Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chicago Skylines, A-line Skirts, and Silk Draperies

So this past weekend was spent jetting around Chicago with my husband on a wedding weekend extraordinaire! I was running various errands for the beautiful bride in whatever she needed.

The Weekend Of:

Thursday was spent making table numbers and seating cards for the guests. Friday we were there when the couple got their marriage license, documenting the momentous occasion with numerous pictures for them. Saturday commenced the countdown to the big event with the rehearsal. Things ran very smoothly at the rehearsal; everyone fell right into line where they were supposed to be and what they were to be doing. Things really started to come together at that moment. As the chair cover company starting decorating each chair, with what could be considered art rather than just a chair cover, you could envision the beauty of the day to follow. The rehearsal came to a smooth conclusion, and the bridal party and out-of-town guests boarded a super bus for the rehearsal dinner at Maggiano's. It was delicious food, intimate setting, and good laughs amongst all of the guests. You could see just how much everyone loved the bride and groom in every story that was shared that night.

The Day Of:

Sunday morning began with helping the bride get ready at The Embassy Suites Downtown Lakefront. Once the bride and groom we're dressed, prepped, and ready they had their "first look" down in the lobby next to a beautiful, cascading fountain. Then the bride, groom, bride's mother, photographer, videographer, and myself proceeded to run about downtown Chicago getting all of the best pictures that we could of the soon to be newlyweds. I would hop out of the car, carefully carry the bride's train so no dirt would harm the gorgeous gown, and then the bride and groom would pose with Michigan Avenue, "the bean", Trump Tower, etc. I have to say I have never seen a more skilled photographer or videographer. Their skills with their individual talents are not to be rivaled. When we returned to the hotel it was time for a quick makeup/hair touch up, and then down to the ballroom for last minute bridal party pictures. There were new traditions that I experienced in this wedding, that I hadn't seen before since it was a Jewish ceremony. For instance, they sign a Ketubah (Jewish marriage license) prior to the ceremony in a ceremony all of it's own. They also stand under the Chuppah with the bridal party surrounding the Chuppah, instead of standing in a diagonal to the bride and groom as in most ceremonies. The room itself was beyond gorgeous! Beautiful eggplant and gold colors everywhere, silk drapes leading down the aisle from one pillar to the next. On each pillar was a tall, slender vase with Calla lilies and other white blossoms in each. The vases were each lit with it's own blue LED light, so the room just popped with elegance. The same ballroom where the ceremony was held was transformed into the reception site as well, while the guests were enjoying a beautiful cocktail hour in the foyer. Everywhere you looked: tuxes, silk dresses, white and purple flowers, gold tones, and of course their signature pomegranate martinis being passed by waiters with sushi rolls and petite Chicago-style hot dogs. The menu at the reception was just as nice with to die for dishes that included glazed salmon, two wedding cake options, and a salad that was just as pretty as it was delicious. The best part of the reception was probably when the bride and groom were held up on chairs and paraded about the dance floor in true Jewish tradition. The warmth, love, and beauty of this event was top-notch. Here's to the bride and groom! Mazel Tov!

Check out pictures of the event at:

http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com
Look under "Snapshots".

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Busy Busy

Just got back on Monday from Chicago, where I coordinated and was in a very elegant wedding. It's been so crazy lately with wedding preparations for this and other brides that I hadn't had a chance to write in over a month! I'm almost too busy to be writing now! I wanted to let you all know that the website has had some updates and pictures from the latest wedding added to it! Check it out at:

http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/


If you are one who checks this site regularly (or irregularly), drop me a line or leave a comment! I'd love to see who gets on here!

One last thing, for any brides out there currently in the planning process email me at alleneventdesigns@gmail.com if you would like a complimentary consultation. We can see where you are in the planning process, what services I could offer you, and see if a wedding planner would be a good fit for your needs.