Our Chicago Weddings and Vendors

1.

Member

35 posts

Newbee

MindyLeigh August 28, 2010 Boston, MA

Hey all you Chicago bees! I saw a post that's been going around some of the other local message boards and I thought I'd start one up here, too. Since we've all likely done a lot of research before choosing our vendors and ceremony/reception locations, I thought we could share those that we are going with for different things. I hope this is helpful and fun for people to share!

Wedding Date:

Location:

Number of guests:

Reception Venue:

Caterer:

Photographer:

Videographer:

Cake:

DJ/Music:

Florist:

Stationery:

Officiant:

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician:

Hair:

Makeup

Dress:

Bridesmaids:

Rehearsal Dinner:

Any Other Vendors:

1 year ago

2.

Member

35 posts

Newbee

MindyLeigh August 28, 2010 Boston, MA

Here are mine....Let me know if any of you are thinking of these vendors/locations and would like for me to send you my info!

Wedding Date: August 28, 2010

General Area: Downtown Chicago/Gold Coast area

Number of guests: 100 or so

Ceremony Location: Fourth Church

Reception Venue: The James Hotel

Caterer: David Burke Prime (restaurant at the James)

Photographer: Fig Media (Billy)

Videographer: N/A - we've asked a family member to just tape the ceremony

Cake: Bittersweet Bakery

DJ/Music: DJ Joe Garrido

Florist: Anice Arvidson, Fiddlehead Florals (Anice works from her home)

Stationery: Ordered online from Elegant Brides

Officiant: Joyce Chin (Fourth Church)

Ceremony Musician(s): Thom McGouwen (Fourth Church)

Cocktail Musician(s): N/A; using iPod

Hair: Aniko Salon

Makeup: Aniko Salon

Dress: House of Brides - Allure Couture

Bridesmaids: David's Bridal

Rehearsal Dinner: McCormick & Shmicks on E Chestnut

Any Other Vendors: Chicago Weddings Candy Buffet; iDo Cake Toppers

1 year ago

3.

5,478 posts

Bee Keeper

lilyfaith June 23, 2012 Lakeview, Chicago

Sounds like fun! Many of mine are going to be blank, because we're so far out that we haven't even started thinking about details like catering, etc. By the way, I hope you post recaps of your wedding! I love the James.

Wedding Date: 6/23/2012
Location: Salvage One, in River West area
Number of guests: we're inviting 180 or so
Reception Venue: Salvage One, same as ceremony
Caterer: N/A
Photographer: We're using Olivia Leigh for engagement photos... would love to save up for her for the wedding, but we'll see!
Videographer: N/A
Cake: I plan on making it.
DJ/Music: N/A
Florist: I'm hoping to DIY some really simple bouquets from Whole Foods
Stationery:N/A
Officiant: N/A
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: N/A
Hair: Probably my regular hairdresser at Salon Soca in Lincoln Park
Makeup: Considering doing this myself, otherwise same as above
Dress: I have Julianna by Christos
Bridesmaids: letting them pick their own dresses - not sure what color/style yet.
Rehearsal Dinner: N/A
Any Other Vendors: N/A

1 year ago

4.

Member

241 posts

Helper bee

rachelm1083 August 20, 2010 Chicago, IL

Do I count?? I'm in the burbs... Here's mine anyway

Wedding Date:8/20/10
Location: Palatine
Number of guests:220
Reception Venue: Cotillion
Caterer: same
Photographer: Modern Image
Videographer: Friend of FSIL
Cake: The Baking Institute
DJ/Music: Enchanted Evening
Florist: Private
Stationery:www.paperandmore.com Designed & Assembled by ME
Officiant:Pastor at my Church
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician:CD
Hair: Avici Salon
Makeup: Avici Salon
Dress: Allure 8683
Bridesmaids:Mori Lee 789 in Coral
Rehearsal Dinner:Charlie's Charhouse
Any Other Vendors:

1 year ago

5.

Member

35 posts

Newbee

MindyLeigh August 28, 2010 Boston, MA

@rachelelm1083 - of course you count! Your wedding is so big! I'm sure it will be fun. I have an Allure dress too! I really liked all of their styles!

1 year ago

6.

