To celebrate the release of our 2025 issue, we teamed up with Wedicity for a night to remember: a vibrant, Tulum-meets-Chicago Sunset Soirée aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of Chicago. With over 550 guests, iconic skyline views, and a sunset sail capped by fireworks, this was our biggest (and most unforgettable!) release party yet.

Held on July 9 and docked at Navy Pier, the four-level dining yacht became a floating celebration of Chicago’s incredible wedding community. Guests explored each deck while enjoying signature bites and cocktails from City Cruises, flipping through our new issue, and dancing the night away.

The evening’s success was due in large part to the powerhouse planning team at Wedicity: Tionna M. Van Gundy, Kristina Flens, and Giovanna Danno. Known for their guest-centric approach and eye for detail, they crafted an experience that celebrated not just the magazine, but the people who bring Chicago’s wedding industry to life. (more…)

In the heart of Chicago, the Seven Star Venue transformed into a kaleidoscope of color, culture and contemporary style.

Planned by The Event Agency and FRWD Style Weddings and Events, the styled shoot reimagines modern wedding aesthetics through the lively lens of Caribbean Carnival. Bold hues, intricate patterns and a spirit of joyful maximalism set the scene, inviting couples to envision a celebration as dynamic and vibrant as their love story. With its fusion of rich cultural traditions and fashion-forward details, every moment felt like an invitation to celebrate love in full color.

From the co-planner …

This immersive experience, inspired by the exuberance of Caribbean Carnival and the boldness of fashion art, showcased how maximalism can harmoniously blend with romance to create unforgettable wedding moments.

– Moinyett Pruett, Venue Manager, Seven Star Venue 

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ann Burton Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER: S.A.F. Films
VENUE: Seven Star Venue
PLANNERS: FRWD Style, The Event Agency
FLORAL & DECOR: Belle Époque Floristry
STYLIST: Heike Jones for FRWD Style
GOWN: LVLY Bride
RECEPTION DRESS: AKIRA
STATIONERY: FRWD Style
CATERING: Cocina Fusion
CAKE: Tee Tee’s Sweets
TABLETOP RENTALS: Tablescapes Event Rentals
LINENS: Windy City Linens
ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Blk Soldier
MODELS: Chaundia Jones, Darnell Starks Jr

WRITTEN BY Blair Woerfel, BW Studio + Events | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gretchen Wittry Photography

If you’re wedding planning, you’ve probably considered getting a block of rooms at a local hotel for all of your guests to take advantage of, right? But how do they work? And what are some good rules of thumb when you’re weighing one block against the other?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. The full-service planners at BW Studio are here to unpack hotel blocks with you! (more…)

Feature Photo of CMB Catering

Chicago’s culinary scene is unmatched and attracts some of the world’s top chefs. By pairing a sincere passion for food with pure talent, these Chicago culinary artists are sure to elevate your wedding day meal. Not only will you be served a work of art, but your guests will also talk about the delectable meal for years to come.

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Forkfuls of fettuccine, freshly powdered cannolis and flickering candlelight set the scene for this indulgent and intimate celebration.

Orchestrated by Alex McCarron Events and Kearney Rae Photo, this wedding vision brings old-world charm to the cozy corners of Orso’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Old Town. Inspired by reimagined drapery and Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, the shoot team embraced rich, earthy hues and flowing textiles as their focal points. From the frothy espresso martinis to the warm glow of vintage chandeliers, every detail signals that indulgence can be savored, especially when pasta is on the menu.

From the Photographer & Planner …

We were inspired to capture a wedding in a setting that has become increasingly popular — restaurants. Today’s couples are looking to think outside of the box and opt for a celebration that is both unique and stylish, offering more character and intimacy.

– Kearney Pluth, owner, Kearney Rae Photo & Alex McCarron, owner, Alex McCarron Events

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kearney Rae Photo
VENUE: Orso’s Restaurant
PLANNER: Alex McCarron Events
FLORAL & DECOR: Ashland Addison Florist
STATIONERY: XO Art and Design
DRAPING: Elevated Events Chicago
HAIR & MAKEUP: Feeling Pretty Inc.
GOWN: Dimitra’s Bridal Couture
FORMALWEAR: Generation Tux
CATERING & CAKE: Orso’s Restaurant
CONTENT CREATOR: Social Brides Collective
MODELS: Mia Gindlesperge, Stone Sirpilla

COVER PHOTOS BY Danielle Heinson Photography, Cailynn Wolfgang Photo, Nichole Babiez Photography, Alex Ferreri, Dabble Me This

Grab your forks and knives — it’s time to talk catering! Specifically, service style. Likely, you’ve dreamed up which sentimental dishes and tantalizing flavors you want to be featured at your wedding, but what about how they will be served? When you find your perfect caterer, the first question they likely will ask you will be along the lines of, “Are you imagining plated meals or buffet-style services?” So you need to be prepared to answer with confidence!

Two of the most common catering options are plated dinners and buffet-style service. Each of these offers unique benefits, allowing couples to craft a culinary experience that fits the vibe of the rest of the day. Let’s explore both options:

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONROphotography

While you’ve been busy with dresses, inspo boards and timelines, there’s one thing many nearlyweds forget to plan for: the beauty routine leading up to the big day. Even the most talented makeup artist needs a great canvas to work with.

