Real Weddings: Julia + Shaun

Weddings are all about showcasing the bride and groom’s personalities, and Shannon and Patrick knew they wanted a down-to-earth but elegant affair. Mission accomplished. From the slightly industrial but beautiful location at Salvage One in Chicago to the lovely and casual peach, pink, cream, and green arrangements from Asrai Garden, this wedding is all about kicking up your heels and having fun. Gorgeous pictures from Steve Koo Photography highlight the most dramatic touches of the day, like Shannon’s lace-covered, scalloped Marisa gown and the jaw-dropping city skyline. We adore the natural look of the glowing Chicago sign, the perfect backdrop for a star-crossed couple on their special day.

I’m over the moon today to share Elise and Bill’s beyond gorgeous Michigan wedding!  Elise is the sister of my dear friend Natalie (the mastermind behind Pemberley Events), and her wedding was infused with so many charming handmade details and the most amazing organic, lush florals from Petal Play Design. The Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, Michigan has such a quaint, rustic feel, and it was the perfect setting for Elise and Bill’s “kind of quirky, eclectic, vintage” wedding.  The wedding was a true labor of love for the family.  Natalie planned and designed the event, Elise’s father made the wooden flower boxes with chalk sides for the centerpieces, Bill made the cake topper, and Elise’s mother sewed the flower girl dress and even made the wedding cake! Elise and Bill have been together since high school, and their love and joy is so palpable in these beautiful images from Harrison Studio!

This sunny yellow wedding is making my heart go pitter-patter! Jackie and Steve’s wedding is a lovely little backyard affair, with pretty handmade details that exude simple elegance with a bit of rustic nostalgia. Jackie created the confetti pouches, the burlap button napkin rings, escort cards, and favors of coffee made by her father’s business. She also purchased most of the decor from second-hand stores and collected driftwood to be made into signage. Her career as a high-school Spanish teacher was even brought into the theme, with a Sangria table during cocktail hour. All of the gorgeous images are courtesy of Brian Tropiano, and even more beautiful details are waiting for you in the gallery!

Chicago’s Salvage One is an absolutely gorgeous event space—its unique, modern, rustic interior was the perfect backdrop for Erin and Mike’s simple but chic soiree! Captured beautifully by Anna Guziak Photography, their winter nuptials featured candle centerpieces from Fleur that complemented Salvage One’s vintage, mismatched wood tables, and a fabulous all-out dessert table from Sweet Table Chicago. We are absolutely in love with Erin’s sophisticated embroidered gown and lush, hand-tied bouquet—see all of this relaxed and sweet day in the gallery!

Gray and yellow are a hot trend in modern color palettes, and the combo was perfect for Elena and Andrew’s contemporary affair at Chicago’s Galleria Marchetti. The mix of sunny and stormy carried over into ceremony programs that doubled as fans for guests, as well as their elegant gray, yellow and white bouquets and arrangements by Stems. Elena’s Melissa Sweet gown—with unique dimensional flowers gracing the bodice and skirt—stood out just enough from Andrew’s gray Banana Republic suit and the J. Crew bridesmaids dresses in the same hue. Inside a draped tent dotted with yellow and white Chinese hanging lanterns, guests toasted with a signature drink—a Moscow Mule—and danced to the couple’s DIY playlist as Laura Ivanova Photography captured the entire celebration into the night.

Sweet personal details, gorgeous photography, amazing flowers, and true, wholehearted love are the ingredients guaranteed to cook up a beautiful wedding and Skye and Alex’s Birmingham soiree has them all!  From the chuppah (handmade from a blanket crocheted by Skye’s great grandmother), to the something blue (blue buttons from one of her baby dresses lovingly sewn into Skye’s gown by her mother), to serving a keg of their favorite Michigan brew, Alex and Skye celebrated their love with their nearest and dearest by including many of the details that make their love story special and unique – and that’s the best part of any wedding!  Historic Rucker Place is full of Southern charm, and the images from Spindle Photography beautifully capture Skye and Alex’s love – and all of the amazing details!

A “destination” wedding in Austin, TX, Erica and Josh invited friends from around the globe. Their wedding was filled with handmade details and heirlooms captured by Bonnie Berry Photography. From the veil and headpiece, the seating cards, menus, and the bridesmaids’ necklaces (made by the bride and her sister from their mother’s bead collection), the wedding was a true group project. The biggest heirloom however was Erica’s mother’s dress that she wore for the ceremony. Erica altered it herself, transforming the sleeves from leg-of-mutton to a 3/4 straight sleeve with satin trim. Their whole wedding is beautiful, unfussy, and truly personal. Congratulations Erica and Josh!

I’m so excited to show off today’s Inspired Creations Contest idea – it’s retro, vintage, and fresh!  The Chicago team of Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Fleur, and Lily Red Studio created an intimate brunch wedding setting full of scrumptious pancakes and french toast kebabs, on a tabletop set with a handsewn runner, glittering crystal votive holders, and lush blooms. The honey, peach, and tangerine color palette is warm and sweet, and honey dipper favors are the perfect favor.  There are just so many little details to obsess over, so run over and see even more of the images in the gallery!

Every little bit of Stephanie and Aaron’s wedding is perfection.  Their small and relaxed wedding was completely handmade, from her fabulous gold fascinator to the beautiful thrifted tea cups and vintage plates that graced the table and doubled as favors.  Stephanie collected jars used for cups and candles and hand-dyed the linens and her aunt and uncle catered the event, which was held at a friend’s home.  All of the fabulous images are by the adorable Matt and Angie of Sloan Photographers – check out lots more goodness in the gallery!

I have mad love for Jessica and Jake’s relaxing, outdoor southern wedding. Held at a private residence in Cartersville, Georgia, the wedding was a complete labor of love for the couple and their families.  Jessica, her mother and her friends (a group dubbed the Wedding Belles!) worked together to create a completely homespun wedding - everything from the food to the flowers.  Beautiful calligraphy from Betsy Dunlap graced the stationery, and Leo Patrone captured the day with his usual wonderful eye. View even more of Leo’s gorgeous images in the gallery!

Good morning everyone and a big huge welcome to those of you who are recently engaged and just beginning your wedding planning! I have such a fun wedding to share with you today! Tori and Aaron’s whimsical affair is the perfect pick-me-up on this cold January morning – it’s filled with lovely DIY details. Tori (a photographer herself) chose one of my very favorites, Rebekah J Murray, to capture her day.

Kayla and Newton are just one of the cutest couples ever, aren’t they?  Their Athens wedding at The Foundry Park Inn & Spa is full of love and laughter, and fabulous photos from two of my favorite people, Matt and Kate Altmix!  The day started out with the couple having a first look at a spot near the reception venue.

The sweeping views of Public Chicago‘s Ava Terrace set the stage for Erica and Troy’s gorgeous Windy City soiree! The couple set out to create a warm and welcoming affair for their nearest and dearest, and were treated to a picture-perfect Chicago day for their October nuptials. Estera Events designed a ceremony and reception with an urban, modern touch. Erica and Troy said their vows in a circle of prairie grass and ferns, after which guests moved downstairs to the Library Bar to sip cocktails before being seated for a full five-course candlelit dinner. Vale of Enna worked with Erica and Troy to bring their modern romance theme to life with elegant florals overflowing with foliage. For the intimate reception, organic and lush arrangements of ferns, taper candles, and roses graced a large king’s table. A wedding planner herself, Erica knew that their day would go by in the blink of an eye, and made sure to take several moments throughout the evening to truly take in all of the joy. We know they will cherish all of the gorgeous images from Julia Franzosa Photography!

Elizabeth and Brandon’s wedding can be summed up as contemporary, modern, and chic. The couple was engaged in France, and a Chantilly lace gown, handmade macarons, and a modern palette added a bit of French flair. A New Leaf was the setting for their intimate affair. Elizabeth was 5 months pregnant, and they were all too happy to make this an integral part of the occasion. They embraced her bump in the gorgeous images from Clary Pfeiffer and announced during the reception that they were expecting. It was truly an occasion to celebrate and we know you’ll fall in love with their clean and simple soiree!

Chicago is glorious during the summertime, and Alissa and Jeff made the most of the stunning surroundings by holding their June nuptials at River Roast, set along the Chicago River. Sheila from Ipomea Floral Design accented the modern space with lanterns and candlelight, for a soft and romantic feel. Bouquets of blush and white peonies with juliet garden roses accented Alissa’s gorgeous Alvina Valenta gown from Bella Bianca, and her ladies’ flowy Donna Morgan dresses. The couple and their wedding party visited some of the city’s most iconic locations, from Buckingham Fountain to Michigan Ave, where Kina Wicks Photography captured these lovely images. We are smitten!

