Real Wedding: Marian and Michael

This is a beautiful wedding that took place a few weeks ago at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. I worked on this clean and almost zen design with Jesse of Botanicals.

Place Card Table Decor (loads of tall and thin birch logs anchored by piles of fresh dusky succulent blossoms):

Cocktail Table Decor (a single fragrant gardenia blossom nestled atop natural river rocks in a white ceremic dish - on of my favorite designs!):

Centerpiece Design #1 (a block of varied square glass vases filled with crystal clear water topped with floating candles surrounded by touches of offset fresh orchid blossoms):

Centerpiece Design #2 (Elevated vases soaring with leaning and integrated bundles of variegated alocasia leaves, Hawaiian dendrobium orchid sprays, and hanging amaranthus):





The tables were lined up down the main corridor of the museum which currently houses Olafur Eliasson colorful exhibit (which I have gone back multiple times to see)!

Photos by: Erica Barraca
Wedding Planner: Lauren Carter of LOLA Event Productions

Real Wedding: Samantha and Scott

I wanted to share some pictures that recently came in from the photographer of a wedding I helped design this past July. The couple's main concern was to keep their special day as 'green' as possible. We acheived this by adorning the various tables with loads of wooden boxes planted with colorful and seasonal plants. Following the wedding, each of these were donated (with the help of Chicago's Mayor's Office) to local senior homes. What a great way to celebrate while also giving back! The historic Field Museum housed this impressive and thoughtful event. I loved the combinations of soft lavender, deep purple, vibrant yellow, and (of course) rich greens! The selections of hand picked plants ranged from violets to ferns to lavender. Loads of flickering candlelight set the mood for this unique evening.






Event Planner: Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions
Senior Designer: Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs
Photographer: Sarah Alair Photography

Real Wedding: Kate and Scott

Here are some lovely photos of a wedding I worked on with Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Design. It took place a couple months ago at the iconic Drake Hotel here in Chicago. The whole event was pulled together by the charming Lauren Carter of LOLA Event Productions.

A unique round topiary of fresh plums designed atop a gold guilded urn served the perfect focal point for the place card table:

This is the bridal toss bouquet - a smaller version of the exquisite bridal bouquet. A textural combination of golden ranunculus, fluffy lisianthus, open roses, lavender scabiosa (one of my favorites!!!), and unexpected chocolate brown fern curls.

The Grand Ballroom was done up in a soft and romantic combination of metallic gold and silver with accents of bold purple. Lacey textured lighting on the dance floor added to the moody atmosphere.

Each table was draped in platinum pintuck linens and surrounded by gold Versailles chairs complete with deep eggplant cushions and napkins. The centerpieces were a combination of both tall elevated arrangements as well as low and lush pieces. Featured flowers included fluffy hydrangea, open roses, wisps of delicate jasmine vine, and fresh clusters of black grapes. The designs were presented atop ornate gold gilded risers, and amber votive candles completed the look.


Photos by my dear friend Erica Baracca.

Real Wedding: Candance and Justice III

Here are the last few images that I am going to show for this wedding. A ton of time and thought went into each one of these designs to make them just right! The tables featuring scarlett red linens were adorned with a pair of tall vases each topped with a pavé of open red roses and soaring tropical hanging heliconia. The head table was finished with additional low vases of rich red roses. Each bold Orange table was adorned with a dense burst of mokara orchids finished with individual sleek calla lilies swooping down around the vase. Finally, the fuchsia pink tables were topped with a dramatic display of fluffy hydrangea, garlands of mokara orchids, and touches of whimsical gloriosa lilies. These displays aren't for everyone, but were perfect for this dramatic and romantic couple!

Photography: Studio This Is
Wedding Planner: Lori Stephenson of Lola Event Productions
Event Designer: Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs

Real Wedding: Candance and Justice II

Here are a few more images from this amazingly unique wedding. The place cards were each placed on individual chartreuse green anthurium blossoms that were 'growing' from a water filled acrylic table layered with natural river rocks and floating candles. The reception was completely saturated in bold hues of crimson red, vibrant orange, and striking fuchsia. Each table featured two highly textured linens luxuriously draped over them and were tied up with sparkling gold tassels for that perfect finishing touch. More to come on the guest table decor!
















































Photography: Studio This Is
Wedding Planner: Lori Stephenson of Lola Event Productions
Event Designer: Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs

Real Wedding: Candance and Justice I

This is a wedding I worked on that took place last August at the Chicago Illuminating Company. Jesse Deckard of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs was the talented head designer, and Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions was the Wedding Planner.
















































These amazingly artistic photographs were taken by "Studio This Is". They are my absolute favorite photographers right now. The images appear as a high end fashion shoots instead of the traditional wedding poses and settings. They truely have fun with and love what they do (which always produces better results). 

Real Wedding: Beth and John

This is a wedding I worked on last summer with the fabulous Jesse Deckard at Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs and the charming Lauren Carter of Lola Event Productions. The bride is an architect so she had wonderful style and a great eye for color and design. The color palette was an unusual but stunning combination of navy and baby blues, rust orange, vibrant citron/chartreuse, and rich burgundy - along with polished wood.

The bride also wanted some 'green' elements to the reception - hence the potted plants on the guest tables. All of those vividly colored coleus plants were donated after the event to be planted.

Every single table had a custom designed manzanita branch 'chandelier' suspended above it, creating a wonderful and dazzling ambiance throughout the Great Hall of Cafe Brauer in Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.















These wedding pictures were all taken by my friend Erica Baracca. Check out her gorgeous pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlepretty