In honor of the first blizzard of 2012 I am posting my favorite image from Alison and Jason’s snow filled wedding day.

Pure Kitchen Catering has created a business that is part of a collaborative effort to build a locally based food economy.  Chef Derrick and his team only buy ingredients from farmers within a 250 mile radius of Chicago. They have also committed to partnering with florists that use locally grown or reusable décor. Deborah Weisenhaus is one of the innovative artists that Pure Kitchen collaborates with on a regular basis. She envisioned her business, Art of Imagination, as an outlet for her brand of functional and creative event design. By combining her experiences in catering, lighting, and floral arts Deborah’s company has expanded to offer a comprehensive array of event production services.

“Pure Kitchen catering brings to you a service that values a traditional way of thinking about food. Our cuisine is based on the principles of location and season, with an emphasis on the home-made.  We want the flavors of our food to be a highlight of every event. Buying only local ingredients not only helps us do our part to support our local community, but it makes a difference in the quality of our food –the less time between the farm and your plate, the brighter the taste.”

I always thought that the beauty of having a meal prepared for you was enjoying the final product.  After witnessing the process of creating a meal I now know that I was mistaken. Chef Derrick is truly a culinary artist and having the opportunity to observe his precise attention to detail was very gratifying.  His entire team for worked diligently to ensure that the final product was reflective of their brand.  The beauty of choosing to do business with independent establishments is that you are spending your money with people who care deeply about their product or service.  Instead of simply being a consumer, you can make the choice to become part of a community.  Supporting your local artisans allows you to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of your neighborhood.

Pure Kitchen Catering

324 N. Leavitt Chicago IL. 60612

312.224.8277

Art of Imagination

216 N. Halsted Chicago IL. 60661

773.632.8553

St. Michael’s Church in Old Town is a breathtaking example of classic Chicago architecture and a beautiful choice for a traditional wedding ceremony.

The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago is an exquisite location for a classic Chicago wedding.  Guests are treated to spectacular views of Michigan Avenue during the terrace cocktail hour and also when the panoramic views from the ballroom are revealed.   Perfect summer peonies and hydrangeas from Dilly Lilly completed the look of  this sophisticated and summery affair.

The Ken Arlen Orchestra made sure the dance floor was always packed, and guests of all ages had a fantastic evening.

Mollie and Jeff, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day.

Floral Design and Event Coordination: Dilly Lilly

Band: Ken Arlen Orchestra

Video: Poetic Productions

Makeup: Sonia Roselli

The Rookery is one of Chicago’s most elegant and sought after wedding venues.  Its renowned staircase, glass ceiling, and grand marble staircase create the perfect backdrop for a vintage inspired wedding.

Tiffany and Peter have amazing style, and included so many gorgeous detail into their wedding day.  Tiffany’s lace wedding dress and birdcage veil were flawless.  The classic facades of downtown Chicago made a perfect backdrop for their wedding portraits. Tiffany’s bouquet is one of my all time favorites.  The unique combination of  Calla Lillies, succulents, and peach feathers were absolutely gorgeous.

Stems did an amazing job creating a floral design that complimented the architecture of The Rookery Building. Peach and gold wedding decor is an unexpected, yet sophisticated choice.Thank you to Tiffany and Peter for being so wonderful to work with, and choosing me to be a part of your wedding day.

Chelsea and Adam dreamed of a classic summer wedding, and their day was flawless.  Chelsea chose the perfect Alvina Valenta dress, and her pink diamond jewelry was a spectacular and unexpected accent.

Kara Superfine from Bliss Weddings and Events designed and coordinated this elegant event.  Kara’s polished personal style and vast knowledge for floral design makes her one of the most sought after event planners in Chicago.

Caitlin and Peter enjoyed flawless weather for their garden themed wedding.  The English Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens was the perfect choice for this lovely summer wedding.

The navy bridesmaids dresses were a perfect choice to compliment the purple wedding bouquets. 

I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting for a summer cocktail hour.  Guests enjoyed live music before entering the tent for dinner.  The Dennis Keith Band made sure the dance floor was full!

Take the Cake is always a delicious addition to the party.

Caitlin and Peter, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful Chicago Wedding.

I adore this photo of Susie.  I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago when she was the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding.  I took this photo when the bride and groom first entered the room.  Her smile showed her true happiness and love for her friends.  I remember how sweet and helpful she was throughout the day, and how lucky the bride was to have such a gracious maid of honor.  It was the greatest compliment to receive a call from Susie asking me to photograph her wedding.  Here are a few images from Susie and Mike’s perfect summer day.

Chicago is emerging as a national wedding destination because of the many stylish, dedicated, and committed wedding industry professionals who call this city home.  Emily and Patrick hired the some of the best including Vwidon who designed her elegant dress, and Fleur who created the exquisite bouquets.

I love this photo of the happy groom taken by my amazing second photographer, Brianne.

Emily is obviously gorgeous.  Her natural beauty combined with the expertise of makeup artist Rebecca Males (represented by Sonia Roselli Weddings) made creating beautiful portraits effortless.

One of my favorite parts of the wedding day was taking portraits near The Wrigley Building.  I walk across the Michigan Avenue a few times a week so to say that I take it for granted is an understatement.  Emily and Patrick wanted a very “Chicago” background for their photos so I suggested this area.  I just assumed they were familiar with it.  However, when I saw the reaction of the couple and the bridal party upon our arrival, I knew it was a new and exciting experience for them.  Everyone was taken by the beauty of the river and the vintage facades.  Adding to the experience was palpable energy of downtown Chicago on a Saturday afternoon.  Everyone gets excited when they see a bride and groom.  Tourists stop to take photos, send well wishes, and kids always think they are looking at royalty.  Simply put, it is a joyful once in a lifetime experience.  This day made me remember how lucky I am that this beautiful city has always been a part of my daily life.

This perfect wedding day flawlessly turned into an exuberant evening.  The cuisine at Galleria Marchetti and the music by Toast and Jam combined to create a simply fantastic party.  Emily and Patrick, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Chicago wedding day.

Downtown Long Grove was a gorgeous setting for photographs on a perfect spring afternoon.  Their lovely wedding day continued with an elegant waterfront reception at Kemper Lakes.