WORDS OF

your MUST-hAVE GUIDE FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

PLANNING • floral • PHOTOGRAPHY •«INVITATIONS WisdomCATERING • music • beAuty • decor • fashion and more! To you blushing First and and foremost, handsome congratulations grooms. on your !

Future mother and father in-laws. MOH’s. BM’s. and Groomsmen. Congratulations on finding Chicago’s most informative, inclusive guide to planning your Chicago Wedding. Your brides and grooms to-be will thank you for it.

As a every holiday season, known in my word as “Engagement Season”, is a time when new top trends are released targeting the newly engaged. From wedding fashion to catering to floral. The Pantone Color of the year is released (#Marsala is here to stay). Wedding pins & posts fill the top of your Pinterest and Instagram feeds. And the brides-to-be begin to dive into the whimsical world of wedding magazines and perhaps this is where you stop. And get stuck on what to actually DO next.

Now don’t get me wrong, the Wedding Designer and Florist in me LOVES every pretty post, article and trend report. It is a vital part in the planning process to do your homework and to learn what you love and what is important to and yours. Especially where you are looking to have your wedding. (Which is exactly why we kick-off this guide with words from Andrea Mills, Editor in Chief of Modern Luxury Brides Chicago. And herself!)

The need for this guide emerged from the Type A Wedding Planner in me who wanted to create a source that gives brides and grooms a chance to sit at a round table per say, with those who influence the Chicago wedding market. To learn answers to important wedding questions that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to ask. Or KNOW to ask.

So dive right in, and please, call and email with any specific questions and feedback on how we can best help you with your wedding.

Happy Wedding Planning, [email protected]

773.384.8440

Lookout for Reminders throughout the guide Christine's Planningpage Tip A Remember! TableMODERN of Contents LUXURY BRIDES | ANDREA MILLS chicago's essential wedding source 4 CHRISTINE JANDA DESIGN & EVENTS wedding planning and coordination 5 BECKY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY 8 CAGEN MUSIC band 10 MATT ROAN dj 12 PARAMOUNT EVENTS catering 14 CHRISTINE JANDA DESIGN & EVENTS floral and event design 16 LBROWN DESIGN & PAPERIE invitations 19 NIMBLE WELL vintage rentals - glassware & decór 22 BOWERY & BASH vintage rentals - furniture 24 RED 26 LBROWN DESIGN & PAPERIE invitations 28 SHANNON O'BRIEN makeup 30 SOGNA DI VITA SALON hair 32 SMILEBOOTH 34 photobooth page Chicago’s Essential Wedding Resource @ModLuxBridesChi 4 CLICK HERE to learn more

Modern Luxury BridesAndrea Mills/editor in chief I can’t think of a better way to kick-off this guide than with words of wisdom from Editor in Chief Andrea Mills, of Modern Luxury Brides Chicago (also a newlywed!). There is nobody who lives and breathes weddings like her as this publication stays true to their promise of being “The essential resource for stylish couples”.

Where should a newly engaged couple How can a couple create a personalized What Chicago wedding trends start with their planning procesS? wedding that is uniquely theirS? are you seeing for 2015?

I would say with the venue. That Don't use blush! Just kidding. It is Some of the big wedding trends will determine your date, number of the most common wedding color for a for 2015 are jewel-toned colors, vintage- guests,A: decór, catering -- most of the reasonA: -- it's fresh and pretty, looks good inspiredA: decór elements, one-of-a-kind important things. When I was planning on anyone and will work in any space. locations, food stations like gelato and my own wedding, my husband and I each oyster bars, mismatched bridesmaids, made a rough list of everyone we would At the beginning of your planning and soft and sexy bridal looks. I think want there just to get a ball park number process, talk to your future spouse about Chicago brides have a knack for taking of guests (you need to know capacity what you each want from the wedding the latest bridal trends and incorporating when you're looking at venues). Then and what your must-haves are. Between elements of them into their own style and we made a list of all of the locations the two of you, you will realize that there traditions, and vision of what a wedding we would want and started calling are some unique elements that will add should be. So, their gown may have a around. Eventually we found the perfect personality and something a bit different classic silhouette but they wear their hair place, with the right date available, from any other wedding. Anything from down and flowing with a small headpiece space requirements and a capacity that stationery to music, to a logo or symbol instead of a veil. Or they are adding a pop worked. Once you have that date you that means something to both of you of color through their bouquet, florals can make your guest list, send a save the can become a theme or unique element. and table decór. Regardless of the trends date and work backwards with the rest though, I believe your wedding should of the planning. reflect your own personal style.

page A page Wedding Planning & Coordination 5 Wedding Planners and Coordinators. The one vendor in wedding planning couples are sometimes on the fence about because after all, what’s a wedding without food and a dance floor without music? You NEED a caterer and band or dj, however do you truly need someone there to help plan and execute your wedding? There are 100’s of 1000’s of wedding planning checklists, books and budgets out there. You could drown in wedding information, and many couples come to me feeling like they are!

