Chicago Bride Magazine

Transcription

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Spring 2010
Back Cover
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Summer 2010
Front Cover
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A Wedding of Elegance & Tradition
2300 Mannheim Road • Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 298-3636 • www.fountainblue.com
Your Scene....
ecbanquets.com
To schedule a private showing
Please Contact: 847.437.5590
519 W Algonquin Rd Arlington Heights, IL 60005
LET US TAKE YOU INSIDE
THE WORLD OF ASHYANA
WHERE YOUR IMAGINATION AND EXPECTATION MEET
There is no time of greater anticipation, and joy than what lies ahead for you. We are
here to make these moments as enchanting as you have imagined with our all-inclusive
packages. From the moment you step inside Ashyana Banquets, you will be spellbound
by the captivating beauty. The lobby dressed with gold-encrusted antique dome ceiling, spectacular crystal chandeliers, and quartz flooring is accessorized with a grand
piano. As guests enter the grand ballroom they will be enthralled by the timeless décor
complete with soaring, hand painted domed ceiling adorned with imported crystal
chandeliers, and gleaming wall scones. Intelligent lighting, modern sound system, and
delectable cuisine will make for an unforgettable evening for 50 to 1,000 guests. It leaves
no doubt that your experience at Ashyana Banquets will be utterly majestic. Contact a
wedding consultant today for a tour.
IMPECCABLE SERVICE : SUPERB FOOD : ELEGANT AMBIANCE
1620 75TH STREET : DOWNERS GROVE : 630.964.7090 : ASHYANABANQUETS.COM
from the editor
Something New…
Dear Chicago Bride:
Congratulations on your engagement! Your new beginning is off to a
great start with Chicago Bride magazine. We are your one-stop comprehensive resource for planning an unforgettable Chicagoland wedding.
I’m happy to introduce a new beginning of sorts for Chicago Bride as
well! This issue debuts our new design featuring a cleaner, sleeker look
designed simply…for you. Our new content headings break things
down to the basics: what you need to know before, during and after
your wedding.
This expanded special issue is chock-full of advice, tips, and must-know
information from hair and make-up tips to whether or not to invite kids;
from what to do with your dress after the wedding to what pack for
your honeymoon. Speaking of which, check out our feature on Mexico’s
Riviera Nayarit. We’re also happy to feature bridal jewelry from Tejani,
statement headpieces by Los Angeles designer Arturo Rios and the
couture designs of Winnie Couture and local designer Caroline DeVillo.
As always, don’t miss my pick (page 40) for what’s hot!
We’re also touching on the two top socially conscious trends garnering lots
of attention these days: the Earth and the economy. We have tips on how
to throw a ‘green’ wedding, how to go vegan with your reception and how
you can cut costs while planning the wedding you’ve always wanted.
Afterwards, have that dream wedding featured here! Our Real
Weddings pages feature weddings from our readers! Find out how
to submit your photos for consideration by visiting our website,
ChicagoBrideMagazine.com.
Cathy
Editor
Cathy Demetropoulos
Associate Publisher & Accountant
Marie Centenail
Marie@RENPublishing.com
Marketing
Charlene Swanson
Charlene@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Graphic Designer & Art Director
Michael Skuras
Bridal Show Coordinator
Cathy Demetropoulos
Advertising Department
advertising@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Cathy Demetropoulos
Editor
on the cover
Publisher
Steven N. Polydoris
Phone: 773-866-9900
Fax:
773-866-9881
Best of luck and enjoy your planning!
10
Since 1995
Bridal Shows
BridalShows@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Editorial Department
editorial@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Website:
ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Issue #40 Winter
Issue #41 Spring
Issue #42 Summer
Gown: Grace with Bella
Fluted sash by Caroline de
Villo, Chicago (www.carolinedevillo.com)
Gown and photo by
Martina Liana (www.martinaliana.com)
Gown and photo by Ella
Bridals.
Veil: Cage Veil with organza flower by Jennifer Leigh
Jewelry: Betsy Tanner
Model by Elite
Photographer: Jeremy
Bustos with Studio This Is
Strapless silhouette with
Swarovski crystals at the
neckline and waist-defining
matching beaded belt. Folds
and pleating extend through
the skirt to the chapeltrain. Available in Silk Taffeta,
Deluxe Dupioni, Soft Italian
Metallic and Silk Satin, and in
lace up or zip up.
CHICAGO BRIDE | ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
Strapless Angel Satin gown
with angled ruching throughout bodice and delicately
bustled skirt throughout.
Detachable velvet belt and
beaded jewel.
Printed in the USA. Published by Real Estate
News Corporation, Chicago, IL 60659. Steven
N. Polydoris, President. Chicago Bride is distributed by Subscription as well as over-the-counter
sales. No material appearing in Chicago Bride
may be reprinted without written permission.
Copyright Real Estate News Corporation, 2010.
chicago bride contents
before your wedding
30 W h i c h G o w n D e s i g n i s R i g h t f o r Yo u ?
How to select what works
42 M a k i n g I t L e g a l
Marriage license resources
50 F r o m O n l i n e t o O n Yo u r F i n g e r
Designing and buying engagement rings via the Internet
70 We d d i n g P l a n n e r C h e c k l i s t
20
Make sure you are covering the necessities
82 H i r i n g B e a u t y P r o f e s s i o n a l s
What you should know
92 M a k e u p & H a i r F o r Yo u r B i g D a y
Tips from celebrity artist Constantine Haritos
127 S u r f S a f e l y
Beware if you’re buying jewelry online
138 T h e P i l a t e s M e t h o d F o r B r i d e s
34
24
Tone your body and mind with instructor Alana Reed
your wedding
20 D r e a m We d d i n g s f o r L e s s
Stretching your wedding budget dollar
44 K i d d i n g A r o u n d
Kids at your wedding?
46 A m b a s s a d o r E a s t
Celebrate your wedding at the legendary Pump Room
54 Something Bold, Something New
Traditions vs. trends
74 A Perfect Reception
Making it memorable
80 Green is the New White…
52
…for weddings
81 Italian Village Restaurants
Three beautiful venues; one award-winning wine list
100 “I’d Like to Say a Few Words…”
Giving a proper, snore-proof speech
108 Shopping For a Cake Designer
Tips from Centerpiece Cake’s, Marcia Puri
110 Eco Chic
Planning Your Vegan Wedding
140 Call the Concierge
44
The inside scoop for a smoother hotel wedding
142 Videography
Mistakes to avoid
148 Wedding Photo Don’ts
12
For flawless pictures
chicago bride contents
after your wedding
72 Save the Dress
Gown preservation tips
78 And They Lived Happily Ever After
Tips for a wonderful marriage
88 Blending Households
74
When two become one
99 Marrying Love & Money
Financial strategies from Merrill Lynch advisor Lisa James
118 At Last…the Honeymoon!
Get packing!
134 USA.gov
A website you should know
144 Riviera Nayarit
Mexico’s Pacific treasure
150 Trash, Treasure or Trade-In?
18
40
95
Ideas for what to do with your gown
your style
34 Winnie Couture
Avant Mariee and Winnie Chlomin collections
52 Bridal Bling
Tejani Jewelry’s top pick for brides
79 Sexy Boudoir Photography
VAMP it up with Kim Shokouhi
94 Caroline DeVillo
54
The Chicago designer and her creations
120 Avant Garde
Bridal headpieces by Arturo Rios
in every issue
16 Chicago Bride’s Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
Crystal Gardens, Navy Pier
24 North Shore Style Weddings Bridal Fashion
Show & Expo
Doubletree North Shore Hotel, Skokie
40 Editor’s Pick
64 Reception Site Reference Guide
144
99 great places for you reception!
154 Yellow Pages
Advertiser’s Guide
90 Real Weddings
14
Your Wedding Featured Here! (Pages 106, 116, 128, 136, 162)
bridal shows
The Navy Pier Bridal Fashion Show and Expo
Chicago Bride Magazine Presents
The Navy Pier Bridal
Fashion Show and Expo
Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens provides a unique
backdrop for brides to meet wedding professionals and get a glimpse of fabulous bridal designs.
16
Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, October 18, 2009
Go to
to order your tickets today!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
& Sunday, October 17, 2010
11am – 4pm
Attire by: Priscilla of Boston
Photography by Mark Schmidt
17
bridal shows
The Navy Pier Bridal Fashion Show and Expo
Navy Pier Bridal
Fashion Show & Expo
Featured Designers:
Lazarro
Ramona Keveza
Adele Wechsler
Alice Padrul
Judd Waddell
Ines Di Santo
Vera Wang
Watters & Watters
Attire by Macy’s, State Street
Photography by Jose Martinez;
www.barrongallery.com
18
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your wedding
Stretching Your Wedding Budget Dollar
Dream Weddings
for Less
Many couples are finding ways to scale down on costs, simply by
making smart money choices. Here are some money-saving tips
to help you stretch your wedding budget dollar:
Reduce your guest list. This may sound
like a no-brainer but it is the number one
way to reduce costs. The less people you
have, the less you pay for food and beverage, which is the costliest of all wedding
categories.
What are you doing Thursday night?
Tying the knot on a non-traditional day of
the week (basically any day other than
Saturday) will save bundles. Schedule
an early afternoon reception or a brunch
instead of a formal evening reception. The
earlier the reception, the lighter the courses. Order a three-course meal versus the
usually more expensive five-course meal.
You will also have a little more negotiating
power because some venues can only do
one wedding a day since most couples go
for an evening reception. If you end your
reception early enough, the venue can
still fit in an evening wedding; which will
make the vendor very happy and more
than willing to cut you a break.
Timing is everything. Having a rehearsal
breakfast or lunch (instead of dinner) will
not only save money on food and drinks,
but will also give everyone involved in
the wedding the rest of the day to relax
(or more likely finish up those last minute
tasks). When contacting vendors, ask for
the price difference for hosting on alternate
days of the week to help you gauge how
much could be saved.
Family Style. Dread the thought of a
line at the buffet but worried about the
cost of a sit-down meal? Talk to caterers
about serving dinner ‘family style’ when
negotiating costs. It can be significantly
less expensive and everyone gets to stay
seated. Oh, and will there be kids? Serve
them something different and less expensive, like cheese pizza.
Comfort Food. And while you’re at it,
serve simple, well cooked food rather than
elaborate or extravagant preparations
that cost more and combine too many flavors. Everyone loves comfort food!
Get crafty. Wedding favors, centerpieces
and even the bride’s veil are some items
that can be created by simply getting
some friends together for a crafting party.
Local craft stores hold classes on making these items. You and your girlfriends
can check out some of those classes to get
some great crafting ideas.
Designate a driver. You can ask a friend
or family member to be your wedding
day chauffer, and that person can rent a
luxury vehicle (at your expense) to drive
you. Instead of renting a limousine for a few
hours, you will have the rented vehicle for at
least 24 hours, as well as transportation to the
airport for your honeymoon if needed. Just be
sure to request for the vehicle to be dropped
off at the airport you’ll be flying out of.
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your wedding
Flower Power. Flowers can take up
a large portion of a wedding budget,
about 15 –20% in most cases. Reduce,
reuse or recycle flowers; consider a
large flower, or one with eye-popping
color. Less will be needed (reducing)
and it will have more impact. Reuse
ceremony flowers at the reception and
have bridesmaids drop their bouquets in
a vase or scatter them here and there at
the head table. Ask the florist if there’s
another wedding that weekend similar
to the one you’re planning – maybe an
arrangement can be made to the cost of
those swanky centerpieces by sharing
them. Use fresh flowers that are in season or what is available in bulk to your
florist. Also, downsize the centerpiece or
opt for more inexpensive flowers. Sometimes, the simpler the arrangement,
the more understated elegance and
sophistication it exudes. Think a simple,
clear vase packed with fresh-cut, similar
stems or two to three long stems in a tall
clear hurricane vase for simple drama.
Do us a favor. Forego the big, expensive
party favors that no one will end up
using. Try something simpler, cuter and
more practical like homemade cookies
or earth-friendly gifts like flower seeds.
Dress for less. You don’t have to spend
a fortune on your wedding dress. Especially now that alternative wedding
dresses are trendy, women are opting
to visit high-end boutiques for evening
gown options instead of ornate, special
ordered bridal gowns.
Plan on it. While wedding consultants
are still being used and have invaluable connections and resources to plan
a fabulous wedding, more brides are
sacrificing their own time to cut costs in
planning. Don’t be afraid to try social
networking sites like Facebook.com and
MySpace.com to solicit help and collect
opinions from guests, friends and family
to aid the planning process along.
Don’t discount the discount sites. Several shopping websites are available now
to help brides cut their costs. Sites like
CouponWinner.com and CouponCabin.
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com offer discounts from thousands of
retailers for an array of items – anywhere from flowers and gifts to dresses
and even travel.
Bridal registry alternatives. Since
many couples have places of their own
before getting married, they probably
don’t need to register for too much.
Edivvy.com is a site couples can use to
create a gift wishlist that would allow
them to specify types of gifts (from
specific items to cash donations) and
allows their guests to buy these “gifts”
as a group, donating as much or as
little as they wish.
Make some music. DJ services have
successfully elbowed their way into the
band scene for weddings. But with technology becoming easier and more ubiquitous, you can even take care of the
music yourself and cut your costs in that
category. MyWeddingMusic.com can
offer advice on how to use your iPod to
play music off of playlists you specifically create for your event. A word of
caution: There are many things that can
go wrong when handling entertainment
on your own (i.e. equipment malfunction, wrong songs at wrong times) so if
you don’t have a tech-savvy, reliable
person to be in charge of this, it’s best to
leave it to the professionals.
Drink up. There is no need for premium
liquor. Guests won’t know the difference
in a mixed drink. Save it for a good
bottle of wine with the dinner.
Invite me not. You can have a nice
invitation without spending a fortune.
Have you ever kept an invitation from a
wedding? They all end up in the recycling bin at some point. Don’t allocate
too much of the budget on elaborate
invites.
Tripping out. If you’ve always dreamed
of honeymooning in Hawaii, by all
means, go to Hawaii. Instead of staying
14 days, stay for 10. Rent the compact
car instead of the convertible. Stay in a
hotel room and not the private cabana
on the beach.
Picture this. You can have your friends
help with anything from planning to
chauffering, but don’t go cheap on the
photography and video. Those are the
only things that remain from your day.
Make sure they are done right.
Shop around and stick to your $$ guns.
You have less to spend so don’t let yourself get carried away (which can happen very quickly when planning your
wedding) and blow your budget. You
should figure out the maximum price
you can pay and work toward that.
Having a level-headed outsider with
you when visiting vendors and negotiating contracts is a big help, but in their
absence, try WeddingBook.com. It’s a
great resource that allows users to set
their budget parameters when searching, so the only options that surface are
for vendors you can afford, by researching all the options, contacting multiple
vendors and reviewing quotes from top
choices. WeddingBook.com gives you
more options which allows for better
negotiation leverage. It lets you review
options in your market. You can even
practice over drinks, conspiring over
how to get that caterer to throw in free
desserts. Good cop, bad cop, anyone?
Give us some space. Expand the hunt
for a venue beyond traditional hotels
and banquet halls. Maybe a local garden, theatre or boathouse would cost less
and be more personal and memorable.
And remember…everything is negotiable. Times are tough all around, so no
smart vendor will turn away business
if you ask for a better quote or have
extras thrown in as part of the overall
deal. Everyone is willing to work with
you these days so leverage it to your
advantage to get what you need for a
reasonable cost. Just be sure you know
exactly what will be included and what
will not when you review your contract
and quote. You don’t want any lastminute surprises.
Additional sources: www.Godselegance.
com; Alyse Liebowitz of 3 Chicks That
Click Photography
bridal shows
The North Shore Style Weddings Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
Chicago Bride Magazine presents
The North Shore Style Weddings
Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, Chicago
North Shore’s majestic Monaco Ballroom offers panoramic views as the perfect backdrop to this elegant
bridal expo, which offered brides a chance to meet
wedding professionals and win fabulous prizes in
our raffle giveaway including a Demetrios gown!
24
The Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, Sunday, November 8, 2009
Don’t miss our Navy Pier shows this
year on, April 18th and October 17th
at the Crystal Gardens.
For more information on these shows,
please visit our website
Attire by BRIDES BY DEMETRIOS
Photography by STUDIO 2 PHOTOGRAPHY
www.s2photography.com
25
bridal shows
The North Shore Style Weddings Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
26
The Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, Sunday, November 8, 2009
27
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WINTER/SPRING 2010
l ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
WINTER/SPRING 2010
l ChicagoBrideMagazine.com 29
before your wedding
Which Gown Design
Is Right For You?
Buying a wedding dress is a big investment, not only monetarily,
but time-wise and physically as well. Most dresses range from $400
to $2,000 dollars leaving a wide array of choices in between.
M
ore than likely, the dress
you choose won’t be the
very first one you try on;
it’ll take plenty of Saturdays and possibly some re-configuration of the wedding budget before you
find that perfect gown. Chances are, it’ll
come down to two dresses that you just
can’t decide on, both at separate stores
an hour apart. It happens.
Before you begin the journey for
your perfect wedding dress it’s not a bad
idea to look through bridal magazines
and cut out pictures of what you like,
and even don’t like, on certain gowns.
Look at the different shades of white and
ivory, the different styles and lengths,
necklines and beading, embroidery and
lace. There’s a lot to think about and
even though each dress will conform
in a particular way once it’s on you, it’s
important that it appeals to your eye just
by looking at it as well. This will help
you narrow down your choices a bit.
Having an idea of what you want, even
if it’s not for certain, is an excellent start.
You’ll want to set aside a few days
to go shopping for your gown, and
you’ll need to do this absolutely no
later than six months before your wedding day. Most wedding gown stores
require appointments and Saturdays
are the busiest so make sure to book
your appointment early. If you’re going
to two gown shops in one day, I suggest
you allot between two and three hours
for the first bridal salon alone. This is
the first time you’ll actually be trying
on wedding gowns and getting a feel
for what you like. Shopping for your
30
wedding gown is meant to be an experience. Don’t rush through it and regret
doing so later.
Bring someone with you that can
offer you a different opinion, but not
someone who is in constant disagreement with you. Remember, this isn’t
supposed to be a frustrating experience and with the wrong people there
it could be. When I went shopping for
my gown I brought my mom along and
only my mom because I knew she’d let
me down easy if there happened to be
a dress there that just wasn’t right for
Questions to Ask The Bridal Salon
Will it be hung up?
Will
there be anything in
the sleeves to keep them
straight?
How much is the
deposit?
Is the deposit refundable?
How much do alterations
cost?
How long will it take for
the gown to come in?
Do you perform alterations
at the salon, or are they
done somewhere else?
How will the train be
bustled?
How long will your dress
be held for if you’re not
ready to pick it up once
it’s come in?
Will
the dress be
steamed?
If
it’s left at the store, will
the gown be taken out of
its protective wrapping
for any reason?
What happens if the
gown comes in damaged
or something isn’t right?
me. At the same time, she also helped me
choose the gown I wanted just by seeing
the expression on her face.
