0 In Uncategorized

Pop-Up Shop Preview: Accessories

Only a week to go until Indie Wed’s first-ever pop-up shop! So here’s our last roundup of vendor previews. All of these folks will have their lovely wares for sale or special order at the pop-up September 27 and 28. To purchase tickets, visit the event page for more info.

Your ring is probably one of those things that you spend as much time shopping for as your dress, right? So you need to consider Simply Wood Rings. They’re made of natural, beautiful, and responsibly sourced wood, plus whatever special materials you want to add: gemstones, shells, fossils, or (for one client) antique bagpipe keys.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Simply Wood Rings

For your head: Designer Nancy McAllister of Wildflower Couture hand-cuts and -dyes the silk flowers she uses in her headpieces and combs, and on her off days she studies with a master milliner. She’s also a wiz with sparkly things. AND she’s bringing a brand-new line of veils to this show.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Wildflower Couture

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Wildflower Couture

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Previously

Looking for garters? But something special, right? The level of detail in Previously‘s work speaks for itself; designer Elide’s vintage reproduction garters are inspired by the illustrations of George Barbier and 1920s ribbon work.

The right dress needs the right bag, whether it’s for you or a gift for your bridesmaids. Kristine Fachet of Sur Le Feu has you covered. Armed with a BFA in costume design, she makes heirloom-quality handbags one piece at a time in her Chicago studio, using a mix of new and vintage materials, and even pieces of vintage wedding dresses.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Sur Le Feu

Looking for garters? But something special, right? The level of detail in Previously's work speaks for itself; designer Elide's vintage reproduction garters are inspired by the illustrations of George Barbier and 1920s ribbon work.

Rock Candy by Helen

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Rock Candy by Helen

You might know Rock Candy by Helen for its pendants based on Jon Langford paintings and vintage stamps. But did you know Helen Tsatsos also creates one of a kind pieces from vintage jewelry remnants? Yup. Sparkly. And wedding-y.

Columbus, Ohio-based Peace Love Bling sources its products from women around the world following Fair Trade principles. The designs themselves? Sophisticated, fresh, and a great addition to a modern bride’s look.

See you at the pop-up!

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Peace Love Bling

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Peace Love Bling

0 In Events/ Fashion/ Uncategorized

More Pop-Up Vendor Previews!

By now you might have heard that Indie Wed is collaborating with Wed Altered to host its first-ever pop-up shop this September, bringing a variety of out-of-town independent bridal designers to Chicago for the first time. This is the third in our series of previews profiling our pop-up vendors.

Today: Rania Hatoum, Celia Grace, and Pure Magnolia. All three will have gowns available to try on and order at the pop-up September 27 and 28. Tickets are a mere $5 (to offset costs of dressing rooms and the venue) and include a complimentary drink. Purchase 3 or more tickets and they are only $4 a piece. To purchase tickets, visit the event page for more info.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Dora” by Rania Hatoum

 

Orlando-based Rania Hatoum‘s says her sophisticated designs are influenced by her cultural background (she’s half Chinese and half Egyptian) and her international point of view; she was raised in Hong Kong by parents who’ve worked in the apparel industry for more than 30 years. Rania’s tailored silhouettes and luxurious fabrics speak for themselves; her latest collection is focused on the use of luxurious laces sourced from Italy and France, Japanese pearls, and Swarovski crystals.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Rania Hatoum’s “Maria” dress

When Celia Grace founder Marcie Muehlke couldn’t find a wedding dress that matched her values of sustainability and human rights, she was inspired to travel the world to find ethical and highly skilled fabric and dress makers, and she ended up creating a line of wedding dresses made with eco silks under Fair Trade conditions. Her Massachusetts-based company works to promote its values by donating a water filter to a family in need in Cambodia with each dress sold.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Celia Grace’s “Marie” dress

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Lucille” by Celia Grace

 

Pure Magnolia was started in 2009 by Vancouver designer Patty Nayel, who wanted to give local and international brides an eco option for their wedding dress. Navel’s collection is made up of customizable dresses made from European laces, Indian silks, organic cottons, and vintage and recycled fabrics.

Scroll down for more dress photos, and stay tuned for more pop-up previews!

