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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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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

*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 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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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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An Afternoon at Little Goat Kitchen

We had the pleasure of partnering with Little Goat Kitchen to showcase their beautiful event space with a sip, snack, and socialize event. The rustic decor, roof top with skyline views, and incredible food make it the perfect spot for an intimate wedding, bridal shower or luncheon, rehearsal dinner, cocktail party, wine or beer paired dinner, and farm dinners.

Chef Stephanie Izard loved cooking for guests in the comfort of her own home, which inspired the Little Goat private dining; a space that feels like home. Here are some photos from the event featuring floral and decor by Color & Company and sweet treats from Black Dog Gelato.