To help you glow your brightest as you walk down the aisle, we gathered expert-approved tips. Including insights from our friends at Legendary Spa, these tips will have you feeling absolutely radiant. (more…)

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY Karin Miller and Jeff Myers, EV Photography

In an age where humanity is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, solving problems with quantum computing and delivering packages in two days or less, it makes sense that we are utilizing digital cameras that produce balanced, sharp and vibrant images in an instant. In contrast, shooting with film is the wild west. So, why the renewed resurgence of film in wedding photography? Once considered a niche trend, film has been firmly reestablished not just as a stylistic photography choice but as a mainstay in modern wedding documentation. (more…)

WRITTEN BY Alana Coney, Wags of Love | PHOTO BY Nichole Babiez Photography

Let’s face it: dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. These beloved, furry friends are a part of your everyday life. They’ve been there through it all: the highs and lows, the awkward first dates, the new apartment adventures and the late-night takeout marathons. So when it comes to your wedding day, it’s only natural to want your four-legged best buddy to be by your side.

But here’s the thing — including your pet in your big day isn’t as simple as tying a bowtie around their collar. Weddings are full of excitement, unpredictability and delicate logistics. That’s where a pet wedding attendant comes in. Yes, it’s a real thing! Because your pup deserves their own wedding day VIP treatment, too. (more…)

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Maura Black Photography

Florals have a way of transforming a wedding from lovely to jaw-dropping. From framing your walk down the aisle to the tablescapes your guests admire over dinner, florals bring texture and emotion into every corner of your celebration. It’s safe to say they do some serious heavy lifting when it comes to setting the tone. So, when flowers are one of the most photographed parts of your day, where do you even begin?

If your only floral experience involves grabbing a plastic-wrapped bouquet at the entrance of Trader Joe’s or sending sympathy arrangements, you’re not alone. Planning wedding flowers is an entirely different game. But with a little prep and the right florist, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down step by step. (more…)

Wedding fashion never stands still. While the classics always hold their place, each season brings a crop of new trends worth watching. From sleek silhouettes to soft, romantic textures, here are the standout styles making waves in 2025.

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Set at theWit Chicago, H.B.I.C. Weddings led their Designers’ Challenge team in an editorial that dared to defy the expected. Trading neutrals for a riot of color, tradition for bold creativity and predictable elegance for something far more unforgettable, the team — including Amore Creative, Sandra Armenteros, Ashland Addison Florist, ECBG Cake Studio, H.B.I.C. Weddings and Tablescapes — transformed theWit’s sleek, modern spaces into a celebration of maximalist design.

Inspired by the lavish spirit of Marie Antoinette and the grandeur of Versailles, the design wove in the rich, saturated tones of a Thai daydream, blending old-world opulence with vibrant worldly flair. Each vignette — whether a romantic rooftop sweetheart table, a neon-lit floral installation or a richly layered ballroom tablescape — told its own story of creative rebellion and fearless celebration.

Rooted in luxury and infused with cross-cultural flair, this team’s East-meets-West vision proves that weddings don’t have to play into the status quo. In a wedding world so often drawn to neutrals and minimalism, this Designers’ Challenge boldly asks: Why not more? Why not extraordinary?

We set out to create a design that demanded a second glance, inviting viewers to lean in and uncover the layers of detail and artistry woven throughout.

– Diane Brisk, H.B.I.C Weddings

The Team

PLANNER H.B.I.C. Weddings
FLORAL Ashland Addison Florist
CAKE ECBG Cake Studio
STATIONERY Amore Creative
RENTALS Tablescapes
VENUE theWit Chicago, A Hilton Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHY Sandra Armenteros

Seated (Left to Right): Diane Brisk, H.B.I.C. Weddings; Riley Lorenzini, Ashland Addison Florist; Daphne Kirby, TheWit Chicago, A Hilton Hotel; Andrew Rivera, Ashland Addison Florist

Standing (Left to Right): Erin Martin, ECBG Cake Studio; Sandra Armenteros, Sandra Armenteros; Wiso Rivera, Ashland Addison Florist; Andres Betanzos, Ashland Addison Florist

Not Pictured: Jessica D’Amore, Amore Creative

VOTE NOW!

There’s something incredibly charming and nostalgic about a heritage-inspired wedding. Celebrating the elegance of a bygone era and embracing the charm of timeless tradition, this style embraces subtle opulence and careful curation. Thoughtful, intentional elements are woven into every detail to create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that makes every moment feel like a cherished memory in the making.

“Heritage Romance” Handpicked by… Malia Hollander, Owner & Principal Planner at Wildflower Weddings & Events

Cover Photos by M.W. Collective & TWA Photographic Artists

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COVER PHOTOS BY Studio Zwerveling, Nicodem Creative, Lisa Blume Photography, Anamaria Vieriu Photography, Karly Ellis Photography, Kearney Rae Photo

From what you hold down aisle to the makings of your tablescapes, your florals sets the mood for your celebration. From fresh takes on bouquets to bold new blooms, these floral trends are blooming big in 2025. (more…)

COVER PHOTOS BY Kate Scott Photography, Nichole Babiez Photography,  Alex Ferreri,  Alana Lindenfeld Photography, Karlie Dru Photography, Cailynn Wolfgang Photo

Looking to dress up your day in unforgettable ways? From playful touches to statement textiles, these fresh decor trends are taking weddings to the next level. (more…)