WRITTEN BY Klaudia Donovan, Glam Atelier | FEATURE PHOTO BY Ashley Ice Photography

I have a controversial opinion: I don’t think weddings need to be timeless.

Actually, I don’t think they should be. Somewhere along the way, brides got sold this idea that “timeless” is the gold standard. Timeless dress, timeless hair, timeless makeup, timeless photos, timeless decor. As if the ultimate goal is to create a wedding so stripped of personality that no one could ever accuse it of belonging to a specific era. And I’m sorry, but I think that is such a sad way to approach something that is supposed to be personal, emotional and full of life. (more…)

With café lights glowing overhead and beams of light pouring through steel-framed windows, the sun rose on a new chapter for what was once an industrial factory. Planned by Capstone Occasions, this styled shoot at Starline Factory mingled nostalgic details — stacked books, glass filigree dishes and vintage trinkets — with raw wood and worn brick interiors. Vivid florals peppered with gerbera daisies and craspedia stems brightened the textured backdrop, the whole space glowing the way sun feels on your face on a slow morning. (more…)

Vendors

LOCATION Tortoise Supper Club
PHOTOGRAPHY Sandra Armenteros
VIDEOGRAPHY Luis Andres Films
HAIR Rannia Maria
MAKEUP Nia Dynasty
JEWELRY CD Peacock
MENSWEAR Wool & Linen
GOWN PROVIDERS Bri’Zan Couture, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, LVA Bride, Sew Bridal Boutique, Silva Gega Bridal Atelier
FLORAL & DESIGN Ashland Addison Florist
CHINOISERIE VASES Dish & Décor Vintage Rental
STYLING Alexandra Dillard, A.C.E. Styling
CONTENT CREATION Unveil the Day
MODELS Elly Steffen with 10 MGMT, Manny Whitfield

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ashley Ice, Ashley Ice Photography

When planning a luxury wedding in Chicago, there is often a vision that goes far beyond what can realistically happen within a single day.

From iconic architecture and refined interiors to private restaurants and curated city moments, Chicago offers an extraordinary backdrop for wedding photography. And yet, what many couples don’t fully realize until they’re living it: No amount of careful planning can change that a wedding day timeline has real limits. (more…)

WRITTEN BY Ross Hunt, unMuddled Bartending Company

Ross Hunt has spent years behind the bar — and in front of couples who have no idea what they’re getting themselves into when it comes to wedding drinks. As the owner of unMuddled Bartending Co. in Chicago and a certified cocktail nerd, Hunt has fielded every question imaginable about wedding bar service. Here, he breaks it all down.

After the venue and the dress, the bar might be the thing your guests are most excited about. No pressure! The wedding bar world comes with its own language, logistics and even a few “wait, we had to think about that?!” moments. Consider this your cheat sheet to all things wedding bar service, straight from someone who does this every weekend. (more…)

FEATURE PHOTO BY Peacemade Photography

“In many Indian traditions, white symbolizes loss and mourning. But in much of the West, it represents beginnings and promise. When these meanings meet, something new emerges — and something is borrowed. In this vision, white attire and accents don’t reject tradition — they redefine it. White becomes a meeting point, carrying memory and hope, showing that meaning is not fixed. It evolves.”

– “Something Borrowed” Handpicked by … AJ Kokate, Head Planner, Kokate Events

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Gucci Flora — one of the most beloved collections of wedding fragrances — was created to be a celebration of indelible joy for free- spirited muses, and this editorial is its living counterpart. At Chicago Illuminating Company, the venue’s industrial bones softened against hand-painted linens and immersive florals, while unexpected pops of chartreuse and sartorial bridal looks curated by Something White Styling injected unmistakable “Chicago cool.” Thoughtfully designed yet effortlessly chic, every detail flirted with duality — familiar at its foundation, daringly fashion-forward at its edges.

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Vendors

VENUE Venue 5126
PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT CREATION Winterlyn Photography
VIDEOGRAPHY Clover & Hive
FLORAL & DESIGN Floral 5126
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
HAIR & MAKEUP Feeling Pretty Inc.
JEWELRY Bella Cosa Jewelers
GOWNS Analia’s Bridal, The Crystal Bride, Grace + Ivory, Kathryn’s Bridal, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
MODEL Maile Church with The Rock Agency

WRITTEN BY Delcia Norwood, Love, DIA Couture and Fashion | FEATURE PHOTO BY Wonder & Magic

Whether you’ve been sewing since childhood, picked up a few tricks watching “The Great British Sewing Bee” or have never sewn a button, bridal alterations can feel confusing, overwhelming and downright scary! A quick Google search turns up dozens of providers with no real way to know who to trust, what to budget or which great sewist is worth your time. But with this guide, I’ll help you cut through the noise and find a pro who will give you a great experience. (more…)

WRITTEN BY Linda Trevoy, Shamrock Garden Florist | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Sabrina Keepman Photography

I  know what every couple is thinking: picking flowers will be easy.

You have the inspiration photos and the Pinterest boards and the little square color swatches from your bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen’s ties. And frankly, you’re absolutely sure someone is going to be upset if a gardenia is nowhere to be found.

But while most couples walk in armed with all of that and more, very few have a clear plan for how to make it all work. They may have a general sense of what they like, but translating that into what fits their wedding, their venue and their budget isn’t always as simple as it looks.

After more than 40 years in the floral business, I’ve learned that firsthand. And I’ve seen just about every mistake. (more…)

Clay cantarritos brimming with tulips, tuna cacti repurposed as bud vases, the bride crowned in a traditional floral headpiece — this styled shoot led by Vanessa Delaney of Bridget Mary Weddings & Events is a love letter to the modern Mexican-American wedding. To bring Mexican folk artistry into the modern age, the team played with a festive color story of pink, orange, lavender and green. From stationery written in Spanglish to centerpieces layered with dried chiles and marigolds, idioma, amor and cultura are centered, not softened.

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FEATURE PHOTO BY Nicole Sisco Photography

“Raspberry foliage can add a really distinctive texture and “garden-gathered” feel to wedding florals. It works especially well for couples wanting something organic, romantic, slightly whimsical or fruit-forward without feeling overly themed.”

– “Raspberry Romance” Handpicked by …Megan Dell’Aringa, Co-Owner, Floral Expressions and Gifts Inc.

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Feature Photo of Sew Bridal Boutique

This summer’s New To The Scene highlights our favorite additions to the Chicagoland scene, from the recently opened businesses to sparkling new renovations. Stay in the loop and check out these fresh picks!

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FEATURE PHOTO FROM The Bartolotta Restaurants

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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WRITTEN BY Vivian Chung, VIVIANxCO Flower Preservation

Your wedding bouquet is more than just flowers. It carries the emotion, intention and memory of one of the most meaningful days of your life. From the walk down the aisle to the final moments of the night, it’s woven into nearly every part of your celebration. But when handled with intention from the start, it can become a lasting part of your story.

What many couples don’t realize is that what happens in the first 24 to 72 hours after the wedding plays a significant role in how well those flowers can be preserved. Small decisions during that window can affect everything from color retention to the overall structure of the final piece.

If you’re planning to preserve your bouquet, here are five common mistakes to avoid. (more…)