Photographers and educators Anissa D Photography and Everly Collective curated an opulent content day with a vintage vibe. Complete with stylish attire and a candlelit restaurant setting, the essence of a vintage French romance came to life at Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar. As passionate educators, the hosts wanted to put on a content day for fellow photographers to build their creative bridal portfolios. Defined by candid flat-lays, Ruby Woo lipstick kisses and instant film photography, this shoot paints a vision that transcends decades.

From the Photographer …

We were inspired by vintage couture, mini dresses and bows and all things glam.

-Samantha Everly, Owner of Everly Collective 

Vendors

CREATIVE DIRECTORS/HOSTS Anissa D Photography & Everly Collective
PHOTOGRAPHER Everly Collective
VENUE Venteux Chicago
FLORAL Thrive Floral Designs
STATIONERY Rachel Wiedenfeld Studio
CAKE Heart Shaped Baking
GOWNS Lisa Young Rentals
HAIR Niche Beauty by Kaedi
MAKEUP Erika Alexis Beauty
RINGS HauteCarat
MODELS Nina Martinez Bentonand, Dan Martinez Gloria

Feature Image of Boka Restaurant, by Fox + Ivory

Chicago’s culinary scene is unmatched and attracts some of the world’s top chefs. By pairing a sincere passion for food with pure talent, these Chicago culinary artists are sure to elevate your wedding day meal. Not only will you be served a work of art, but your guests will also talk about the delectable meal for years to come.

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You’ve dreamed, researched and planned your wedding for months (and even years!), and no detail is insignificant. So once you’ve slipped on your wedding band and kicked off your Jimmy Choos at the night’s end, it can be hard to say goodbye to it all.

Your wedding florals are one of the most fleeting elements of your special day. The transient beauty of such blooms arguably plays into their allure. Given their limited time, it’s no wonder we romantics adore and treasure them so dearly. As florals have a significant impact on your event design and can take up a large portion of your wedding budget, it’s natural to want to preserve their beauty indefinitely.

This is where floral preservation comes into play. While the art has been around for decades, it is seeing a revival with modern couples. In an era where personalization and bespoke experiences are highly valued, preserving wedding flowers offers a unique way to create a lasting, personalized memento. Whether transformed into coasters, jewelry or a framed piece of art, there are more creative and affordable floral preservation options out there than ever before. (more…)

Led by BW Studio + Events, this Designers’ Challenge team indulged in a vivid reverie of color, texture and rich historical details. Hosted at Colvin House, Bryte Media beautifully captured the artistic visions of BW Studio + Events, CMB Catering, Creative Cakes, Marquee Event Rentals, MAXE Designs and Town & Country Gardens.

The team drew inspiration from Colvin House’s rich history and architectural treasures. Situated along the lakefront, this 1909 Prairie-style mansion was built by architect George Maher, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. To play off of the venue’s intricate features—like ornamental columns, a statement marble fireplace and bright stucco walls—the team embraced a palette of jewel tones intertwined with lush greenery for their design.

The cake, mirroring the venue’s ceiling textures, bespoke hand-painted stationery, and blooming prairies of vibrant flowers all contributed to a contemporary yet historically resonant ambiance. Through a fusion of textured accents and bursts of ruby, amethyst, topaz and sapphire, the team’s design promises to make its own mark in history.

Couples are looking for color again, and we wanted to showcase that it can be done elegantly.

– Blair Woerfel, BW Studio + Events

The Team

PLANNER BW Studio + Events
PHOTOGRAPHY Bryte Media LLC
VENUE Colvin House
FLORAL Town & Country Gardens
CAKE & SWEETS Creative Cakes
STATIONERY MAXE Designs
RENTALS Marquee Event Rentals
CATERING & FAVORS CMB Catering

Seated (Left to Right): Elly Billings (BW STUDIO + EVENTS), Blair Woerfel (BW STUDIO + EVENTS), Molly Axe (MAXE DESIGNS), Becky Palermo (CREATIVE CAKES)

Standing (Left to Right): Parul Singh (BRYTE MEDIA LLC), Sarah Rasane (CMB CATERING), Angelena DalPorto (BW STUDIO + EVENTS), Cait Walker (TOWN & COUNTRY GARDENS), Jamie Lea Power (TOWN & COUNTRY GARDENS), Laura Heuvelman (COLVIN HOUSE), Mychael Bonner (CMB CATERING), Shannon Rajchel (BRYTE MEDIA LLC)

VOTE NOW!

The Ralph Lauren aesthetic, which epitomizes American heritage and equestrian elegance, is brought to life at Arranmore Farm and Polo Club in this captivating vision. The venue, a polo club just outside of Chicago, set the stage for a celebration defined by equestrian imagery, musky leather scents and heirloom accessories. Lush florals by CAMÉLLIA framed vintage dishes along the tablescape, while Pistores’ hand-painted cake depicted an artful polo scene. From the soul-stirring melodies of a bagpiper to commanding views of horse stables, every detail signals the luxury and heritage synonymous with Ralph Lauren’s romantic legacy.

From the Photographer …

In essence, this wedding was a celebration of love, style and tradition — a perfect embodiment of Ralph Lauren’s enduring legacy.

