Chicago Botanic Garden Weddings

CBG Engagement Photos

2012-03-08T08:47:00.010-08:00

...check out these AMAZING engagement photos taken at the Chicago Botanic Garden - thank you DAWN ROSCOE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY for sharing these pictures with us!...

https://www.facebook.com/dawnephotofans

Cocktail of the Month

2012-02-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

RED GRAPEFRUIT BROWN DERBY

the brown derby was created in the 1930s at California's Vendome Club and named in honor of Wilshire Boulevard's Brown Derby restaurant

[4] SMALL RED GRAPEFRUIT WEDGES - PEEL REMOVED

[1] OUNCE HONEY ROSEMARY SYRUP*

[2] OUNCES RYE WHISKEY

[1] ROSEMARY SPRIG - FOR GARNISH

IN A ROCKS GLASS, MUDDLE GRAPEFRUIT AND HONEY ROSEMARY SYRUP UNTIL IT COMBINES WELL. ADD RYE WHISKEY. FILL TO TOP WITH CRUSHED ICE AND STIR WITH SPOON. GARNISH WITH ROSEMARY SPRIG. ENJOY!!

*HONEY ROSEMARY SYRUP

[1] CUP HONEY

1/2 CUP WATER

[4] ROSEMARY SPRIGS

SOURCE: MARKET-FRESH MIXOLOGY, BRIDGET ALBERT

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2012-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

...ALL THINGS SEAFOAM...

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT MUTED PASTEL COLORS ARE GOING TO BE A BIG TREND THIS UPCOMING SEASON - WE ARE SEEING THEM EVERYWHERE!

OUR FAV COLOR THIS WEEK IS SEAFOAM! SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SUBTLE COLOR THAT LOOKS GREAT AT THE GARDEN!

CHECK OUT SOME FUN INSPIRATION BOARDS:

FEBRUARY BRIDAL HAPPENINGS...

2012-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

!!!!BRIDES!!!!

HERE ARE THE LATEST BRIDAL EVENTS TO CHECK OUT IN CHICAGO:

LulaKate Trunk Show | Feb.3 to Feb.5

Bella Bridesmaid | 1 East Delaware Place, Ste. 200, Chicago, IL

LulaKate creates timeless silhouettes that your maids will admire long after your wedding day.

Stay on trend by mixing and matching styles and colors with your wedding party!

Oscar De La Renta Trunk Show| Feb.9 to Feb.11

Ultimate Bride| 106 East Oak Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL

View the Fall 2012 Wedding Collection - By Appointment Only

Romona Keveza Trunk Show| Feb.10 to Feb.11

Belle Vie Bridal Couture| 34 East Oak Street, Chicago, IL

Inspired by And God Created Woman, the 1956 film that launched Brigitte Bardot, the Fall

2012 collection whispers elegance, rather tha nshouting opulence.

"Be My Valentine" Event | Feb.12 12pm-5pm

Pulp & Ink | 1344 N Wells St, Chicago, IL

Enjoy savings on wedding invitations while nibbling on valentines day inspired treats!

Be U Weddings Launch Event & Winter Bridal Soiree | Feb.12

Gallery 1028 | 1028 N Hooker St, Chicago, IL

Be U Weddings, Gallery 1028 and CS Brides come together to host the launch of Be U Wedding's blogazine and a Winter Bridal Soiree. Guests are invited to mix and mingle while enjoying 2012 bridal trends from top-notch Chicago vendors. Enjoy a documentary wedding screening, floral demonstrations, tastings by one of Chicago's hottest caterers, decor and lighting trends, invitations and more. And bring your groom-- an on-site "man cave" will get him hooked on the wedding planning too!
1-4 PM | Tickets are $40 (includes bride plus one guest)

Belle Vie Bridal Couture's Fashion Show | Feb.16 6pm-9pm

Waldorf Astoria Chicago | 11 East Walton St., Chicago, IL

Announcing the Brand New Waldorf Astoria Chicago for Belle Vie Bridal Couture's Exclusive Fashion Show of 2012 Bridal Collections from LANVIN, VALENTINO, J MENDEL & VIVIENNE WESTWOOD | Featuring Wedding Expert JESSE DECKARD of EVENT CREATIVE

Enjoy Dom Pérignon and decadent canapés in the Sinclair Ballroom | Tickets include exclusive Bele Vie Bridal Couture 2012 designer look book and access to these one-of-a-kind gowns & a private appointment the next day (Friday, in the new store at 34 East Oak), before the rest of the country views these collections.

Tickets, $100.To purchase tickets - visit http://belleviebridalevent.eventbrite.com/

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2012-01-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

!!CUSTOM GOURMET DESSERT TABLES!!

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT WHEN COUPLES DECIDE TO OFFER DELICIOUS DESSERT TABLES AT THEIR WEDDING RECEPTION! THE MORE DETAILED AND PERSONALIZED - THE BETTER! INCORPORATE YOUR COLOR SCHEME OR WEDDING THEME OR CHILDHOOD FAVORITE DESSERTS - ANY WAY YOU CAN PERSONALIZE IT, DO IT!

MAR & MOE

2012-01-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING WEDDING SHOTS FROM MAR & MOE'S WEDDING LAST AUGUST!! WE WERE BEYOND THRILLED TO WORK WITH THEM ON SUCH A SPECIAL DAY - EVERYTHING WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! KEHOE DESIGNS HANDLED THEIR FABULOUS DECOR AND THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER WAS IRIS ALLEN OF HIGHLAND PARK! CONGRATS AGAIN, MAR & MOE!!!!

