This elevated centerpiece is simply stunning! How much would it cost to have elevated centerpieces at your wedding reception?

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Choosing your venue is one of the biggest wedding planning decisions you’ll make. If you’re searching for somewhere unique and memorable to say “I do,” we’ve got six of Chicago’s top non-traditional wedding venues featured for you right here. So get scrolling and see which distinctive venue is perfect for you and your partner!

SkyDeck Chicago

(Photo Credit: Steve Koo Photography)

With 360º views of the Chicago skyline, SkyDeck Chicago offers an impressive location on the 99th floor of Willis Tower. SkyDeck Chicago offers space for weddings of 50-300 and is complete with a dance floor and optional VIP access to The Ledge for guests. Learn more about SkyDeck Chicago.

Odyssey Chicago River

(Photo Credit: Provided by Odyssey Cruises)

The Odyssey Chicago River offers space onboard for up to 200 guests. Chicago’s iconic skyline will provide the perfect backdrop for you and your partner as you exchange vows. Choose from an all-inclusive package or design your own dream wedding aboard the European-inspired, glass-enclosed ship. Learn more about Odyssey Chicago River. 

Brookfield Zoo

(Photo Credit: TWA Photographic Artists)

The zoo’s lush and tranquil scenery provides a unique ambiance with both indoor and outdoor venue spaces available for small and large weddings in any season. Guests have the opportunity to view fascinating animals from around the world while sipping cocktails and enjoying hors d’oeuvres in one of the zoo’s world-class exhibits. Learn more about Brookfield Zoo.

Wandering Tree Estate

(Photo Credit: Provided by Wandering Tree Estate )

This gorgeous luxury venue features 10 acres of stunning grounds, including gardens, waterfalls, and a red bridge that offer couples endless options for beautiful wedding photos. Wandering Tree Estate only schedules one event per weekend, so you have the entire estate available exclusively for your event. There is even a private Model Railroad Museum displaying the City of Chicago that is available for you and your guests! Learn more about Wandering Tree Estate. 

Mayne Stage

(Photo Credit: North x North Photography)

Mayne Stage is a century-old theater and movie house that’s been lovingly restored to its former glory. Couples can choose from three floors offering a mezzanine, a theatre space, and a lounge to create an original and stylish event that guests will always remember. Learn more about Mayne Stage. 

Pinstripes

(Photo Credit: Yasmin Alesia Photography)

With several Chicagoland locations to choose from, Pinstripes is a fun and exciting place to tie the knot. Pinstripes has a ballroom that can accommodate up to 220 guests. Picturesque views of the Chicago skyline, luxurious bowling lanes, bocce courts, and a cozy outdoor fire pit allow you to craft an unforgettable and simply unique Chicago wedding celebration. Learn more about Pinstripes. 

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.

Create a cozy space where your guests can mingle! How much would it cost to rent lounge furniture for your wedding reception?

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We love this custom invitation suite! How much would it cost to have a stationer create a custom location-inspired invitation suite for your wedding?

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In 2005, Cody and Tiffany Tolmen of Hunter Ryan Photo exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends in Colorado. After 13 years, the Southwest Florida based husband-wife photography duo reflect on their wedding and offer words of advice for a happy marriage.

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Nicole thought she was going on a walking tour of Chicago, but Kevin had a secret proposal planned with a professional photographer to capture the big moment! All photos by Kristin Bernice: Photography.

How did you first meet each other?

We met in high school and started dating when we were only 15! Freshman year we had a lot of classes together and our lockers were only a couple apart. He played on the football team and I was a cheerleader. Our high school math teacher, Mr. Bassler, voted us “most likely to go to prom together senior year” and we were both grossed out and couldn’t even imagine that happening. It wasn’t until the summer going into our sophomore year that something changed and we started to fall for each other.

How did Kevin propose?

For our 10 year anniversary, Kevin told me that we were going to do a walking tour in downtown Chicago. He said when he purchased the tour there was an option to get a photographer and since I always complain we don’t have enough pictures he thought it would be perfect! He printed a fake receipt and everything. We met our photographer and started what I thought was a tour. The weather was absolutely perfect with a beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine.

