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October 18th, 2011
Megan and Chris planned to have a fun, laid back event and boy did they succeed! The moment I met the two of them, I knew their big day would be so much fun! They both have really fun personalities and they let loose on thier wedding day!
Michael Monar Photography captured all these amazing moments.

Megan and Chris got married on July 23rd, 2011 and I’m sure you don’t remember the weather but it was very HOT that day. What better way to cool off during the photo session than stopping at an ice cream truck! I cannot believe Megan chose a colored popsicle for her treat! Talk about laid back!!

Both the ceremony and reception were held at Gallery 1028. The venue really fit the couples overall style with the rustic yet modern vibe it presents. Megan had the girls wear any gray dress of their choice so the bridesmaids could reflect their own style. I love how Chris is the only guy wearing gray, it really helped him to stand out and the yellow socks are just so much fun!

Studio AG helped bring their style to life with this stunning ceremony decor. I love how illuminating the candles and chandeliers were in the dark event space. It was very romantic and modern.

Some of the fun details provided by Megan and Chris: Custom made slap coozies for the guest’s drinks! Guests had fun slapping them onto their drinks and wrists all night!

Their welcome table really set the tone for the event. This is the first thing guests saw when the entered the venue. The pattern on the welcome sign matched their linens perfectly. The mailbox for their gift cards matched their personality! They also had a guest book with fun papers and patterned/colored tape that guests could mix and match.

They had three different table designs throughout the dinner space, this is a picture of the head table which was a large feasting table. The runners were custom made by the bride herself! Calihan Catering provided really fun dinner stations including amazing dishes of paella, tacos, custom pasta, gazpacho and much more!
After dinner Megan changed into an adorable and sassy party dress! She looked fantastic! They had Record A Hit provide a flip book station which was a huge hit, both at the booth AND on the dance floor. The guests loved it and it was a nice change from the ever popular photo booth. Cage and Aquarium kept the dance floor packed all night thanks to DJ Tyler.

They topped off the night with Chicago style hot dogs provided by Calihan Catering. Another perfect summer treat!

I think it is safe to say that not only did Megan and Chris have the time of their lives, but so did all their guests. They really stayed true to who they are as a couple and it worked out wonderfully.
Clementine was so happy to work with such an amazing couple and we wish them the best!
Posted in bridal party, bridesmaid dress, casual wedding, Clementine, Dancing, details, DIY, floral, food, fun, guest book, short dress, tapas, treats, Uncategorized, unique vendors, venue, wedding, wedding dinner | No Comments »
August 12th, 2011
Jessica and Aaron got married on June 25th 2011 at the beautiful Rookery! From the moment I met them I knew their wedding was going to be a very special and elegant.
I knew just who to suggest for their floral and boy did they deliver! Scarlet Petal created the stunning bouquets; I was in awe when I first saw them, they were exactly what the bride wanted. I loved all the texture and the blooms were so big and fresh!


Kenny Kim Photography (assisted by Bob Davis & Collin Pierson) captured their wonderful wedding day. He was fantastic to work with and these images are just amazing. He really did a great job telling the story of their special day.

The ceremony was spectacular! The bridal party entered from the front of the building (which was behind the guests); they walked down the aisle. Jessica surprised everyone when she entered down the main stair case, directly in front of the guests. It was very beautiful, and very grand.


After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktail hour on up on the balcony. Jewell Events Catering served delicious and adorable hors d’oeuvres including shrimp wrapped in peapods and lamb crepes with cherry balsamic fondue.

While the guests were mingling and sipping on cocktails, the catering staff, floral team and Clementine helped to flip the room from ceremony to dinner. Scarlet Petal created these stunning centerpieces. They added the bridal bouquets to the base of the arrangement on the bride and groom’s table.

Jessica and Aaron had the most impressive five tier cake from Take the Cake. The cake was so perfectly done that Jessica was speechless when she saw it. It was of course equally as tasty as it was pretty. They chose the classic combination of white buttermilk cake with strawberry conserve and cream cheese filling. The entire cake was decorated in buttercream.

Jessica and Aaron wowed their guests during their first dance! Xixi from Chicago Wedding Dance taught them a beautiful dance and they looked so natural and confident. They really had a good time with it, the guests got up on their feet for the special moment.

Jewell Events Catering prepared a decadent meal of beef and lemon scallops paired with sautéed spinach, whipped potatoes and asparagus spears, what a treat!

They really had a wonderful time and all their guests enjoyed toasting and dancing the night away. Clementine wishes the newlyweds all the happiness in the world! They were so wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best.

Posted in bouquet, bridal party, cake, Clementine, cocktail, floral, Photography, Uncategorized, venue | 1 Comment »
August 1st, 2011
Jessica and Mick are from Florida and yet they decided to host their wedding in Chicago! Their wedding ended up becoming a destination wedding and many of their family and friends had never been to Chicago before.