KRISTIN & ZACK ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

2012-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

We are THRILLED to be working with Kristin and Zack on their upcoming wedding! Check out their AMAZING engagement photos (featured on STYLE ME PRETTY) by Jeremy Bustos (Studio This Is) - we are LOVING this outdoor/Christmas theme!! CONGRATS again, Kristin & Zach!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/12/23/christmas-engagement-session-from-studio-this-is-clementine-custom-events

BETSY & WILL

2011-12-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

meet betsy and will. they are getting married at the garden next summer. they have one AMAZING photographer. we are SO excited to work with them!

check out more photos on Hilda's blog:

http://www.angeleyesphotographyblog.com/2011/10/28/betsy-and-will-engagement-session-evanston-il-fun-couples-portraits/

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2011-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

ANY BRIDES LOOKING FOR A PRE-WEDDING GLOW - BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ORTANIC [TAN CUSTOM. TAN SMART]. THEY PROVIDE PERSONALIZED 1-ON-1 SERVICE BY A LICENSED AESTHETIC SKIN CONSULTANT IN A MODERN SPA SETTING! THEY HAVE GREAT PACKAGES FOR WEDDING PARTIES - IN THEIR SPA OR EVEN IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN LOCATION!

QUALITY CUSTOM-BLENDED SPRAY TAN SOLUTION + EXPERT APPLICATION OF MICRO-FINE MIST = FLAWLESS NATURAL LOOKING SKIN

TRY OUT ORTANIC FOR AN UPCOMING HOLIDAY PARTY AND YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE - THEY OFFER AN INTRO SPECIAL FOR FIRST TIME GUESTS [$10 OFF!]

http://www.ortanic.com/

877 - ORTANIC

**REQUEST LAUREN PARENTE FOR YOUR SERVICE - WE LOVE HER!!**

HAPPY THANKSGIVING (week!)...

2011-11-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

we want to wish everyone a wonderful THANKSGIVING holiday... here is a delicious recipe for a pumpkin cocktail to enjoy...

1 1/2 ounces pumpkin liqueur

1 ounce orange vodka

1/2 ounce half & half

splash of vanilla syrup

gooseberry (garnish)

rim ingredients:

4 bar spoons super fine sugar

1/4 bar spoon ground cinnamon

lime wedge

to rim glass:

measure sugar and cinnamon onto a small plate. rim outside top of glass with lime wedge. roll the outside rim of glass in sugar mixture. set aside.

add pumpkin liqueur, orange vodka, half & half, and vanilla syrup to a mixing glass. add ice to tin. shake well. strain into cocktail glass.

garnish with gooseberry. peel back the outer leaves of the berry. slit the bottom of berry. rest on the rim of the glass.

enjoy!

IRA & CHRIS

2011-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

WE ARE ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THESE PHOTOS FROM IRA & CHRIS' WEDDING - COMPLIMENTS OF THE FABULOUS JAI GIRARD!! IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE WORKING WITH IRA AND CHRIS ON SUCH A SPECIAL CELEBRATION - WE WISH YOU BOTH A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2011-11-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

...LOVE TOTES...

LOVE TOTES creates custom welcome bags for your wedding guests!! Build your own bags/boxes using Love Totes easy online ordering form, or have them build something custom just for your wedding!

Sure, you can do them yourself - but why add another task to do before the wedding! Love Totes will deliver the bags by hand or post - and best part - shipping is FREE. Your guests come from near and far to celebrate your big day - its always nice to show them some LOVE upon their arrival! Check out everything they have to offer: http://www.love-totes.com/index2.php#!/HOME

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-11-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

...bride & groom chairs...

we love, love, love when couples get creative and make their wedding seats STAND OUT among the rest. think outside the box and come up with a fun way to label your chairs - with fun colored ribbon, cute signs, bows, fabric treatments - the possibilities are endless...

SONYAS WEDDING PHOTOS

2011-10-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE AMAZING PHOTOS FROM SONYA & JIMS BIG DAY!! MAGGIE THALHEIMER FROM ORANGE2PHOTO DID SUCH A GREAT JOB!!

SNEAK PEEK

2011-10-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

HERE IS A SNEAK PEAK OF SONYA & JIM'S BIG DAY!! THEY WERE SO GREAT TO WORK WITH AND THEIR WEDDING WAS TRULY A MAGICAL DAY! WE WILL BE GETTING THEIR PHOTOS SOON AND WILL SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU - BUT IN THE MEANTIME, CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING PHOTO (ORANGE 2 PHOTO) WITH DECOR BY ANTHONY GOWDER DESIGNS:

PULLMAN BARN

2011-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN IS PROUD TO UNVEIL A NEW VENUE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS - PULLMAN BARN! THIS IS THE PERFECT INTIMATE SPACE FOR SMALL WEDDINGS, REHEARSAL DINNERS, BRIDAL SHOWERS, WEDDING WEEKEND BRUNCH CELEBRATIONS AND MORE! WE RECENTLY INVITED A SMALL GROUP OF WEDDING PLANNERS FOR A SNEAK PEEK OF OUR PULLMAN BARN AND CHEF LUNCH PREVIEW. JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY WAS ON-SITE TO CAPTURE ALL THE ACTION - CHECK OUT SOME OF THE AMAZING PHOTOS FROM THE DAY:

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS FOR THIS EVENT - HALLS RENTAL, BBJ LINEN, JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY & JAN CHANNON FLOWERS!! CALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PULLMAN BARN - 847-835-8370.

IAN & LEE

2011-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE WORKING WITH IAN AND LEE ON THEIR UPCOMING WEDDING!! THEY ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL COUPLE AND WE KNOW THEIR DAY WILL BE FANTASIC! CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS BY NONE OTHER THAN THE WONDERFUL MISTY WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY!!

PHOTOS BY MISTY WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

CONGRATS KRISTINA & CHARLES

2011-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

LAST MONTH OUR VERY OWN SENIOR SALES MANAGER, KRISTINA, GOT MARRIED HERE AT THE GARDEN - IT WAS THE PERFECT DAY AND WE WERE THRILLED WE GOT TO SHARE SUCH A SPECIAL DAY WITH HER AND CHARLES!! CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE AMAZING PICTURES FROM JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY - WHO DID A WONDERFUL JOB AT CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF THE DAY. KEHOE DESIGNS HANDLED THE DECOR/FLOWERS - SPANISH GUITARS CHICAGO WOW'D THE GUESTS DURING THE CEREMONY AND DJ DELAYNEY PROVIDED THE BEATS FOR THE PARTY!! CONGRATULATIONS CHARLES & KRISTINA - WE WISH YOU A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!

