LOCATION: South Shore Cultural Center
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rachael Schirano Photography | STYLING: Styled by Ariana
HAIR: Every Kind of Beautiful Beauty & Bridal | MAKEUP: Impressions by Laura
VIDEOGRAPHY: Phillip Christopher Filmmaker & Photographer
GOWNS: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture | Kim Kassas | Volle’s Bridal & Boutique | Veiled by Chacha Bridal Boutique | LBR Bridal (Luxe Bridal Rack)
SUITS: Knot Standard | Formally Modern Tuxedo | Armani
ACCESSORIES: Bird & Bumble | LBR Bridal | Bella Belle Shoes | Stacy Adams | Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
MODELS: Taylor Kraemer, The Rock Agency | Trevor Olson, The Rock Agency

View the Full Photo Gallery here.

Written by Micaela Fischer | Photography by Jana Blue Photography

Without a doubt, your wedding will be full of magical moments. But one of the most meaningful moments will be by far the exchanging of your vows. After all, they’re the whole reason you’re getting married in the first place! For a few short minutes, all eyes will be on the two of you as you pledge your love and devotion to each other. In fact, your vows might just be the most important words you ever speak! But no pressure, right? With everything hinging on these all-important oaths, you want them to pack the right punch. So, if you’re dying to learn the secret to creating memorable, personalized wedding vows, look no further!

START PLANNING EARLY

With so many other things to arrange, don’t let your vows get lost in all the chaos. More than any other part of the wedding, your vows should truly embody the spirit of your relationship.

This is definitely not something you want to rush! You’d hate to be scrambling at the last second and resort to snagging something subpar off the internet.

Have an open and honest conversation with your partner as early as possible to discuss your vows. If you plan on having a religious ceremony, keep in mind that some religions require the use of traditional wording in your vows. But others can be more flexible. So, always be sure to keep your officiant in the loop. That way, you can be aware of any limitations you might face.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET CREATIVE

If you want to break the mold and move beyond traditional vows, there are plenty of options. The beauty of planning a wedding is that you can really do whatever you want! Sure, there’s a customary format, but feel free to throw the rulebook out the window. You might shake things up by reading a beloved poem or moving passage from a favorite book. If either of you is a musician, you might even consider playing something meaningful that represents you as a couple. It’s totally up to you!

MAKE THEM YOUR OWN

If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you might even be so bold as to write your vows from scratch. Going this route takes a bit more work. But nothing will be more gratifying than speaking the vows you wrote as you gaze into the eyes of your betrothed. But where do you even begin with such a daunting task? Let’s break it down.

START WITH THE EASY STUFF

Before you go lunging for a pen and paper, there’s some preliminary fieldwork you should do first. Like with any major project, writing your vows involves a process. Following these first steps will help tremendously when the time comes to start writing.

Communication is everything: First and foremost, check in with each other to make sure you both agree on writing your own vows. This might seem obvious, but it’s best to have all your bases covered. After all, while you might have your heart totally set on writing your vows, your soon-to-be spouse might be a bit iffy about it. Maybe writing isn’t their forte. Or perhaps they just don’t feel comfortable being that vulnerable in front of all your friends and family. Whatever the reason, you would hate to pressure them into doing something they’re not fully onboard with. On the other hand, they might be just as thrilled by the idea as you are!

Time to talk tone: Once you both are on the same page about writing your vows, it’s time to talk about tone. Are you dreaming of poetic and romantic vows that’ll leave your crowd in tears? Or maybe something casual and funny? A lot of these decisions depend heavily on your personalities. Take some time to think about how you can incorporate the best parts of yourselves into your vows.

Agreeing on a general tone is a good way to prevent any embarrassing surprises on the day of the wedding. After all, how mortifying would it be if your fiancé/e delivered a long, heartfelt speech and you followed up by jokingly vowing to never watch your favorite Netflix shows without them? What might seem clever and funny at first could turn out to be hopelessly awkward if you don’t plan ahead.

Better together?: Along the same lines, it’s important to decide early on just how much of your vows you’ll write together. Maybe you’re the type of couple dead-set on tackling everything side-by-side. Collaboration can be a beautiful thing. You might turn it into a romantic bonding time for the two of you to reflect on your relationship and future.

