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Olga and Brad tied the knot in Barbados in May, but they brought the celebration back to the Windy City due to their Chicago roots. One week after their wedding ceremony, they held a fabulous reception, and we had the honor of planning this special occasion! The reception took place Memorial Day weekend at the Langham Hotel in Chicago.

Guests were greeted at the cocktail hour with delicious hors d’oeuvres, including sushi rolls and tomato soup with mini grilled cheese, and live music performed by Matt with Okyne Media. Kehoe Designs created quite the first impression on the place card table with a collection of tall vessels in various sizes with submerged florals and vibrant magenta and purple hues. After mingling, guests made their way into Devonshire Ballroom to view a video of Olga and Brad’s Barbados ceremony before enjoying dinner and dancing.

The ballroom was breathtaking! Half of the guest tables featured high tall glass vibrant floral arrangements accented with candlelight that provided a warm glow throughout the room. The other half of the tables had low lush arrangements filled with greenery and stylized purple and magenta floral, supplemented by romantic candlelight.

Olga and Brad sat at a sweetheart table for two, which was adorned with a beautiful floral centerpiece in colors that coordinated with the guest tables. We enhanced the romantic and elegant setting with soft uplighting, pin spots, and a soft pool of texture lighting on the dance floor.

The evening concluded with a decadent sweets table, featuring mini mason jar pies, an assortment of cupcakes, chocolate french silk tartlettes, and brownie bites. It was a fabulous (2nd) celebration for Olga and Brad!

Wedding Day Details:

Date: May 23rd, 2015 / Coordinator: Jaclyn and Ashley, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Photographer: Neil Stern / Reception Location: The Langham Hotel / Floral and Decor: Kehoe Designs / Entertainment: Okyne Media

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Amy and Blake: Chicago Botanic Garden

Amy and I became fast friends through the planning process. She would glow with excitement at each planning meeting and had a clear vision of what she envisioned for her and Blake’s summer wedding. Amy and Blake picked one of our favorite venues, the Chicago Botanic Garden, for their reception and the historic Old St. Patrick’s Church for their ceremony. We had a blast bringing Amy and Blake’s vision to life throughout the year of planning!

There was so much excitement in Amy’s suite when we arrived on the wedding day. Amy looked stunning in her silk taffeta Amsale dress with french lace detail. Amy carried a gorgeous lush all-white bouquet full of peonies, ranunculus, and hand-wired gardenia blooms. The bridesmaids wore long slate-blue dresses and each carried a different bouquet to create an ombre effect.

Amy and Blake had a beautiful ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church. After saying “I Do,” they hopped in a classic, vintage white car and made their way to Chicago Botanic Garden to celebrate.
HMR Designs transformed the McGinley Pavilion at the Chicago Botanic Garden into a gorgeous garden elegant affair. We incorporated both round and rectangular tables topped with a mix of blush and taupe linens. The round tables hosted a collection of myrtle topiary, pillar candles, and mono-botanic blooms of coral charm and blush peonies, ivory roses and blush spray roses and salmon ranunculus. Mercury glass and clear votive candles completed the design.

A lush garland of lemon leaf foliage ran down the center of each rectangular table, accented with coral and blush peonies, ivory and peach spray roses, and blush roses. A beautiful greenery garland connected Amy and Blake’s chairs at the head table. Botanical menu cards were tucked in each napkin topped with a sprig of fresh lavender.

Guest enjoyed a fabulous meal by Culinary Landscapes and delicious wedding cake featuring passionfruit, red velvet, and devil’s food with chocolate ganache before dancing the night away to the sounds of Gold Coast All Stars.

A sparkler exit concluded the evening, and it was a perfect wedding day for Amy and Blake!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: June 20th, 2015 / Wedding Planner: Jaclyn, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony Location: Old St. Patrick’s Church / Reception Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden / Band: Gold Coast All Stars / Decor Company: HMR Designs / Wedding Cake: Cake Chicago / Photographer: Gerber and Scarpelli / Videographer: Poetic Productions / Transportation: Classic Wedding Car & VIP Valet Services / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Stationary: Sincerely Martha / MakeUp Artist: Darcy Lynn McGrath / Brides Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid / Mens Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo / Signage Calligraphy: Caitlin Leman / Getting Ready Location: JW Marriott

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Colleen and Matt: Bridgeport Art Center

We kicked off 2015 with a fabulous celebration for Colleen and Matt! The wedding day began in Oak Park, Illinois, where the girls got pampered in floral robes, and the guys enjoyed hot shave appointments to get ready for the big celebration.

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Colleen looked stunning in her Vera Wang wedding dress and gorgeous pearl jewelry borrowed from her grandmother. Her beautiful winter-white bouquet consisted of white and ivory roses and freesia, accented with dusty miller. The bridesmaids wore gold, sequin long dresses and carried white roses and ranunculus bouquets. The guys looked sharp in classic black and white tuxes.