Member

179 posts

Blushing bee

meganrose

I LOVE this idea...

I will fill out as much as I can.

Wedding Date: 5/28/10
Location: Downtown
Number of guests: 160 invited
Reception Venue: Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
Caterer: same
Photographer: Rachel Naft (from DC)
Videographer: none
Cake: through hotel
DJ/Music: friend of bride's
Florist: none - DIY
Stationery: Golightly Creative Designs (aka ME)
Officiant: Fr. Patrick Dorsey (family friend)
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: ceremony - church musicians, cocktail hour - DJ
Hair: friend from DC (Nina Hastings - Glynn Jones Salon)
Makeup: Sonia Roselli
Dress: Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard - Taylor
Bridesmaids: TBD
Rehearsal Dinner TBD
Any Other Vendors:

1 year ago

7.

Member

179 posts

Blushing bee

meganrose

oh, I forgot... Ido Photobooths for the reception.

(Wow, seeing it written out makes me realize exactly how much I am bringing to Chicago with me) :)

1 year ago

8.

Member

99 posts

Worker bee

jen33 August 7, 2010 Chicago, IL

You are so smart. Great idea! And I love sharing my experiences and am fine sharing costs if anyone has questions :)

Wedding Date: Aug 7, 2010
Location: River West - Downtown
Number of guests: 130
Reception Venue: Salvage One
Caterer: Food for Thought
Photographer: Anna Guziak
Videographer:n/a
Cake:Domino's Bakery (North/Harlem)
DJ/Music: Style Matters (Ryan)
Florist :Meetinghouse Companies
Stationery: My friend Melissa...amazing custom work!!!
Officiant: Our Friend Steve
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: My dad's friend Don (acoustic guitar Beatles songs) for ceremony and StyleMatters for cocktail/reception
Hair: Starlight Makeup
Makeup: Starlight Makeup
Dress: Private Label from Maiden Voyage in STL
Bridesmaids: Wtoo style 625 in Mediterranean Blue (would not recommend...everyone's told me the chest fits weird bc of boning!)
Rehearsal Dinner: n/a
Any Other Vendors: Traveling Photobooth, Hotel Palomar (for out of town guests), Costa Rica (honeymoon!)

1 year ago

9.

Member

28 posts

Newbee

kate51411 May 14, 2011 Chicago

This is a great idea. We still have quite a few that we need to decide on.

Wedding Date: 5/14/2011

Location: Oak Park

Number of guests: Aiming for around 150

Reception Venue: Carleton Hotel (Ceremony and Reception)

Caterer: Barclays (Hotel Restaurant)

Photographer: Jeremy Lawson

Videographer: Not having one

Cake: TBD

DJ/Music: Toast and Jam

Florist: TBD

Stationery: TBD

Officiant: Our friend Brandon

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Toast and Jam

Hair: TBD

Makeup: TBD

Dress: Enzoani Dakota

Bridesmaids: Black cocktail dresses of their choosing

Rehearsal Dinner: Catered backyard BBQ at our house

Any Other Vendors: Day of Coordinator-Clementine Events

Feel free to ask any questions.

1 year ago

10.

Member

163 posts

Blushing bee

TP to Bee January 8, 2011 Chicago, IL

So much fun!!

Wedding Date: January 8, 2011
Location: St. Charles/Geneva
Number of guests: 150
Reception Venue: Eagle Brook Country Club
Caterer: Eagle Brook Country Club
Photographer: Willow Lane Photography (SHE IS AMAZING!!)
Videographer: N/A
Cake: The Cakery
DJ/Music: Spinnin' Discs
Florist: Janet Gallagher
Stationery: DIY by bride and groom
Officiant: My father!
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: CD
Hair: Stephanie Granquist
Makeup: DIY by bride
Dress: Allure 8634 from Crystal Bride in Geneva
Bridesmaids: Davids Bridal
Rehearsal Dinner: Chianti's Ristorante

1 year ago

11.

Member

979 posts

Busy bee

JennyChicago August 7, 2010

I will fill this out later when I am not running around but just a quick question where are you ladies planning to take your wedding pictures?

1 year ago

12.

