Events by Liven It Up

New Blog Post on Gina & Tony's Website

2012-02-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Check out this great feature at a wedding Anthony did last year at Hotel Allegro! The blog post is on Gina & Tony (the photographer's) website! Check it out!!

Gina & Tony's Website!

Wedding Featured on Martha Stewart!!!

2011-12-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to hear that Mindy + Matt, who were married on August 28th, this year, were going to be featured on Martha Stewart Weddings!

Check out the blog about them and the wedding! It was an amazing team of folks who came together to make this all possible!!

Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie

Rentals: Tablescapes

Videography: Megan Taylor of Fig Media

Catering: Limelight Catering

Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design

Event Design: Jesse Deckard of Event Creative

Stationery: Lady Fingers Letterpress

Calligraphy (for day-of paperie): Diane Daly

Hair: Arianna Puljic of Tricoci Salon; Tigerlilie Salon

Makeup: Brianna Thompson of Elysian Spa; Tigerlilie Salon

Locations: K.A.M. Isaiah Israel; Cafe Brauer

Entertainment: Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band; Maggie Speaks

Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: The Latest Real Weddings -- Martha Stewart Weddings

Great Feature on Liven It Up Events!

2011-11-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

There was a great feature on Anthony and Liven It Up this week at i-love-you-too.com. Check it out! Click the link below to read all about it!!

Link to Vendor Spotlight on I Love You Too.com

Somthing Old, Something New, A Wedding at A New Leaf

2011-10-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

It never gets old as both Anthony & Sally have done nearly 100 weddings at A New Leaf in Chicago. Every time both of us walk in the space, it just feels like home. Laurie and the crew at A New Leaf always greet us with a smile and hug! As the tree of life gets built on the back table and the caterer is trucking tables up on the balcony and chairs are being set in The Apartment, it just is on of the most perfect places to host a wedding.

Here are a couple of images that Anthony took from our last wedding there.

Guests were invited upstairs to The Apartment for the ceremony. The over sized candelabras and green plants at the base set the front of the room.

Everyone moved out into the garden for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. It's a magical place that garden at A New Leaf. You almost can not even hear the cars on the street. It's the perfect setting for a cocktail party.

We moved into the Storefront and Mezzanine for dinner services, which was put together with perfection by the team at J&L Catering.

It was such a great wedding, with Dolce Strings getting our bride and groom down the aisle, Toast & Jam filling the space with music throughout the rest of the evening, Keith Cotton Photography keeping up with all of the photo ops, Sarah's baking the cake, and of course, amazing florals by the team at A New Leaf.

Style Me Pretty Featured a Wedding of Ours!!!

2011-09-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

Anthony & Julie had such a great time working with Tiffany & Eric and their wonderful families! With a great team of vendors, we pulled off a day that will be remembered! Check out the blog post on Style Me Pretty!

Link to Style Me Pretty

What A Little Lighting Can Do!

2011-09-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

It seems to come up, more and more, that most of the couples we work with, are more interested in lighting. What does lighting do to a room? I always think it adds an element of drama to the room. It definitely takes on a different feel for the space. Check out a couple of weddings where lighting truly transforms the space.

In the photos below, all photos were taken by Anthony Navarro with Liven It Up Events via his iPhone (which he LOVES) and lighting and fabric draping provided by Deborah Weisenhaus with Art of Imagination.

This was a lounge that we created at the MCA Warehouse in the West Loop for a Wedding. Don't be fooled. You can take an old pie factory and turn it into a wedding venue. As I was telling my Grandmother about this wedding, she asked, "Where is the factory?" And I told her, "Hubbard & Wood." She said, "Well I'll be darned, that is where MY mother and I used to buy pies." 65 Years ago my grandmother was buying pies and this year, my team and I were running a wedding there!

The Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, for a wedding ceremony. This was a beautiful wedding and was featured on Style Me Pretty!

Zhou B. Brothers Art Center for a Wedding Ceremony. This is a gorgeous gallery on the south side that is a really cool space that can be transformed in many ways by using different colored lighting.