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When it was nearly time for the ceremony, the bridal party took off in a trolley, and Colleen shared a limo with her father to the church. The ceremony took place at the church Colleen grew up attending. Matt was all smiles as he saw his bride walk down the aisle.

Meanwhile, setup was underway at Bridgeport Art Center – Skyline Loft as we prepared for the arrival of 400 guests. The Skyline Loft is located on the top floor of the building and showcases amazing panoramic views of the Chicago skyline.

Colleen and Matt requested wedding portraits from their married guests ahead of the big day, which we placed all around the cocktail-filled elevator that carried guests up to the reception space. A perfect personal touch to kick off the evening!

Event Creative designed the room to perfection. The escort cards were displayed on a wooden farm table with a cafe light backdrop, and chic lounge groupings were placed around the cocktail hour space – a stunning first impression!

Guests were greeted with champagne upon arrival and Blue Plate Catering passed a variety of fantastic hors d’oeuvres including buttermilk waffles with fried chicken, braised yucatan pork mini tacos, and mac and cheese cups.

Event Creative designed three different centerpieces for the guest tables. One featured beautiful shades of pale pink and white floral, a collection of milk glass, mercury vases, and candlelight. Some tables had high, clear vases overflowing with Hawaiian dendrobium orchids, and the third centerpiece design had a birch square box overflowing with pale pink floral accented with a trio of mercury candle risers. With white string cafe lights strung over the dance floor and crystal chandeliers hung above the head table, the brilliant tones of blush pink were lit up through the entire space.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal before heading over to the extravagant candy bar overflowing with goodies and a decadent sweets table, consisting of churros, donuts, mini cupcakes in a variety of flavors, and cheesecake lollipops.

The High Society Orchestra had guests up and dancing the night away. It was a perfect wedding day for Colleen and Matt, and we wish them many years of love and happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: January 17th, 2015 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Venue: Bridgeport Art Center – Skyline Loft / Caterer: Blue Plate Catering / Floral and Decor: Event Creative / Photographer: Gerber and Scarpelli / Band: High Society Orchestra / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Hair and MakeUp: Elena Denning and MacDaddy Salon

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Blythe and Daniel: The Pavillion at Orchard Ridge Farms

We absolutely love this winter wedding! Blythe and Daniel selected the stunning Pavillion at Orchard Ridge Farms for their winter nuptials. The Pavillion sits on a charming 130-acre private estate exuding rustic elegance. It features a captivating view of the countryside, sliding glass door exteriors, and a 40 foot masonry fireplace.

Blythe and her bridesmaids began hair and make up bright and early in the most adorable farm house near the Pavillion. Blythe presented her bridesmaids with a gorgeous fur shawl and Daniel selected a unique craft beer for each one of his groomsmen. As it was just about time for Blythe and Daniel’s first look, Blythe stepped into her perfect blush wedding gown with lace detailing on the top and bottom accented with a crystal belt. To top off this already stunning look, she wore a white fur shawl and Badgley Mishka shoes for her “something blue”. Each bridesmaid selected a long dress full of sequins and sparkle!

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Tree stumps covered in blooms were placed on each side of the ceremony aisle. Blythe and Daniel said their vows in front of the fireplace that was decorated with garland, birch containers, candlelight and floral clusters creating the perfect back drop for the couples “I do’s”.

After the ceremony, we transitioned the room for dinner and dancing. The guest tables were topped with soft blush linens, pillar candles, hydrangeas, stock, roses, and greenery. The dreamy head table consisted of a long garland runner with floral accents and romantic candlelight.

All enjoyed a fabulous meal by Mary’s Market Catering while dancing in between courses to live music performed by The Chicago Catz. The evening continued with an after party at the Ironworks Hotel and a special appearance from the Taco Gonzalez food truck. It was a magical wedding day for Blythe and Daniel. Thanks to Stoffer Photography for capturing all of these sweet moments!

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Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: December 12th, 2014 / Wedding Planner: Jaclyn, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Pavillion at Orchard Ridge Farms / Caterer: Mary’s Market / Photographer: Stoffer Photography / Videographer: Lexoria Films / Entertainment: The Chicago Catz / Floral and Decor: The Wishing Well Florist / Linens: Beautiful Day Linens / Cake: Cake Creations / Hair and MakeUp: Elena Denning / Accommodations: The Ironworks Hotel / Late Night Food Truck: Taco Gonazlez

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Happy Valentines Day!

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

We are so excited for our 2015 I Do’s!

Check out some adorable engagement shoots featuring a few of our 2015 couples.

