What’s New Around Chicagoland: Winter 2026
Feature Photo of Orso’s Restaurant by Cailynn Wolfgang Photo
This winter’s New To The Scene highlights our favorite additions to the Chicagoland scene, from the recently opened businesses to sparkling new renovations. Stay in the loop and check out these fresh picks!
Cart Blanche
Chicago & North Shore
@meetcartblanche | cartblancheco.com
Beautifully designed carts. Curated details. Effortless celebrations. Cart Blanche is redefining the art of event presentation with its beautifully designed, fully customizable carts — the chicest way to serve, style and celebrate. Founded by longtime event and real estate collaborators Christine Lutz and Hilary Jesudoss, the women-owned brand curates everything from elegant charcuterie and dessert spreads to signature cocktail and candy stations. Available for weddings, showers and celebrations of all kinds, each cart is tailored to the event’s aesthetic and vibe. The result? A picture-perfect focal point that delights guests and elevates every detail.
Photo by Widia Viti Photography
ZAAN YI
Chicago, IL
@zaan_yi | zaanyi.com
Meet ZAAN YI, the newest chapter from Bruce and Frank Lin of Lin Brothers Studio. After years of documenting heartfelt celebrations across Chicago, the brothers created ZAAN YI to offer a more intimate, art-focused approach to wedding photography. Every collection is personally photographed by the founders, merging old-world elegance with modern emotion. Designed for couples who value authenticity and artistry, ZAAN YI redefines luxury by focusing on the feeling behind every frame.
Photo by Lin Brothers Studio
LVA Bride
440 Milwaukee Ave. | Lincolnshire, IL 60069
@lvabride | lvabride.com
LVA Bride is a new, modern bridal boutique in Lincolnshire, featuring a carefully curated selection of Milla Nova gowns — designs recognized for their European artistry, refined structure and contemporary silhouettes. LVA Bride takes an intentional approach to the fitting process: calm appointments, honest guidance and a focus on what feels right for you. From discovering different silhouettes to perfecting the final fit, every step is designed to make your dress search clear, effortless and personal.
Petite Acres
1109 E. Buffalo St. | New Buffalo, MI 49117
@petiteacres | petiteacres.com
Petite Acres is a special new event space in New Buffalo, Michigan, inspired by weekends in the European countryside, where weddings unfold over days instead of hours. The 4.25-acre property includes a 4,700-square-foot event space with a unique vibe that lands somewhere between a French chateau and a speakeasy. With on-site accommodations featuring 12 suites with 29 beds total (plus a gym, sauna and cold plunge!), your wedding becomes a retreat where you can soak up the moments that matter with the people you love most.
Elite Events Chicago
4806 N. Kedzie Ave. | Chicago, IL 60625
@elite_events_chicago | elite-events-chicago.com
Introducing Elite Events Chicago, Executive Chef Christopher Cuellar’s rebranded chef-driven catering and event design company. Led by Cuellar, the team’s approach centers around crafting immersive dining experiences where each menu reflects the couple’s story. From backyard weddings to grand ballroom celebrations, Elite Events Chicago blends refined culinary technique with seamless planning and personalized service. They handle every aspect of your event — menu design, rentals, staffing and coordination — all under one roof, giving couples more time to actually enjoy their curated experience.
The Park Avenue Orchestra
Chicago, IL 60614
@theparkavenueorchestra | theparkavenueorchestra.com
The Park Avenue Orchestra has been Chicagoland’s premier private event band since the 1980s, performing over 2,000 events with unmatched energy and excellence. Now under the direction of powerhouse vocalist Jenny Farney, the group continues its legacy of exceptional musicianship, unrivaled vocals and sophisticated artistry. From intimate five-piece ensembles to show-stopping fifteen-piece orchestras, they deliver the perfect soundtrack for weddings with a notable style proven to be timeless. More than a band, The Park Avenue Orchestra brings unwavering commitment, partnering with clients to craft extraordinary experiences that make them a true icon of live entertainment!
Analia’s Bridal
37 W. Slade St. | Palatine, IL 60067
@analiasbridal1 | analiasbridal.com
Lovingly named after her daughter, Analia’s Bridal is the dream boutique of owner Laura Como, a former elementary school teacher from the Chicago suburbs. Inspired by her own positive bridal shopping experience, Laura set out to create that same warm, personalized service for other brides in the northwest suburbs. Located in downtown Palatine, Analia’s Bridal proudly offers premium, European gowns, each handmade, custom-tailored and personalized for every bride in a private, intimate appointment setting.
Photo by Duron Studio Photography
The Ellery
406 W. Woodstock St. | Crystal Lake, IL 60014
@theelleryvenue | theelleryvenue.com
Located in the heart of Crystal Lake, The Ellery is a newly reimagined venue where timeless architecture meets modern romance. Soft, natural light pours through the airy interiors, highlighting warm wood floors and a neutral palette that creates a versatile canvas for any wedding style. With private getting-ready suites, flexible bring-your-own vendor options and a family-run team devoted to each couple, The Ellery offers a setting where love stories unfold naturally.
Photo by Ashley Bosnick Photography
The Reserve at Black Oak
19517 Lembcke Rd. | Harvard, IL 60033
blackoakil.com
Discover The Reserve at Black Oak. Located just 30 minutes from Lake Geneva, Black Oak offers an idyllic, private setting for your wedding. Guests can start their day in one of two well-appointed suites, before moving into the rustic yet modern space featuring concrete floors, warm wood tones and exposed beams. The space’s versatile neutral palette was designed to complement any wedding vision. The property offers beautiful outdoor areas for ceremonies and receptions, from a charming peninsula with tranquil water views to a contemporary patio. Whether hosting an intimate elopement or a full weekend celebration, the venue is never double-booked and remains entirely yours. Private and picturesque, The Reserve at Black Oak is a standout venue for your big day.
Photo by Kristina Lorraine Photography
Orso’s Restaurant
1401 N. Wells St. | Chicago, IL 60610
@orsosrestaurant | orsosrestaurant.com
After more than 50 years of serving Northern Italian classics in Old Town, Orso’s has expanded its event offerings with the newly renovated patio and bar space — a private indoor space that transforms into a spectacular outdoor garden during warm months. Complete with its own bar, garden seating and a living grapevine canopy, the patio is an intimate spot with old-world charm. With this update, Orso’s offers multiple spaces that can be mixed and matched: the Tiffany Room and Sidecar Room each accommodate up to 40 seated/50 reception, while the outdoor patio can host up to 100 seated/120 reception. For larger celebrations, the entire restaurant can be booked for a fully private experience. For ultimate convenience, Orso’s is located minutes from both Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway, and is easily accessible from the Loop and Downtown Hotels.
Photo by Cailynn Wolfgang Photo