When you’re at a bridal salon (and
this is the key to knowing you’re at a
good salon) you’ll be surrounded by an
overabundance of fluffy white fabric and
smiling faces happy to help you make this
decision, no matter how many of the same
dresses you may have to keep trying on
over and over again. Remember that the
dress you choose will be one in which
you spend an entire day wearing. And,
because it’s probably going to be one of
the first items you take care of on your
planning list, your wedding gown will set
the tone for the entire event. Your bridesmaids’ dresses and styles will most likely
stem from your bridal gown’s entourage.
The invitations you pick out will reflect the
simplicity or detail of your wedding dress.
Your flowers may even accent your gown
style and therefore you want to take the
time to really choose a bridal gown that
both reflects and flatters you.
With so many choices though, where do
you begin? Different dress cuts are made
for certain shapes and figures, some are
made to enhance a particular shape or feature. Knowing what style and shape most
closely matches up to the look you want to
achieve on your wedding day will help you
decide on the perfect bridal gown for you.
Common gown Styles. To begin,
here are the more common gown styles
that you’re likely to see while shopping for
your dress:
Ball Gown: This silhouette has a full
skirt and natural waist. A classic Cinderella gown that enhances a full-figured
bride.
A-Line: This popular style has a fitted
bodice and gradually flares from bust to
bottom. This is a great style for just about
anyone.
Empire: A high waist (just below the
bust), cropped bodice and slightly flared
skirt describes an Empire style gown. A
beautiful look for many, however the more
bustier bride may not like the emphasis on
the bodice.
Princess: This style enhances the
waistline with its slim fitting bodice. Most
often, there are vertical seams that flow
31
before your wedding
from the shoulders of this gown, down
the dress. It’s a very flattering look for a
petite bride, but it’s been seen on every
body type.
Basque Waist: The waistline of
this gown begins slightly below the
waist, forming a U or V shape. It’s a
very form-fitting look, emitting shapely
curves. It’s especially great for the bride
with wide hips.
Blouson: Everything drapes on this
dress, from shoulder to waist. It’s a
very loose-looking gown, gathered at
the waist. Large-busted brides can be
toned down if need be.
Mermaid: Very form-fitting, tapers
downward to the mid-calf, then flares
outward.
Sheath: A slip-like gown that is usually light in look and material. It has a
very flowing style that will give height
to a petite bride but looks great on anyone with a well-proportioned figure.
Necklines will also accent the look
you may be going for. Keep in mind
comfort and style when determining
whether a particular neckline is right
for you.
Jewel: This is a high neckline that
surrounds the neck slightly below the
collarbone. Accent this classy look with
a short necklace or loose choker.
Scoopneck: This classic neckline
scoops to right above the bust in a
round shape—a very popular style.
Sweetheart: Formed in the shape of
a heart—very curvy. This neckline was
made for the full-busted bride.
Boat: A wide neckline that follows
the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder. Accents the front area of the chest
and upper back.
Square: This neckline is square in
front, although not always in back.
Halter: This one fastens behind the
neck to accent the shoulders and arms.
V-Neck: A neckline that angles to a
point, forming a V in front.
Off-the-Shoulder: Neckline falls
below the shoulders and hangs above
the bustline.
Sleeves are yet another feature to
a gown that often get overlooked until
you begin trying on wedding dresses.
32
“
Many brides believe that sleeve lengths
depend on the season. While this has
some truth to it there really aren’t many
features to a gown that are seasonal.
Many brides believe that sleeve lengths
depend on the season. While this has
some truth to it (whether you want to
be boiling in the summer, or freezing in
the winter) there really aren’t many features to a gown that are seasonal. You
can also go sleeveless, and strapless,
an increasingly popular look.
Cap: This is a very short, fitted sleeve
that rests just below the shoulder.
Juliet: A long sleeve, covering the
whole arm with a poof at the shoulder
and fitted around the lower arm and
wrist.
Leg-of-Mutton: A full, rounded
sleeve from the shoulder to the elbow,
then tapered to the wrist.
THE Train. Many brides know
whether they want a train on their dress
before anything else. However, some
brides don’t know that there’s more to a
train than just the traditional Cathedral,
three-yard-long length. There are two
other popular train styles that look just
as beautiful, yet aren’t as extreme.
Chapel Train: This train drapes from
the waist (called a sweeping train) and
is much shorter than the Cathedral style
- only about one to 1 1/2 yards long.
Brush Train: As it sounds, this train
barely brushes the floor as it trails
behind the dress.
Many dresses offer different styles of
trains that can be bustled or removed
for the reception. Many designers are
also arranging the trains to hang from
the shoulders (called a watteau train)
flowing down and outward from the
gown.
fabric types. When choosing your
gown, you must remember that you’re
going to be in it for about twelve hours.
Comfort is key. Of course you want it
to look beautiful, and it will, but if you
try a gown on that looks great, but just
”
doesn’t feel good on you, move on to
another dress, or ask the saleswoman
if it comes in another material. The last
thing you want to worry about is how
itchy your gown feels while your standing up at the altar for at least twenty
minutes. Here are some of the more
common fabric types when it comes to
bridal gowns:
Satin: Don’t overlook this one; it’s
not always as shiny as you may think.
Satin can come in a variety of different shades, both dull and bright. Many
dress designers use a bridal satin that
is much more dull than traditional satin,
and very inexpensive. It looks great
and can save you money.
Silk: Also comes in many shades
and blends and can get costly. Silk
looks beautiful but some blends aren’t
as comfortable as others. If you’re set
on silk, try to find a blend that will move
with you in your gown.
Taffeta: Very crisp and shiny, sometimes used for banding on a gown and
common with bridesmaids’ dresses.
Chiffon: This sheer fabric made of
cotton, has a smooth finish.
Organza: Very popular with wedding gowns; it’s almost transparent,
very soft, but somewhat of a stiff finish.
Most often used as a draping over crinoline (stiff fabric used for underskirts).
Though there are a lot of options
here, even more so than what’s written
in this article, don’t feel a bit confused
or overwhelmed. Once you find that
dress, you’ll know it, and everything
else will fall into place. There are
many gowns out there, an assortment
of styles, fabrics, colors and decoration. You’ll find the right one and it will
look beautiful on you. Just have a little
patience and an open mind to what’s
out there.
DiNolfo’s Banquets
The Southwest Suburbs’ Newest Banquet Facility
homer Glen 14447 W. 159th St.
159th St. & Cedar road (1 mile east of the new I-355 on 159th St.)
20 minutes south of oak Brook,
off the new I-355 extension
708-645-1900
www.dinolfosbanquets.com
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NICOLA Features soft ruched bodice and
a detailed train full of embellished flowers
and pickups. Shown in Diamond White. 34
LILA Features delicate beading and ruching on the bodice and top of skirt. Shown
in Diamond White.
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RAINE Features a wrapped bodice and a
dramatic ball gown full of delicate bustles. Shown in Diamond White.
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FIONA This Grecian inspired dress is created on silk charmeuse and features exquisite beaded straps that wrap the waistline. Shown in Diamond White.
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TAHLIA Silk taffeta dress with dramatic
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A Taste of SpainTM
• Award-Winning Cuisine
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WINTER/SPRING 2010
editor’s pick
The Ingenious, Eco-friendly BOBO Wrap
T
he BOBO Wrap is a simple yet ingenious eco-luxe
accessory that teaches
people the eco-friendly art
of wrapping with fabric, inspired
by the ancient Korean tradition of
“bojagi”. BOBO Wraps are a gorgeous, fun and eco-chic way to wrap
bridesmaids gifts, wedding favors
and more! In today’s eco-conscious
environment, BOBO Wraps are a
greener and more luxurious alternative to wedding wrapping needs.
The great thing about these
luxurious wraps is that they are
reusable to serve 1,001 uses! This
is a multi-purpose accessory that
is also ultra-stylish and luxurious.
Use them to wrap your shower or
wedding favors to transform them
into individual, elegant pieces of art.
Trust me, your guests will NOT throw
these aside after the celebration.
They are very user-friendly; if
you can tie your shoes you can tie
a wrapping scarf. In Asia, children
traditionally use wrapping scarves to wrap their lunch for school.
There are no scissors, tape or other
tools needed.
There are a multitude of
items BOBOs can wrap as well as
a variety of ways to be tied. Add
fresh flowers, crystals or ornamental accessories for added impact.
Unlike bags, the BOBO wrapping
scarf adapts itself to the size and
shape of the object being wrapped
to create a custom fit.
BOBO Wrapping Scarves are
made in the USA in fully inspected
facilities. Instead of using virgin materials to create new fabric, BOBOs are
made from carefully selected fabrics
that already exist in the world.
Check out their website, www.BOBOwrap.com for tons of ideas and multiple scarf designs available!
40
WINTER/SPRING 2010
before your wedding
Making it T
Legal!
Your Marriage License
A kiss at the altar may ceremoniously tie the knot but the
deal isn’t officially sealed until it’s on paper. Here’s what you
need to know.
he marriage license should be
obtained from the county in which
the wedding ceremony is to take
place. The license is good for only
60 days, so you should wait until you set your
wedding date before you apply for the license.
Both of you must be present when obtaining
your license, which must be at least one day
prior to the marriage. When the application is
signed and the fee is paid, the clerk will issue
you your license, but it will not be valid until
the next day. No medical documents or blood
tests are required.
You must have proper identification showing that both of you are over the age of
18 and/or will be 18 on your wedding day
(Special restrictions apply for persons age 16
or 17) The proper documents relating to a former marriage may be necessary, depending
on the county.
Costs for the marriage license range from
$15 to $30. It is a good idea to bring cash
because some counties do not accept checks.
A valid driver’s license is usually sufficient
for identification, but some counties require
additional identification. Here is a partial list
of Illinois Marriage License Offices. Always
call ahead before you go in case information
has changed.
Cook County:
118 North Clark
Street, Chicago
312-443-5663
10220 South 76th
Avenue, Bridgeview
708-974-6150
69 W. Washington St.,
Chicago
312-603-0906.
5600 West Old
Orchard Road, Skokie
847-470-7233
www.cookctyclerk.com
Lake County:
18 North County,
Waukegan
847-377-2400
www.co.lake.il.us
42
McHenry
County:
667 Ware Road,
Woodstock
815-334-4242
www.co.mchenry.il.us
DuPage
County:
421 North County
Farm Road, Wheaton
630-407-6500
www.dupageco.org
Kane County:
719 S Batavia Ave,
Geneva
630-232-5950
www.co.kane.il.us
your wedding
Kidding Around
Should Kids Be Invited?
Many people, especially those with kids, are offended at the notion that they
cannot bring their kids to a happy, social gathering. That dismay becomes
stronger if the bride/groom are a family member of theirs.
K
athy Spyratos of Chicago
recalls, “I clearly stated,
No Children Under 12 on
my invitations and I had
problems with my family and friends.
One of my friends got very offended
and did not come. People were calling me asking if they could please
bring their children,” she says,
“which made things very uncomfortable. I’m a firm believer that children
don’t belong at weddings.”
For these exact reasons, Javier
Estrello, set to have a September wedding in Texas, is making it absolutely
clear that there are to be no kids at his
wedding. “We put Adults Only on the
invitation, on the reception card and
on the reply card,” he says. However,
he and his fiancee are not insensitive to those with kids attending an
out-of-town wedding. “We are hiring
professionals to babysit the children at
the hotel for the day,” he says, which
includes his four-year old nephew.
Estrello’s mom was disappointed that
his nephew wouldn’t be there to see
him get married but she eventually
respected the couples’ decision. There
are no kids in their bridal party either.
His reasons for not inviting kids, take
everyone into consideration. “Kids
get bored and are sometimes forced
into going” he says, which can lead to
44
interruptions during mass and other
distractions. “Mostly,” he adds, “it’s for
the parents to have a night out and
enjoy themselves without kids.”
Susan Lee of Chicago also isn’t
inviting kids, but for different reasons.
“We’re a bit older and have opted for
a summer evening wedding,” she
says, with the civil ceremony starting
at 7pm. The ceremony and reception
will occur at the same place – on the
sundeck of Chicago’s East Bank Club.
“There are liability issues since there
is a swimming pool on the sundeck.
We also don’t want kids to be intrusive
to those without kids,” she says.
Unlike christenings, baptisms, bar/
bat mitzvahs, confirmations and such,
weddings are more of a special, spiritual, adult occasion. Rambunctious
kids may be more likely to erupt in
tantrums as say, you are emotionally
trying to speak your vows or they
may be darting past you in a game
of cops-n-robbers on the dance floor
as you’re having your first, tender
dance together. Young kids also tend
to want to go home earlier since they
get tired and cranky, which means,
you have to cut your fun night short.
Then there are parents who let their
kids run amok, possibly getting hurt
and causing trouble, which makes it
Continued on Page 48
How to Relay Your “No Kids” Request:
Following proper etiquette, the most
appropriate way is to address any
Save the Date notifications and the
invitation envelopes only with adult
salutations (i.e. Mr. & Mrs./Mr./Ms.).
The recipient should understand that
children are not invited.
If you have the type of family/
friends that may need to be told a
bit more directly, the request can
be written in a number of ways. On
the invitation/reply
card/reception
card, you can
state Adult
Only Reception, No Children Under (enter
age here) Please, or
simply No Children Please, although
this last one leaves room for ambiguity regarding age cut-off.
45
The Pump Room at The Ambassador East Hotel
Celebrate Your Wedding at the Legendary Pump Room
When Ernie Byfield opened the Pump
Room in the Ambassador East Hotel on
October 1, 1938, he undoubtedly had little
idea that he was beginning an enterprise that
would still be thriving seventy years later. Today, this legendary room is a spectacular venue for wedding receptions, showers,
rehearsal dinners or dinner parties.
In 1938, Byfield was looking not forward
but back to another Pump Room which
dominated the scene in 18th century England. The health resort city of Bath, first
discovered by the Romans, was where Queen
Anne and other stylish Londoners converged
to soak in the health-inducing waters by day,
and revel in the social life at the Pump Room
by night. It was named for the hot water
drinks it pumped to aid its patrons’ cures.
Byfield’s Pump Room was a success from the
day it opened. Chicago’s socialites ensconced
themselves along the large room’s western wall
to tastefully observe the celebrities who made
their appearances along the east side of the
room. Of course, those seated in Booth One,
perhaps the most renowned dining table in
the country, attracted the most attention. Its
reputation was established by famed actress
Gertrude Lawrence, who was starring in a
play in Chicago at the same time as the Pump
Room’s debut and staged a nightly gathering in
Booth One during the play’s entire 90-day run.
From that moment, the Pump Room
became the place to see and be seen. John
Barrymore roared for champagne; Bette Davis
could be found perched on the piano bench;
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall celebrated their wedding in Booth One, as did Robert
Wagner and Natalie Wood. Liza Minelli grew
up in Booth One, and has fond memories of
dining there with her mother, Judy Garland,
who immortalized the restaurant in the lyrics to “Chicago” with the words “We’ll eat at
the Pump Room/Ambassador East, to say the
least.” And, of course, Frank Sinatra held court
in Booth One countless times.
After Byfield’s death in 1950, the Pump
46
“
Liza Minelli grew up in Booth One,
and has fond memories of dining
there with her mother, Judy Garland.
Room held on to its allure as a place for stargazing. A new generation of luminaries took
up residence in Booth One: Mel Brooks personally greeted each guest; Paul Newman and
Robert Redford lunched on ham sandwiches
and pilsners of beer everyday during the
shooting of “The Sting”; Michael J. Fox, Rob
Lowe, Vanna White, Emilio Estevez, Eddie
Murphy, Jim Belushi and Demi Moore have
all continued the table’s famous tradition.
Opera star Beverly Sills has added some
high notes to the room, while a few rock and
roll legends have added some grace notes
of their own-David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac,
Olivia Newton-John and Mick Jagger, who
held a private party there. An accomplished
drummer then touring with Robert Plant was
”
refused entry when he failed to pass the dress
code and titled his solo album, “No Jacket
Required”, after the incident. His name—
Phil Collins. (He was sent a new jacket by
way of apology.)
As the Pump Room celebrates its 70 years
of legendary gracious dining and star-studded
excitement, the glamour and vivacity Ernie
Byfield created carries on. Indeed, the special, magical quality of the room endures for
future generations of revelers.
Celebrate your wedding at this National
Historic Landmark. The Pump Room is
available for private events up to 200 people. For more information on special packages call
direct at 312- 787-7200 or visit our website at
www.pumproom.com
WINTER/SPRING 2010
your wedding
Kidding Around Should Kids Be Invited?
Continued from Page 44
unpleasant for everyone.
“Most of my clients do not want
children at their weddings,” comments
Stanley Horwich of WeddingsInc. “The
number one reason is that kids disturb
the event.”
Nowadays, people are getting married at an older age, they know what
they want and have more money to
spend. They are pulling out all the
stops, spending tens of thousands of
dollars and sparing no detail on lavish,
elegant weddings. Given this, some
feel that kids would turn their dream
weddings into a three-ring circus.
“As a mom of two, personally, I
would jump at the chance of having a
night out with my husband, where we
can get dressed up, dance together
and engage in uninterrupted adult
conversations,” says Raquel Burke,
mother of two. Others, however, may
not feel the same way.
“My take on this issue is that if
there are kids in the bridal party, then
kids should be invited to the wedding,” says Dorothy Behrens, mother
of a five-year old. “Weddings are fun,
social gatherings and great experiences for kids to participate in.”
For their out-of-town wedding, Traci
and Bill Powers, whose family hails from
the East coast, held their wedding at
the American Club at Koehler Spa in
Wisconsin. “I didn’t mind kids at my wedding,” recalls Traci “but my mother-inlaw made a big issue out of not wanting
kids at the wedding to spoil the evening,”
as was the protocol for all other Powers
weddings. “It did cause issues at our
wedding since a lot of our family members were coming in from out of town
and had to find someone to stay with
their kids. Looking back,” she continues,
“I had so much on my mind and I didn’t
feel like taking on the kids issue.”
Nancy P. Knuti’s wedding last December was chock-full of kids. “I love creating memories for children and I think a
wedding is a big, fun memory for kids,”
48
she says. She and her husband Erik both
had kids from their previous marriages
present, in addition to stepchildren,
nieces and nephews. She estimates
there were about 40 kids under age
18, with about 15 or so under age 12. “I
think a good age for kids to experience
a wedding is five and up,” she notes.
“I wouldn’t bring kids if they were any
younger since they wouldn’t remember
it.” She does, however, believe in hiring
sitters or entertainers for kids. “We had
a magician take the kids in a separate
room for the cocktail hour and offered
sitters for after dinner,” she says.
Nancy couldn’t imagine her special
day without kids. “I loved seeing them
on the dance floor and the look on their
faces when they saw me in my dress.
They livened up the party. I grew up
attending these types of functions with
my family,” she recalls. “Back then no
one used sitters.”
Even today, there are cultures that
insist on making family the center
point of any celebration and couldn’t
imagine a wedding without kids. At an
outdoor wedding in Mexico I attended,
the couple had rented an enormous
inflatable climb-up slide for the small
mass of kids. They even had their own
separate dance floor.
Providing child care professionals
and entertainers for the reception is a
great compromise for those who can’t
come to terms with this issue. For example, you can choose to allocate a portion
of the venue or a separate adjoining
room where all the kids would gather
and eat. Afterwards, while the sitters
supervise, you could provide balloon
artists, face painters, even a DJ to play
kid tunes. You may also wish to inform
guests of this plan either by stating Child
Supervision To Be Provided on the invitation or enclose a brief note explaining
your ‘Kid Plan’. Of course, this compromise may inflate your budget, but it may
be worth it depending on your situation.
One last point worth noting: rethink
the notion of having kids in the brial
party if you have requested that no
kids attend your wedding. This could
cause riffs amongst your parent guests.
If you are having flower girls and ring
bearers participate, arrangements
should be made for them to be picked
up or dropped off after the ceremony.
Remember that as with any other
decision you make in your wedding
planning process, you will never make
everybody happy. So the most important thing is that you and your fiancee
are in agreement and everyone else
should respect your decision. It is after
all, your party – and you can choose
no crying if you want to.
Want to share a wedding dilemma or story?
Attending a local high profile wedding? Email
me at editorial@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com.
before your wedding
From Online to
On Your Finger
Designing and Buying
Engagement Rings via the Internet
T
he engagement ring should be as unique
as the woman wearing it. Novori.com offers
an excellent “design-your-own-ring” site
and explains how it works.
Start out by choosing your setting. You can opt for
the traditional solitaire or browse the unique tulip collection. With hundreds of settings combined with tens
of thousands of diamonds, the engagement ring you
create will truly be one of a kind. When choosing a diamond, it’s a good idea to keep your typical day in mind.
For example, if you work with your hands, a ring with
a high setting or delicate design could get damaged.
Another important point to keep in mind is the
budget. You’ll see that this site is upfront about cost.
The price of each piece, which varies depending on
the metal you select, is clearly listed. A running tally of
the four C’s of diamonds
A DIAMOND’S CUT:
Of the 4 C’s, the diamond’s
cut is the most important factor in determining its brilliance
and beauty. It refers to how
well-proportioned the diamond has been transformed
into its round, oval, pear, heart,
marquise, emerald or princess shape. When speaking
of a diamond’s “cut grade,”
we are referring to its proportions, symmetry and polish.
Ideally, the cut of the diamond
is done in a way to best reflect the light that shines into
it. This is what produces the
sparkle and fire we see in a
beautifully cut diamond.
A DIAMOND’S COLOR:
Every diamond will range
in color from clear to yellow.
The most valuable diamonds
will have very little color. Color
in a diamond will act as a filter
for the light passing through
and degrade the spectrum of
light emitted, making it show
less sparkle. The grade of
color is usually represented
by the GIA’s professional color
scale which gives a letter
scale from D for colorless diamonds to Z for diamonds that
display a yellowish or brownish color. A diamond engagement ring with a color rating
of D, E or F is recommended
but most customers purchase
a diamond with a color rating
of G, H or I because of the
almost undetectable color
and the value associated with
these ratings.
A DIAMOND’S CLARITY:
Since diamonds are
found in the earth, almost all
of them contain natural flaws
or imperfections called inclusions, caused by carbon deposits or small feather cracks
while the diamond is formed.
The clarity of a diamond represents the number, type and
size of inclusion which are
present in the diamond. Clarity of a diamond is indicated
by a grading system where
the best clarity grade is the
Flawless with no internal or
external imperfections visible
using a 10X microscope.
When choosing a diamond,
you should select a clarity
grade in which the inclusions are not visible without
magnification.
CARAT WEIGHT OF A
DIAMOND:
A carat is a unit of
measurement. One carat
is equal to 200 milligrams
or 0.2 grams. The value of
a diamond comes partly
due to the fact that larger
diamonds are found far less
often than smaller diamonds.
This means that the price
of a diamond will increase
exponentially as the carat size
of the diamond increases.
When choosing the carat size
of your diamond, remember
to keep a good balance
between size and quality. If
you are looking for a larger
diamond, you may have to
lower the color or clarity.
the total cost is conveniently displayed at the top of the
page so you can make sure you’re staying in budget. Novori www.novori.com is a leading online interactive retailer of
diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry. Novori offers consumers
A lot of factors besides carat go into the price of a
diamond ring!
The appreciation of diamonds comes from under-
standing the 4 C’s: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat-weight.
50
unique online tools that allow them to explore, build and purchase their
own custom-made diamond rings in a way not previously offered by traditional retailers. It offers thousands of independently certified diamonds,
settings and fine jewelry at prices significantly below traditional retail.
WINTER/SPRING 2010
your style
Bridal Bling
TEJANI offers hand-crafted jewelry in a range of sizes and styles. Here’s a sampling
of a few of their top-selling bridal pieces. www.tejanijewelry.com
52
Four-strand cultured pearl choker
with zircon floral motif - $345
Silver antique zircon and crystal teardrop
earrings, 2” length - $220
Classic 1/2” cultured pearl bangles
set in silver - $225/pair
Silver, zircon and crystal chandelier
earrings, 2.5” length - $220
Silver, zircon and crystal drop necklace,
16” length - $285
Silver, zircon and crystal drop earrings,
1.5” length - $175
Silver, zircon and crystal, five-bangle
stack, 1” total width - $400
Clustered, oxidized, teardrop earrings with zircon
and cultured pearls, 2.5” length - $195
Cultured pearl and zircon cuff with
opening clasp, 2” width - $375
Something Bold, Something New:
Traditions vs. Trends
54
your wedding
Yes. Traditions will always be tried and true and no bride can go wrong with adhering to
them. However, as times change, so do our ways of doing things. Some of these hot, new
trends may just be fleeting as trends tend to be, but some may be here to stay. Decide for
yourself as you ponder what you may be willing to change and stand out with!
brews in the form of beer for the boys.
Wave’s Executive Chef Kristine Subido, has
created an exciting menu to complement
Unitea, featuring a selection of savory and
sweet bites to satisfy any appetite (think
mini burgers, fries, curried deviled eggs in
addition to the classic scones and coddled
cream). Unitea is available on certain days
of the week between 2:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m
in Wave’s sleek atmosphere, overlooking
Lake Michigan.
Tradition: Choosing a pre-designed wedding invitation from a catalog
Tradition: Registering for gifts and giving
party favors to guests.
Trend: The bridal trend of giving to a
charitable organization in honor of the
happy couple or on behalf of guests, in lieu
of receiving gifts or giving party favors,
is becoming ever more popular. Starfish
Greathearts Foundation together with
Virgin Unite (Sir Richard Branson’s organization) is launching an innovative new
way of giving. www.starfishcharity.org is
an international development charity that
improves the health and well-being of
children orphaned and made vulnerable
by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. For more
environmentally-friendly causes, try www.
treesforlife.org, an organization that plants
trees on someone’s behalf.
Tradition: Bridal shower luncheon for the
ladies
Trend: Alternative parties such as couples
“tea” offered at the W Hotel Lakeshore Chicago’s chic Wave Restaurant are redefining the concept of afternoon tea by tempting both girls and guys to partake in a
“Uni-Tea” experience. Unitea is a creative
option for a bride (and groom) looking to
modernize their shower experience. Sure
you‚ll find tea, but you‚ll also find teainfused vodka elixirs (Mar-TEA-nis), plenty
of bubbly and a selection of hand-crafted
Trend: Consistently designed invitations,
save-the-date cards, programs, escort/
place cards, menus, and thank-you cards
are becoming trendy. The first impression
your guests receive of your wedding will
set the tone for the entire event, which
will remain in people’s minds. Keepsake
Wedding Invitations are one-of-a-kind
invitations, custom-made to reflect the
bride and groom’s exact wedding theme,
while serving as a beautiful keepsake for
years to come. They can be made of various materials, the most popular new trend
being metal! The metal invitations are
made from recyclable metal, so they are
environmentally friendly, and Keepsake
Wedding Invitations have been used to
announce celebrations for the Academy
Awards, Emmys and MTV Movie Awards.
Tradition: Diamond engagement rings
and wedding bands
Trend: Try other gemstones like rubies,
emeralds or sapphires. A pearl and diamond combination is also unique as are
bold cocktail rings. If flamboyant is not
your style, consider something simpler
yet unusual like onyx and platinum,
turquoise or rose gold. Try designing
your own ring with materials that hold
special meaning to you.
Worth Mentioning: White gold and platinum continue to outpace yellow gold for
wedding jewelry while rose gold is a
hot new trend. Also currently in style
are antique wedding rings for men and
women, as well as exaggerated, big, bold
jewelry. Rose gold is gaining ground as
are non-diamond engagement rings.
TurtleLoveCommittee.com offers beautiful
alternative options to diamond rings in
sterling silver, embellished with colored
gemstones or gold accents. Styles vary
from vintage replicas to classic solitaires
and modern pieces to organic designs.
Tradition: Formal Bridesmaid Dresses
Trend: The wear-again dress trend is
dominating the bridesmaid attire scene.
More demand for this feature has resulted
in more wearable fabrics, understated,
elegant designs and classic colors. Jewelry, shoes and other accessories can be
used to glamorize your wedding day look,
but keeping the dress simple and elegant
can reap big rewards for your pocketbook
and your wardrobe!
55
your wedding
Tradition: Big weddings
Trend: Think about less is more. A few
things being downsized are:
Bridal Parties: Consider choosing
just a best man and maiden/matron
of honor instead of a procession of
bridesmaids coming down the aisle.
Tradition: Hard-copy picture proofs and
standard video
Trend: Online photo showcasing,
which allows couples, and their
families and friends to view, share
and purchase their wedding pictures
is what virtually every techno-savvy
photographer is offering these days.
High definition video is becoming
more popular as is cinematic videography. Sami Michael Films, a
Chicago-based luxury event cinematography boutique on east Walton in
the Gold Coast offers videography in
a broad scope of styles ranging from
fine art to documentary. For a more
vintage look and feel, Lifework Images
produces style art films shot in Super 8
technology for a retro appeal.
Tradition: Blushers, veils and trains
Head Table: Since you’re limiting the
number of people in your bridal party,
the long, cafeteria-style table can be
replaced with a sweetheart table – just
the two of you – for an intimate alternative for your first meal together as
husband and wife.
Flowers: Huge, flowing bouquets are
being replaced with tighter, clustered,
sleeker looks, usually ribboned, pearlpinned and rhinestoned for style.
Also, overbearing table arrangements that obscure your line of vision
or discourage table conversation are
being downsized to smaller, multiple
arrangements placed around the table.
Cakes: Large, ornate cakes are gorgeous
to admire and still very popular but for
something different, try miniature ornate
cakes for each of your guests. Another
hot trend? Cupcakes. Present them in
tiers that resemble a wedding cake and
let your guests help themselves.
Trend: Alternative dresses call for nontraditional accessories.
Hair: Stiff up-dos are being replaced
with loosely upswept chignons or hair
that is just left down and loose. “Brides
want to see their hair on their wedding
day now,” notes Sam from Glitz Salon
and Spa in Chicago. Thus, tiaras are
saved for royalty and brides are opting
for exquisitely unique hairpins, pearl
clips, rhinestone clasps or nothing at all.
Trains: Dresses are now being designed
to substantially downsize the train or
omit it altogether. Gone are the days of
bustling yourself into a puffy marshmallow. Sleeker designs and small sweep
trains are lengthening many a bridal
silhouette these days.
Accessories: Blushers that coyly hide your
virgin face and upper torso are almost
non-existent. Instead, glam it up with a
40s-inspired pillbox hat and face veil –
think Jackie Kennedy – that can boast a
small feather or two or a brooch, perhaps.
Add wrist or three-quarter length gloves
and a bolero cape if you dare and look
like you stepped out of another era.
56
Tradition: Separate bachelor/bachelorette parties
Trend: Mixing it up! Just like you would
have a couples shower, you can also
plan on one big bash for combining
your night-out parties. Great places
where your friends can blend comfortably are casinos, a spa/sports facility,
weekend ski trips or beach getaways
or just renting a private room at your
favorite bar/club/lounge and share
stories in honor of the happy couple.
Worth Mentioning: This may be a
harder sell for some since they have
ideas for how to spend this particular
party. One way to compromise is to
have each group do their own thing
and then meeting up at a fun, central location towards the end of the
evening, after special festivities have
taken place.
Tradition: Elaborate Wedding Gowns
Tradition: Wedding Consultants
Trend: The internet has become a huge
planning tool for brides. Wedding planners have been put to the wayside with
brides asking the people who matter
– their guests – what they would like to
see. Not only are they using the web to
research and purchase products and
services but a huge trend we are seeing is using social networking sites such
as MySpace.com or Facebook.com as
forums for friends to suggest, vote on or
assist couples with their wedding planning. Online polling is allowed for guests
for everything from hair styles, first
dance songs, and where to honeymoon
to what they’d like to eat for dinner.
Trend: Alternative bridal dresses are
a huge trend. These are more understated yet still elegant with the key
objective here being wearable. Just
as bridesmaids are opting for dresses
they can wear again, brides are following suit. They don’t want to spend
thousands of dollars on a dress they
will only wear once and have sit preserved in an heirloom box in the hopes
their daughters will someday wear it.
Instead, they want to wear the dress
again themselves! Typically, these
dresses boast flirty, more comfortable
fabrics with virtually no tulle or ornate
elaborations. Instead, brides are opting
to vamp up these dresses with unique
accessories such as gloves, brooches,
sashes, and funky headpieces.
WINTER/SPRING 2010
SHAELINN Elegant gown features soft
pleating on the bodice with beading at
the empire and dropped waist. Shown in
Diamond White.
58
HADLEIGH Features organza tiered skirt
with vertical beading on the bodice. Shown
in Diamond White.
59
ADISA Skirt created with tiers of silk satin,
alencon lace, and silk organza. Shown in
Diamond White.
60
DELANA This A-line dress has vertical,
accordion pleating throughout the skirt with
intricate beading at the waist and hips.
Shown in Cream Pearl. Also available in
White and Pearl.
61
ROCHELLE Soft ruching throughout the
bodice and beaded bands on the skirt.
Shown in Cream Pearl. Also available in
White and Cream Pearl.
62
WINTER/SPRING 2010
99 great places
for your reception
Name & Location
Aberdeen Manor
216 Ballantrae Street
Valparaiso, IN
The Allerton Hotel
701 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
The Ambassadror East Hotel
1301 N State Parkway
Chicago, IL
Ashton Place
341 W. 75th Street
Willowbrook, IL
Ashyana Banquets
1620 W 75th Street
Downers Grove, IL
Boulder Ridge Country Club
350 Boulder Drive
Lake In The Hills, IL
Chateau Bu-Sche’
11535 S. Cicero Ave.
Alsip, IL
Concorde Banquets
20922 N. Rand Road
Kildeer, IL
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
520 South Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL
Crowne Plaza Chicago - Northbrook
2875 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Northbrook, IL
9425 W 191st St
Mokena, IL
14447 W 159th St
Homer Glen, IL
Doubletree Hotel Chicago - Alsip
5000 W. 127th Street
Alsip, IL
Doubletree Chicago North Shore
9599 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL
European Crystal Banquets & Conference Center
519 W Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL
Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center
2300 Mannheim Road
Des Plaines, IL
64
Phone
219-465-7130
312-440-1500
312-266-0360
630-789-3337
630-964-7090
847-854-3000
708-371-6400
847-438-0025
312-427-3800
847-298-2525
708-479-1919
708-645-1900 708-371-7300
847-679-7000
847-437-5590
847-298-3636
Reception Site Range
50 - 500
Up to 200
50-200
60 - 1200
50-1000
Up to 400
90 - 450
Up to 700
50-300
Up to 320
Up to 1,000
Up to 1,400
Up to 450
Up to 400
Up to 550
50-450
Page
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41
9
141
11
71
51
49
33
33
149
57
7
4
Special Comments
We are a unique venue. Exclusive use of the ballroom, chapel and garden
are yours as well as our bridal shop offering everything for your wedding
and reception. There’s no place else like it.
Please visit our website at www.theallertonhotel.com
Celebrate your wedding reception at Chicago’s legendary Pump Room. As a
Four-Diamond, award-winning restaurant, the Pump Room makes no
compromises in service or in the quality of food. Wedding packages include
complimentary honeymoon suite and discounted block of guest rooms.
A premier banquet facility for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners
and anniversaries.
Our majestic ballrooms provide the perfect setting for your event with
soaring, hand-painted ceilings adorned with imported crystal chandaliers.
Our impeccable service and delectable cuisine will create unforgettable memories.
We offer veranda access overlooking the golf course! Only one event per
day so your day is special; and free shuttle service for your guests from
nearby hotels can be arranged.
On 40 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, we offer a massive
fireplace, graciously appointed bridal suites and dining areas that are
complimented by glass atriums.
Please visit our website at www.concordebanquets.com
The timeless elegance of the Congress Plaza Hotel’s ballrooms offers a
perfect setting for a dream wedding.
We feature three versatile and spectacular ballrooms. Our experienced
consultants and talented culinary staff will astound and impress you and
your special guests.
South Chicago suburbs’ newest interior! Updated in 2008 with fine white
bricks and classic arches, high ceilings, private bridal suites & dramatic
staircases in each elegant ballroom. Spacious hardwood dance floors and
marble bar tops. Breathtaking marble oval entrance with crystal chandalier.
hardwood dance floors & granite top bars.
Chicago’s southwest suburbs’ newest banquet facility! High ceilings,
bridal suites & dramatic staircases are appointed into each elegant
ballroom. Impressive windows overlooking romantic garden courtyards,
spacious hardwood dance floors & granite top bars.
Celebrate your special occasion in one of our three spacious
and elegant ballrooms.
Hilton’s “Conversion of the Year” Award for design, this elegant hotel feels
European, offering a rooftop ballroom with views of the Chicago skyline,
convenient cocktail area and Chicago’s finest Kosher kitchen, certified
by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.
Beautiful Italian Renaissance design with 5 function rooms including a
4,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom with private entrance and 19-ft. high
ceilings. A 23-ft. gold foil lobby ceiling with majestic columns and fountain.
Three banquet facilities to choose from, offering you a wedding of
timeless elegance and tradition. Kosher options available. Visit our
website at fountainblue.com
A Touch of Elegance...
With a Taste of Greece
Private party rooms from 15 up to 100 guests
Perfect for Bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers,
baptisms & any private functions
10 E. Algonquin Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Tel: (847) 952-1111
www.yannis-restaurant.com
99 great places for your reception
Name & Location
Phone
Page
Special Comments
Gage Marine/Lake Geneva Cruise Line
812 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, IL
800-558-5911
708-403-1100
630-260-0095
815-727-1200
847-679-8900
312-332-7005
262-249-3803
847-593-2233
630-983-3000 773-478-1828
Up to 225
129
139, 157
155
43
91
69, 81
143
83
39
129
A Room with a 360 view. Eight beautiful boats host a variety of wedding
celebrations including showers, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions,
next day brunch cruises and girls/guys night out. Cruising April-November.