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Pure Magnolia’s ballerina gown

 

 

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Pure Magnolia’s “winter lace” dress

0 In Uncategorized

Pop-Up Preview, Part II

By now you might have heard that Indie Wed is collaborating with Wed Altered to host its first-ever pop-up shop this September, bringing a variety of out-of-town independent bridal designers to Chicago for the first time. This is the second in our series of previews profiling our pop-up vendors.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Dottie” by Maggie Evans Designs

Today: Maggie Evans Designs, Cicada Bridal, and Kendal Leonard. All three will have gowns available to try on and order at the pop-up September 27 and 28. Tickets are a mere $5 (to offset costs of dressing rooms and the venue) and include a complimentary drink. Purchase 3 or more tickets and they are only $4 a piece. To purchase tickets, visit the event page for more info.

Maggie Evans is a Boulder-based designer who has been doing custom bridal since 2011 and recently launched her first collection. She believes brides should express their individuality through their wedding dress, and she names her gowns very thoughtfully; the Dottie gown, named after Dorothy Parker, is “sharp and witty”; the Mae (after Mae West) dress, with its colorful velvet bodice, pushes boundaries just like its namesake. And check out the “love” embroidered on the back of the Mae dress!

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Mae” detail (Maggie Evans Designs)

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Elizabeth” by Cicada Bridal

Twenty years ago in Seattle, Cicada Bridal was born, and co-owners Jen Gay and Elizabeth Klob are now master craftswomen. Their design philosophy is to combine figure-enhancing structure with fluidity and movement, and they make a wide variety of styles at a wide variety of prices (as you might expect from two down-to-earth Seattle gals). Best of all for Chicago brides: Elizabeth will be on site at the pop-up September 27 and 28 to consult with brides personally!

Indie Wed Pop-Up

Cicada Bridal’s “Cassandra” dress

Designer Kendal Leonard, who works out of Charleston, South Carolina, embraces clean, simple lines and uses organic cottons, natural dyes, and other sustainable materials. That’s right: not only are her dresses vegan (and comfy!), but she can custom dye your wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses. Most dresses are under $1,200.

Scroll down for more dress photos, and stay tuned for more pop-up previews!

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Kendal Leonard’s “Daffodil” dress

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Iris” (left) and “Orchid” by Kendal Leonard Designs

 

0 In Eco-Friendly/ Events/ Fashion/ Uncategorized

Indie Wed Pop-Up: A Wed Altered Bridal Shop

By now you might have heard that Indie Wed is collaborating with Wed Altered to host its first-ever pop-up shop this September, bringing a variety of out-of-town independent bridal designers to Chicago for the first time. So we thought we’d preview some of the designers and goodies that will be for sale! Starting this week, we’ll do a regular post profiling our pop-up vendors.

Today: Janay A HandmadeThe Cotton Bride, and Deborah Lindquist. All three of these designers will have gowns available to try on and order at the pop-up September 27 and 28. Tickets are a mere $5 (to offset costs of dressing rooms and the venue) and include a complimentary drink. Purchase 3 or more tickets and they are only $4 a piece. To purchase tickets, visit the event page for more info.

Janay Mallela, the design force behind Kansas City-based Janay A Handmade, is passionate about sustainability; many her dresses are made from organic cottons and hemp-silk blends. Her silhouettes are organic too, evoking natural shapes like flowers and flowing water. 

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Willow” by Janay A Handmade

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Janay A’s “Yarrow” dress

 

 

Los Angeles designer Deborah Lindquist has been working with environmentally conscious fabrics for more than three decades; her gowns incorporate a mix of a mix of recycled, sustainable, and organic fabrics. But the details–oh, the details. Just check out the embellishment on her blush “Rose” dress.

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Rose” by Deborah Lindquist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

Deborah Lindquist’s “Cinderella” gown

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

“Valerie” by the Cotton Bride

 

 

 

Long Island City label The Cotton Bride started designing wedding gowns in cotton because designer Chris Kole thought they would be more comfortable that way. But vegan brides didn’t take long to catch on to the idea, and now Cotton Bride is known for sustainable, breathable, and beautiful cotton lace and textured cotton dresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indie Wed Pop-Up Shop

The Cotton Bride’s “Harper” dress

Stay tuned for more pop-up previews!

1 In Events/ Lounge

The Cirque de l’Amour Wedding Lounge

If you don’t already have enough reasons to attend the upcoming 5th Annual Winter Indie Wed, let me give you one more!  Similar to last year’s event we will be transforming the entire 3rd floor of the Ravenswood Event Center into a lounge for attendees to relax in between visits with vendors below.  I asked local event planner (and Indie Wed alum) Carlene from Naturally Yours Events to plan this year’s lounge.  After some serious brainstorming, we are excited to introduce….

Cirque de l'Amour Wedding Lounge at Indie Wed Wedding Show & Market

Interested?  Well let me tell you more!

