By ECBG Cake Studio
Photos by Berlez (formerly Aspen Avenue)

Have you heard the sweet news? We haven’t just been busy baking and decorating cakes… we have also been working on a major glow-up! Our online home, ECBGstudio.com, has gotten a major makeover, and trust us, it’s as delightful as sinking your teeth into our incredible cakes. We’re elevating our brand to better represent us—modern, bold, luxurious, cheeky, fun, but also approachable and user-friendly, to make your online experience as irresistible as our treats.  (more…)

While Hollywood’s biggest night, the Oscars, is all about captivating performances on the silver screen, the stars’ fashion statements undeniably take center stage. Last year, we saw a lot of overtly wedding-inspired looks, but this year’s 96th Academy Awards ceremony gave more subtle nods to the aisle. As stars graced the Oscars red carpet and then the ever-fashion-forward Vanity Fair Oscar Party, we couldn’t help but take note of some styles that gave ultra wedding vibes.

Check out our favorite wedding-inspired looks from the 2024 Oscars to get inspired for your special day! From sparkling details to unique suits, there’s something for everyone.

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• What is the appropriate amount of involvement that a mom should have?
• Can I tell my daughter which gown is my favorite?
• Does my daughter really want my opinion?

The Honor of your Company

Offer Your Approval

Share in the Excitement

The Grammys red carpet has always been known for producing some of the most iconic fashion looks, from Cardi B’s Vintage Thierry Mugler in 2019 to Jennifer Lopez’s tropical and sultry Versace look in 2000. This past weekend’s 2024 Grammy Awards was no exception. Amidst all the stunning formalwear looks, we also saw so many bridal-inspired ensembles gracing music icons.

Check out these fashions from The 66th Annual Grammy Awards and start dreaming about how you can translate music’s biggest night into your wedding.

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Feature Photo by Rachael Schirano Photography

Congrats, you’re preparing to take your relationship to the next level and get married! Getting married is a joyous occasion, and beyond all the glitz and glam, obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in the process. If you’re planning to tie the knot in the state of Illinois, understanding the requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license is essential.

Let’s walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

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Feature photo by The Snells

Once upon a registry, two hearts became one, and the adventure of a lifetime was set to begin. Now that the whirlwind of wedding planning is behind you, it’s time to embark on your honeymoon! Honeymoons are a treasured tradition, allowing time for couples to relax, bond, and soak up their new marriage status. So beyond the obvious considerations — like location and duration — we’ve compiled a guide with essential travel suggestions. Transition from aisle to isles and make your honeymoon one for the ages!

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Making sure your culinary team hits the mark is a crucial part of ensuring a memorable day for your guests. Luckily, Chicago is home to some of the most talented chefs in the world. Here are two you should know.

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If there’s ever an opportunity to embody main character energy, it’s your wedding day. And for this elegant wedding scene at Chicago Winery, the silver screen is the perfect stage.

The frames of this film reel are filled with the warm, urban glamour of Chicago Winery’s venue. Highlighting both the quiet luxury and sparkling disco bridal trends of the moment, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture styled models in Vera Wang, Lihi Hod, Galia Lahav and Lazaro.

Whether floating down sunlit stairs or reapplying peachy-nude lipstick for your close-up, it’s your day to radiate and turn heads. Shine like a star because the aisle is your red carpet.

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Rempel Photography
VENUE: Chicago Winery
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Vrinspirations
HAIR & MAKEUP: Rare Bird Beauties
STYLING: Katie Mántica with Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
GOWNS: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
FORMALWEAR: ESQ Clothing
MODELS: Hannah Debok, Roberto Mántica, Jalbelly Guzmán, Stephen Wilkes

As white frosting on the heart-shaped cake taunts, “No Take Backs,” we are welcomed into this vibrant love story. Fun, creativity and a touch of whimsy certainly define the essence of this wedding vision at CSK (Centre Street Kitchen) in Lincoln Park.

In the wedding world, neutrals and pastels will always have a treasured home. But just because those color palettes are a reliable force doesn’t mean denying bold, colorful inspiration. When dreaming up this styled shoot, the team envisioned a not-so-bohemian garden party vibe. Thus a playful and zesty ambiance emerged, rather than the vintage vibe often associated with courtyard events. Unbridled fun thrives here, enlivened by elements like a rosé tower and vegan red velvet cake.

As if handwritten in glitter gel pen, this playful scene invites couples to embrace whimsy. Consider this your sign to explore the possibilities, deny the neutrals and let love lead the way.

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY: Marissa Kelly Photography
VIDEOGRAPHY: David Bustos
VENUE: CSK Lincoln Park [permanently closed]
PLANNER: Bridget Mary Weddings
FLORAL: The Flower Club
CAKE: Gâteau Groovy
LINENS: Windy City Linen
TABLETOP DÉCOR: Hall’s Rental
HAIR: Lindsay Dee Beauty
MAKEUP: Erika Alexis Beauty
GOWNS: Grace + Ivory
FORMALWEAR: SuitShop
JEWELRY: Plum Diamonds
MODELS: Haley Huskey, Anthony Baldasare

Interview by Alexandra Dillard | Photography by Bryte Media LLC

In the radiant glow of engagement, it’s easy to become consumed by the whirlwind of wedding planning. From choosing the perfect dress to deciding on the ideal venue, there’s a thrilling journey toward matrimony ahead! Yet amidst the excitement and anticipation, one often-overlooked aspect can make a profound difference in the success of a marriage: the relationship’s foundation.

