Pictured above: River Roast | Photography by Victoria Sprung Photography, LLC

When you start planning your wedding, many would agree that the first step is to choose your venue. After all, your wedding venue sets the mood for your big day. Are you going for a rustic chic look, or do you want more of the metro vibe? Downtown Chicago offers so many amazing  venues (find our downtown venue guide here!), often with remarkable views of our beloved city.  Here are 5 you should check out, if you’re looking for the best seats in the city.

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Photography above: courtesy My Charcuterie

Whether you are looking for an elaborate display of desserts to feature alongside your wedding cake, or you’re in search of a different treat to take the spotlight, our Chicago area bakeries are experts in all things sweet.  Try one of these four delicious options for your wedding!

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Photography by Crane’s Photography (above)

You can find wedding inspiration anywhere nowadays; people find it in their favorite shows, their favorite colors, their favorite style…so why not their favorite season?

While many people get married in the summer months, the fall months are quickly gaining popularity in our region. And why wouldn’t it? The beautiful foliage and rich hues can provide the perfect tone for your rustic or rich-colored wedding.

If you’re planning an autumn wedding — or just love the season — you’ll love these ideas we’ve gathered on how to incorporate fall into your big day.

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Congratulations to Chloe and Kevin, our latest honeymoon winners! The couple will enjoy a honeymoon to Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya after their wedding, provided by Apple Vacations. Read their love story below.

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Written by Kelsey O’Shaughnessy-Podgorski | Photography by Rachael Schirano Photography

There’s a certain kind of sizzle to the atmosphere when a musician takes the stage. Whether it’s an ‘80s cover band, a jazz musician or an epic wedding band that covers all the hits, the crowd knows something big is happening the minute the mic turns on.

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Choosing the perfect wedding cake is more challenging — and more important — than you might think. Your cake is often a. centerpiece of your reception décor, which means it has to be as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. You’ll be posing next to it and photographed feeding each other the first decadent slice. You want a cake that complements your overall vibe and fits in with your carefully chosen color palette. You’ll need enough for everyone in a flavor combination that is appealing to your guests. That’s a lot to expect from one sugary confection, so let’s break it down and help make choosing the perfect cake for your big day simple and straightforward.

Written by Emily Conley | Photography by Jana Blue Photography

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Written by Emily Conley | Photography by Photography by Lauryn

A contentious relationship with your in-laws is a tried and true theme in TV shows, books and movies. While these relationships can be complicated in real life, they don’t have to be as problematic as they are portrayed. Including your spouse’s family in your wedding planning is a great first step toward a peaceful and enjoyable relationship, and should help you all feel a bit more like family.

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The Team

PLANNER/STYLIST: Event Shoppe Chicago
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Bloome
CAKE: Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Café
STATIONERY: Designed by You Invitations
LINENS & CHARGERS: F&S Linens
RENTALS: Elegant Presentations
VENUE: 21c Museum Hotel Chicago
PHOTOGRAPHY: Carrie White Photography

View full image gallery here.

Vote for your favorite design.

Written by Stephanie Seija | Photography by Meagan Lindsey Photography

When you hire a photographer for your wedding, you’re entrusting them with one of the most important aspects of your big day. Memories fade but photographs last forever! Professional photographers are talented artists and they know how to make you look your best for your engagement shoot and your wedding day. But there are also steps you can take to set your photographer up for success. With a little bit of planning, you can make decisions that will elevate your photos and create an inspiring scene for your photographer to capture. Keep reading for some practical tips that will take your wedding photographs from bland to beautiful.

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From the planner & stylist…

A very special couple decided to have the wedding of their dreams, 60 years later! Bob wanted to give Dee an intimate and personalized celebration for their milestone anniversary because they were unable to have a traditional wedding back then!

– CAROLINE EIMERMAN, SALES AND EVENT MANAGER, BELVEDERE EVENTS & BANQUETS

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY: Picture4Ever Studio
VENUE: Belvedere Events & Banquets
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Yanni Design Studio
CAKE: Delicity
COOKIES: Italian Bakery

Written by Carrie Mantey | Photography by Rachael Schirano Photography

Have you always dreamed of escaping to a European castle to say your “I do’s?” Or maybe the thought of proclaiming your love for your significant other with white-capped mountains as a backdrop makes your heart flutter? Hosting a destination wedding can be a memorable event your guests won’t soon forget, however, there can be challenges that you should account for during your planning to make it an amazing experience for everyone involved.

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The Team

PLANNER/STYLIST: Sarah Kathleen Events
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Town & Country Gardens
CAKE: The Quintessential Cake
CALLIGRAPHY: Nerissa B. Modern Calligraphy
STATIONERY: LullaBelle Design
RENTALS: Elegant Presentations
CHAIRS & TABLE: Ellie & Rose
VENUE: The Drake Oak Brook
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jana Blue Photography

View full image gallery here.

Vote for your favorite design.

Written by Kelsey O’Shaunessy-Podgorski | Photography by Photography by Lauryn

No one wants a blemish or dried-out hair on their wedding day. You need that gorgeous newlywed glow! Follow these simple steps to achieve a radiant complexion, fabulous hair and a dazzling look for your big day.

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Written by Stephanie Seija | Photography by Photography by Lauryn

Your reception should be the pinnacle of your perfect day! Whether you’re hosting an intimate affair or a massive celebration, the reception is where your guests get to let loose and enjoy themselves. There are multiple ways to make your party unique — try one of our suggestions or come up with something that fits even better with your soirée. Mixing it up will leave your guests with extra-special memories of their time celebrating you and your big day.

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