Plan Your Chicago Wedding
Kyle and I had a blast planning our wedding in Chicago. We're grateful to have worked with wonderful people and would recommend everyone mentioned below.
There are two things I would recommend when planning a wedding: the first is to set-up a separate email address to handle all wedding correspondence. It makes it easier to work together to communicate with vendors and nothing gets lost in your personal inbox. The second is to book a massage the day before you get married!
Here's a link to a sample of the timeline created: link. It's helpful to share with both vendors and anyone involved with the wedding so you aren't fielding an overwhelming amount of questions leading up to the best weekend of your life.
BAND: Spoken Four
Great performers and friendly. They worked with us to pick the song list and learned our first dance song (Got To Get You Into My Life by The Beatles) for us!
BEVERAGES: Binny's
Quick turn-around and you can return anything that isn't opened or already chilled. They coordinated the delivery and pick-up with our venue which made the whole transaction seamless.
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Maids By Rory Beca
Nice variety of styles and colors which all feel cohesive – and the material is lightweight.
CATERER: Arbor Projects
Our guests can't stop talking about the polenta Chad and Leonard's team prepared. Two of our guests already tried to recreate one of their dishes! Highly recommend family style and working with Chad and Leonard. Can't say enough wonderful things about their food.
DANCE CLASSES: Duet Dance Studio
Dance class nights were a refreshing break in our week :)
FLORIST: Flowers For Dreams
If it isn't enough to say that 25% of their profits go to a local charity, then note that they are also great at what they do! Really loved working with Natalie to realize our vision.
HAIR STYLIST: Joelle Lien
From the hair trial to our wedding day, I had so much fun with Joelle.
HOTEL: Hotel Palomar
Callie was incredibly responsive and helpful leading up to the weekend. A few guests went out of their way to mention how accommodating the hotel was and the location is ideal. Plus, they have animal print robes.
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Vanessa Valliant
Kyle's cousin, Katie Jane Hughes, did my make-up. While she isn't available, she did have her colleague Vanessa join her on our wedding day. Vanessa is super sweet and kept me calm when sappy songs starting playing!
PHOTO BOOTH: Smilebooth
When we first got engaged we said we wouldn't do a photo booth. But then we experienced Smilebooth. It's the best. Check out our photos. (Hat tip to my sister – it was her wedding present to us!)
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tony & Sharon Hughes
When the one picture you want is a picture with your photographers, you know you're working with the best people.
ONLINE PRINTING: Zazzle.com
Very easy to use and accurate printing. Quick turnaround too! Keep an eye out for sales, they have them a lot.
REGISTRY: Zola.com
The idea of getting everything in our house from two stores felt limiting. Zola allows you to add anything from the internet or collect cash gifts. Their statistics on how many gifts you should add and within which price ranges was super helpful.
REHEARSAL DINNER: Chop Shop
Great location, nice space, and their team was flexible when it came to event details.
SUIT: Made To Measure by Suit Supply
"Great suit."
— Kyle
TIES: The Tie Bar
Wide selection and very affordable
WEBSITE: Squarespace
Easy to customize a template and connect a custom domain. Happy to help if you'd like!
WEDDING BRUNCH: Workshop Chicago
Beautiful well-designed open space. And they have a rooftop with a spectacular view!
WEDDING DRESS: Sarah Seven
Found my dress on day one and loved working with the ladies at Sarah Seven. I could have worn any dress in their shop and loved it. But I especially loved mine :)
WELCOME PARTY: Goddess And Grocer, Bucktown
We wanted the celebrations to continue as long as they could and the team at Goddess And Grocer helped us to do just that. The second floor patio was dreamy.
VENUE: Greenhouse Loft
Flexible space with a beautiful outdoor garden area for cocktails. They book up fast so lock in your date! And get the candle package.