Shikha + Aman

Could this couple be any more handsome and photogenic? Every photos is more stunning than the next. And don’t get me started on Shikha’s showstopping dresses. I can’t pick a favorite…and I won’t! They are both exquisite.

We partnered with Phos Events to hang chandeliers and florals down the aisle for the ceremony and it was epic! Since this was a room flip we made sure the head table was right under the gorgeous chandeliers to create an amazing focal point in the room. It was magical!

Venue: Hutton House

Photographer: Bravado Weddings

Planning: Bella Mistique Events

Drapery & Mandap: Noor Events

Lightings & Rigging: Phos Events

Stephanie + Matt

These two, just like so many other couples had to postpone their wedding because of Covid-19. And when the Bride’s father unexpectedly passed away months before their postponed wedding date the couple ensured he was still a part of their special day. We wrapped the bridal bouquet with a swatch from her father’s favorite tie and set up a special memorial for him. The bride walked down the aisle with her two brothers, which was an emotional and beautiful moment for the whole family.

The Bride wanted her wedding to be filled with spring blooms in ivories and mauve which were the perfect compliment to the Bridesmaid’s dresses. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a wonderful, deserving couple.

Photography: Perry James

Venue: Hutton House

Florals: The Petal

Liz + Stephen

The pandemic has changed so many people’s plans this year, but luckily with some creativity love isn’t being cancelled. This is so true for Liz and Stephen. These two were supposed to have a destination wedding in May, but with the lockdown in place they opted for an intimate wedding with close family and friends. They had just purchased a home and decided what better place to celebrate their love than in their new living room. It was such a beautiful, intimate ceremony in a place that will be sure to create more memories.

The couple spent two weeks painting and getting the house ready before they even moved in so that they could hold their wedding there. And it wouldn’t be a wedding day without flowers, so when Liz told me their backdrop was going to be their fireplace I knew we had to go all out to create a gorgeous focal point in the room. This was the perfect Covid-friendly wedding. So happy to have been a part of their special day. Congrats Liz and Stephen!

Photos by : Empiria Studios

Fall Inspired Styled Shoot

I have been dreaming of a lush evergreen and gold photoshoot for over a year and finally I just went for it. It was with great hestitation, however, because this was going to be the first photoshoot I planned, styled and produced on my own. If you know me you know I have a history in experiential marketing and event planning, so it isn’t that crazy or outside of my comfort zone, it was just the first time I did it for my business. And, now that it happened AND it got published I am hooked haha. Let’s just say it won’t be the last time I do full design for a shoot or a wedding.

It all started because all of my shoots in the past have been spring/summer and I wanted to showcase something with a richer color palette that would translate to fall or winter. I knew I wanted to create a balance of rich dark green velvet linen with natural accents including walnut. And, I wanted a fireplace as the backdrop :) So, I scouted out locations and The Blaisdell did not disappoint.

The vendors I worked with were amazing, and I couldn’t have done it with out them. Especially Trish Burtzel of Trish Allison Photography! She is absolutely wonderful and so much fun to work with. Truly talented. Scroll down for a full list of the other vendors from the shoot.

For more photos check it out on Minnesota Bride! Thank you so much to Minnesota Bride for the feature!

Planning, Design and Florals: The Petal

Photography: Trish Allison Photography

Venue: The Blaisdell

Paper Goods: Emily Rose Ink

Linens: BBJ Linens

Cake: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe

Hair: Sarah Elizabeth Artistry

Makeup: Makeup by Naseem

Dress: Diamond Bride

Event Furnishings, Rentals: Ultimate Events

Kara + Leo

Kara and I had a blast planning her gorgeous October wedding. After many revisions and a venue change we landed on the perfect vision for her big day. That staircase was everything and we knew we had to play it up to make it a focal point for the ceremony and reception. Seeing her reaction when she walked into the room was one of the best moments of my career. So many tears of joy. It reminded me of why I do what I do and how much I love being a part of my clients dream day. Thank you Kara and Leo for including The Petal in your wedding day!

Venue: The Rookery Chicago

Photographer: Carnival Studio

Calligraphy: bouK Bridal

Floral Design: The Petal

100 Layer Cake feature

When Christi Lee Photography reached out to do a styled shoot at the new Company 251 venue I couldn’t say no. Not only is she the sweetest and incredible to work with, but the venue is to die for. I mean seriously, the marble tables are everything! Check out more photos from our amazing shoot as featured on 100 Layer Cake.

Venue: Company 251

Photo: Christi Lee Photography

Florals: The Petal

Dress: Victoria Kyriakides

Table Design: Christi Lee Photography

Paper Goods: Christi Lee Photography

Luxurious Garden Wedding featured on Wedding Chicks

If you are looking to have an elegant garden wedding then the Chicago Botanic Gardens is definitely the perfect venue!  In collaboration with Beso Events and Maria Harte Photography we created a dreamy garden party featuring oversized florals, luxe linens, the perfect ceremony spot, and one of the most incredible wedding cakes I've ever seen.  Everything was straight out of a magazine.  

See more of this gorgeous styled shoot on Wedding Chicks.  

Event Design + Styling: Beso Weddings & Events // Photography: Maria Harte Photography // Cinematography: Charlie Hilbrant Films // Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden // Florals: The Petal Floral Design Co. // Event Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals, AFR Event Furnishings // Linen: BBJ Linen // Bridal Gown + Accessories: Ultimate Bride/Mira Zwillinger/Maria Elena Headpieces // Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Groom Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo // HMUA: Three One Two Bridal // Calligraphy + Paper Goods: Emily Rose Ink // Cake Design + Desserts: Flourish Cake Design by Sugar Fixe // Custom Engagement Ring: Susie Saltzman // Engagement Ring Box: The Mrs Box // Custom Wedding Gifts: Teak & Twine // Glass Shadow Boxes: West Elm // Ribbon: Silk & Willow // Bride Model: Lauren Canada // Groom Model: Stephen Canada/Ford Models Chicago

Vanessa + Edgar

How have I not yet posted this gorgeous wedding on my blog yet I have no idea.  Vanessa and Edgar are the sweetest couples.  One of those couples that when they look at each other you can just see the love in their eyes and in their hearts.  I had so much fun working with them to create the perfect fall Chicago wedding at a local venue, The Carleton of Oak Park.  Vanessa wanted tons of greenery, moody blooms, and plenty of candle light.  I think we achieved all of those things.

Photographer: Loren Weddings

Venue: The Carleton of Oak Park

Top 5 bouquets of 2017

I seriously can not believe how quickly this year went!  I remember being so excited for all the wonderful weddings I had planned for 2017 and then I blinked and it's December. 

What a great year filled with gorgeous weddings, wonderful clients, amazing support, fantastic venues, and of course tons of flowers.  I'm so grateful for an amazing year and I can't wait for 2019!!  Here we go!  

Since it's the end of the year I thought I'd share with you my top 5 bouquets created this year.  So here they are in no particular order.  I can't pick a favorite, can you?

Danielle + Chris

Photographer: Melissa Isai Photography

Venue: Room 1520

Kimberly + Patrick

Cassie + Josh

A rainy day in April didn't stop these two from having a stunning wedding at the incredibly gorgeous South Shore Cultural Center.  And can I just take a second to gush over these photos by Hello Rose Photography, I mean seriously!!  They are absolutely dreamy.  

Photographer: Hello Rose Photography

Venue: South Shore Cultural Center

Floral Design: The Petal

Dress: Hayley Paige

Spring Styled Shoot

My floral dreams came true for this spring styled shoot I did with a couple of amazing partners.  When Christy Tyler Photography approached me to be a part of her Lighting Workshop for Photographers I was thrilled.  I decided that I was going to totally go for it and create what I've been wanted to do for a while.  A romantic, whimsical inspirational shoot filled with soft florals and gorgeous candles.  This was my first time working with so many incredible people.  Everything was so perfect!  

Big shout out to all the amazing people who worked on this styled shoot.  It couldn't have happened without all of your talents. 

Photographer: Christy Tyler Photography                                                                 Model: Aimee Mazzenga
Cake: Elysia Root Cakes
Venue: Chez Event Space
Florals: The Petal
Dress: Alice in Ivory
Hair & Makeup: Debra Petrielli Freelance Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Paper goods & ring box: Jenn Heller Design Co
Linens: BBJ Linen
Rentals: Chicago Vintage Weddings
Video: Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films

Jennifer + Gabe

How incredible is it to have twenty of your closest friends and family join you for an intimate ceremony and reception at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Chicago for a dreamy winter wedding.  And to top it off the bride was totally laid back and ready to enjoy her day.  She wanted everything to be clean, simple, elegant, and timeless with white blooms and rich greenery.  We went with two beautiful white arrangements and a candle lined aisle for the ceremony and a lush cascading garland of greenery accented with a few white blooms for the long reception table.  Thank you so much Jennifer and Gabe for including us on your wedding day!

Venue: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Photographer: Adam Novak

Molly + Kevin

There is something magical about a winter wedding and Molly and Kevin's December wedding was no exception.  Stan Mansion was the perfect venue for this classic, timeless wedding.  We went with clean and simple arrangements of crisp white florals and gray accents with the exception of the bridal bouquet which had pops of blush and peach (to match the bride's amazing blush shoes of course).  

I am completely obsessed with the incredible photos Christy Tyler Photography captured from this wedding! And, I'm not going to lie, the cake was truly my favorite for this one!  The bride gave me free rein and I couldn't be happier with the way it came out!   

Amanda + Max

It's freezing outside, so I'm just going to chill in front of my computer and look at pretty pictures of flowers and happy couples.  Amanda and Max were a pleasure to work with.  When I heard she wanted an Italian Mediterranean theme for her big day I was all over it.  Here are a few photos from the amazing photographer Sally O'Donnell Photography and some taken by yours truly.  

Photos: Sally O'Donnell Photography

Venue: Pazzo's

Emily + Brian

Mauve spring wedding

So excited to share some photos from a gorgeous spring wedding for a beautiful couple.

Photos: Sami Studio

Classic and elegant wedding

I love the feeling of opening my email and seeing photos from a wedding I've done.  Elizabeth and Keith had a classic and elegant wedding filled with gorgeous peonies and hydrangeas at the Metropolitan Club of Willis Tower.  What a view!  The venue was gorgeous and this couple is so sweet. 

Photo credit: Dennis Lee Photo

April florals

I'm so sorry I'm behind on my blog.  Here is an arrangement and bouquet I did in April in mauve, white, and burgundy.  I love the color combination, it's so rich and elegant.  And, I really can't get enough of astrantia.  It's seriously one of my favorite flowers right now.