One Stop (Wedding) Shop!

Today I am writing to tell you about two vendors here in Chicago that have recently merged together forming an exciting new option for brides-to-be! In the beginning of this year Magnificent Milestones, run by Kara Underwood (a wonderful Wedding and Event Coordinator), joined forces with Smitten, an incredibly charming wedding boutique in the west loop run and owned by Kirsten Martin.

After years in the corporate world, each of the saavy woman (separately) decided to follow their passion, and start their own business. When the economy started to go south, they creatively thought outside the box, and decided to come together as partners. Together, they offer event consultation, custom invitations and stationary, and unique accessories (in which Kirsten has found on buying trips to places like Italy and Amsterdam - jealous!).
















I asked Kara what makes their companies and this merge unique (and I couldn't agree more): "I think what makes us truly unique is the fact that we are a bridal powerhouse of sorts. You can get a veil, invitations, a cake topper and a guest book in one visit. It is great! I love nothing more than watching brides’ enthusiasm while crossing off items on the “to-do” list!" Brides need to do everything they can to be efficient these days!

Lucky for you - they have graciously offered you all 10% off of consulting, custom invites and everything in the boutique if you print this out or mention this blog! You should definitely head over there (1041 W Madison, 312.226.7777) and take advantage of this generous offer!

Below you can see a small sampling of the thousands of options available of their beautiful invitations:

















I previously featured Magnificent Milestones when i worked on the design of their Toast, Taste, and Tour event in February - here and here.

Toast, Taste, and Tour II

Here are the last few shots to share from Sunday's Toast, Taste, and Tour bridal event. This dinner table and cocktail table shown above were set up to show off what would be a lovely match with the rest of the event. These seasonal French tulips are SO beautiful right now - and check out those huge succulent blossoms down at the base of the flared crystal vase!  The smaller wooden box is packed full of fragrant peach hyacinth blossoms - one of my favorites!
































The custom canopy was covered in rich gold and dusky nile blue damask fabric which went so beautiful with the touches of gold (from the amazing chandeliers {thanks to Frost Lighting} as well as the urns and the rental dishes).  The featured flowers were all in tones of soft peach flowers. These amazing focal pieces placed at the end of the aisle featured so many beautiful flowers including open champagne roses, apricot parrot tulips, cognac anthurium, peach amaryllis, and garden stock. Love!

















Photos by Erica Barraca
Decor by Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs

Event Coordination by Kara Underwood of Magnificent Milestones

Toast, Taste, and Tour I

These are the first of some images that I wanted to share from an event I worked on this past weekend. I designed the following with the wonderful Kara Superfine of Botanicals, a branch of HM Designs for the Toast, Taste, and Tour bridal event put on by the adorable Kara Underwood of Magnificent Milestones.

It was a progressive event that took brides on a trolley led tour through four of Chicago's best venues. Our designs were featured in the historic Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo. The event had a great turn out for a cold Sunday morning, and they were all happy to warm up while enjoying the delicious treats from The Entertaining Company (the white hot chocolate finished with a chocolate dipped marshmallow detailed with a bit of edible gold leaf was my personal favorite!).

These are some of the bouquets we made for the event. Each one was designed in a different style and color palette - to appeal to every taste! This first one of various tones of white, ivory, silver, and taupe was so elegant. Silver brunia berries and dusty miller foliage perfectly accented the open garden roses. The stems were gathered and bound in luxurious taupe velvet.
















This one is a vivid combination of rich raspberry and bold orange tones. Cattleya orchid blossoms and ruffly spray roses were combined with gloriosa lilies, ranunculus, and fresh kumquots (!). The bouquet was detailed with glossy green coffee foliage and coordinating satin ribbons.
















I loved every one of these bouquets - from the open peach amaryllis; to the fluffy white peonies; to the cascading and unusual anthurium; to the highly textural green collection of succulants, maidenhair fern, lotus pods, and cymbidium orchids!
















More to come on this fun afternoon!
Photos by Erica Baracca.