We are loving the sophisticated touches in Denis and Roxane’s wedding at Chicago’s Ivy Room! The sleek space is a perfect blank slate, and the couple worked with LK Events to create an elegant and modern setting. Hydrangeas in the fresh palette of day—ivory and spring green—set atop the tables and ceremony aisle markers, and hints of chevron added a bit of playfulness to the scene. After dancing the night away on the floor to Colby Bassera and The Party Faithful, Roxane and Denis tucked into a perfectly petite butter yellow cake from Table 52. Enjoy these images from the always fabulous team at Averyhouse, who captured the day to perfection!

Amanda and Mike’s big city Chicago wedding portrays a certain sweetness that is both charming and sophisticated! Following a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Josaphat Parish, the couple and their friends and family headed to the gorgeous Chicago History Museum for a night of great food and dancing, thanks to Blue Plate catering and tunes from Matt Lewis and The Union. Amanda says she wouldn’t change a thing about the day, and we can see why! From the lovely ice blue bridesmaids dresses from Bella Bridesmaids to her own amazing Tara Keely gown, the attire was simple and elegant. Emilia Jane Photography captured beautiful images—we especially adore the iconic photos with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline! We love the mix of baby’s breath, peach roses, and white peonies in floral designs by Revel Décor, as well as the adorable confection by Amy Beck Cake Design—there’s so much to love, catch it all in the gallery!

Modern and fresh Room 1520 was the setting for Alex and Charlotte’s gorgeous Chicago soiree! The ceremony beautifully brought together Charlotte’s Presbyterian background and Alex’s Jewish heritage, and, inspired by a sweet Southern summer, the couple, along with their wedding planner Beth Bernstein of SQN Events and florist Hello Darling, transformed the raw, industrial loft space with lovely garden-style arrangements, mercury glass vases, and a cozy lounge area. Working from a palate of soft grey, smoky lavender and sage green, the narrow rectangular tables created an intimate dinner party feel for the evening reception. We love Charlotte’s natural, curly updo and beautiful Monique Lhullier gown—she and Alex radiate love in the beautiful images from Olivia Leigh Photographie!

Eric and Mike’s Chicago wedding could be straight out of the pages of Town and Country. Held on the 17th floor of the Public Chicago hotel, the couple opted for an intimate gathering of just 20 close friends and family, and they went all out for those lucky enough to garner an invite! Festivities included a pre-wedding dinner and drinks, ladies’ and gentlemen’s outings, and a ceremony and reception full of love and laughter. Eric and Mike chose classic tuxes and shirts by Hugo Boss Black Label, Lanvin and Escada, and we love the playful touches of the Ralph Lauren bow ties. Following their vows, the couple hosted an intimate, seated dinner that wowed guests, starting with the ombre yellow-to-white floral arrangement—designed by Jessica Griffin of Botanicals—running the length of the table and ending with sliced cake prepared by the pastry chef at Public Chicago, who also set up an indulgent dessert bar with takeout containers so everyone could enjoy a late-night sweet snack. Elizabeth Tulipana of Anticipation Events kept the day moving along flawlessly, and Kiri and Brett of Pen/Carlson were there to document every gorgeous part of the couple’s weekend. The love these two share is palpable, and we are completely smitten with each and every little detail and moment!

When it came time for Nina and Eric to choose a location for their “simple yet elegant” wedding festivities, the New York City-based couple knew they wanted to celebrate in Chicago, where they grew up, met and fell in love. The W Chicago – City Center had just the right amount of ornate architecture and modern design they wanted. Nina and Eric called on Clary Photo to document their day, and we love how the images capture all of the details and romantic moments of the affair. Soft flowers in shades of ivory, pink, and gray—plus a touch of orange—from Fleur anchored the ceremony and reception; the bouquets were a sophisticated accent to the gray bridesmaids dresses from J.Crew. Nina chose a classic Anne Barge gown with a jeweled waist, but as a nod to her Korean heritage, the couple’s mothers were traditional Hanboks during the ceremony. Alliance Bakery continued the sophisticated theme with a four-tier wedding cake topped with more sweet blooms, while Nina and Eric added a punch of fun color with pink and orange serving pieces from Leif.