It was just us and our photographer, who was only taking cute photos of us and not really giving us any type of tour. I was okay with it though because I have always wanted to get cute couple photos. Halfway through our “tour” we were near The Adler Planetarium with the skyline in the background. Our photographer told us to face each other and look into each other’s eyes and then all the sudden Kevin got down on one knee.  I was shocked but so happy. He said a bunch of sweet romantic things but we both pretty much blacked out and can’t remember what was said except for “Will you marry me?”. I couldn’t believe the day I had hoped for since I was 15 had come. We continued what was really an engagement photo shoot afterward and got some amazing shots thanks to our awesome photographer, Kristin! After our photo shoot was done, Kevin told me no one knew and it was a total secret. I FaceTimed all my family and friends and it turns out almost everyone knew it was coming! My mom, dad, and Aunt Laura were all waiting for us back at my aunt’s condo in Old Town. Having this moment photographed was so amazing. I look back at our engagement pictures almost every day and it makes me smile. He did such a great job surprising me!

Have you begun planning for your Big Day?

We have set the date for 8/8/2020 at The Haight in Elgin, Illinois. The venue is absolutely gorgeous. It is a 129-year-old warehouse with original wood, exposed brick walls, and string lights across the ceilings. It is very rustic and exactly what we were looking for! We are using Cuisine America for our catering. My engagement ring is from Monson Jewelers and the owner Tim is amazing. We are still figuring out all of the other details!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

These garden-inspired chandeliers and simply stunning! How much would it cost to have this elegant installation at your wedding reception?

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The wedding professionals at Arrowhead Golf Club dropped by the blog to discuss their gorgeous venue and the personalized wedding experience they offer. All images supplied by Arrowhead Golf Club.

Couples looking to host a wedding in the Chicagoland area have hundreds of options to choose from. What makes Arrowhead Golf Club so unique?

Arrowhead hosts one wedding per evening, which gives the couple an intimate and private experience at our venue. We have space for an outdoor or indoor ceremony and cocktail hour in addition to the indoor reception space. Our ballroom overlooks our golf course and has three balconies attached to enjoy. The grounds and stonework on the building are artistically designed so you are guaranteed beautiful photos at our facility any time of the year.

We have a wedding team that loves the planning process and is always onsite the day of the wedding to ensure everything goes exactly as the wedding couple imagined. We handle a lot of the planning for the couples as we provide calendars and resources to ensure a smooth planning process. Everything comes from in-house, so the only outside vendors would be a florist, DJ, photographer, videographer, or wedding coordinator as needed. You can check out our blog on our website to read about good organizational techniques and what Arrowhead does to help!

How is Arrowhead Golf Club adaptable?

Arrowhead has a charming and elegant ambiance throughout our facility. You can plan a classic crystal and rhinestone wedding, a rustic wedding, or a modern designed wedding and they will all fit right in. Our indoor and outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour location provide flexibility, even if mother nature doesn’t want to cooperate. The floor to ceiling windows help bring in the natural beauty so you don’t have to “dress up” the ballroom to make it look beautiful.

How does Arrowhead Golf Club cater to small, intimate weddings vs. big, boisterous ones?

We have a total of 7 private event spaces with 3 of the 7 rooms making up our grand ballroom. Since we only host one wedding each night, we mostly see weddings that average 140 – 200. However, we can hold up to 275 in our ballroom or break down our ballroom to hold a smaller, more intimate wedding. Our other private event spaces can be used for dinner receptions under 40 guests. All 7 of our rooms overlook the golf course so you are guaranteed a stunning view in any room you book.

Why does Arrowhead Golf Club enjoy hosting weddings?

It’s simple – we love making the biggest day of your life perfect. We’re all in the hospitality industry because we want to make others happy. We love getting to know our couples and their families and seeing everyone enjoy themselves the day of the wedding. Our long hours and day to day hard work mean something to someone and that’s what matters.

What are your tips for couples who are just starting the wedding planning process, especially those who are still trying to pick a venue?

Stick with what your gut tells you. Don’t choose a venue just because it costs the least, don’t stress yourself out looking at 20 different venues, and most of all ENJOY the process! Finding the right venue is one of the hardest parts of wedding planning, but this is supposed to be a fun time in your life, so find a way to enjoy every little bit of it!

Arrowhead Golf Club is nestled Between Danada Farms and Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, Illinois. The stone and brick clubhouse overlooks the lavish green of manicured golf courses. By only booking one wedding per evening, Arrowhead Golf Club guarantees that each couple has the staff’s undivided attention. Each couple works closely with their own wedding specialist to coordinate every detail of their big day. For more information, contact [email protected].

Sarah Rodriguez, owner of Sarah Kathleen Events, popped by the blog to chat about all things wedding planning and how Sarah Kathleen Events is unique. All images supplied by Sarah Kathleen Events.