Photos by Gerber & Scarpelli

Photos by Olivia Leigh

Baltimore Engagement Session by Julia Franzosa

Photos by Gerber & Scarpelli

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Hannah and Patrick: Galleria Marchetti

Hannah and Patrick have been friends of mine since college, and I was so honored to be a part of their big day! They are such a fun-loving couple and were all smiles and laughs, despite the wind and rain that day.

The bridal party got ready at the Conrad Chicago in matching floral robes. When the beautiful bride stepped into her Pronovias wedding dress, the bridesmaids snapped photos to capture the special moment. Hannah completed her stunning look with a vintage purse and a BHLDN belt. Pistil & Vine provided the floral, which completed the girls’ looks with classic bouquets of ivory, peach and a touch of green.

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Meanwhile, on the other side of the Conrad Chicago, the groomsmen stayed well hydrated and in good spirits while enjoying gorgeous city views before heading off to the ceremony!

The ceremony took place at Saint Clement Church, nestled right in the heart of Lincoln Park. After the ceremony, guests celebrated the newlyweds with ribbon wands under umbrellas before the bridal party took off to take pictures around the city.

Hannah and Patrick got engaged on Lincoln Park Zoo’s Kissing Bridge, so coming back to this area was a must on their wedding day!

Guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti for the reception, under the newly renovated tent. Pistil & Vine carried the day’s soft, romantic look through with lanterns, mercury glass and a hint of blush for each table’s centerpiece.

Childhood photos of the bride and groom accompanied the table numbers.

The wedding cake and cupcakes were courtesy of Hannah and Patrick’s close family friend. The desserts didn’t stop there though. The couple incorporated their alma mater into the festivities with an Indiana University sweets table filled with red and white candy for guest’s to take home with them at the end of the evening.

The evening continued with many laughs, and Standing Room Only kept the dance party going well into the night. I could not have imagined a more beautiful wedding day for such a wonderful couple!

See the video recap by I DO video here.

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Coordinator: Ashley Miller, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Wedding Date: October 4th, 2014 / Ceremony Location: St. Clement Church / Reception Location: Galleria Marchetti / Photographer: Dawn E. Roscoe Photography / Videographer: I Do Video Productions / Floral and Decor: Pistil and Vine / Entertainment: Standing Room Only / Getting Ready Location: The Conrad Chicago / Wedding Dress: Pronovias

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Hannah and Ryan: The Langham Hotel

I had so much fun planning this spectacular wedding day with Hannah and Ryan. They selected the timeless, sophisticated Langham Hotel located right downtown Chicago. The ballroom is so romantic with floor to ceiling windows, sparkling chandeliers, and gorgeous skyline views. It was the perfect location for this elegant affair!

There was so much excitement and energy when I entered Hannah’s hotel room the morning of the wedding. She couldn’t stop smiling and was so happy to be surrounded by her closest friends and family while getting ready to say “I do”!

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Hannah and Ryan did a first look right outside of the hotel along the Chicago River. One of my favorite moments of a wedding day! Ryan lit up when he saw his beautiful bride looking stunning dressed in white. The bridesmaids each wore a unique and elegant black long dress and carried gorgeous pops of color in their wildflower bouquets.

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As the bridal party went off to take photos around the city, we prepared for guest arrival! The ceremony space incorporated tons of white from the aisle to the sheer fabric Chuppah and all of the candles surrounding. Since we were transforming the same ballroom for the reception, we wanted to create an entirely different feel for the dinner and dancing portion of the evening.

The ceremony was perfect and as you can see from the photos, the smiles never stopped!

As guests made their way outside of the ballroom for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and bluegrass performed live by Gold Coast All Stars, we began transforming the ballroom. We brought in long rectangle farm tables for a touch of rustic elegance for the head table. The guest tables surrounding were covered in soft fawn textured linens. Tabletops were adorned with garden flowers consisting of dahlias, stock, kale, and lavender in colors of yellow, red, purple, pinks, and greens to create the happy and bright atmosphere that Hannah and Ryan hoped for. In addition to the city lights, the room was covered in candlelight and up-lit in amber and we surrounded the band stage in mirrored planter boxes topped with pillar candles and mercury glass hurricanes.

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As guests entered Devonshire Ballroom for dinner, they couldn’t help but head straight to the dance floor. Gold Coast All Stars kicked off the evening with some crowd pleasing songs and Hannah and Ryan’s first dance.

The evening was full of fabulous food, tear-jerking speeches, and an incredible dance party topped off with an ice-cream buffet and fresh donuts from Stan’s, Hannah and Ryan’s favorite!

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We wish Hannah and Ryan many years of love and happiness!

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: August 16th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events, Inc. / Venue and Catering: The Langham Hotel Chicago / Floral and Decor: HMR Designs / Entertainment: The Gold Coast All Stars / Photographer: Morgan Matters Photography / Rentals: Tablescapes

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Samantha and Tommy Part 3: Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago

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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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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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!