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November 9th, 2011
Megan and Bobby are from the Chicagoland area (Naperville and Fox River Grove) but they are currently living in Philadelphia. They wanted a wedding planner to help them plan their wedding from long distance. They hired me before meeting me and when we finally met in person I met not only the bride and groom but also their parents and siblings! I spent the entire day taking them from venue to venue hoping to find the perfect spot. Not only did we find THE spot, but I feel in love with them and their families.
I had such a great time planning with this crew. Their parents were so happy and joyous for their children, and as a group we would all discuss what was best for the big day. It was really wonderful how they attended every single meeting as a group, they made a great team and I’m so happy I could be a part of it.
They were able to incorporate so many wonderful special touches to represent and honor their family members.
Megan and Bobby had their August 27th ceremony at the bride’s family church in Naperville. It was a beautiful and traditional ceremony with one very special twist; the father of the bride sang a solo during the ceremony! Another special touch, the bride tucked a red flower into her gorgeous purple calla lily bouquet to represent her grandmother who had recent passed.
After the ceremony the bridal party had a great time taking pictures in downtown Naperville. The bridesmaids all chose different dresses and they looked so great with the flowers provided by the very talented Jenna from Avant Gardenia.
They held their reception at The Patrick Haley Mansion in Joliet. The mansion is so stunning, these pictures do not do it justice. The guests were able to walk through the mansion during cocktail hour. Megan and Bobby brought about 20 picture frames filled with family photos that we placed all over the house. It was such a great way to make the mansion feel like it belonged to them.
The dinner and dancing portion of the evening was held in a stunning atrium. It was dressed with chandeliers, crystal and custom gold chargers on every dining table.
Megan and Bobby treated their guests to a five star plated dinner of apricot chicken. The menu and the service was exceptional, the guests were truly treated like royalty. During the meal the father of the bride and groom each gave special toasts. They also welcomed the maid of honor and the best man to toast the bride and groom, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room!
Not only did they serve wedding cake but they also had a huge sweets table with everything you could ever want and more.
After all the formal and traditional moments throughout the day they danced the night away (thanks to DJ Chicago) and let me tell you….it was THE party of the year! Everyone had so much fun and it was amazing to watch Megan, Bobby and their entire families celebrate!
I’m thrilled I was able to get to know such a wonderful couple and to help them plan the wedding of their dreams.
Thank you to George Street Photo and Video for providing these wonderful pictures.
Posted in bouquet, bridal party, bridesmaid dress, cake, floral, food, fun, wedding dinner | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2011
From the first moment I met Genny and Alex they knew exactly what they wanted for their special day…..an open air dinner on a sunny August day. During all the months and months of planning we, of course, made sure we had a plan B in case Chicago decided to rain on their special day. Amazingly enough, they got a perfect sunny day and everything else just fell into place.
Genny and Alex tied the knot at the stunning Old St. Pats, it was a very beautiful ceremony. They held their reception at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. They were able to utilize the entire building. They hosted cocktail hour in the main lobby and outside on the outdoor ravine. Dinner was upstairs on their outdoor terrace and dancing was in their south gallery that has floor to ceiling windows. The Nature Museum is so beautiful and all the butterflies and flowers helped make their special day all the more magical.
The reception had a great romantic and whimsical feel, Hello Darling outdid themselves with so many great custom touches.
Between Blue Plate Catering and Hello Darling the dinner tables were stunning. They incorporated really interesting vessels including custom made birch bark and pine boxes, wooden circles with hand painted numbers, mason jars and glass lanterns. I just love this Willow Twist linen provided by BBJ Linen.
The dinner portion of the evening was spectacular. They served an amazing menu of beef tenderloin, jumbo shrimp, mixed vegetables and roasted baby potatoes. They started the night with a beautiful and colorful sangria salad with goat cheese, pine nuts, mandarin oranges and fresh peaches. The menu was perfect for summer and the guests really enjoyed the meal. The service staff provided by Blue Plate was top notch, the guests were truly wined and dined.
Beyond a wonderful meal, the atmosphere was like a fairytale thanks to Frost Lighting for hanging cafe lights over all the dinner tables. The Gentlemen of Leisure provided a 5 piece combo for dinner music which helped enhance the atmosphere.