Or maybe, after you’ve settled on a tone, you want to keep your vows a total surprise! Going this route will add a little extra thrill on your big day as you each eagerly await to hear what the other wrote for you. Many couples do a combination of working together and separately. There might be some parts that just make sense to collaborate on, while others you might want to keep secret.

Get inspired: If you’re stumped on how to format your vows, there are plenty of samples out there to help inspire you. Read a large variety of different examples and save the ones that speak to you. You can mix and match elements you like from your favorites to get a bare-bones idea for what you might want. You can even get inspiration from your favorite love songs, poems and stories.

Consider printing out specific lyrics to keep them nearby as you write. You might even be able to find imaginative ways to weave them into your vows!

Do some soul-searching: Before you start writing your vows, find a quiet, stress-free time when you can be alone to really think about your relationship. Create a romantic and relaxed atmosphere to get yourself in the right mindset. Pour yourself a glass of wine, coffee, hot tea or whatever else puts you most at ease. Maybe even turn on some music that reminds you of your honey. Just get comfortable and reflect on what this marriage will mean to you. What specific qualities do you adore about your spouse-to-be? What are you most looking forward to in your future together? What do you want to promise? These are the questions your vows should answer.

LET’S MOVE ON TO WRITING

Now that you have a general idea of how you want your vows to sound, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of content. Practice some free-writing. Keep a pen and paper nearby as you think about the questions above. Then, whenever you feel ready, just jot down your thoughts. It might even be a good idea to set a timer (about 10 minutes or so) in which you allow yourself to freely write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t necessarily have to make sense yet. In fact, you don’t even have to write in complete sentences! For now, just allow the pen to move across the page completely uninhibited. What’s important is that you get all your thoughts out in front of you. This is an old trick that professional writers use to kick writer’s block to the curb. And it can be just as useful as a starting point for writing your vows. Remember, the blank page is not your friend. It’s better to have a page full of messy scribbling than nothing at all.

Create an outline: You have a piece of paper filled with your semi-coherent, love-sick ramblings. Now what? It’s time to make the magic happen!

You’ll want to start by creating an outline. This will help you develop the structure you want your vows to take. Circle the big ideas from your free- writing exercise and expand on them a bit more. Then, put them into an order of importance and relevance. Maybe you want to open with how you first met, followed by the things you love about them and then close with whatever you wish to promise them. Once you have this rough sketch, writing your first draft will be much easier.

Prepare for multiple drafts: Once you’ve written your first draft, take a break. Put it in your desk drawer, or close out of that document, and just walk away for a few days — maybe more. This really helps to clear your head. So, when you finally come back, you’re looking at it with fresh eyes. Distancing yourself makes the revision process so much easier since areas that need improvement will be more obvious.

It’s very possible that you’ll have to repeat this process several times before you end up with a version you feel satisfied with. At the same time, know when to call it quits. Be careful that you don’t become overly critical of your work. There is no such thing as perfection. You’ll drive yourself crazy if that’s what you’re striving for.

Keep things brief: For the benefit of your guests, shorten your vows to one or two minutes, tops. Ceremonies have a rhythm to them, and you want to make sure you keep things rolling. If they start getting a bit too lengthy, it’s probably time to make some edits. If there are things you want to say, but can’t fit them in, consider putting them in a letter for your partner to read before the ceremony. Or, you might even find a way to work them into a toast during your reception.

THE HOME STRETCH

Now you have something that resembles a final draft for your very own wedding vows. Congratulations, you’re almost done! Now, it’s time to work on the finishing touches.

Show them to someone you trust: Having a second opinion can give you valuable insight into what changes you might want to make. Consider showing your vows to someone you trust — like a parent, or an attendant. This is especially helpful if there are places in your vows that you feel just aren’t working. Ask for honest feedback and be open to critique. But remember, ultimately, you’re in complete control of what makes it into the final version. So, if you disagree with their advice, there’s no pressure to follow it. But you might be pleasantly surprised by the suggestions they give you.

