All Posts By

Kelly

1 In Events/ Press

Indie Wed In Print

I’ve mentioned before about our new partnership with Design Bureau magazine.  They are a national magazine focusing on all aspects of design from fashion to industrial design.  They have been working hard on a special wedding issue that will hit newsstands any day now.  I squealed with delight when a few days ago, an advanced copy showed up in my mailbox.  Here are a few sneak peeks for you.

DBcover

Here is the cover.  I think what surprised me the most was the paper stock they used.  It felt thick and sturdy.  Overall the whole magazine felt much more substantial than a lot of the wedding mags on the market.  Besides… look at some of those names on the cover. There are a lot of interesting interviews and articles with some established wedding pros as well as some up and comers…..

DBfeature2

See that little blue box up there.  Um, yeah… that is me in there.  I am pretty excited though I feel a little embarrassed too.  I get self-conscious and don’t want to seem like I’m bragging so I feel weird sharing.  I guess I try to look at it as an endorsement for Indie Wed rather than a blurb about just me.  Here is a closer look.  (I’m blowing bubbles if you can’t tell)

DBpage

Indie wed is mentioned in a few other places in the magazine including a little resources section in the back but then there is this little gem….BAM!

DBad

We have a full page ad on the inside cover!  While it mentions our upcoming show, it really is an ad for Indie Wed in general and hope it will be a big boost for us in general as well as our future shows.  Any excuse to bring more attention to all the wonderful vendors we work with is good  news in my book.

If you want to see more, check out newsstands or you can just hop on over to Indie Wed 2 weeks from today.  Design Bureau will be at the show with a big table and some free magazines to give out!

3 In Events/ Food/ Inspiration/ Music & Entertainment

The Belles & Gents Lounge at Indie Wed

We have mentioned the Belles & Gents Lounge before briefly but now that Indie Wed is 2 weeks away, I wanted to share all the wonderful goodness that will be at the event.  I asked the fabulous Beth Bernstein of SQN Events to coordinate the lounge for me and boy does she have some tricks up her sleeve!

Belles & Gents Lounge at Indie Wed.  Photos by Simply Jessie Photography

photos by Simply Jessie Photography

Inspired by whiskey bars from days of old, the lounge will be the perfect mix of feminine and masculine, comfortable enough for any guest.  Think rustic whiskey barrels softened by wispy floral arrangements.  Can you picture it?  Well to entice you just a bit more, here is a list of the fab vendors who will be participating in the lounge.  Many of them also have booths on the first and second floors as well (denoted by *).

A La Crate*, AGED Vintage Rentals* & Nimble Well* will each be providing unique vintage pieces for the space including a super comfy and cozy seating area.  Amelia Street Studio* is one killer cinematography studio and has some videos one large TV’s for your viewing pleasure.  See all the little touches in the photos above like the logo and those custom beer labels?  Those were done by Courtney Callahan Paper* who has even more goodies planned.  Want to see some eye candy (or cake is it?) while you are there?  Elysia Root Cakes* is creating the most fabulous Groom’s cake ever.  I can’t tell you what it is, but it fits the theme perfectly.  Fleur is providing all the wonderful florals for the space.  Our pals at Goose Island Catering have some food and beer pairings planned that will fill your belly and put a smile on your face.  Julia Franzosa Photography* will be there documenting the event.  OPEN by Shutterbooth will have a space set up where you can snap a few pics to remember your time there. Beth at SQN Events will be there to make sure the day runs smoothly and all guests are taken care of. Toast & Jam* will be spinning some tunes and who knows… some spontaneous dancing might take place. Femme du Coupe will help you wet your whistle with some tasty ‘mocktails’.  Lastly truffle truffle will have an assortment of sweets to sample.

Doesn’t this sound like the prefect way to spend an afternoon?  We think so.  But you can’t enjoy the party if you don’t have tickets.  They are going fast, with just 2 weeks left.  Reserve yours today.  

0 In Real Weddings

Real Wedding: Tami & Chris

People often ask me what Indie Wed means.  The word “indie” often conjures images of a rock group playing local clubs, decked out in their corduroys and hipster specks, trying to avoid becoming mainstream.  While many of our vendors may sport a tattoo or two (or ten) and might tend to buck tradition, “indie” simply means “independent”.  Indie Wed supports independent vendors but also an independent spirit or attitude.  When one comes to Indie Wed, they really can find just about anything and there is not just one type of wedding that could come from it.  Consider our events like a giant Choose Your Own Adventure with countless combinations of possible weddings.

You may remember this wedding I shared with you last year that involved many Indie Wed vendors.  It was rustic and vintage and a bit eclectic.  Well this next wedding is a great example of someone else’s ideal wedding using many Indie Wed vendors; and how differ the end results are.  This wedding is elegant and girly but whimsical at the same time.  I am also excited to share this wedding because I have known the bride for a number of years and also had the privilege to attend this one.  She is going to be a first time vendor at this year’s Indie Wed, sharing a booth with the photographer from this shoot.

Indie Wed blog - Chicago bride & groom - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

The bride Tami and I met back in 2009 when I was looking for someone to share my studio space.  We both shared a love for stationery design as well as both having little dogs named Chloe.  Go figure.  One of the first things I ever learned about Tami was her love for all things pink and purple.  When I found out she was getting married, I knew there would be pink and purple in there somewhere… but don’t start picturing a cotton candy fairytale just yet.  She used bold colors mixed with whimsical touches.  It was perfectly unexpected.

Indie Wed blog - fuchsia & purple bridesmaids - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Tami shared a little bit about her big day and how it all came together saying, “my new husband Chris, my mom, and I all attended Indie Wed in January 2012 after Chris and I got engaged the previous Thanksgiving. Being in the wedding industry myself (Tamtam Couture- Invitations), I had several ideas in mind for what our big day might look, but wanted to find people with my same creative tastes and vision to help me pull it all together. We had booked our venue (Pazzo’s) as well as our photographer (Kristin La Voie Photography) prior to Indie Wed but the rest was up in the air. Indie Wed is unlike any other wedding event that I have ever been too and the inspiration and energy was contagious. I wanted to book everyone there!  Much to my surprise, Chris loved attending Indie Wed as well and kept himself occupied listening to our band-to-be (We, Unity Candle) while my mom and I scouted floral and accessory vendors. The whole experience made me even more excited and I felt better knowing I had connected with many people in one place that could help me. I left IndieWed with the faith that I had met the right people to help me pull it all off, and a very happy fiance who’s favorite part of the wedding reception was listening to our band play.”

Indie Wed blog - paper flower ceremony arch - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Another thing to note about this wedding is that Tami made a lot of the elements herself.  See that amazing ceremony backdrop above?  Yep, she made that!

Indie Wed blog - florals by Pollen - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Tami added, “My favorite detail – our wedding flowers designed by Lynn at Pollen. I absolutely loved working with her!”  Isn’t that bouquet just stunning?   As for sweets, check out these cakes made by Indie Wed alum, Tipsycake.  And yes… that is an iPod groom’s cake.

Indie Wed blog - iPad cake  & ombre cake by Tipsycakes - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

I loved all the wonderful little handmade details at their wedding.  Tami put so much thought (and work) into every aspect.  Just check out some of these adorable touches.

Indie Wed blog - TamTam Couture Invitations - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Her invitations were my favorite.  They were such a treat to receive in the mail.

Indie Wed blog - TamTam Couture Invitations - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Indie Wed blog - Mustaches by TamTam Couture Invitations - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

Indie Wed blog - We, Unity Candle band - Photography by Kristin LaVoie Photography

The band, We, Unity Candle rocked well into the wee hours of the night, even after guests went home.

One last word from Tami, “I can’t wait to be apart of this year’s Indie Wed event… it truly was the highlight of our wedding planning experience. “

***

Indie Wed Vendors

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photographywww.kristinlavoiephotography.com
Flowers: Pollen, pollenfloraldesign.com/
Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake: Tipsy Cake,tipsycakechicago.com/
Band: We, Unity Candle, weunitycandle.com
All paper goods: TamTam Design