A good Wedding Planner will not only present you with what needs to happen and for how much, but she will also answer endless questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask. A great wedding planner will get to know you two as a couple, providing you with endless advice and guidance, not just information. She will become your wedding advocate, representing you two and your best interests at all times.

Is it an investment to hire a wedding planner? Absolutely. Just like working with a realtor when buying your first home, working with this specialist will not only make the planning process more organized, fun and enjoyable, but will save you money (and headaches!) in the long run.

REPLACE WITH KISSING PHOTO

page A Christine janda design & events @cjjanda

CLICK HERE to learn more

Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator. What is most important to consider when hiring your wedding planner? What’s the difference?

I say this to each and every couple I meet; you need to genuinely like and This is a question I get all the time from “click” with this person. Is she relatable, someone you feel a connection with? clients! A Wedding Planner will work with you in a WouldA: your families and friends like and respect them? Wedding planning at times muchA: more inclusive way. They will provide advice can feel overwhelming and stressful. I feel strongly that your planner should be the and guidance with each and every wedding decision. rock that reminds you two to enjoy the process - your engagement will fly by and From sifting through the 100’s of venues to find the the wedding day goes by even quicker. top few for you to visit to helping formulate your wedding vision bringing that pinterest board to life. Your Wedding Planner should additionally be highly respected in the industry, with They are truly vested in your wedding right up until endless vendor and client references ready to share with you. Do your homework the last dance and understand your wedding like the on this person and company. My spring 2014 said it best in a recent review: back of their hand.

“All of my favorite vendors that we ended up using were from Christine’s A Wedding Coordinator, often called day-of recommendations, and she clearly has wonderful relationships with and is coordinator, executes your wedding vision and day- respected by them all. She was very helpful in identifying cost-saving ideas of details. Every major vendor has been contracted and bargains where I would have never had a clue they existed.” and detail planned. It is your Wedding Coordinator's job to now take over the reins and allow you to truly Last but not least, ask your Wedding Planner how their process works. Where will enjoy your wedding without worrying about the limo you meet, how often will you touch base? How do they track and manage progress? arriving on time and how the room will be flipped Look at their portfolios and ask very specific questions as to what they contributed during cocktail hour. towards the weddings you are viewing. I am told time and time again from my clients where Your Wedding Planner should be that perfect mix of Type A organization while I am strictly their florist, not having a wedding bursting to the seems with creativity. This is why I love our CJDE business model coordinator there at the wedding is the one regret and background. Our design studio offers a creative environment for all wedding they have. You can’t truly enjoy your special day if meetings. My advertising exec. background provides sound organization and you’re worried about minutiae detail nor can your management while our florist division provides a unique holistic approach to parents or bridal party. You have worked so hard for wedding planning. The best of both worlds! 1+ years planning this wedding. You deserve to enjoy each and every minute of it.

page A Remember to order two boutonnieres for your groom (CJDE always provides one additional complimentary bout!). He does the most hugging throughout the day so this way he has a fresh one for photos.

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Photography Photos last a lifetime and your wedding album will be something you treasure forever and share with your family for decades to come. Before setting up your first meeting with a photographer, I encourage you two to look through various wedding photos to begin to get a sense for what style you gravitate towards. Light and airy with lots of natural light or big and bold with a more fine arts vision.

From here, I recommend photographers that fit this vision and at your price point. Chicago is blessed with so many talented photographers and we are lucky to have Becky Brown Photography share our very own design studio. page A BECKY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY @beckybrownphoto

CLICK HERE to learn more

Engagement Photos. What is most important to consider What are your top photography tips A maybe or a must? when hiring your photographer? for couples on their wedding day?

I would say that engagement Obviously it's important to love Make sure to work with your photos are a must! I love shooting their photos and style, but it's just as photographer (and your planner!) on engagementA: sessions for a number of importantA: to have a connection with theA: timing and location of photos. reasons: your photographer. I work with many of my clients for over a year. From the They may have ideas you wouldn't have It's a great way to connect with your engagement session to the album design thought of initially. For example, certain photographer before the wedding process and everything between you locations will be better at different times and feel more comfortable in front spend A LOT of time working with your of the year and even different times of of the camera. It takes away some of photographer. I joke that I almost feel the day depending on where the light is. the nervousness on the wedding day. like an extra at the weddings The photographer will know how much Grooms especially seem to be hesitant I shoot! time they need for various parts of the about engagement photos, but often by day (family photos, wedding party, etc.) the end of the sessions they are telling I want to blend in and be able to capture so that you don't feel rushed. me how much fun it was. moments and if the couple trusts me, is comfortable with me and our I always have a backup indoor location for It's smart to get great professional personalities mesh, it works flawlessly. photos so if there is bad weather we can photos not in your wedding attire that That also makes it easier for them to immediately go to plan B! can be used for save the dates and relax and enjoy the day without the beyond. I also love them because they stress of worrying about the photos! are a great way to showcase you and your husband or wife to be in a much more relaxed setting or location that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to fit into the schedule on the wedding day. For example, if you're getting married in the suburbs but want photos in the city, engagement sessions are a great way to get both. If you're big sports fans and want photos in your jerseys we can do that! If you love checking out all the amazing breweries in the city we can Strongly consider having shoot at one of them. The opportunities a second shooter - your are endless. photographer can't be in two places at once! page 10 BandDo you love the elegant sound of a string quartet or jazzy blues of a saxophone? Or love live music all together? Then a band is definitely for you.

