Featured Photo by Nicole Donnelly Photography

What

Depending on your reception venue’s hours or noise restrictions, your party might have to close down before you’re done celebrating. This is when the after- party comes in! Whether you want to wind down with a drink or dance the night away, many couples choose to extend the festivities beyond the reception itself.

While it’s a good idea to have some after-party plans in mind, it’s often an event that arises spontaneously.

As the night progresses and last call approaches, you and your guests may realize you’re not quite ready to call it a night. Don’t feel pressured to plan an elaborate after-party that you may be too exhausted to enjoy. Keep some ideas in mind, but remember that most wedding after-parties occur organically.

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Featured Photo by Kate Scott Photography

What

You’re recovering from a long weekend with a packed timeline; consider the farewell brunch as a relaxed closing to it all. Depending on how the night ended, this gathering allows guests to say their goodbyes and not feel rushed. An informal buffet- style brunch works great, as guests can come and go as they please. Let attendees know that they can stop by anytime within a two- or three-hour period to offer any final congratulations and grab a bite.

A buffet or an à la carte menu are easy ways to feed your guests without much stress; offer light breakfast options that do not require a sit- down meal, like muffins, quiche or donuts. While a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar is always festive, be sure to have plenty of coffee and water as well!

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Drawing inspiration from the playful love stories in romantic comedies, a vision of pink, sage and ivory unfolded in the Emerald Room at Chicago Gaelic Park. As is often seen in romcoms, this styled shoot showcased the unlikely couple: a mix of traditional and modern. The venue itself, Chicago Gaelic Park, is a cultural center dedicated to preserving Irish heritage and traditions. However, this styled shoot proved that opposites attract and modern weddings can thrive in this kind of setting. From ribbon-bound vow books, a private vow reading in the venue’s Claddagh Falls unfolded like a scene out of “When Harry Met Sally.” While on the other end of tradition, flash photography captured the couple playfully raising their glasses of Guinness at The Carraig Pub. These romantic scenes would make Nora Ephron herself swoon.

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By Alexandra Dillard | Feature Photo by Nicodem Creative

It’s true, wedding transportation often gets overlooked in favor of the more flamboyant elements of the day. But you can’t discount the luxury of feeling prepared and staying on-schedule. From arriving at the ceremony in style to making a grand exit with your beloved, wedding transportation ensures everyone is in the right place at the right time. To navigate the world of wedding transportation, take these tips and considerations into account. Before you know it, you’ll be riding off into the sunset with your spouse!

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

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LOCATION Nobu Hotel Chicago
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Ed & Aileen Photography
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
HAIR & MAKEUP Bella Bridal Beauty
JEWELRY Razny Jewelers
GOWN PROVIDERS All About the Gown, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride Bridal Boutique, Kathryn’s Bridal, LBR Bridal, Veiled By ChaCha, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
SHOES Alterre
FLORAL Ashland Addison
SWEETS Vanille Patisserie
MODELS Carlee Lefebvre, Rune Models; Ashley Voom, One Management; Portia Watznauer, Rune Models

Art Deco style, which symbolized hope amidst upheaval a century ago, is brought to life at The LaSalle Chicago in a stylish vision of opulence and optimism. The grand staircase and lavish ballroom, adorned with rich wood, luxurious stone and gold accents, set the stage for a celebration of heritage and luxury. Gilt-edged plates and gold serving ware from The Festive Frog grace the tables, while StemLine Creative’s towering floral structures burst with roses and orchids. From the geometric textiles to the commanding views of Chicago’s skyscrapers, every detail signals the luxury and heritage that belong at The LaSalle — hearkening to the past while boldly looking into the future.

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By Tionna M. Van Gundy, CSEP, Wedicity | Featured Photo by Anamaria Vieriu Photography

Working with couples all across the country, our team realized how little information there is about wedding hotel room blocks, why you need them and what you need to know about them. So we’ve crafted this guide to explain everything you need to consider when contracting a hotel room block for your wedding guests.

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BW Studio + Events led their team to create a playful and whimsical setting, inviting guests to view a springtime garden through sepia-colored glasses. Esther Gallarday Photography captured the creations of BW Studio + Events, Creative Cakes, Elements Preserved Vintage Rental, Emery Ann Design, Floral Expressions and Marquee Event Rentals in the historic Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station.

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Led by Wedicity, this Designers’ Challenge team created a stunning display that evoked a Moroccan sunset in the heart of downtown Chicago. Hosted at The Forum at 110 N. Wacker, the artistic visions of Amore Creative, Branching Out Chicago, ECBG Cake Studio, F&S Linens, Tablescapes Event Rentals, Wedicity and XO Art & Design were beautifully captured by Winterlyn Photography.

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At The Highland Loft, Kristina Jones Events led their Designers’ Challenge team into a blown-glass dreamscape. To showcase this vision, The Black Tie Studio captured the works of Delish Cakes, Elegant Presentations, Kristina Jones Events, Maxe Designs and Willrett Flower Company against the textured, brick backdrop of the venue.

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Headed by Designed and Detailed Event Management, this Designers’ Challenge team sailed away and made waves on Lake Michigan. Inspired by the sensation of being swept away by the water, they showcased innovative and playful ways to experiment at sea. Shane Cleminson Photography captured the dreamy work of BBJ La Tavola, Delish Cakes, Designed and Detailed, Marquee Event Rentals, Nerissa B Modern Calligraphy and Town & Country Gardens aboard the Spirit of Navy Pier.

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By Carol Badaracco Padgett | Edited by Kristen Rouse

It’s a well-known statement that your wedding invitation is your guest’s first glimpse at your wedding. Your wedding website, however, is a very close second.

Your wedding website allows you to communicate with everyone, all in one place. It provides an online hub for details regarding the ceremony, wedding reception, any necessary travel info — and perhaps even a look at your love story.

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We have three words for you: Sofia Richie Grainge. Surely you’ve seen the world’s favorite it-girl plastered all over your phone screen. She’s inspiring fashion trends across all occasions, but most notably bridal. Everything from her effortlessly dewy makeup to her timeless wedding outfits and accessories is to die for. Here’s what to look for when curating the ultimate cool girl wedding wardrobe. 

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Pictured save-the-date stationery by Nerissa B Modern Calligraphy

As you check off your wedding planning tasks, one of the first big decisions will be sending out “Save-The-Dates.” These crucial pieces of snail mail not only inform guests of the upcoming nuptials with a request to attend, but they also set the tone for your wedding. Such pieces of stationery are the first part of your wedding that your guests will see, and therefore will set the stage for the theme, tone and experience your big day will take on.

But what does it take to create a beautiful and functional Save-The-Date? Here are 10 key things to keep in mind when designing and sending out wedding save-the-dates.

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