Climate-controlled boats take the worry out of any weather!
Call for our wedding specials!
Georgio’s Banquets
8800 W. 159th Street
Orland Park, IL
Glendale Lakes Golf Club
1550 President
Glendale Heights, IL
The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station
50 E. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL
Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore
5300 West Touhy Avenue
Skokie, IL
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL
The Lodge at Geneva Ridge
W4240 State Road 50
Lake Geneva, WI
Manzo’s Banquets
1571 S. Elmhurst Road
Des Plaines, IL
Meson Sabika
1025 Aurora Avenue
Naperville, IL
Michelle’s Ballroom
2800 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL
Milan Banquet Hall
651 Lakehurst Road
Waukegan, IL
Monastero’s
3935 W. Devon
Chicago, IL
Navy Pier Chicago
600 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
Nikos Restaurant
7600 S. Harlem Avenue
Bridgeview, IL
The Nineteenth Century Club
178 Forest Avenue
Oak Park, IL
Norwood Park Historical Society
5624 N. Newark
Chiacago, IL
Patrick C. Haley Mansion
17 S. Center Street
Joliet, IL
66
847-578-9000
773-588-2515
312-595-5300
708-496-0300
708-386-2729
773-631-4633
815-726-6800
50 - 1000
Up to 200
Up to 300
50 - 1000
Up to 150
Up to 400
50-550
20-400
Up to 250
Up to 500
30-300
Up to 800
Up to 700
50 - 210
Up tp 100
50 - 350
139
140
Covers
141
157
160
19
Expect only the best at Georgio’s Banquets, Comfort Inn & Conference
Centre of Orland Park.
Located on the North Shore, our Arches Garden and Garden Room are ideal
for your perfect wedding. Our beautifully landscaped courtyard garden
surrounded by graceful brick arches is the ideal romantic garden setting. We
can accommodate up to 200 in either an indoor or outdoor venue setting.
Stunning, classic architecture with crystal chandeliers and 45-foot ceilings;
a truly unique location.
Elegant North Shore location with seating to 1000 is perfect for your
event. Our staff will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Custom menus available; private rooms; “Wine Spectacular Grand Award”
wine list.
Choose from our 4,000-sq. ft ballroom with lakeside views or our Garden
Pavillion for outdoor weddings with optional tents. Fully appointed guest
suites available.
Beautiful banquet halls with marble dance floors and crystal chandeliers in
all rooms. Ample parking. Discounts on some days.
A gorgeous Georgian-style mansion built in 1847 which offers eight
elegant dining rooms all available for private parties. Outdoor terrace
and courtyard garden. The Pavillion offers a beautiful view of our
landscaped property, and seats up to 330. Outdoor patios and ponds.
Ceremonies available onsite. www.mesonsabika.com
Please visit our website at www.michellesballroom. com
Milan Banquet Hall is a gorgeous new facility offering economicallyfriendly packages.
Creative cuisine with upscale service. Neo-classic and renaissance décor.
From the spectacular Grand Ballroom to the Lakeview Terrace Rooftop
Tent, historic Navy Pier is ideal for weddings. Fabulous skyline views and
tantalizing assortments of food and beverage available.
Bridal rooms, crystal chandeliers from Vienna, a lovely spiral staircase to
highlight your grand entrance. These and many other disctinctive appointments emphasize the resplendence of your special day!
Our historic, elegant facility is centrally located in the Chicagoland area.
It’s a unique blend of traditional and contemporary setting for your day.
Chicago’s oldest home. This 1833 landmark home is perfect for small
gatherings. Enjoy affordable rates and breathtaking grounds.
Beautifully restored 1891 Victorian mansion with attached tent
used for all seasons.
67
99 great places for your reception
Name & Location
Red Roof Inn Chicago Downtown
162 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL
Renaissance North Shore Hotel
933 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, IL
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL
Seasons of Long Grove
314 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL
Silver Lake Country Club
143rd & 82nd Avenues
Orland Park, IL
The Seville
700 Barrington Road
Streamwood, IL
Stafford’s Hospitality
P.O. Box 657
Petosky, MI
“The Barn” at Arabian Knights Farm
6526 Clarendon Hills Road
Willowbrook, IL
The Stonegate
2401 W. Higgins Road
Hoffman Estates, IL
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
401 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL
Villa Nova
237 W. St. Charles Road
Villa Park, IL
Westin Lombard - Yorktown Center
70 Yorktown Center
Lombard, IL
White Eagle Banquets
6839 N Milwaukee
Niles, IL
William Tell Banquets
6201 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL
Winnetka Community House
620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL
Phone
312-787-3580
847-498-6500
815-726-7171
847-634-9150
708-349-6940
630-289-4500
231-347-4000
630-327-7399
847-884-7000
312-588-8000
630-832-8430
630-719-8000
847-647-0660
708-352-1101
847-965-4094
Wyndham Glenview Suites
1400 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL 60025
847-759-7601
Yanni’s Greek Restaurant
10 E. Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL
847-952-1111
68
n/a
Up to 500
Up to 350
Up to 220
10 - 400
50-800
15 - 220
50 - 500
40 - 650
25 - 300
20 - 230
10 - 1,500
35 - 1,500
Up to 400
20 - 200
Up to 350
15-100
Page
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133
63
147
15
87
150
23
5
28, 29
127
127
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143
Special Comments
We are located one block east of Michigan Avenue - better known
as the Magnificent Mile - and only a few blocks from Lake Michigan and
the famous Navy Pier. We’re in the heart of Chicago’s best attractions!
Greenery-event space located on the top floor boasts floor to ceiling
windows and an exterior deck. Two beautiful 4,000-square foot ballrooms
located on the ground floor.
Historical, magnificent on your special day. Our venue is fashioned after
the French Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Capturing the beauty of each season by changing both our interior and
exterior décor is our specialty.
All of our rooms offer views of bright flower gardens, lush fairways and
sparkling lakes. Direct access to an outdoor lighted gazebo and patio available.
Extraordinary weddings start with The Seville; www.theseville.com
Please visit our website at www.staffords.com
Please visit our website at www.akfentertainment.com
The perfect setting for weddings and receptions of all sizes. Gourmet
catering and service that is nothing short of perfection.
Overlooking the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile, Trump
International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a soaring composition of polished
stainless steel and irridescent-tinted glass. Inside, contemporary interiors
with extra large living spaces and 10-ft. floor-to-ceiling windows offering
unobtrusive views.
Guests are treated to an enchanting world of sparkling crystal mirrors and
ornate gold appointments. Luxurious carpeting, furnishing and spacious
marble dance floor enhancing its distinctive elegance and prestige.
Relax in luxurious surroundings at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center and
embark on a journey of personal well-being. The Junior Ballroom offers
floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a serene landscape - the perfect setting
for your special celebration. Each of our 500 guest rooms invite you to
embrace relaxation on our world-renowned Heavenly Bed.
Elegant banquet facility with large dance floors, 10-acre available.
parking lot and Brides Rooms
Five distinctive banquet rooms, 25-foot high atrium, fireplaces, live indoor.
garden, marble dance floors, superb cuisine - endless enchantment
Elegant 1911 Gothic-style building with a selection of rooms. Flower-filled
private garden for summer receptions.
53
Our beautiful Garden Atrium accented with skylights, greenery and
fountains are perfect for a ceremony or cocktail reception. Your
packages can be tailored to fit your every need.
65
A touch of elegance with a taste of Greece. Private rooms from 15 to 100.
guests. Perfect for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers,
baptism and any private function
WINTER/SPRING 2010
before the wedding
y
l
h
t
n
o
M g
Weddin r
Planne
ay
ding d our
h
e a wed
• Mak rt of events,
a
r
flowch to give you ey
k
r,
by hou rty and all
a
p
bridal
rs
vendo
zed
finali
caterer
• Give unt
co
guest
oon
neym
irm ho
y
• Conf ons and bu
ti
reserva checks
s
traveler
ing
e wedd
k in th
a
re
B
•
shoes
You want everything to be perfect.
Use this checklist to make sure you’ve
covered the necessities.
12 to 18 Months Ahead
• Announce engagement to friends and family
• Take engagement photo
• Place engagement announcement in paper
• Determine a wedding budget
• Figure out the style and size of wedding, level of formality, time of day
• Meet with clergy or wedding officiant
• Reserve church or ceremony site (keep in mind it may be a different time
than what you want if you don’t book early enough)
•Reserve reception site
•Select bridal party
• Reserve florist
• Hire a caterer if the reception site isn’t catering the event
•Reserve photographer
•Reserve band, DJ, and/or any other type of musician you want
•Send out “Save the Date” letters or cards
9 to 11 Months Ahead
• Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, shoes and accessories; order them as soon as possible
• Make honeymoon plans and reservations
• Meet with bridesmaids to select their attire
• Compile tentative guest list
• Reserve rental equipment if needed
6 to 8 Months Ahead
• Arrange for wedding day transportation
• Begin registering for shower/wedding gifts
• Order bridesmaids’ attire if you haven’t already and begin selecting their accessories
• Select Mothers’ dresses
• Discuss where the two of you will live after the wedding and begin looking for places together
• Order your wedding cake
3 to 5 Months Ahead
• Book site for rehearsal dinner
• Make a final guest list with names, addresses, and phone numbers and compile a response chart so you can keep track of your guests
• Start the dreaded wedding workout
• Select and order wedding invitations (don’t forget to include maps with
the invitations and purchase Thank You notes)
• Reserve rooms at hotels for out-of-town guests
• Select groom’s attire
• Plan rehearsal dinner
• Make a food tasting appointment with caterer and baker
• Select ceremony readings and music and choose your readers
• Order wedding rings and engraving
• Get the undergarments necessary for your gown
• Meet with ceremony officiant again to discuss obligations to the church,
religion, etc.
• Purchase bridal party gifts (and don’t forget the parents)
• Purchase wedding favors
• Reserve room for wedding night
70
Two Months Ahead
• Now
is the time to be calling and reconfirming all those vendor contracts!
• Check requirements for medical tests and marriage license for wedding
and honeymoon
• Mail invitations four to eight weeks ahead
• Plan luncheon/special party for bridesmaids
• Choose gifts for attendants and future husband
• Meet with musician(s) to discuss song list
• Meet with photographer to discuss the particular wedding photos you
want taken
• Finalize the details for the flowers
• Make final fitting appointment
• Organize ceremony rehearsal arrangements
• Start practicing your makeup if you’re doing it yourself
• Make appointment for bridal portrait
• Schedule a practice hair appointment (do any hair color changes and/or
drastic cut changes now so it isn’t a shock to you right before the wedding)
• Start working on those vows to one another (if you’ve decided to write your own)
One Month Ahead
• Make appointment(s) for hair, make-up, manicure, pedicure, and/or
massage for yourself and bridal party for the day of or day before your wedding (and don’t forget about the Moms!)
• Send your wedding announcement to the paper
• Attend your final fitting
• Make arrangements to change your name
• Put together programs
• Go for a practice hair and makeup appointment. Don’t forget to bring your
veil or hairpiece!
• Attend your bridal portrait
• Have those vows done!
• Inform your bridal party of the rehearsal and dinner plans
Two Weeks Ahead
• Pick up marriage license
• Prepare seating chart for reception and rehearsal dinner
• Make a wedding day flowchart of events, hour by hour, to give your bridal party and all key vendors
• Give caterer finalized guest count
• Confirm honeymoon reservations and buy travelers checks
• Break in the wedding shoes
• Between two and four weeks ahead, have a facial and start drinking eight
glasses of water everyday
One Week Ahead
•
•
•
•
•
•
ack for the honeymoon
P
Give the ushers their instructions
Confirm all transportation for the wedding day and honeymoon trip
Gather attendants’ gifts to give to them at the rehearsal dinner
Confirm all vendors again
Put together your emergency kit for the big day. (Take the whole week to
do this so you don’t leave out anything crucial!)
The Day Before
• Attend rehearsal ceremony and dinner; set a specific time for everyone
in the wedding party to meet on the wedding day and make sure everyone
knows where to go for pictures
• Give gifts to the bridal party
• Lay out all clothes, jewelry and other accessories you’ll need for the next day, including your emergency kit
• Discuss receiving-line procedures with parents and bridal party
• Leave gift for the groom to find tomorrow, or exchange gifts with one
another today
• Relax and get some rest—tomorrow is a big day!
Where Tradition Meets Today
20922 N. Rand Road
•
Kildeer, IL 60047
•
847.438.0025
www.concordebanquets.com
after your wedding
Save The
Dress
Tips on Preserving Your
Wedding Gown
From the moment he asks, “Will you marry me?”, the brideto-be strives to create a fairytale wedding – from the perfect
first song to the wedding dress of her dreams.
This photo is
$35 - Do you
want to pick a
different one?
W
hile the
bond between husband and wife will
extend far beyond
the wedding day,
your most special
momento from the
occasion can be preserved and shared
for generations to
come. Here’s how:
The reception may
be over, but the first
course does not need
to remain on your
dress. Within a few
weeks of the nuptials,
consult professional
help from a preservation specialist trained
in textile conservation or a dry cleaner
trained in cleaning and preparing
gowns for storage to
help remove stains
and spills.
Make a commitment to preserving
your gown. Wrap
fabrics in acid-free
white tissue, and stuff
bodices and curved
areas of the garment
with tissue to prevent
creasing.
Storing the gown
should be for better,
not for worse. Avoid
storing your gown in
a plastic bag since
plastic breaks down
over time and can
discolor and destroy
fabrics. Instead, store
in a box or hang your
72
gown. If choosing
to store the gown
in an acid-free box,
remember to replace
the box every three to
five years. If hanging
the gown, wrap it in
a white sheet or muslin, and hang with
the inside loops that
are connected to sturdy sideseams. Never
hang it by the fragile
shoulder seams that
can stretch or sag.
The honeymoon
may be over, but
the dress can last a
lifetime. Keep your
gown packed away
from sunlight and
artificial light in order
to avoid degradation
and fading of heirloom textiles. Store
the gown in a cool,
dry place. A damp
basement or a hot,
humid attic can
cause mildew and
yellowing of fabric.
Finally, continue to
check your gown
while it’s in storage
for any damage.
These tips are courtesy of the experts at
Whirlpool’s Institute
of Fabric Science
www.instituteoffabricscience.org, an
informational hub for
everything laundry.
74
your wedding
A Perfect Reception
Essentially, the wedding reception reflects the most intimate character of the couple.
It is the vision of no one but the bride-to-be and her fiancé, not as much a celebration
for parents and friends as much as it is beginning of a new life for the newlyweds.
T
hink of the reception site
as a new home: The earlier
you find it, the more relaxed
you’ll be in seeking the details to personalize it, such as music
and photography. The wedding
reception is the most personal aspect
of the entire celebration. It’s critical because the wedding date itself
depends on whether or not a site is
secured. Many couples choose a site
first then schedule the ceremony.
While emotions and anxiety
may begin taking over as early as
a year in advance of the wedding
date, the time you spend customizing your wedding can – and should
– be as much fun as it is hectic.
Prepare to find a reception
site by discussing with your fiancé
what impression you’ll want to
leave not only on your guests but
also on your own memories. If you
want it to, the most important day of
your life can live on through sentiment (as long as you’re comfortable
with your decisions).
So, begin by figuring out some
of the basics of your ideal reception,
such as size, budget and the atmosphere you want to create. And
remember, if you’re setting the date
at one of the more popular times of
the year, start as early as possible.
The peak wedding season is May
through October, with June and September the most popular months. A
good time to start looking for places
is 12-18 months in advance of the
wedding date. Plan even further
ahead for a large wedding in excess
of 200 people.
You also may want to keep in
mind the formality of the wedding,
as that will help narrow things
down when you really begin your
search for places. Remember,
though, that generally the formality
of a wedding does not necessarily
refer to size or expense but type of
dress the bride wears.
Weddings considered very
formal usually feature a multicourse sit-down dinner, engraved
invitations, up to 12 attendants and
at least 200 guests. The bride usually wears a full-length gown with
gloves and a shorter train and veil,
while the groom wears a cutaway
tuxedo or tailcoat.
For formal weddings, between
75 and 200 guests are invited, and
up to six attendants. The bride usually wears a long gown with a veil
or train, and the groom may wear
a tuxedo.
The guest list runs up to 100
for semiformal weddings, which
include no more than three attendants. The ceremony may be held
anywhere, and the reception may
or may not include a full meal. For
the bride, a knee-length dress for a
daytime wedding or long dress for
an evening wedding is acceptable.
Once you’ve settled on the
basics, decide whether the reception will be at a unique site (which
almost always provide amazing
backdrops for photographs) or at a
traditional site, such as a hotel or
banquet hall.
Consider as possibilities for
a unique wedding reception a
public park or botanic garden.
Or a beach or nature preserve.
More and more, zoos and aquariums are opening their facilities to
private parties, and art galleries
and museums can be both fun and
elegant places to celebrate. Worldrenowned art and ancient archaeological finds can be a great setting
for the unique occasion.
Another trend is to hold the
reception in a historic setting, and
different atmosphere can be created
by different settings. Often, people
choose a mansion. It’s at those
places where you’re guaranteed to
have a unique, elegant (and practical) reception.
75
your wedding
Everything from modern yachts
to historic river boats hosts wedding
receptions. Larger boats usually
supply a DJ, catering, dance floor
and the usual amenities, but depending on your budget and taste, smaller
crafts could fit your needs as well.
Sometimes couples look too hard
to find the ideal setting for their reception. A home can be the simplest
(and most difficult) setting and it can
be the loveliest. You should hire a
wedding consultant or find affordable service on your own, such as a
tent, caterer, florist and DJ or band.
Just make sure there is enough room.
You’ll need space for the florist and
caterer, probably in the garage, as
well as the guests and entertainment.
Now that you’ve agreed on the
budget, size, atmosphere and general style of your reception, narrow
your choices geographically. Don’t
consider places that – while they
seem the perfect fit for your needs –
are too far away from the location of
the ceremony.
Next, knowing a specific area
where you want to hold your reception, compile a list.
Ask friends, family and co-workers for suggestions. They’re the ones
you know and trust, so it will give
you a good idea to start with. Also,
there’s nothing wrong with flipping
through the Yellow Pages, looking
for names that you might recognize.
The next thing you’ll want to do
is rule out the reception halls that
don’t accommodate your most basic
needs (size, cost, etc.). If you’re looking for something unique, you may
be better off finding a catering service first. Caterers will have an idea
of unique sites, and more than likely
they have worked other weddings at
those sites.
At this point, you may want to
hire a bridal consultant if your budget allows. It’s the consultant’s job to
know of reception sites in the area,
and the consultant probably has
dealt with several of them.
