Defining your wedding style and making it your own

Wedding trends, they can sweep you up and take you down the deepest Pinterest and Instagram rabbit hole. And while we love a theme or a vibe an event can be inspired by or centered around, there’s a danger that wrapping your entire design around a trend too tightly can date your wedding and create regrets later down the line. After all, weddings are not just another party ( Monica in Friends reminded us of that) and the payout for all your energy and resources spent should be fresh, beautiful, and uniquely you.

Embracing certain trends (we see you bows) and sprinkling them around is perfectly fine, but trying to force a theme for the sake of a theme can come off awkward, messy and dare we say it? basic. Instead, we suggest leaning on classic inspiration and blending it with current trends or unique style elements to create mashups that are unique and purposefully woven into your day.

Are you an anti-wedding cool girl who would never opt for a classic gown or a green and white “timeless” design trend!? Challenge accepted! We’re here for creating a design plan that embraces fresh, cool elements to bring to life a celebration so YOU that others will want to copy it!

Your wedding might be one of the few times you’ll be willing to spend tons of cash and time in planning an elaborate event (we hope not but odds are you’re doing it this big only once), why not create something new and truly special that you’ll love reliving later? Our Advice? Give your designer latitude to get to know you, what you like, where you met, where you love to travel, what your event priorities are, what your comfort level for “fun” is and the result will probably shock you in the best way possible.

yellow floral installation photo wow moment at Wildman BT // Photo by Serena Bonphotage

Venue Selection -- the second most important "I DO"

There’s no such thing as a perfect venue, but there’s a perfect venue for you!

Much like being in that drunk with love euphoria phase of new love, being newly engaged and on cloud nine means you will see what you want to see in a venue often ignoring important questions and logistics that will surface later and prove to be a challenge, often an expensive one. Our approach and advice when diving into venue selection is simple but important: Know your numbers, know your priorities and non-negotiables, be as flexible as possible, have a wedding planner along for the ride.

Compare this process to buying a house, when choosing a venue, having a guide in your corner to navigate the process is priceless. Though your rose-colored glasses might be on as you hop around venues, your planner will be able to stay objective and negotiate on your behalf; We vet options that are not a good fit even before you even step foot in a place based on expertise and your needs, thus saving you time, money, avoiding falling in love with a space that is not a good fit for you and your celebration. Today’s “market” is very competitive so a little flexibility (we advise clients to be flexible on dates and even days of the week in order to get their dream venue) creativity (let us paint a picture of what your venue will look like when it’s show time), clear expectations (having those hard conversations about budget and priorities in the beginning rather than along the way when emotions run high) are just some of the tools we bring to the table to make the process as stress free and swift as possible. So grab a glass of wine, or several, and let’s dive in and find the perfect venue for you.

Intimate weddings, what we love about them, and you will too

Don’t get us wrong, we love a large celebration, a lush, elegant, elaborate wedding, the longer the to do list the more satisfying it is when we help pull it all together. But one of our MOST FAVORITE weddings of 2019 was an intimate destination I Do at Emerald Lake Lodge near Banff Canada. And yes, the bucket list setting is of course a big reason why Kristine and Bo chose to have their wedding there, and why it makes our own event bucket list, but beyond the breathtaking backdrop, this intimate wedding checks all the boxes for a unforgettable event.

If you’re in the beginning stages of wedding planning, and you’ve ever considered a small scale wedding, current circumstances are perhaps guiding you in that direction, since small gatherings and mini celebrations are our only option for the foreseeable future. Though you might have to compromise on your guest list, the rest of the choices will be made easier than if you were contending with a larger guest count. Below are just a few of the reasons why a smaller affair may mean a higher quality, more intentional and beautiful event.

Venues — often times the size of a guest list dictates your choice of venue, but without that daunting max capacity in mind, there are almost no limits to the creativity and venue options for your big day. Maybe an off the beaten path B&B where guests can stay overnight was never an option because of guest count, maybe your favorite neighborhood restaurant that can only fit a cozy 50 in it’s private room was a far fetched hope, or an intimate hotel outdoor terrace with the city as your backdrop. With a smaller guest count, there are a lot of options to choose from.

Emerald Lake Banff Canada wedding photos by Orange Girl Photography

Emerald Lake Banff Canada wedding photos by Orange Girl Photography

Quality time with guests — for Kristine and Bo, spending a weekend with their closest friends and immediate family was key. Their attention was not divided in too many directions, and the intimacy of their event allowed them to be present, to customize activities and elements of their day that would have been impossible to do with a larger group. An 8am post wedding hike with your entire wedding posey is not for the faint of heart, but the memories created could be priceless! If a choose-your-own-adventure event or brunch is more your speed, creating multiple options that all your guests will enjoy is a fun option and doable with a smaller group.