Krehbiel Gallery

2011-09-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PICTURES FROM A REHEARSAL DINNER IN KREHBIEL GALLERY LAST WEEK!! THE ROOM WAS STUNNING AND IT WAS A FABULOUS EVENT! THANK YOU MISTY WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THESE GREAT SHOTS! AND A SHOUT-OUT TO KEHOE DESIGNS FOR THE AMAZING DECOR!!

Misty Winter Photography / www.mistywinter.com

SNEAK PEEK!

2011-09-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY & MIKE ON SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!! WE HAD A BLAST WORKING WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES - WE WISH YOU A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!

CHECK OUT SOME PICTURES FROM THEIR BEAUTIFUL DAY:

SARAH & SCOTT

2011-09-01T12:14:00.001-07:00

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT PICS FROM SARAH & SCOTT'S WEDDING - WHICH WAS EARLIER THIS SUMMER!! SO BEAUTIFUL! CONGRATS AGAIN YOU BOTH!

IRA & CHRIS

2011-08-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS IRA AND CHRIS ON A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING THIS PAST SATURDAY, AUGUST 13TH!! HERE IS A SNEAK PEAK AT THEIR GORGEOUS WEDDING! WE WILL BE RECEIVING PHOTOS FROM THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER, JAI GIRARD, SOON AND WILL POST!! LINDSAY STEIN FROM DESIGNER EVENTS CHICAGO DID AN AMAZING JOB WITH PLANNING THEIR WEDDING!! CONGRATS!!!

SARAH & CHARLEY

2011-08-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS SARAH & CHARLEY ON SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!!! THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY A DELIGHT TO WORK WITH - ALONG WITH SARAH'S SWEET MOTHER, BONNIE, AND WEDDING PLANNER, MINDY GURWIN. THEIR WEDDING DAY WAS GORGEOUS AND FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVE AND HAPPINESS!!

Photo Credit: Tram Tran Photography

GARDEN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

2011-08-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

WE ARE ABSOLUTELY LOVING THIS CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS BY ERICA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY!!!! JUST SHOWS HOW BEAUTIFUL THE GARDEN IS - EVEN IN THE RAIN!!!

Photo Credit: Erica Rose Photography

ALYCIA & LAWRENCE!

2011-07-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS ALYCIA & LAWRENCE ON A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!!! IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU BOTH ON SUCH A SPECIAL DAY!! WISHING YOU A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!

CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PHOTOS OF ALYCIA & LAWRENCE'S SWEET TABLE - PROVIDED BY SWEET TABLE CHICAGO!!!

Check out more photos on Sweet Table Chicago's blog!! http://blog.sweettablechicago.com/2011/07/chicago-botanic-garden-wedding-sweet.html

Here are also a couple photos of the amazing decor provided by KEHOE DESIGNS!!

MERRILL & KEITH

2011-07-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

congratulations merrill & keith richey!! we cannot say enough great things about merrill and keith - they are the most kind, fun loving, good hearted people we have worked with - their wedding day was filled with so much love and happiness!! the decor was stunning thanks to event creative - the tent looked amazing!

XIYUN & BEN FOSTER

2011-07-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW: MR. & MRS. BEN FOSTER!! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN CELEBRATING THEIR WEDDING ON 7/17!! THEY ARE SUCH A FUN AND SWEET COUPLE! WE WISH YOU BOTH A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

2011-06-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

...congratulations to our lovely couple, karrie & joe, who had an AMAZING wedding reception on june 17th at the garden!! we are so excited to see your beautiful wedding photos! congratulations again, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness, laughter, joy and more...

CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS SARAH & SCOTT ON A GORGEOUS WEDDING THIS PAST WEEKEND!! IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU BOTH ON A SPECIAL CELEBRATION OF LOVE!! WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS!!

REAL WEDDING

2011-06-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS JIYOUN AND KEUNSUK ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT THE GARDEN THIS PAST MAY!! WE JUST RECEIVED THIS AMAZING PHOTOS FROM STEVE KOO - AND THEY ARE JUST STUNNING!! WE WISH YOU BOTH A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!!!

HERE IS A LINK TO MORE OF THEIR FABULOUS PICTURES: http://stevekoophotography.com/weddings/chicago-botanic-garden-wedding-jiyoun-keunsuk/

CALLING ALL BRIDES!!

2011-06-23T12:00:00.001-07:00

HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING BRIDAL EVENTS TO CHECK OUT!!

Kenneth Pool Trunk Show July 7-9 Ultimate Bride

Nicole Miller Trunk Show July 9-10 Nicole Miller

Wedding DIY Workshop with Debbi Lilly July 10 A Perfect Event

Annual Elite Designs Sidewalk Sale July 15-16 Elite Designs Bridal, Winnetka

Bella Bianca Sample Sale July 26-30 Bella Bianca Couture

ENJOY!!

Hospital Staff Appreciation Event

2011-06-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

LAST SATURDAY WE HOSTED A HOSPITAL STAFF APPRECIATION EVENT IN MCGINLEY PAVILION - WE WORKED WITH THE FABULOUS NOELLE FROM M&M SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS AND EVERYTHING TURNED OUT BEAUTIFULLY! THE WEATHER WAS AMAZING, THE MUSIC WAS GREAT AND THE GUESTS HAD AN WONDERFUL EVENING! CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT:

REAL WEDDING

2011-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS LINDSEY & BO!!!

LAST SATURDAY, MAY 21ST - LINDSEY AND BO WERE MARRIED AT THE GARDEN!! IT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY AND RECEPTION - WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS FROM MALIA RAE!! WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE WORKED WITH LINDSEY, BO AND THEIR FAMILIES ON SUCH A SPECIAL CELEBRATION! HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS TO ENJOY!

