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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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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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Robin and Cyrus: Elawa Farms

This Lake Forest wedding is one of my absolute favorites! Robin and Cyrus’s wedding was full of personalized touches that made this wedding stand out from all of the others. From incorporating their dog, Bear, into the wedding party to Robin’s father’s band getting the guests up and out of their chairs all night long, every detail was meaningful to them and truly represented their families.

The day began at Robin’s childhood home where her wedding dress hung on display in the window. While the girls relaxed in their monogrammed button downs, the groomsmen got ready at the Deer Path Inn. Robin’s engagement ring originally belonged to her grandmother, and she wore a matching bracelet along with her best friend’s veil on her big day. After everyone was ready, the groomsmen joined the girls for Robin and Cyrus’s first look before heading to the shores of Lake Michigan for pictures.

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The ceremony & reception took place at the beautiful, sprawling Elawa Farms. Their ceremony was on the top of a hill that looked down upon gorgeous gardens that guests would have a chance to walk through on their way to the reception. The girls wore sweetheart blush dresses while the men all wore Vineyard Vines ties, with Cyrus (and Bear) in matching bow ties. Acoustic guitarists set the tone for the ceremony before giving way to a bagpiper leading Robin and her father down the aisle. It was breathtaking!

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At the conclusion of the ceremony, Robin and Cyrus departed for a quick, private walk through the grounds. Guests were invited to walk the statue and boxwood-lined path down to where a sparkling rosé bar awaited them as they headed toward the cocktail reception. Monogrammed koozies in the day’s peach and navy colors kept guests’ drinks cool.

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The barn housed Robin and Cyrus’s escort table, which featured handwritten notes from the bride and groom to each guest. Through the barn doors, tables were lined for guests to dine al fresco. Long feasting tables adorned with window boxes and birch wood holders were overflowing with fresh garden greenery and placed along the custom navy and white table runners. Café lights were strung from above, and each guest found their place setting courtesy of a wooden place cardholder and a napkin tied with a navy & white stripped ribbon.

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After a wonderful meal by Froggy’s catering and a picture-perfect sunset, Robin’s father’s band, The Del Crustacean’s, invited guests back into the barn to dance the night away!

Wedding Day re-cap Video

Wedding Day Details:

Wedding Date: September 28th, 2014 / Wedding Coordinator: Ashley Miller, JDetailed Events / Ceremony and Reception Venue: Elawa Farms / Rehearsal dinner and Groomsmen Getting-Ready Location: Deer Path Inn / Photography: Angela Renee Photography / Video: Smiling Toad Productions / Catering: Froggy’s Catering / Floral: Art Quest Limited

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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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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.