Couples seeking not just a picture-perfect wedding day, but a lifetime of happiness might consider premarital counseling. Premarital counseling isn’t just for troubled waters, but it’s a tool for forming a more resilient and harmonious partnership. We turned to Operations Director Bailey Kraft, MS, LMFT and Clinical Director Mike Connell, MA, LMFT from Balanced Life Counseling to explore the keys to establishing a solid foundation for a flourishing marriage.

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By Alexandra Dillard | Feature Photo by Winterlyn Photography

As the costs that come with planning a wedding add up, welcome to the reprieve that comes with making a wedding registry. Creating a wedding gift registry is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning and it costs you nothing. Now we’re talking!

Let your mind swirl with possibilities of splurge-worthy items you have always wanted but never pulled the trigger on purchasing yourself. We’re talking everything from the robin’s egg blue toaster of your dreams to a sumptuous towel warmer to turn your humble bathroom into a luxury spa.

But just like every other element of wedding planning, setting up your wedding registry comes with its fair share of etiquette. It might be your first time asking for these types of gifts and, admittedly, it can feel a bit awkward to compile a big wish list. So where do you start? From when to create a registry to what to include, let’s go over everything you need to know to create a thoughtful and well-curated wedding registry. Here are 14 things to keep in mind while setting up your wedding registry, plus a curated list of can’t-go-wrong gift options.

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Featured Photos (from left to right): Danielle Heinson Photography, Winterlyn Photography, Danielle Heinson Photography, Alana Lindenfeld Photography

You’ve heard the old rhetoric, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” but what does it mean? Let’s dive in. This proverb stems from English folklore and offers a recipe many couples believe to be the precursor to a successful marriage. The rhyme outlines four items you must carry or incorporate into your wedding day for good luck.

While the tradition behind the rhyme has evolved, many nearlyweds still choose to incorporate these four elements into their weddings to honor tradition and bring good luck to their marriages.

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WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY Stephanie Wood, Stephanie Wood Photography

Prepping for your engagement session sounds easy right? Until you realize you need to figure out where to go, what to wear, how to do your hair and makeup, how to include your pets and the list goes on and on. Well, not to worry — I got you, boo! I’m delivering my most bang- for-your-buck engagement session planning advice so you can have the stunning photos you’ve always dreamed of — stress free!

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Bella Glam Studio IL

Photo by Brittany Chase Photography

712 W. Higgins Rd. | Park Ridge, IL 60068 602.350.5863 | bellabridalbeauty.com

Bella Glam Studio IL, a sister company of Bella Bridal Beauty, is a fresh and vibrant salon space in Park Ridge. This new salon offers a stunning space for bridal hair and makeup trials and the opportunity to extend Bella Bridal Beauty’s services beyond the wedding day. After you’ve loved your wedding experience with Bella Bridal Studio, enjoy the same level of service for future events, photoshoots or by booking appointments with their talented in-house stylists, estheticians or spray tan artists. Their commitment with this new salon is to maintain a pristine, enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and at home!

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From shooting 83 floors up at the newly renovated St. Regis to sailing away on a luxury sailboat on Lake Michigan, this editorial is a love letter to Chicago.

For the fashion, stylist Catherine Vreeland of Mira Couture was inspired by the city’s architecture. A mix of modern glass skyscrapers and gothic 1920s classics dominates Chicago’s skyline, and the gowns here reflect that modern-yet-worldly aesthetic. From custom in-house designs by Mira Couture to gowns by Kim Kassas and Marchesa, fashionable old-world touches played beautifully with modern silhouettes. Defined by movement and flow, each scene of this story reflects an artful juxtaposition and sky-high style.

Vendor List

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lisa Blume Photography
VIDEOGRAPHY: Morning Light Co.
VENUE: St. Regis
BOAT: On A Boat Sailing
FASHION DIRECTION & GOWNS: Mira Couture
EVENT STYLING, PLANNING & WELCOME BOXES: The Gilded Aisle Weddings
FLORAL: Taylor & Co Events
FORMALWEAR: Nicholas Joseph Custom Suits
JEWELRY: Marshall Pierce & Co.
HAIR: Hair by Juan Jose
MAKEUP: Bridal by Aga Rhodes
RENTALS: Bowery and Bash, Ellie & Rose, The Festive Frog, Marquee Event Rentals, Stradley Davidson, Tablescapes, Windy City Linen
ENTERTAINMENT: Beat Mix Music
CAKE: Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez with St. Regis
COOKIES: Smart Cookies by Jenna
TRANSPORTATION: McClaren Chicago
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: Alana Lindenfeld Photography, Mary Emily Moore
HAIR & MAKEUP ASSISTANT: Alma Armas Makeup