Tag: Sweet Mandy B’s

Christa + Nicholas’ University Club Wedding

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Christa and Nicholas had a beautiful summer wedding that incorporated many of the best parts of the city. From their gorgeous ceremony to the lively reception at the University Club of Chicago, every part of the day showcased their love for each other. Their elegant celebration was full of fun and personal touches, all captured beautifully by Kassia Phoy Photography. 

Photographer: Kassia Phoy Photography 
Hair and Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago
Lighting: Frost Lighting

I had such a wonderful time working with this lovely couple and am so happy that I was able to be a part of planning their special day. 

There are some couples that wait…

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…and then, there are other couples that really wait until the last minute!
Kristen and Phillip met me at Goddess and the Grocer for an initial complimentary consultation. They told me that they had a venue but that they didn’t have a DJ, caterer, a cake, insurance or transportation. And their wedding was in six weeks. I closed my notebook and told them that they had to hire me. While that is not something that I usually say EVER, I could tell that this couple needed my help desperately. Well, the did hire me and everything turned out perfectly! The wedding was fantastic and the couple had a great day!

Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s
Caterer: Blue Plate Catering
DJ: Toast N Jam
Florist: A New Leaf
Hotel: Knickerbocker + The Drake
Officiant: Steve Sudworth
Photographer: Daniel Collins
Reception: 63rd Street Beach House
Rehearsal Dinner: Birchwood Kitchen
Transportation: LaSalle Limo

All photos by Daniel Collins.

Kristen got ready at the Drake with her bridesmaid and family.

Champagne always makes the morning so much better!

Kristen is getting ready in her fabulous J. Crew wedding gown.

I loved her over sized necklace! It was such a classic statement piece!

Phillip started to get ready as well!

The guys wore fantastic green ties.

Here is the 63rd Street Beach House set up for the ceremony. I love that the couple bought a bunch of white balls to add some punch to the space!

Phillip waiting for his Bride.

The couple’s officiant knew the Bride and Groom very well making the ceremony heartfelt.

Kristen kept the ceremony decor to a minimum. She lined the aisles with colorful petals.

Now that is a great kiss!

Tomorrow, I will post the rest of the pictures from their wedding day.

Susan + Dave, the wedding

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Yesterday, I posted about the morning of Susan and Dave’s wedding. Here is the rest of their lovely day. Besides a spot of rain in the morning, the day couldn’t have been more perfect.

All photos by Peter Thurin.

The pillars at Union Station make for a gorgeous wedding photo.
I love that the couple’s chose a unique Signature Drink, Martini’s. The drink had a significant meaning to the couple as you can read below.


Some of the delicious Martini’s that were offered to guests at the cocktail hour.

Not quite a martini… but an enjoyable kiddie cocktail for an adorable little girl.

Not that there was any doubt, but the couple had their seats decorated.


Isn’t this photo make your heart swoon a bit? It was taken before the guests arrived.
They are such a sweet couple!


Susan wanted to keep the room decor understated with her choice of white linens and soft pastels for her flowers.

The centerpieces were all slightly different but romantic full roses were at every table.

A centerpiece at another table shows that although they were different, there was the same feel creating a cohesive look.


Right before the couple was about to be introduced!

There was another couple that was having their anniversary the same day. Dave and Susan ordered them a cake.
It was a lovely way to share the day!

Cafe Brauer is pretty during the day but it is gorgeous at night once the lights are dimmed.

Rather than serve dessert, the couple had a gorgeous cupcake buffet from Sweet Mandy B’s.

Real Wedding: Colleen + Nathan’s Reception

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Yesterday, I posted about Colleen and Nathan’s ceremony.  Today, it is about the reception.

All photography is by Travis McKelvie.

I have yet to see more beautiful escort cards. Each escort card was actually a book. The front page had the name of the couple and the back cover was the number of the table.
All cards went into this bird cage that fit perfectly with the venue.
The candle law library was gorgeous. Guests were pleasantly surprised when they saw the space.  It was transformed into something else.  One amazing detail of the venue is the built-in banquettes.  Guests really enjoyed this seating!
The long rectangular tables were adorned with a runner, hand-made table numbers, and flowers in julep cups with lots and lots of candles.  It was beautiful!


The menus highlighted the couple’s monogram and color pallete.
Children were greeted with a fun place setting: coloring book with crayons.
The couple opted not to have a head table.  They highlighted their seats with signs.
The cocktail hour took place in the same space as the reception.  Guests mingled on the dance floor while getting drinks from the luxurious built-in bar.

Playing off the Library theme, the couple had the guests write advice on Library Cards.
Nothing says dessert like a tower of cupcakes!