Tipsy Cake custom created this beautiful wedding cake for Genny and Alex. They were able to hand pick the flavors of the cake. The chose three delicious flavors: white cake with milk chocolate buttercream, chocolate cake with raspberry jam, cream cheese and chocolate buttercream and white cake with coconut cream. It was fantastic.
The band expanded to an impressive 15 piece dance band and the guests had a blast. Alex and Genny had their first dance under custom fabric treatment and chandeliers provided by Hello Darling and Frost Lighting.
It was such an amazing day and I was so proud of this event. Genny and Alex had a vision from the beginning and I’m so happy I was able to help them bring all their ideas to life. I wish them all the best!
The talented Kurt Gerber of Gerber and Scarpelli provided all these stunning pictures. Kurt really captured their special day.
Additional vendors that participated in this wonderful event: Magnificent Milestones custom designed their invitations, Windy City Trolley provided the transportation for the wedding day and Red Eye Photo Booth kept the fun going all night with their photo booth.
Posted in bouquet, Bridal show, cake, cake stand, Clementine, cocktail, color, Dancing, details, environment, escort cards, floral, food, fun, invitations, lanterns, music, Photography, roof deck, venue, view, wedding, wedding dinner, Wedding planning | No Comments »
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 »
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 »
June 10th, 2011
When I first met Leah I just knew we would really hit it off! She is about a sweet as it gets and her personality can light up any room. When I met her amazing new husband, Bob, I knew right away that it was going to be a very special wedding. They are so perfect for each other and I was honored to be a party of their special day.
Leah and Bob tied the knot at St. Clement Church in Lincoln Park. Their family was so close and you could just feel their love for one another. I just love this picture of Leah’s dad right before the ceremony was about to begin. 
Leah was full of excitement. She was cool as a cucumber the whole morning and when we got to the Church she just beamed with pure joy. I love this photo because it captures her fun personality perfectly.
Leah looked stunning as she walked down the aisle. Her wedding day “look” was absolutely perfect for her and it only enhanced the Church and the venue that much more. 
The new husband and wife! After the ceremony was over the couple celebrated with their friends and family. They loaded up a trolley and rode around town noshing on Potbelly’s sandwiches. Everyone had a great time.
The reception took place at the gorgeous Elysian hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast. The service, menu and style of the hotel were all top notch. The guests dined on a creative menu including oysters, beef carpaccio, pork belly, fresh halibut, beef tenderloin and risotto.
These beautiful floral arrangements were designed and creative by Renee Price of Kehoe Designs. The blooms were huge and very fragrant, the room was filled with fresh floral aroma.
Leah, Bob and all their guests had a great time dancing the night away with the music styling of DJ Drew from Fig Media!
Clementine had a wonderful time meeting all their friends and family and we hope we can cross paths again some day! We wish you all the best! Congratulations to the happy couple!
Special thanks to the talented Joseph Mark Photography (located in Dallas, TX) and Joseph Ryan Martinez of Fig Media for providing memorable photos and video to document such a wonderful day!
Posted in bouquet, cake, cocktail, details, floral, sparkle, spring, Uncategorized, wedding, wedding dinner, wedding dress | No Comments »
February 28th, 2011
By now you should know that I love winter weddings! I was really excited when I met Katy and Billy and they told me they were getting married at Holy Name Cathedral and their reception was going to take place at The Chicago Cultural Center on December 4, 2010.
Katy and Billy have such big, fun, sweet personalities and everyone involved on their special day went out of their way to show them just how special they are.
Katy looked absolutely gorgeous walking down the aisle at Holy Name. Her glamorous gown was perfect for the grand cathedral.
Katie Powell from Fleur Du Jour made beautiful and elegant bouquets and they matched the eggplant purple bridesmaids dresses perfectly.
By the time the ceremony was over it had started to snow. They were such good sports about it; they really embraced the weather and all it had to offer.
They drove around town in a trolley provided by The Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. The entire bridal party had a blast staying warm inside the trolley and toasting the happy couple.
How romantic is this picture? I just love it, it’s like a winter wonderland. I still can’t believe Katy didn’t wear any winter boots, she really was determined to keep her wedding day look.