Your band not only keeps the dance floor hopping but also sets the tone for the ceremony, easing guests into a fun mix & mingle cocktail hour. I believe a band can differentiate your wedding by playing your favorite songs from timeless classics to top 40 hits. My favorite cocktail hour to date hired Chitarra, a guitar, cello and violin trio with Cagen Music, who played classical music moving to Michael Jackson and then Coldplay. Everyone loved listening to string renditions of their favorite songs. With over 4,000 weddings under their belt, below Cagen Music shares their favorite music trends and tips for selecting your wedding band.

page A During the hiring process, make sure your band is CAGEN MUSIC capable and willing to learn new songs, outside their playlist. CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to consider when hiring your wedding band?

Talent, energy and experience! Experience is a huge factor to guarantee your wedding entertainment will be a success. The number of weddings your band has performed and the number of songs on the bands playlist should be measured in the thousands. AlsoA: make sure the band has specific experience at your wedding venue and knows every detail about acoustics and layout.

Wedding bands have changed drastically over the years - what music trends are you seeing?

Our clients are requesting unique music ensembles for each part of the wedding; ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, rather thanA: the same musicians performing throughout. We are seeing an increase in “ceremony surprises” where musicians and singers “pop-up” among the guests for the wedding recessional.

The trend for dinner music is for custom entertainment – from unplugged versions of the couple’s favorite songs to a rock violin show. Couples want an upbeat, fun wedding with all ages having a great time on the dance floor.

In what ways can couples personalize their wedding through music at their wedding?

Ceremony and cocktail music are great opportunities to make wedding music unique to the couple’s personalities. If a couple is allowed by the clergy to choose their own music, they can have their favorite songs, no matter how unusual. For cocktailA: music, consider eclectic tastes and backgrounds. Cocktail music can be as varied as a bluegrass band, Caribbean steel drums, acoustic musicians playing instrumental versions of rock and pop, and world music such as Latin, Irish, Klezmer and Greek. During dancing, the couple’s and the dances with parents can be unique songs that have special meaning to all involved. page 12

DJDJ Matt Roan says it best when thinking of music for your wedding. “What kind of party do you want to have?”

Often clients come to me saying they want to hear music just as it’s created - The Temptations singing the Temptations and Beyonce singing Beyonce. With that said, the difference between a good DJ and a great DJ is their ability to read a room, vibe with the party and put their own twist to tunes on the dance floor.

This is where DJ Matt Roan shines as nobody looks like they are having a better time while “working” than Matt. His wedding’s jam-packed dance floors are living proof that a great DJ makes all the difference. page A Ask your DJ to do a mashup MATT ROAN of your favorite songs. @mattroan Created just for you! CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to consider when selecting your wedding DJ?

What kind of party do you want to have? Do you want something formal and traditional? Do you want a club/nightlife feel? Someone who is going to grab grandma and dance with her? Something in between? Some DJs can be versatile enough toA: pull anything off but more often than not, you're going to want someone who matches the vibe and energy you want.

What'Is the best way to personalize your wedding through music?

I think that cocktail hour and dinner are times to really let your personality shine. Play songs that are special to you and your families. This party is the culmination of a lot of time together as a couple and you can tell your story through those songs. It'sA: a great time to knock out some of those odd requests that don't really work for the dance floor. I also feel that the first dance is a great way to show off your personalities. Make it as fun, weird, or classy as you want to be. There is no rule that says you have to dance to "At Last."

What music trends are you seeing for 2015? What excites you the most?

Well one thing that I've noticed is that younger couples definitely want that nightlife feel... which is where I personally shine.A: It seems like after 11:30 or so all bets are off and it’s total club music vibes. I've also been doing a lot of first dance "mash-ups" and edits that start with one tune and ramp up to something more fun half way through. I love that club DJ’ing has seeped into the wedding world. I think the parties are MUCH better for it. page 14

Catering Choosing your catering company is important for many reasons. Not only are you selecting the cuisine your guest's will be enjoying but you are also selecting the service and hospitality for the evening. Catering will amount to 30-40% of your total budget so work closely with your wedding planner and catering sales team to decide what’s most important to you and your guests. Bringing us to Paramount Events. A catering company whose passion for food is equally matched by their unparalleled attention to detail and customer service. PARAMOUNT EVENTS @paramountevents How does a couple stay true to the @paramountchi CLICK HERE to learn more food they love while catering to the masses at a wedding?