Jessica grew up in Chicago and moved to Florida when still relatively young, she was thrilled that she was able to visit Chicago every summer after they moved because she just loved everything about the city. Once she graduted high school she took Mick to visit Chicago and show him all the wonderful reasons she loved it here. He ended up loving it too and the two of them say Chicago is their favorite city! As a native Chicagoan I often take for granted all the wonderful attractions our city has to offer.

The newly weds spent their afternoon taking pictures all over town at some of the best Chicago hot spots including Navy Pier and Millennium Park. The guests really enjoyed their mini vacation.

They chose The W Lakeshore for their reception venue which overlooks Navy Pier. The 360 view had guests glued to the windows during cocktail hour and of course later in the evening for the fireworks display.


Kehoe Designs did an outstanding job with the floral and decor. The bride picked out vintage inspired farris wheels for the table arrangements which Kehoe Designs decorated with large, fresh blooms. They created a custom fabric treatment on the circular ceiling in hot pink, the couples signature color.



Since they had a destination wedding they chose a bit of a travel theme for some of the details. They had guests write messages on Chicago vintage post cards and they gave guests custom luggage tags as a party favor.


What a fun wedding! All the guests had a blast enjoying Chicago and Jessica and Mick were able to tie the knot in their favorite city! Clementine wishes them all the best and we’re so happy we were able to be a part of their big day!
Photos courtesy of Bella Pictures.
Posted in Clementine, color, destination wedding, details, floral, party favors, view | No Comments »
July 28th, 2011
If you’re not sold on the idea of having all your bridesmaids wear different dresses you might want to consider another way to “mix it up” a bit. One of my client’s had all the ladies wear the same dress but she had them accessorize with the broach of their choice.

I think this nice little detail is a great way to have each dress, each bridesmaid, a little different. Yet at first glace (and in the wedding pictures), they all look the same.

These photos are courtesy of Laurie Peacock Photography.
Posted in accessories, bridal party, bridesmaid dress, Clementine, details, Jewelry, sparkle | No Comments »
July 13th, 2011
Andy and Judy tied the knot over Memorial Day Weekend at the Groom’s parent’s home in St. Charles, Illinois. The back yard was a beautiful backdrop for the special event. Even though it rained almost all day, the event went off without a hitch!

Clementine was fortunate to work with such an amazing family. We met Andy and Judy last year at Andy’s brother’s wedding which we coordinated at the Danada House. We were so happy to get to work with such a wonderful family again.

The couple wanted a low key, casual affair that focused on good food, good music and good fun! They put a lot of effort into creating such a lovely event. The bride made all the adorable centerpieces which also served as the table numbers.


These fantastic place cards matched the invitations; they shared the same pattern and color. They were sitting on little bamboo holders. I just love how the event style is both backyard BBQ yet it also reflects the bride’s Vietnamese heritage. The two style came together nicely.

They handed out mason jar mugs and individual servings of tea for the party favors which were a big hit! Many of the guests were drinking beverages from their mason jars all night. Once coffee and dessert was served, many guests asked for hot water so they could enjoy their tea.

After feasting on a delicious and hearty meal of BBQ roasted pulled pork, au gratin potatoes, fresh spinach salad and orzo pasta salad, they all enjoyed an amazing dessert spread including wedding cake, mini cookies, french macaroons and mini fruit tarts.



They danced the night away and everyone had so much fun. The rain even stopped and it was a clear and beautiful night.


All these amazing photos are thanks to the talented Julia Rendleman, Louisiana-based newspaper photojournalist available for travel and destination weddings. She has done over 100 weddings in the Chicagoland area.

Posted in bridal party, bridesmaid dress, bright, cake, casual wedding, Clementine, color, Dancing, details, DIY, escort cards, food, fun, lanterns, outdoor ceremony, party favors, Rain, Umbrella, wedding, wedding dinner, wedding dress, Wedding planning | 1 Comment »
April 6th, 2011
Clementine hosted a really fun party to kick off the wedding season in style! All the guests are our industry friends and partners that we’re so fortunate to work with on a regular basis. I really wanted to just have a good time – I do love planning parties after all. It was a great success and I think everyone had a wonderful time.
All the participating vendors really out did themselves. Thank you again Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Jewell Events Catering, A Stem Above, J. Brown Photography, Cage and Aquarium, Take the Cake, 4 Flashes Photobooths, Event Creative, Halls Rental and Windy City Linens.

We of course featured the official Clementine colors, which was so fun for spring! We wanted a casual, welcoming environment so we included all cocktail tables, high boys and two different lounge vignettes.

A Stem Above provided fresh, colorful flowers for all the cocktail tables, high boys and lounge sets.


Halls Rental provided all the tables, chairs and lounge peices and Event Creative added the pillow accents.

Take the Cake provided adorable mini cupcakes; a huge hit with the guests! Jewell Events Catering provided some amazing hors d’oeuvres; nobody went home hungry that’s for sure!




DJ Victor was spinning fun, up-beat, music all night long!


The party was supposed to end at 9:00 but this fun crowd stayed until 10:00! We practicaly had to kick them out! Melissa and I are right there in the middle having a blast with such a great group of people!