Member

241 posts

Helper bee

rachelm1083 August 20, 2010 Chicago, IL

@MindyLeigh: yes! our wedding is definitely a big one! we have a pretty huge family! And yes! I love love LOVE Allure gowns! I love the back of every single dress they make. Gorgeous!!!

@JennyChicago: our pictures will be at a park called Kimball Hill in Rolling Meadows. I don't know where your wedding will be, but it's gorgeous there! They have a little bridge, man made pond, fountain, ahhh so pretty!!

1 year ago

13.

5,478 posts

Bee Keeper

lilyfaith June 23, 2012 Lakeview, Chicago

@TP to Bee: I love Chianti's! I grew up in St. Charles.

1 year ago

14.

Member

183 posts

Blushing bee

dookie32 October 16, 2010 Chicago

Wedding Date: 10/16/10
Location: Chicago
Number of guests: 150ish
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
Caterer: n/a
Photographer: Continuum Photography
Videographer: none
Cake: Alliance Bakery (part of package)
DJ/Music: Style Matters
Florist: Ashland Addison
Stationery: Cards & Pockets- my friend who is a graphic designer created the actual design
Officiant: Fr. Mike Gabriel- ceremony is at St. Josaphat's in Lincoln Park
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: n/a
Hair: Styles Down the Aisle (Lati)
Makeup: Sonia Roselli (Rebecca)
Dress: Watters (Austin), bought at A L'Amour
Bridesmaids: Vineyard (bought at Bella Bridesmaids)
Rehearsal Dinner: Rock Bottom Brewery

Other Vendors:

DOC- Simply Perfect by Melissa
Chair covers- The Chair Couture
Transportation- M&M Limo
Hotel Block- Crowne Plaza Metro

We are also having a magician- Dennis Watkins- for our cocktail hour. My fiance is a magician himself so this was his idea- I think it is going to be really fun!

1 year ago

15.

Member

183 posts

Blushing bee

dookie32 October 16, 2010 Chicago

Wedding Date: 10/16/10
Location: Chicago
Number of guests: 150ish
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
Caterer: n/a
Photographer: Continuum Photography
Videographer: none
Cake: Alliance Bakery (part of package)
DJ/Music: Style Matters
Florist: Ashland Addison
Stationery: Cards & Pockets- my friend who is a graphic designer created the actual design
Officiant: Fr. Mike Gabriel- ceremony is at St. Josaphat's in Lincoln Park
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: n/a
Hair: Styles Down the Aisle (Lati)
Makeup: Sonia Roselli (Rebecca)
Dress: Watters (Austin), bought at A L'Amour
Bridesmaids: Vineyard (bought at Bella Bridesmaids)
Rehearsal Dinner: Rock Bottom Brewery

Other Vendors:

DOC- Simply Perfect by Melissa
Chair covers- The Chair Couture
Transportation- M&M Limo
Hotel Block- Crowne Plaza Metro

We are also having a magician- Dennis Watkins- for our cocktail hour. My fiance is a magician himself so this was his idea- I think it is going to be really fun!

1 year ago

16.

Member

179 posts

Blushing bee

meganrose

I love how different everyone's weddings sound!!

@JennyChicago: I actually started a post related to that. We are getting married right off Michigan Ave (near the Hershey store, if you're familiar)... A couple of people provided ALOT of information on potential places. Maybe that will help? The post can be found here:

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/rehearsal-dinner-suggestions-3

1 year ago

17.

Member

41 posts

Newbee

shellymarie September 24, 2010

Such a cute idea - love it!!!

Wedding Date: 9/24/10

Location: Garden in Bolingbrook

Number of guests: 400 - YIKES!!!!

Reception Venue: Chateau Del Mar, Hickory Hills

Caterer: same

Photographer: Chad Stambaugh

Videographer: n/a

Cake: cupcakes by a friend (he's a pastry chef and its his gift to us!)

DJ/Music: still need one - any recommendations!?!?!!!???

Florist: Robyn - she works out of her home but is awesome

Stationery: designed by me; i work for a printing company so everything was printed at work

Officiant: Pastor from my church

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Family friend who plays the harp

Hair: Beauty Co of Chicago

Makeup: Beauty Co of Chicago

Dress: White Carriage Bridal

Bridesmaids: White Carriage Bridal

Rehearsal Dinner: Home Run Inn

Any Other Vendors:

1 year ago

18.

