Maria + Drew

When you have the Mother of the Bride on your side you know great things will happen! Maria’s mom was such a great partner for Maria and Drew’s wedding. She wanted to be sure everything was absolutely perfect for her daughter’s wedding day. Check out all the highlights from this amazing summer wedding at Bavaria Downs.

Amanda + Jordan

A romantic, European inspired wedding in the midwest is totally our vibe. So, when Amanda came to us with her inspiration we knew we were the perfect fit! From the gorgeous venue, Bavaria Downs, to the soft color palette it was a day to remember.

Even when the ceremony got rained out we pivoted to move the florals indoors and no one was the wiser. Everything about this day was gorgeous. Thank you for capturing the details so beautifully Marit Photography!

Photos by Marit Photography

Venue: Bavaria Downs

Check out our latest feature in Minnesota Bride Magazine!

I spy Melissa and Mitch’s wedding day featured in the latest Minnesota Bride Magazine. This amazing couple had to postpone their wedding due to Covid-19, but that didn’t stop them. We partnered with an incredible vendor team to bring this intimate celebration to life. Style Architects planned and designed the couples wedding day and post celebration in Ireland. You heard that right. They took 40 of their guests on a trip to Ireland to continue the festivities.

Everything about this intimate day was planned and executed perfectly. And I will never get over that cake! Scroll down for the full vendor list.

Vendor List

Planner - Style Architects

Photographer - Lena Lakoma Photo

Venue: Loring Social

Gown: a&be Bridal Shop

Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdie Grey

Hair & Makeup: Primped

Groom’s attire: Indochino

Catering: D’Amico Catering

Florist: The Petal

Linens: Linen Effects

Andie + Travis

A splash of color goes a long way!

This coastal inspired wedding, planned by Pink Peony Events, was the perfect summer day. The bride was beaming in her gorgeous dress and the dusty blue bridesmaids dresses with white and coral bouquets were the perfect combination. The couple had an outdoor ceremony at Hotel Landing overlooking Lake Minnetonka followed by a reception in the ballroom. We used a mix of trees and florals to create a beautiful ceremony backdrop that could be repurposed in the reception for the head table. Lush centerpieces and taper candles were the finishing touch.

Photographer: Poly Mendes Photography

Planner: Pink Peony Weddings & Events

Venue: Hotel Landing

Floral Design: The Petal

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

Lauren + Randal

Lauren and Randal are just the sweetest couple, I mean look at those custom shoes Lauren wore for her wedding day! Need I say more?! These two rescheduled their wedding like many many other couples, but somehow two weeks before their scheduled wedding day Minnesota opened up and changed the restrictions. So, what was supposed to be an intimate ceremony with close friends and family followed by a larger reception later in the summer became their dream wedding. All the vendors rallied and made it happen for them in the tight time frame and it was spectacular! I’m so happy for the two of them. Big congrats to the beautiful couple.

Photographer: Lahzeh Photography

Venue: Hutton House

Hair & Makeup: The Pretty Committee MN

Bridal Gown: Flutter Bridal Company

Grooms Attire: Mens Wearhouse

Catering: D’Amico Catering

Gabbie & Ben

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many couples to rethink how they can safely celebrate their love with friends and family and Gabbie and Ben were no different. Originally these two were supposed to be married in a large indoor wedding with 300 guests, but when the restrictions for indoor weddings began they shifted to a safer solution and luckily for them the Groom’s family owns a property with plenty of space for all their guests to comfortably space out and celebrate the couple.

Emily from This Love Weds at the last minute adjusted the plan to a large outdoor tent celebration. With a picturesque backdrop for their ceremony and a homemade arch from the Groom’s Uncle the couple said I do in front of 150 guests. Following their ceremony socially distant tables were set up for each family to dine in the gorgeous white tent. After dinner a separate cocktail tent was the perfect place for the guests to dance the night away.

With the change in venues we worked closely with Erin to elevate the tent reception to ensure the couple’s personality and vision was reflected. We did a combination of romantic taper candle centerpieces surrounded by loose greenery and blooms and low, lush arrangements filled with gorgeous garden roses.

The cocktail tent was the perfect place to add delicate greenery vines that glowed along the string lights during the dancing.

Don’t want to forget to mention that this awesome couple was committed to support small, women, and minority owned businesses which made a fantastic vendor team! Check out the list below.

Photos by: Whims and Joy

Planning + Design + Management: This Love Weds

Floral Design: The Petal Floral Design

Tent/Rentals: Apres Event and Tent

Linens/Rentals: Linen Effects

Stationary: Minted Weddings

Cake/Dessert: Farina Baking Company

Video: Of The Seas Films

Hair/MUA: Warpaint Beauty Agency

Catering: Tea House

Wedding Dress: A and Be Bridal Shop

Decor/Rentals: Whitey James Events

DJ: Midwest Sound DJ

Venue: Private Residence

Georgie + Giusseppi

I think I can just retire now. It happened…one of my weddings was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings!! Yep, you heard me correctly, THE Martha Stewart!! I’m still in a bit of shock if you couldn’t tell. And I’m incredibly grateful and humbled. Never did I imagine this would ever happen.