We have strong feelings about this one. Unless your guests have serious dietary What is most important to consider What food trends are you most restrictions,A: you should feel 100% confident in picking a menu YOU both love, and not worrying when hiring your wedding caterer? excited to introduce to the wedding what every guest will think of your wedding menu. This is likely your only chance to pick a market in 2015? menu customized to what the two of you love, why not embrace it? Your guests will be happy to Most important, of course, is to make see your style reflected in the menu. sure that you like the taste and presentation of the food they offer. You want to make A: Beverage bars such as boozy coffee For those couples who want a mix of their own sure that your caterer will create a menu that bars, champagne bars and sangria stations are favorites and their parents’ traditions, it works reflects you and your fiancé and are flexible on the rise; as well as mixology stations with a best to have fun and think outside the box with enough to match their style to yours. It’s also A: mixologist making a few of the couple’s favorite your hors d’oeuvres and sweets, but go more important to make sure you are comfortable signature cocktails. These are interactive and classic with the dinner since that is the bulk of the with your contact at the catering company. guests always get a kick out of them. meal. Do they respond quickly? Are they friendly and attentive? You might be working with this Rustic chic weddings are still a favorite so person for a year (or more!) so it is best if you cheese boards, abundant produce and wood feel comfortable and confident in them. serving equipment are trending right now. Presentation is becoming more important to The catering company you choose also our clients. We are always introducing unique provides all of the staff that work your event. What makes a wedding menu ways of presenting and displaying our food. If they have great food but unfriendly, poorly For example, for comfort food we are having groomed staff, your guests will be distracted truly stand out? fun displaying grilled cheese and tomato soup, and not even think about the food! Make mac n’ cheese and biscuits and gravy in fun sure that your caterer hires and trains their and unique ways. team, never use an outside agency and works with the same staff consistently for their Lastly, food and beverage pairings are what When it reflects the couple! We love when weddings. everyone is going to be doing in 2015. Whether clients want to create a story with their menu, it’s a mini corn dog served with craft beer as a whether that’s having food stations representing Price is of course a critical factor when A: late night snack or petite bloody mary’s paired different countries they have traveled to, adding selecting your caterer. However, remember with fried pickles as an hors d’oeuvre, we will cookies made with their grandma’s recipe to the when you receive proposals from various be introducing a lot of ‘paired’ menu items in dessert station or having a bar cart with their caterers that they match apples to apples. 2015. favorite cocktail. One caterer might appear more expensive in their initial proposal, but when you look more There are also fun ways to add to the menu deeply, you may find that the other caterer without going outside the box or breaking the did not include tax, gratuity or a sufficient budget. We love adding a cheese platter to each amount of staff or equipment in their initial table for a first course. For the dessert course, proposal. These charges will pop up later add a trio of truffles to pair with the cake. For and may make the seemingly less expensive late night snacks pass mini milkshakes or root caterer ultimately more expensive. beer floats - your guests will love this!

It can be the smallest, and often inexpensive, little touches that make your wedding menu page A memorable. page 16

FloralYour wedding and flowers add Event romance, color Design and beauty to your wedding. The right flowers and design should tell a story, carrying your vision through the ceremony and into the reception with each bouquet, chandelier and candle.

It is important to work with a florist who understands your vision, beyond your standard floral needs (bouquet, boutonniere, centerpiece). As wedding planners and designers, the CJDE team views every client’s wedding flowers holistically while recommending the best designs for their taste and budget. The result is a personalized, boutique planning experience with creativity bursting through every design.

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CHRISTINE jAnda design & events page @cjjanda 18 CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to What makes wedding FLORAL What floral and event design trends Consider when hiring your florist? and design stand out? are you most excited to introduce to the wedding market in 2015?

