So you already know that Elizabeth & Mike got married. And that it was a glorious, intimate Chicago wedding at A New Leaf. But you need details! And pictures! And fluffy clouds and rainbows! So here you go….
It all started with a little yellow pair of shoes at The Sofitel downtown.
Elizabeth got a finishing touch on her veil before seeing her groom for the first time while Mike got all spruced up and ready for his bride.
So Elizabeth picked up that gorgeous train and hailed a cab instead.
A photo shoot downtown occurred, until that pesky “day-of” timeline insisted that they stop and come get married already! So they walked away until these guys insisted on one more song…
Back at A New Leaf things were ready to go and a bridal party was demanding to be photographed!
Mike and Elizabeth had one last quiet moment together alone…
It was time…
and just like that, they did it!
Elizabeth’s sister (and Maid of Honor) Katie, gave a hilarious toast to the newlyweds.
They shared some cake, a dance and some quiet time in the ribbon room before the party ended and they jetted off to Italy for their honeymoon.
It just could not have been easier or more fun working with these two incredible people. To Mike & Elizabeth, I loved being “the other Elizabeth” in your lives during the ups and downs of wedding planning. Seeing it all come together for you on this day was beyond rewarding. While my in-box felt strangely empty after it was all over, I am so grateful to know that I will be seeing you again at another Lindner extravaganza in 2011! In the meantime, may your sandwiches never have mayo, your stockings be full of sauerkraut and your glasses full of mojito! (You truly won’t regret it.)
Elizabeth + Mike’s vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: A New Leaf
Catering: Food Evolution
Guest Accommodations: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Rehearsal Dinner: Gino’s East
Photography: Michael Rastall Photography
Florist: Rachelle with A New Leaf
Wedding Style: Anticipation Events
DJ: Kristin with Toast & Jam
Ceremony Music: Panache Entertainment
Hair: Sine Qua Non
Make-up: MAC
Cake: made by family members!
Alcohol: Binny’s Beverage Depot
Wedding Planning: Anticipation Events
Annie and Jared were married in July at the Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn in West Liberty, Iowa. It was a family and friend-filled affair to prepare for the big day and Annie really to DIY to a whole new level. The photos of this fabulous party certainly speak for themselves.
The ceremony included handmade fans, programs and lavender-sugar toss cones:
Annie and her mom walking down the aisle to a song that Annie’s late father wrote and sung. I can promise you there was not a dry eye in the house. Certainly Jared’s eyes were not dry.
Photo shoot with the couple, obsessed that their puppy dog came out to join them!
The bridal party looked amazing in their outfit picks.
Annie told me that night that the cake topper she made was her favorite thing. She said please PLEASE make sure we get a picture of it. I’d say Jagger Photography did admirable justice to that little cake topper.
The decor in the barn was absolutely stunning.
Annie and Jared moved to Iowa from the coast so many of their guests had never been to Iowa before. To give them a taste of the local flavor Annie and Jared hired a local band and square dancing caller to get the party started. Their guests really got into it.
Annie and Jared’s wedding was amazing and I was so happy to be a part of it. The entire weekend was full of family and friends, amazing food and lots of love…exactly what a wedding should be.
Annie + Jared’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn
Catering: The Motley Cow
Cake: Friend of the couple
Photography: Jagger Photography
Florist: St. Bridget’s Flower Farm
Music: Goosetown Stringband
Day of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Laura & Dan were married at Architectural Artifacts in November of 2009. If you’ve never been to Architectural Artifacts, you should definitely go over and get lost for a little while. Literally. I’ve been there three or four times now and every time I go I find a nook and then a cranny I have never seen before. Also, mannequins. Love the mannequins.
Their cake was lovely and in the background you can see their video playing. I’m going to go ahead and make a bold statement: best wedding video I’ve ever seen. Think I’m lying? Check it out here.
Dan & Laura put so many personal details into the day. A family friend and florist, Kim and her team did a magnificent job transforming the space (and were a pleasure to work with, to boot!) Their sweetheart table looked amazing and please also take note of the fountain behind it. Kim put tons of flowers and candles all over it. It was a fantastic focal point and looked insanely gorgeous. AA brides take note.
The aisle was lined with a few dozen of these vases filled with flowers. It looked gorgeous when they were all lit up! Speaking of the aisle, Laura bought a plain white aisle runner and painted their monogram on it. I swear I get the craftiest brides. And I love it.
For their guest book, Laura & Dan printed out a 2010 calendar and asked all of their guests to sign on their birthday or anniversary. I love this idea for an end of year wedding–totally useful, special and also a great way to make sure you know the special days of all of the important people in your life!
Looks like Dan sent Laura a sweet note to read before the ceremony. Good work Dan, look at that smile!
Saying “I do!” (Check out the trellis that Kim decked out. It looked a-mah-zing.
Lighting the unity candle:
I mentioned the nooks and crannies that I find each time I go to Architectural Artifacts. There are three giant floors, each a feast for the eyes and (I’m guessing) a photographer’s paradise. So many props to use, so little time.
And lastly, when Laura sent me these pictures she included a little note saying she picked out a few good detail shots of things I did and a few of her personal favorites. Of course you want all the great moments and special details captured!
*All photos in this post, courtesy of the uuber-talented: Misty Winter
Laura + Dan’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Architectural Artifacts
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Photography: Misty Winter
Photo Booth: Chicagoland Photo Booth
Videography: Blink of an Eye Productions
Florist: Kimberose
Video: Simply Unique Video
DJ: Backthird Events
Transportation: Empire Limo
Media Delivery & Rental: Trailing Edge Media
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Laura + Dan’s wedding at Salvage One in Chicago was beyond gorgeous. If you have never been there before, you should check it out. They describe themselves best, so I’m not going to mess it up: “We save architectural elements from the wrecking ball. We work to preserve and pass on our history. We have been helping our customers breathe new life into salvaged materials for nearly 30 years. We aim to take salvage further by working with you to add creativity and style to your space. Our store is over 60,000 square feet full of materials and design ideas on four floors. We have a full work shop to do custom work, and a yard full of garden and landscaping ideas.” But it’s also a wicked-cool place to have your wedding, but you better have a little bad-ass in you.
Like I said, pretty awesome, right?
Laura and Dan met through Laura’s sister via Beloit College in Wisconsin (random side note: this was random because I lived in Beloit when I was a wee little one. I went to Happy Face Preschool. Most people have never heard of Beloit- which is my point.)
Another thing that is really cool about Salvage One is that dinner is served on the second floor and the tables and chairs used are all items that are for sale at the store. It means that each table is different, some seat four and some seat 12 people, and each table has a unique set of chairs at it. It makes seating a little more complicated because if they sell one of the tables the day before your wedding, you have to re-work the seating, but you get all the chairs and tables with the rental fee and they don’t need linens as they are beautiful on their own. Check out their tables:
I love how unique their wedding was. Amazing French food, a tango for their first dance, a completely unique setting, Christmas decorations that were totally re-purposed for a wedding and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake surprise for the groom. Go Team Zeewagen!
*I like to give credit where credit is due: all pictures courtesy of Lizz via Orange 2 Photography
Laura + Dan’s Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Salvage One
Reception decor: Laura, with help from Pier One
Catering: Cook au Vin
Photography: Orange2Photo
Videography: Loudbyte Cinematography
Cake: Sweet P Sweets
Groom’s Cake: Dairy Queen
DJ: Style Matters
Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Basically Bluegrass
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