Keeping in mind that you should
consider at least three reception
76
If you’re having trouble finding a caterer or
have a favorite local restaurant, ask the restaurant management if they cater off-site.
halls or the like, you should make
initial telephone interviews with
catering or banquet hall managers
before visiting the site. Get the basic
– price range, dates available, room
capacity, whether the hall provides
its own catering, if there’s a backup
emergency generator (it could save
your wedding) and the size of the
dance floor. It is suggested that you
gauge the size of a dance floor by
figuring about three-square feet of
dance floor space per guest. Also, if
you’ve got other major concerns, ask
them immediately before taking the
time out to see a hall and finding out
it’s not for you.
Before you even talk to the manager about the wedding, you will get
a feel for the type of service you’ll be
dealing with later. If you don’t get
through immediately to the manager
and leave a message, how soon is
your call returned? When you do get
ahold of the manager, is he patient
and informative or rushed and nonchalant? After all, you’ll be dealing
frequently with these people.
Next, set up an appointment with
the managers. Schedule a few (no
more than three per day) that are
close to each other. When you go,
take notes.
Once you’ve arrived at the
facility, note the cleanliness of the
site. Are the carpets and furniture
in good condition? Don’t forget the
restrooms. Next to the dining room,
that’s where your guests are most
likely to visit.
If you’re planning an outdoor
reception, try to visit the site at about
the same time of year that you’ll
be getting married. It’s difficult to
get a feel for what a June wedding
will look like in October. Remember, though, that most deposits are
nonrefundable, so be absolutely sure
when you reserve your site.
Don’t leave without speaking
directly to the banquet or catering
manager. Get a sample menu, and
make sure you taste the food, even
though you probably will have to
come back another time for that, it’s
not really a good idea to reserve
your reception at a place where
even you have not tasted the food.
Remember, catering eats up
nearly half of the typical wedding
budget, so the caterer should be choContinued on Page 152
Give your
a strong beginning
It takes work to have a healthy
marriage, but it is possible. Just like
good nutrition and regular exercise can
help you to have a healthy body, there
are things you can do to have a healthy
marriage. Call us or visit us online to
learn how.
Enter to win a
complete wedding
photography package a $2,500 value
2 hour engagement portrait session, CD of
e-session proofs (high-res), 60 day online hosting of
images, 10 hours of wedding photography
coverage, DVD of proofs (high-res), 60 day online
hosting of images, 10x10 album designed in a modern
style (upgrades are optional)
Courtesy of
www.studio1125.com | info@studio1125.com
Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90FE0011. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
expresed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
after your wedding
And They Lived Happily Ever After…
Sound like a fairytale? Here are some tips to help make it more
of a reality for you and your new spouse:
Communicate lovingly
Communication sets the tone for
your marriage. Actively listen,
speak your mind with respect, ask
for what you want, avoid silence
and criticism and remember that
a wonderful marriage isn’t void
of anger, it’s void of allowing that
anger to get out of control.
The Big Six
Identify the six relationship issues
that can’t be ignored including religion (to practice or not to), children
(how many - if any - to have), money
(how to save, how to spend) and recreation (how to enjoy time together).
Keep sex satisfying for both partners
Good sex begins long before the
bedroom, with small gestures and
meaningful interactions. It’s important to keep high expectations when
it comes to sexual satisfaction and it’s
crucial to communicate your needs
and hear the needs of your partner.
Intimacy is a Lifestyle
Show affection and respect each
day, spoken or not. You can be attentive without ever saying a word
by simply reaching out and holding their hand.
Elements of a Great Marriage
There are ten elements in all,
which include dating with purpose,
deciding upon children, staying
healthy together and, simply, being
nice to one another.
78
Manage money together
Every couple will handle finances
differently, but every couple should
handle finances together. Make
sure to open the lines of communication when it comes to separate or
joint bank accounts, budgets, division of labor and career goals.
Take a Vacation
With and Without the Kids
Vacations are essential to a happy
marriage and should be built in
to a family budget. Getting away
for a while is an essential way to
keep a marriage alive, and - when
the kids join you - to provide your
family with learning and growing
opportunities.
Resolve anger quickly and respectfully
Your goal, as a couple, should be to
resolve problems in a way in which
you both feel comfortable. In order
to achieve peaceful resolutions to
arguments, avoid bringing up the
past, trying to prove you’re right or
refusing to apologize. And, even if
you can’t solve the problem in one
sitting, the tried and true saying
holds: never go to bed angry.
Find individual fulfillment
When you’re confident as an
individual, that happiness will seep
into your relationship. Pursue your
own interests and enjoy the freedom that a strong marriage allows
an individual to have.
Excerpted from the book, “Wonderful
Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great
Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime” by
Lilo and Gerard Leeds with bestselling
author Terrence Real and Susan Seliger.
Brides Add Boudoir Photography
on To-Do List Before Wedding
B
Boudoir photography is no longer the
images from the mall-based Glamour
Shots of the 90s. It’s making a strong
comeback and it’s the most beautiful,
classy, flirty and fun gift a woman
could ever give her man…or herself!
Brides are loving boudoir photography! There is no better gift for a man
on his wedding day than gorgeous
photos of his new wife. VAMP by Kim
Shokouhi Photography in Wilmette,
Illinois offers photo shoot packages for
brides-to-be, complete with a personalized greeting card and an album for the
ultimate surprise gift.
“The pictures made me feel so
alive,” says a recent VAMP bride-to-be
of her photo shoot with Kim. “I have
looked at them a dozen times and am
amazed at how classy and sexy they
turned out. Initially I felt shy and won-
“
To see myself in these photos, I
saw this sensuous and glamorous
babe and it was just amazing.
dered if my fiancé would really want
photos like this. The evening with you
was fun and relaxing. You helped to
set a mood that was playful and easy
to feel good about myself. Thank you
for giving me a memory of how great
it is to be a woman.”
While the majority of VAMP’s clientele are brides, the studio recognizes
the emerging market of boudoir photography extends well beyond wedding
day gift packages. According to Kim
Shokouhi of VAMP, boudoir photos are
in high demand by married women
wanting to spice things up a little with
their hubbies, but also with adventurous single gals who just want to have a
personal photo session fling, boosting
their confidence and capturing their
beauty forever.
“Kim made my experience so comfortable and so much fun,” said Angela,
a VAMP client. “As a mother of four
children and a woman in her midforties, I was so glad to have the opportunity to capture these images. To
see myself in these photos, I saw this
sensuous and glamorous babe and it
was just amazing. My husband was
overwhelmed with the quality of the
photos and I cannot wait to frame them
and hang them in our bedroom. I think
”
every woman needs to look within and
bring out that beautiful and vivacious
female that has been buried by the daily
life that we as women take on.”
Located along the north shore of
Chicago, VAMP by Kim Shokouhi
Photography is a premiere boudoir
photo boutique dedicated to creating cutting-edge images defining any
woman who wants to prove she’s dropdead gorgeous with private, sexy photos
that are only for his eyes.
79
your wedding
Green is the
New White
for Weddings
Here are some more tips to help
you go from white to green!
Choose estate
(vintage) rings as
opposed to buying
new rings. This is an
eco-friendly alternative because it’s not
a drain on natural
resources and the
environment since
virgin materials like
precious metals and
gemstones aren’t
being used up. They
can be less expensive, which helps in
this down economy
and an added perk
– vintage is a big
trend now! It evokes
old-fashioned
romance and you
get to own a piece
of history. Besides,
your ring will not
look like anyone
else’s!
Create centerpieces
from living plants
and then donate
them to a local
eldercare facility or
school for replanting on their grounds
or be creative with
edible centerpieces.
And put those centerpieces on organic
linens.
Print invitations
with soy ink on
recycled paper or
on paper that guests
can plant and grow
into sweet basil.
Use paper/disposable products made
of post-consumer
recycled goods or
80
made of biodegradable cornstarch.
Avoid plastic materials wherever possible.
From invitations
to placecards, try
to use a minimum
of 30 percent postconsumer recycled
content.
Buy your food locally and choose organic meal options.
For starters, choose
items that are in
season. This reduces
the transportation
fees and allows you
more flexibility to
buy locally. When
purchasing meat,
buy from a local
producer and look
for organic choices
such as free-range
beef and chicken
and cage-free organic eggs. Remember, the less processed, the better.
Purchase carbon
emission credits on
behalf of wedding
guests as favors.
Contract with a
wedding caterer
that will recycle all
cans, plastics and
glass.
Tips courtesy of
Swissotel Chicago
and LOLA Event
Productions.
Italian Village Restaurants
Three Beautiful Venues, One Award-Winning Wine List
F
or over 80 years, Italian Village has
offered a culinary experience to
Chicago that marries hearty, traditional Italian food, culinary excellence, an
award-winning wine list and decor suitable
for a movie set. As such, it touts itself as
the oldest and most unique Italian eatery in
Chicago. It is comprised of three restaurants:
The Village, Vivere and La Cantina.
Italian Village’s rich history dates back
to1927, when Alfredo & Ada Capitanini
opened its doors. They wished to serve traditional, hearty portions of good homemade
Italian fare. The eatery quickly became the
place for hungry Lyric Opera performers to
dine, congregate and celebrate.
The establishment was later passed on to
Ray, Frank and Ave Capitanini, who together,
collaborated and created the most celebrated
wine list in the Midwest.
Now, all three restaurants share Italian
Village’s 45,000-bottle wine list-the largest
cellar in the midwest- which has received Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence”
annually since 1984. Currently overseen by
Wine Director Michael Taylor, the list includes more than 700 Italian wines, 400 French
wines, 300 California wines, and over 200
wines from the rest of the world. Included
are over 100 wines under $30 to hundreds in
every other price category. “Italian Village’s
wine list is not only encyclopedic in scope
but also has the added value of being fairly
priced” says the Chicago Tribune’s Phil Vettel.
Italian Village is currently run by Alfredo
& Gina Capitanini – the third generation of
Capitanini’s to superbly uphold the family
business and cultivate it for generations to
come.
The Village
This is the original restaurant opened
by Al & Ada Capitanini boasting Northern
Italian cuisine. Located on the second floor,
its decor is quite notable; the dining room is
turned into a 19th century village complete
with a building facade and a star-lit “sky”
overhead. This restaurant is ideal for casual,
family dining or private business meetings.
There are distinct town buildings that line
the recreated village street – each offering
private booths and The Village Opera Room
that can seat up to 20 people. The Village
“Square” complete with overhead lanterns,
is the perfect setting for parties up to 36
people. Private parties can be accommodated
in The Village seven days a week from lunch
through dinner.
Vivere
This is Italian Village’s gourmet dining
room. Meaning “to live” in Italian, Vivere is
an elegant setting for the most formal affair.
The cuisine is inspired by regional traditional
recipes from throughout Italy. Again, decor
here does not take a back seat with the
modern, baroque architecture having solicited accolades from The Wall Street Journal,
Esquire Magazine, Chicago Magazine and
Metropolitan Home.
Both cocktail parties as well as sit-down
dinners for up to 60 guests are available
in The Balcony, which overlooks the main
dining room. Parties of 70 can reserve the
main floor Dining Room for sit-down dinner
or buffet service. For larger parties such as
weddings, the entire room can be reserved to
accommodate 125 for a sit-down dinner or
170 guests for buffet service with a cocktail
reception in the intimate Lounge. Vivere serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner
Monday through Saturday. Private parties can
be booked for any day of the week.
La Cantina Chophouse
La Cantina Chophouse offers Steak and
Seafood fare in addition to traditional Italian
cuisine. The restaurant can seat up to 120
guests. La Cantina Enoteca Room (The
Library) set with walls of books about food
and wine, can accommodate parties up to
30, and Vista del Mare Room (View from
the Sea) a room lined with aquariums filled
with tropical fish provides for up to 36 guests.
La Cantina Chophouse is open Monday
through Friday for lunch and Tuesday
through Saturday for dinner. Private parties
can be booked for any day of the week.
All three restaurants offer prix fixe menus
or custom menus can be designed specifically
for your affair.
Claim To Fame
Italian Village has hosted notable guests
such as Bon Jovi, George Clooney, Christie
Brinkley, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond,
Chevy Chase, Claudia Schiffer, and major
politicians from across the country.
Other Critical Acclaim
Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Italian
Food Restaurant, Best Business Dining
Restaurant – City Search; Esquire’s Best New
Restaurants, 3 Stars from Chicago Tribune,
Wine Spectator’ America’s 10 Best Italian
Restaurants - Vivere; 2.5 Stars, Chicago
Sun Times - The Village; Wine Spectator’s
Grand Award Annually since 1984; Cheers
Magazine “Cheers Award,” Best Independent
Wine Program; DiRona Award Distinguished
Restaurants of North American since 1998;
Crystal Beverage Award, 2008; First Place
Interior Design by Restaurants and Institutions;
Oldest Italian Restaurant in Chicago
Details
Valet Parking offered from noon Saturday
and Sunday; 5pm Monday – Friday
Group menus range from $25 to $60 per
person.
Online: Gift certificates can be ordered;
reservations can be made; menus can be
viewed all at www.italianvillage-chicago.com
81
before your wedding
What You Should Know About Hiring
Beauty Professionals
M
ake sure that your
artist has experience
in both print and film
work because that will
result in a finished product suitable
for both mediums -- photography
and video.
Do your research. Check online,
ask to look at their portfolio, resume,
prior work they’ve done. A current
stylist or artist will have samples for
you to view online.
Request a one-on-one meeting
before you book your consultation
or trial, which can cost between
$200-$500.
A great way to get a personal feel
for their work is to hire potential
stylists for your other big parties
-- rehearsal dinner, bridal shower
luncheon, bachelorette party, etc.
Once you’ve chosen your artist,
express to them your style, decor,
season, or theme. Is it a daytime or
evening wedding? Indoor or outdoor?
Will your videographer/photographer be using high definition? If so,
your make-up artist needs to know
this since HD make-up is extremely
different and would change the entire
make-up style. With HD, you are able
to see every little detail and depending on the lighting being used, you
need to look natural and flawless.
A popular trend is hiring makeup and hair professionals for the
entire day for you and your bridal
party. They’ll check for smears from
tears, sweating, hair emergencies
and such. It’s more cost-efficient to
hire an artist that does both hair
82
With HD, you are able to see
every little detail and depending
on the lighting being used, you
need to look natural and flawless.
and make-up. Even so, be prepared
to spend a pretty penny for this
trend because it’s a fee on top of a
fee (usually an hourly rate) since
the stylist clears his/her whole day
of other appointments.
If you’re toying with the thought
of applying your own make-up, it’s
highly advisable that you look into
getting a lesson from a make-up
boutique/store (i.e. MAC) or a local
salon beforehand. You’ll also need
to purchase a good set of brushes
for each type of application.
If you still insist on doing your own
make-up, consider the cost of the
lessons, professional brushes, makeup and products, not to mention the
added pressure of doing one more
thing for your wedding. It may behoove you to hire professionals. On
the flipside, you’ll have earned some
good lessons and make-up you can
keep right on until your honeymoon.
WINTER/SPRING 2010
IVALYNNRegal dress that is fully ruched
with a bubble hem. Shown in Pearl. Also
available in White and Cream Pearl.
84
CAMILLEFeatures ruched bodice adorned
with beading and embroidery. Shown in Pearl. Also available in White and Cream Pearl.
85
NALI A luxurious gown that features ruching throughout the dress and delicate
beading at the waistline . Shown in Pearl. Also available in White and Cream Pearl.
86
WINTER/SPRING 2010
after your wedding
Blending
Households:
Combining, Compromising and
Creating Your New Abode
Home re-designer Laura Heitz gives us a
few pointers on how to diplomatically
and respectfully combine your ‘single
life’ belongings together in your newly
shared space.
H
ome re-designer
Laura Heitz
gives us a few
pointers on
how to diplomatically and
respectfully combine your
‘single life’ belongings
together in your newly
shared space.
The key to marital
design heaven is the
word compromise. Each
person brings all of their
childhood and adult influences and belongings to
the marriage. Your goal
should be to have your
space reflect your personalities and this new stage
of your lives.
Don’t start off married life with a bed you
shared with a serious
significant other. If
you’re headed towards the
altar, first head towards
the furniture store and
shop together for this significant purchase. Same
goes for linens.
When designing a room
together, one person
should pick the colors
while the other sets up
the furniture layout.
Each person gets one
veto and then you have
to accept their decision.
Go for a classic look as
opposed to a theme. Pick
furniture in neutral shades
and add pops of color with
accessories. When guests
walk into the space you
don’t want them to say,
“Oh, Kate/Mike got their
way on this room.”
If you’ve lived on your
own for a while, you may
have two of everything.
Set a time when you’re both
relaxed and survey your
belongings – one by one.
BE BRUTAL! Who has the
newer (in better condition)
couch, fridge, etc. There
will be some give and take,
but really, do you need two
88
toasters? Give the second
chance items away to charity or sell them. Reward
yourselves by utilizing the
funds to buy something for
the home that you will both
enjoy.
Display photographs of
your favorite activities:
golf, cooking, kayaking,
football, painting, etc.
These could be shared
activities or ones that you
like to do on your own.
Place each photo in the
same frame, same size.
Six on a wall (8x10) or (11
x 14) will have greater
impact. By displaying
them together you are
showing the world you are
united as a couple.
Women hate 68” flat
screen TVs. Men hate 18
pillows piled on the bed. If
an item no longer fits with
this stage of your lives, let
it go. The same goes for
gifts. Life is too short to be
surrounded by items that
aren’t useful or pleasing.
Take a photo with you
holding the item -- you’ll
always have the memory!
Start a collection
together… this could be
black and white photography, ceramics, pieces from
an emerging artist. It’s a
great way to express yourselves and tell the world
what you are all about as
a couple. Organize your
collections by color or texture or category.
Lastly, like marriage
itself, it’s all about compromise: If your partner
truly hates it, let it go.
Laura Heitz of Right Now
Redesign is a Chicagobased home re-designer
who specializes in transforming homes, using
existing items. laura@
rightnowredesign.com
real weddings
Benjamin Hall and Soledad Ayosa
Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago
Reception: Trump International Hotel & Tower, Grand Salon
Photography: Christina Dibenedetto
Florist: Heffernan Morgan Designs, Berkley Lane
Gown: Ines de Santo
90
WINTER/SPRING 2010
before the wedding
Make-Up and Hair For
Your Big Day
Make-Up
• To maintain your look, avoid rice
paper blotting tissues because they
remove make-up and look splotchy.
Have a powder puff handy to absorb
sweat first, and then reapply with
translucent blotting powder.
• The most important thing to remember about your wedding make-up is
that it’s not your everyday make-up; all
the rules change.
• Your make-up needs to be applied
so that it works in any kind of light or
weather. If it’s set the right way, nothing will affect it.
Hair
• The hairstyle for your wedding day
will dictate what your make-up will
look like.
• Once make-up is applied, it should
be set with fixing spray – a few mists
can set any kind of powder - or even
better, the best type of finishing is
translucent powder.
• Avoid heavy eyeliner under the eye
which can make you look like you
have bags in video and pictures.
