Honey Bee Weddings

Elizabeth + Jim: The Reception

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

The first post was about Elizabeth's and Jim's morning and ceremony. Now it's time for the party!

I loved how well the bridesmaids dresses and shoes went together. They were such a fun option!

After the church, the group went to Olive Park for great skyline shots.

While everyone was beginning to enjoy the cocktail hour, E+J took a moment to get great shots on La Salle Street Bridge.

During the cocktail hour, nearly all of the guests enjoyed the outdoor cocktail hour with great drinks, food and weather!

During the cocktail hour, guests signed the photo book which included photos from their engagement.

Before entering the reception, all the guests were able to talk with E+J in a receiving line. I don't see these very often, but it's a great opportunity for the bride and groom to visit with every guest.

I love baby's breath!

Elizabeth's centerpieces went perfectly with the decor at Fulton's. There was a mix of tall and short arrangements.

The cake decorated with purple flowers.

Finally, it is time to eat and party!

Following the first course, the bride and groom danced their first dance.

Then it was time for everyone to join in the fun. I have never seen such a packed dance floor all night! High Society Orchestra were amazing!

Elizabeth and Jim stayed until the party stopped! The band had everyone surround them to dance the last song of the night.

I am so glad to have worked with these two and wish them all the best!

Elizabeth + Jim: Getting Ready and the Ceremony

2012-01-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

After my first meeting with Elizabeth and Jim, I left thrilled to work as their Day of Coordinator. I was immediately drawn to their calm yet enthusiastic personalities. They wanted to throw a great party and I am happy to be apart of it! There wedding was featured in Style Me Pretty.

Ceremony: Assumption Church

Reception: Fulton's on the River

Florist: Stemline Creative

Band: High Society Orchestra

Hair: George the Salon

Make-Up: M for Makeup

Videographer: Lexoria Wedding Films

Transportation: Emperor Limousine

All photos taken by zR Weddings.

Elizabeth shoes were beautiful and perfectly complimented her dress!

Stemline Creative's flowers were gorgeous with the bold colors.

Elizabeth checks her hair one more time before putting on her dress.

Elizabeth's bridesmaids help with the final buttons.

And, of course, the bride has to get a quick look for herself.

After everyone was ready, there were a few minutes for photos around the hotel of just the girls.

Then it was off to Assumption Church to get married!

Elizabeth had a friend design her monogrammed programs.

Elizabeth and Jim opted to not have a first look. These photos show the emotional moments before Elizabeth walked down the aisle. Here is Jim waiting at the alter....

...and Elizabeth seeing the groom for the first time all day!

This is a great shot from the balcony at Assumption of the entire bridal party.

Right after the ceremony as husband and wife!

After the ceremony E+J took formals with the family. They wanted a quick moment together before the pictures so they snuck up on the balcony to take it all in.

This is a great shot of the back of Elizabeth's dress.
After the ceremony, the bridal party went around the city for pictures.

Tomorrow, I will blog about the reception!

Sam + Kyle's Wedding: Getting Ready!

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited to finally blog about my wedding! It was the best day of my life! Kyle and I were surrounded with our best friends and family and felt the love the entire time. Our vendors were amazing and everything went off without any problems. Surprisingly, I didn't get stressed out and was able to fully enjoy every moment. When people say the day goes by fast, they are not lying!

The first blog is about getting ready and before the first look.

All pictures were taken by the amazing Steve Koo Photography.

I bought this hanger off of etsy to hang my gown before getting dressed. I saw one similar on a blog and felt thought it was too cute to pass up.

I found my earrings at a trade store near my apartment. I loved them and thought they would compliment my gown perfectly.

For my something blue, I used a hat pin from my great grand-mother and pinned it in my bouquet.

I actually lasted until about 11PM wearing these 4 inch gems. Buying them 6 months before the wedding and wearing them around my apartment once a week to break them in was worth it.

I had the best glam team! Rebecca from Sonia Roselli did my make up and was putting finishing touches on me after I finally got into my dress. Also, Liv Caporale did my hair, which was exactly what I had imagined for my wedding day!

I was so excited when my bouquet arrived! It was my favorite accessory of the day...a bouquet of full, white peonies.

Here is my mom buttoning up my dress. She was so emotional all day, but I couldn't have done it with out her!

I love this picture because it perfectly captures my bridesmaids seeing me in my dress for the first time. This was one of my favorite moments!

After I was all ready, I had to take a look for my self.

I didn't end up wearing this sash util the reception, but we had a few moments before the first look so I put it on for some pictures. A friend from back home made this for me. It was stunning!

Here is my sister/maid of honor! She was amazing all day and so helpful.

Lastly, I have to post a picture of the guys getting ready. I've mentioned before on the blog how much I love "guys getting ready" pictures and here is on of my favorites! They seem to be having such a great time.

Next I will blog about the first look and city pictures!

Project "Wedding Weekend"

2011-12-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

The countdown is 20 days; I can't believe how time if flying. Thanksgiving weekend has been planned since early fall as Project Wedding weekend. My fiance and I decided not to travel home and stay in Chicago to try to get as much done as possible! We did get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my cousins. The weekend was successful! In 3 days, we finished a bunch of projects. The only thing left to do is embossing all my paper products. We're going to that next weekend!

Project 1: 16 Table Numbers
We decided to make our own table numbers. Instead of numbers, we are using cities that we visited together. Below is the end result. I am so happy with how they turned out. I am the first to admit that I am not creative or crafty. In fact, I had never been in Paper Source before my engagement. However, these projects have now turned me into a semi-paper fanatic!

I bought silver paper for the background and velum for the city name. I printed out the pictures and glued them on the silver background. Then, with double sided tape, I sealed it with the velum. I still need to buy the stands. This is one I had laying around the house.

Project 2: Tissue Pouches
I found this picture on Martha Stewart's website and thought it was adorable! I used it as my inspiration...

...and here are mine! Luckily, she provided directions online on how to make each little pouch. So I went to Paper Source and bought these two types of wrapping paper and folded 75 of them. (I am placing them on ever other chair at the ceremony). Then, I added a circle label saying, "for your tears of joy." The week of the wedding I will put a tissue in each pouch!

Project 3: Wine Guest Book
I previously blogged about the guest book and it is finally complete. We are going to have 1 large (and empty) 750mL bottle with our personalized label. There will also be two other bottles for the guest to sign. One is a chardonnay that we plan to open on our first anniversary. The other is a Chateauneuf de Pap that we plan to open on our fifth anniversary. The guest will use silver pens to sign their bottle of choice!

We bought an empty Pinot Noir bottle from our local wine store that they just had in their window for decoration. However, we did not like the label so Kyle created his own. I love how it turned out! The picture is of us in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower. It's hard to see but our wedding date is in the left corner, too! The label was purchased at Paper Source, which we then printed our design. Paper Source has been the overall theme of our wedding projects! :)

Project 4: Welcome Letter
I can't attach a picture since it is a word document but that was another project that got finished this weekend! Each letter will be inside the welcome bag that we are giving out at the hotels.

The last two photos are projects, but I can't take credit for them. I just thought they were fitting for the blog post. These are two ideas I saw online that I had made for me!

I had Lynn Claire form Etsy make my this personalized hanger for my dress on my wedding day!

Last project is a "Merci" sign I had Jackie from Shambora Studios make. Kyle and I will take a few pictures with the sign and then use the photo has our wedding thank you card!

Adore this aisle!

2011-11-29T13:00:00.000-06:00

via

Although this wedding season is over, I am already thinking of fun new ideas for 2012. I saw this rose petal aisle last week and melted. Isn't it a gorgeous detail for an outdoor wedding?

Pop-up Shop on 12.10.11!

2011-11-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

For the past few years, pop-up shops are probably one of my favorite ways to shop. On December 10th, there is going to be a one day shop called Winter Local. There will be a ton of amazing vendors including bridal gowns by Amanda Archer, jewelry by Elyse Marie Vieni, handmade clothing and accessories by With Love XOX. Feel free to bring the friend that is so not into weddings; the other dozen vendors are not wedding related. Event will include complimentary drinks and treats, makeovers, music, and a swag bag raffle giveaway.

Saturday, December 10th

12-6PM

Chicago Artists Coalition Gallery

217 N Carpenter

Birthday Party Suite

2011-11-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

Courtney Callahan recently blogged about the fabulous paper suite she created for my daughter's birthday. I cannot help but share the link and some photos. Courtney, thank you so much!

All photos are by TK Photography.

Bridal Weekend!

2011-11-18T13:00:00.000-06:00

Two weekends ago, I had an entire weekend of bridal luxury. It started off with a shower hosted by my future mother in law in Indianapolis.

All of my bridesmaids were able to attend, which was the first time during my engagement.
I can't wait to be with them on December 16!

Lots and lots of presents. My favorite was the stone wine chiller from Crate and Barrel!

My mother in law bought a beautiful carrot cake (my favorite) that was decorated in black and white.

After the shower, we intermediately headed over to my friends house to get ready to start my bachelorette party! As I was freshening up, all the girls started yelling for me to come outside and this is what pulled up, a stretch hummer limo. I do not remember the last time I was in a limo! It was taking us to Mallow Run, a small winery outside of Indianapolis.

A group shot!

A group cheers to moi in the tasting room.

The picture isn't the best because of the sun, but here is my lovely mother and sister.

Before we left, we took a photo in front of the vineyard.

On our ride back, my sister had a fun "Who knows Kyle and Sam the best" quiz that we played, while drinking more wine of course!

Then when we arrived back to my friends house, we quickly changed and were out again for dinner. This is a group picture of us before we left and unfortunately the last one of the night.

I had such a blast and this was my ideal bachelorette party. I wanted something more low key and not super crazy which was exactly what my sister did...soo fun!

Honey Bee Weddings is published in Get Married!

2011-11-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

Honey Bee Weddings is thrilled to be in the latest issue of Get Married! I was asked to name a favorite venue in Chicago. I picked, Gallery 1028. To see a real wedding by Honey Bee Weddings at Gallery 1028, go to our blog label Gallery 1028.

If you want a free copy of the magazine, click here to register.

Honey Bee Weddings is featured on Style Me Pretty!

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Sam was the Day of Coordinator for Elizabeth and Jim's fabulous wedding, which is being featured on Style Me Pretty Illinois. Sam is going to be posting a real wedding blog post in the next few weeks!

All photos by ZR Weddings.

Alison + Mitch: Part Two

2011-11-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

My last post, I shared the first part of Alison and Mitch's Labor Day weekend wedding at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

All photos by Artisan Events.

Their escort card table and gift table was stunning! A Stem Above hung the all of the bridesmaid's escort cards from the branches.

Each table number was hand painted by Alison.

Cute personalized tins of gum as favors!

They opted to have a sweetheart table at the front of the room.

A picture of the room, ready for guests! Alison and Mitch really lucked out with perfect artwork on the walls. It was a modern black and white design that went perfectly with their decor.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they had a sweet table with bite size desserts and fresh fruit.

After dinner, the gallery doors were opened and guests were allowed to walk around throughout the night. Alison and Mitch took some great photos in front of the different pieces of art!

A city shot to end such a wonderful night!

Congratulations Alison and Mitch!

Alison + Mitch: Part One

2011-11-03T13:00:00.001-05:00

I first met Alison and Mitch at a Starbucks in River North. Although Alison have been engaged for only a month, she had a binder filled with wedding plans. One of her wishes was to make sure someone was there to allow her to relax and be in the moment. I am so glad I could be apart of their special day and fulfill her wish!

Ceremony and Reception: The Museum of Contemporary Art
Catering: Wolfgang Puck
Florists: A Stem Above
Hair + Make-Up: Beauty on Call
DJ: Okyne Medialab, Inc.

Photography: Artisan Events

All photos by Artisan Events.

Alison with her sister before she put on her dress. Alison's sister was a wonderful matron of honor.

Alison and Mitch each carried a monogrammed handkerchief to wipe their happy tears throughout the day.

After getting dressed, it was time for the first look.

The first look was in Olive Park. Their wedding was over Labor Day weekend and the weather could not have been better!

After Olive Park, they were off to get a classic city line picture.

It was was finally time to get married. The ceremony in the gardens behind the MCA was beautiful!

Following the ceremony and formal pictures, Alison and Mitch met alone with their adorable dog, Monster. They had their dog walker drive him to Seneca Park to have a quick moment. Being a dog love, this was my favorite detail!

And then one quick photo to enjoy the artwork out front of the Museum before the reception.

I will post about the reception tomorrow!

Kathy + Jason: Part Two

2011-11-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I shared the start of Kathy and Jason's day with their getting ready and ceremony. I'm excited to share the rest of their wedding day!

All photos by Simply Jessie Photography.

Kathy and Jason's wedding party was so much fun, and they all look great in their navy blue!

We'd had terrible storms in Chicago the night before the wedding. I always try and do my "no rain dance" for all of my couples, and it worked for Kathy and Jason! They had a beautiful, sunny day.

So cute!

Kathy and Jason opted for a vintage car to take them around - it fit the theme of their day perfectly.

While everyone was out taking pictures, I was at Bistrot Margot setting everything up.

This room was perfect for their wedding, and would also work well for a rehearsal dinner.

Kathy and Jason wanted their guests to enjoy board games during the reception so they had two big game tables.

For a guest book, the couple created a marriage certificate for their guests to sign. So fun to frame after the wedding!

Once everyone had enjoyed some hors d'oeuvres and champagne during cocktail hour, it was time to sit down for toasts and dinner.

While everyone was eating, we set up the wedding pie! The couple chose a key lime pie to cut and share with their guests.

Even though it wasn't a dancing reception, I was so happy when Kathy and Jason shared a dance. Such a special moment on the wedding day!

Finally, the festivities wound down and it was time for the bride and groom to call it a night.

Kathy and Jason, it was so wonderful being a part of your day! I wish you nothing but the best for a wonderful, wonderful marriage.

Kathy + Jason: Part One

2011-11-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

When I first met with Kathy and Jason, I was blown away by all of the creative touches they were putting into their wedding. Kathy is incredibly talented, from crocheting and paper goods to adding in the perfect little vintage details, and I knew the wedding day was going to be lovely and unique.

Kathy and Jason's intimate 30 person wedding day was filled with so much love and laughter, and it was wonderful being a part of it!

Ceremony: Peninsula Hotel
Florist: Cattails
Hair + Makeup: Morgan Blaul
Officiant: Hon. Michael Jordan
Photographer: Simply Jessie Photography

Pie: The Twisted Baker

Reception: Bistrot Margot

Trolley: Classic Chassis

All photos by Simply Jessie Photography.

Kathy started off the day getting her hair and makeup done by the always fabulous Morgan Blaul.

Shoes are always a great "something blue" for the day, and Kathy had another amazing blue detail I can't wait to share.

Cattails did a wonderful job with the flowers for the day - simple and elegant.

Kathy's dress was custom made for her...

...and do you see that bit of blue peeking through? The dress had a detachable train that was hand dyed by Jason's sister. Not only was it unique, but the train was simply gorgeous and was a special addition to the dress.

Kathy was simply glowing on the day!

While the ladies were getting ready, the guys were hanging out waiting for everything to begin.

Jason looked quite dapper in his suit!

The Peninsula provided a perfect space for the ceremony.

And Kathy and Jason were finally married!

Up next I'll share Kathy and Jason's photos around the city and their reception at Bistrot Margot!

Shower # 1

2011-10-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had my first shower! It was in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I grew up. I was able to visit with lots of great family and friends.

Me and my matron of honor who did a great job hosting, preparing all the food and gave one of the best gifts!

She had so many desserts, all the guests were taking to go boxes. My favorite carrot cake cupcakes, strawberry fruit pizza and sopapilla's were all delicious.

After eating, we all sat down to open presents. My mother's friend gave me my first apron, which I had to try on. It's cute, but won't be worn a lot because I hate to cook!

30 minutes later and lots of bows for my rehearsal bouquet, I had so many presents to take home! My matron of honor and her mother took the time to hand write all of her recipes, which was the sweetest gift. They both know how much I hate to cook and thought this would be a good start.

Here is me with my future sister-in-laws. I first met them when they were 10 and 12, now they are 20 and 22. Crazy!

All of my bridesmaids, but one who couldn't attend. They are all so wonderful and I can't wait for December 16th!

Bonjour!

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Where I have been the past few weeks...

What should I buy for a Bridesmaids Gift?

2011-10-14T13:00:00.001-05:00

With only two months to go, there are decisions that I have put off for too long! I have told my self that I must purchase bridesmaids gifts by next week, but of course can't make a decision. I don't want to give meaningless items that they will never use again, yet I don't want to brake my bank. I have a few ideas that are from Etsy. I have never bought from the site so that leads to more hesitation. Since I got engaged in the winter and love scarves, I have already bought silver pashminas that I will give the girls to keep warm with, so I am looking to complete my gift.

Option 1: Victoria Secret robes. I think that these would be a fun gift for all the girls to wear while we are getting ready in the hotel. The other benefit is that they can wear them again and again!

Option 2: Jewelry from JewelledPeachDesign on Etsy. The earrings would be a great accent to their black dress. If I went with the earrings, I think I may try to find another small gift.

Option 3: Clutch from LeelaPurse on Etsy. I love these clutches! The shop offers multiple different fabrics, bows, and rhinestone broaches so I could make each bag fit the girl's individual style. They could use it on our wedding day but also again on a night out!

Which one should I get?

Sash or No Sash

2011-09-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I had my final round of alterations for my wedding dress and everything went great! I lucked out with not needing a lot of alterations. Trying it on again made me re-think about getting a sash/belt though. My style and the dress is simple and minimalistic but a part of me wants something that will jazz it up a bit for the reception. I have found a few sashes that I am considering. I found this one etsy and love the elegance. It isn't over the top so it won't take away from the rest of the gown.

Little White Dresser

Here is another belt that I love. It is so different from the other one! It isn't near as flashy but I love the rosettes and whimsical look.

My third option is a mix of both, as it has simple flowers but some rhinestones to add some charm. I love it!

Since it's not possible to see the sashes with the gown, I am having a really hard time making a decision. I think I need to order and keep my fingers crossed.

Win Tickets to The Wedding Salon

2011-09-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

The Wedding Salon is having a Chicago bridal event at the W City Center on Monday, October 3rd. We are having a contest and will be giving away free tickets. To enter, leave a comment with your big splurge plans for your wedding. Contest ends on Friday, September 30th!

Vino!

2011-09-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

With our love for wine, I knew it needed to have an important part in our big day...besides just drinking it :) I had been struggling with deciding on a guest book for awhile and had settled on a picture book. I was satisfied but not thrilled with my decision. To be honest, I didn't want to spend anymore time brainstorming. Click here for some ideas of other guest book options.

Then, one of my brides I worked with this fall used a large wine bottle with her own label as their guest book. I loved it! I want a large wine bottle like the one below and silver markers for all of our guests to sign. Eventually, we hope to live in a home where we can put this on our bar.

But then, I changed my mind when I saw this idea. We are going to pick two bottles of wine, one for our one year anniversary and one for our five year anniversary. Kyle is already excited to choose the two bottles! We're doing to do both ideas and give the options to our guest to choose.
We won't have as many bottles as this picture, but the overall look is beautiful and what I want to recreate. I like the candles and signs to let the guest know what each bottle represents.

The only thing I did not like about the wine bottle as a guest book is that guests can't leave us notes or messages. So I'm going to include an advice jar. My only challenge is for these two ideas to go together and for it to fit into the rest of my theme.

Off to Paper Source to find some great options!

J.Crew bridal line

2011-09-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

J. Crew has debuted its first bridal boutique on the Upper East Side. Don't you think that they will be the perfect fit for Oak Street? For all of my New York City Brides, call for an appointment at 212.824.2500. The J. Crew store in 900 North Michigan carries limited bridal.

Groom Attire

2011-09-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

I was inspired by an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" when Randy complained how often grooms do not put enough effort into their wardrobe. Groom's usually settle for a tuxedo that is horribly fitted and/or not tried on until the day before the wedding. I see this all of the time in my job! It's ironic how a groom will pay little attention to his attire, yet a bride spends hours picking the most important dress of her life! So, my desire is to have Kyle look as equivalently elegant as me. Fortunately this was not difficult as Kyle is well dressed and agreed with me, but he did almost take as long as me to make his final decision.

Anyway...a few stores later and many months of debating whether to buy or rent we are satisfied with our decision (This picture was our initial inspiration for a fitted suit ). I really love everything about this duo! We ended up choosing to rent a fitted tuxedo, not suit, with a black skinny tie. The reasoning for a tuxedo and not suit was all because of a fitting. Kyle liked the suit look better but after trying on both items with the correct measurements, he decided on the tuxedo. I am so glad we did a fitting so he knows exactly what it will look and feel like on our wedding day. I can't wait to see him all dressed up!

For the groomsmen, we are having them wear the same black tuxedo but with a different tie, like the one below. It is polka dot, which I usually hate! However, I saw it in the store and it looks stunning. Its subtle and brings in the black and white theme perfectly. We will be providing our own ties, which means it will be one of the gifts to the groomsmen!

DIY Cake Pops

2011-09-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I had my first try at a DIY project. I attempted making cake pops, which I want to give as favors. I found a great recipe online with detailed instructions. I also decided to go back home since my Mom is always a great help (and I am not the best in the kitchen).

This first step which is mixing the cake mix and a can of icing. I used Funfetti since it was my favorite flavor as a kid. It brought back great memories!

Then we hand rolled them into small 1 inch balls.

I made most of them into cake pops.
I also left a few without the stick to just try as normal cake pops.

After leaving them in the freezer for six hours we iced them with candy coating. Since we were just trying them out we experimented with sprinkles, chopped peanuts, and different designs. My favorite were the ones with the peanut coating.

This is the final product. I used ribbon that we had in the house, but will upgrade the ribbon for the wedding. I also want to add a cute tag that says thank you and the flavor of the cake pop.

Not only was this a lot of fun, but they were extremely yummy. I hope my guests like them as much as I do!

Lisa + Steve's Peninsula Wedding

2011-08-31T13:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday's blog post featured the first part of Lisa and Steve's Peninsula wedding. Here are the photos from the rest of the day.

All photos by Allure Photography.

The room looked absolutely lovely!

The couple took photos around their favorite locations in NYC as table numbers.

These may be my favorite favors to date: Christmas Crackers!

The sweetheart table was absolutely gorgeous! I love a low arrangement for the table.

Cute signs made by a friend of the bride.

Tulips are growing around the base of the wedding cake.

The couple brought in an engraved cake knife.

Crowns from the Christmas Crackers!

Lisa brought a ton of fun props for the photo booth.

Lisa loves rainbow cones so she had them as her late night snack. Brilliant!

Congratulations Lisa + Steve!

Lisa + Steve's Peninsula Wedding

2011-08-30T13:00:00.005-05:00

I met Lisa over coffee months before the wedding because she was in town from New York City. As we talked, I was totally loving every word that came out of her mouth.

... custom gown by local designed, Alice Padrul
...maize and coral color scheme
...rainbow cones?!
...christmas cracker

All of Lisa's ideas made for a deliciously detailed wedding. I had the best time working with her and her family. Everyone was so sweet on the day of the wedding. Below are the photos from the morning until the cocktail hour.

Ceremony: St. James Cathedral

Band: Front of House
Florist: Zuzu's Petals
Hair: Livia Caporale
Make-up: Sonia Roselli
Hotel + Reception: Peninsula Hotel

All photos by Allure Photography.

Lisa and Steve's gorgeous letterpress invitation

Is there ever a better dress photo than one that includes the Mother of the Bride?

Lisa with her bridesmaids.

With this ring...

Isn't the Alice Padrul gown just breathtaking?

I adored the over the top arrangement for the escort card table.

The cocktail hour in full swing!

Visually stunning hor d'oeuvres on the terrace.
Lisa's wish came true, the rain stopped in time for guests to enjoy the outdoor space.

I will post photos about the reception tomorrow!