OTHER VENDORS FROM THE WEDDING: OCCASIONS EVENT PLANNING, KEHOE DESIGNS & KEN ARLEN/INDIGO - THEY WERE ALL SO AMAZING TO WORK WITH!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2011-05-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO JOANNE & PHIEU, WHO CELEBRATED THEIR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 21ST!! IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE WORKING WITH THEM ON THEIR WEDDING - WE WISH THEM A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS!! CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PHOTOS FROM AUDREY KELLER (http://www.audreykellerphotograpy.com/):

CONGRATULATIONS!!

2011-05-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSE & SIMEON ON THEIR FABULOUS WEDDING THIS PAST WEEKEND!! IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

2011-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

OUR WEDDNG SEASON IS HERE!!

Congratulations to Rose and Simeon, whose wonderful wedding ceremony and reception will be held here at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Sunday, May 15th!! WE LOVE OUR WEDDING COUPLES! We can't wait to be part of your day...............

*stay tuned for photos of their big day!

2011-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

CALLING ALL SOON-TO-BE BRIDES!!!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES?? LOOK NO FURTHER - THE GARDEN IS IN BLOOM AND IS THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR YOUR PHOTOS!! WHETHER IN THE CRESCENT GARDEN WITH TULIPS SURROUNDING YOU - OR THE WATERFRONT TERRACE WITH THE FOUNTAIN BEHIND YOU - THERE ARE PLENTY OF AREAS TO SHOWCASE YOUR LOVE!! SIMPLY CHECK-IN AT THE INFORMATION DESK ON THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT AND PURCHASE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT! CONGRATULATIONS!

Jiyoun and Keunsuk

2011-04-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for Jiyoun and Keunsuk's wedding this June!! They are such a wonderful couple and we are thrilled to be working with them on such a special celebration!! Here is their engagement story:

“I suspected something was going on. We went to Jared's to find out my "ring size". The sales associate there asked many annoying questions including if he had bought an engagement ring. And Keunsuk reluctantly admitted that he already bought the ring.

So I did what any normal, anticipating girl would do. Guess how he's going to do it, how he was going to propose.

And I guess every one of them right. As soon as Keunsuk thought of a way to propose, I'd guess it. After several tries Keunsuk must have felt flustered and tricked me by asking me for my availability for few upcoming dates. I was elated with thoughts of going to fancy, romantic places. Few minutes later after my visit to the ladies room, there it was...”

CONGRATULATIONS JIYOUN AND KEUNSUK!!!!

Turquoise & Pink!!

2011-03-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the TURQUOISE & PINK color combo - especially for a spring/early summer wedding/event - but I was BLOWN away at how this couple incorporated their color scheme into their entire engagement party!! Clearly we are obsessed with STYLE ME PRETTY - but this is exactly why!! They post the most creative/beautiful events - we LOVE! Call us to coordinate YOUR turquoise & pink event today :)

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-03-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ce Jaune provides a various range of handmade, vintage inspired bridal hair accessories and jewelry. This includes hand stitched silk flowers, feathers, and crystals. The Rose Collection is all about organic real roses. Since no two roses are exactly the same, each rose remains unique to you. Ce Jaune also provides custom made bridal hairpieces / jewelry.

http://www.cejaune.com/index.html

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

2011-03-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

PLEASE SUPPORT THE WILL POWER TEAM AT THE ABTA 5K RUN/WALK ON MAY 14TH - KATIE & WILL WERE MARRIED AT THE GARDEN ON 7/16/10 AND WILL LOST HIS BATTLE SOON AFTER - SO, JOIN US AS WE SUPPORT KATIE AND REMEMBER WILL!!

http://hope.abta.org/site/TR/ABTAEvent/PathtoProgress?pg=entry&fr_id=1840

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

LATE NIGHT SNACKS!!
More and more couples are choosing to offer late night snacks while guests dance the night away! Mini cheeseburgers & tator tots, mini milkshakes, mini grilled cheese & tomato soup shooters, mini ice cream cones, mini gyro sandwiches and more! These are all fun ideas that can be butler passed throughout the evening for guests to enjoy! Some have even offered late night stations that feature various items, like a late night nacho bar or late night popcorn station - any fun snacks that the couple enjoy can work great! Guests will absolutey be blown away!

Engagement Photos at CBG!

2011-03-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Check out these AMAZING photos from the FABULOUS Jennifer Kathryn from a recent engagement session at the Chicago Botanic Garden!!!

*http://blog.jenniferkathryn.com/*

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-03-03T08:55:00.001-08:00

POPS OF COLOR!!!

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE POPS OF COLOR INCORPORATED INTO AN EVENT DESIGN! BLUES, PURPLES, REDS - IT ALL WORKS! WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DECOR - CONSIDER POPS OF COLOR WHERE POSSIBLE: LINENS, FLORAL, LIGHTING, ETC!

Photo Credit: Kehoe Designs, Birch Design Studio, Snippet & Ink

PLANNING A WEDDING!?

2011-02-23T13:03:00.001-08:00

PLANNING A WEDDING!? STILL SEARCHING FOR THAT PERFECT CHICAGO AREA WEDDING VENUE!?? THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN IS THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE CHICAGO HAS TO OFFER! WE STILL HAVE SOME 2011 DATES AND SEVERAL 2012 OPENINGS - CALL US FOR A PRIVATE TOUR TODAY!!!