Other Vendors
Dress: Jacquelin Exclusive Bridal Collection, purchased from a trunk show, Complete Bridal Salon, East Dundee, IL
Wedding Belt: Custom-altered sash originally from BHLD, Chicago, Illinois
Tuxedo rentals: Black Tie Formal Wear
Shoes: J Renee, Zappos.com
Brides Earrings, Veil, and Hairpiece: The Wedding Etc., Downers Grove, IL 
Engagement Ring: Custom Designed by the Groom, Lustig Jewelers, Vernon Hills, IL
Brides Wedding Band: Custom Designed by Jared, Aurora, IL
Grooms Wedding Band: Jared, Aurora, IL
Groom’s Watch, Wedding Gift: Rolex Submariner 
Hair/MUA: VIP Chicago Brides, Anita Arsova,www.vipchicagobrides.com
Gourmet Popcorn: https://kernelsgourmet.com/
Candy Table: Bride/Groom DIY, candy from candywarehouse.com
Linens/venue/caterer: Pazzo’s at 311
Videographer: Vanilla Video, vanillavideo.com
Wedding Planner: Yellow Diamond Events
Transportation: Chicago Trolley

 

 

1 In Events/ Inspiration/ Lounge

Belles & Gents Lounge

If you attended the winter Indie Wed event last winter, you may recall as sweet little display on the second floor.  Dubbed the “Belles & Gents Bar“, the installation was for our Inspired Creations contest.  Well we loved it so much that we are teaming up with Beth from SQN Events to essentially “blow out” this concept into a full fledged lounge on the third floor.  Imagine a relaxed, old-fashioned styled, co-ed bar where guests can chat it up while sipping on some refreshing libations.  A rustic wood bar holds a bevy of sweets &  handcrafted beers just for starters.    Relax on a comfortable worn-in leather sofa while mingling with other guests….

This is the type of space we are aiming to create.  It will be a retreat for attendees who need a break from chatting with vendor after vendor and just want to relax.  Beth is working hard to make it a really special space so I don’t want to spill all the beans just yet.  I can say that there will be some wonderful displays and treats from the likes of FleurCourtney Callahan Paper, & Truffle Truffle.  Everything else is still under wraps.

Not only will this be a wonderful place for the gals to relax but Beth has got some special things up her sleeves for the guys too.  We can’t wait!

If this wasn’t reason enough to attend, I don’t know what is.  Tickets are now on sale.  Don’t miss out!

2 In Wedding Planning

Big Announcement

If you keep up with our Facebook page you may have seen a few cryptic posts about a fun partnership I’ve been working on.  Well I can now officially spill a little bit of the details.

I am excited to announce that Indie Wed is partnering with Design Bureau magazine as a national media sponsor for the coming year.  DB covers all facets of design and their mantra is “Inspiring Design Dialogue“.  They believe that all art (and artists) is intertwined and they cover everything from fashion, industrial design, to interior design and landscape architecture. Design Bureau is distributed nationally in all major newsstands, specialty bookstores and Barnes & Noble, as well as internationally in 13 countries.

Okay, so you may be wondering what this has to do with weddings.  Currently they are working on a new project, a huge, special edition issue; Weddings By Design featuring inspirational, unique wedding events & those involved with bringing it to life!  This special edition will also have a great resource guide for brides to plan their perfect day. The issue will be distributed nationally in early 2013.   Their hope is that this will become a yearly edition.  I have seen some sneak peeks of the issue but since they are still in the planning stages, I can’t share anything yet. Of course I will as soon as I can.  In addition to the print issue, they will be creating a microsite online to correspond with the launch that will become an online resource for everything in the issue and beyond.

So what does this mean for you and for Indie Wed?  Well for Indie Wed, it means full page ad space in a nationally distributed magazine for all our 2013 events as well as a presence for all our events on their microsite.  There are a few other little details we are working out that are exciting but I want to keep under wraps for now.  This will mean greater exposure for us and in turn for all our fabulous vendors.  In return for all this press love, Design Bureau will be at all our events, handing out magazines, and other related treats regarding the wedding issue.  Attendees will get to see the special issue up close and in person.  From what I have seen so far, this will be jam-packed with all sorts of wedding inspiration that is way cooler than what is on most newstands today.  If you love good design and are interested in the most innovative things in wedding design and planning going on nationally and worldwide, this will be the magazine for you.

Whew.  I’ve been eager to share this for a while.  Although I still keeping some details hush-hush, this is very exciting and I hope something that will be good not only for Indie Wed but for our vendors and attendees.