Enhanced guest experience — when asked what the number one priority when putting together plans for their big day, by far most of our clients state that the guest experience is the most important for them. Now more than ever, wowing your guests and ensuring that they are safe, taken care of, and are having an amazing time ranks high on the priority list. With much of your budget freed up because of a reduced guest count, you will be able to splurge on higher end photography, decor, rentals, and menu options, not to mention entertainment! For Kristine and Bo, exquisite details like handwritten handmade paper menus, elegant lush floral decor and a room bathed in candle light, in addition to a decadent menu, personalize guest gifts were the perfect complement to their amazing location. Putting together personalized notes and gifts for their guests, was a task that was not just “doable” but fun and intimate because every person on their guest list was someone they knew closely.

We’d love to help you take the lemons handed out by the current restrictions and turn them into some amazingly delicious lemonade. We’ve curated a list of venue that are perfect for intimate events and would love to help put together a compromise-free intimate event.

Chicago venues perfect for intimate events, many of them featuring outdoor spaces:

The Thompson Hotel

The Gwen Hotel

The Joinery

Foremenoto’s Chicago

Bridge 410

Big Delicious Planet

The Robey Hotel

Chicago’s First Lady River Cruise




Planning  & Floral Decor  Elena's Garden Events //Ceremony & Reception Venue: Cilantro on the Lake- Emerald Lake // Photo Orange Girl Photos // DJ:  Class Act DJ/Jeremy Pettet // Hotel: Emerald Lake Lodge// Hair Glamaway Beauty // Makeup Glamaway Beauty // Linen BBJ Linens // Tuxedos Indochino // Bride's Dress:  Anomelie

Personalized wedding details

Personalizing your wedding vs. DIYing your way through it

YOUR day, your way is something we are big proponents of, BUT the road to a DYI overwhelming Pinterest-full bonanza is a slippery one. When initially talking to our planning clients ( or even our decor only clients) we make sure we find every little way we can to incorporate their style and unique elements that represent their story while melding that within the overall design direction. We also make sure the projects the clients want to execute themselves are doable and won't be an extra burden that will overwhelm them during an already stressful time … some things should just be left to the pros. As always, it’s all about communication and setting expectations and ( just ask our brides) we do build a mean planning timeline, and also do not hold back from telling our clients when their plate is a little too full.

Mollie and Alex’s beautiful fall wedding is a perfect example where the synergy between personalizing their wedding and the design direction we created was perfectly balanced. It was very important for Mollie and Alex that their families played a big role in their day, and also wanted to contribute with personal elements that represented their personality and relationship as well. Because we were part of the planning process we were able to help them navigate the logistics and aesthetic so that the end result was beautiful, fun and personal.

When mom makes your and your bridesmaids attire, dad performs the ceremony, your sister makes an epic 5 tear cake, your puppy is your ring bearer, and you design your stationery …. the stakes are high, and things can get overwhelming fast, but a well constructed timeline and a supportive team of vendors leads to a beautifully personalized day, that is anything but DIY.

In addition, Mollie & Alex also peppered some of their favorite places and vendors into their celebration, they took their bridal party to some of their favorite date spots for photos and ordered cookies and beer from their favorite neighborhood local Chicago vendors and also made sure the rehearsal dinner and day after family brunch sports had special meaning to them as well.

Venue: The Joinery // Photo: Kina Wicks Photography // DJ: Toast & Jam // Getting ready Spot: The Robey // Catering: Food For Thought // Cake: sister of bride // Hair and Makeup: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists // Bar: Binnies & Pipeworks // Cookies: Bake // Groom’s Attire: Black Tux // Bride’s Dress & BMDs skirt: Mother of the Bride // Planning & Decor: Elena’s Garden Events


garden wedding inspiration in peach and coral

GARDEN WEDDING INSPIRATION IN PEACH AND CORAL

SET at Loyola Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, the inspiration behind this lush summer wedding design was a modern day romantic garden love story merging together traditional elements and modern touches, channeling a current Romeo and Juliet. And what better setting than a historic Italianate mansion on a 100-acre estate?  Blending a pallet of bold warm colors centered around citrus hues and living coral, stunning timeless architectural elements and decor,  and dramatic elegant fashion, hair and makeup, resulting in an elegant summer dream wedding featuring a lineup of stellar Chicago vendors. All the details were also a nod to the elegant garden ambiance we were creating: the iron gate draped in garden roses, the brie stacked ‘cake adorned with fruit, the lush floral custom paper details, the apricot place cards, the colorful light and airy glassware, rich textured linens, and romantic lighting.