-Victoria Chukarov, Owner of Victoria C Photos

Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHER Victoria C Photos
VIDEOGRAPHER Allan L. Niño
VENUE Arranmore Farm and Polo Club
PLANNER VINI Events
FLORAL CAMÉLLIA
RENTALS Tablescapes
LINENS BBJ La Tavola
STATIONERY Crane Papier
CALLIGRAPHY Andrea Reno Design Studio
CAKE Pistores
GOWN Viero Bridal
HAIR & MAKEUP Rare Bird Beauties
RING Razny Jewelers
JEWELRY Rachel Lynn Chicago
BAG PIPES Jim Brunner with Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band
MODELS Nika Dauksys, Konstantin Shaposhnykov
HORSE Black Mamba with Oak Brook Polo Academy

WRITTEN BY Christine Razny-Porter, Razny Jewelers | PHOTOS COURTESY OF Razny Jewelers

Atop the lengthy to-do list that many fiancées must conquer before the big day is the question of how and where to buy a wedding band for the groom. While countless guides assist in shopping for flawless engagement rings, few resources make the process of selecting a man’s wedding band easy and enjoyable.

Here are 10 tips that walk you through the basic rules of wedding band shopping, various price options and style choices, and ideas on securing a ring he’ll be proud to wear. Because, yes, he’s been dreaming of this day too! (more…)

Photo by Colette Marie Photography

The expert team at Mixology Salon & Spa shares a countdown to your most radiant wedding day look.

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Feature Photo by Dabble Me This

When it comes to your wedding, the primary focus is, of course, on celebrating the union of you and your forever partner. However, beyond the joy of this momentous commitment, many couples are most excited about gathering all their loved ones together for a big, wonderful party.

In today’s post-pandemic world, personal connections are more cherished than ever. Weddings provide a unique occasion for friends and family to come together for the sole purpose of joyful celebration. Since having everyone together at once is such a rare opportunity, the goal is to create an amazing wedding experience not only for you and your fiancé but also for your guests. (more…)

Feature Photo by Balerina Films

Many couples are torn between who they feel obligated to invite, how many people they can afford to invite and what type of environment they want for their special day. If you’re feeling similar stresses, you’re not alone! Some of the most common feedback regarding the wedding planning process involves the stresses of creating the guest list.

To help ease this stress, here are tips and considerations for determining who will be in the audience and on the dance floor on your wedding day. (more…)

Written by Ross Hunt, unMuddled Bartending Company | Feature Photo by Fox + Ivory

You met. You dated. You fell in love. And now, you’re getting married. Congrats! But there’s more to your love story, isn’t there? Details about your journey together that are unique or unforgettable, and maybe a bit quirky or unexpected? Of course there is — and cheers to what makes your bond unique!

At your wedding, everyone you care about will be in one room, for just a few hours. Meaning you have a short time to express what makes your relationship special. Guests don’t want just the “you met, you dated, you fell in love” version of your story. They want to experience those unique, unforgettable, quirky and unexpected aspects! And while there are countless ways to weave those details into your special day, the bar offerings at your wedding allow for surprising opportunities to thoughtfully and creatively demonstrate your love in ways that are memorable, experiential and unique to your personalities. We’re not just talking about a “His and Hers” cocktail menu or custom napkins with your initials on them. Let’s explore genuinely innovative ways to elevate the bar at your wedding and infuse it with elements that are meaningful to you as a couple and endearing to your guests. (more…)

Feature Photo by Aspen Avenue

As weddings become increasingly personalized and style-savvy, wedding attire is no different. Suiting doesn’t have to be all black and white tuxedos! There are several ways to infuse personality into your wedding suit style, from tailored jackets with patterned linings to embroidered accents. Whether you want to make a statement or infuse sentimental subtleties, consider customizing these parts of your wedding day attire to ensure you walk down the aisle in your own unique style.

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Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHY Anamaria Vieriu Photography
VENUE Room 1520
STYLING Alexandra Dillard
FLORAL & DECOR Branching Out Chicago
HAIR & MAKEUP Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup Artists
GOWNS Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride Bridal Boutique, Kathryn’s Bridal, Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, Grace + Ivory, Laury Bride, Love Story Bridal, Volle’s Bridal & Boutique, White Satin Bridal
JEWELRY Rolland’s Jewelers
MENSWEAR Formally Modern Tuxedo, Generation Tux
SHOES Kailee P.
ACCESSORIES Aveil
MODELS Aryss Gayden, Rune Model Management; Greta Meyle, The Rock Agency; Santo Perez, The Rock Agency; & Cici Rindy
CONTENT CREATOR Jennifer Tello with Amorélla Events

Feature Photo by Ryan Davis Photography

In recent years, brewery weddings have become increasingly popular for couples seeking a unique and laid-back celebration. Chicago, with its flourishing craft beer scene, offers an array of exceptional brewery wedding venues that blend industrial charm with a touch of Midwestern zest. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” amidst copper kettles and oak barrels, check out these stunning brewery wedding venues.

Remember to reach out to each brewery to inquire about their current wedding packages, capacities and availability. Since these businesses operate as active taprooms, their private event availability might be limited. Weekends are their big business nights! Additionally, inquire about any specific catering and beverage options they offer to ensure your wedding day is a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Cheers to love, laughter and the perfect pint at Chicagoland’s finest brewery wedding destinations!

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By Doree Haight-Motl, Owner of The Haight| Gather
Feature Photo by The Still Life

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Words and Photo by Mairaj Hakim, Hakim’s Studio

I’m Mairaj Hakim, the Creative Director at Hakim’s Studio, where we’ve been weaving visual stories for over seven decades. Your wedding day is a unique tapestry of love and commitment, a moment deserving to be painted with strokes of artistry and finesse. As you embark on this extraordinary journey, here are some handpicked tips to guide you in choosing the perfect photographers and ensuring your experience is nothing short of magical.

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