Member

73 posts

Worker bee

Kay7 05/15/10 Chicago

This is a great idea...

Wedding Date: May 15, 2010
Location: Edison Park, (Northwest-side neighborhood)
Number of guests:125
Reception Venue: Sunset Ridge Country Club
Caterer: Sunset Ridge Country Club
Photographer: Crowe's Eye Photography (from Indiana)
Cupcakes: Amy Beck
DJ/Music: Style Matters (Ryan)
Florist: Asrai Garden
Stationary: My husband actually designed all of our paper goods, STDs, invites, programs and our reception signage...
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Supplied by Church
Hair: Morgan Blaul
Makeup: Morgan Blaul
Dress: Lela Rose from Ultimate Bride
Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo
Rehearsal Dinner: Curragh Irish Pub (Edison Park)
Photobooth: Shutterbooth

I know my wedding already happened but if anyone wants input on any of these vendors I can definitely give you a review...

1 year ago

19.

Member

35 posts

Newbee

MindyLeigh August 28, 2010 Boston, MA

A few of you have photobooths -- that will be really fun! I was thinking of getting one but I had to draw the line somewhere! Oh well :-)

1 year ago

20.

Member

98 posts

Worker bee

brookeb269 July 9, 2011 Chicago

Wedding Date: July 9th, 2011
Location:NW burbs
Number of guests: 175
Reception Venue: The Cotillion in Palatine
Caterer: reception hall
Photographer: Kara Schultz
Videographer: Shoot the Bride films
Cake: TBD
DJ/Music: Toast and Jam
Florist: Kio Kreations
Stationery: DIY
Officiant: St James Catholic Church
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Ceremony is church and cocktail will be DJ
Hair: JD Michael Studio (regular salon I go to)
Makeup: Cynthia Sally
Dress: TBD
Bridesmaids: Davids Bridal
Rehearsal Dinner: FMIL house--catered

Other Vendors:

DOC- LaDi Events
Chair covers- The Chair Couture
Transportation- Trolley but not sure from where
Hotel Block- somewhere in Schaumburg

1 year ago

21.

Member

616 posts

Busy bee

stefanieastronaut September 12, 2010 Chicago, IL

Wedding Date:September 12, 2010

Location: Itasca, Illinois (about 25/30 minutes south of downtown)
Number of guests:175
Reception Venue:Eaglewood Golf Resort & Spa
Caterer:Catered by Venue
Photographer: Michael Carr Photography
Videographer: I Do Films
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
DJ/Music:Tim Dodge @ Your Request
Florist:Zu Zu's Petals
Stationery: DIY - Available on my Etsy
Officiant: A close friend and preacher
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Jazz Singer, Claudia Clark & her piano accompaniment
Hair: Hair Spray Revolution
Makeup: Wendy at Curious Beauty
Dress: Priscilla of Boston 4306
Bridesmaids: J. Crew
Rehearsal Dinner:Bowling & Pizza on the resort
Any Other Vendors: Retro Photo Booth from 312Photobooth

1 year ago

22.

Member

770 posts

Busy bee

sulaii211

Ahem *Polite Bump* I like this thread.

1 year ago

23.

Member

183 posts

Blushing bee

dookie32 October 16, 2010 Chicago

@stefanieastronaut: I love your illustrations! So cute- I wish I would have seen these for my Save the Dates.

1 year ago

24.

Member

3,602 posts

Sugar bee

RR October 2012

Ahem *Polite Bump* I like this thread, too.

1 year ago

25.

Member

156 posts

Blushing bee

KayMeiBee September 10, 2011 Chicago, IL

This is a great thread! I'll be referring back to it A LOT in the next year!

1 year ago

26.

Member

5 posts

Newbee

vanessad October 30, 2010 Rockford

We live in Wheaton but are getting married in Rockford. I am in love with the Japanese gardens there (he proposed there too!) and the magnificent way they look in autumn - my favorite season.

