Tag: Toast and Jam

Elizabeth + Mark’s Wedding

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Elizabeth and Mark’s had a beautifully elegant wedding at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and a reception at the Standard Club. The maroon, pink and green flower color palette was a smart choice for the fall wedding. 

It was such a pleasure to apart of Elizabeth and Mark’s special day! 

Ceremony: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
DJ: Toast &Jam
Bagpipes: Emerald Society
Decor: Kehoe Designs 
Hair+Makeup: Sonia Roselli Makeup Studio
Hotel:Palmer House
Photographer: ZrWeddings
Reception: The Standard Club

Caitlin + Adam

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It is such an honor to be asked to be from someone who is in the wedding and events industry.  Caitlin is a wedding photographer that used to be an event planner!  I was thrilled to be apart of her wedding to Adam.  Her eye for design and detail is impeccable.

On a sunny July day, Caitlin and Adam tied the knot at a beautiful Catholic wedding but not before the Veil Incident.  As Caitlin and Adam were having their first look on a rooftop, Caitlin’s veil blew off and landed on a neighboring rooftop.  The building security would not be persuaded by charm or dollars.  Luckily, the bridal salon had the same veil in stock and delivered the back up to the church.

Photography: Cristina G Photography
Cake: Cake Chicago
Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral
DJ: Toast & Jam
Decor: Kehoe Designs
Hotel: Palmer House Hilton
Photo Booth: Smile Booth
Reception: Art Institute of Chicago

Once the newlyweds had officially tied the knot, they joined guests at their whimsical reception and enjoyed a fun night with their loved ones. 

Caitlin and Adam are a beautiful couple and so wonderful to work with. I was honored to be asked to help make their special day everything they’d dreamed it would be. 

Lauren + Charlie – The Reception

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Yesterday’s post showed Lauren and Charlie’s ceremony. Now we’ll look at the party!

All photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

The maid of honor and best man gave some great toasts!


They shared their first dance to “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson.


After cutting the cake, the bride took a nibble off the decorations!

Winding up to toss the bouquet.

And Charlie threw the garter into the crowd!

The couple spent lots of time on the dance floor. This always makes me happy!


Guests always love stepping out on the balcony for the fireworks show.

In the last post, we’ll check out some details from their wedding.

Lauren + Charlie – The Ceremony

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Lauren and Charlie were planning their ceremony and reception at Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, a location where I had previously coordinated a wedding. It’s always interesting to see the same space decorated in a totally different way!

Cake Amy Beck Cake Design
Caterer Phil Stefani Signature Events
Ceremony + Reception The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
DJ Toast and Jam
Florist All Things Elegant
Linens Elite Chair Covers
Makeup Starlight Makeup
Officiant Meaningful Moments
Photographer Dennis Lee Photography

All photos by Dennis Lee Photography.

Almost ready at the hotel. Lauren was very calm the morning of the wedding.

Ready to go out and meet her groom.

Lauren and Charlie opted to have a first look before the ceremony.

The bridal party took photos at River Esplanade Park.

The groomsmen were a bit more animated!

Here’s a creative use of your surroundings!

Crystal Gardens is such a pretty, lush backdrop for a ceremony.

Members of the bridal party each took a moment to bless the couple’s rings.

In the next post, we’ll look at their reception.

Stephanie + Cameron – The Reception

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Yesterday’s post featured Stephanie and Cameron’s ceremony. Today, we’ll look at their reception.

All photos by Jeremy Lawson Photography.

They took some fun shots around the city, starting with an L platform…

and ending with a dip in front of the Board of Trade!

Cafe Brauer is a popular reception site in Chicago. We were lucky to have a beautiful night.

Making their entrance into dinner. I love the detail on the back of Stephanie’s dress.

Cutting into their cake. Some of their guests own a bakery in Ohio and delivered both the cake and cupcakes for the reception.

They shared their first dance to “Better Together” by Jack Johnson.


Stephanie and Cameron were paired up for a project in a college class. They invited several of their old professors and personally thanked them for the successful, if unintentional, matchmaking.

The dance floor was packed throughout the evening.


Check back for the last post featuring some of the great details from their event.

Stephanie + Cameron – The Ceremony

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I actually stepped in to help with Stephanie and Cameron’s wedding fairly late in the process, and we didn’t even meet until the week of the wedding! However, she was not only organized, but super sweet so it was very easy. Her parents were also very involved – it’s so nice to see a family who’s genuinely excited about the wedding.

Cake and Cupcakes Bakery Gingham in Columbus, Ohio
Caterer Food For Thought
Ceremony St. Vincent DePaul
DJ Toast and Jam
Florist Scarlet Petal
Hair and Makeup Bridal Beauty Chicago
Photo Booth 312 Photo Booth
Photographer Jeremy Lawson
Reception Cafe Brauer

All photos by Jeremy Lawson Photography.

Getting ready at the Belden Stratford Hotel. My favorite thing is when a bride is not stressed but having a glass of champagne with her girls!


Stephanie’s gift to her mother. I think it’s a lovely keepsake.

In the assembly line of pinning the groomsmen’s boutonnieres, Jeremy took this shot. Do you see my detailed timeline in the background?

The ring bearers passing some time before the ceremony began.

Both Stephanie and Cameron are DePaul alumni, so this church had special meaning for them.

Officially husband and wife!

The bride and groom took a celebratory twirl in the back of the church.


In the next post, we’ll take a peek at their reception at a popular site, Cafe Brauer, in Chicago.

Miranda + Rich: A Newberry Library Wedding

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When Miranda and I met almost a year before her wedding, I knew that we would work well together – she was all about the fun little details of the day! Miranda even used quotes from the book The Time Traveler’s Wife in their ceremony programs because the ceremony and reception was held at The Newberry Library, where so much of the book took place.