Chicago Executive Airport for a Fundraiser for The Illinois Eye Bank. Yes, this is an airport hanger!!! And the funny story about this was the planes arrived 2 hours before the event began. We could not set up anything until they arrived! Lets talk about moving fast!!! (Thanks Deborah... you and your team made this come together!!)

Below is a really amazing transformation from sunset dinner to evening dancing at the Westin in Itasca.

Before Dinner

After Dinner

Below is one of the most drastic changes we have ever done to a room. We started with a Banquet Room and turned it into something fun, funky, and loungy!! It took all day to do, but came out amazing! Interesting story about this place, my aunt and uncle were married in the same room, 20 years ago! I guess it pays to have roots where you work!

Before

After

It's amazing what a little lighting can do!

Cafe Brauer in August with Liven It Up Events!

2011-08-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

We found ourselves all over the city this summer, beginning at Cafe Brauer and ending at Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo! At the beginning of the month, we celebrated Jeremy & Rachel's wedding at Cafe Brauer! It was a beautiful day and we had the chance to work with Molly with Entertaining Company who plated a fabulous 2 course dinner, Candice Cusic Photography who captured the entire day, Rachel with Toast & Jam Deejays who kept the party going all night, gorgeous florals by Clint with Revel & a tasty and elegant cake by Mary with Take the Cake! Beautifully played with DIY elements along with an elegant color scheme and with an AMAZING video presentation put together by the Groom with Frost providing the equipment, even though it rained a little that day, it was still a memorable occasion for all of the guests!

Just this past weekend we were able to celebrate with another couple at Cafe Brauer. This time, we saw cocktail hour happen at the Flamenco Pond with live blue grass music from Rank Entertainment. Later, the guests were brought to the Great Hall where Limelight Catering brought an amazing meal to the tables, styled by our bride. Working along side Jesse with Event Creative to bring the vision to life, the farm style tables were adored with all vintage cut crystal vases, glassware, and base plates. Custom linens and hanging chandeliers and fabric from the ceiling adored the room and made it look stunning. Many DIY items from our bride on this wedding! She did an amazing job with all of the details!! The day was captured by the amazing Olivia Leigh Photography & Fig Media. Maggie Speaks kept the crowd on the dance floor all evening, and Amy Beck, with Amy Beck Cake Designs served up a delicious cake!
Another stunning wedding at Cafe Brauer!

Unique Chicago Wedding Venues!

2011-06-30T13:02:00.001-07:00

A question that we get asked so much is where do you find all of these cool venues. We thought we could One of the things that Liven It Up Events is known for is working in some unique spaces for weddings and events. We thought we should show off some of the locations for you to give some ideas on what to do in the spaces. Take a look!!!

The Ivy Room
Tucked away just off Michigan Avenue, The Ivy Room is a great space for either a sit down dinner or fun cocktail soiree!

The Newberry Library
A traditional look, The Newberry Library is a great choice of venue for a great combination of modern and tranditional looks. The opera style chairs and tables are included in the rental!

Prairie Productions
This is an all white, totally modern space with the hanging lanterns that come with it! Super cool to do a sit down dinner or a cocktail style reception. We are here a ton and know both styles work!

Salvage One
The coolest antique store in the city rents out the space for events. Dates are really difficult to book but when you get it, you get to use whatever furniture including tables and chairs that are in inventory! Awesome space and the garden outback is super urban!

Stan Mansion
On the boulevard in Logan Square, Stan Mansion is a historic landmark. It has the grandiose effect when you walk into the main space. The cool thing about this space is there is a main room for the reception and a bar room on the same floor for cocktails or lounge!

Loft on Lake
Looking for a loft for the wedding in the West Look? Loft on Lake is a super cool as it doubles as a photography studio and event space on the weekends. With some beautful chandeliers mixed into the urban loft setting, it is a super cool space to throw a party or to get married in!

The Irish Heritage Center
On the north side of the city, on the 4th floor, is the Erin Room at The Irish Heritage Center. Completely renovated with hardwood floors, and crystal chandeliers, the Erin Room holds up to 400 guests. This is a gorgeous room to hold any event in.

Harold Washington Library
In one of the most historic parts of town, on the top floor of the Library is the Winter Garden Room. There is no doubt that your guests will now be wowed by the magnitude of the room, the detail on the ceiling and the trees in the room. Simply elegant for any affair!

Zhou B. Art Center
On the south side of the city, The Zhou B. Art Center is a funky space for a wedding or event. There are multiple rooms and floors and you can not forget the garden space down the street. Super cool for the urban chic event or wedding.

A New Leaf
There is no other place like this in the city. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, A New Leaf is 3 floors of wonders. The garden out back is private and serine, and always, the guests at events are taken back by it's natural beauty.

Victor Hotel
You would never expect such a cool space in the Meat Market, would you? Newly renovated, Victor Hotel, also a club, is perfect for corporate or social events and even for the right couple a wedding. Take the funky look, mixed in the meat market setting and you have a truly urban event on your hands.

Chicago History Museum
As traditional as venues come, this is a gorgeous setting for a wedding. Probably best to do a sit down dinner, but the museum has indoor and outdoor space that are both divine!

A Message from Anthony on The Real Deal About Planning A Wedding

2011-06-30T12:21:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for reading the Liven It Up Events Blog! We have enjoyed hearing some feed back through Facebook & Twitter. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Anthony Navarro... I'm the guy who started Liven It Up! Five years ago, I would have never imagined that I would have planned the events I have planned, and met so many wonderful people... or imagined that I would have a team of planners. My right and left arms, Julie & Sally. I have truly been blessed!

Over the past couple of years, I have found the most helpful time I have spent with couples is when we talk about the unknown. Like how does the beef make it to my plate before dinner, or how the flowers make their way to the table, or how many hours it takes to edit a 45 minute wedding video. When I get that time with clients, it really seems to be the most beneficial for them and for me.

I would like to use the blog at Liven It Up Events to not only showcase some of our work, but get down to real issues that come up with planning weddings. From how to budget for the wedding to how to handle unruly family members... I want to tackle it all!

Over the next couple of weeks, the team at Liven It Up Events we will be working on putting together some ideas that have already been sent to us. If you have questions or thoughts on planning a wedding, send them to us at info@livenitup.com or post on our Facebook wall at https://www.facebook.com/livenitup!

Stay tuned as we unveil the ups and downs and real truths about planning a wedding!

All my best,
Anthony

Picking the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding, Hotel vs. Venue

2011-06-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have recently become engaged, beyond being super overwhelmed by all of the vendors, themes, and locations, the venue normally is one of the first pieces of the puzzle that has to be solved. You have to have the venue in order to have a date. Sometimes in the excitement and the rush to get a date, you may over look some items that will directly effect your choice in a venue.

Lets start with some basics, do you want a hotel, country club/golf club, or a privately owned venue? Hotels & Clubs typically have everything already included, where you do not have to worry about renting what we call rentals, unless you want to upgrade to Chivari Chairs. (If you don't know what these are now, you will probably know what they are soon!) The food menus are already designed and most of these types of places, everything can be easily inclusive, so if you wanted to have a ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner & dancing, it is super easy. Don't worry about the crew flipping the room. We have seen it over and over, and they always get it done! (The photograph to the right is of a wedding we did at the Hotel Sofitel in Chicago. Michelle & her team are amazing!)

A venue normally is a bit more raw and allows for you to bring in everything. Some people get scared off by this route when they think that they have to bring in all of the equipment, rather than knowing that when they pick a caterer, they will handle all of that for you. The cool thing about raw space is you get to build the room which generally is more unique backdrop and then add in what you want! The photo to the right is at Harold Washington Library. (Loved working with Kim from the Library & Sue with Food Evolution on this wedding.)

**And just a side note, at both of these weddings, the couples and families were a delight to work with! We had so much fun!**

Before you get too far in the process, you need to have a good idea of how many guests you are going to invite and although you will most likely not have all of those guests at the wedding, you need to be prepared too accommodate them. So, in order to not loose sleep at night, pick a venue that can accommodate all of your guests on your list.

Some other things that you have to consider, how do you want dinner to go? Are you thinking a traditional, sit down, three course meal, with speeches, dancing in between courses, the ceremonial cutting of the cake, first dances, and a big band playing throughout the evening.

or

Having a setting that can be used for the sit down dinner or a cocktail feel where you can have food stations or a buffet, which we call a FFS (Fancy Food Station). You can for sure still lace some of those traditional items, toasts, dances, cutting of the cake, into the evening while a deejay or band keeps the party going.

You should also consider your own taste. Are you more traditional or contemporary. Not sure what you are? Take a look around your home. See what types of furniture, art work, and decor you have. That should be a good first step. You have to be comfortable with the style of venue and how it will all come together! (The photograph to the left is the Metropolitan Club that had a cool mix of traditional look with modern floral arrangements. With a beautiful backdrop and fun couple, it was a recipe for a fun evening! )

The main difference between the hotels & venues is the look and feel of the spaces. Most hotel ballrooms, when you are in them, you know that it is a ballroom. When you are at a venue, you know you are somewhere unique and different.

A few other thoughts on venues,

Hotels are great if you find a ballroom that you love. There are so many here in Chicago that are just stunning. They are great if you like the ideas of...
1. All inclusive, the food is already there with so many options to choose from.
2. It's convenient for your guests if you have many people staying from out of town.
3. You don't have to worry about things like valet, transportation (if the wedding and reception are at the hotel), and those little things that you are not thinking about right now!
4. Most hotels will make sure that they take extra care of the bride and groom as well as when you have the wedding at the hotel and room blocks, they tend to give you a one night stay for free!

Venues, you have to make sure that the venue, no matter how cool it is, can make your style of service work for your wedding. They are great if...
1. You love the idea of building your entire wedding from the ground up. Picking the caterer, the liquor, table linen colors, chair & china style, and more!
2. There may be a bit more planning involved in terms of logistics to have a wedding at a venue, but if you love the romantic or unique backdrop, it will be work the extra work!
3. You may have to provide transportation for the guests to and from the venue but most venues allow you to BYOB and most liquor suppliers will let you return whatever liquor you do not use, open, chill or is not damaged so there are give and takes here.
4. You have a little more of a modern/contemporary style and can be comfortable with either a sit down dinner or cocktail style. (Above is a traditional wedding at The Newberry Library and below is a bit more non-traditional at A New Leaf)

There is no right or wrong way to pick a venue. The most important thing is you love it. Have you ever bought a condo or rented an apartment. You look at so many places and when you walk in, you just know... the same will happen with your wedding venue, you will just know!

Prairie Productions, Cocktail Fun or a Sit Down Dinner... It All Works!

2011-06-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

There is a familiar place to the wedding & event folks in the heart of the West Loop, down the street from Harpo Studios, called Prairie Productions. During the week you will find all sorts of photo shoots happening and on the evenings and weekends, the space is rented for weddings and events. The space is essentially all white, with grey floors, and in the main room, huge windows that let all sorts of light in! This space is definitely for someone who wants a contemporary backdrop for their wedding.

The team at Liven It Up Events has already had a few events there this year! Thought we would show you some of the work that we have done there if you are looking for a modern, fun, or playful space for a wedding or event.

Early in the year, we worked with a great couple who chose Prairie so they could do fun food stations, seating for almost all of the guests, and make their guests feel like it was more of a party than a wedding. Bonsoiree dished out an amazing spread, Jeremy Lawson photographed the day, and Spencer with Style Matters kept everyone moving throughout the night. This was also the first time we used the new Farm Tables from Tablescapes. They looked beautiful at Prairie!

Back in April, we were back for another wedding where we had both the ceremony and the reception at Prairie. Rev. Marian Hale performed a beautiful service in front of a stunning wall of fabric and hanging crystals by Art of Imagination.

Later that evening, D'Absolute Catering served up a buffet style dinner of some delicious Americana Foods, Style Matters playing some fun music all the while Brian Resac was photographing the day!

And then, in May, we were a part of a more traditional style wedding, where the couple was married in a church and we designed Prairie to be more of a traditional venue, were there was a sit-down dinner.

Gerard & Marshelle with Occasions Catering dished up a delightful two course meal, while Logi Productions & Dawn Roscoe captured the day. Our buddy, Juliet with Cattelya Designs did a beautiful job with the floral arrangements, and The Dave Rothstein Orchestra kept the guests on the dance floor all evening!

Whether you want to use Prairie for more of a cocktail style reception or a full sit down dinner, it is a wonderful space for any event!

Weddings at A New Leaf

2011-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite venues in Chicago for any event is a place called A New Leaf. It is a magical oasis in the middle of Lincoln Park, right on the edge of Old Town. It is really a flower shop that has this stunning event space next to it. With three levels of space and a garden in the back, it is a wonderful place to get married!

This year so far we have had a couple of weddings with quite a few to come! Back in April, we had the opportunity to work with Rachel at J&L Catering who did a beautiful job writing a serving a menu for 60 guests that we served upstairs on the mezzanine. Before dinner, Rev. Michael Stejskal performed an intimate wedding ceremony in The Apartment. Simply divine!

Laurie at Corner Stone Photography captured the evening for memories and Carrie with Toast & Jam Deejays kept the evening moving with some fun tunes!

And to thank Laurie, the florist and manager at A New Leaf for creating such STUNNING works of art! Gorgeous!!

We found ourselves back at A New Leaf in May working with a fun couple who again, wanted to create an elegant but fun affair for their guests!

This time we were working with Raschelle at A New Leaf who did AMAZING flowers for the space, while Aurieanne with the Hearty Boys wrote a fun menu, perfect for a Day Time Wedding in the Spring!

Matt Haas with Matt Haas Photography was able to capture all of the special moments from the ceremony in the Apartment officiated by Rev. Ron Crowley-Koch. Deejay, John Simmons kept the guests ears filled with musical notes throughout the day!

With some playful food stations, a candy bar made up of some really fun old fashioned candies, and perfect, sunny spring weather, the guests enjoyed a full filled afternoon at A New Leaf for a memorable day for our couple.

We will be back at A New Leaf throughout the year and looking forward to creating some more memorable & magical experiences for our clients! Until then!

Throwing a Party that Happens to be a Wedding!

2011-06-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

When we hear that a couple wants to have a fun, unique wedding experience, we always are delighted for that! Weddings do not always have to lean on the traditional side, they can be crafted to how the couple would like it to be. For this couple, they were they wanted to have a fun, unique wedding experience for themselves and for their guests!

They chose the Irish Heritage Center for their venue as it was important to them to honor their heritage. Dish Functions Catering was brought on and wrote a beautiful menu that was executed flawlessly. They were so creative and used amazing ingredients to create a delightful menu! Instead of having a sit down, plated meal, there were passed hors d'oeuvres for cocktail hour while an Irish Trio was playing. And for dinner, there were 4 Food Stations, themed after Chicago Neighborhoods that were special for the couple and the food was themed around local bakeries & restaurants in those neighborhoods! It was fabulous!

Angela Garbot of Angela Garbot Photography documented the day and Deborah Wesienhaus & her team at Art of Imagination & Nadine Horwitz & crew with Fragrant Design worked their usual magic in creating a magical ambiance!!! Thanks to the help of Laura Kimmel at Tablescapes Party Rental, we created a fun lounge feeling in a more formal room. Tons of candles, all sorts of seating from high top tables to low tables with chairs and working with a combination of fruit wood tables to

clothed tables.

There was additional lighting brought in to create ambiance and playful floral arrangements throughout.

The evening continued with an Irish Band playing tunes late into the night and on the way out, guests were able to take home a small jar of spice that was unique to the Neighborhoods chosen for the food stations!

All in all, we were successful in transforming the Heritage Center to the fun backdrop that our fun loving couple adored!

Spring of 2011

2011-06-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

This year so far has been a fun and interesting year for the team at Liven It Up Events. We have worked with numerous couples in creating fun day that they will remember for a life time and have had the joy of working with some of the most professional and talented folks here in Chicago! We will be sharing some of those events, ideas, and thoughts over the next couple of weeks, so watch as our blog rolls out for a new exciting season of events with Liven It Up! Here's just a small taste of what we have been up too!

From Art Deco in Hyde Park to Urban Chic in the West Loop (Part 2)

2010-04-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

With an amazing rehearsal dinner the night before, it was a tough act to follow on Saturday. I think I only had about 5 hours of sleep... just thinking about the next day and looking forward to a years worth of working with this family to see how the wedding was going to unfold.

Saturday afternoon I arrived at Salvage One in the West Loop. With so much set-up involved at Salvage One, it was agreed that I would be stationed at Salvage One to oversee the set-up & decor while early afternoon, the bride and groom would exchange vows at Bond Chapel. As I walked in, Sara and her crew was preparing the venue for the guests to arrive later that evening. The floors were being mopped and I found myself getting right to work on my checklist. Hand towels in bathroom, check, votive candles for the room, check, and many, many, more things "To Do."

Things started to get really exciting when I heard the delivery truck from Tablescapes pull up. My Copper Link Chargers, Fruitwood Chivari Chairs, & Bengeline Linens arrived. The set-up crew was there to deliver the china, glassware, tables, chairs, linens, and ovens, hot boxes, and all of the items we needed that evening for the wedding. After the tables & chairs were set and the rentals delivered, the catering staff arrived and Chef Luke with Bonsoiree Catering pulled his truck up in back to load in. This is where I began to get truly excited!

The linens were put on the tables and they were set with silver flatware, Grand Cru glassware, Copper Link Chargers, and bengeline burgundy napkins custom made for the evening, topped with a bottle of home made limoncello for each place setting. I am explaining the setting because we probably spent 10 hours just working on it. It was not the couples fault, we just had a hard time matching the base plate to the vase to the room and so on! Anyway, Blumgarten later delivered these gorgeous centerpieces to finish off the look.

As the sun was setting, the candles were being lit and the deejay, Corey Sanford of Music Masters arrived. As his set-up was complete, the speakers filled the room with some heart pounding dance music, just foreshadowing what was to come later that evening. He slowed it down before the guests arrived, appropriate for cocktails... it was very Le Colonial Lounge.

I finished getting myself ready when I heard the mother of the bride. I came to greet her and she smiled and said to me, the room looked so beautiful and it was better than she had imagined! I gave her a big hug, we tied up some few loose ends and I gave her the tour of Salvage One! She LOVED it! That made me so happy! She worked so hard on the wedding and I am so glad that we were able to make her happy too!

The last stop on mom's tour was taking her to see the cake that was delivered by the owner Laura of Bon-Bon Cafe. It was five layers of delightfully deliciousness! (Okay, I am skipping ahead, but it was so good!) The base that it stood on was made for this wedding cake. It was copper branches, intertwined around a mirror for the base. It was really cool! The bride's mom found this cool sheer fabric which was a great finishing touch!

Just before the guests arrived, one of the photographers with Studio Verite Photography had arrived. She was ready to get photos of the room and of the guests as they were coming in. Here was one that I took... I am sure that it will not match the stellar quality of work that they had shot that night but it's still pretty good.

As the guests came to the top of the stairs, they were greeted by the servers with Caprinas made with Cachaca that was imported from South America... this was the real deal people! Passed hors d'oeuvres were on their way from Chef Luke and my AMAZING AND AWESOME Associate Planner, Julie, was in the back assisting the kitchen. She knows how to run and event from start to finish and can help in any department! Did I mention she is AWESOME!!!

Around 7pmish, the Bride & Groom were welcomed to Salvage One by their guests as they were announced into the room and were greeted with a loud roar and enjoyed their signature drink. After about 30 minutes of them meeting & greeting, we had the guests seated at their tables, followed by a heart warming speech from the bride herself to her parents. Dinner soon followed.

Chef Luke coursed out an exquisite meal which began with an Arugula Salad with fresh strawberries, candied walnuts shaved fennel, dressed with a sweet basil vinaigrette. Perfect salad course for an unusually warm Saturday Spring Evening. Entrees to follow which the guests had a choice (pre-determined of course) of either a Braised Short Rib in a Cabernet reduction & potatoes dauphoinse, or Grilled Escolar (which is a white fish) with Israeli couscous and both entrees paired with a portabello tower. Again, an AMAZING dinner that was DELICIOUS! Two nights in a row chef! When are you auditioning for Top Chef?!?!!

The guests danced the night away and enjoyed a great sweet table layed out my fabulous Associate Julie with pedi fours by Bon-Bon and Banana Bread Pudding Skewers by Bonsoiree. YUM!!!

Monday morning came, after all of the dust had settled, the rentals were returned, the staff had rested, the liquor from Binny's returned, the tables restocked at Tablescapes, and the floors were once again mopped at Salvage One. I found an e-mail from the bride and groom in my in-box that morning. They were on their way to the airport to leave to go on their honeymoon and wanted to thank me before they left. They said that the wedding was beyond their dreams! It was the best way to start off a Monday after a long weekend. It truly made me remember why I love doing what I do.

From Art Deco in Hyde Park to Urban Chic in the West Loop (Part 1)

2010-04-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Over the past year or so, I have been working with this couple and their families on their wedding & rehearsal dinner. You would think that working with 6 people on two events that there would be some major discrepancies but shortly after scheduling one of our first meetings while I suggested Starbucks, they suggested The Violet Hour, I knew that this was going to be a fun weekend to plan! Besides being able to have fun with the process of planning the wedding, the bride & groom & their parents are all foodies and all of them have impeccable taste. Great food, wine, music, cocktails, decor, china, and glassware...my kind of family....great events to come!

The rehearsal dinner would start off the first part of the weekend. The groom's parents live in Hyde Park, in an old historic building built in the 20's. The Art Deco design of the building is simply stunning. On the 22nd floor, there is a ballroom that seats about 100 guests. Keep in mind, there are huge windows overlooking Lake Shore Drive, and a beautiful terrace that faces south with a perfect view of downtown. Stunning! Let me take you to Hyde Park to relive this magical evening.

As the guests arrived via Coach Bus from the Wit Hotel, they were greeted by the staff from Bonsoiree Catering in the lobby with champagne. They left their coats in the lobby and were escorted upstairs to the 22nd Floor Ballroom. As they came off of the elevators, some were mingling around the bar area, others went outside to enjoy the slightly chilly, but tolerable terrace looking at the city skyline, while others found their escort cards and made their way to their place setting.

At the tables, the guests found their place card, along with these brilliant off white art deco base plates, topped with a black hemstitch napkin and menu card, platinum silver, Riedel glassware, and gorgeous low laying table centerpieces by Blumgarten. All of the guests would be enjoying their dinner that evening sitting a comfortable and cool black contemporary chairs. I loved them so much because it was as though they were made for the room.

As the guests sat down for dinner, Chef Luke from Bonsoiree Catering & Restaurant had a foodie dinner ready for the guests. He had been preparing for over 42 hours for this event and was ready to get it out of the kitchen. We started with a Sushi Grade Scallop Motoyaki that was simply divine. Course two, he sent hot from the stove a Roasted Yellow Tomato Bisque, Fennel & Duck Confit Potsticker that the guests raved about. And for the main event, guests enjoyed a Poached Main Lobster with Peruvian Potatoes Maxim & Baby Turnips or an Herb Marinated Filet Mignon topped with a Cabernet Reduction and accompanied by Haricot Vert (fancy name for green beans). Finally coffee was served table side with a Black Plum Crumble, Cassis Almond Cream, & a Dark Chocolate Mousse. All in all, as the groom got up to say some final words and as Chef Luke to come forward, the crowd roared with delight. I am not sure, but I am pretty sure a few women asked if they could marry him. Go Luke !

Throughout the evening, the bar was open and cocktails were flowing. There was a piano player playing throughout dinner, and a nifty lounge, (that I did not get photos of off!) to the side for folks to step away from the crowd. All in all, it was an elegant affair that was preparing the guests for what was to come the next evening... something totally different... something urban & chic. Watch for Part 2 and see the wedding unfold at Salvage One.

A New Year, A New Leaf...

2010-03-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

The first wedding of 2010 for Liven It Up Events just happened and I am so excited to be able to share it with all of you! It was an amazing day... completely stress free for the bride & groom. Everything went smoothly, minus the crazy windy weather, but it's Chicago and it's March. You never know what can happen...

The day began with the bride getting ready at The Four Seasons Hotel on Delaware. Before any of the wedding vendors folks got there, she received an hour long massage! Not a bad way to start off the wedding day. When I arrived Sonia Roselli of Sonia Roselli Esthetique and her team had already began the hair & make-up for our lovely bride! There were a few delivery hiccups that I had to take care of but nothing too crazy! Again, that's why I get hired... to handle any of those situations!

After getting ready for about an hour, Jeremy Lawson of Jeremy Lawson Photography arrived and began snapping some photos of our bride's shoes, accessories, and getting her make-up put on by Robin. Just working with Sonia & Jeremy in the hotel room, I could just tell that we were all going to have a great day making the vision come to life!

I had gotten our lovely bride on her way to meet her fiance... almost husband, I made my way over to the venue for the ceremony & the reception, A New Leaf, and found Laurie & Michelle (who I totally love and adore) working on this great centerpiece for the food station table. It was inspired by a wedding I had at A New Leaf last year in the spring and I just thought the hydrangeas, and the blooming branches were amazing!

After getting some of the bride & grooms belongings to the necessary places... you know the usual, getting the bird cage which was used as a gift card box set up, getting the ceremony items in place, and so on, I made my way to The Apartment and found a gorgeous chuppah that was literally a sketch that Michelle, the bride & I worked out on a Wednesday night in February. It was so beautiful... the reaction I had was the same as the bride when she entered the Apartment for the first time later that day! All I had to say was Cheers to Michelle! She did a fabulous job!!

The stage was beginning to be set. And then the big truck rolled up front... it was The Hearty Boys Catering. Aurianne & her crew began setting up the room with linens, tables & chairs, while chef was preparing a meal that was served in food stations that included Beef Tenderloin with Which Chocolate Wasabi Cream (YUM!), their famous pasta station, and my favorite oh course, the Maki Sushi Station! I just loved how the room came together... I always do!

About 6:00pm or so, the room was set, the candles were lit, the centerpieces on the table and the delicious aroma of food was in the air as the guests arrived. Cage and Aquarium had arrived to mix all night for the reception and the cupcakes from Amy Beck Cake Design were delivered and set-up!

The ceremony began at 6:30pm... I was right on time with Park West Strings playing live and the the man who made it official was Rabbi Petuchowski. It was a short ceremony, but sweet and personal. Brilliant!

Cocktail hour went into full effect at 7:00pm with passed mojitos and wine service, with toasts at 8:00pm. Dinner went underway and everyone enjoyed the full menu. That led us to cutting the cupcakes in lieu of cutting the cake and then into the first dance! With some tables removed, the dancing came underway and later on everyone enjoyed passed mini burgers with sweet potato fries! Chef explained that they were made fresh on site... just love that!

Midnight rolled around and it was time for the wedding to conclude. As guests left, they grabbed a bag of Garrett's Popcorn and made their way onto the after party. As I put the bride & groom into a cab, the bride asked, "Is this it? Do we have to part ways?" I told her, "We are not parting ways... just Facebook friend me and we are linked for life!" I thanked her for letting me be a part of her wedding day and hopefully, I will be able to stay in touch with them more than just on Facebook! They were just a delight to work with and it was a great way to begin the 2010 season of weddings for Liven It Up Events!