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

To start, your family is as excited for your wedding day as you are — keep this in mind and celebrate in the excitement with them!

In order to involve your family most effectively, pick specific tasks that each member would not only enjoy being a part of but would also be good at! For example, if your brother loves cars, take him with you to decide on which vehicle will be best for your wedding day transportation needs.  Its always a nice idea to involve your mother and future mother-in-law in small, but important matters that encourage bonding.  For example, have a small “Addressing Party” in which all three of you can have appetizers and drinks and label your wedding initiations.  You will find easy laughter and bonding through an event like this!

We like to stress over-communication in all matters of the heart, family and wedding! As a couple, we encourage you to share your wants and wishes with all of your immediate family members. Most misunderstandings can be avoided by keeping everyone in the know. This will mitigate any chance that a family member has the wrong expectations or believes you may be keeping them out of the process.

Lastly, it never hurts to ask. Some family members will be just fine if you don’t include them in every last detail. Others might really want to be involved with your DIY projects but shut down if a spreadsheet is involved. Don’t force anything but offer opportunities for them to be engaged and a part of this momentous time in your life.

Always remember they love you and want the very best for you. But dont be afraid to let them know (politely) what you want. It is your day and you should love every moment of it from spending time with family and friends to selecting colors and songs!

Have a blast and create lifelong memories with your family in the process!

xoxo,

The Ladies of Intertwined Events & Becky Hill Photography

To start off, don’t sweat the small stuff – you can almost always turn something small into a positive.  If a bridesmaid is a little late, use it as extra time for you to get the attention of hair and makeup!  If guests are late to arrive to the ceremony, use those few precious minutes to have quiet time to yourself so that you can reflect on your day!  And, if your future parents-in-law are taking you to whit’s-end, understand that they are just as excited and emotional as your family is about the momentous occasion!

However, if something bigger should occur, like rain or a dress rips, turn to the professionals you hired and let them work their magic!  Chances are likely they are already working on the solution and its just a matter of some flexibility on your part and creativity on theirs. For every outdoor wedding venue location, there is always a “Plan B” indoor site. Stay calm, understand that things may change from the original vision but they may turn out even better than you had imagined. So its raining, pshhh not going to get you down! Just bring all the florals and lights from the outdoors in and create your own garden, beach or forest oasis inside! How cozy and creative! Guests will surely love it! And it will be a fun story to tell for years to come! There is always a silver lining!

The way you handle a wedding crisis is extremely important as is how you treat those family, friends and vendors that are working hard to make everything perfect again!   Class, poise, and a little bit of humor can go a long way to make the unplanned – a fabulous, spontaneous success! Remember, whether its just how you planned it or strayed a bit off course - this day is for you and the love of your life to commit to one another and celebrate that committment with your very favorite people! ENJOY IT!

xoxo,

The Ladies of Intertwined Events & Becky Hill Photography

If you are new to being a bridesmaid, or if you are not confident you have been the best you can be Intertwined Events and Becky Hill Photography have some tips and tricks to help you become an all-star bridesmaid!

Golden Rule: Shut up, smile, and wear whatever dress the bride’s heart desires! We’re kidding…but only partially!  The trick to being an amazing bridesmaid is to acknowledge what an honor it is to be chosen to be by the side of the bride-to-be in the biggest time in her life.  Being a great bridesmaid may be a daunting task, but the bride will never forget that you were there in her time of need to help sooth her nerves and stresses and celebrate the joy and love!

Powerhouse bridesmaids have to be VERY flexible with their schedules; whether the bride wants your input on flowers, décor, dresses, makeup, hair, or shoes you should be available for various appointments and shopping trips.  As bridesmaid, if you can offer to take over even one planning aspect of the wedding it can be extremely helpful, but once you take it on, you must see it all the way to completion and respect the wants and tastes of the bride (which may not be your own!).  Assisting in the little stuff can make a huge difference, too; ask the bride when the wedding invitations are arriving, and plan an addressing and stamping ‘party’ to get the job done in an efficient and fun manner!  Also, picking up some last minute errands can be a nice way to relieve the bride’s stress.

The day of the wedding, be sure to offer the bride staples throughout the event, snacks, beverages, lip gloss, a chance to escape to the bathroom for a minute to laugh and breathe! This will ensure a relaxed and happy bride (and friend!).  Also, if you see something that needs to be done, ask and then handle; this shows the bride she can count on you to honor her wishes and to help make it come true!

A killer bridesmaid will make sure that the bride is able to have a second alone before she takes her trip down the aisle so that she is able to calm down and de-stress!  During the wedding, know what the bride is drinking, and replenish her glass, because it is very rare that she will be able to make it all the way to the bar!  Also, have fun and be social during the reception; that way the bride does not have to worry that you are having a good time! (Yes, we are giving you permission to dance with the cute groomsmen you have been eyeing since the engagement party!!)

After the wedding, make last minute checks to ensure that the bride and bridal party did not leave anything behind or under a table!

Lastly, have fun! Enjoy and celebrate in your friend’s happiness – that is all she wants and more!