First and foremost, review the Adding unexpected detail florist’s work. Do you feel that your style throughout the wedding day that tells a Modern vintage floral and décor is gelsA: with theirs? Do they have a strong story.A: I love that couples are diving more a hot hot trend that is here to stay. For design point-of-view yet show range in into color yet keeping their ceremonies flowers,A: designing loose, lush, gardeny work? You should get a strong vibe from more traditional and classic. This color spilling designs in vintage cut crystal a great florist. Their work should draw progression of soft ivories and blushes vases, gilded gold urns, apothecary jars you in and evoke feelings because after to brighter and bolder hues introduced and more are timeless. I love flowing all, they are creating so much more than at cocktail hour and the reception is so jasmine and budding wax flowers as these bouquets. They are transforming rooms, fun and exciting for your guests. Keep simple accents highlight flowers in their bringing life to events. the look cohesive by using the same most beautiful, natural state. Although a blooms. White peonies are stunning with pave rose bouquet is gorgeously timeless, When reviewing their work look not only their peeking yellow centers and a single my designs always tend to be much more on their website but across social media, full-bloom stem goes a long way in a loose and organic. When placed on a to see what they are up to day-to-day. Is bouquet. Progress into blush peonies at modern printed linen, such as a bold the florist focused on deliveries (“I love the cocktail hour and finally magenta stripe or ikat, the perfect balance of old you” and “I’m sorry” bouquets?) or are and coral peonies for the reception for a and new is achieved. Great for a wedding! they focused on events? bold impact.

Your florist should be someone who you I also love incorporating special, more feel comfortable talking to, taking your meaningful flowers and colors into a vision and bringing it to life. It is my couple’s floral design. I have designed belief they should be equal parts florist bridal bouquets incorporating the same to event designer to truly bring to life the floral that their grandmother’s bouquet outcome you are going after. After all, featured. I have highlighted the color your centerpieces would be incomplete purple because it was a bride’s late if not surrounded by gorgeous gilded mother’s favorite color. candlesticks in an uplift room of amber. A wedding is filled with symbolic ceremonies and meaning and your floral design should too be as special and unique as you two. Ask your florist for a sample review. This way you'll know exactly what your centerpieces look like page A come wedding day. page 19 Paper may be one of the most evolving categories in the world of weddings. From printing processes to new trends Invitations(hello #) couples are getting creative with their wedding paper. The category, spanning well beyond your save the dates and invitations, now includes welcome notes in hotel baskets, personalized favors, custom photobooth props, personalized totes for your bridesmaids, napkins and more. The sky is the limit. Pinterest more than proves that.

In such a creative category there is nobody who is more passionate about paper as Lindsay with LBrown Design & Paperie. Her custom approach to paper design starts with your first meeting, as she explains various printing and paper options, making what can be a daunting process a fun one. I have seen her utilize wallpaper, spray paint, hand-dyed silk and everything in between to create one-of-a-kind designs for her couples. I am proud to not only call Lindsay a friend but also a studio mate as she too resides in our CJDE West Town shop.

page A LBrown design & paperie @chitownlbrown We live in such a digital world - CLICK HERE to learn more how are tech savvy couples incorporating today's social media ways into their wedding What is most important to consider What is the biggest paper when searching for wedding paper? trend for 2015 and what is I love the idea of having a special hashtag for weddings. This allows guests YOUR favorite? toA: post to social media and be able to Your wedding paper, starting look back once the wedding weekend is with the save the date and moving over. One thing to make sure to do before toA: invitations, sets the tone for your I’ve seen a departure from the deciding your hashtag is to make sure it wedding. It is the first impression your classic white and gold, or silver and navy does not already exist. This is one thing I guests will have of your big day, which invitations.A: One of the biggest paper have seen many brides and grooms forget ultimately has a huge impact towards the trends for 2015 is COLOR and mixed to do. overall design of your wedding. metals especially rose gold and copper. A fun twist to silver and gold. There are many ways you can showcase Think of your wedding paper as many this hashtag as friendly reminders to your little details that will make your day guests while they are posting. From custom special and one-of-a-kind to you two. I always love to incorporate something a Love to travel? Your little unexpected. Whether it is a pop of photobooth props to temporary tattoos and can be bold and modern or soft and color with the RSVP envelope or playing neon sunglasses. formal. Add an envelope liner of a with different patterns and textures with map of your favorite places, dream up the paper choice. Have something in your luggage tag escort cards or favors, have head but haven’t seen it on Pinterest? WEDDING STATIONERY TIMELINE table numbers sit on top of your favorite Chances are I can create it. Spray paint, travel books. I can go on and on but the dyes, ribbons and more - I love to get my key is to show your personality through 6-12 Months SAVE THE DATES every detail in your wedding, especially hands on it all! with your paper. Last but not least, my personal favorite INVITATIONS As far as choosing the right stationer, trend is envelope liners done in unique 2-4 Months make sure their overall design aesthetic ways. Like sheet music of your first song fits with yours. I will always love timeless or a black and white photo of the Chicago design yet I like to mix it up with skyline taken from your engagement 2-4 Months FAVORS different textures, colors, fonts and session. The options are endless. printing processes. 1-2 Months PROGRAMS & PLACECARDS And remember, custom doesn’t mean expensive custom prices - this is a myth. Ordering from pre-designed albums can often be more costly. And you don’t WEDDING DAY! receive a paper suite that was designed for you and you only. up to 2 months after THANK YOU CARDS page A

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Couples always come to me looking for creative décor that will set their wedding apart from the rest. The trend “Modern Vintage” is here to stay as timeless treasures like crystal coupes and reclaimed wood trays look beautiful in hotel ballrooms, white-wash lofts, barns, private residences - you name it.

Kelly Connolly, founder of Nimble Well, describes her business perfectly on her website: If Pinterest had an estate sale.

With signature drinks and sweets tables becoming so popular, you can’t go wrong with any of Nimble Well’s perfectly curated pieces. Vintage Rentals - Glasswarepage A & Decor Use rentals in unexpected Nimble Well ways. Coupes at the candy @nimblewell bar and cake stands to display escort cards. CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to consider when sourcing vintage rentals for your wedding?

Most of my collection is vintage, but the goal is not to create "vintage weddings." Almost none of my clients are looking for a recreation of a specific period, but want their wedding to feel special and timeless incorporating rentals to create something that feelsA: right for them. The rental collection is filled with things that you can't just pick up at a retailer or wholesaler. It doesn't look like standard rentals.

I recommend investing in the areas that will have the most impact. Guest tables and serving tables will be seen the most, so special rentals in those areas make a bigger difference than in other areas that they might only see for a few moments.

How have couples incorporated your vintage treasures into their wedding?

The crystal and colorful glassware has been very popular. I have over 150 cake stands and trays and it's fun to see how couplesA: put together gorgeous dessert tables. They also use them for charcuterie tables, hors d’oeuvres... All the time, I get new requests to use a collection in a way that I haven't seen before. I have two dozen vintage mirror plateaus that are most often used on the guest tables as a base for centerpieces and candles. Recently, a wedding used them on a large round table underneath the Tiffany glass rotunda at the Cultural Center for their escort cards and it was beautiful.

What are your most popular rental items for weddings. What trends are you seeing for 2015?

I see lots of different trends. Vivid and deep colors are getting requested more. The rustic trend is much more refined now, not so down-on-the-farm. In general, my clients are looking to create a wedding that is more seamless with their aestheticA: in home design and interests rather than adhering to any kind of standard wedding look. page 23

VintageWhether your receptionRentals (or ceremony) - isFurniture at a loft, museum, hotel or barn, creating unique vignettes that compliment your wedding floral and decór are fun and creative ways to further style your big day.

Gold glam vintage bar backs create beautiful shelving for family photos and your bridal party bouquets. Creating a posh lounge is great for guests who are taking a break from the dance floor and selecting your furniture is another way to show some personality. I fell in love with Katie's, owner of Bowery & Bash, rentable collection my first visit to her show room. Fuschia love seat for a sweetheart table? Check. Patterned wingback chairs, brass end tables, faux fur benches, trunks and endless couches in soft neutrals to big and bold. Check, check, check. Bowery & Bash has endless options for couples looking to style up their wedding day.

page A Make sure to top coffee BOWERY & BASH tables and end tables with @boweryandbash soft candlelight and floral for a finished look. CLICK HERE to learn more

What is the most important thing to consider when selecting rental furniture?

From the beginning of your planning process, you are creating a unique and memorable experience. Your choice of venue to invitations to and flowers, everything you choose for your day is a great reflection of the couple. Rental furniture should helpA: you elevate your experience and stay true to your vision for the day.

Top 2015 DecÓr Trends: We are loving pops of color in 2015.

Brass and gold continue to be hot, hot, hot. Also, anything with unique lines, the sexy curve of a sofa, a unique combinationA: of fabric and finishes.

If you could give one couple any piece of advice when creating their wedding look, what would it be and why?

You and your groom are unique individuals, so why would you want your wedding to be any less unique than you are. You’reA: creating an experience for everyone involved that day and it should be a great reflection of the two of you. page 26

VideographyWedding videography, for some couples, is not a must. In an effort to not have one more couple regret this decision I strongly I encourage you to hire this talented team for two integral reasons:

1. Your wedding day goes by fast. You have spent 1+ years planning it and you simply can’t soak in every detail to it’s fullest. The schedule, timing and 100+ guests will go by in a flash and you will want to re- live and re-watch your wedding. I promise.

2. You can’t be in two places at once. As a bride you will love seeing your husband and his friends tying those bow ties, giving last-minute pep talks. As he will love seeing you put on your dress, showing it to your bridesmaids for the first time. These and many more moments would be otherwise missed, if not for video.

Red Weddings, true wedding cinematographers, not only capture every last detail but do so in a beautiful story-telling way. RED WEDDINGS D @redweddings

CLICK HERE to learn more

When selecting a videography team, what video options do you have?

Once you’ve established what coverage you want, it’s time to think about your “deliverables”. Every wedding company approaches this differently, but in general they follow some or all of our conventions. In fact, RED Weddings pioneered the highlightA: trailer nearly a decade ago long before they were as common and popular as they are today.