Wedding Date: 10/30/2010

Location: Rockford, IL

Number of guests: 150

Reception Venue: Anderson Japanese Gardens

Caterer: same

Photographer: Dayna Schroeder, friend of my fiance

Videographer: TBD, probably a friend

Cake: Marcia of Centerpiece Cakes

DJ/Music:Matt from MDM Entertainment

Florist: Orchids by Hausermann for centerpieces & bouquets/boutonniers will be crafted from the local farmers market

Stationery:save-the-dates were from weddingpaperdivas, invites/menus/programs: DIY by me.

Officiant: Tim Boyd, dear friend

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: For the ceremony, my bff is a composer and he's writing a piece for us, which is being played by another dear friend. DJ will take care of cocktail hour

Hair:Guys n Gals Salon, Princeton IL (family friends)

Makeup: same as above

Dress: reception dress is Priscilla of Boston #4504. My ceremony dress was a Melissa Sweet but is now TBD.

Bridesmaids: Melissa Sweet Vineyard #1515 in Pewter. Just received them last week and they are amazing!

Rehearsal Dinner: TBD - if anyone can recommend a place in Rockford, I will appreciate it!

Any Other Vendors: I bought silk table runners, votive holders, silver chargers, crystals, bamboo platters, etc. off craigslist. Highly recommend it!

1 year ago

27.

Member

10 posts

Newbee

Weddingofthecentury Illinois

Wedding Date: June 8th 2013

Location: South Shore Cultural Center

Number of guests: 300

Reception Venue: South Shore Cultural Center

Caterer: TBD

Photographer:

Videographer: TBD

Cake: Cake Girls

DJ/Music for reception: TBD

Florist: DIY bride'smade floralarrangements

Stationery:DIY Silk Duponi box invitations

Officiant: FI's Uncle

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: IPOD

Hair: TBD

Makeup TBD

Dress: Reem Acra (wedding) and Monique Lhillier(reception) inspired dresses being sewn by Family friend

Bridesmaids: Ramona Keveza

Rehearsal Dinner:

Any Other Vendors

Wedding shoes: DIY Badley Mischka inspired shoes

Day spa: Honey Child Day spa

1 year ago

28.

Member

26 posts

Newbee

BrideofCorn July 1, 2011 Chicago, Illinois

Fun!!

Wedding Date: July 1, 2011
Location: Chicago, IL
Number of guests: 75 (max)
Reception Venue: Pazzo's 311
Caterer: Pazzo's 311
Photographer: Courtney Vala
Videographer: TBD
Cake: TBD
DJ/Music: Silvermix Productions
Florist: TBD
Stationery: TBD
Officiant: FH's Uncle
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Silvermix Productions
Hair: TBD
Makeup: TBD
Dress: Dressilyme.com
Bridesmaids: 3 very important women in my life
Rehearsal Dinner: Giordano's or Pizzeria Due
Any Other Vendors: Not at this time.

1 year ago

29.

Member

98 posts

Worker bee

ChicagoB2B June 29, 2012 Chicago, IL

Hey Girls! This is so fun!

Wedding Date: June 29, 2012
Location: Brookfield Zoo
Number of guests: 165
Reception Venue: Brookfield Zoo
Caterer: Brookfield Zoo
Photographer: TBD
Videographer: TBD... Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Cake: Rolf's Patisserie
DJ/Music: Micheal Rothstein Band- 10 peice
Florist:TBD
Stationery: Hopefully some DYI, some purchased
Officiant:TBD
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Micheal Rothstein
Hair:TBD
Makeup TBD
Dress: Reem Acra with alterations at Ms. Couture
Bridesmaids: Not sure, but I have the 5 best bridesmaids anyone could ask for : )
Rehearsal Dinner:TBD
Any Other Vendors: We are planning on doing endangered specied chocolate bars for favors!

1 year ago

30.

Member

687 posts

Busy bee

vaness13181 July 31, 2011 Chicago, IL

Wedding Date: 7.31.11
Location: The Blackstone Hotel, downtown
Number of guests: 100-120
Reception Venue: The Blackstone Hotel
Caterer: The Blackstone Hotel c/o Mercat a la Planxa
Photographer: Miller & Miller Photography
Videographer: N/A (probably get a Fiip and have my film friend edit :)
Cake: Take the Cake
DJ/Music: Toast & Jam
Florist: TBD
Stationery: Betsy White Stationery Boutique
Officiant: TBD
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: TBD string quartet
Hair: TBD
Makeup: TBD
Dress: Lazaro 3013
Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo Margaux
Rehearsal Dinner: Chicago Architecture Foundation Dinner Cruise (catering by one of their preferred vendors Heaven on Seven/Jimmy Bannos)
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Wedding Planner/DOC: LOLA Events

1 year ago

31.

