Carlee+Dan: Destination… Cancun!

Here’s to remembering a beautiful beachfront wedding on this cold Chicago day!  Carlee & Dan looked absolutely fabulous as they enjoyed their fun, beach-themed wedding in Cancun.  Here’s a look back…

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xo-tm

Wedding Planner and Event Design: Soirée Weddings & Events

Venue:  Me Cancun, a Melia Resort

Cater: Me Cancun

Photographer:  Cage & Aquarium

DJ:  Cage & Aquarium

Floral:  Eufloria

Audio/Visual:  J&S Audio Visual

Champagne with Lazaro

Every girl dreams of her wedding dress and what it’s going to look like…but a chance to meet the designer of the dress you wore…that’s priceless.  I was honored to be invited to the Bella Bianca, Gold Coast, Lazaro trunk show last night.

Lazaro at Bella Bianca

photo courtesy of Bella Bianca

I purchased my Lazaro dress from Bella Bianca in 2009, for my May 2010 wedding.  (Yes ladies, you must give yourselves at least 6 months of lead time when ordering a wedding gown!)

Cristina G Photography

Cristina G Photography

I was wooed by the Alençon lace and the silk petals that floated down the back of the strapless, sheath gown.  The wedding day came and went so fast, you really have only about (give or take) 12 hours with your gown.  Now it’s preserved and sitting in a box in my closet.  I often gaze at photos from the wedding remembering this classic, lace beauty!

Cristina G Photography

Cristina G Photography

Cristina G Photography

Cristina G Photography

So when I was invited to this event, I jumped at the opportunity!  Who wouldn’t want to sip on champagne among gorgeous couture gowns, while mingling with friends…and, uh, Lazaro!?

I just had to meet him and get him to sign a photo of my dress!  I couldn’t wait to chat with him and thank him for designing my perfect dress!

lazaro and tiff

And of course, snap a few pics! 😉

lazaro framedlazaro best wishesNow it’s hanging next to my closet so I can look at it every day!

Left there feeling inspired and elevated! Such a fun night and awesome opportunity!

xo-tm

Gatsby Gorgeous

Well, we don’t want to brag…but we were one of the lucky one’s that got an exclusive viewing of The Great Gatsby on Tuesday night!

Gatsby 20s style calligraphy

The night started at the Zapwater offices with fashions straight out of the roaring 20s.  All the guests were encouraged to take inspiration from the movie and dress as their favorite Gatsby character.  We teamed up with Jilly Ink, Pistil and Vine, Private Label Linens and Re:find Joy to create a beautiful, vintage/Gatsby-esque vignette!  I love how Molly included one solo green votive – to replicate the glowing green lantern in the story.

Gatsby dinner party

Gatsby's green light

20s wedding decor

Molly flapper

Be U Weddings hosted the event, along music by Fig Media, photography/photobooth by Cage and Aquarium, glamorous vintage gowns by Mignonette Bridal and of course…flapper-worthy fare by Pure Kitchen Catering, and beer pairings by Goose Island Catering.  All the glitz and glamour you would expect to see and taste at a Jay Gatsby affair!

Gatsby photobooth

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Mignonette Bridal

Soirée team, Gatsby style

Gatsby

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After the soiree, we headed out to the Icon Theater for an exclusive viewing of The Great Gatsby, in 3D.  A whimsical dream, that took you back in time.  You felt like you were there, and left you wanting more.

The movie officially premiers in theaters tomorrow and is sure to be the hit of the summer! So if you love glitz, glam, sequins, sparkle and fabulous parties – Gatsby is a must see!

Now go out and see it… ‘old sport’

xo-tm!

all photos by Cage and Aquarium

Design by Soirée

Linens by Private Label Linens

Calligraphy by Jilly Ink

Floral by Pistil and Vine

Rentals by Re:find Joy

Catering by Pure Kitchen Catering and Goose Island

Music by Fig Media

Hosted by Be U Weddings and Zapwater

Matt + Suzanne: classic elegance (Part II)

In the last post: Matt + Suzanne: tribute to a tradition, we featured a styled shoot on a beautiful Spring day in May, with vintage-styled elements and apple blossoms in bloom!

Now I take you to Part II

Let’s transition from an uncharacteristically warm day in the early Spring to an uncharacteristically warm day in Late Fall.  October 22, 2011 to be exact.                        The setting: St Louis…

There was lot’s going on that day in St. Louis, the Cardinals were playing game 3 of the World Series, it was Parents Weekend at Washington University, and of course…         Matt and Suzanne were getting married!

Sherry Rosenberger of Metropolitan Picture Company perfectly captured the exquisite details of the day.  Every heartfelt moment was magically translated into the photos.

engraved invitations by the talented Kara Gordon of Chicago’s Magnificent Milestones

Suzanne’s gorgeous lace gown by San Patrick

the lovely and proud mother of the bride!  oh and — the Jimmy Choo’s speak for themselves!

the gents..

10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen – now that’s a wedding party!

Suzanne let the bridesmaids pick their own black dress – in any style, fabric or length – how cool is that?

This dress was made for Suzanne – ahhh I just love a cap sleeve gown

now off to the Shrine of St. Joseph to get married!

timeless, historic and classic – perfect for Matt and Suzanne’s traditional ceremony!

classic Matt and Suz!

and… they’re married!!

off to the reception 🙂

the incredible venue at night – Forest Park World’s Fair Pavilion

I loved the way we paired the ivory linen with the black chiavari chair – and the how the cake reflected the colors and style of the room

Suzanne, Matt and their guests enjoyed a night of fun, family and friends… along with delicious food, a fantastic band…and an incredible space filled with beauty, love and joy – it was one of my favorite weddings to date!

One last thing I would like to leave you with …

a tribute to a tradition…

xo-tm

All images by: Metropolitan Picture Company

Caterer: Pairings  Florist: Wildflowers Band: Arvell & Company  Bakery: Lubeley’s Bakery Dress Boutique: Bella Bianca Invitations: Magnificent Milestones