real anticipation events' weddings Archives | Page 37 of 43

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.

I love you little family, thanks for including me in your big day!

*all photos by the effusive Matt of Iwen Exposures

Sarah + Jacob’s Vendors
Ceremony: St. Barnabas Parish
Reception: Joslyn Art Museum
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering: Hap Abraham Catering
Photography: Iwen Exposures
Florist: Flowers for Special Occasions
Videography: The Silver Screen
Hair + Make-up: Bungalow 8
Cake: Cupcake Island
Transportation: Royal Limousine
Rentals: AAA Rentals

city wedding at intercontinental o’hare

My new favorite pictures are these amazing bridal portraits I keep seeing. First this one, and now the gorgeous Christine. Brett married this lovely lady in July at Holy Family Parish in Chicago. Their wedding fell on the last day of a historic heat wave that hit Chicago with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees for days in a row. You’ll see in the pictures below how absolutely stunning Holy Family is, however, one thing gorgeous, old churches tend not to have is air-conditioning. After fighting rush hour traffic on Friday and the serious risk of melting in church, I made sure we did the worlds fastest rehearsal (seriously, blink and you missed it) and got them out into the (basically non-existent breeze) ASAP. Saturday we caught a break and hit a high of only 98 degrees but what a difference it made. In the end, the heat didn’t matter: these two art teachers put so much work and love into their day, they were all smiles all day long and most definitely ready to party by the time the reception rolled around. Not to mention we found out the American Idols were touring in Chicago and staying at the hotel.

Let’s get to the incredible details shall we? I mentioned they are both art teachers right? Holy moly did they kill it in that department. I’ve included some shots instagrammed by yours truly because I was loving it. So many colors and so much personality in all of their details. They handmade all of the table cards and holders that went with them, had a candy bar, a chocolate fountain AND a cotton candy machine. Amazing. In the cocktail area they put up a bunch of their engagement pictures in which a chalk fight was captured on film. (Why wasn’t I invited? So fun…) In addition, some original artwork they created was displayed and of course a fabulously colorful twist on announcing the bridal party: light sabers, which caused epileptic shock in the absolute best way possible.

Congrats love birds. I have no doubt the amazing amount of color that will be brought into the world because of the two of you. Thanks for letting Phillip Phillips and I both be a part of your big day.

*all photos by the lovely Luis + Clarissa of I Luv Photo

Christine + Brett’s Vendors
Ceremony: Holy Family Parish
Reception + Catering: Intercontinental O’Hare
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
DJ: Annalise (DJ Lion Tamer) of Fig Media
Photography: I Luv Photo
Florist + Rentals: M & M Special Events
Videography: Delack Media Group
Make-up: Stephanie Negrete
Photobooth: Shutterbooth Photo Booth
Cake: Take the Cake
Transportation: The Trolley Car & Bus Co.
Lighting: PSAV Lighting

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