With an already combined household, we didn't need or want the usual registries. We both love and appreciate wine and therefore decided to offer a wine registry through my friend's wine shop located downtown Chicago. Don selected a group of wines and guests were able to select and purchase the wines and even have them delivered to us. Everyone loved the concept and we now have a wonderful start to a wine cellar.
We searched throughout Chicago to find an intimate yet unique venue that would be memorable for us and our guests for the reception. Maxim's was a perfect choice for the reception. Rich reds, velvet, old school lounge atmosphere made for an intimate gathering and the space was perfect for dinner and dancing. Gorgeous bar area. It was like having your own private club and you didn't compete for space in a hotel or banquet hall. Also very reasonable pricing for a downtown Chicago location in the heart of the Gold Coast. Very convenient location as well near the Omni Ambassador Hotel. Alan was a joy to work with.
We booked a trolley to take the wedding party and guests from the hotel to the church and from the church to reception as well as picking the wedding party up downtown after photos. It couldn't have worked any better. Great service and very accommodating especially with several stops but 100% right on time which is critical to us brides!
As with our entire wedding we looked for unique venues in order to create a truly unique experience for our wedding. Why not have a rehearsal dinner at D&B! We had a private room with buffet and we were able to decorate and even have a video screen to show a slide show. It was the fun low-key type of event we were looking for. Fun and games! Kristen and her staff couldn't have been more accommodating and a joy to work with.
Jason was fantastic and the quality surpassed all those I reseached. You are truly a star in your own movie. It is not your standard wedding video. He captured those adorable little things that you didn't get to see and you feel like you were a guest at your own wedding.
If you want a totally unique and fun band, Professor John. We had a French Quarter/Mardi Gras themed reception and the guests are still talking about it a year later. Great fun music. No one would sit down the entire night.
Chef Andrew Lawrence has become a very good friend since first discovering him in 1998 when I planned my first event here in Chicago. He is fun and creative and your guests won't believe what they are getting. Truly delicious and I find a new craving each time. He is also unbelievable with regards to building menus and presentations around a theme. Wouldn't have trusted my wedding to anyone else and I have worked with some of the best caterers in the city.
Carl was introduced to me by my friend, an event planner here in Chicago. He was a blast to work with and amazingly creative incorporating unique out-of-the-ordinary elements into the flowers. Everyone raved how spectacular they looked.
I searched the city over looking for something unique but went back to the lovely wedding shop about 45 minutes West of the city near Aurora where I used to buy my formal dresses. I must have found 25 dresses that I liked which before I could barely find one. Very easy to work with and attention to detail with alterations. Well worth the trip.
Sally is an event and wedding planner with Hearty Boys catering. She has done some amazing events and weddings and treats her clients so well. She really knows how to work with couples on budgets and stepping them through planning for their events. You are in the best hands possible and as a bride, you have absolutely nothing to worry about on the most important day of your life.