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