Practice makes perfect: This might go without saying, but you should always practice your vows before your wedding day. Play around with your delivery by placing emphasis and emotion on different words until it sounds just right. If you feel comfortable, you could even try practicing with someone else. This might be the same person who helped you proofread. While you don’t have to memorize them (although that is a nice touch!), you should be able to recite your vows fluidly without stumbling over your words. Even if you do memorize them, it’s a good idea to keep a copy on-hand. You’d hate to get a sudden case of stage fright mid-ceremony and completely forget your words!

It’s best to have your vows typed and printed. But if handwritten, make sure your script is clearly legible and free of any margin notes. You don’t want anything to distract you while you’re reading.

READY TO GET STARTED?

While creating personalized vows requires a lot of thought and time, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you keep an open line of communication with each other and break the process down into smaller, more manageable steps, you’ll be golden.

Whether you decide to write your own vows, keep things traditional or do a combination of both, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan. Enough preparation will ensure that your vows sound streamlined and sincere. So, when the moment finally arrives, you’ll be able to speak from the heart and focus on what really matters: promising your commitment to the love of your life.

Take the Plunge

The back of your dress is just as important as the front, so make a sexy statement with an open back. Plunging backs are sleek, sophisticated and classic. They are a great way to complement a modest front that may be needed for a church ceremony, yet allow your sensual side to show. Not ready to take the full plunge? Look for scooped backs or keyhole styles that allow you to bare some skin, while still offering a dramatic presence.

GOWN: Winnie Couture

Gold Rush

We’re obsessed with yellow gold jewelry, and we’re pretty sure you will be too after you see some of the gorgeous options. Yellow gold is the height of sophistication and will nicely complement other pieces in your collection. Not to mention, it’s a great way to set yourself apart from your friends, so go for the gold!

RING, NECKLACE & COIL BRACELET: Razny Jewelers

Lock in the Look

Whether you’re going for classic, vintage, boho or rustic, accessories are the perfect way to incorporate fun trends into your wedding day style. Think statement earrings, vintage hair clips or gold crowns.

GOLD ACCESSORIES Joanna Bisley Designs

Short & Sassy

Whether you’re rocking a thigh high hem or a more modest tea-length, you can’t go wrong with a mini dress. From a micro wedding to a casual affair or even a reception dress, short styles are adaptable. They radiate an undeniably youthful charm, and scream fun and flirty. When formal is not your style, hike up the hem.

GOWN Anne Barge

Texture that’s Trending

Float down the aisle with frothy layers full of movement. Volume that’s light and dreamy is romantic, whimsical and makes a statement. Frothy texture in particular is on trend this season and comes in a variety of silhouettes, including mermaid and ballgown. And what’s more fun on the dance floor than twirling around in a full skirt cascading in ruffles?

GOWN Nicole + Felicia Coutur

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding. Maybe you’re considering one now because of pandemic-related concerns. Either way, the Chicago area has venues that offer that the contemporary city vibe you’ve always wanted or will transport you to foreign locations with stunning architecture and wild greenery. Prepare to be wonderstruck by these venues, many of which also have some indoor options.

By Shelby Rowe Moyer | Pictured above: The Odyssey by TWA Photographic Artists

Wandering Tree Estate

The fairytale appeal of Wandering Tree Estate is truly astounding with its bridal cottage, tree-lined pond, seven waterfalls and Japanese garden. The venue allows just one wedding per weekend and offers several enhancements, such as lighting amongst the trees for an added dose of elegance.
Venue Style: Garden Estate
Catering Choices: A preferred list of vendors can be found on the website
Special Features: 10 acres of gardens, on-site manager and electrician, nearby hotel, bridal cottage

Loews Chicago

Elegance and comfort go hand-in-hand at the Garden Terrace at Loews Chicago hotel. The outdoor venue offers an astonishing 7,500 square feet of park-like space with lounge furniture and turf grass, and it’s available from May through October for weddings. Loews Chicago can make your wedding day feel effortless with the amenities that it offers, including 400 guest rooms and a culinary and catering team. Looking for a unique space for a rehearsal dinner or day-after brunch? Take a look at its rooftop Streeterville Social restaurant, a semi-private, outdoor restaurant.
Venue Style: Hotel with an urban park
Catering Choices: Loews Chicago is the main caterer with additional dessert options from Bittersweet
Special Features: Located in the heart of the city, 400-room hotel, catering add-ons available, indoor venue spaces located on-site

Chicago History Museum

Rich history and stunning architecture come together within the Chicago History Museum in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It’s currently offering a Petite Package, which includes a 2.5-hour window to use the venue (indoor or outdoor), tables, chairs, linens and a sparking toast. Plus, a-la carte add-ons — dessert, an officiant, livestreaming services and more — are available for to make the day even more special.    
Venue Style:  Museum with a garden-like plaza
Catering Choices: Dessert can be added for the Petite Package; otherwise, couples can choose from a preferred list of caterers
Special Features: tables, chairs, linens, sparkling toast and a-la carte options

VOLO Restaurant and Wine bar

Maybe you’re already familiar with VOLO Restaurant and Wine Bar, but did you know they also host intimate weddings on their outdoor cabana patio? The space is gorgeous with industrial sightlines softened by the gardens, a fountain, natural wood features and a 100-year-old patina’d coach house. Take advantage of the table, chairs and ivory linens that are provided by the venue, but there’s also plenty of opportunities to bring your creative spirit to the space.
Venue Style: Modern Industrial
Catering Choices: VOLO offers a private event menu and beverage packages; wedding cakes from Bittersweet Pastry
Special Features: 100-year-old coach house; chef-driven catering menu; tables, chairs and linens provided

Galleria Marchetti

The La Pergola is unmatched in its chicness. The 4,500-square-foot, open-air space at Galleria Marchetti is complete with a traditional indoor dining room that makes for a stunning wedding venue year-round. You and your guests will be visually transported to Europe in this setting with its artisan brass sconce lighting and travertine flooring. We love the floor-to-ceiling windows and that the retractable roof can open to bring in fresh air or close to keep out the weather.
Venue Style: Indoor/Outdoor Terrace
Catering Choices: On-site catering menu provided for plated meals, a buffet or reception dining
Special Features: Retractable shaded dining, all-season availability

Epiphany Center for the Arts 

The awe-inspiring architecture is likely what will draw you to Epiphany Center for the Arts, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The venue offers three distinct spaces, including Chase House, a contemporary, patio-like space with a European-style bistro and upscale outdoor furniture. Here you get the best of both worlds: the option of to make your wedding completely al fresco, or host part of it indoors with glass doors that open to provide a seamless indoor/outdoor experience.
Venue Style: Contemporary courtyard
Catering Choices: Epiphany has partnerships with a variety of caterers
Special Features: A patio and courtyard with seating and gardens, portable bars, valet zones and public parking nearby

The Odyssey

To say that The Odyssey is grand feels like an understatement. The dreamy outdoor venue overlooks a lush golf course and expansive fountain pond flanked by manicured gardens. The real showstopper, though, is the intricately designed, wrought iron gazebos. The calming atmosphere at this venue is one you won’t forget.
Venue Style: Country Club
Catering Choices: Menu packages are available
Special Features: Indoor ballroom available for receptions, on-site restaurant and bar

Ravisloe Country Club

The old-world, Spanish Mission architecture bedecked with crawling ivy is perhaps among the most romantic wedding venues around. Anyone who was unsure about hosting an outdoor wedding will change their mind when they see the picture-esque ambiance provided by Ravisloe Country Club. Plus, the planning can be made even easier with wedding packages that include furnishings and table settings, private bridal and groom suites, hotel accommodations and more.
Venue Style: Spanish mission-style clubhouse
Catering Choices: La Voûte Bistro + Bar, Orland Park Bakery, Creative Cakes, and on-site catering
​Special Features: boutique hotel accommodations nearby, clubhouse courtyard and ballroom, wedding package add-ons

Armour House Mansion

Once you see this historic venue — a 1908 Italian Villa with gardens, a pagoda and fountains — you’ll start imagining your dream wedding on its grounds. Photo opportunities abound with a wraparound grand staircase; multiple fireplaces; a library; a room filled with white Italian marble; and, of course, the gardens. Aside from its physical beauty, Armour House is also known for its culinary creations. You can expect memorable dishes crafted from local, sustainable farms (whenever possible).   
Venue Style: Historic Mansion
Catering Choices: Armour House is the primary caterer
Special Features: Stately pagoda, lavish interior, premier catering

Homestead on The Roof

Whimsical, industrial, charming — Homestead on the Roof is perfect for couples planning a chic, rustic wedding or those endeared to a modern industrial affair. The space was meant to comfortably fit 80 to 100 people, so it won’t feel overwhelming if you’re planning an intimate wedding with your closest loved ones. The outdoor space is adorned with Edison string lights, overflowing gardens and a brick fireplace. This venue is known for its culinary prowess, so you and your guests are in for a treat.
Venue Style:  Modern Industrial
Catering Choices: Homestead on the Roof
Special Features: Indoor and outdoor spaces, brick fireplace, unmatched catering

Looking for your wedding venue? Browse all Chicago area outdoor venues now.

Jeanne Foley and Diana Ganz, co-founders of The Groomsman Suit, popped by the blog to share insight and tips for looking your best on your wedding day in something that suits you. All photos courtesy of The Groomsman Suit

When should a couple start looking for their formalwear?

We typically recommend a couple start looking into formalwear for their group 6 months in advance of the wedding date but there are a few variables to consider.

If a couple already knows the theme and style they want for suiting, ordering from us is fast and easy. Our online group coordination tool allows couples to set up a group and select a look within minutes and launch customized emails to their group with links to order. We take care of managing the group from there!

We ship within 24 to 48 hours from orders being paced and ship any needed exchanges before we get the original items back. While we are fantastic with last minute planning, we do typically recommend ordering at least 4 weeks prior to the event.

If a couple is unsure of the overall styling/look, they may want to start looking into options sooner. We offer free fabric swatches and a free home try-on for couples that want to compare options and see colors in person before setting up a group.

The great part is, we offer the flexibility of planning as early as the couple would like and can typically offer last minute services like overnight shipping for those wedding emergencies.

How are you different from other suit providers?

Our biggest difference is that we are not a rental when most affordable suiting options for weddings are. For under $200 you and your wedding group can each own a brand new, great fitting suit that you can actually keep and wear again.

Price aside, our suits are direct from the manufacturer, so we have cut out a lot of the “middleman” mark-up that traditional suiting retailers have. This allows us to provide a high-quality suit, at a fraction of the price.

We also offer one of the largest size ranges of any suiting brand and sell our suits as separates to allow our customers to select the options that fit their style and body type. This limits the amount of alterations that are required to get a like-custom fit.

We recognized early on that not every person is a groomsman, so we launched our women’s collection to make sure anyone wanting to get suited up for a special event, could find the perfect fit with us.  Our reviews speak for themselves as we offer award winning customer service and tools that make getting suited up for weddings fun and easy.

How will I know what size to get and if the suit fits correctly?

We have an amazing online fit finder that anyone can use to get a size recommendation without needing to take a single measurement. We work with the world’s leader in body scan/data technology to be able to predict what suit size a customer is, with over 80% accuracy!  Of course, if any items received do not fit as expected, we offer free and fast exchanges until we nail it.  If you just have no idea if your suit fit is the best it can be, check out this helpful blog post to learn what to consider when trying on your suit.

We also have 3 showroom locations; Chicago, Denver & Philadelphia. For anyone near a showroom location, we offer free fitting and styling appointments. If you do not live in one of those locations and want a little more personalized fitting advice, we offer virtual appointments with our stylists and can talk through fit and any other questions a customer might have.

What wedding trend are you currently obsessing over?

We are loving the shift from neutrals to bold colors, patterns and textures. So far this is a trend that the bride or groom are embracing, while keeping their wedding party attire more classic. We love when the couple finds a way to make sure their suiting look stands out and feels special. Couples can do this through the use of adding a vest, a different tie or bowtie or simple accessories like novelty cufflinks (check these out) or an artistically folded pocket square.

Do you offer tailoring? How long does it take?

Because we offer such a vast size range, the only alteration that should be needed is a simple pant hem. We do not currently offer alterations/tailoring but will happily assist in finding a referral near you. Typically, a pant hem can be done same day at most dry cleaners but it’s always safe to plan for 24-48 hours so that you don’t have to pay a rush fee. The pant hem is important to create the really tailored look and it can also be a style preference depending on the look you are going for. We provide a great hang tag on all of our pants to show the recommended visual and share with the tailor when getting them hemmed to take the guess work out of it. We always recommend a clean hem with “no break” to achieve that wedding ready finish.