How long have you been a wedding and events planner? If you were doing something different before, what were you doing and what convinced you to pursue event planning full time?

I’ve been planning weddings and events for about 14 years and it has always been my dream job! While planning on the side, I previously worked for an audio-visual company that worked closely with large events. I realized that I wanted to be more involved in the entire event creation so I struck out on my own and it was the best decision I ever made.

How are you different from other wedding planners?

I’m a very hands-on planner who loves to incorporate unique elements into our events. Being from an AV background, I have seen so many interesting ideas I want to try! I found it was sometimes difficult to show my off-the-wall ideas to clients, so I began creating custom 3D renderings of our events to help! These 3DEV’s (or 3D Event Visualizations) are scale models of the venues that I then add event elements to, such as tables, linens, lighting, menu cards, and centerpieces. These allow our clients to walk through their events before they ever happen. They can easily test napkin color, table placement, atmospheric lighting, and more! This has been hugely beneficial when our clients request custom projects from us!

What wedding trend are you currently obsessing over?

Living walls! I saw one where the appetizers were served out of hands coming out of a greenery wall and I thought “I have to do that!” Just waiting for the right event to work that in.

Wedding and event planning looks like such a fun career from the outside. What’s one challenge that outsiders may not know about?

 As a wedding and event planner, your work never stops. There’s a misconception that we only work on weekends or not at all during offseason. Truth is, that’s when we do all the planning! It’s a long process to plan most events and when you balance so many events throughout the year, it’s a constant challenge to keep everything moving smoothly. Event days are very long, hard days, too. I’ve often heard that people think the job will be like J.Lo in the movie The Wedding Planner which makes me laugh because it is nowhere near as glamorous as J.Lo makes it look!

What advice would you give a recently engaged couple?

Don’t rush! Take your time to really plan out your budget, your wishes, and those things you can do without. A wedding is a celebration and shouldn’t make you go broke or want to break up. Take your time and savor the fun engagement time.

What’s that one reception song you can’t help but dance to when no one is watching

Africa by Toto. It just gets my toes tappin’.

Sarah Kathleen Events is a team of full-service wedding and event planners with a natural passion for design and ambiance. They handle everything from concept design to day-of coordination, and every little step in between. For more information, contact [email protected]. 

Congratulations to Angelica, our latest earrings winner!

(photo credit: Bri Taylor Photography)

How did you and your fiancée meet?

I (Angelica) was the understudy for Dorothy in The Wiz Jr. for Emerald City Theatre in Chicago when the cast received word that the “Wiz” had left the production 3 weeks before opening. Seeking a replacement they called in a guy (Eric) who had auditioned on a whim! When the rehearsal schedule actually brought us together I found him to be rather timid and quiet. As the newcomer to the cast, I encouraged the cast to embrace him. Eric on the other hand, far from being timid or quiet, was scoping the scene. Thus Dorothy met the Wiz! Soon after meeting, it became quite apparent that Eric was interested in being more than just castmates. I, on the other hand, didn’t date actors, let alone one I’m working with! Undeterred and unfazed, he began walking me to my car, getting coffee with me, and asked for us to have dinner. I learned Eric had auditioned for the show on a whim and as time went on, he emphatically stated, “You were meant to meet me!” And the rest, as they say, is history.

When and how did your fiancée propose to you?

Waking up on my birthday, August 16, 2018, I had no idea and no hint of what was to come. Yes, we had spoken of marriage but no time had been set. On this day, Eric had planned breakfast, a spa treatment, and afternoon tea as my birthday celebration. The day
went as planned ending with tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Bringing out the desert tower, the waiter took a moment to explain each item. Because he left one unexplained, I asked about it. Quickly grabbing the small brown oval shaped box (which I thought was an
edible treat) Eric gets down on one knee, opens the box and reveals the most beautiful ring I could ask for. It was beautiful because it was from Eric. He had methodically planned the day months in advance. He even sat with my father months prior to share his
love for me and his desire to propose. With tears in our eyes, I joyously said yes!

What parts of your wedding do you already have planned? Any details about your upcoming
celebration that you’d like to share with us?

We have set the date of Sunday, June 23, 2019. Our wedding will take place at the beautiful Carlisle in Lombard, Illinois.

What about your wedding are you most looking forward to?

Having family and friends share in the day.

To win honeymoons, diamonds earrings, date nights and more, head over to thecelebrationsociety.com/contests and enter your name in our drawing!

