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3 In Ceremony/ Inspiration/ Photography/ Real Weddings/ Reception/ Vintage

Real Wedding: Shannon & Joe

With all the weddings that I have been involved with, through matching couples to vendors at an event, designing invitations through Paper Stories, or highlighting weddings here, there are few that are as special to me personally as this one.  This next wedding is one of my favorites for many reasons.  1.It is one I actually had the honor of attending.  2.Many of the vendors involved are Indie Wed alum and have become friends.  3.The couple, Joe & Shannon, are two of my most favorite people in the whole world!  If Shannon looks familiar it is because over the last few years she has been a great help with the Indie Wed events and someone I couldn’t have done without.

Photographer, Colin Lyons, sent over the photos for this November 2011 wedding which took place at Salvage One.  It is always great to see Colin and I loved seeing him in action, snapping away.  You may have had a chance to see more of his work at the last Indie Wed event where he was a vendor.  Shannon & Joe were married downstairs at this architectural salvage warehouse among a sky of chandeliers, pillars and beautiful carved pews for the guests.  A close friend of the couple was ordained just so he could marry them.  It was so special for everyone involved and equally special to witness.  The ceremony was touching but just like the couple, filled with lots of joy and laughs too.

The wedding party looked absolutely stunning.  The bridesmaids had these wonderful Jenny Yoo dresses.  The colors for the wedding were a mix of yellows and grays and while everyone coordinated, they each had their own sense of individuality.  It is hard to tell in a photo but all the dresses, especially Shannon’s, were gorgeous.

One thing about Shannon and Joe I loved, was that they really wanted to really make the event personal.  They had so many whimsical and handmade touches, from the invites that Shannon designed and we printed on my antique letterpress (she actually learned fast and did most of the printing herself!), to the ring pillow in the shape of their beloved Weimaraner Walter, to the couple’s friend who crafted all the beer for their cocktail hour.  After the ceremony everyone mingled downstairs during cocktails and appetizers while the upstairs was being set.

As guests filtered upstairs, they were treated to a hodge-podge of all sorts of awesomeness.  All the mismatched tables and chairs came from Salvage One’s current collection and filled the space beautifully.  It was exciting to walk around, wondering what sort of table you might end up at… the antique farm table or the retro Formica one?  Either way, you weren’t disappointed.  Lynn from Pollen created some amazing arrangements which were organic and unfussy… each one different yet complimenting it’s surroundings.  She used a mix of yellows and greens, some in vases, some tucked in terrariums.

One of the most wonderful things to see at the reception were the vintage mismatched china, awaiting each person as they sat down.  When I first met Shannon she had mentioned this idea she (and her maid of honor Sarah-shown giving speech above) had about collecting vintage china.  Both of the girls were getting married at the end of 2011 and really loved the idea of using the china at their weddings.  Since they couldn’t find any local sources that rented mismatched china they started their collection.  What they also realized was that there were probably other brides who also shared their love for rescued crockery and so they started Plate: Vintage Crockery Rental & Rescue.   So in addition to planning two weddings last year, they also began renting out their pieces to couples all over the country.  (Did you know they have to handwash each plate because of their delicate nature?)  Knowing how hard these gals (and their spouses) have worked on this business, getting to see the end result in action was breathtaking.

Everything about the reception was lovely.  The food was so yummy.  As a vegetarian, sometimes we get stuck with just a few side dishes at receptions but Shannon made sure every guest had enough to eat.  All the food was terrific, seasonal, and belly-warming.  My favorite part of dinner was the speeches.  They were so touching and totally had me tearing up.  They were funny, poignant, and memorable.  After dinner, we made our way to the dessert stations for cupcakes, coffee, and pie pops!  There is nothing better than a personal, seasonal pecan pie on a stick!  When bellies were full, everyone worked it off on the dance floor.  This couple has some serious moves!  Shannon’s dad also built an adorable photo booth backdrop and Colin had it set up so people could pose and snap away.  Shannon & Joe provided plenty of props and smiles too.

I am just over the moon thrilled for this couple and am happy to show just a few of the wonderful images from the evening.  Aren’t they just adorable?

Hair Stylist:  Tsubo Salon
Caterer: 
 Maison Cuisine
Favors and Gifts:  The Left Bank
Floral Designer:  Pollen
Reception Venue:  Salvage One
Cinema and Video:  One Fine Day Productions
Dress Designer:  Jenny Yoo Collection
Cake Designer:  Molly’s Cupcakes
Lighting:  Art of Imagination
Makeup Artist:  Nika Vaughan, Makeup Artist
Tuxedo and Mens Attire:  Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere
3 In Contests & Giveaways/ Food/ Inspiration/ Reception/ Sweets & Treats

Meet the Teams – Inspired Creations Contest part 6

Welcome to the last installment of our ‘Meet the Teams’ series.  Out of all the wonderful proposals, we selected six teams of wedding pros to recreate their concepts live at the Winter Indie Wed.