What advice would you give a recently engaged couple?

Try to have fun with the planning and don’t stress! We love when couples find us because we know we are going to be able to take some of the stress of planning a wedding off of their plate. Once a group registers with us, the couple can count on us to make sure everyone will show up looking sharp in the curated look that they have selected for their big day. We know how much effort it takes to plan a wedding and want to make sure that every couple we work with knows they can rely on us for a stress-free suiting up experience!

Any tips for the day-of to make sure the suits look sharp in photos?

The pant hem is #1, if pants are hemmed too short or too long, it’s very noticeable, so we always recommend making sure you take the time to visit a tailor near you to get the perfect hem before the big day. Put your phone in your jacket pocket, not your pants or better yet, have a friend or family member hang onto it for you while you get pictures taken.

Remember to leave the bottom button of the jacket open, only button the top!  It’s a funny tradition dating back to King Edward VI. Long story short, he liked to eat (a lot) and eventually could not button the bottom button of his waistcoat. Out of respect, and solidarity, the rest of the British court and later all of England followed suit and made it a fashion tradition that we still follow today!  Regardless, when only one button is buttoned it prevents bunching and can help the jacket drape smoothly and look crisp in pics.

Boutonniere placement is also a key element to getting the perfect wedding pics. It’s also one of the most common mistakes that are made, and we get it, after all how frequently do you wear a boutonniere? To help, we wrote these tips to make sure every group gets the placement just right!

Getting everyone suited up has never been easier. The Groomsman Suit is not a rental company, just a company with great fitting suits you get to keep for the same price or less than a typical tuxedo rental. No hidden costs, no extra fees. Click here to learn more about outfitting your crew with TGS. 

Congratulations to Natalie and Brad, 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.

Brad and I met in 2013 while attending Illinois State University. We were introduced to each other through mutual friends and had an instant connection. After meeting at a party, it wasn’t long before Brad asked me out on a date. We still laugh to this day about our first date. Brad picked me up to go to the movies and ended up missing his turn, putting us on the expressway. I started to worry and my assumptions based on binge watching criminal minds may have gotten the best of me. It ended up being a great night and we didn’t get lost on the way home. From sophomore to senior year of college, our relationship continued to grow over our mutual love for movies, music, and Pub II Cheese balls.

Shortly after graduation we moved in together in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Brad sacrificed being closer to his job, so I am able to be down the street from where I teach. In June 2019, Brad planned the most perfect proposal. He made dinner plans in downtown Naperville and suggested a quick stroll along the river walk. As we walked across the bridge, he got down on one knee. I was so shocked by the proposal I don’t quite remember what he said, but obviously I said, “Yes!” After the proposal, Brad surprised me with meeting our families for dinner. Brad then suggested we grab an after-dinner drink on a nearby rooftop bar. When we walked in, I was surprised again – all of their friends were waiting there to celebrate. It was truly an amazing night filled with so much love.

Our wedding was originally planned for December 31, 2020 at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. A New Year’s Eve wedding had always been a dream of ours. We were so excited to plan an event on a day that we always enjoy. Unfortunately, as many couples can relate to, we had to postpone our wedding due to the pandemic. Brad and I focused on the positives of the situation such as more time to plan and save! On our original wedding date we had an intimate gathering with our wedding party to ring in our new wedding year. We are so excited and so ready to be married this year. We are beyond grateful to Chicago Style Weddings and Apple Vacations for this amazing opportunity at a dream honeymoon. We cannot wait to see what this year has to hold for us!

For honeymoons, diamonds earrings, date nights and more, head over to chicagostyleweddings.com/contests and enter your name for a chance to win!

After months of construction, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture moved to a new, expansive Chicago location on North Rush Street with hundreds of gowns on-site and a VIP experience to match the lavish setting. Written by Shelby Rowe Moyer, Photos by Phillip Christopher Filmmaker & Photographer.

