Wendy and Rob's Spring Wedding at Danada House 04.23.11

We have another fabulous wedding coordinated by Sara to share with you!  See what she has to say about Wendy and Rob's wedding day below :)

When planning an April wedding Chicagoland, it's hard to predict what the weather will be like.  When Rob and Wendy hired us for their April 23^rd nuptials, they were hoping to have an outdoor ceremony.  Days before the wedding, the forecast looked bad:  calling for rain and temperatures below 50.  Not exactly the springtime event they'd imagined.  But lo and behold, it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day without a drop of rain in sight!!  Wendy and Rob decided to have their ceremony indoors anyway, but the 60-degree temperatures made the perfect backdrop for their wedding. 

Brian Kinyon Photography

The day started off with hair and makeup appointments for Wendy and her bridesmaids at Zazu Salon and Spa in Downtown Wheaton.  Then, everyone was off to the Hyatt Lisle for final prep and a bit of relaxation before the festivities began.  Photographer Brian Kinyon arrived at the hotel to capture the bridal party getting ready.  

Brian Kinyon Photography

   
My assistant and I checked in on the bridal party at the hotel before heading over to Danada House to begin setting up for the ceremony and reception.  Once the bridal party arrived, Brian captured Wendy and Rob's "first moment."  The pictures turned out beautifully--they were so full of love and laughter.  Wendy was a beautiful bride and the photographs really capture just how happy they were.

Brian Kinyon Photography

  
What a dress!!! 

Brian Kinyon Photography

Bridal party pictures followed.  The location was a fantastic backdrop for their photographs--loooove the picket fence!--and it was a great group.

Brian Kinyon Photography

 Once guests arrived, and the ketubah was signed, the ceremony began in the Danada House Atrium.  The large windows allowed guests to take in the scenery while experiencing Wendy and Rob’s meaningful ceremony.  

Brian Kinyon Photography

The ceremony ended and guests roamed around the house while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres deliciously prepared by True Cuisine.  Every other vendor with a free hand changed over the Atrium from the ceremony setup to a setting fit for dinner and dancing.  Within an hour, guests re-entered the room for dinner.  The Atrium looked stunning...if I do say so myself...thanks especially to the amazing view and the florals designed by Shamrock Gardens (who did the ceremony and personal flowers as well).

Brian Kinyon Photography

Between the first two courses, Wendy and Rob's friends and family gave heartfelt speeches.  After the entrée and the "special dances", the dance floor opened and it was time for dessert!  For Rob and Wendy’s dessert course, they decided to do something every girl dreams of…a cake buffet! The cakes were not only beautiful, but most importantly they were absolutely delicious!!  Most of them were provided by The Artful Baker, with one from Rose’s Wheat Free bakery for their gluten-free guests.  

Brian Kinyon Photography

 

The guests danced until midnight to a playlist put together by Rob and Wendy and operated by Jeff from Just Press Play.  The day couldn’t have been more beautiful and the bride and groom were truly a joy to work with.  I cherished every moment, and I wish Rob and Wendy all the best in their new life together!!

Happy Anniversary, Megan and Aaron!

Laura Witherow Photography

A few days late, but still wishing Megan and Aaron the happiest of anniversaries!!

Much love,

Sara and Joan

Check out their Five Grain Events blog post here and their Style Me Pretty feature here

Emily and Tom's Refined Rustic Wedding at Galleria Marchetti 03.19.11

Amanda Hein Photography

 I believe it was sometime in February when Emily connected with me about coordinating her mid-March wedding.  With just weeks before her big day, she and Tom were beginning to realize that they may need a bit of additional help bringing together all of their fantastic DIY projects.  I was happy to oblige, especially given their dream-team of vendors including Fleur and Amanda Hein Photography, and both the ceremony and reception taking place at Galleria Marchetti--a location quite close to my own heart :)

The morning began with the ladies getting hair and makeup done at Emily and Tom's immaculate condo in the West Loop.  The decor even matched her wedding colors!  The light was perfect and Amanda expertly captured the details and activities of the day (though there was no hustle and bustle--it was one of the calmest wedding mornings I've been a part of!).

Amanda Hein Photography

Once the gals were dressed, they grabbed their adorable Fleur-designed pomanders (and Emily her lush peony and ranunculus bouquet) and headed out in their Windy City Trolley to meet up with the boys for photos around the city. 

Amanda Hein Photography

The boys got dressed at Courtyard Marriott (there was no "getting ready" per se..dontcha just love men?) and walked to the Tribune Building for Emily and Tom's first look.  The weather was about as flawless a spring day as you could ask for in March.  Upper 50s and bright sunshine!

Amanda Hein Photography

I always love the first look!  :)

Amanda Hein Photography

The portraits from this group were so much fun!  Emily had asked her bridesmaids each to wear a different brightly-colored shoe and jewelry of the bridesmaid's choosing with their navy dresses.  What an adorable look--love it against the red door!

Amanda Hein Photography

This was an especially good-looking bridal party, and they had a great rapport:  the perfect combo for killer portraits :)

Amanda Hein Photography

Before long it was time to head to Galleria Marchetti for the ceremony.  Fleur really outdid themselves, and GM has made some great upgrades (including ceiling draping) since I had my wedding there.  The backdrop at the end of the aisle and the string lights were expertly installed by The Meetinghouse.  I don't think the Pavillion has ever looked better!

 Amanda Hein Photography

 As guests began to arrive, friends and family added leaves to an painting of a tree which Emily and Tom used as a guest book (an etsy purchase I believe!).

 Amanda Hein Photography

Female guests were each handed a pashmina scarf as they entered the room and were greeted by the sweet sounds of Amber, their singer and guitarist.

Amanda Hein Photography

It was finally go-time.  The bridal party lined up and processed down the aisle for a beautiful and heart-warming ceremony.

Amanda Hein Photography

After the ceremony ended, it was time to party, and the wedding guests were eager to start!  Cocktailing began in the Galleria Room while the Marchetti staff flipped the Pavillion in record time.  More of Emily and Tom's amazing details appeared:  mad-libs for the guests to give advice to the couple (designed, along with the invitations and all other paper products, by Emily's bridesmaid Stephanie!), chalkboard seating charts made of old barn windows, and reclaimed barn-wood bar menus (p.s. the bride is selling some of those handmade items, so comment if you're interested in purchasing them!).

Amanda Hein Photography

The Fleur aisle arrangements were re-purposed for the dinner tables, and a Meetinghouse lighting change made for a festive atmosphere.

Amanda Hein Photography

Dinner flew by marked by speeches brimming with kind words and maybe a tear or two.

 Amanda Hein Photography

I think one of my favorite moments of the whole evening was seeing Emily dance with her dad.  You could just imagine the little girl dancing on her dad's toes...

 Amanda Hein Photography

In a final grand gesture of wedding-awesomeness, Emily and Tom provided their guests with not only the decadent More Cupcakes, but also a fully color-coordinated candy bar and...wait for it...a HOT DOG CART!!

Amanda Hein Photography

The rest of the evening was filled with dancing, merriment, and a whole lotta love.  Thanks to DJUj for the great MC-ing and fun music throughout the night.

Amanda Hein Photography

Emily and Tom, I feel so lucky to have played a part in your magnificent wedding.  You were a joy to work with, and I wish you many, many years of martial bliss.  Congratulations!

Amanda Hein Photography