Mandy B, you’re just so sweet to me

It’s a rough job, but someone’s gotta do it!  What am I referring to, you ask?  Well… cupcake tasting at Sweet Mandy B’s of course!!

I mean, let’s be honest…it’s not like my job is at all bad to begin with.  But sampling delicious flavors such as devil’s food, yellow cake (my fave), red velvet and snickerdoodle, pretty much “takes the cake!”  Thanks to my fabulous clients for asking me to tag along on this one!

They say that you shouldn’t bring your work home with you – but today I had to!! Dessert tonight for me and the hubs 😉

Confetti, yellow cake and devils food cake – yum!!!

What is your favorite cupcake flavor?

Did you or will you serve cake at your wedding?

If not, what would you serve for dessert?

When wedding planners wed: Part I

Today is my anniversary!  Two years ago today, I walked down that aisle, and married my best friend! I am very lucky to have him in my life and by my side- so…Happy Anniversary Babe 🙂

As a wedding planner, I get asked all the time, “what did you do at your wedding?” Or, “I bet your wedding was pretty awesome, huh?”  Well, I think it was 😉 Then I thought, what better way to show you “what I did” then to blog about it!

Here is a glimpse into my “Big Day” It was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, in 2010.  The weather was unseasonably warm and we didn’t have a cloud in the sky!  Personally, I think Memorial weekend is the best time to get married in Chicago.  The city isn’t over crowded, the weather is usually pretty nice and your guests have Monday off – so an extra day in the city!

We were starving so we picked up some Chicago Dogs at a stand near by 😀

My dress was a Lazaro, I wanted something classic and elegant, to go along with my vintage theme.  I just loved the Alencon lace and the silk flower petals that floated down the train.

We had a beautiful ceremony and mass at St. James Cathedral on Huron. The organist and harpist played Handel’s Water Music – as we walked down the aisle as husband and wife! Immediately after the ceremony, we headed over to The Murphy for the cocktail hour and reception.  The Murphy is hidden gem in Chicago, tucked in between Wabash and Rush on Erie – and it was around the corner from the church – couldn’t have been more perfect!

Just going back through these photo’s again made me nostalgic. It was like it was our wedding day all over again.  I just got swept away.  Here are some more of my favorites from the night…

My surprise to Rick and all the guests!  Irish dancers that choreographed a jig to Coldplay’s “Strawberry Swing.”

Our First Dance, The Harptones “Life is But a Dream”  I love that Rick changed into an ivory  dinner jacket and bow tie for the reception!

Me and my dad’s song since I was a baby.. Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely”

Stemless champagne flutes served as the escort cards and favors…

and to complete the set, a mini champagne split for the guests as they left.

After the sparklers, we were off in a horse drawn carriage as all our guests waved goodbye.  Such a magical night, it truly was my fairy tale wedding ❤

In Part II of this post – We will be featuring our associate coordinator, Molly’s wedding on her first anniversary …coming up very soon so stay tuned!!

All images by: Cristina G Photography

All vendors:

Bride’s Gown: Lazaro | Bridal Salon: Bella Bianca | Bride’s Shoes: J. Crew | Bridesmaid Dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaids from Bella Bridesmaid | Florist: Kloeckner’s Flowers Trolley: Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. | DJ: Admit One DJs | Invitations and Paper Goods: Pulp and Ink | Catering: Jewell Events Catering | Photography: Cristina G Photography | Cake and Cake Balls: The Bleeding Heart Bakery | Horse Carriage: Noble Horse Carriages | Bridesmaid Jewelry: Limbo Jewelry | Bride’s Hair Accessory: Jersey Bean Design  | Hair and Make-up: Morgan Blaul

Lunch with Wolfgang Puck at the Museum of Contemporary Art

This past Thursday was the perfect day for an alfresco lunch date with Wolfgang Puck Catering’s Dustin Hamilton and Pamela Swisher at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Because Soirée is always looking to partner up with fabulous vendors in Chicago we could not be more excited to work with Wolfgang Puck in the future. Sitting outside on the elegant patio of the museum we couldn’t help imagining how great it would be to have a wedding at this space. With the view of the lake to the east and the majestic Hancock Building hovering overhead to the west it would be the perfect venue for the modern Chicago couple. Check out some of the pics we took below!

Post by: Melanie Enright, Soirée Intern Assistant

Chicago’s newest hot spot: RPM Italian

Wednesday night, I joined some of the best wedding planners in the City for one of the best meals of my life. Have you been to RPM? If not, go. And I mean RUN there. An acronym for the owners’ last names (Rancic, Psaltis and Melman), it could have just as easily stood for Really Perfect Meal. Lettuce Entertain You hosted all of us for an Annual Wedding Planner Dinner.  We enjoyed an interesting discussion from Paul McGee (acclaimed RPM mixologist) on signature cocktails, the options of serving a his/hers and the importance of the type of ice — did you know that the larger the ice cubes, the less the dilution of the drink? Makes sense, but I never stopped sipping to think about it before!

After the delish drink discussion we dived head first into the dinner. I would/should/could have had some amazing photos but I was too busy devouring bites from every single dish. From creamy Homemade Ricotta and Semolina Toast to a shredded Brussels Sprouts and Avocado salad to start we quickly segued into the Maine Lobster Ravioli, Potato Gnocchi with Sunday Gravy and the freshest Arugula Pesto Strozzapreti ever tasted, ending with perfectly seared Big Eye Tuna and Eggplant Parmesan. I ate my way through Italy, all while having some delightful conversations about work, play, life and of course weddings.

The restaurant itself is gorgeous. Modern yet classic. Bright yet romantic. It was a Wednesday — and I felt lucky to have a table. Let’s just say this place is always hopping, and rightfully so. It does, however, offer ample private dining space making it the perfect place for a rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, engagement party or shower.

The room we sat in was decorated with the most beautiful orchid display from Clint and his team from Revel Decor. So beautiful I couldn’t help but take a photo. (But again this was the only photo of the night — and taken well before the feast was served).

 Lettuce Entertain You never ceases to impress, amaze and satiate me. Stay tuned for some more of their concepts in the works too — and when they open, feel free to bring me along as your date!

(So excited to hit up Paris Club and Big Bowl with some discounts/special offers from the swag bag. Also some beautiful thank you cards from Sacha Krasney at Be U Brides).

Post by: Molly Blonn, Soirée Associate Coordinator