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Gowns, left to right: Anne Barge, Sareh Nouri, Isabella Margianu Bridal, Morilee by Madeline Gardner

Gowns, left to right: Savannah Miller, Jenny Yoo Collection, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Ines di Santo via Elite Pour La Vie

LOCATION: Fairlie | PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashley Galminas Photography
STYLING: Styled by Ariana | HAIR: Zazú Salons
MAKEUP & NAILS: Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup Artists
VIDEOGRAPHY: Edward Fox Photography & Video
MODEL: Ahlam Abbas; The Rock Agency
GOWN DESIGNERS: Alon Livné White | BECCAR | Eva Lendel | Jenny by Jenny Yoo | Pronovias | Sottero & Midgley
GOWN PROVIDERS: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture | The Crystal Bride | Eva’s Bridals International | Jenny Yoo Collection | LBR Bridal | Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
ACCESSORIES: Bella Belle Shoes | Bridal Botany | Dame Couture | Davie & Chiyo | Hearts on Fire | Hushed Commotion | Monte Carlo Design | Officina Bernardi | Simon G. Jewelry | State Street Jewelers | Veiled by ChaCha Bridal Boutique

Click to view the full photo gallery here.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPRESS STATIONERY

$1,075+

Monograms are a unique and timeless way to express a new union as they typically consist of two or more letters intertwining to form one symbol. What a sweet element to include on your wedding invitation!

SPECIFICS

Created exclusively for each client, monograms can include up to three letters, a crest or wreath to be used on not only the invitation suite, but also on wax seals, thank-you notes, dance floors and more.

A standard four-piece invitation suite includes:

• Invitation
• Envelope with return address
• Response card
• Response envelope with return address

Customization of the paper thickness, printing process and add-ons may increase the investment.

BREAKDOWN

• 100 Digitally Printed Four-Piece Suites, $875
• 2 Letter Custom Monogram, $200
• Embellishments (wax seals, ribbon, etc.), Varies

The Designer Says:

We take so much care in giving our clients the very best in terms of design. Our semi-custom suites are uniquely typeset for each couple, letter by letter, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their paper is everything they envision. We want each piece — from save-the-dates to invitations to programs — to tell the story of the couple. Monograms are very much a part of that story and travel well beyond the wedding day into the home! They are truly heirloom pieces, timeless in every way.

– JESSICA HINTON, OWNER & HEAD CREATIVE, EMPRESS STATIONERY

$1,250+

If you’ve always wanted to see your name in bright lights, this is the perfect time! Illuminate your reception with a custom neon display that’s distinctly you, whether it’s the family name, wedding year, a nod to the wedding theme, or a favorite quote or idiom.

SPECIFICS

A custom LED neon sign, wedding florals, a wall of ferns at a rustic farmhouse, plus a wedding planner to connect all the moving pieces were instrumental in creating this gorgeous centerpiece.

BREAKDOWN

• 3- by 5-Foot Neon Sign $1,080
• Floral $175
• Fern Wall (Included with Venue Rental)

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS

• yellowpop
• Darby’s Cottage
• Meadows at Mossy Creek
• One Weddings Events

The Planner Says:

Neon signs make anything better. They are a way to personalize your wedding in a unique way that you can keep and use in your first home, at an anniversary party and throughout the rest of your lives together.

– ALY COLLINS, OWNER, ONE WEDDINGS EVENTS

$1,200+

A mobile bar turns standard bar service on its head with a fresh and Instagram-able alternative that exudes vintage charm and romantic whimsy.

SPECIFICS

The vintage bar experience includes everything from consultation to cleanup, creating seamless integration into your event without a worry. Customize the taps to serve any beverage combination – signature cocktails, beer, wine, champagne, cold drinks, iced coffee, kombucha – to better reflect your vision for the event and create the wow fact guests won’t stop talking about.

BREAKDOWN

Custom packages typically include:

• Beverage consultation Delivery and setup
• Hosts to serve drinks
• All accoutrement (ice, drinkware, cocktail napkins)
• Cleanup and pickup

The Owner Says:

Break free from the usual bar setup and watch your guests light up with joy while being served almost any type of beverage you can imagine. This mobile bar turned centerpiece is the perfect conversation-starter for any event! 

– ALICIA WALLACE, Founder & Event Planner, Tippy Tap Co.

$940+

Skyscraper-esque centerpieces certainly add a wow-factor, but they’re also a practical option. Your guests will want to chat with their tablemates without having to dodge and weave around bushels of flowers. So, you get the grandiose look you wanted, and your friends and family can mingle unhindered by blocked sightlines. Two birds, one stone!

SPECIFICS

Elevate your wedding, literally, with these tall, modern centerpieces consisting of baby’s breath, phalaenopsis orchids, blush and lavender roses.

BREAKDOWN

For a table of 8:

• Velvet Linen Rental $79
• Velvet Napkin Rental $44
• Modern Place Settings (Includes Dinnerware, Flatware and Glassware Rental) $80
  Tall Centerpiece with Stand Rental $590 Bud Vases with Roses and Astilbe $147

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS

• LUXE Atlanta Events
• Ten Point Floral Design
• The Prissy Plate Company
• Barn South

The Planner Says:

The baby’s breath was hand sprayed to add a hint of color, making it feel modern and luxurious, but still delicate. The result is a customized piece of floral art that will capture your guests’ attention. To complete the look, we selected a mauve velvet linen and modern gold accents, including gold flatware and tableware.

– VICTORIA MILLER, Lead Planner, Luxe Atlanta Events 

Before heading to the mailbox, read these helpful tips to avoid any costly missteps with your wedding stationery.

INVITATION SUITE

Not every couple opts to include all of these items, but this comprehensive list gives you a place to start. Add ribbon, wax seals and other details for a finishing touch.

• Outer envelope
• Unsealed inner envelope
• Envelope liner
• Invitation
• Reception Details card
• Guest Accommodations card
• Custom map
• Reply card
• Reply envelope, with postage

DAY-OF WEDDING STATIONERY

Work with your stationer to create on-brand material for a cohesive look throughout your wedding.

• Ceremony program
• Seating chart
• Favor tags
• Menus
• Table numbers
• Place cards
• Thank-you notes

By Christina Oddo | Photography by Social Shots Photography

Bridal trends come and go, but these fabulous fabrics are here to stay.

A dream dress is only as good as the material it’s constructed with. Top notch boutiques will typically give their brides a quick list of “dos” and “don’ts” so they know exactly how to take care of their dresses, but in case you need a refresher, here’s our guide to a few of the most popular bridal gown fabrics.

TULLE: Reminiscent of ballerina skirts, this flirty, feminine fabric is lightweight and billowy. Tulle is well-loved for its ability to create volume and avoid fraying, but wearers be warned: Tulle is highly prone to snagging. To avoid unsightly pulls in your gown, skip bedazzled accessories and opt for smoother jewelry that won’t tangle and snare.

CHIFFON: This soft, delicate fabric is often used not only for gowns but also veils, capes, and other bridal accessories. Despite its slightly rough texture, chiffon’s dainty translucence makes it perfect for layering. This breezy fabric is the ideal choice for outdoor, summery weddings and romantic portraits.

SILK: Long revered for its glossy shine and smooth texture, silk comes in countless varieties and has been a go-to wedding dress medium for thousands of years. Satin, one of the more famous silk derivatives, spent the past century as one of the most elegant and sought after gown fabrics, but modern silk variations like taffeta and organza are currently stealing the spotlight. While silk gowns are certainly worth the hassle, storing them properly requires a bit of extra work in dark, dry environments, so be sure to store your gown in a cotton dress bag before tucking it away in your closet.

LACE: Like silks, lace comes in a myriad of styles and textures and has been adored for centuries by designers and brides alike. From elegant Chantilly and delicate Alençon to the recently popular three-dimensional lace, this gorgeous material is sought after all around the world. Lace’s intricate design makes it highly prone to minor rips and snags though, so take a few notes from the tulle to-do list and avoid accessories with sharp edges and rough links. It’s also worth noting that lace yellows faster than other fabrics, which makes professional dry cleaning and proper storage a must.

CREPE: This light yet elegant material is well-known in the fashion world for its versatile applications and gauzy appearance. Perfect for formfitting gowns, crepe typically fits like a glove and leaves very little to the imagination, which makes choosing your undergarments important. Avoid unsightly bumps and lines by choosing seamless underwear or shapewear and a smooth-cupped bra.