Member

179 posts

Blushing bee

meganrose

@Weddingofthecentury: cake girls!!! Love it. Would you be willing to share your shoe DIY???? I've been dying for something like the BM shoes without the steep price.

1 year ago

32.

Member

590 posts

Busy bee

Vegas Pug November 27, 2010 Suburban Chicago

Burb girl here too!

Wedding Date: November 27, 2010

Location: DiNolfos Banquets in Homer Glen

Number of guests: 220

Reception Venue: DiNolfos Banquets in Homer Glen

Caterer: DiNolfos Banquets in Homer Glen

Photographer: Haven't booked yet, but most likely Fred Fox, Inc.

Videographer: n/a

Cake: The Cake Box

DJ/Music: RMG Music Entertainment

Florist: DIY with flowers from WholesaleBlossoms.com

Stationery: DIY

Officiant: ??? (help!)

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: sDJ providing

Hair: Friend

Makeup: yours truly

Dress: Maggie Sottero - Karena Royale

Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff

Rehearsal Dinner: Aurelios in Frankfort

Any Other Vendors: Alost Hotel

1 year ago

33.

Member

98 posts

Worker bee

ChicagoB2B June 29, 2012 Chicago, IL

@ChicagoB2B: Whoops! I meant David Rothstein.

1 year ago

34.

219 posts

Helper bee

jeye7161 July 16, 2011 Chicago, IL

Wedding Date: 7.16.11
Location: Phillippine American Ecumenical Church of Christ
Number of guests: 150-180
Reception Venue: Renaissance North Shore
Caterer:Renaissance Hotel
Photographer: Joshua Albanese
Videographer: Orange
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery or Rolf's Patessiere (havent decided yet)
DJ/Music: Matt Windsor of MDMEntertainment
Florist: A Always Flowers
Stationery: N/A
Officiant: N/A
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: N/A
Hair: N/A
Makeup N/A
Dress: Maggie Sottero- Brianna or Adorae (have both and cant decide)
Bridesmaids: Mori Lee
Rehearsal Dinner: N/A
Any Other Vendors: Photobooth Express

1 year ago

35.

Member

10 posts

Newbee

hoodie June 4, 2011 Chicago

Fun idea!

Wedding Date: 6/4/2011

Location: Schaumburg, IL

Number of guests: 275-300

Reception Venue: Chandler's Chophouse Grille

Caterer: The venue is a steakhouse. They cater.

Photographer: One of our groomsmen and his friend work as wedding photographers and will be taking care of it.

Videographer: N/A - I hate how my voice sounds recorded :-)

Cake: Central Continental Bakery - tied in with the venue. I wish I was using Bittersweet; my fiancee popped the question on a cake in their window. We'll definitely have them do something for the shower and/or rehearsal.

DJ/Music: Sound Q Productions - one of their DJs is a HS buddy of my fiancee's - he does great work.

Florist: None yet...looking for suggestions, or if it's too pricey, DIY

Stationery: None

Officiant: Father John from Church of the Holy Spirit

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: We might ask my fiancee's cousin-in-law who's an excellent guitarist to play in the ceremony. Otherwise undecided.

Hair: None. Suggestions?

Makeup: Ditto above.

Dress: Mori Lee Bridesmaids #262 in ivory, with some changes to it

Bridesmaids: Picking their own black dresses

Rehearsal Dinner: Not sure..but leaning towards Lou Malnati's!

Any Other Vendors: Looking for a photo booth!

1 year ago

36.