847-835-8370

EVENTS@CHICAGOBOTANIC.ORG

An Evening of Bridal Luxury

2011-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING THE CS EVENING OF BRIDAL LUXURY AT THE TRUMP TOWERS THIS WEEKEND AND IT WAS FABULOUS! HEFFERNAN MORGAN STYLED ALL THE JAW DROPPING TABLE DESIGNS - THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! TRUMP TOWERS WAS THE PERFECT SETTING, OFFERING DELICIOUS HORS D'OEUVRES AND COCKTAILS! VERA WANG HELD AN EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOW WITH SOME GORGEOUS GOWNS - AND FIG MEDIA ROCKED THE HOUSE (LOVE MEGAN TAYLOR)!! IT WAS SUCH A FUN NIGHT - WE CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

2011-02-17T10:35:00.001-08:00

CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PHOTOS FROM A SEPTEMBER 2010 WEDDING - THE FANTASIC MARINA BIRCH PLANNED/DESIGNED THIS WEDDING AND THE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY THE FABULOUS RICK AGUILAR!! WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED HOW EVERYTHING CAME OUT - IT WAS A STUNNING WEDDING!!

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-02-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

A convenient, cost-effective, eco-friendly and still completely gorgeous way to spread the word about your big day! PAPERLESS POST lets you save your guest list and track replies in one accessible location - along with offering other great wedding tools! Receive 25 FREE Stamps when you sign up: www.paperlesspost.com/

"At Paperless Post, we seek to redefine the tradition of paper stationery so that people can send custom, personalized invitations and announcements with the same thought and care as previous generations, but the way we communicate today: online."

LINDSEY & BO

2011-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for LINDSEY & BO'S wedding!! They are getting married here at the garden in May - our FIRST wedding of the season! We have loved working with them throughout the plannng process and are excited to see it all come together! We recently hosted their menu tasting where we got to know the whole family and they are TRULY the sweetest people! CONGRATULATIONS LINDSEY & BO!!!!

This Week We Are Loving...

2011-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

DALLAS SHAW

Dallas is an illustrator and designer who works in the fashion and interior design industry. She did these AMAZING illustrations for a recent bride, who gifted them to all her bridesmaids. Each bridesmaid was in their bridesmaid dress and looked SO much like each of them! Through email exchanges, photos, inspiration boards, etc - Dallas created these amazing illustrations! This is a fabulous gift for your bridesmaids - that they will really love!

http://www.dallasshaw.com/

Holiday Entertaining!

2010-12-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

For all of you HOLIDAY HOSTESSES, here is a FAB cocktail that will be sure to WOW all of your guests!! The S'MORES MARTINI is a delicious drink that will leave your guests wanting more!

Absolut Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, Cream, Toasted Marshmallow Skewer, Chocolate Syrup and a Graham Cracker Rim!

ENJOY & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Holiday Social 2010

2010-12-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Our Glisten.Glow.Sparkle Holiday Showcase event was a huge success!! Thanks to all who attended - it was great to catch up with our industry friends and clients!! A BIG thank you to HALLS, KEHOE DESIGNS and BBJ LINENS for partnering with us on our event! Here are some photos, courtesy of Hilda from ANGEL EYES PHOTOGRAPHY!!

AMAZING NOVEMBER WEDDING

2010-12-03T09:41:00.001-08:00

It was truly a pleasure working with Sheryl on her wedding this past November!! She had such an amazing vision and worked with Jamey from Kehoe Designs to bring it to life!! Check out these amazing photos from her "secret garden" inspired wedding that took place in our Burnstein Hall!! CONGRATS SHERYL & ALLEN!!!!!

DAY-AFTER WEDDING PHOTO SHOOT

2010-11-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

It was such a pleasure working with Alexis and Matt on their fabulous wedding in July 2010!! The wedding was absolutely beautiful and everyone had an amazing time! Alexis and Matt decided to come back to the garden for a day-after wedding photo shoot and the pictures are stunning!! Compliments to YazyJo Photophraphy!!

Garden Shots!

2010-11-30T08:51:00.001-08:00

A couple more amazing shots from Steve Koo Photography! STEPHANIE AND CHRIS were married at the garden in June 2010 - it was such a pleasure working with them!! How great are these garden shots!??

Better Late Then Never...

2010-11-30T08:43:00.001-08:00

Check out these GREAT pictures from a June 2010 wedding here at the garden!! Loving the vibrant colors!! Compliments to Steve Koo Photography...

September Wedding 2010

2010-11-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

We just received these AMAZING shots from one of our September weddings!! This was such a lovely wedding and a wonderful couple. These pictures are compliments of the great JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY!! Thanks Jeremy!! www.jeremylawsonphotography.com

AMAZING PICTURES

2010-11-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

We are totally LOVING these photos from a past wedding by JEREMY BUSTOS from Studio This Is - They are absolutely GORGEOUS!! For more information on Jeremy, visit his website at www.studiothisis.com or check out his blog: www.overexposedblog.com!!

CBG Wedding Ad!

2010-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

COKE FLOATS!

2010-11-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

We are TOTALLY loving this idea of a COKE FLOAT BAR!!! How adorable is this dessert station for a late night wedding treat!!? I would love for one of my couples to do this - it is sooo fun!!!

Featured!!

2010-11-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that Katie & Will's wedding was featured on Bride Buzz this week!! Take a moment at check out this amazing wedding that was captured by the phenomenal Jeremy Lawson! The photos are GORGEOUS and really capture the true beauty of the garden! Congrats Katie & Will!!

http://www.bride-buzz.com/buzz/real-weddings/2010/11/02/great-gardens/

This Week We Are Loving...

2010-11-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

FINALLY - A registry for all you foodies out there! FOODIE REGISTRY is a FREE gift registry for upscale Chicago restaurant gift certificates!! This is great for engaged couples looking for a unique registry, who truly enjoy great cuisine! Some of the restaurants that are included in the registry are Boka, Sunda, Deleece, Landmark Grill & Lounge, Le Colonial, N9NE Steakhouse, Nacional 27, Opera and The Drawing Room!! Explore this DELICIOUS registry at http://www.foodieregistry.com/!

This Week We Are Loving...

2010-10-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

ENGAGEMENTS PHOTOS AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN!!!

