

The couple raise their glasses to the toast from the Father of the Bride.

Noelle and Joey chose a contemporary square cake: a swiss dot pattern was anything but simple with ribbon wrapped around each layer and roses on the top and rose petals around the edges.


The couple’s first dance. Don’t you love the bow on the back of Noelle’s dress?

It’s becoming more rare these days but Noelle had a bridal bouquet toss. There were plenty of single ladies out on the dance floor.

What is a sweeter way to say goodnight than a cookie?

Real Wedding: Shannon + Rick: The Details

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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!

Ask the Bee: Menu Advice

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I have a question for you. I’m working on the menu and I’m trying to get it structured lay out wise/format/wording etc. I’m kind of at odds with what I should do at the top. I have a graphics designer friend who will help.
 
Some of the things I’m thinking about adding:
1. the kind of wine served w/ dinner
2. tea and coffee service w/ dessert
 
I put it on there, but I’m wondering if I should make it different by adding the room # for the after party.
 
Thanks for your help 🙂

Here are my suggestions:
  • No need to spell out the wine unless it has some sort of special meaning.
  • I’d add the coffee and tea.
  • Do you have a monogram? If not, I would put your names in top with the date.  
  • If you can, I’d also make some of it in color.
  • I made less lines of text.
  • I played with the language a bit.

 


After talking with the Bride, she is also going to heat emboss parts of the menu to jazz it up.  
I was glad to help! Let me know if you have any other questions or need advice.