Category Archives: Blog

Sam and Tommy selected the Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago for their wedding reception. They loved the history behind the club, the art deco feel and, of course, the incredible chandeliers in the ballroom! We had so much fun planning for the big day that was an incredible grand finale after a few days of celebrating.

A second ceremony took place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It was a beautiful ceremony that included several of Tommy’s Greek family traditions.

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After the ceremony, guests made their way to the Drawing Room in the Woman’s Athletic Club for champagne, passed St. Germain cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres while listening to New York musician, Seth Kessel, perform pre-1950’s American music. We displayed the escort cards on beautiful heirloom silver trays surrounded by a tall, dramatic floral arrangement which was a stunning first impression!

The ballroom also replicated the art deco, elegant, and dramatic theme. Mirrored table tops, mercury glass votives, silver beaded charger plates, and tall arrangements full of sprouting white dendrobium orchids adorned all of the guest tables. We topped each place setting with a foil engraved menu card personalized with each guests name.

The Z Orchestra kicked off the evening with a dance set before guests took their seats for the three-course dinner that ended with wedding cake and a custom bag full of fresh mini donuts.

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It was an evening enjoyed by all and a great way to end a fabulous weekend of celebrating! We wish Sam and Tommy many years of love and happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Photographer: Christine Bentley Photography / Venue and Catering: Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago / Videographer: Jet Kaiser Films / Floral: Larkspur / Decor: Kehoe Designs / Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Seth Kessel / Reception Entertainment: The Z Orchestra / Linens: BBJ Linen / Stationary: The Grosvenor Stationary Company / Hair and MakeUp: Elena Denning / Wedding Dress: Reem Acra

*Christine Bentley Photography: Instagram: Christine Bentley Photography @chrisbentley Twitter: Christine Bentley Photography @chrisbentley and Facebook: Christine Bentley Photography www.facebook.com/christinebentleyphotography.com

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Samantha and Tommy Part 2: Welcome Fiesta at Chez

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Sam and Tommy got engaged in Mexico, so it was only appropriate to throw an authentic Mexican fiesta for their welcome event!

Chez, a venue located in downtown Chicago, was the perfect location to host this occasion. Its crisp, clean, and white interior gave us the freedom to be creative and transform the space into a fiesta overflowing with bright colors and authentic decor. Kehoe Designs incorporated decor details that came through in every inch of the space, from the custom-made piñatas to the large palmetto leaves with custom Mexican art graffiti. Vibrant hues of hot pink and orange popped amongst the white lacquer dining tables and stylish all-white lounge groupings.

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The ceiling was covered in piñatas and paper lanterns, and the walls were washed with brilliant pools of hot pink and orange lighting. Beautiful bright blooms brought the festivity to the tables and bars.

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Authentic Mexican cuisine was very important to Sam and Tommy. Blue Plate Catering delivered just that. As guests entered the space, they were greeted with a variety of signature cocktails, including a cucumber margarita, a paloma, and a frozen tamarind margarita. With a delicious cocktail in hand, guests enjoyed mini fish tacos and Maine lobster ceviche skewers.

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A mariachi band livened up the party with classic Mexican tunes before it was time to eat. Interactive food stations were scattered around the space and included a made-to-order guacamole bar, a gourmet taco bar featuring traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork and marinated flank steak paired with all of the accompaniments you can imagine, and a corn husk-wrapped tamale bar.

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A Latin DJ had guests up and dancing all evening. It was a fabulous way to kick off the wedding weekend and we had a blast planning this untraditional rehearsal dinner that represented the couples story!

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Event Details:

Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Venue: Chez / Catering: Blue Plate Catering / Decor: Kehoe Designs / Photographer: Christine Bentley Photography and Kehoe Designs / Videographer: Jet Kaiser Films / Entertainment: The Z Orchestra / Sweets: Cake Chicago / Hair and MakeUp: Elena Denning / Custom Pinatas: All Mexican Goods

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Samantha and Tommy Part 1: Driehaus Museum Welcome Dinner

Nine months before she said “I do,” Sam and I met in Chicago. We instantly hit it off and began talking ideas for a three-day wedding celebration right away. Sam is one of the most creative brides I have ever worked with. I absolutely loved her vision and style. She thoroughly thought through every detail of the wedding weekend. It was incredibly special to make her dreams a reality and see all of them come to life.

Sam and Tommy met in New York City, got engaged in Mexico, and moved to London during the engagement. Sam grew up in Chicago and knew the Windy City was the perfect location for her and Tommy’s nuptials. We planned the three-day wedding extravaganza thanks to technology and a few visits to Chicago.