We can’t wait to have another kick off party next year!
For more photos please visit our facebook page!
Posted in accessories, bright, cake, Clementine, cocktail, color, cupcakes, details, floral, food, fun, lounge, music, party favors, sparkle, spring, style | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2011
Wearing a garter on your wedding day is an old tradition that a lot of my brides have skipped in recent years. A new trend is wearing a garter that is vintage inspired and not bulky or tacky as some of the “something blue” varieties can be. 
Previously is a Chicago based company that re-creates authentic garters from the 1920′s. Original garters from that time were made with high quality fabrics and weren’t as disposable as they are today. Real garters from the 20′s have lost their stretch so Previously went on a mission to create garters with high quality fabric and craftsmanship.

Elide Endreson, Owner of Previously and designer explains her garters in more detail: “The 100% silk taffeta ribbon and cotton fabric lining are sewn directly to the elastic which provides a sleeker silhouette and better fit. The grey silk taffeta is very lightweight, pleats beautifully and has a softer, more subtle luster than silk satin. Just like the originals, the light blue cotton lining provides traction so the garters will stay in place. All ribbon flowers and embellishments are handmade by me. Pictured here are coral pink silk satin roses on top of hand pleated mint green silk satin embellishments.”

Elide points out that “garters were often sold in boxed sets in the 1920′s, and this was my inspiration for this series. The boxed set includes two coordinating bobby pins with handmade embellishments in silk satin. Your garters and matching bobby pins come in a box that they can be stored in as shown in the pictures.”
According to Elide flappers wore the garters just above the knee, not high up on the thigh.

What a great little treat for under your wedding dress. Something classy and elegant that you can cherish forever. This trend is popular among the celebrities too, I read in US Weekly that Mandy Moore wore a vintage inspired garter on her wedding day!
Posted in accessories, Clementine, details, style, Tuesday Tips, vintage, wedding dress | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
If you’re looking for something beautiful and custom made to wear on your wedding day you must consider Erin Gallagher Jewelry. Their ideas and designs are perfect for the bride, bridesmaids and mother’s of the bride. “Erin Gallagher Jewelry is a custom jewelry boutique. Our customers are able to design their own piece of jewelry; from the style, type of stone, or chain length. Every aspect of the process is the customer’s design.”
 
 
“Most Erin Gallagher brides come to us because they want classy bride and bridesmaid jewelry. They’re looking for something that is elegant, tasteful, and the phrase all bridesmaids dread, something they’ll wear again.”
These necklaces are perfect for bridesmaids and they come in a wide variety of colors. I know I would certainly wear a necklace like this again and again.

“At our gem bar, in-store or online, is full of semi-precious stones and pearls found from around the world. Brides can choose what matches the dress and fits the style of their wedding and personality. All jewelry is made by women in our Chicago boutique.”
I strongly suggest checking out Erin Gallagher either on-line or in person for all your jewelry needs. They also have fantastic bracelets, brooches and rings. They even have something for the groom!
Posted in accessories, bridal party, bridesmaid dress, bright, color, Jewelry, sparkle, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »
August 9th, 2010
Caroline and Edward really celebrated their wedding in style. Every detail was perfectly matched, charming and casual/chic. The whole event was extremely romantic and well thought out.
The picturesque beach setting is from non other than The 63rd Street Beach House. This post might get me in trouble because I once blogged about how difficult this venue can be if your not prepared for the Chicago weather; however Carrie and Ed’s day was beyond perfect.
All pictures are courtesy of the very talented Laurie Peacock!

They held their ceremony under the main pavilion of the beach house which over looks Lake Michigan. The view is so beautiful that the couple didn’t need to add a lot of ceremony decor. The bride’s dress was a perfect choice for their outdoor, beach wedding.

The architecture of the beach house is really intricate and is a great back drop for weddings. Their simple and elegant “alter” arrangements are the perfect size and style for the space.

After the ceremony, the guests had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the south wing of the beach house. Since the weather was so nice and breezy the guests enjoyed the open air of the event space.

While they were cocktailing the staff broke down the ceremony and created this beautiful floor plan for their seated dinner. You can’t tell from this picture but the dance floor was located lake side at the top of the pavilion.

Some of the details I was mentioning earlier: Look at these fantastic menu cards, place cards and table numbers!



All in all it was a perfect day and Clementine wishes the happy couple all the best as their 1 year anniversary is approaching.

Posted in Clementine, details, environment, escort cards, outdoor ceremony, style, venue, view, wedding, wedding dinner, wedding dress | No Comments »
July 27th, 2010
Casual weddings have gotten more and more popular in the last few years! If you are considering an informal affair you might want to consider a short wedding dress!

How adorable is this couple? I’m just loving the short dress paired with colored shoes. She looks fantastic!
Additional ideas for a casual wedding to follow soon…..
Posted in casual wedding, Clementine, short dress, style, Tuesday Tips, Uncategorized, wedding dress | No Comments »
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