Ready to buy your wedding dress but not sure if you should look for a gown with a train or not? The wedding dress experts from Viero Bridal stopped by the blog to explore the pros and cons of including a train and when it is a good, and not so good, idea. All photos provided by Viero Bridal.

The Jakelyn

Skip the Train if You’ve Choreographed a Flashy First Dance

Trust us on this one. Chances are you haven’t practiced your amazing choreography in your wedding dress and adjusting for a long billowy train can be difficult on the big day. In order to avoid you or your partner stepping all over your dress, ask your dress designer to put in a bustle or stick to a close-fitting hem. However, if you and your partner are swaying sweetly to a romantic song in the middle of the dance floor,  your train could look absolutely gorgeous in wedding photos! Plus, it’ll be safe from dancing feet.

The Chloe

A Long Train is Perfect For a Ballroom

The gentle lengths of a custom bridal gown train will be a show-stopping touch in a ballroom, country club, or stately indoor venue. The lengths of white fabric will also be protected from dirt and other stains it may pick up throughout the day.

On the other hand, brides who are getting married outdoors in vineyards, ranches, or anywhere with grass should beware. By the time you make your way back up the aisle, your train could be covered in grass stains, dirt, mud, or sticks. Not only could this ruin your dress, but attempting to hide the damage in your wedding photos may prove awkward.

The Elaine

Love the Look of a Train, But Need Versatility?

Sometimes you’re a bride caught in the middle. You absolutely adore the look of a stately, flowing train but know you’ll be tearing up the dance floor with your loved ones later. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your wedding dress dreams. Instead, consider a design like the Elaine. This dress has a full, dramatic train that extends from the hip that is completely detachable. When you’re ready to party, simply detach the train for a whole new look!

A detachable skirt detail like the Elaine is easy to feature on a custom bridal gown. If you’re interested in creating the perfect affordable custom gown for your big day, contact Viero Bridal today. We’ll be happy to make your bridal gown the dress of your dreams.

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.  

Picking a bridal gown can be tough. But don’t worry – we have you covered! These seven dreamy dresses are heavenly! With delicate 3D floral details, swoonworthy skirts, lacy illusion necklines and beautiful backs, there’s something for every style.

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We are so excited for all the gorgeous weddings we know 2019 will bring. But before we jump into the new year, we wanted to take a few minutes to revisit some of our favorite weddings featured on the blog in 2018. Our 2018 couples said “I do” in snowy winter celebrations and sunny summer affairs, at downtown Chicago venues and suburban resorts, in classic wedding dresses and culturally traditional gowns. Here we’ve gathered 10 of the top weddings (in no particular order) from our 2018 blogs so you can relive the magic and every perfect detail. Click on each couple’s name to view the full post.

Monica & Stavros at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

(Photo Credit: Katie Scarlett Photography)

Wintry weather didn’t stop this couple’s amazing celebration. Instead, they embraced the snow and had the best day of their lives. See more of their wedding here.

Kelley & Roger at Geneva National Resort 

(photo credit: Dory L Tuohey Photography)

Kelley & Roger embraced simplicity and elegance for a fun-filled wedding weekend with their loved ones. See more of their wedding here.

Kate & Eric at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

(Photo Credit: Orange 2 Photography)

Kate and Eric’s wedding featured hundreds of candles, woodland-themed decor, and a twenty-foot tall declaration of LOVE. See more of their wedding here.

Nabeela & Hakeem at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

(Photo Credit: Maha Studios)

Nabeela and Hakeem’s vibrant celebration was full of gorgeous fashion and colorful décor. See more of their wedding here.

Hannah & Dave at Galleria Marchetti

(Photo Credit: GReyes Photography)

Following a photo tour of the city, Hannah and Dave headed to a beautiful outdoor ceremony and a dance-fueled reception. See more of their wedding here.

Natalie & Kevin at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel

(Photo Credit: Lady and the Lens)

Following a ceremony in their hometown, Natalie and Kevin headed to Chicago for their gorgeous reception. See more of their wedding here.

Casey & Dave at the Chicago Cultural Center

(Photo Credit: Kenny Kim Photography)

Casey and Dave chose to highlight their venue’s natural beauty using a soft palette and gentle-toned florals. See more of their wedding here.

Christina & Jonathan at The Art Institute of Chicago

(Photo Credit: Gold Grid Studios)

Christina and Jonathan found the perfect venue to incorporate their love of art, Chicago, and Vietnamese culture in a thoughtful, symbolic wedding. See more of their wedding here.