Member

373 posts

Helper bee

meggyo September 25, 2010 Chicago, IL

Wedding Date: 9/25/10

Location: Chicago, IL

Number of guests: 166

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier

Caterer: Phil Stefani

Photographer: Timothy Whaley Photography

Videographer: Not having one

Cake: Bittersweet Bakery

DJ/Music: Spinnin' Discs

Florist: Natural Beauties Florists

Stationery: We created our own designs, but bought the actual paper from MyGatsby.com

Officiant: Our friend Scott

Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: Spinnin' Discs

Hair/Makeup: Black Hearts Hair House

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo

Rehearsal Dinner: Cesars on Broadway

Any Other Vendors: Day of Coordinator- SH Weddings

1 year ago

37.

Member

181 posts

Blushing bee

DollyLava

Wedding Date: 9/18/10
Location: 19th Century Club, Oak Park (same venue as Ms. Stiletto)
Number of guests: 96
Reception Venue: same
Caterer: Twomaytoez
Photographer: Ian Villaceran
Videographer: none
Cake: Grooms cake: Reuters Bakery, cupcakes: Sensational Bites
DJ/Music: Just Press Play
Florist: me, Whole Foods and a farmers market for centerpieces. Linda's Flowers in Chicago for corsages
Stationery: Invited Design on Etsy for wedding invitations, me for STD's, Target printable invites for shower
Officiant: friend that got ordained online just for us!
Ceremony and Cocktail Musician: no live musicians, Just Press Play MC'd
Hair: Hairspray Revolution
Makeup: Hairspray Revolution
Dress: Eva's Bridal in Oak Lawn
Bridesmaids: didnt have any
Rehearsal Dinner: didnt have one
Any Other Vendors: Rick's Rickshaws for pedicabs to get guests to and from hotel/CTA stop
found a day of coordinator on Craigslist for free!

I was happy with all of my vendors except Eva's Bridal. I would not recommend them, they were so disorganized!

1 year ago

38.

Member

35 posts

Newbee

MindyLeigh August 28, 2010 Boston, MA

Hi Ladies, as my last WeddingBee post, I thought I'd post some thoughts on the vendors I used, as a follow-up to my original post above. If anyone is considering using these people too, just message me and I'll get you contact info or give you more details. I'm happy to help!

Here are mine....Let me know if any of you are thinking of these vendors/locations and would like for me to send you my info!

Wedding Date: August 28, 2010

General Area: Downtown Chicago/Gold Coast area

Number of guests: Ended up being 110

Ceremony Location: Fourth Church -- This ended up being a beautiful ceremony location and they were more organized than you can imagine. There was no question left unanswered and things worked like clockwork. The only complaint I have is that the urber-organized-ness of the Fourch Church wedding coordinators can sometimes come across like the wedding nazis. Reportedly, one of them "instructed" one of my ushers to the point where he stopped her after seating someone and told her that he was doing the best he could, and a "please" or "thank-you" would be nice if she wanted him to do anything further. That said, apparently this was the woman's first wedding, and maybe she was overly trying to impress her boss or something.

Reception Venue: The James Hotel -- The James was AMAZING. AMAZING. I cannot say enough wonderful things. They were so accommodating and we were truly treated "VIP" throughout the entire experience. The setting is very contemporary, though, so I could see how many people may not prefer it for a wedding venue (colors are darker = no pastels, etc.). The one touch that we LOVED about the James was the after party room--the James club. Rather than everyone wandering around after the wedding wondering where people were going, we had a private party room with lounge areas, a pool table, and a full cash bar where people could hang out as long as they wanted. We paid a flat rate to staff the bar all evening (open bar duing cocktails & reception) and we also paid for some late night snacks (mini cheesesteak sandwiches, sliders, truffle fries, and spinach artichoke dip). It was great and so relaxed. A few of our guests went up to their rooms and changed into jeans then came back down to continue the party and hang out. Even the cash bar wasn't too ridiculously expensive ($4 for Bud bottles). It was great and really extended the evening. We stayed there until about 2 am but people were still there after we left....

Caterer: David Burke Prime (restaurant at the James) - Fantastic, delicious, wonderful food. We received many compliments. I loved everything, but the cheesecake lollypops added something special and they were so good.

Photographer: Fig Media (Billy) - Very professional, the pics are beautiful, and Billy was so much fun to work with. They are a little expensive, but they were so professional and I'd highly recommend them if you are looking for something fun, contemporary, and they fit within your budget. I loved that they offer packages where they send you digital prints (and you have the rights to them) rather than just printing out pics for you. Plus, they make a kind of custom coffee table book for you, which is a really cool alternative to the traditional photo album.