WHAT BETTER LOCATION FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENTS PICTURES THAN THE GARDEN! RIGHT NOW, THE GARDEN IS SO BEAUTIFUL WITH THE CHANGING TREES AND BURST OF COLORS - AND WINTER SHOTS ARE JUST AMAZING WITH ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE TREES! JESSIE FROM SIMPLY JESSIE PHOTOGRAPGHY RECENTLY SHOT AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT THE GARDEN AND THE PHOTOS ARE BEAUTIFUL! CHECK OUT MORE PICTURES FROM THE SESSION ON HER BLOG: http://www.simplyjessie.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/19/bahareh-justin-engaged-chicago-botanic-garden-engagement/

This Week We're Loving...

2010-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK WERE LOVING ONCEWED.COM!! THIS IS THE ONLY FREE LISTING SERVICE FOR WEDDING DRESSES - AND NOW ALSO OFFERS BRIDES EVERYTHING FROM REAL WEDDING PHOTOS TO DO IT YOURSELF PROJECT IDEAS! THERE ARE TONS OF INSPIRATION PHOTO GALLERIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREAT VENDORS! DEFINITELY TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK OUT THIS SITE!

SUMMER WEDDING

2010-09-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

I JUST RECEIVED THESE AMAZING PICTURES FROM BECKY HILL FROM A WEDDING THIS PAST JUNE AT THE GARDEN!! THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! BECKY IS SUCH AN AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER!!

http://beckyhillweddings.com/index2.php#/home/

SNEAK PEEK...

2010-09-20T08:22:00.001-07:00

IT WAS A DREAM TO WORK WITH MARINA BIRCH FROM BIRCH DESIGN STUDIO THIS WEEKEND!! MARINA IS AN AMAZING EVENT PLANNER AND HER EVENT COORDINATORS WERE SO LOVELY! HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES FROM THE WEDDING THIS PAST SATURDAY - AND WE WILL DEFINITELY SHARE THE PROFESSIONAL PICTURES FROM OUR DEAR FRIEND, RICK AGUILAR!!

MULTICULTURAL WEDDING!

2010-09-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH SABRINA HANS FROM SHE EVENTS IN AUGUST!! HER CLIENTS, SONIA AND ADAN, WERE AMAZING TO WORK WITH AND SO IN LOVE! FROM THE TRADITIONAL INDIAN HORS D'OEUVRES TO THE LIVE MARIACHI BAND DURING COCKTAILS - IT WAS TRULY A LOVELY REPRESENTATION OF BOTH CULTURES! THEIR WEDDING SO GORGEOUS AND WE ARE THRILLED TO BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU SOME PICS!! GERBER & SCARPELLI PHOTOGRAPHED THE WEDDING AND WE ARE OBSESSED!! CONGRATULATIONS SONIA AND ADAN!!

SNEAK PEAK...

2010-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

WE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT WEEKEND!! I JUST WANTED TO SHARE SOME PHOTOS FROM A FABULOUS WEDDING AT THE GARDEN TWO WEEKS AGO! IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH KELLEY AND MIKE AND WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS!! THE LOVELY NIKKI FROM BOTANICALS HANDLED ALL THE DECOR AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! THEY HOSTED THEIR CEREMONY IN KREHBIEL GALLERY AND RECEPTION IN MCGINLEY PAVILION!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

SPRING IS IN THE AIR...

2010-09-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

OK, I KNOW ITS ONLY SEPTEMBER, BUT I AM ALREADY THINKING ABOUT THE UPCOMING SPRING WEDDINGS!! I WAS CHECKING OUT MY FAV BLOG, STYLEMEPRETTY, AND SAW THIS ADORABLE GREEN & BLUE WEDDING!! THIS COLOR SCHEME IS SO PRETTY AND VERY SPRING APPROPRIATE - CHECK OUT SOME OF THE PICTURES!!

PLACECARD TABLE

2010-09-09T09:09:00.001-07:00

MANY OF OUR BRIDES ARE LOOKING FOR MORE CREATIVE WAYS TO DISPLAY THEIR PLACECARDS - OUTDOOR WEDDINGS = SOME WINDY DAYS. SOMETIMES DOING A TENTED CARD JUST DOES NOT WORK FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS - TAKE A LOOK AT SOME CREATIVE IDEAS WE ARE GIVING OUR BRIDES:

AMAZING SHOTS!!

2010-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE AMAZING SHOTS FROM GARBO PRODUCTIONS FROM ONE OF OUR JULY WEDDINGS!! THESE ARE JUST A COUPLE OF GORGEOUS SHOTS FROM AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!!!

OVERLAYS

2010-08-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

MANY OF OUR CLIENTS ARE ADDING OVERLAYS ON THEIR LINEN AND IT REALLY MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!! AN OVERLAY ADDS DEPTH AND TEXTURE TO YOUR DINING TABLE AND COMES ACROSS BEAUTIFULLY IN PHOTOS!! HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS FROM RECENT EVENTS WHERE THEY HAVE ADDED OVERLAYS:

HERE ARE A COUPLE FUN NEW OPTIONS WE ARE OFFERING OUR CLIENTS:

BLACK ROSE

CHELSEA

AMY & ANDREW

2010-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

SO DO YOU GUYS REMEMBER AMY & ANDREW FROM THEIR ENGAGEMENT PICTURE I POSTED?? WE JUST RECEIVED THEIR WEDDING PHOTOS AND THEY ARE GORGEOUS!! IT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL RECEPTION WITH SO MUCH LOVE IN THE ROOM!! CONGRATULATIONS AMY & ANDREW - WE WISH YOU A LIFETIME FULL OF HAPPINESS!!

A BIG THANK YOU TO BECKY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SENDING US ALL THE AMAZING PICTURES!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!

TARA & IVAN

2010-07-14T13:12:00.001-07:00

WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH ONE OF OUR COLLEAGUES, TARA, ON HER BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!! TARA ACTUALLY PLANS EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY! SHE HAD AN AMAZING VISION FOR HER WEDDING AND EVERYTHING TURNED OUT GORGEOUS!! HERE IS A SNEAK PEAK AT SOME PHOTOS OF THE BIG DAY!! CONGRATULATIONS TARA & IVAN!!!!