The last team I want to share with you includes some total wedding rock stars, just like all the other teams!

Courtney Callahan PaperFleurSimply Jessie Photography & SQN Events have partnered up to bring us a concept they are calling the “Belles & Gents Bar”.  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 will hold a bevy of sweets &  handcrafted beers just for starters.  What a fun idea for a wedding reception.  I could see this at a variety of locations from a backyard fete to a gallery soiree.

via Green Wedding Shoes

For a sneak peek at their gallery of inspirations, they created a pinterest page filled with all sorts of eye-candy.  Take a look.

0 In Catering/ Decor/ Eco-Friendly/ Reception

The Great Outdoors

As we head into the darkness of winter us Chicagoans agree on one thing – summer is one of the greatest things about living here. It gives us a chance to explore neighborhoods, enjoy the lake, and take a breath of fresh (not frigid) air. Unfortunately if you want to enjoy the outdoors on your wedding day, you are often limited to pictures on the lakefront or trying desperately to find a venue with outdoor space. However if you happen to have a backyard, try going it on your own. This is not as daunting as a task as it would seem. At many venues you’re bringing in (via rental company) all of the tables/chairs anyway so the cost will be the same. Figuring out rentals, with or without the help of your caterer, is not that difficult and suddenly you have a free venue where you can party all night.

Here are some of the advantages to having a wedding at home (and how our clients implemented them into their events):

♥ DIY Decoration– although, in theory, you can do this at a venue when the venue is your home it is much easier. You can set things up long before the event and don’t have to worry about cleaning everything up at the end of the night.

♥ Use the money you saved on the venue for things that are more important to you – whether that’s a kick-ass band, locally sourced food, decadent offerings, or really nice wine.

♥ Get “outdoorsy” with it. Embrace the casual atmosphere with a casual menu, simple place settings, and Ball jar glasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

♥ Provide your own food/beverages. You may decide to do everything yourself, make it a potluck, or just bring in some of your favorite homemade items and have a caterer take care of the main meal. At many venues this would be restricted or illegal (food items need to be prepared in a commercial kitchen), but having the event at home allows you to do this.

♥ Being comfortable. Get ready with your bridesmaids in your own room, take photos with your hubby on your stairs, and always know where to find the bathroom/water/a bobby pin.

Post by FIG Catering

Photos by

Edyta Szyszlo Photography/www.edytaszyzlo.com

and Sheila Barabad

0 In Ceremony/ Decor/ Inspiration/ Reception

Holy Geronimo!

So I previously posted about creating a focal point in your ceremony or reception area.  I do think decor and setting a mood is important.  What could be more fun that these amazing balloons, yes balloons, by Jihan “Jihanimo” Zencirli and her company Geronimo!

via 100 Layer Cake

Now I know these have been all over the web during the summer but I was getting all excited about them again and just wanted to share for those who may have not seen them before.  I think they are just stunning and so much fun.

via Geronimo!

Balloons at weddings aren’t a new idea for sure but can you imagine how much fun these would be at your reception?  You could have them scattered about the room or perhaps have one as the centerpiece at every table.  Can you imagine!?  Would you have balloons at your wedding?

2 In Decor/ Inspiration/ Reception

Take A Seat

I was married 7 years ago, this past August.  While I wouldn’t change the groom or the actual ceremony, I do wish I could redo a lot of the details.  We planned our whole wedding in 6 months and I made most of everything from my dress to the invitations to the centerpieces.  Perhaps I’ll do a wedding flashback post one day soon.

Of all the things I would want a do-over for, table numbers and escort cards are on the list.  While I think the standard tent-fold escort cards on a table are perfectly fine, along with the traditional number on a stick in the middle of the table, I know we can do better.  Here are a few of my favorites at the moment.

via Style Me Pretty

via Martha Stewart Weddings

via Dashing In Pearls

As for table numbers, there are so many interesting things you can do.

via The Found Blog

via Eat Drink Chic

 

via Cottage Affairs

1 In Ceremony/ Decor/ Inspiration/ Reception

What’s The (Focal) Point?

Whether you are getting married in a church, a barn, or a backyard, ceremony and reception decor can help set the mood and elevate the event from ordinary to fabulous.  This doesn’t mean you have to spend a small fortune on decor.

via 100 Layer Cake

One of my favorite ways to add some drama is by creating a focal point somewhere in the room.  I love large scale installations made up of everything from fabric to ribbon to paper and more.  Add a focal point to your ceremony space, a dessert table, or entrance ceiling.  Get creative and get crafty!

via 79 Ideas

Here are some more wonderful examples for inspiration.

via {this is glamorous}

via Design Sponge

via Amy Atlas