Krista & Jordan at Lake Lawn Resort

(Photo Credit: C. Mae Design)

Krista and Jordan’s celebration was perfect from start to finish, with heartfelt speeches and a gorgeous lake backdrop. See more of their wedding here.

Sarah & Brian at theWit Chicago

(Photo Credit: TWA Photographic Artists)

Sarah and Brian’s gorgeous, modern spring wedding was highlighted by metallic touches, geometric shapes, and fun food stations. See more of their wedding here.

The bold color palette of this contemporary styled shoot stood out beautifully against the elegantly neutral setting at Room 1520. All photos by Ashley Dahl Photography.

The design team took their cues for this colorful styled shoot from the bright and sunny personalities of their models. They found the ideal white and urban space in the restored historical loft space at Room 1520. Located in the heart of the artistic West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Room 1520 offers white exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and tons of natural light, making it the perfect backdrop for this bold color palette. The design team began with Room 1520’s blue velvet couch and added in complimentary yellows and pinks for a vivid color scheme. They tied the colorful hues together with hints of gold throughout the design.

The wedding stationery suite featured intricate laser-cut details and bright florals to beautifully communicate the vibe of the event. Gorgeous garden roses in bright pink (the shade perfectly matched her lipstick!) and yellow highlighted the bride’s bouquet, with blue accents and eucalyptus greenery. The floral designers added a perfect hint of yellow to the groom’s boutonniere to tie the color story together. The blue and gold wedding cake was showcased on a gold geometric cake stand that coordinated nicely with the gold-rimmed plates on the reception table. The table was set with a blue tablecloth that created a lovely background for the gold cutlery and bright floral centerpieces. This styled shoot came together beautifully to achieve a youthful, striking colorful effect.

Vendors:

Venue: Room 1520, Photography: Ashley Dahl Photography, Event Planner: Events by JVB, Bride’s Gown: Dantela Bridal Couture, Formalwear: Formally Modern Tuxedo, Floral & Décor: The Flower Girl Company, Cake: The Noble Cakery, Stationery: Amore Creative, Calligraphy: Florals & Flourishes, Hair & Makeup: Meghana Prasad, Linens: BBJ Linen, Models: Brett Riggs & Jessica Riggs

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.  

One of the top priorities for any newly engaged bride-to-be is finding the perfect wedding dress. Attending a trunk show or two is the perfect way to see lots of dresses and get insider information. Read on to find out all the details about what trunk shows are, how they can help you in your quest for the dress, and where these shows are happening near you. Written by Kara Vana.

What exactly is a trunk show?

A trunk show is an event created to showcase a particular designer’s new line of dresses. Trunk shows are usually hosted at a bridal boutique and can either be accompanied by the designer themselves or a representative from the company. On a day to day basis, most bridal boutiques only carry a few dresses from a designer’s collection. At a trunk show, you are able to view the whole collection and some gowns that haven’t even hit the market yet! You don’t have to attend a trunk show to find a wedding gown, but it’s a great way to kick off your search for the perfect gown in a fun, manageable way.

How does attending a trunk show benefit me?

As a bride, you have direct access to the designer. You don’t need to know the designer’s dresses well to attend, but we do recommend looking at their previous collections to see if their style is what you’re looking for. The designer or representative will be there to answer any questions you have about color, style, or any details about the gown. Most trunk shows have special offers if you order during the event, but just because it’s a trunk show doesn’t mean it is a sale. Accessories, such as veils, may be included in the event, but you should ask the hosting boutique when you RSVP so you know what to expect.

How do I find a trunk show to attend?

Trunk shows are generally planned in advance, so you should be able to find scheduled shows for the designers you’d like to see. Check out our comprehensive list of trunk shows in the Chicagoland area to find dates and hosting boutiques near you. You can also follow us on social media to see trunk shows and wedding events in the area. Don’t wait too long to RSVP to a show as they can book up quickly and typically only last one to three days. Be sure to check with the host boutique to see how many people you can bring with you to your appointment. There might be limited space, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

How do I get the most out of my appointment?

Keep an open mind during the appointment and be adventurous! The best part of attending a trunk show and having access to the designer is that you can easily ask questions and find out specific information about what you’re trying on. You may feel sold on a style you’ve seen online from the designer, but you should take full advantage of your time at the trunk show and try on several different styles. Despite what you think will look best on you, you might be surprised at the style you end up loving.

Ready to start planning your own Big Day? Check out our expert advice, stunning real weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration.