When we first sat down to meet with Natalia and Eric at a local Starbucks I could immediately just feel the energy and excitement they had for each other as we listened to their amazing wedding day plans. Natalia and Eric’s wedding was one for the modern day storybooks set along the Romantic and natural backdrop at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago on a perfect sun filled summer day. Voted as one of Chicago’s most breathtaking wedding venues- The Museum’s Reception space is unique and so beautiful with floor-to-ceiling windows indoors as well as a breath taking outdoor private terrace with stunning nature and city skyline views. They started the day with the best first look on the prettiest tree lined street in the Gold Coast right outside  The Public Hotel. Followed by the stunning wedding ceremony at the couple’s alma mater campus of Northwestern at The Alice Milar Chapel. The stained glass windows in the chapel surrounded the entire ceremony in a kaleidoscope of warm vivid color.

We had a blast touring the couple and bridal party around to some of the most scenic and beautiful locations around Chicago including some favorites like The Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park, Chicago History Museum and along the grounds of their amazing venue.  Natalia and Eric enjoy opening up their home for entertaining and love incorporating themed bar menus for their guests to enjoy themselves. Their wedding was equally as welcoming and truly felt like a big, warm, and embracing celebration for all their guests who had traveled near and far to celebrate such a joyous day.

To make the day even more amazing (if that was even possible) we had the honor of working with some of the most talented and creative Chicago wedding vendor (and friends) to help make their Romantic Art-Deco inspired wedding come to life. Eco-Friendly Wedding Planner– Naturally Yours Events brought their vision to life while helping to keep their day sustainably friendly. Fab Flora curated and designed a perfect selection of the most colorful blooms for the day. And our friends from Old North Film Co. created a wedding film for Natalia and Eric to help them relive their wedding day moments all over again.

Thank you both for inviting us to photograph your extraordinary love story and have the best seat on the house the entire day! We wish you much love and exciting travel adventures ahead! xo

Ceremony: Alice Millar Chapel

Reception: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Wedding Planner: Naturally Yours Events

Florist: Fab Flora

Catering: Food for Thought

Bakery: Scafuri Bakery

Videographer: Old North Film Co.

DJ: Cage + Aquarium

Lighting: Atmosphere Events Group

Bridal Dress: BHLDN

Bride’s Accessories: Mignonette Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Brideside

Bridal Hair + Makeup: Debra Petrielli

Groom’s Suit:Blacktie Formalwear

Invitations: Minted

Jeweler: Stanley Brown Jewelists

Transportation: M&M Limousine

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Come meet Joe and I on September 22nd at Artifact Events along with 50 other awesome wedding vendors (including NINE local breweries) at Wedtoberfest!

This event is an exciting alternative to the wedding planning process that combines a casual wedding show with all the fun of a beer festival. We are so excited to have been selected for this years show.

So be sure to stop by our booth, preuse our collection of heirloom wedding albums and other printed goods, and tell us all about your exciting wedding day plans! Be sure to get your tickets before this show sells out -see you there!

I can honestly say that we work with THE best couples. Thankful for this great wedding review from one of our amazing 2015 couples Michelin & Will. They were married at beautiful http://www.qasbasilica.org/ where Michelin’s mother and father also held their own wedding ceremony at as well. Their elegant reception was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago. Such a special day for this couple that we were so honored to be a part of. Here is more from the bride:

 “Planning our wedding from a far was a bit of a challenge. We could not have a face to face meeting or see everything in person. Liz & Joe were the absolute best at working through that challenge. When we first decided to consider them as our photographers Liz was great about emailing us materials. When we were pretty sure they were what we wanted they set up a Skype date so we talk through our expectations in detail. A few months before our wedding they set up a meeting with us on a weekend when we were in town to discuss last minute logistics. They also put up with viewing our engagement pictures that we had done in Philadelphia (where we live) so I could show them what I believe are our best angles.”

“On our wedding day they were amazing. It was a long, HOT day and their energy kept us going. We were really ready to get into the air conditioning at some points throughout the day but they encouraged us to get a few more photos, which I am VERY grateful for because they turned out amazing. They captured every moment I wanted. Whenever I wanted to snap a photo with a group of friends they were right there. The photos are unbelievably beautiful, my husband and I, as well as our family and friends look like our best selves. Liz & Joe had their work cut out for them capturing difficult subjects: small children, our beloved dog, and our big families, but it all turned out great. We are a relaxed couple – we do not take ourselves seriously and I really think all our wedding photos capture who we are and what the day was to us. I could not be more thrilled. They are the BEST!”

Being in this years Indie Wed wedding show was definitely highlight for us!  Joe and I were  excited to see so many familiar (and talented) faces at this years show. We worked really hard to highlight our booth and I think we did just that and more! With a custom chalkboard and beautiful fresh arrangements by the uber talented Becca Blue Flowers to help make our booth smell and look fresh! We enjoyed getting to meet a handful of really nice couples and  got to share with them what we are about.  Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello!!

This past Sunday morning a group of vendors met for the first time under the El tracks in Ravenswood to meet, greet, and collaborate on this shoot that Elaine from Shadowbox Dreams had been putting together for  while.  I think I’m not the only one who left that sunny morning totally inspired and grateful to be part of an industry that is so supportive, collaborative, and full to the brim with creative energy. Each of these ladies not only brings talent to the table but personality and passion for what they create. Thank you Elaine for inviting me to be a part of this fabulous group of ladies!  I hope we can all work again soon 🙂

Vintage Rentals: Shadowbox Dreams

Paper Bouquets: Little Spoon Events

Candles: Chicago Candle Co.

Wedding Suite: Chykalophia

Baked Goods: Bot Bakery

Graphic Artist: Chyrel Banias

Handmade Backdrops/Supplies: Penelope & Lala

From the outside looking into this cute Lakeview bridal shop, it’s clear that Mignonette is unlike any other bridal shop in Chicago. Walking into this space is like stepping into a beatuifully curated bridal closet filled with one of a kind custom gowns designed and sewn by the talented shop owner Kpoene.  And of course what closet wouldn’t be complete without accessories like veils, jewelry, and vintage men’s suits to complete your bridal look. Kpoene created her shop to be a space where clients could shop, chat, and linger around for a while…which trust me is easy to do with all the inviting vintage furnishings and DIY decor she has surrounding the space. She even rents out her space to other vendors in the wedding industry to hold client meetings in.  Something that Joe and I are excited to be doing in the future.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional, vintage inspired assortment of lovely bridal dresses and accessories be sure to stop by Mignonette and prepare yourself to be inspired and add to your list of go-to shops where you’ll be happy to visit again with your mom and maid of honor in tow.

This weekend I had the chance to visit the beautiful grounds and newly remodeled rustic barn at Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room in Oswego IL.  With lush views of farmland and working farms throughout the drive, when I pulled up to the space I felt like I was transported back to simple days and times. I meet with Zack, the Creative Director, who gave me the tour of the barn, tent, and grounds. Not only was he super friendly and helpful but he answered all my questions but he gave me a great feeling of the place. It’s nice  when venues work to accommodate your preferences on DIY decor, seating arrangements, and helping you create your vision for such a special day. If you are looking for a truly unique, rustic and romantic venue to celebrate your wedding day I highly recommend driving out to Oswego, IL to tour the grounds and then stop by the Tea Room for some lunch too!  Contact the events coordinator set up an appointment for a tour.  You’ll be glad you did!

Joe was working on a freelance job this weekend so he couldn’t make the trip out with me.  I’m excited to go back soon so he can see it all for himself in person. This might be the place!!

Joe and I had a great time last night mingling with so many  talented vendors at Indie Wed Milwaukee (thanks to M Three Studio for the free tickets!)  Here is just a small recap of a few of our favorite vendors!  There were more…we just got lost in conversation that we forgot to keep taking photos.  Our dream is to eventually be in this show, but for now we’ll keep plugging away!  Thanks to all the vendors who took time to talk to us about our wedding plans and answering all our questions!  Can’t wait to visit the Chicago show when it comes into town!