With three days of jaw-dropping events, there’s so much to share. First, we’ll start with an elaborate, black-tie, sit-down dinner for their dearest friends and family that kicked off the wedding weekend. The evening began with Sam and Tommy saying their vows for the first time in front of this intimate group of people at St. James Chapel in downtown Chicago. Sam looked stunning in her gown that she designed alongside Reem Acra.

After the ceremony, bagpipers lead the group down the street to the beautiful and historical Driehaus Museum. Guests enjoyed passed Champagne, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres on the first level of the museum before the private guided tours began.

Guests were then directed to an incredible place card display upstairs that replicated the look of the ballroom with everyone’s name beautifully written in their designated spot– a very special touch and now keepsake for the bride and groom! The setting of the ballroom was so romantic. Floral, with garden roses, peonies, thistles, succulents, berries, and parrot tulips in a palette of pinks, red, burgundy, apricot, blue, and green, winded all the way down the long King’s Table set in the center of the room. Bunches of fruit such as red and burgundy grapes, pomegranates, and pears were dripping out of the vessels to coordinate with the elegant Gilded Age theme. Gold-rimmed glassware, royal derby china, and personalized menus introducing the 10-course tasting menu with wine pairings completed each place setting. It was the perfect, intimate way to celebrate the couple and kick off the rest of the events.

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Event Details:

Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Venue: Driehaus Museum / Catering: Jewell Events Catering / Photography: Matt Ferguson / Videographer: Jet Kaiser Films / Floral and Decor: Larkspur / Lighting: Sound Investment / Wedding Cake: Cake Chicago / Pianist: James Cebastien / Stationary: The Grosvenor Stationary Company

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Katie and Will: Saddle and Cycle Club

Katie and I have been best friends since our freshman year of college, so being a part of her and Will’s wedding could not be more meaningful to me. Katie and Will selected St. Clement Church in Chicago for their ceremony and the beautiful Saddle and Cycle Club for their reception.

The wedding day was perfect and full of so much love. The day began with a special delivery from the groom to his bride – a painting that he created himself. Katie took a break from getting ready to take it all in. She looked absolutely stunning in her Oscar de la Renta dress. The bridal party wore navy and carried gorgeous hot pink peony bouquets, wrapped in navy and white-striped ribbon.

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After the ceremony, guests enjoyed signature cocktails and lawn games outside on the terrace at Saddle and Cycle Club. Navy blue and white, with pops of pink were carried through all of the wedding day details, from the cocktail napkins to the corn-hole set outside. The ballroom was adorned in candlelight, fresh greenery and a white floral mix of hydrangeas, garden roses and stock.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous meal before they were up and dancing to The Sultans of Swing. The evening ended with late-night snacks from some Chicago favorites – RJ Grunts and Pequods Pizza.

We wish Katie and Will many years of love and happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: July 26th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony Location: St. Clement Church / Reception Location: Saddle and Cycle Club / Photographer: Morgan Matters Photography / Videography: Smiling Toad Productions / Bouquets: Dilly Lily / Reception Floral and Decor: Virginia Wolff Florist / Entertainment: The Sultans of Swing / Wedding Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew

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Maddie and Max: Medinah Country Club

Maddie and I have known each other since elementary school, so it was so special for me to be able to plan her wedding! Maddie and Max met at a bar in San Francisco – it was love at first sight! About two and half years later, Max proposed to Maddie during a trip to Washington, D.C. Maddie and Max live in San Francisco, but a few weeks after the engagement, Maddie flew to Chicago, where she grew up to start the planning process. We had a great meeting chatting about their vision for the wedding, and the planning kicked off soon after that!

Maddie and Max selected the incredible Medinah Country Club for their wedding reception. Maddie and her family have spent a lot of time at the club growing up, and it was a perfect, central location for so many friends and family members. Most of the planning took place during a few visits that Maddie and Max were able to take to Chicago in the midst of their busy work schedules. Needless to say, we organized days of meetings after meetings, and everything came together perfectly!

The wedding day began at The JW Marriott where Maddie and her bridesmaids got ready. As soon as the hair and makeup were set, we were off to the beautiful Old St. Patrick’s Church for the ceremony. Maddie looked stunning walking down the aisle with both of her parents before she and Max said “I do.”After the ceremony, guests made their way over to Medinah Country Club. Cocktail hour took place in the stunning rotunda as guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while listening to a celtic trio.