Beyond a “Love Story” video, we offer our clients a feature film. This is an a 1-2 hour video of your entire day that includes moments like getting ready, general dancing, your first look, ceremony, speeches and more.

Additionally, we put together a 5 minute highlight trailer of the most beautiful moments of your entire day set to your favorite song. Unique to RED Weddings we create a 90 second teaser video within hours of your wedding day to share with friends and family while the big day is still fresh on their minds. Something our clients LOVE!

Technology continues to advance. How is it effecting wedding videography?

From aerial drones, to “same day edits” where you and your fiancé watch your own ceremony on a big screen with your guests at your reception, to “crowd sourcing” guest's phone videos to contribute to your video, to fun slow motion video booths yourA: guests will love - we discuss every option with our clients.

With that said, we do encourage our couples to consider asking their guests to go “technology free” for their big day, being 100% present for the most meaningful celebrations. (This is also a great way to avoid having cell phones flashing and blocking shots throughout the day!)

What is most important to consider when selecting your videography team?

The biggest thing to consider when choosing a Wedding Videographer is the quantity of cameras and individual operators that will be present for you wedding day. A single camera can only focus on one thing at a time whereas a second cameraA: gives you an alternate view to “cut away to” in the edit. (Think of the importance of capturing your bride walking down the aisle AND the groom's reaction) page 29

BridalBridal Fashion Fashion is a world filled with whimsical glitz and glamour. From classic timeless silhouettes to more contemporary textured fabrics, embellishments and plunging backs, a girl could be (happily) lost in this world forever. Complimenting Chicago’s fantastic bridal salons is The Left Bank, a beautiful Parisian inspired boutique who owner Susan Metropoulos describes as having “everything but the dress”. Be sure to check out The THE LEFT BANK Left Bank's bridal shoes. @leftbankjewelry Some of the best in town! CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to consider when selecting your bridal jewelry & accessories?

Of course you want your accessories to compliment, not compete, with your so we suggest to choose pieces that you’re simply attracted to and you think are pretty. Usually, the first ones that you set your eyes on are spot on perfect! The greatA: thing about jewelry & accessories is that you can wear them again.

What are the top 2015 bridal fashion trends out there right now?

Lace is everywhere now and it’s so timeless and classic. We’re seeing a return to simple elegance along with what we are callingA: “Boho Glam” which is feminine with a touch of casual elegance and a bit of sparkle thrown in!

If you could provide brides and grooms with just one piece of advice, what would it be?

Never be influenced by other people and beware of bringing an “entourage” to shop with you. As nice it is to get other opinions, make sure that you are happy with your own choice. Take their advice of course, but always go with what YOU feel mostA: comfortable with and what reflects your personal style. page 30

MakeupWhen it comes to bridal makeup I encourage brides to look for an artist with a wide range of work. From dramatic, big and bold smokey eyes to soft, natural dewy skin, it’s vital to work with someone who can do it all.

Which brings me to Shannon O’Brien, a crazy talented makeup artist who does makeup for so many of my brides (and me!) as well as editorial. Her looks are always flawlessly gorgeous whether you are going for au natural or totally glam. page A Check out Shannon's blog SHANNON O'BRIEN "Cheap Frills and Thrills" @shannicat for fun makeup tips in addition to her bridal CLICK HERE to learn more must-haves below!

What should brides look for in a makeup artist when choosing someone for their wedding?

There's a list! I think one of the most important thing you can do is find someone who really listens to you. This can be the difference between a good bridal makeup artist and an excellent makeup artist. Someone can be incredibly skilled, but if they ignoreA: everything you say, it's not going to be a good fit. Your trial should be a collaboration. Make sure you take a good look at their portfolio and see if their style vibes with yours. After all, you are going to be spending a large part of your most important day with this person - it should be easy and fun!

What are your bridal makeup musts?

Lots of sleep and lots of water! Hydrated & rested skin is the best skin. I also love a false lash - whether it's a strip or individuals, they can really add intensity and open up your eyes without having to add heavy or dark eye makeup. I always like toA: make sure my brides are hooked up with a great blotting powder for the day as well as the lip color we have chosen for them.

Skin skin skin! Less covering up and more emphasizing. Sculpted, glowy, gorgeous skin is always in style. I love the idea of accentuating natural beauty and making eyes big and bright.

Favorite lip stick and gloss for a timeless bridal look?

There is no one-size-fits-all lip color for anyone, so custom blending a perfect lip is a fun project with each bride I meet. That being said, YSL's Volupté Sheer Candy in Cool Guava is almost always a home-run. It's subtle yet bright for our gals that don'tA: love wearing lip color but can be really enhanced with a great lip pencil (I love the Rimmel Lip Pencil in "Addiction") It has a hydrating feel to it and a subtle shine that is comfortable to wear. The entire line of lip colors are great for bride's and the packaging spectacular. It feels so luxurious to pull one of those gorgeous lip-sticks out of your bag. page 32

HairJust as with makeup, when it comes to bridal hair I too encourage brides to look for a stylist with a wide range of work. Long loose curls are gorgeous for your engagement shoot whereas a more structured do may be what you’re looking for come big day. I recommend you work with your stylist multiple times in advance, in addition to your trial. Which is why I love our new neighbor Crystal, owner of Sogna di Vita Salon, right next door to the CJDE Design Studio. From blowouts to color, to on-site work or at her salon, these ladies are here for anything you need. page A DoPlan you ahead. want If something you color Sogna di Vita Salon formalyour hair and do traditional? so 1-month Do in youadvance. want Ifa needclub be, you have time to fix it! CLICK HERE to learn more

What is most important to consider when hiring your hair team?

You want to choose a team you feel comfortable and confident with. One of the best parts of your wedding day is getting ready. It should be fun and relaxed. Also ask if they will travel to you, wherever you’re getting ready. Our team travels to brides ANDA: hosts bridal parties at our salon, whatever is best and most convenient for our girls.

What bridal hair trends are you seeing for 2015?

You will see art deco and floral headpieces to compliment a more simple style, such as a low bun or chignon. Braids of all types are not going anywhere in 2015. Effortless and tousled dos will leave a soft romantic feel that we just love. Timeless and gorgeous.A:

What tips can you provide your brides when selecting their wedding day hair style?

Find your dress and veil first then choose an updo that will compliment your personality and style. You want to wear yourA: hair how you feel most sexy and like yourself. page 34 PhotoboothThe photobooth is always a crowd favorite at a reception. Serving as entertainment and at times a favor (prints make the best keepsake!). Your photobooth also documents the fun of your reception even after the photography and videography team have left. I love seeing how far photobooths have come, making the LARGE big and bulky pipe-and- drape eye sore cubes a thing of the past. Smilebooth has always pushed the envelope in the world of photobooths introducing fun technologies along the way.

page A Bring props that are SMILEBOOTH special to you. Such @smilebooth as favorite jerseys and college pennants. CLICK HERE to learn more

The wedding photobooth has changed If you could provide your couples What is most important to consider Drastically throughout the years. with one piece of advice, what when selecting your photobooth? What styles are most popular today? would it be?

Setting a budget and then We would say that anything Just as there are a ton of other deciding which options best fit you and allowing guests to share instantly from vendors to choose from like florists to yourA: guests within that budget is super theA: wedding is huge. At Smilebooth we cakeA: artists, there are a ton of photo important. Creating an experience for offering iPad Sharing Stations because booth options too. Do your homework your guests that is both fun and user we know how important it is for guests, and ask around to see who had a great friendly (while stress free on you + your or even the bride and groom, to share experience with any given company wallet!) is a win any way you look at it. fun images in real time just as you would beforehand. Few things can beat word of any other night of the week. mouth when surrounding yourself with If you think that you would love for your awesome vendors on your wedding day. guests to leave with a fun, tangible item, Also, with the popularity of hashtags like a printout then opt for that. If you and handles, being able to incorporate We also think it's important to choose a think your crowd will be a bit younger those into your photo booth experience photo booth company that has a ton of and tech savvy, consider adding new is pretty awesome. We pre-load our iPad great ways to customize the look of your technologies into the mix (like social Sharing Stations from the very beginning images. At the end of the day, you've sharing, text, email, etc) which some with our clients hashtags and handles taken a lot of time to ensure that your companies will offer from iPads. Add ons so the bride and groom will be able to wedding reflects your individual style so like prints and/or iPads can be an extra look at all of the cool images their guests your photo booth images should be that expense, but when budgeted in from the shared on social media long after the way too. Scoping out to see if they have get go can increase your guest’s photo wedding day. awesome backdrops, customizable print booth experience by 110%. layouts, or unique social sharing options will always add (and not subtract) from the big picture on your wedding day.

page A Photo Credit Index: Cover, Becky Brown Photography Intro Page, Wedding Photo Annie Parish Photography Table of Contents, Bouquet Photo Amanda Hein Photography Table of Contents, Brunch Photo Brittany Bekas Photography Page 4, Annie Parish Photography Page 7, Amanda Hein Photography Page 8, Becky Brown Photography Page 14, Becky Brown Photography Page 16, Photo on left Brittany Bekas Photography Page 16, Photo on right Becky Brown Photography Page 17, Photo on left Neil Burger Photography Page 17, Photo on right Averyhouse Page 19, Amanda Hein Photography Page 20, Photo on left Averyhouse Page 20, Photo in middle Neil Burger Photography Page 20, Photo on right Becky Brown Photography Page 24, Averyhouse Page 25, Becky Brown Photography Back Cover, Becky Brown Photography designed by