At the Chicago Cultural Center they had a slight holiday theme for their reception. It wasn’t over the top but they did have some really great features. My favorite was the Christmas tree that was placed in the entrance of the reception hall that was decorated with family pictures. Guests who brought gifts to the party placed them under the tree. It was really cute. At the end of the night we passed out Christmas ornaments as party favors, which were a big hit!
G.A.R Memorial Hall has never looked so elegant and warm. It was perfect for December. Everything was rich in tone with warm golds and purples; which was a nice change from traditional green and red holiday decor. Food for Thought provided an amazing three course seated dinner.
Dena from Toast and Jam rocked the dance floor all night. The crowd was so much fun and at the end of the night they were seriously yelling “one more song!” It was as if there had been a live band!
It was such a pleasure working with Katy and Billy and Clementine wishes them all the happiness in the world!
These amazing photos are courtesy of Andrew Collings Photography, Inc.
Posted in bouquet, bridal party, bridesmaid dress, color, details, floral, holiday, music, party favors, sparkle, transportation, wedding, wedding dinner, wedding dress, Wedding planning, winter | 2 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 »
June 30th, 2010
Congratulations Christina and Ken!
This romantic couple had such a special and beautiful wedding day. They exchanged their vows standing beside their closest friends and family at St. James Chapel. The bride’s dress was absolutely stunning with layers and lace.
They were escorted to and from the ceremony and reception in a stylish Rolls Royce provided by Classic Chassis. The perfect touch for such an elegant wedding.
The Ivy Room was decked out in Navy, Lavender and Ivory. Lauren Petersen at Kehoe Designs created a warm envivorment using lush lounge vignettes, cocktail tables and tall Delano tables with bar stools; it looked spectacular. The guests really enjoyed the modern style and cocktail seating; it was very sleek and sophisticated. Christina and Ken chose to serve delicious action stations for dinner created by Emily Vandevender and Jewell Events Catering. The menu really fit the overall style of the event perfectly.
Le Sucre made this fabulous wedding cake. It is constructed by little individual cakes, enough for each guest to have their own. Christina and Ken even provided little to go cake boxes so guests could take their cakes home if desired. They were absolutely adorable and perfectly ideal for the grand finale after the amazing dinner.
Pops for Champagne has been a second home to the newly weds for years. They have seen Ava Logan perform live at Pops many times and asked her to sing at their wedding. Her voice, style and grace was such a lovely touch to the elegant atmosphere. Ava and her band fit into the overall look and feel of the wedding perfectly. Christina and Ken had been together for many years before tying the knot so they appropriately chose “At Last” by Etta James as their first dance.
They danced the night away and even served late night White Castle sliders – a huge hit! When the reception came to an end they of course went for drinks at Pops with an intimate group of friends. The perfect end to a truly wonderful wedding ceremony and celebration.
Clementine Custom Events was honored to be a part of such a special wedding and we had a wonderful time partnering with such fantastic vendors. We wish the newly weds all the best!
Photos courtesy of Fender and Donish Photography.
Posted in cake, Clementine, cocktail, color, details, environment, food, lounge, music, style, unique vendors, venue, wedding, wedding dinner | 1 Comment »
February 18th, 2010
I have been to Province in the West Loop a few times and I’m really impressed.
Province is an eco-friendly & sustainable restaurant with a farm-to-table cuisine, that supports the Chicago Green City Market and many local Midwest Farms, we are an American Café with the culinary influence of Spain & South America.
The decor is very modern, chic and elegant. I love all the clean lines and the bright pop of energetic pink.
It is absolutely perfect for a rehearsal dinner or a social/corporate party. They have a beautiful private room that will seat 40 guests comfortably. If you are thinking of having a casual cocktail & hors d’oeuvres party the room can hold up to 50 guests. The entire restaurant is beautiful and if your party is big enough, you can buy out the entire restaurant; which is becoming more and more popular for actual wedding receptions.
Look at all these delicious menu items; everything is so fresh and so well thought out.
  
  
I strongly recommend Province for your private event. I think it has so much to offer; fresh & creative menus, excellent service, modern and sophisticated atmosphere. It is a unique setting; give your guests a real treat with this fantastic restaurant.
Posted in Clementine, eco-friendly, environment, food, go green, healthy, rehearsal dinner, wedding dinner | No Comments »
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