The ballroom was breathtaking! Tables were covered in lavender linens, paper details in midnight blue, and floral in purples, greens, and whites. We used three different centerpiece designs filled with tons of candlelight to adorn the already absolutely stunning space.

After guests enjoyed dinner, we directed everyone outside for a special surprise: A dance floor under the stars in a beautiful clear top tent with twinkling cafe lights! But, that wasn’t the only surprise… The father of the bride ordered a spectacular fireworks display for all to enjoy before hitting the dance floor! Maddie and Max had the best view in the house, and the entire experience was very magical.

The Gold Coast All Stars had the party going all night long. It was a perfect day from start to finish. We wish Maddie and Max many years of love and happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: September 13th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony Location: Old St. Patrick’s Church / Reception Location: Medinah Country Club / Photographer: Gerber + Scarpelli, Kurt Gerber / Floral and Decor: Elizabeth Wray Designs / Invitations and Day of Paper Items: Magnificent Milestones / Entertainment: The Gold Coast All Stars / Wedding Cake: Cake Chicago / Tent: Blue Peak Tent Company / Draping : Quest Drape

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Lindsay & Kyle: The Germania Place

I had so much fun working with Lindsay and Kyle. The couple met in Seville, Spain while studying abroad in 2008 and have been together ever since! Kyle popped the question over a picnic near Belmont Harbor and the planning began soon afterwards. They selected the beautiful Germania Place for both their ceremony and reception.

It was a gorgeous summer day without a cloud in the sky. The girls got ready in the Michael Jordan Suite at the PUBLIC Hotel – one of our favorite getting ready spots in the city! Lindsay and Kyle had their first look on the outdoor terrace of the suite before they departed for photos around the city with their bridal party.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’0euvres as we turned over the Grand Ballroom for dinner and dancing. The ballroom looked stunning with a mixture of high and low centerpieces full of lush blush, white and pink floral accented with floating and pillar candles designed by Scarlet Petal.

Incognito was sure to have the guests up and dancing the night away – it was a memorable evening for all!

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We wish Lindsay and Kyle many years of love & happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: August 2nd, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony and Reception Venue: Germania Place / Catering: Kenmare Catering / Photography: Cristina G Photography / Band: Incognito, Cagen Music / Videography: Smiling Toad Productions / Floral and Decor: Scarlet Petal / Wedding Cake: Tipsy Cakes

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Chicago Illuminating Company: Katelyn and Matt

I had so much fun working with Katelyn and Matt this past year. Not only are they dear friends of mine, but they are the sweetest and most genuine couple.

We jumpstarted the wedding planning soon after they got engaged. During our venue tours, it was clear that the Chicago Illuminating Company was the perfect location for their ceremony and reception. They could not stop smiling from the moment they walked in the door! From that point on, we had a blast finalizing all of the details to create this urban, elegant affair!

The morning of the wedding was full of so much love and support for Katelyn and Matt. We planned a “first look” for Katelyn and her father at the Chicago Illuminating Company before the ceremony, and it was the sweetest moment!

After they were pronounced a married couple, Katelyn and Matt recessed down the aisle to “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” performed by the Becca Kaufman Orchestra, and the party had begun! Guests moved to the outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour and enjoyed Katelyn and Matt’s favorite cocktail, the Moscow mule, local Chicago craft beers, and delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by Food for Thought Catering.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. We used taupe linens, soft ivory draping, tons of candlelight, and florals bursting with blush Juliet roses, white hydrangeas, dusty miller foliage, and white anemone from HMR Designs.

The dance floor was packed immediately following dinner and guests enjoyed the truffle bar, sweets table, and late-night food truck, The Slide Ride.

It was a beautiful day, and we wish Katelyn & Matt many, many years of love & happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: September 6th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Chicago Illuminating Company / Photographer: Ben Elsass Photography / Catering: Food for Thought / Floral and Decor: HMR Designs / Entertainment: Becca Kaufman Orchestra / Stationary: Magnificent Milestones / Cake & Truffles: Cake / Lighting: Sound Investment / Hair Stylist: Elena Denning / Bride’s Dress: Marisa / Bridesmaid Dresses: Love Lane, Bella Bridesmaid / Late Night Food Truck: The Slide Ride / Accommodations: InterContinental Chicago

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Yerkes Observatory & Starline Factory: Laura and Brandon

I met Laura and Brandon a year and a half before the big day. When we first met, they envisioned a wedding outside of Chicago with rustic and natural elements. I truly enjoyed being a part of the planning process and was so excited to bring their dreams to life. Laura and Brandon are one of the sweetest couples I know. They began dating their sophomore year of high school, and their solid foundation and strong relationship were evident every step of the way!

