DIY Wedding Ring Bowl

How cute is this?! Head on over to Intimate Weddings for complete instructions to make your own ring bowl!

Why Chicago Weddings are so Great

Today, I spent the day downtown with my family. We strolled around a bit and walked around the Blues Festival. My husband was convinced he saw Billy Corgin walking by, but I have my doubts. (The guy in question was sporting some pretty cool cowboy boots, though). 

And then, we ran into one of my favorite couples, who will be getting married this fall! So, we stopped and chatted with Rashonda and Steve and then continued on our wandering. 

We made our way through Millennium Park and dipped our toes in the Crown Fountain. And there, between the the two spout-faced structures, this happened....

I'm not sure if this was a post-wedding "Trash the Dress" session, or if this couple just decided to let loose on their big day. Either way, it was pretty cool!

After this surprise, we had dinner, followed by a stop at Garrett's for some popcorn (cheese & caramel mix, of course), and then headed home. 

Even though I'm a suburbanite now, I'm still a city girl at heart!

Maria & Lisa's Intimate Backyard Ceremony

I had so much fun working with Lisa and Maria as we created their ceremony!

Their wedding day started off being pretty wet, especially after the previous day's storms. But, a little drizzle wasn't going to stop us! Despite it being cool and a little misty, we had the ceremony in the garden, with a beautiful flower arch as a backdrop. 

Maria and Lisa included a flower-gathering ritual, during which family members came forward to present them with flowers to create a bouquet. It was so sweet to see their loved ones come up, especially when Maria's little nephew announced with a big grin, "Here you go!" You could definitely feel the love surrounding them!

Now I'm just dying to see all the gorgeous photos by the amazing Oriana of Okrfoto. I know they'll be fantastic!

Hanging out with Lisa and Maria before the ceremony

Following the ceremony, guests joined the couple at a neraby restaurant for a reception, and then came back to their house for cake. Look how sweet that cake looks! And since it's from Luscious Layers Bakery, you know it was delicious! And from what I'm told, there wasn't a single crumb left over. 

Fabulous cake by Luscious Layers Bakery

Congratulations, Maria and Lisa! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful wedding day. You're the best!! And now that I've sampled the results of your amazing baking skills, you'll never get rid of me. 

Today is the day, Illinois!

An Opportunity to Win a FREE Ceremony - and Support a Great Cause!

This Saturday, May 18th from 2-5 p.m. at Marty's Martini Bar - help  support the Chainbite Gang, a team of riders participating in the Ride for AIDS Chicago!

Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 200-mile, bicycling event produced by Test Positive Aware Network. The Ride is an essential fundraiser for TPAN and its Community Partners, which include  organizations throughout Chicagoland that provide HIV/AIDS services. 

Since this is such a great cause and these organizations really need help, I am donating a hand-crafted, personalized ceremony to be raffled off at the event. 

The gift certificate can be redeemed for a wedding ceremony, baby blessing.... you name it! Here's the info on the ceremony details:

• The ceremony must take place at a location within 30 miles of O'Hare Airport
• Ceremony dates are based on my availability, through 2014
• Gift certificate may be used as a gift
• This offer is not valid for current clients. Current clients may use the gift certificate for remaining balance of officiating fee.
• Certificate valued at up to $900

In addition, there will be some other fantastic Raffle Prizes, including:

• Thomas Pheasant Lamp valued at $1600.00
• Designer Pillows from Scalamandre valued at $1000
• Broadway in Chicago Theater Tickets
• Chicago Blackhawks autographed hockey puck 
• and much, much more!

So stop by, have a martini, and buy some raffle tickets!! 

A Perfect Mother's Day!

I am one lucky mama - and wife! It began last night, when I was treated to a great dinner at Lucky Platter in Evanston. We talked, laughed, and had the best banana cream pie ever!

This morning, I slept in and lingered lazily in bed, cuddling with Frannie, our big furball of a cat.

Then, I came downstairs to the most amazing gifts from my family! And they were absolutely perfect!

I now have a new orchid for my growing collection, two gorgeous scarves (for my other ever-expanding collection!), yummy treats, and.... two new necklaces handcrafted by my son and daughter.

What's that, you say? Is that a sweet little bird necklace AND a TARDIS necklace!? Why, yes it is. Thank you for noticing.

All these wondrous delights = the Best Mother's Day ever! Happy Mother's Day!

Marina & Bill's Ceremony at the Lincoln Park Conservatory

A view from the back of the space, just before guests arrived.

Yesterday, I had the honor of officiating Marina and Bill's ceremony at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. They are such a sweet couple! They are also very laid back. When I asked Marina what her Maid of Honor would be wearing, she said she didn't know - she was leaving it up to her. I love that! (And Nadia looked great in her green outfit, as you can see in the photo below.)

Being nature lovers, this was the perfect spot for Bill and Marina's ceremony. They didn't want all the bells and whistles, but rather something that would reflect their tastes. And so, they picked a beautiful, natural space. They gathered their closest friends and family members and enjoyed an intimate celebration.

Their good friend, Nick, provided the musical accompaniment on the saxophone. It was simply magical when Marina walked in to Glen Miller's "Moonlight Serenade."  The music filled the space and set the tone for the day. Another perfect touch.

Congratulations, Marina and Bill. I wish you all the best! Much love to you both!

Show Room - ceremony took place on the path in front of the white lilies.

Bill and Marina after the ceremony. Marina opted to forgo the traditional bridal bouquet.
Instead, she wore a green orchid in her hair. Gorgeous! 

The bride and groom with the Maid of Honor and Best Man