• Eyebrows should be a shade or two
lighter than your hair color. Fill them
in with powder and a brush instead of
pencil so they don’t look too harsh.
• It’s important to choose eye shadow
to bring out your hair color and skin
tone. Blue eyes look better in gold and
plum tone shadows. Green eyes are
strong with red undertones like brown
and gold. Brown eyes look good with
just about any eye shadow color from
champagne to brown to purple.
• Work off of your strongest feature
and pull things together from there.
Your weakest feature should be offset
with something else that is strong.
If you have droopy eyes, brighten
up your lips more; if you have great
cheekbones, play those up and work
from there.
• Avoid the sparkly body gels and
powders. These can turn out looking
92
• For evening weddings, hair can be
more glammed up, pulled back and
coiffed. Daytime weddings call for
looser, free-flowing hair; a pretty blowout or loose, romantic, bouncy curls.
bad in high resolution or high definition pictures.
• Face powder should match your face
tone and should be applied down past
Constantine
the face to the
neck andHaritos
chest line to
blend and avoid the ‘mask’ look.
• Skip trendy mineral-based loose
powders. They may be good for daily
wear but can make skin look shiny
and oily in pictures.
• Lip liners should be the color of your
lips and applied first. Then follow
with a shade of lipstick that is brighter
and blend the two together with a lip
brush. Finish up with a dab of lip gloss
only on the center of your bottom lip.
• Fake eyelashes are a lot of fun for
weddings and are very trendy now.
Individual lashes look best, allowing
for variations in length and require
expert placement to change the shape
of your eye.
• For a smaller face, add more volume. For bigger faces with heavier
bone structure or pronounced features,
leave hair down and don’t add too
much volume; wide foreheads should
consider sideswept bangs.
• Hair should be done before make-up.
Otherwise, hairspray (which contains
alcohol) will get on foundation and
separate the make-up.
• If hair and make-up is being done by
two different professionals, try to have
trials done with both on the same day
to get the full effect. There should be
communication between the two for a
more cohesive overall look.
• It’s trendy now for brides to leave
their hair down, no matter the type of
wedding. Just remember, however, that
you don’t want to hide the dress.
Constantine Haritos, owner of Elite
Style in Grayslake, IL., is accredited by
celebrity talent stylist Debbie Davis –
Powder Puff & Brushes. Inc.
your style
Chicago’s own…
Caroline
De Villo
Hollywood glamour from a local designer
C
aroline De Villo
launched her first
bridal collection
for the New York
bridal market in 2003 and by
the following year, she opened
up her quaint Bucktown studio
and boutique. Staying true to
the local scene as well as to her
dress-making process of ethical
and quality designed pieces,
the production of every gown is
done entirely in Chicago.
After obtaining her Marketing
degree in Textiles and Apparel
from the University of Illinois,
she spent time as a stylist
and costume designer for
film, television and print in
Los Angeles, where she also
attended the Fashion Institute
of Design and Merchandising.
She eventually moved back to
the Midwest where she worked
at a bridal salon before she
produced and debuted her first
collection in 2003.
In addition to bridal gowns
and cocktail dresses, she also
showcases flower girl dresses,
94
jewelry, handmade veils, shoes
and specially-made sashes.
De Villo also offers her I.D.
(Individual Design) collection,
comprised of several different bodices, skirts, sashes and
fabrics which brides can mix
and match to create their own
one-of-a-kind design. I.D. also
allows the option for brides
to refashion the dress from
ceremony to reception (an up
and coming trend!) in a costeffective manner.
On the next several pages, we’re
excited to feature her recent
collection, Caroline De Villo
Couture, along with her simple
yet elegant cocktail/bridesmaids
dresses, all available at her
Chicago retail location at 1616
N. Damen Ave., as well as fine
bridal boutiques throughout the
country. Wedding gowns range
from $2,000 - $6,000 and can
be customized to your liking.
Cocktail (attendants) dresses can
be ordered in an array of colors
and fabrics.
www.carolinedevillo.com
Bea
Silk dupioni, mini dress with
encrusted button bodice
95
Esther
Ivory silk dupioni mermaid gown with empire waist,
scoop neckline and spaghetti straps. Chantilly lace
bodice and back skirt with ruching to center seam
96
Bobbie
Silk satin gown featuring two rows of mini covered buttons and
collar detail at back. Strapless empire waist with sweetheart
neckline. Optional detachable oversized silk flower
97
Betsy
Silk satin fluted skirt with chapel train featuring lace appliquéd
bodice and scalloped Alencon lace straps. Miniature button detail
at back bodice. Optional detachable silk flower by Haute Bride
98
after your wedding
Marrying Love & Money
Most couples lost in love spend countless hours discussing their future plans – the wedding,
the honeymoon, their dream home, their kids – but often they do not discuss the financial
issues and their individual investing attitudes that could ultimately affect their marriage.
A
s you enter into a life partnership, it is important to have
open discussions about how
to handle money and prepare for your financial future. Agreeing on a wealth management strategy
that incorporates your combined
needs, interests and values about
money will help to prevent unnecessary stress down the road. Seeking
the guidance of a financial advisor
may help facilitate the dialogue in a
neutral venue, and help you create a
meaningful financial strategy for your
future together.
Before heading to the chapel
A great way to start a financial
conversation with your spouse-to-be
is by discussing your dreams for the
future, including whether to purchase
a new home or consolidate into one
partner’s current residence, where
and how often to vacation, and/or
the decision to have children. As you
get caught up in the planning and
excitement leading up to the big day,
remember the importance of addressing your financial landscape as a
couple. It is imperative to prioritize
short and long-term financial goals,
and consider several pivotal questions
with your partner:
• What are your personal financial
habits? In other words, are you spenders, savers or one of each?
• Do you have any preexisting debts,
including a mortgage, credit card
debt, car payment, medical bills or
school loans?
• How do you currently save for
retirement—through your employer,
through other forms of savings, or
both?
• When making investments, are you
conservative, moderate or aggres-
sive, or do you have a more balanced
portfolio?
• What are your credit scores? If one
partner has a significantly lower
score, what steps can you take to
raise his/her score?
Use your creativity for more than
color and music selections
Creating a budget and savings
plan is another major topic you will
want to discuss at least six months
prior to the big day, and I encourage people to consider alternative
sources of funding when planning for
your wedding. As families are likely
to be involved in this area, it’s wise to
include them in related discussions to
help them feel invested in the process
and encourage them to contribute
ideas. Come up with creative gifts to
ask for instead of putting items on a
registry that you will most likely not
use. For example, ask friends and family to help out with the flowers or go in
together on the limo after the wedding.
For your honeymoon, you may want
to book your flights in advance or look
for special promotions through travel
agencies or online booking sites.
Remove the veil of uncertainty for
your future finances
It’s never too early to think about
what will hopefully be the distant
future. While you are preparing for
marriage, you may also want to
review your insurance needs and
any changes such as disability and
healthcare insurance (what about
life insurance?). You may also want
to work with your financial advisor
and attorney to update any important
documents for your future together,
including wills, living trusts and beneficiary designations.
A great way to make sure any
children you may have are guaranteed an inheritance from your assets,
is through the creation of a trust. A
good example would be a Qualified
Terminable Interest Property or Q-Tip
trust, where your assets would pass
to your surviving spouse for his or her
lifetime, at the end of which time the
property would pass to your children.
No matter how you and your spouse
intend to dispose of your assets, it is
wise to determine a suitable plan that
matches your charitable and investment intentions.
In addition, some couples may
choose to consider additional prenuptial agreements. “Pre-nups” are
becoming more common and are no
longer seemingly limited to the ultrawealthy or those in second or third
marriages. These agreements typically
enable individuals to keep pre-marital
assets separate, provide for children
from previous marriages and protect
assets for other dependents or wishes.
Checklist: Florist, Caterer,
Financial Advisor
Make an appointment with a
trusted financial advisor to assess your
current financial situation as a couple.
Be sure to identify your mutual needs
and goals, and explore strategies for
realizing these financial goals. Talking
about money may not sound romantic,
but discussing how you’re going to take
care of each other forever certainly is.
Lisa James, CFM,
is a Financial
Advisor and PIA
Program Manager
in the Northbrook,
Ill., office of Merrill Lynch. She
provides global
investment strategies and liability
management advisory services to
institutional and individual clients,
many of whom she helps with life
transitions, such as weddings. Lisa
may be reached at 847-291-4888 and
lisa_james@ml.com
99
your wedding
“I’d Like To Say A Few Words…”
Clink, clink, clink. “If I can have your attention for just a moment please, I’d like to say a few words…” Too
often these words turn out to be too monotoned, too long, too boring, and well, not so few. Here’s ten tips to
avoid this, from Christy and Jonny Sheehan of Mad Props Productions, who specialize in producing tribute videos for weddings and other special occasions:
Don’t Try Too Hard: Rather than
scrounging the internet for cliche sayings and toasts, simply think about what
message you want to communicate,
jot down a few points to touch on and
let the ideas naturally flow together.
The fact that it is sincere will mean the
most to the guest(s) of honor. Allow your
genuine emotions to come through.
The KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) Rule: Less is more when giving
a toast; guests aren’t privy to inside
jokes you may share. Try not to rush
through it and attempt to make as
much eye contact with your audience
by just jotting down important words
or phrases that will jog your thought
process instead of reading the speech
verbatim off a sheet of paper. And remember, if you come to an awkward
silence when nervousness creeps in, a
humorous one-liner will get you (and
the audience) back on track.
Don’t overload: At some weddings,
everyone and their mother (literally)
wants to say a few words. Have your
wedding planner limit the number of
people giving speeches – besides the
bride/groom - to the best man/woman,
maid/matron of honor, and perhaps
a parent or sibling from each side of
the two families. Again, stress the twominute rule for each person.
Be careful with embarrassing
stories: Before you tell an ‘absolutely
hilarious’ story that could embarrass
the guest(s) of honor, consider whether
or not he/she wants everyone to hear
it. If not, skip it. You can get personal
without embarrassing anyone; by
expressing what the day has meant to
you, without getting overly emotional,
100
breaths. Slowing down your breath
will relax your diaphragm, so your
voice won’t sound shaky and you’ll
feel more centered.
Prepare & Practice: It’s a good idea
to write out your speech before the
wedding day and get an objective
opinion about it. Don’t try to wing it
off the top of your head during the
moment unless you’re great at improvisation, are very comfortable with
public speaking or have a killer sense
of humor and personality. Practice by
saying your speech out loud in the
comfort of your own home to hear
how it will come across. And while
you’re at it, time it. A good target to go
by is the two-minute mark.
gushy or intimate. This can make
guests uncomfortable.
Don’t drink too much: Sometimes
people think that having a few drinks
will loosen them up before they have
to give a toast, but, as many of you
may have experienced at one too
many weddings, this can backfire.
Alcohol slows you down, so you won’t
think or speak as quickly as normal.
Slurred speeches are memorable for
all the wrong reasons.
Speak up: When speaking to an
audience, put yourself in their shoes.
They get turned off with mousy, quiet,
monotoned speakers that droll on
and on. Speak up, shift your tone
from high to low where appropriate
to give life to what you’re saying.
Keep them interested.
Breathe: Before you get up to make
your toast, breathe deeply for a few
Ditch tradition: Most brides leave
the speeches to the groom but you
should consider delivering your toast
together. Maybe read from old letters
you wrote each other, or record a
video tribute to be played for your new
spouse. If you speak another language
and have guests who only understand this language, it may be a good
idea to translate all or some of your
English-language speech for them.
Some brides replace the bouquettoss tradition with a toast instead, and
then simply offer the bouquet to a
special guest that was mentioned in
their speech as acknowledgment.
Don’t forget to thank: As the bride/
groom, you should thank your parents, in-laws and guests who have
come from out of town to make a
special effort to be there. Your bridal
party and friends can be thanked at
one of your pre-parties such as the
rehearsal dinner or shower.
Bianca
Silk satin gown, slim ballgown skirt featuring oversized
covered buttons to sweep train. Empire waist with
V-neckline, open back and spaghetti straps
102
Blythe
Strapless mermaid gown with chapel train featuring an
asymmetrically draped bodice. Detachable, gathered oneshoulder piece with oversized bows and button detail
103
Breanna
Silk Mikado gown featuring box pleats and
chapel train. Portrait neckline with silk satin bow
detail at the open back
104
Brooke
Silk Mikado flat front, A-line gown featuring back box
pleats, and an open back with miniature button detail.
V-neckline with natural waist and silk satin collar
105
real weddings
Carolyn Mikolajczyk and Matthew Engelmann
Ceremony: Washington Square Park
Reception: Newberry Library, Chicago
Photography: Marta at Clark Photographics
Florist: BBA Flowers
Gown: Vera Wang
106
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your wedding
Shopping For A
Cake Designer?
It’s a piece of cake with these tips from
Marcia Puri of Centerpiece Cakes.
108
C
hoosing the right cake can be a
daunting task. Not only should it
make an impression visually but
the flavors you choose should
blend for just the right taste. Below are some
useful cake designer tips to help you.
Choices for wedding cakes today
are very exciting and delicious
with a variety of available flavors.
Carrot cake and cheesecake are
gaining popularity for weddings.
The most popular icings used on
wedding cakes are butter cream and
fondant. Fondant is the smooth porcelain like finish so popular today.
Book with someone who has been
in business for at least one year. It
takes that long to know what you’re
doing. Make sure you are comfortable that the people making your
cake will be dependable and on
time.
Ask the following questions while
at your cake appointment:
- What is the payment policy?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Is a deposit required, and when?
Make sure you actually taste the
cake before ordering it. Be especially
sure you taste the fillings. Many great
cakes have been ruined by artificialtasting ingredients used in fillings.
Look for a cake designer who
specializes in wedding cakes. The
more wedding cake knowledge and
experience they have, the greater
the chance of a perfect cake.
close, and taste at least one sample
of their most popular wedding cake.
Shop around and compare. If you
have time, go to several establishments, taste the cakes, ask questions, and look at the designs.
Talk to the cake designer directly.
That way, you will have a better
chance of getting your ideas across
to the actual person who will create
the cake.
Before going to see the cake designer, do your homework. Check
out cake pictures in magazines and
on the Internet. Bring these pictures
to the appointment along with photos of your dress, swatches of your
colors, your invitation and any other
information that might be helpful in
designing the cake.
When you go to see the cake
designer, ask to see pictures of
cake ideas as well as a portfolio of
her own cake designs. If display
cakes are available, ask to see
them. A picture is not as telling as
an actual cake.
Ask friends and relatives for referrals. There is no substitute for firsthand experience.
Book the appointment with the
cake designer as soon as you know
the date of the wedding. Everyone
wants to get married between May
and September, and if you book
early, you will have a better chance
of getting the date you want. A year
in advance is not too early.
Go to bridal shows. You will have a
chance to see the display cakes up
If you want a fondant covered cake,
be sure you taste a sample of the
fondant used. Fondant can range from
delicious to really awful tasting depending on the brand.
Try to keep really dark colors like black
and red to a minimum. Huge amounts
of food coloring are needed to achieve
these dark colors, and they can be tasted
in the icing. This way, you can also
avoid having your guests smile back at
you with red and black teeth.
For smaller budgets, you can have a
smaller cake made, and then serve
additional sheet cakes to the guests.
The sheet cakes would be made with the
same recipe as the wedding cake, but it
would not be highly decorated, thereby
saving you a little money.
Small cakes can be made to appear
taller and grander by showcasing them
on a pedestal or higher cake base. You
can also stretch the size of the cake by
choosing a cake design with pillars
instead of a stacked cake. The space between the tiers can be filled with flowers
or other decorations.
Many couples choose to design
their cakes and even the
whole wedding according to a theme.
The theme could be
Fall, with fall colors
and leaves on the
cake; or a medieval theme with
a gown that looks
like it came from
the middle ages, and a
cake to match.
The cake, and especially the topper, can be designed to showcase
the interests of the bride and
groom. The cake could be topped
by a couple of skiers, or a couple
sitting on a stack of luggage, waiting to go on a far away trip.
Centerpiece Cakes specialize
in cakes that resemble flower
centerpieces that can sit in
the middle of the table until
ready to be cut. www.
centerpiececakes.net
109
your wedding
Eco-Chic:
Planning Your
Vegan Wedding
Does planning a wedding mean saying “I do” to silk dresses,
leather pumps, wool tuxes, and meaty hors d’oeuvres? Not
at all! Amy Cook of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals) shares her tips for throwing an all-vegan wedding.
Use alternatives to silk,
wool, and
leather
Walking down the aisle
in style (without harming
animals) is no problem.
Many bridal shops have
a variety of satin, linen,
and other vegan styles
available - you just
have to read the labels.
If you’re having a dress
made, you can have
silk styles reproduced in
satin, and men’s tuxedos
and suits are also readily available in cotton
instead of wool. Designers and retailers such
as Stella McCartney, Liz
Claiborne, Capezio, and
Sam & Libby offer some
of today’s hottest shoes and their products aren’t
made from leather.
Stick to your
guns
Be up front with everyone about your plan to
avoid products that come
from animals, and let
everyone know exactly
what those products are!
Your caterer may try to
talk you into a little something for all the meat-eaters. If you make it clear
from the start that you’re
not going to budge, then
you can avoid a few
awkward exchanges.
Trust me.
Come armed
with recipes.
Many people aren’t
lucky enough to have an
all-vegan caterer in their
city. This means you’ll
have to call up caterers
that serve meat, eggs,
and dairy foods and see
if they’re willing to create
an all-vegan menu for
you. Be prepared with
menu suggestions. Use
our guide www.vegcook-
110
ing.com/InviteElegantCateredCuisine for a little
inspiration.
Don’t settle
Unless you really, really
like vegetables, don’t
settle for a menu that
consists of marinated
vegetables, grilled vegetables, raw vegetables,
and stuffed vegetables.
There are endless possibilities for a gourmet
vegan meal, so find a
caterer who is willing to
be creative.
Pour some
sugar on me
When searching for a
wedding cake, you might
have to visit a traditional
bakery and ask it to create a vegan cake for you.
You’ll be surprised by the
number of bakeries that
will accommodate you.
D-I-Y.
The easiest way to
make sure that you’re
getting exactly what
you want is to make
it yourself. Again, our
vegan wedding menus
www.vegcooking.com/
InviteElegantCateredCuisine feature includes
recipes for all budgets
and tastes, and most of
the recipes are already
scaled for large crowds.
Almost any vegan cake
recipe can be used to
make a wedding cake.
Just take a decorating
class at a local bakery
or college and you’ll be
set. Also, be sure to ask
your reception venue if
self-catering is allowed.
(There may be an insurance or health code issue
for many places.)
For more information,
please visit PETA.org/
veganwedding
WINTER/SPRING 2010
Cocktail Collection
Above Left:
Begonia – One shoulder bodice with oversized bow
and T-length circle skirt in silk dupioni
Above:
Daisy - Scoop neckline with straps and T-length
pleated ballgown in silk dupioni; shown with silk satin
bow tie sash
Left:
Camilla – Boat neck bodice with cap sleeves and
cocktail length pencil skirt in silk dupioni
112
Cocktail Collection
Above Left:
Dahlia – Off the shoulder neckline with T-length,
A-line skirt shown with 4” sash in silk dupioni
Above:
Jasmine - Strapless dress with T-length pencil skirt
in silk dupioni. Neckline trimmed in silk satin with
back bow-tie detail
Left:
Lily - Spaghetti strap V-neck pleated bodice with
empire waist and T-length fluted skirt with uneven
hem in silk dupioni
113
Cocktail Collection
Above Left:
Peony – Spaghetti strap, scoop bodice with empire waist
and cocktail length gathered circle skirt in silk dupioni
Above:
Poppy –Sweetheart strapless neckline with cocktail
length gathered full skirt in silk dupioni; shown with
button sash
Left:
Viola – Round neckline with below-the-knee fluted
skirt in silk dupioni; shown with button sash
114
WINTER/SPRING 2010
real weddings
DeeBritt Schutz and Arturo Cortes
Ceremony: Holy Family Parish, Chicago
Reception: Prairie Production, Chicago
Photography: LaRae & Cory Lobdell, Lifework Images
Florist: Event Creative and Fifty Flowers
Gown: Dress & Veil
116
after your wedding
At Last...The Honeymoon!
With airline baggage fees having taken root, it’s never been more important for travelers to pack
strategically to avoid paying excess baggage fees. Here are some tips to help you get packing!
Avoid overpacking
by reconsidering every item you’re
thinking of taking along by counting the days you’re away. Ask
yourself, “Do I really need this?”
By scrutinizing whether each item
is a must-take, you might just cut
your packing in half.
Ladies love their shoes.
However, reduce the number of
shoes you may need by contemplating the actual need for
each footwear type. Wear your
heaviest shoes en route, like your
sneakers – which you may need
on your trip if you’re planning on
hoofing it to attraction sites, hiking or exploring the local towns.
It may be less convenient going
through security, but worth it in
space gained in your baggage.
If you’re leaving Chicago in
winter and landing in 90 degree temps, the key to traveling
is dressing in layers, layers, layers!
They will keep you warm during
departure and you’ll be good to
go once you land. Keep items
lightweight to easily fit into your
carry-ons. It’s also a good idea
to pack a pair of flip-flops in your
carry-on to change into once you
land on hot tarmacs!
Pack lightweight thermal underwear when traveling during
winter. It allows you to use the
same slacks and blouses you
would normally wear without the
bulk of sweaters so you can look
presentable while remaining warm.
Lightweight thermal underwear is
easy to take off in a rest room if
it gets too warm and it folds into
pocket size if silk weight.
118
Traveling to foreign countries
or other touristy spots means you
have to keep your belongings in
check the entire time. You may
be on cloud nine and on your
honeymoon but to others, you
may be a perfect target for theft.
Invest in a lightweight money belt
that can easily be hidden under
clothes. These don’t have to be
the cheesy nylon pouches; there
are some very fashionable designs available now. Bring jackets
and slacks that have plenty of
pockets and inner pockets so
you can carry documents and
money in separate places on you,
thus reducing theft and loss risk,
as well as inconvenience.
Take items that can easily be
washed and/or rinsed and dried
in your hotel room so you can
use again. Consider using hotel
or resort’s laundry facility.
Consider where you’re going.
The warmer it will be, the less
you’ll have to take, especially if
you’re planning on lounging on
a beach all day. And one pair of
jeans with a few multiple tops,
a sundress and a pair of cute
heeled-sandals takes care of your
evening attire for several days!
Use your drycleaner’s plastic
wraps or tissue paper around
pressed garments you’re packing
to minimize wrinkling in case you
are going somewhere remote and
irons aren’t available, but most
large hotels and resorts provide
irons and ironing boards.
119
your style
Avante
Garde
Headpieces by Arturo Rios
www.arturorios.com
120
Denise
Round Juliet made of Italian white/silver paillettes design with
black antique french veil; white ostrich and coque feathers $169
121
your style
Frand
Small Juliet with veil, topped with taffeta roses $98
122
123
your style
124
Christine
Headpiece made of small white sequins and
white, long coque feathers $165
125
126
WINTER/SPRING 2010
l ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
before your wedding
Surf Safely
for Your Sparkles:
Security tips for online shopping
Here, 10 tips from experts at www.identityfinder.
com to help you surf the web safely while shopping for your wedding jewelry:
1. Download Updates. Click “Update Now”
when you receive security updates from
Microsoft, Apple, and Adobe; Don’t avoid these
updates that arm you with the latest fixes before
starting to shop. Web application exploits are
very common now and can harm you if you simply go to a bad website.
2. Create Complex Passwords. Mix letter cases
and use at least seven characters when placing
an order online; Don’t choose a word; Passwords
are guessed very quickly by hacker programs.
3. Thwart Hackers. Use your wireless router’s
security features when surfing the web; Hackers
can use network sniffers to eavesdrop on you.
4. Use Onetime Credit Cards. Shop online
using a virtual credit card that expires after one
use; Don’t use your actual credit card numbers
on less familiar websites. Some websites masquerade as shops but really just steal your credit
card numbers.
5. Verify Secure Connections. Make sure the
padlock symbol in your browser’s status bar shows
that you have a secure connection when conducting online financial transactions; Don’t press
submit if there is no padlock at a store. Padlocks
represent an SSL connection, which protects any
information you send.
6. Check Your Credit. Visit annualcreditreport.
com often; Don’t wait until you receive a bill for a
credit card that isn’t really yours.
7. Lock Up Your Passwords. Use a password
manager to save all your passwords; Don’t save
passwords in your web browser without a master
password. Password managers encrypt all of your
passwords with a master password so you only
have to remember the one.
8. Enter Web Addresses Manually. Go directly to
a store’s website by typing its address into your
web browser manually; Don’t click on links from
an email message. These are known as phishing
attacks and are very common.
9. Shop From Your Terminal. Shop online using
your own computer, not a public computer at
a hotel or airport. Public computers can have
spyware that records your information as you
type it.
10. Communicate Securely. Call a business and
read them your credit card information if you trust
them; Don’t e-mail or instant message personal
information.
127
real weddings
Rachel Katzman and Gary Farr
Ceremony & Reception: Germania Place, Chicago
Photography: LaRae & Cory Lobdell, Lifework Images
Flowers: Bonnie Flower Shop, Inc.
Gown: Mori Lee
128
129
KAMILIA Sweetheart gown featuring delicate ruching and fabric roses along side.
Detachable train. Shown in Cream Pearl.
130
KATARINA Sweetheart neckline with
subtle ruching and inticate beaded band at
waistline. Shown in Cream Pearl.
131
MESSINA Twisted sweetheart neckline with ruching throughout the bodice.
Delicate beading at bust and hip. Shown in
Cream Pearl.
132
133
after your wedding
USA.gov
A Website You Should Know
You’re busy making
all the fun, albeit,
tedious plans for
your wedding day.
However, you must
not forget the legalities
of what comes with
joining names, properties, bank accounts
and other assets.
Www.usa.gov is a website everyone should
know about but can be an invaluable resource tool for newly married couples. It will help
guide you through the red tape of many
i-don’t-know-where-to-start issues such as:
• Changing your name
• Renewing/changing your driver’s license
• Marriage Certificates
• Marriage and citizenship information
• Marriage Records
• Spousal benefits
• Family Laws
• Changing your address
• Renewing/changing your passport
• Social security name change
• Marriage and divorce statistics
• State marriage laws
• Find federal forms
• Federal and state government programs
• Housing and loan information
• Money and tax information
• Info on marriage abroad for U.S. citizens
• Info on how to replace vital records
• And much, much more
You can also access this vital resource via
phone at the following toll-free number:
1-800-FED-INFO
134
Style. Sophistication. Service.
photo by artisan events, inc.
2132 west fulton street
by appointment only.
312.546.3044
www.fragrantdesign.com
135
real weddings
Janelle Romm and Mark Parslow
Ceremony & Reception: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios, Chicago
Photographer: gracefuleye photography
Florist: Nadine Horwitz
Gown: Alfred Angelo
136
137
before your wedding
The Pilates Method for Brides
Being the “perfect bride” is a role that many brides attempt to play but soon find that the fantasy is a tough
reality. Everything from checking things off the weekly wedding to-do list, to remembering to eat healthy
while sticking to the get-in-shape-for-the-dress workout regimen takes a toll on your body, mind and spirit.
The Roll Up. Start by lying down on your
back with your legs straight and on the floor.
Squeeze your inner thighs together. Lift your
arms straight up to the ceiling. Lift your head
and begin peeling your spine off the floor. Your
stomach should be scooped in throughout the
entire roll up. To make this exercise more challenging, slow it down. Take 10 counts to lower
and 10 counts to roll up. Repeat six to 10 times.
The Hug. Sit up tall with your legs crossed
(shin in front of shin). Lift the arms out to the
sides so that the hands are just slightly sloping
down from your shoulders. Imagine hugging a big
oak tree. Reach your arms out and around the
tree. Return to start. Repeat six to eight times.
L
ast summer, while Chicago
bride Jennifer Wainstein was
getting ready for her autumn
wedding at the Standard Club,
her schedule left her feeling like she
needed a body-double to get everything
done. In addition, she chose a fitted
strapless gown that would showcase her
upper back, arms and stomach.
Jen quickly realized she needed not
only some time to relax, but a weekly
fitness routine to look her best on her big
day. This is where Pilates is beneficial;
it gives you the best of both worlds. So,
Jen slowed down her hectic schedule
with Pilates sessions twice a week. “So
many things were running through my
head during the day I just needed a
‘me hour,’” exclaimed Jen. “I was able
to totally zone out, get into Pilates mode
and in the process, transform my body.”
Many brides tend to crash diet,
which is incredibly unhealthy, or try to
commit to a rigorous workout schedule
that they won’t be able to actually stick
to for many obvious reasons. However,
Pilates is the perfect pre-wedding workout as it not only slims your physique,
138
but it also helps calm and quiet the
mind. It’s a total body experience.
Pilates worked for Jen because it
toned her arms and shoulders without
making her look bulky. Most women
love the way Pilates changes their
silhouette since the maneuvers give
the body a long lean look. Every Pilates
move incorporates some type of strength
movement and stretch movement. This
way the muscles never stay contracted
and never have the chance to bulk.
The Pilates Method, composed of
over 400 different exercises, is done with
precision and low repetition, ultimately
relieving the mind of whether or not the
wedding program was double, triple
and quadruple-checked! While doing
Pilates, the mind is forced to focus on the
body’s movements and breathing as a
form of meditation. For stressful brides,
this differs from mindless exercises
(since they ARE mindless) which, in
turn, makes them hard to stick to.
Below are five Pilates maneuvers
that can help transform your stomach,
shoulders, arms, chest and back for a
knock-out body on your wedding day:
Leg Pull Up or Reverse Plank. Sit on
your bottom with your legs extended out in front
of you. Bring your hands approximately five
inches behind your bottom. Fingers can either
point toward your legs or out to the sides. Lift
your bottom off the ground. Bend your elbows
and then push up. Perform three sets of 10.
The Pilate Push-Up. Assume the standard
push-up position, face down onto your hands
and toes. Heels are squeezing together. Hands
are directly under the shoulders. Elbows bend
into your sides and then straighten the arms.
Don’t let the elbows open out to the sides. This
is a triceps push up. Make sure that the lower
back does not sink. Stomach is scooped in.
Perform three sets of four.
Swimming. Lay down on your stomach.
Extend your arms over your head. Lift arms and
legs off the ground. Lift the right arm and left
leg highest. Now switch. Perform five to 10 on
each side with a total of 10 to 20.
Alana Reed (www.AlanaReedPilates.
com) works with clients nationwide
to strengthen core abdominal and
lower back muscles. Alana has a
Masters Degree from The Columbia
University of Social Work and was
certified in the Pilates method by
Romana Kryzanowska, the world’s
leading Pilates instructor.
139
your wedding
Call the Concierge
Planning on having your wedding at a hotel? Don’t overlook the
advantages of using the concierge. Here, some tips from the experts.
Make contact with the concierge before you check in for your
wedding. The concierge will
be involved in everything from
handling floral deliveries to locating emergency seamstresses,
etc. Many hotels host several
weddings per weekend during the
season; by establishing a relationship with the concierge staff, you
will ensure that they will provide
you more personalized service.
Ask your hotel catering manager
to supply the concierge/front desk
staff with headshots of you and
your wedding party. Have them
post these photos (with names) in
prominent places so that everyone
is aware of who you are when you
finally arrive. Instant recognition!
Turn to the concierge for help
during emergencies. You’d be
astonished at the hundreds of
emergency items (including simple
wedding bands and faux diamond
engagement rings) the concierge
keeps on hand.
Grooms: Turn to the concierge for creative ideas on how
to propose to your girlfriend!
Concierges have great contacts
with the city’s best jewelers that
will ensure you top quality for
that elegant engagement ring at
a fair price.
Ask the concierge for help with
your honeymoon plans. The
concierge can use the Clefs d’Or
network to open doors for you,
like room upgrades and prime
seating at that perfect restaurant.
Don’t be shy about telling
people it’s your wedding
or honeymoon. This is your
one chance to get the royal
treatment. And everyone loves a
bride and groom.
Excerpted from the book from
former Four Seasons concierges
Nancy Hart and Abby Callahan,
“Great Reservations.”
Here Comes The Bride...
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140
141
your wedding
Videography: Mistakes to Avoid!
With technology changing constantly and countless options to explore, it’s crucial that you know what questions to ask in order to make informed decisions, avoid the pitfalls and perfect your videography. The quality
of the videography can make or break how you recall your memories. Here’s what to avoid:
Not Using Multiple Cameras.
Too few videographers use dual cameras. In doing so, the videographer
can capture multiple perspectives simultaneously and better tell the story.
For example, they can capture both
the bride walking down the aisle AND
the groom’s reaction all at the same
time - two separate emotions not to be
missed!
tion. This option also provides more
channels for capturing top quality audio, the best sound mix and retouching
is also an option. In addition, HD provides widescreen video imaging, and
eliminates the appearance of black
bars with standard definition view.
Inside Tip: There should be no extra
charge for HD, so avoid companies
that do.
High Definition
Standard Definition
Inside Tip: Many videographers
cut corners by only having one HD
camera rather than two. Be sure BOTH
cameras are HD otherwise the clarity
and quality will be inconsistent!
Not Going High Definition.
Odds are that if you don’t already own
a large, flat-screen television you soon
will. By going HD, couples ensure their
videos are the absolute best quality
and avoid limited clarity and pixila-
142
Not Understanding High Definition
Technology.
Making sure that you are truly getting the highest quality HD shooting
sounds simple, but we know it can get
quite confusing if you don’t know the
particulars. For the highest quality
and clarity, you must have HD footage
prior to uploading into an HD format.
For example - you must shoot in HD,
then burn onto a blu-ray disc.
Inside Tip: Some videographers shoot
in standard definition and burn onto a
blu-ray disc - this is not truly HD! Make
sure to know the difference so you
aren’t tricked.
Not Chatting With Your Videographer
A Week In Advance.
It’s important to discuss all details with
your videographer well before the
big day, so check in one week prior
so that instructions are fresh. Don’t be
afraid; discuss ALL your expectations
and if you have specific requests,
express them clearly - it’s your big day
remember! This is especially important for locations such as churches,
synagogues, mosques and chapels
that may have specific areas that
cannot be filmed. You don’t want any
unwelcome surprises!
Not Requesting Multiple DVD Formats.
It’s only a matter of time until you
have a blu-ray player. Make sure you
get your wedding video on an HD
blu-ray disc, as well as a standard
definition DVD. This is important to
enable your video to maintain top
quality and clarity for the future! (You
want to be able to relive the day over
and over right?)
Inside Tip: There should be no additional charge to obtain copies in both formats.
For additional information, visit
George Street Photo and Video at
www.georgestreetpv.com. Good luck
with your wedding planning!
1/6
143
after your wedding
Riviera Nayarit:
Mexico’s Pacific
Treasure Where fairytale meets reality, excitement meets
relaxation, and your today meets your forever. Whether
it’s to tie the knot or to escape to your fantasy honeymoon,
Riviera Nayarit is the perfect destination.
S
144
urrounded by beautiful
variety of mouth watering flavors from
backdrops, such as the Pacific
Frida, for fine Mexican dining; Lucca,
waters of the southwestern
for delicious Italian Mediterranean
coast and the endless
Specialties; and Piaf, for its traditional
stretches of golden sandy beaches,
French cuisine. Also, enjoy an
Rivera Nayarit, welcomes guests from
oceanfront dining experience at Azul.
all parts of the world. Choosing where
to stay in paradise isn’t always easy. To
as you take a journey to a world
experience everything you desire for
of relaxation at the hands of a
your perfect getaway, The Grand Velas
professional therapist in the spa or at
All Suites & Spa Resort, Four Season
an oceanfront cabana. Cool down and
Resort in Punta Mita, and the St. Regis
unwind with a refreshing cocktail at the
resort are ideal choices.
swim up Aqua Bar.
Grand Velas All Suites
Four Seasons Resort
& Spa Resort
Celebrate your day in the luxurious
Discover a world of luxury in one of the
seclusion of a private isthmus edged
most exquisite and extraordinary resorts
in miles of pristine sand and turquoise
in the Mexican Pacific Riviera. Grand
ocean. Perched along the warm Pacific
Velas Resort, located on Banderas Bay,
coast or nestled among 10 rolling
is truly an “experience that seduces
hectares (26 acres) of lush tropical
your senses.”
grounds, the accommodations at Four
Seasons Resort Punta Mita include 173
Rejuvenate in one of the 267
Allow your cares to melt away
one, two, or three bedroom suites,
guest rooms, including 32 suites, which
all offering private terraces and
are grouped in tile-roofed Mexican-
spectacular ocean views.
style casitas. Breathtaking views of
white-sand beaches, the glittering
Indulge in the finest gourmet
dining experience at any of the five star
waters of Bahía de Banderas and the
restaurants within the resort. Sample the
mountains that surround Punta Mita all
145
after your wedding
less than an hour from Puerto
Vallarta.
Sample the fine cuisines
of the Four Season’s deluxe
restaurants: Bahia, Aramara, Tail
of the Whale, and Ketsi featuring
modern interpretations of Mexican
classics by world-renowned chef
Richard Sandoval.
Experience The Apuane Spa The word apuane means “healing waters,” and it is around this
concept that the Apuane Spa was
created – as a tranquil oasis where
the cares of the world are left behind. The spa offers a full range of
treatments designed to encourage
relaxation, renewal and recharging. Unwind in the serene environment centered on a sun-drenched
courtyard. The signature healing
waters treatment takes place under
a multi-head Vichy shower while
two therapists work in unison to
massage away stress. Share in the
tranquility of the spa treatments
at one of three completely private
outdoor locations throughout the
resort as well.
146
Regis Butler Service stands ready
Nayarit, excitement and adven-
St. Regis Punta de Mita
to attend to every need with dis-
ture reside around every corner. The St. Regis Punta de Mita
creet precision.
Vallarta Adventures, Mexico’s
Resort is located in the best ad-
premier adventure company, will
dress of Riviera Nayarit, in Punta
variety of choices from the Sea
treat you to an unforgettable expe-
Mita, with an exceptional setting
Breeze’s Californian influence to
rience. Spend the day swimming
directly beachfront. A destina-
refined seafood in the intimate at-
and snorkeling with dolphins and
tion of romance and mystique, the
mosphere of the Carolina gourmet
sea lions. Kayak through crystal
splendid resort reflects the very
restaurant to Mexican specialties
clear waters. Horseback or hike
essence of its heritage. The ad-
served daily at the heart of the
through the scenic trails. Jet ski-
dress is the experience.
resort at the Las Marietas located
ing, surfing, and parasailing are
at the family pool. Relax at the
a just a few of the other countless
Resort offers service beyond
Remede Spa or at either of the two
activities to fill your day.
expectation. The beach front
championship golf courses.
suites invite with private pool and
ation at your finger tips, look no
Jacuzzi to a romantic experience
ful area, the chance of becoming
further than Riviera Nayarit to
of the sunset. The celebrated St.
bored is unheard of. In Riviera
begin your happily ever after.
The St. Regis Punta Mita
Three restaurants offer a
While staying in this beauti-
With excitement and relax-
Spectacular
Indoors and Out!
Let Silver Lake bring your wedding to
life with outdoor ceremony sites and
Garden Rooms that offer unparalleled
breathtaking panoramic views of beautiful
prairie gardens, flowerbeds and gazebo.
Thousands of lights will illuminate
your evening as guests enjoy our private
outdoor gardens complete with bistro
tables and waterfall.
Give us a call today and experience
the beauty of Silver Lake.
14700 S. 82ND AVENUE
•
ORLAND PARK, IL
•
708.349.6940
•
WWW.SILVERLAKECC.COM
147
your wedding
Wedding Photo Don’ts:
Photography expert Dan Creviston of George Street Photo & Video shares some
commonly made mistakes to avoid in order to ensure flawless photo results.
synagogues, mosques and chapels
may have specific areas that cannot
be photographed. You don’t want any
unwelcome surprises!
1. Not carefully choosing your
photographer
Before choosing your photographer,
5. Shooting at high noon
The sun is shining, the sky is bright,
take time to review their portfolio.
Studios should provide album
3. Not creating a photo “wish list”
but what you may think is a perfect
examples to review before you
Have you always dreamed of a
time to shoot is far from it. High noon
make your choice. If the studio
romantic photo on top of a hill, in
sunlight creates harsh shadows on the
does not allow you to choose your
the middle of a field, or on a median
face and doesn’t cast you in the best
photographer, quickly move on!
along a busy street? Show pictures
light – wait until the afternoon.
in magazines, old family photos, or
any other visual to convey this to
your photographer. From there, your
wedding photographer should make
your “wish list” happen.
2. Not meeting with your photographer
a week in advance
It’s important to discuss everything in
detail with your photographer prior to
6. Sweaty, shiny photos
the wedding day - don’t be afraid to
Of course it will happen - standing
be up-front about your expectations.
Do your check in one week prior to
4. Taking only stiff, posed pictures
close together in full formal gear can
the wedding so all instructions are
Every album must have formal photos
turn up body temperature. But don’t
fresh in the photographer’s memory.
of the wedding party, but it’s important
let shiny faces and (eek!) sweaty
If you have specific requests, ideas
to have shots in a more relaxed setting
armpits take away from the special
to explore, or important don’ts to
– whether on the dance floor doing the
occasion. Be prepared with powder,
cover, express them. This is especially
electric slide or strolling around the
antiperspirant, deodorant and paper
important because churches,
reception.
towels!
148
7. Not scheduling enough time for
the photo sessions and driving time
It takes time to shoot pictures of
the entire family, arrive at several
different shoot locations and get
all of those perfect shots. Allot
extra time for photography! As a
plan of attack, get the large group
shots finished first, starting with
children and the elderly. Next,
take pictures with the families and
bridal party. Lastly, spend some
alone time with your man and
the camera, while the impatient
herd heads towards the cocktail
hour. After all, it is your day!
8. Badly positioned hands and feet
After several shots, you and your
wedding party may become
antsy – tapping fingers, leaning
on one foot and fidgeting. It is
important that your photographer
works with you to keep everyone
photogenic, focused and above
everything else – comfortable.
You’ve dreamt about it your entire life, now let us create memories
that will last a lifetime with the Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Alsip.
Celebrate your special occasion in one of our three spacious and elegant ballrooms
that can accommodate receptions up to 450.
We can also assist with Ceremonies, Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, and
Accommodations for Out of Town Guests.
Weddings are made to be unique, we invite you to share your ideas with our
Wedding Specialist and together we will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Alsip
5000 West 127th Street
Alsip, IL 60803
708-272-4212
www.chicagoalsip.doubletree.com
“Wishing you a lifetime of sweet
dreams and warm cookies”
9. Missing the small moments
There are signature special
moments in a wedding – the
bride and groom’s first kiss, the
first dance between a father and
new bride, the garter ceremony
and cutting of the cake. But small
moments - such as the flower girl
smiling from the pew, a proud
moment between the mother and
father, grandma on the dance
floor – cannot be missed!
10. Stopping photographs before
the reception is over
Many couples want to turn the
cameras off at 9 p.m., but some
of the most memorable and
interesting photos happen when
the party really gets going. Keep
shooting! The best photos happen
when the party really gets going.
Keep shooting!
149
after the wedding
Trash, Treasure or Trade-in?
What to do with your gown after the wedding?
S
well as a photo of someone actually
wearing the dress. This gives the dress
more personality and a more realistic
look for the buyer.
Find a reputable listing site. It should
aptly showcase your gown, attract the
right type of buyer for your dress and
provide customer support and expert
advice.
Discount the gown 30-70%. Exact pricing will depend on the condition,
time of year and the popularity of the
gown. Don’t forget about the option of
consigning in a store llike whiteCHICAGO, where brides can come try on
and inspect the gown after they have
viewed it online.
aving or preserving your gown
seemed to be the tradition of
the past and the most common
option. Trashing it, as was the trend not
too long ago, seems just wrong. How
about finding a middle ground and
consigning or selling it? Here’s how:
Reveal all imperative information. Be
as honest and descriptive as possible
when describing your gown. The more
detailed information you provide, the
better qualified and interested buyers
you will have contacting you.
Include a photograph, or two, or
three…
Make sure that the gown stands out,
not the cluttered closet it is propped in
front of. Make sure to include a photo
of the back, front and any detailing as
For more tips and information, please
visit WhiteXchange.com where you
can sell your gown online or consign it
at the retail location of whiteCHICAGO
in River North.
Personalized Wedding and Party Favors
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Gourmet Chocolates
Over 500 Varieties
Corporate Gifts
Candy Buffets
Ice Cream
Balloons
150
WINTER/SPRING 2010
your wedding
A Perfect Reception
sen with as much care as the reception
site and your gown.
Before meeting with the caterer,
make a list of questions you’ll likely want
to ask. Find out if the caterer has ever
worked at the site you’ve chosen. Know
whether you will want a set menu or not,
sit-down dinner or buffet – although buffets aren’t always cheaper than sit-down
dinners.
If you’re trying to keep the cost
down, remember that in-season foods
cost less than out-of-season foods. Never
choose a caterer on cost alone; some
caterers work within a couple’s budget.
If you’re having trouble finding a caterer
or have a favorite local restaurant, ask
the restaurant management if they cater
off-site.
Some sites have a list of their own
catering companies that work with them,
so if you definitely have a caterer you
want to work with, keep that in mind
152
Continued from Page 76
when choosing the site. Restaurants,
hotels, country clubs and most yachts
provide their own catering services.
Now that you’ve done your homework and narrowed your choices, here
are a few things to consider in keeping
your costs down.
Banquet and catering managers
can’t quote specific prices until they
know the details of the reception, but
knowing the following could keep your
budget down.
Dinner receptions cost more than
those earlier in the day, and busier
months (May-October) command higher
prices than off-peak months. Some facilities offer discounted prices in the off-peak
months to attract receptions.
The type of food will affect the price.
Prime rib and lobster or baked potatoes
and chicken?
An open bar costs more than a cash
bar or even a limited bar (usually offer-
ing just wine, been and pop).
Obviously the number of guests will
affect the cost of the reception, but often
the more unusual sites don’t have tables
and chairs, which will have to be rented.
At halls with on-site catering, you’ll be
given a per-person price.
Friday night and Sunday receptions
cost less than Saturday receptions, as
do lunch buffets or brunches instead of
formal dinners.
Use in-season flowers, and to get
even more out of your money, use them
at both the ceremony and the reception.
Make your own party favors.
Serve the wedding cake as dessert.
Typically, one site will stand out
above the rest. Beyond all the practical
concerns, you’ll know when you’ve found
the right place (Isn’t that what you said to
yourself when you met him?).
After all, who is the celebration really for, anyway? It’s probably the first
decision that a new couple will make
together that will remain with them for
the rest of their married lives.
Preserve your memories...
Have your wedding gown
cleaned and heirloomed at
3000 N. Broadway, Chicago
(773) 348-5510
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153
Welcome To The Chicago
Bride Yellow Pages
Chicagoland’s Best Guide to Local Wedding Services
BAKERIES, CATERING & Beverages
Phone
Website Bonsoiree
773-486-7511
www.bon-soiree.com
Chicago Chocolate Fountain
708-544-5600
www.chicagochocolatefountain.com
Famous Dave’s BBQ
815-926-2037
www.famouscatering.com 153
Sharon’s Custom Designed Cakes
708-672-6722
www.sharonscakes.com 160
Sweet Street Candies and Goodies
630-627-8510
13
8
www.sweetstreetcandies.com
150
Veuve Clicquot
www.veuve-clicquot.com
67
BEAUTY & HEALTH
Phone
Website Jerome M. Usheroff, DDS
312-565-0014
www.usheroffdds.com
3
Medicis Aesthetics
866-222-1470
www.restylaneusa.com
117
CEREMONY & RECEPTION SITES
154
Page
Page
Phone
Website Aberdeen Manor
219-465-7130
www.aberdeenmanor.com
73
The Allerton Hotel
312-440-1500
www.theallertonhotel.com Covers
The Ambassador East Hotel
973-331-8171 ext 16
www.ambassadoreasthotel.com
46, 47
Ashton Place
630-789-3337
www.ashtonplace.com Ashyana Banquets
630-964-7090
www.ashyanabanquets.com
Boulder Ridge Country Club
847-854-3000
www.boulderridge.com 141
Chateau Bu-Sche’
708-371-6400
www.chateaubusche.com 11
Concorde Banquets
847-438-0025
www.concordebanquets.com 71
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
312-427-3800
www.congressplazahotel.com 51
Crowne Plaza Chicago - Northbrook
847-298-2525
www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi
49
DiNolfo’s Banquets - Mokena
708-479-1919
33
DiNolfo’s Banquets - Homer Glen
708-645-1900
33
Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Alsip
708-371-7300
www.chicagoalsip.doubletree.com 149
Doubletree Chicago North Shore
847-679-7000
www.doubletree.hilton.com 57
European Crystal Banquet & Conference Center
847-437-5590
www.europeancrystalbanquets.com 7
Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center
847-298-3636
www.fountainblue.com
4
Gage Marine/Lake Geneva Cruise Line
262-245-5501
www.gagemarine.com
129
Georgios
708-403-1100
www.georgios.com Glendale Lakes Golf Club
630-260-0095
www.glendalelakes.com Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore
847-679-8900
www.hiskokie.com
Italian Village
312-332-7005
www.italianvillage-chicago.com The Lodge at Geneva Ridge
800-225-5558
www.genevaridge.com 143
Manzo’s Banquets
847-593-2233
www.manzosbanquets.com 83
Meson Sabika
630-983-3563
www.mesonsabika.com
39
Michelle’s Ballroom
773-478-1828
www.michellesballroom.com
129
Milan Banquet Hall
847-578-9000
www.chicagomilan.com
139
Page
41
9
139,157
155
91
69, 81
• Digital negatives free
• Internet posting
• Unlimited Shooting
• No waiting or qualifying
orders needed
• True cinematography
video production
• Digital flush mount
Custom Albums
• Flexible Payments
Fine Art, Reasonably Priced Since 1982
815-540-1757
www.rbphotography.net • info@rbcorporate.com
155
yellow pages
Monastero’s
773-588-2515
www.monasteros.com Navy Pier Chicago
312-595-5300
www.navypier.com Nikos Restaurant
708-496-0300
www.nikosrestaurant.com 141
The Nineteenth Century Club
708-386-2729
www.19thcenturyclub.com 157
Norwood Park Historical Society
773-631-4633
www.norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org 160
Patrick C. Haley Mansion
815-726-6800
www.patrickhaleymansion.com 19
Red Roof Inn Chicago Downtown
312-787-3580
www.redroof.com
135
Renaissance Chicago North Shore
847-498-6500
www.renaissancechicagons.com 149
Rialto Square Theatre
815-726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com 133
Seasons of Long Grove
847-634-9150
www.seasonsoflonggrove.com 63
Silver Lake Country Club
708-349-6940
www.silverlakecc.com 147
Stafford’s Hospitality
231-347-4000
www.staffords.com 87
“The Barn” at Arabian Knights Farm
The Grand Ballroom Joliet Union Station
630-327-7399
815-727-1200
www.akfentertainment.com www.jolietunionstation.com 150
43
The Seville
The Stonegate
630-289-4500
847-884-7000
www.theseville.com
www.thestonegate.com 15
23
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
312-588-8000
www.trumpchicagohotel.com
5
Villa Nova
630-832-8430
www.villanovabanquets.com 28, 29
Westin Lombard -Yorktown Center
630-719-8029
www.westin.com/lombard
127
White Eagle
847-647-0660
www.whiteeaglebanquets.com
127
William Tell Banquets
708-352-1101
www.williamtellbanquets.com 147
Winnetka Community House
847-965-4094
www.wchrentals.org 143
Wyndham Glenview Suites
847-759-7601
www.wyndhamglenviewsuiteshotel.com
53
Yanni’s Greek Restaurant
847-952-1111
www.yannis-restaurant.com
65
CLERGY & COUNSELING
Phone
Website Family Bridges
877-41 BRIDGE
www.familybridgeschicago.org
77
First Presbytryian Church of Itasca
630-773-9606
www.fpitasca.org
157
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
773-248-8288
www.lppchurch.org
119
Phone
Website Page
123
ENTERTAINMENT
Page
Downtime Band
314-335-7409
www.downtimeband.com Gentlemen of Leisure Band
773-233-0174
www.gentlemenofleisureband.com 93
Rat Pack Jazz
630-202-4887
www.ratpackjazz.com
159
Phone
Website Page
FASHION, APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
AdvantageBridal.com
www.advantagebridal.com
89
Barry Regent Cleaners
773-348-5510
www.barryregentcleaners.com 153
Nicholas Joseph Custom Tailors
312-895-1577
www.customsuitsyou.com
133
Robin Elliott, Ltd.
847-470-9400
www.robinelliottltd.com
125
Special Occasions
847-202-5253
web.mac.com/specialoccasionsinc 137
Phone
Website Page
Bonnie Flower Shops
773-588-2040
www.bonnieflowers.com 107
Countryside Flower Shop
800-339-8130
www.countrysideflowershop.com 159
Crystal Flower Shop
773-247-6117
www.crystalflowershop.com
125
Fragrant Design
773-636-4128
www.fragrantdesign.com
135
I Love Speaking Roses, Inc.
815-277-2266
www.ilovespeakingroses.com
119
M&M Special Events
630-871-9999
www.mmspecialevents.com
Mosquito Squad
800-799-8326
www.mosquitosquad.com
FLORISTS, DÉCOR & OUTDOOR SERVICES
156
140
Covers
6
111
1/4
157
yellow pages
Westgate Flowers
GIFTS & FAVORS
708-386-0072
www.westgateflowers.com 155
Phone
Website Page
AdvantageBridal.com
www.advantagebridal.com
89
847-202-5253
web.mac.com/specialoccasionsinc
137
Phone
Website Page
Little Shop of Papers
847-382-7733
n/a
140
Matrix Press
847-885-7076
www.matrix-press.com
137
Phone
Website Page
847-571-0110
www.24karatchef.com
137
Special Occasions
INVITATIONS
PERSONAL CHEFS
24 Karat Chef
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Phone
Website Page
Chicago Videoworks
847-498-6360
www.chicagovideoworks.com 152
George Street Photo & Video
866-831-4103
www.georgestreetpv.com 161
Modern Image Studios
800-977-8863
www.modernimagestudios.com 160
Phillip Chung Photography, Inc.
773-308-5798
www.fotobyphil.com
159
R.B. Photography & Video
815-540-1757
www.rbphotography.net
155
VAMP by Kim Shokouhi Photography
224-676-0604
www.VAMPphoto.com
79, 151
Video Infinity
847-323-0475
www.video-infinity.com
150
Yamashiro Studio
312-226-1114
www.yamashirostudio.com
153
Phone
Website Amm’s Limousine
773-792-1126
www.ammslimo.com Chicago Rolls Royce Limo & Trolley
312-404-8182
www.chicagoweddingtransportation.com 123
Make a Memory Limousine, Inc.
847-699-9977
www.makeamemorylimo.com 115
United Limousine & Sedan Services, Inc.
800-331-9037
www.united-limoservice.com
134
Phone
Website Page
815-337-3422
www.ambrosiavilla.com
101
Phone
Website Page
847-323-9442
www.thegreataffair.com
147
TRANSPORTATION
TRAVEL
Ambrosia Villa
WEDDING CONSULTANTS
The Great Affair
Chicago Bride Magazine
Requests the honor of your presence at our
exclusive bridal planning events:
The Navy Pier Bridal Fashion Show & Expo
at the Crystal Gardens
Sunday, April 18, 2010 and Sunday, October 17, 2010
Admission to our events is free. For tickets and more information
go to www.ChicagoBrideMagazine.com
158
Page
Covers
Unique
Traditional
Exquisite
Styles that bring it all together!
Complete your wedding with
floral designs that make your
dreams come true…
Call for your FREE
consultation today!
Serving the Chicagoland
area for 50 years!
Countryside
Flower Shop & Nursery
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
www.countrysideflowershop.com
800-339-8130
159
160
WINTER/SPRING 2010
real weddings
Janet Lee and Robert Mandell
Location of ceremony & reception: The Mandevilla, Lake Michigan family beach house
Gown: VWidon
Florist: Michaelangelo Events
Photography: Resolved Photography
Music: Poi Dog Pondering
162

Chicago Bride Magazine

Transcription

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