Tag Archives: ae

forget me knodt + the grand opening spectacular

A week ago today my dear friend Janessa held a grand opening party for her new flower shop Forget Me Knodt. I had the pleasure of coordinating for her and spent the day in the store getting it prepped for the literally hundreds of guests who showed up, packed the store and poured out onto the sidewalk. Everyone I talked to that night kept commenting on how many people showed up (in the pouring rain, no less) to show their support for Janessa, so you know she’s obviously going to be a super successful megastar.

The lovely folks from Fig Catering brought in delicious snacks and an amazing Forget Me Knodt cocktail garnished with a fresh flower that everyone had at least four of. Neil Dixon Smith provided some tunes that sounded amazing even though I crammed him onto a stool in the corner and Janessa’s friends at Baker & Nosh sent over delicious desserts.

As I am wont to do, I hitched a bit of my wagon to her shooting star. She placed the very first wholesale order from Bad Loo Loo and I couldn’t have been more ecstatic about it. I really can’t believe that an adorable boutique like hers carries my prints, pillows, mugs and tea towels. It’s starting to make me think….

I’m lucky to know such a wonderful person who I get to work with and also call my friend. Congrats on your amazing success Janessa and I really can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next. Hopefully a day off and a very long nap! xo

lindsay + bobby go to summer camp

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Lindsay + Bobby were married last August at Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin which in an incredible place to visit and a spectacular setting for a wedding.

With a wedding in Wisconsin, a planner in Chicago, photographer in Washington state and a bride and groom in California, it was a huge team effort to see this weekend of fun come together. Guests were invited to come for the entire weekend and many took advantage of everything Camp Wandawega has to offer: canoes were rowed, archery lessons commenced, s’mores were roasted and possibly a beer or two was drunk between old friends.

Lindsay and my taste are pretty spot on, so our collaboration was so easy right from the start. From their amazing invitation suite to all of the glorious DIY details, AE’s Facebook feed was blowing up all weekend long.

With ceremony music featuring Rogue Wave and Q Tip, and a gentle breeze off Lake Wandawega we were off to an amazing start.

The reception was rocking. Tons of delicious food served family-style, lots of home and locally brewed beers, dancing, doughnuts and a bonfire at the end of the party. Perfectly styled and completely in love. That’s how we like it here at Anticipation Events. So happy we were a part of this amazing day.

*eye candy courtesy of the wonderfully talented Sergio at Sergio Mottola Photography

Lindsay + Bobby’s Vendors
Ceremony + Reception: Camp Wandawega
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering: Underground Food Collective
Tent/Lighting: Sperry
Doughnuts: Elkhorn Bakery
Photography: Sergio Mottola Photography
DJ: Style Matters
Florist: Abundance Acres
Vintage Dishes: Frances Lane
Aisle Poofs: Marcie Lynn Walker
Vintage Napkins: Midwest Textiles
Reclaimed wood bar: Dan Ryan
Dress Designer: Miss Tashina
Suit: Hugo Boss
Handpainted Signs, Boutonnieres + Welcome Bag artwork: Jared Grellner

mary susan + peter + their southern hospitality

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Mary Susan + Peter got married in rural Arkansas in October. Their ceremony was held at a private residence overlooking a cotton field in honor of Mary Susan’s father who worked in them his whole life. Their reception was held at Bartlett Barn and though it rained intermittently all weekend long, you’d never be able to tell from these gorgeous ‘getting ready’ photos.

Lots of hands made this wedding. Mary Susan’s brother built what can only be described as a ‘set’ for their ceremony including doors for the bridal party to walk through and windows all around the guest seating. It was my favorite outdoor chapel to date. Mary Susan’s mom gathered cotton, dishes, grew succulents among many other things, and friends and family brought some of the most delicious desserts you have ever seen. There is such a thing as southern hospitality. If I wasn’t sure before being a part of this wedding, I am convinced now.

Back at the barn we had to scrap half of the outdoor seating as the rain picked up, but the family-style seating along with a few last minute tables we were able to bring in and set-up meant that everyone had room to sit and TONS of delicious southern cooking to fill their plates. I also got to go hog-wild propping and styling every little corner of the barn, which I loved because this northern girl doesn’t ever get beautiful cotton stalks to play with in unlimited quantities.

*all photos courtesy of Angela at Angela J. Martin Photography

Mary Susan + Peter’s Vendors
Ceremony: Private Residence
Reception: Bartlett Barn
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering: Carmen Phelps
Desserts: Family and friends
Photography: Angela J. Martin Photography
Florist: The Blossom Shop
Guest Hotel: Mallard Pointe Duck Club

indie wed.

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What the hell is this Indie Wed thing you keep talking about? From the horse’s mouth: “Indie Wed is THE alternative to the traditional bridal expo. For those in the midst of wedding planning, Indie Wed offers a one stop shop for all the best wedding artisans and professionals from the Midwest and beyond. Not only is our focus on promoting and supporting small, independent (indie) businesses, but also couples with an independent spirit.”

I was thrilled to be chosen as one of the vendors and wanted to make sure that I killed it. Take a look, if you please, at how it all turned out.

I spent way too long making my backdrop but was really happy with how it turned out. It’s all tissue paper and love. We had three hours to set-up at Ravenswood Event Center the day before the show and I cut all of the chevrons and fringe then. I morphed into a bizarre combination of Edward Scissorhands and Martha Stewart, but it was worth it and I finished in the nick of time. Ryan came to capture some shots for me, caught a few of me in action and I managed to step in front of the table to snap a quick i-phone picture of Katie chatting it up!

I spent a ton of time preparing for the show: tying my business cards to rock candy sticks for guests to take, packing up candy for the “swag bags,” and putting together packets of information about our services that I tied together with ribbon, hand-stamped each envelope and closed with some adorable black and white polka-dotted tape. Also, Indie Wed proved the perfect excuse to debut my new business cards which I had been wanting to design for awhile. So cute, right?

As if that wasn’t enough to do, for the very first time, I attempted to sell some things that I had crafted. I was very pleased with the results. Stay tuned for an Etsy store announcement soon.

All in all it was a fantastic day: I met tons of lovely ladies (and gentlemen) some of whom I hope will become frients (client-friends), I sold some things I made and got to reconnect with and meet a lot of new friendors (vendor-friends). Thanks to Indie Wed for a fabulous show!

*eye candy courtesy of the generous and helpful Ryan of Ryan Moore Photography who not only took all of these lovely photos for me but also helped me hang my backdrop and carry a million loads of my crap up the stairs of Ravenswood Event Center.

we did it.

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We won thanks to the love from our 2012 clients! Yay!

“WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards recipients represent the top five percent of wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism.”

wedding wire 2013

Happy New Year indeed!