Miranda and Rich planned such a fun wedding celebration and incorporated so much of their personalities into the details. I had such a great time working with them both!

Cake: Luscious Layers
Ceremony + Reception: The Newberry Library
Caterer: Food Evolution
DJ: Kate + Rachel from Toast & Jam
Florist: Kio Kreations
Hair: Kelly Schaul
Lion Dance: Seven Star Lion Dance Group
Makeup: Jen from Sonia Roselli
Photographer: Jeremy Lawson Photography
Photo Booth: 312 Photo Booth
Videographer: I Do Films
Trolley: Flying Lady Livery

All photos by Jeremy Lawson Photography.


I love long, fabulous lashes and Miranda totally rocked hers!


There was a little bit of a vintage feel to the wedding day, and the dress was just perfect.


Miranda even wore an awesome birdcage veil. Love this shot of her!



Brides often wonder how it works when it’s time to put the dress on. Miranda’s mom took care of kicking everyone out while Miranda slipped on the dress. Usually the photographer is invited back in when it’s time to zip up the dress.


While the girls finished getting ready, the guys hung out in the trolley and made sure Rich was ready to go.



After a morning of getting ready, it was time for Miranda to leave the hotel…


…and see Rich for their first look! This is always such an exciting moment.
Do you spy Rich’s awesome shoes?



With the first look over, it was time to load everyone onto the trolley to take pictures around the city.




Jeremy Lawson is great at catching awesome shots from unique points of view.
This is one of my favorites!



Miranda and Rich very obviously had a lot of fun throughout the day!
They enjoyed hamming it up for the camera.



Up next I’ll share Miranda and Rich’s ceremony and reception at The Newberry Library!

Clare + Tom, the party…

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Yesterday, I posted about Clare + Tommy’s morning.
Today’s post is going to focus on their gorgeous wedding reception!
In lieu of traditional escort cards, the couple tied labels to Izze bottles of soda.

For their signature drink, the couple ordered custom stir sticks…

… as well as custom napkins.

I am never a fan of a boring guest book. Clare + Tommy had a gorgeous framed photo made for them on etsy.

The room was lovely! With the long tables, the bride worked with Scarlet Petal to come up with the most gorgeous decor. When guests brought their bottles of Izze soda, it just made the table look more colorful!

A close-up of the flowers. Like me, Clare favors dense arrangements.

I love this shade of sherbert orange used for the card box.

The couple’s cake was very chic and modern.


Since the venue boasted an extra long bar, the couple set the candy buffet at the far end in lieu of favors.

It was a sweet treat for the guests to take home that evening.

Clare + Tommy, I had a wonderful time spending your wedding day with you!

Clare + Tommy, The Morning…

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Clare used to be roommates with my sister-in-law, Briana. So my initial consultation with Clare and Tommy was a breeze. We met at an awful coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon to talk about their wedding plans. They uttered the words that I heard all of the time, “We are non-traditional”… but this time, the couple meant it! There was to be no bridal party introductions, first dance, and they wanted to see each other before the ceremony. I appreciate the fact when a couple does exactly what they want.

Cake: Rolf’s
Ceremony: Chicago Temple
Ceremony Musicians: Dolce Strings
DJ: Toast & Jam
Florist: Scarlet Petal
Hair + Make-up: Jen + Stephanie Sonia Roselli
Photographer: Audrey Keller Photography with Bella Pictures
Reception: The Townhouse

Clare was totally relaxed the morning of her wedding.

Bows on dresses always rank high in my book… but it was her Juicy Couture flats that I really adored!

Afll dressed up and ready to leave Sonia’s boutique.

Clare purchased her veil on Etsy.
I really adored the flower that pinned the veil in her hair. Very glamorous!

The couple met and took photos in the city.

Tommy rocked a skinny a tuxedo. I love the look!

How do you not love their shoes?

Clare asked all of her bridesmaids to wear their favorite black dress. I love that the necklines are all very different!

More city shots.


I loved Clare’s bouquet. Paring fuschia with orange could be overkill in a bridal bouquet but Esther made the arrangement so lovely.


After a few hours of photos, the couple headed to the church to get married!

The first look of the muted pink, orange, and yellow color scheme.

Before the ceremony, Tommy gave Clare a twirl.
No one was nervous and everyone felt very relaxed!

The church is absolutely gorgeous!

After the ceremony, the couple walked to the reception!

Photos of the reception will be up tomorrow!

Jessic + Eric: The Details

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Yesterday’s post featured Jessica and Eric’s wedding and reception. Here are some of the details.


All photos by Victoria Sprung.

I love it when a bride wears colorful shoes!

Jessica made her matron of honor’s bouquet, shown here, as well as her own.

The programs were another DIY project.

The bride and groom incorporated a wine and chocolate ceremony into the service.

Eric got in the spirit and wore colorful socks!

Jessica made these accordion trays to hold the escort cards.

The cake perfectly complements the warm, fall theme.

Candlelight always makes a room feel more romantic. Here is one of the centerpieces.

Other centerpieces included bunches of hydrangeas in a rustic looking nest. Candles were wrapped with vellum table numbers. Jessica added threading to the layered menu cards.


The bride and groom opted for a family style dinner, and asked members of their families to bring their own signature desserts to add to the sweet table.

There was a large assortment of cupcakes, including red velvet. Yum!

In lieu of a guest book, guests were asked to sign squares of fabric that the couple will later use to make a quilt.

Jessica is a sweet tooth – a girl after my own heart. In addition to the extensive dessert table and cake, guests were given different flavors of caramel apples to bring home.

Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your big day. Congratulations!