VENUE: LOYOLA AT CUNEO MANSION AND GARDENS // PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY// PLANNING & FLORAL DESIGN: ELENA’S GARDEN EVENTS// RENTALS: THE FESTIVE FROG; BBJ LINENS// HAIR: KORENA ROBINSON// MAKEUP: ASHLEY BARBER OF MANIFEST MAKEUP// BRIDAL BOUTIQUE AND GOWNS: ULTIMATE BRIDE CHICAGO; MIRA ZWILLINGER; LEE PETRA GREBENAU; // GROOM ATTIRE: THE GROOMSMAN SUIT; STATIONERY SUITE: EMILY ROSE INK ; MODEL: JAMAICA CACYRIS



5 Reasons Why Hiring a Wedding Planner Is a Need, Not a Want

5 Reasons Why Hiring a Wedding Planner Is a Need, Not a Want

Let’s start with the premise that you want to enjoy your wedding day and aren’t looking to worry and stress over all the things that need to go smoothly and happen on time. If that’s the case, here are just a few of the zillion things a planner or coordinator can and will do for you on your wedding day so that you, your family, that friend that’s really good at planing DIY parties for her office, and your fiancé can do your job : look amazing and enjoy the most elaborate party you’ve ever thrown.

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Krysta and Garrett's Effortless, Romantic Wedding at Artifact Events

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Krysta and Garrett's Effortless, Romantic Wedding at Artifact Events

We loved using the bounty of spring flowers like peonies, garden roses, and anemones in soft colors, with lush greens, paired with an industrial space with a vast courtyard, to bring Krysta’s vision to life.

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Classic Spring Wedding at W Chicago City Center

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Classic Spring Wedding at W Chicago City Center

Classic Spring Wedding at W Chicago City Center with Chicago as it's backdrop celebrating, love, family and traditions new and old

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Andreea and Benjamin's Romantic Summer Wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club Their is a love story my husband and I would get monthly updates on over dinner, and as we saw Benjamin's heart and life fill with love, we knew we'd love Andr

Andreea and Benjamin's Romantic Summer Wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club 

On a perfect breezy June day, Andreea and Benjamin tied the knot in Northbrook and celebrated with lots of friends and family at the beautiful Chevy Chase Country Club.  

The Case for Color The last few years have taken a softer tone in terms of color, and I loved the romantic ethereal feel that came with it, but as a planner and and as a designer I'm so excited to see brides and event planners merge thes

The Case for Color

You don't have to sacrifice elegance, romance or sophistication in order to add color to your event, more than ever, event vendors are incorporating rich patterns and colors into everything from floral, attire, cake, linens, and pretty much every element you can think of.  Go beyond the blush box that is often Pinterest and elevate your event with bold vibrant yet elegant vibes that will make your big day stand out.  

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Pretty in Pink It's a myth that pink is a color that's only appropriate for Spring months.  Elegant dark pink hues, and soft blushes can be used to set a romantic or modern mood in any season. &nbs

Pretty in Pink

It’s a myth that pink is a color that’s only appropriate for Spring months.  Elegant dark pink hues, and soft blushes can be used to set a romantic or modern mood in any season.  In fact here is a throwback to an event we did for a holiday party where we paired different shades of

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Love Is in the Air “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.”― Alfred Tennyson This week we share some beautiful blooms we worked on for Valentine's day.  It's no wonder flowers

Love Is in the Air

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.” ― Alfred Tennyson This week we share some beautiful blooms we worked on for Valentine’s day.  It’s no wonder flowers are the most common gift one gives to show affection, sympathy,  and love.  A bouquet of flowers

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Kristen & Jeff's Winter Wonderland Wedding  What better way to close out the year than with a beautiful wedding at Pazzo's?    Kristen and Jeff lit up this beautiful atrium space with their con

Kristen & Jeff's Winter Wonderland Wedding

What better way to close out the year than with a beautiful wedding at Pazzo’s 311?    Kristen and Jeff lit up this beautiful atrium space with their constant smiles and the vibrant energy of their bridal party. We hoped to further brighten the space with tons of  candles, flowers and gold branches for the reception.

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Christa and Dave's Fun Family Affair at Carnivale Chicago   We had the pleasure of creating the decor for Christa and Dave's big day this past September.   The weather was gloomy but that didn't put a damper on this fun intimate

Christa and Dave's Fun Family Affair at Carnivale Chicago

We had the pleasure of doing the decor for Christa and Dave’s big day this past September.   The weather was gloomy but that didn’t put a damper on this fun intimate event.  The bride is one of the most chill people you’ll ever meet and wanted a ceremony and reception to match her laid

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Coral and Pink Bliss Wedding at Winnetka Community House What do you do on a cold November day to stay warm?  You remember the beautiful days of summer.  Happy dreaming with this post that's WAY overdue.  I can't think

Coral and Pink Bliss Wedding at Winnetka Community House

What do you do on a cold November day to stay warm?  You remember the beautiful days of summer.  Happy dreaming with this post that’s WAY overdue.  I can’t think of a better color scheme to capture a perfect summer wedding than coral, pink and peach.  The background was a Winnetka garden, a gathering of