Photo: Ed & Aileen Photography
The ceremony and reception get a lot of attention — as they should! — but there are a lot of other events surrounding a wedding. For a full celebration, pre- and post- wedding parties are not to be overlooked. Get the soirées started with these options … and keep them going! You certainly don’t need to take part in all of these, just do whatever fits you, your relationship and your culture best!
With every wedding season comes new trends in wedding attire. While there are some styles that will never go out of fashion, there’s always room for new ones! From alternative colors to reimagining of classic bridal textiles, here are some of our favorite 2022 – 2023 wedding attire trends.
Who says bridal clothes always need to be white? Black wedding dresses are having a dramatic moment and we are here for it. For example, take inspiration from celebrities like Christine Quinn (Selling Sunset), Sarah Jessica Parker and Shenae Beech (90201) , who all wore black dresses to their own weddings.
Left to Right: “Georgina” by Madeline Gardner, available at Here Comes the Bride. “Addilyn” by Casablanca Bridal, available at White Satin Bridal. “Spiked Gown” by Ritual Unions. “Norvinia” by Sottero & Midgley, available at Volle’s Bridal & Boutique.
No nearlywed should feel they need to change their appearance for their wedding. However, it’s understandable if you’d want to incorporate some new pampering elements into your routine. In the spirit of embarking on a new chapter, try out some new inner and outer beauty regimens. If you’re looking to enliven your everyday look and feel for your wedding, here are some product considerations.
Bonus: All of these goods are from Chicago-based companies. Treat yourself while also supporting the community!
Written by Victoria Greatrix, Pastry Chef & Designer at The Quintessential Cake
Photo by Cinder & Vinegar Photography
Going back centuries, wedding cakes have been an integral part of weddings. Originally they were not only a sign of celebration, but of social status as well. The more tiers and the whiter the frosting, the higher the social standing of the two families. Wedding cakes were said to ensure fertility for the bride and bring good fortune to the couple and all who ate it.
While nowadays most don’t subscribe to the notion that a cake’s size is a direct correlation to the couple’s importance, a wedding cake still has modern relevance. The cutting of the cake is a rite of passage; it is one of the first acts newlyweds do together as a married couple, and symbolizes unity and teamwork. Following the cutting, the couple feeds each other a bite, representing affection and a playful spirit. These little actions symbolize the start of a beautiful marriage.
Choosing a wedding cake can be a big deal! And let’s be honest, you’ve tasted a bad wedding cake before. I don’t have to go into much detail, you probably know that dry, tasteless cake that leaves you thinking, “Why did I just eat that?” No one wants their cake to fall into that category. And I promise you it doesn’t have to be that way. So how do you go about selecting your wedding cake? And more importantly, who do you choose to create it for you?
Photography by Kristin La Voie Photography
For many couples, photography is one of the most important aspects of their big day. Couples want to be wrapped up in the joy of the wedding festivities, but it is in the photographer’s hands to capture those moments. From pre-wedding primping to dancing the night away at the reception, it is important for these moments to be photographed just as you’ve dreamed.
A good wedding photographer typically has their own shot list, addressing shots they know are winners. But here are some tips on how to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page.
Five Chicagoland cake artists were tasked with creating a cake inspired by the essence of a specific flower. The result was a collection of cakes worthy of their own spot in a flower shop.
Photo by Marc & Mindy, invitation pictured from Shutterfly
Yes, you’ve been knee-deep in wedding planning and dreaming since your engagement, but your guests’ first entry into your wedding world comes with the invitations. The stationery (or invitation) suite is the place to really set the scene for your celebrations. Couples have the opportunity to communicate a lot more than just the date and time on their wedding invitations. A wisely crafted invitation suite can share everything from event logistics to the overall feel to attire expectations.
In a digital world, formal invitations sent in the mail are a treasured rarity. So it can be confusing to understand the details like how to address them, how to word the invite itself and whom to include in the address.
A good designer can make sure the stationery aesthetics are just right, but you have to know what details to print on them! Here is a quick guide to what information to include and how to say it.
Written by Anna Novak, Marketing Manager at Kathryn’s Bridal
Photo by Bailey Leigh Photography
Wedding dresses get a lot of love and attention, and rightfully so! But oftentimes, it’s the veil and accessories that take a bride’s aisle style to the next level. McHenry-based bridal salon Kathryn’s Bridal shares insight into deciding if a veil is right for you and how to pick the perfect one.
This cotton candy daydream at Walden Chicago intertwined modernity with rose-colored nostalgia. The colors and fashions of garden parties inspired Walden’s Natalia Mangieri to assemble a vendor team and craft this city-chic interpretation. With this youthful garden party in mind, the vendors spread their wings to showcase whimsical florals, delectable desserts and punchy tablescapes. The fun flowed with lovely libations by Walden’s in-house bar team and their popular custom cocktail menu. To capture the fanciful vision, hi-contrast flash photography by Bradley Moss showcased a new wave of wedding photography. Sticky, sweet and oh-so-delicious, this styled shoot is as flirty as can be.
A romantic art deco vision unfolded at St. Charles’ The Graceful Ordinary. Kristina Jones Events organized this moody and intimate scene to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. To showcase this vision, Emma Belen Photography captured the works of Creative Cakes, Kristina Jones Events, Lola Valentina, Maxe Designs and Town & Country Gardens in The Graceful Ordinary’s fine-dining riverfront destination.
Written by Amy Reifenstuhl, owner of Rustique Swan Event Design & Curated Decor, and Alexandra Dillard
Photography by Photography By Lauryn
Boho pampas grass or metallic opulence? Moody romance or vibrant jubilation? Neon signs or flickering candles? Deciding on your wedding aesthetic and theme can be daunting. There are so many directions to go in, and all of them are just as beautiful as the next! So how do you and your partner get started?
Photo by Stephanie Wood Photography
Beyond all the pomp and circumstance and decor, what happens at the altar is the most meaningful part of your wedding. You’ll have an officiant to guide the ceremony, but when it comes to exchanging vows, this is your time to really focus on what matters most. You’ll enter your own bubble as you look into your loved one’s eyes and swear your best and worst days to them. Guests, musicians, officiant and wedding attendants will fade into the background as you have these few minutes to soak in what this celebration is all about. So how do you even start writing such an important collection of words? Let’s get started.
Cocktail photography by Jasko Omerovic Photography
With help from Binny’s Beverage Depot and their party planning concierge service, we present you with a taste of some custom cocktails to personalize your wedding bar.
PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION Wildman BT
PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Wood Photography
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
HAIR & MAKEUP WarPaint International
VIDEOGRAPHY Phillip Christopher Videography
JEWELRY Razny Jewelers
GOWN PROVIDERS Bella Bianca, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride, Kathryn’s Bridal, Luxe Bridal Rack (LBR), Veiled By ChaCha, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique, Wedding Design Studio by 1440 Event Design
SHOES Lori’s Shoes, Bella Belle Shoes
MODELS Carmen Garcia & Alexandria Hill, 10 MGMT
Reception entertainment, a timeless keepsake and a work of art all encapsulated in one canvas. Live wedding paintings and illustrations are growing in popularity by adding flair and uniqueness to your day.
It’s fun to walk through extravagant museum halls and see portraits of important figures painted with careful detail and preserved for centuries. Most of us see the experience of a quality painted portrait as a thing of the past. But it doesn’t have to be. Likely, you’re already planning for an incredible photographer to capture your day. But add another layer to that by hiring a live wedding painter. Photography is documentarian, but a painting done in the moment can capture the full essence of the day.