Videographer: N/A - we've asked a family member to just tape the ceremony

Cake: Bittersweet Bakery - The cake was pretty good. Not amazing, just....good. Pretty standard, nicely decorated cake. But I was also not overly concerned with the cake. The cake topper (review below) was probably the best part.

DJ/Music: DJ Joe Garrido - Joe was so, so, good! And he just charged $765 for four hours. Joe was by far the cheapest music option we explored, and he did an amazing job! After talking with Conor and I and hearing some of our favorite music selections, he definitely "knew" the group and played selections that were really fun and appealing to everyone. We danced the night away. Highly recommended!

Florist: Anice Arvidson, Fiddlehead Florals (Anice works from her home) - Anice was so, so great. She will work with any budget, and even made recommendations to us where we could buy votive candles cheaper than renting them from her. Greatly appreciated! If you need a florist on a budget, let me know and I'll give you her contact info.

Stationery: Ordered online from Elegant Brides - the cheapest place I could find on the internet to order from Checkerboard's "modern bride collection," and I put in for over a dozen quotes from discount places.

Officiant: Joyce Chin (Fourth Church)

Ceremony Musician(s): Thom McGouwen (Fourth Church)

Cocktail Musician(s): N/A; using iPod

Hair & Makeup: Aniko Salon - Aniko was good. Not great, but good. I thought their bridesmaid hair prices were kind of high. Actually, I thought all of their prices were kind of high. But they were cheaper than some of the prices listed for downtown locations so that is why I chose them. In the end, I was happy with their service and my hair & makeup and my girls seemed happy, but I feel like the prices were just....high. When I think back about how I spent my budget, I wish I had a friend or knew someone in the beauty business I could have used instead (too bad I don't). I also opted for a 60-minute massage the morning of the wedding at their day spa, and that was WELL WORTH the cash. I would still highly recommend that. That might have been some of the best money I spent.

Dress: House of Brides - Allure Couture -- Despite all of the poor reviews online, I found that the HOB Couture store downtown was pretty great. The service was really fantastic (my consultant=Nidia; Donna=alternations). They were both so friendly, patient, flexible with scheduling since I was out of town, responsive, and everything was done on-time with no problems whatsoever. I had a great experience there.

Bridesmaids: David's Bridal - No problems to report, the dresses were cheap (under $100) and looked great. It worked well for us.

Rehearsal Dinner: McCormick & Shmicks on E Chestnut - The space was nice, we had a private bar upstairs, the food was pretty good (probably could have done better but the menu was left up to the in-laws and my fiance and I were not consulted...), and the service was responsive and friendly.

Chicago Weddings Candy Buffet -- Oh my gosh, if you have the budget, hire them. Just do it. Donna, the woman who does the candy buffets, does an amazing job....so, so, so much better than if I did it myself. Best of all, all the personal touches Donna added made it SEEM like I did it myself. I did this as a wedding favor (We placed chinese takeout boxes that were decorated at each place setting), and guests loved it and many said it was the best part of the wedding. There was a line for the candy buffet all night long. Finally, a wedding favor that people will thank you for. Highly recommend them!!! A bunch of guests were photographed wearing their candy necklaces and ring pops late into the night at the after party. LOL. Also, out of towners said they ate the candy they chose during the trip home the next day.

iDo Cake Toppers -- I ordered a custom cake topper that depicted the night my fiance (now husband) and I met and it was awesome. It looked identical to us and the artist caught everything perfectly. We were so happy with it and our guests loved it. One of the nice things is that we still have the topper and it will be on display on our bookshelf for years to come as a fun keep sake. This was a great final detail to include. One thing, I just checked the website (www.idocaketoppers.com) and it looks like the artist who does this just raised her prices a LOT (from $600 for a custom to $1000). Now I'm not saying it isn't justified--her work is amazing and ours was probably the first wedding I've ever seen where people actually looked at the cake and took pictures of it, but I'm also not sure I would have done it for a grand, either :-)

I hope thats helpful, everybody!

1 year ago

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