elizabeth, Author at anticipation events

private residence, destination lakeside wedding in wisconsin

Rachel + Joe got married in August in Wisconsin at a lake house that has been in Rachel’s family for years. Rachel and her family spent summers there and her aunt (who currently lives there) was kind enough to let us absolutely take over the place for the weekend. It was a serious team effort: Rachel’s family planted and gardened all summer, her neighbors cleared an enormous field so that we could put a tent up, and all of the vendors pulled together to create this amazing wedding in a spot that a wedding was not intended to be had. The results were absolutely stunning (if I do say so myself.)

The detail that went into their day made it so personal and fantastic. The ceremony was held overlooking the lake. During the ceremony both sets of parents contributed their reflections on marriage, their friends provided music and the entire guest list joined in playing kazoos and singing “When I’m 64.” Immediately following, guests were invited to join in a champagne toast and tossed wildflower seeds into a new garden patch next to the lake. Hopefully they will be in full bloom for Rachel + Joe’s first anniversary.

glamorous chicago wedding at the blackstone hotel

Rachel + Benno’s glamorous Chicago wedding at the Blackstone Hotel was classic and super elegant. Some of my sweetest clients to date, they threw an amazing party in one of the most historic hotels in the city. On the day of their wedding I was chatting with Rachel while she was getting her hair done. I asked if she was doing okay and how the rehearsal dinner had gone the night before and then asked how Benno was doing and if she had heard from him that morning. She told me that Benno said, “Rachel, Elizabeth is seriously my second favorite woman in the world, right after you.” Love that. Love when a groom sees the value in a planner and of course what a sweetheart he is to his bride. (Then Rachel told him I was her favorite, woop!)

outdoor wedding at garfield park conservatory

Louisa + Jeff’s wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago was nothing short of simply gorgeous. Louisa and I worked together for over a year and it was such a pleasure to get to see how all of the planning came together on a perfect day for the happy couple.

urban architectural artifacts wedding

Katie + Bobby were married in May of this year at St. Mary of the Angels church and had their reception at the ever-popular Architectural Artifacts. They were such an easy couple to work with, so laid back and calm and everything went right on schedule. Katie’s dad walking her down the aisle could not have been sweeter and the amount of toasts from siblings and friends was a true testament to how many people love these two. (And also perhaps that they had been waiting for this day for awhile?!) Dan, a friend of the couple and of Broadway fame, sang while Bobby and his mom danced and then the entire guest list tore the dance floor up all night long. A lovely night filled with the most lovely people at one of the most fun venues in the city (we love a good Architectural Artifacts wedding!).

For the win? Indeed. For the win.

*all photos courtesy of the ubiquitous Megan of Megan Bearder Photography

Katie + Bobby’s Vendors
Ceremony: St. Mary of the Angels
Reception: Architectural Artifacts
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering + Cake: Froggy’s Catering
Photography: Megan Bearder Photography
Florist: Ashland Addison Florist
DJ: Cross Fader King
Lighting: Chicago Lighting Design
Hair + Make-up: Francesca at Thomas West Salon
Transportation: Windy City Limo + Second City Trolley
Ceremony Musicians: Stephen Noon, David Jonies + Dave Johnson from Chicago Bagpipers

destination wedding at joslyn art museum

This is my sister. Pretty little darlin’ isn’t she? She married her true love in August in Omaha at St. Barnabas Parish and the reception was held at Joslyn Art Museum. I don’t want to wax on too much about it just because she is my sister, but let me tell you how interesting it was to be the day-of coordinator and maid-of-honor. At most weddings when I am working, I tend to get to sit down and take a break for the first time all day during the wedding toasts. Usually I shove some food down and chug a few waters but not this time, this time I was on deck to toast the heck out of the happy couple. (#nailedit) Usually when the guests get dancing, I pack everything up and get it ready for the family. This time Jacob’s cousin was teaching me “the pretzel” as I tore up that dance floor. Usually, I only know the bride & groom and maybe their parents. This time, I knew over half of the crowd, many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was an exhausting weekend but totally worth it, though I do recommend choosing one or the other, except on the most special of occasions.

Wedding planner fail: I obviously was not specific enough about when the darling ring bearer Corbin was supposed to stop pulling the wagon. He just tried to truck that thing (Liam and all) right up the steps and onto the alter. Luckily Jacob and I both have quick reflexes.