MORE PICS!

2010-07-06T12:30:00.001-07:00

HERE ARE SOME MORE BEAUTIFUL PICS FROM BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY OF OUR JUNE 4TH WEDDING!!! GORGEOUS!

JUNE 4TH WEDDING

2010-06-10T06:44:00.001-07:00

IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT BY THE DATE OF OUR LAST POST THAT WE HAVE ENTERED INTO WEDDING SEASON!! WE ARE SO BUSY AT THE GARDEN WITH OUR WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS, THAT WE HAVE NEGLECTED OUR BLOG!! SO SORRY!! HOWEVER, WE HAVE A SPECIAL TREAT: PHOTOS FROM OUR SPECTACULAR WEDDING THAT TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 4TH!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!! THEY WERE THE FIRST COUPLE EVER TO HOST A CEREMONY IN THE ROSE GARDEN AND IT WAS STUNNING!! THEY ADDED A CLEAR SPAN TENT TO THE ROSE GARDEN AND FILLED WITH GORGEOUS DECOR. THEIR RECEPTION TOOK PLACE IN MCGINLEY PAVILION AND EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL!! ENJOY THE PICTURES (FROM OUR PERSONAL CAMERAS), BUT WE WILL DEFINITELY POST SOME OF THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS SOON!!

AMY & ANDREW

2010-05-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

WE ARE THRILLED TO BE WORKING WITH AMY & ANDREW ON THEIR UPCOMING FABULOUS WEDDING!! THEY ARE HAVING THEIR WEDDING RECEPTION THIS JUNE IN MCGINLEY PAVILION! AMY & ANDREW ARE WORKING WITH SOME AMAZING VENDORS AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED FOR THEIR BIG DAY!!

CONGRATULATIONS AMY & ANDREW!!!

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2010-04-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE SHUTTERBOOTH!! THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN AND ADD AN EXTRA FLARE TO ANY EVENT!! SHUTTERBOOTH OFFERS MANY OPTIONS SUCH AS VIDEOBOOTH, SHUTTERYOU, SAVE THE DATES, THANK YOU CARDS, SCRAPOOKS, ETC. THEY ARE TRUE PROFESSIONALS AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS PERFECT FOR YOUR EVENT!! GIVE THEM A CALL AND VISIT THEM TO TEST THE AWESOMENESS (IS THIS A WORD?) OF SHUTTERBOOTH!!

773.327.5870 http://www.shutterbooth.com/ CHERYL@SHUTTERBOOTH.COM

MIKE & BECKY

2010-04-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE HOSTING MIKE & BECKY'S WEDDING AT THE GARDEN THIS JUNE!! THEY ARE THE SWEETEST COUPLE AND WE ARE THRILLED THEY CHOSE THE GARDEN FOR THEIR BIG DAY!! THEY WILL BE HOSTING THEIR COCKTAIL RECEPTION IN THE BEAUTIFUL SEARLE COURTYARD AND RECEPTION IN MCGINLEY PAVILION!!

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE & BECKY!!!

THIS WEEK WE ARE LOVING...

2010-04-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

POPS OF COLOR!! WE RECENTLY SAW THIS WEDDING ON STYLE ME PRETTY (www.stylemepretty.com) AND WAS IMMEDIATELY OBSESSED WITH IT! WE LOVE HOW THEY INCORPORATED RED THROUGHOUT THEIR ENTIRE WEDDING - FROM THE DECOR TO THE FASHION!! HOW AWESOME IS THIS?? WE ARE LOVING POPS OF COLOR IN WEDDINGS THIS YEAR!!

VIKAS & STEPHANIE

2010-03-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

VIKAS & STEPHANIE WERE FORMALLY ENGAGED AT A TRADITIONAL INDIAN ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY IN MUMBAI, INDIA ON DECEMBER 8, 2009 SURROUNDED BY BOTH OF THEIR FAMILIES! THEY WILL BE GETTING MARRIED AT THE GARDEN THIS JULY AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BE WORKING WITH THEM!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

WISH UPON A WEDDING

2010-03-25T12:22:00.001-07:00

Last night we attended the Wish Upon a Wedding Launch Event at the Ravenswood Event Center. It was a FABULOUS event and such an inspiring organization! They are dedicated to granting weddings and/or civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States to couples who are facing terminal illness.

Congratulations to BETH & NICK on their upcoming April nuptials!! They are Wish Upon a Wedding's 2nd Wish Recipients and we are THRILLED for them!

Please visit http://wishuponawedding.org/ to find out how you can help support Wish Upon a Wedding!! There are many ways you can lend your talents to facilitate wedding wishes for their Wish Recipients.

This Week We Are Loving...

2010-03-15T12:13:00.001-07:00

Nearlyweds! is a great resource for wed-sites to match your wedding invitations!! The Wed-Sites allow you to easily track RSVP's, easily communicate with all of your guests, post photos, upload music, post special hotel rates and information, etc! Pricing starts at about$49 for a year or $4.99 a month!

Here are some other great tools:

Manage Event List
Create as many events as you would like. Share details, date and times with your guests.

Manage Guest List
Create a master guest list by uploading a spreadsheet. Assign different guests to different events. Track it all in one place.

Guest Notifications
Last minute change or something to announce? Email some or all of your guests right from the site.

No Ads!
No ads on the site, unlike some of the other folks...

Bridal Party Page
Upload their photos, write a little story, let everyone know why your bridal party is special.

Travels Page
Share where you're from, where you've been or where you're going. Leave notes or stories about important places.

Unlimited Site Pages
Add as many pages as you want to your site. First kiss story, extra hotel info, anything you want.

Gift Registries
We make it easy to let people know where you're registered. You can even link directly to online registries.