Inspired by an era where Vaudeville shows and carnivals provided entertainment and glamour, Carlene with Naturally Yours Events is bringing all the romance and whimsy of a vintage circus to Indie Wed! Imagine relaxing under the big top of twinkling cafe lights and ruffled parasols or cozying up with a craft cocktail on a vintage settee. Enjoy performances that will spark wonder and music that will whisk you away to a Parisian jazz lounge. Sample circus themed bites and decadent sweets before puckering up in a handmade kissing booth. Casually chat will vendors and other guests or test your skills at our carnival inspired games to win some prizes for your big day! Best yet, all these vendors are committed to being eco-friendly both professionally and personally. This lounge is a perfect retreat for both guys and gals to relax, meet cool vendors, and be inspired.

To entice you just a bit more, here is a list of the amazing vendors who will be participating in the lounge.  Many of them also have booths on the first and second floors as well (denoted by *).

Art of Imagination will magically transform the 3rd floor space with beautiful draping and lighting, utilizing the eclectic bunch of parasols from Bella UmbrellaFab Flora* will add a touch of romance with textured florals in burgundy and blush. Vintage couches, settees, trunks, and gorgeous furniture will be provided by Shadowbox Dreams Vintage RentalsNimblewell* will work with Luscious Layers Bakery* in providing rustic crates and vintage platters for all their yummy baked goods to sample. What would a carnival be without cotton candy? Our friends at Spin-Spun will be whipping up their all natural cotton candy to enjoy. FIG Catering is working on a menu that is sure to dazzle and will be providing the perfect libations for this soiree. We heard a rumor of craft cocktails! Fumee Gypsy Project will be on stage and Doodle Booth* will be providing hand drawn caricatures. Vaudezilla will dazzle and delight guests with vintage inspired can can performances.  Cage and Aquarium* will put together the perfect playlist while our performers are on break. Paper Stories is designing all the signage and paper goods to pull in all the details, while Tuan H. Bui Photographer captures some amazing photos to document our fantastic lounge. Don’t forget to hop behind the kissing booth and say hello to the gal who put this all together, Carlene of Naturally Yours Events.

So if that doesn’t sweeten the pot even more, I don’t know what will.  This year’s show is going to be amazing and this will be just one more reason you will be glad you came.  Tickets are on sale now.  Visit here to get yours while they are still available.
0 In Contests & Giveaways/ Engagement

Date Nite with Red Envelope

As the date for our next Indie Wed event approaches, it is hard not to think about all the couples who will be getting not only married, but those who will also be getting engaged.  The holiday season is the most popular time of the year for engagements!  After the holidays pass, we fall pretty quickly into Valentines Day.  Did you know that February 14th is the single most popular date for weddings in the U.S.?

For anyone who is looking for an uber romantic wedding idea for V-day nuptials, the Empire State Building is hosting their 20th annual Valentine’s Day Contest.  Not one but three lucky couples will win a wedding (or vow renewal) atop the Empire State Building.  (Any Sleepless in Seattle or Affair to Remember fans out there?)  Our friends with Red Envelope, along with Pro Flowers have been asked to be the lead designers for the three weddings.

In anticipation of the contest, Red Envelope approached Indie Wed to curate a collection of our favorite items from their wedding gifts collection.  We happily obliged, picking items with the theme “Date Nite At Home” in mind.

Indie Wed for Red Envelopeclockwise from top left… personalized mason jar kitchen towels,
personalized cutting board, stoneware bowl set,
8-piece beer tasting set, eco pillow – happily ever after

I could totally imagine a night home with your sweetie, cooking dinner together then curling up on the couch with some beer and popcorn for a late night movie.  While these 5 items were chosen from their wedding collection, honestly there are so many interesting gift ideas throughout the whole site, many of which are created by independent designers in the U.S.  (check out their rotating Meet the Makers section)

To enter the Empire State Building Valentine’s Day Contest, simply head over to their facebook page for more details.  Entries must be submitted by December 5th.

Note: Indie Wed received no compensation of any kind for this post.  The items selected were based on our own opinion of fun and useful gifts for a newly married couple.

0 In Color Palettes

Color Crazed: Olive & Blackberry

It’s hard to believe summer is on it’s way out already, so let’s take the time to fit in some fruity drinks, floral wreaths and fresh accents – the essentials for a summer wedding.

 

BlackberryOlive

image credits {clockwise from top left}: cocktail via We Heart It / centerpiece via Bollea / bouquet via Elizabeth Anne Designs / floral wreath via A Northwoods Wedding / invitation via Minted / bridesmaids via Style Me Pretty