Georgie and Giusseppi are a wonderful couple and I’m so lucky to have been a part of their wedding day. Their taste is impeccable and it was such a joy seeing everything they dreamed of come to life.

Their wedding was at the unbelievably gorgeous Halim Time and Glass Museum. It was my first time at this venue and it just blew me away. Highly recommend it!

Here’s a few highlights:

Wedding planner: Chicago Vintage Weddings

Florals: The Petal

-Bridesmaid bouquets: Handmade by the bride.

Photography: Perregaux Wedding Photography

Cake: Flourish Cake Design

Venue: The Halim Time and Glass Museum

Violinist: Rachel Lee Zhao

Band: The Radium Swing Band

Gown: Sophia Tolli

Brides Jewelry: All vintage pieces 

Brides purse: Vintage

Brass hanger: Etsy

Ring Box: GEM jewelry boutique

Brides Shoes: Cole Haan

Grooms Shoes: Custom Ralph Lauren

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Brideside

Maid of Honor Dress: Etsy

Mother of the Bride dress: Custom African ware

Grooms Attire: Ralph Lauren

Groomsmen Attire: Suit Supply

Grooms White Dinner Jacket (Second look) : Custom Brooks Brothers

Drape: Atmosphere Events Group

Make-up: Georgianna Renanah Make-up/ Rosie.Artistry (The Bridal Party)

Hair: Cynthia Jean - IG cyn_jean (for ladies)

Hair: Lauren Curaso (for men)

Invitations- day of paper and signage, any customization: Spotted Kettle Studios

DJ: Complete Weddings and Events

Videography: Complete Weddings and Events

Photobooth: Complete Weddings and Events

Coffee Cart: Black Fodder Coffee Co.

Late Night Bite Donuts: Cafe Marie Jean

Black Porsche 911: Turbo

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

Brown + Lee Wedding

When a bride comes to us and requests peonies we do a happy dance! Especially when it is peony season! So, when Kayla specifically said she wanted peonies in her bouquet we knew we were the perfect fit. It was a gorgeous day with an outdoor courtyard ceremony and gorgeous reception filled with gold geometric accents. The perfect balance of modern and timeless. First time working at the Van Dusen Mansion and it did not disappoint. Photos by Gina Ziedler Photography.

LeKeziah + Mike

This wedding had so many amazing details that really took the venue to a whole new level. And how can you go wrong with classic white and green? Not to mention the cake was seriously one of my all time favs - those greens were made for that cake. The couple was absolutely gorgeous and their intimate ceremony and reception was so lovely. I was so lucky to work with the incredibly talented Kristen Cloyd Photography who captured these stunning photos.

Taylor + Kyle

Neutrals are always a favorite of mine - just take a look at my closet!  Classic centerpieces and bouquets with lush greenery and soft tones were perfect for this couple as well.  And when the bride requested a cascading bouquet I was all over it!  Bring on the cascade for 2018!

Photographer: Krista Scarlavai Photography

Venue: The Shapiro Ballroom

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

Lakeshore in Love

Not only was this gorgeous shoot featured in Wedding Chicks, but we also got published in Lakeshore in Love!! What a great day with amazing vendors. Check out the full feature on Lakeshore in Love.

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

Chic and Modern Elegance - as featured on Style Me Pretty

So incredibly thrilled and overwhelmed by the opportunity to not only work with Chicago's finest, but to be featured on the front page of Style Me Pretty!  Pinch me! I have been waiting for this day for so long and I can't believe it's really happening.  We worked so hard on this incredible shoot and I'm so happy to share it with you all.  

Planning: Taylor, Amelia Cole Events @ameliacoleevents
Photographer: Tara, Roots of Life Photography @rootsoflife
Venue: Chez Event Space @chezeventspace
Hair & Makeup: Ioana + Jen, Rare Bird Beauties @rarebirdbeauties
Stationary + Paper Goods: Emily, Emily Rose Ink @emilyroseink
Floral: Tajalli, The Petal @thepetalchicago
Cake + Sweets: Toni Patisserie, @tonipatisseriecafe
Dress + Accessories: Mira Couture @mira_couture
Dress Designers: Pronovias, Justin Alexander & Lucian Matis
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bubbling Brides @bubblingbrides
Menswear: The Black Tux @theblacktux
Table + Bar: Tablescapes @tablescapeschgo
Draping + Chandeliers: Concept Effects @concepteffects                                            Lounge: Bowery & Bash @boweryandbash                                                                          Ring Box: The Mrs. Box @the_mrs_box
Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon Co. @bellameribbon                                                                Candles & Candle Holders: Creative Candles @creative.candles

Allie + Steven

Venue: Salvatore's Chicago

Photographer: Christi Lee Photography

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?