The wedding weekend kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn— a great spot right on the lake to welcome guests to Lake Geneva.

Laura and Brandon chose Yerkes Observatory in nearby William’s Bay for their ceremony. The observatory boasts a 115 plus-year history and is primarily used for astronomy research. The observatory’s 77-acre property is spectacular. It’s located right on the lake with a magnificent domed building from the observatory serving as the backdrop.

Even a little morning rain couldn’t stop this from being an incredible day. The sun came out right as it was time for Laura to walk down the aisle. It was a beautiful ceremony led by a dear friend of the couple.

After the ceremony, guests made their way over to the historic Starline Factory in Harvard, Ill. to celebrate the just-married couple. The evening was filled with love and so many personal touches that represented Laura and Brandon, including the signature “Losey Special Mojito,” a tree stump for guests to sign that tied in Brandon’s career as a landscape architect, and their favorite Chicago popcorn from Nuts on Clark.

It was a perfect day. We were so happy to be a part of it, and we wish Laura and Brandon many years of love & happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: July 12th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Photographer: FotoEnvy / Catering: Wild Asparagus / Entertainment: Toast and Jam / Transportation: Jones Travel / Floral and Decor: Field and Florist and Pesches Greenhouse / Day of Details: Designed by the Couple / Getting Ready Location: The Abbey Resort

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Private Residence: Chrissy & Cory

I am so fortunate to have been a part of Chrissy and Cory’s beautiful wedding weekend. We kicked off the celebration in Chicago with a rehearsal dinner at Fred’s at Barney’s. It was a perfect evening with great food, touching speeches from family and friends, and loads of personal touches.

When the wedding day arrived, the weather couldn’t have been better. Chrissy got ready for the big day with her family and friends at Glenview Country Club, and she was glowing with happiness and excitement all morning!

One of the many highlights from the wedding day was Chrissy’s first look with her father. It happened at the family’s home, and it was the sweetest moment! Chrissy’s stepmom also surprised her with a C&C-shaped wreath at the front of the house to greet guests as they arrived.

Chrissy & Cory had a beautiful ceremony and not only did they become officially joined together, but their new family did as well.

After the ceremony, the doors to their home were open, and it was time to celebrate! The family’s backyard in Wilmette, Illinois was transformed to create the perfect setting for their reception. A beautiful clear-top tent and elegant lighting set the tone for a truly special outdoor event.

Guests made their way to the private residence where they were greeted with passed rose as they entered the home.

Chrissy & Cory envisioned the tent to feel elegant and natural. We incorporated rustic elements like farm tables, lots of greenery and birch, and beautiful white floral. When it came to the food, Chrissy & Cory wanted an organic, farm-to-table style menu, and Entertaining Company provided that to perfection!

The menu included beef tenderloin with summer corn and tomato salad, small plates of smoked chicken with charred corn flan, and a raw bar station shrimp and lobster rolls to fit the summer season.

It was a beautiful wedding weekend that was filled with so much love! We wish Chrissy & Cory many more years of love & happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: July 19th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Catering: Entertaining Company / Photographer: Molly Grace, Vrai Photography / Videographer: Charlie Hilbrant Films / Floral and Decor: Simply Flowers / Entertainment: Chicago Catz / Linens: BBJ Linen / Wedding Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s / Wedding Dress: Ultimate Bride / Rehearsal Dinner Photography: Molly Grace, Vrai Photo / Rehearsal Dinner Floral: Simply Flowers

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The Chicago Botanic Garden: Daisy and Bing

I met Daisy and Bing ten months before their wedding. I instantly connected with their vision for their wedding day and we jump started the planning right away. Daisy and Bing knew they wanted a romantic garden style wedding so I knew the Chicago Botanic Garden would be our first stop during our venue visits.

Quickly after visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, they knew it was the perfect venue. We decided to have the ceremony in the beautiful Rose Terrace, the cocktail hour in English Walled Garden, and the reception in McGinley Pavillion.

Daisy and Bing are the sweetest couple and we quickly became friends through out the planning process. Their guests were coming in from all over the world so it was very important that the evening was perfect and enjoyed by all – and it sure was!

To keep with their romantic garden theme, we chose a color scheme of gold, whites, and soft blush. The flowers consisted of romantic garden roses and lots of peonies – Daisy’s favorite flower. The very talented Jessica Griffin with HMR Designs designed the decor to perfection!