Share Your Story
Tell a little, tell a lot - however you want to share your story you can with Nearlyweds.

http://www.nearlyweds.com/

Amy DeYoung

2010-03-03T07:24:00.001-08:00

AMY DEYOUNG RECENTLY PHOTOGRAPHED A WEDDING AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN AND I LOVE HER PHOTOS!! SHE WAS RECOGNIZED IN THE KNOT'S "2010 BEST OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS" EDITION AND RECEIVED 2009 & 2010 BRIDE'S CHOICE AWARDS FROM WEDDING WIRE!! SHE IS SO GREAT TO WORK WITH AND HER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AMAZING...

AMY DEYOUNG AMY@AMYDEYOUNG.COM 888.804.4737 http://www.amydeyoung.com/

Lavinia & Fred!!

2010-02-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

LAVINIA & FREDERICK WILL BE HOSTING THEIR FABULOUS WEDDING AT THE GARDEN THIS AUGUST AND WE ARE THRILLED TO BE WORKING WITH THEM!! THEY ARE SUCH A DELIGHT AND WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER FOR THEM!

FREDERICK PROPOSED TO LAVINIA ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009 AT SUNRISE AT THE PLACE WHERE THEY HAD THEIR FIRST DATE-- ON THE LAKE FRONT [LAKE MICHIGAN]!!! HOW ROMANTIC!!

CONGRATULATIONS LAVINIA & FRED!!!

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR PHOTOS OF THEIR AMAZING WEDDING...

An Evening of Bridal Luxury...

2010-02-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION ALL SOON TO BE BRIDES!!

CS BRIDES will be hosting AN EVENING OF BRIDAL LUXURY - Chicago's Most Luxurious Bridal Event - Thursday, March 25th at The Ritz Carlton from 6pm-9pm. There will be an exclusive runway show featuring the VERA WANG 2010 Bridal Collection!!

TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE VISIT WWW.CSBRIDES.COM - OR CALL 312.274.2508 FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS!!

CS Luxe List

2010-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE AN OFFICAL MEMBER OF CS BRIDES - THE LUXE LIST!! YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR AD AT WWW.CSBRIDES.COM OR THE CS BRIDES FACEBOOK PAGE, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CSBRIDES!!

STEPHANIE & MARK!!

2010-02-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE HOSTING STEPHANIE & MARK'S WEDDING AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN!! THEY WILL BE GETTING MARRIED THIS JUNE - WITH A BEAUTIFUL DAYTIME CEREMONY FOLLOWED BY A DELICIOUS BRUNCH!! I AM PERSONALLY SO EXCITED TO BE WORKING WITH THEM AND ANTICIPATING THEIR FABULOUS WEDDING! THEY ARE SO CREATIVE AND THEY ARE PUTTING SO MANY PERSONAL TOUCHES INTO THEIR WEDDING!! CHECK BACK THIS SUMMER FOR PHOTOS OF THEIR AMAZING WEDDING!! CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE & MARK!!!

Garden Girls!!

2010-02-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

If you're planning an event at the garden, you will most likely be working with either myself (Kristina) or Connie- so we wanted to share a little bit about ourselves!!

Connie

[Right Side of Picture]

Fav Flower
Lilac

Fav Honeymoon Destination
Ski Resort with a Mountain Cabin with a Fireplace

Fav Cuisine
Cuban

Fav Current Wedding Trend
Untraditional splashes of color---the bride’s shoes—the grooms’ tie---a funky colorful bracelet

My Wedding
My wedding weekend kicked off with an adorable red/white checked Southern Style BBQ celebration with the world Famous Bubble Room HUGE cakes--for 75 close family and friends the night prior to my wedding in a great cozy park in Winter Park, Florida. The next morning, we kicked off a traditional 11:00 a.m. church ceremony followed by an incredible brunch wedding— held in a historic home on beautiful Lake Maitland. The menu included Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s with Beer Chasers, and Pasta, Carving & Eggs Baked to order Chef Stations. The two of us departed in an antique convertible to the cheers of family and friends!

Fav part about doing weddings at the garden
Your wedding photographs look like you traveled to exotic locations---though you are only steps away from your reception.

Favorite Wine
Cakebread Cellars

Kristina

[Left Side of Picture]

Fav Flower

Hydrangea

Fav Honeymoon Destination

Anywhere tropical and HOT!

Hawaii, St. Lucia, Costa Rica!!

Fav Cuisine

Mexican

Fav Current Wedding Trend

Amazing dessert stations are always my favorite!!

My Wedding

I am not married yet- but my dream wedding would be one that reflects our personalities!! Very fun and upbeat- perhaps a Miami theme! Fun specialty drinks (mojitos and cuba libres) and lots of palm trees and color everywhere!

Fav Location in the Garden for Wedding Photos

The Rose Terrace (Linden Alley) - The photos are always stunning!

Put A Ring On It!

2010-02-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW ENGAGEMENT PACKAGE!!

What better way to propose to your significant other than to surround yourselves with nature's beauty?

Our Engagement Package Includes:

A private location within the Garden (based on availability)
A bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
Intimate sweetheart table for two with specialty linen & candles
Private butler

One Hour Engagement Package: $300.00

We're happy to arrange for a professional photographer to capture your special moment. Please call (847) 835-8370 for pricing options and other details. http://www.chicagobotanic.org/events/engagement.php

This Week We Are Loving...

2010-02-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

MAGNIFICENT MILESTONES - KARA UNDERWOOD

Searching for unique invitations that are not the usual cookie cutter type?? We adore Kara Underwood [Smitten Boutique & Magnificent Milestones] and her amazing invitation studio! She does GREAT work and really strives to create the PERFECT wedding invitation/stationary that reflects your theme and/or personal style!

Her objective is to ensure that brides and grooms, party planners, moms-to-be, and all others feel comfortable and relaxed in a fun atmosphere.

WELCOME!

2010-02-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the

Chicago Botanic Garden Weddings Blog!!

Check back periodically for updates on the Garden, new special event trends, amazing events we deem worthy of showing off and whatever information we think YOU should know about! Give us a call for more information, or visit us online at http://www.chicagobotanic.org/events/index.php.

Event Design in Photo by Botanicals