Through being a supportive and helpful bridesmaid, you are honoring your friendship with the bride – the entire reason she chose you to be one of the women that stood by her as witness to her most important commitment and milestone in life thus far! WOW!

Let us know if you have questions or concerns – we are here to help and know you will be great!

xoxo,

The Ladies of Intertwined Events & Becky Hill Photography

Planning a Bridal Shower on top of a wedding can be a daunting task.  But fear not, Intertwined Events and Becky Hill Photography have some tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect Bridal Shower!

The Bridal Shower should be one to two months prior to the wedding and should be planned well before that to allow for adequate preparation and minimum stress.  The Shower is typically planned by the maid of honor or a bridesmaid, and the bride is typically called upon to help secure details.  The bride-to-be should have input on the location or venue of her shower.  She may have a special place that she would like it such as a hotel, gallery, or picnic area!  She should also assist with the guest list. Beyond that, the bridal party is responsible for treating her to a wonderful day!

One of the first steps to take is establishing a budget.  The budget will set the boundaries for the entire event given that the host typically covers the expenses with a little help from the bride’s family for invitations.

Second, you must decide who to invite, whether it be a ‘girls only,’ family or couple’s shower (tip: Let the bride choose!). Remember that anyone who is invited to the Shower should be invited to the wedding! And keep the activities appropriate if grandma and mother-in-law are present! (Hint: Save the lingerie and penis straws for the bachelorette party!)

The third step is deciding on a theme and decorations.  The theme should speak to the couple; if they are laid back, do a casual beach theme, or if they enjoy the finer things in life, plan a Hollywood Glam day!  After determining the theme, you can decide on invitations, sweets and treats that fit the overall feel for the Bridal Shower!

Fourth, you will need to decide on a menu.  The menu should reflect the theme, location, time of day, and people who will be attending.  The menu does not need to include a full meal, but it can include appetizers and desserts! We think a signature drink is always a fun addition!

Lastly, you should decide on what the guests will do at the Shower.  Whether it is a simple get together or a game-filled event; choose something that the bride and her guests will love! Be creative in your activities, make them interesting, enjoyable and personal. And don’t forget you can always bring in professional help – a mobile spa, photo booth or street artist can definitely add colorful entertainment- if games aren’t on the agenda.

When it comes down to it, if you have any questions while planning the Bridal Shower, you should simply ask the bride.  Chances are that she has been looking forward to her Shower for a while now and has a lot of ideas that can direct you to plan an event she will truly love and cherish!

The Bridal Shower is meant to be a joyous and relaxing time for the bride-to-be and her friends and family.  With that in mind, the main goal for a Bridal Shower should be to get the group excited with anticipation for the up coming Big Day!

Happy Planning!

The Ladies of Intertwined Events and Becky Hill Photography

Picking your bridal party can be a very stressful experience with so many questions: Who do I pick, How do I not hurt people’s feelings, and How do I decide between my friends?!  Well Intertwined and Becky Hill Photography have some tricks and tips to help lessen the stressful experience and help you pick your best bridal party!

1)   Maid of Honor – traditionally your Maid of Honor is an eldest sister, but this rule no longer needs to apply.  You can pick whom ever you want; however, this person needs to be organized and not get flustered easily with the daunting task ahead.  Your Maid of Honor should be someone you trust and get along with very well because of all the time you two will be spending together and all the planning she will be doing for you!

2)   Number – decide on the number you want for your bridal party.  You must keep in mind the size of your wedding!  If you are having a small wedding, you do not want to have an over-the-top bridal party – the more is not the merrier!  A rule of thumb is 1 bridesmaid for every 50 guest; while you do not have to follow this entirely, it is good to keep in mind when deciding on the number!3)   Blood – if you are close with your sisters or future sister-in-law, this probably never crossed your mind, but you should almost always include family – it is just not worth the future conflict or discord that it might bring about.4)   Returned Invitations – you do not have to return the invitation.  If someone asked you to be in their bridal party, it does not automatically mean that they have to be in yours also!5)   To Do – how much do you expect of your bridal party?  If you simply want them for moral support, you do not need to worry about their locations.  However, if you are expecting them to be helping you with the little details, you will want to choose women who are close in location to you.6)   Finances – you should always take into consideration the financial obligations that will be placed on your bridal party.  Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so do not demand that your friend be one if you know she is in a bind with money.  On the other hand, you should never count someone out just because of their financial situation; if they are someone that you would like to be in your bridal party, extend the invitations and let them know that you understand if they cannot financially participate.

7)   Guys – men are now acceptable in the bridal party; so, if you have a best guy-friend or brother – don’t leave him out he can stand with the girls – and will probably enjoy that!

With these tips in mind, select the best bridal party for your wedding! And, be sure to spread the news of who you have chosen after you do, so that there is no one waiting, expecting to be a bridesmaid, and most important –  choose wisely to have those next to you who matter most and who will always be there to support your happiness!

*** Photograph by A Picture Life***

“Think LA. New York. Paris. Flashy rings and shiny things. That’s what you get when you intertwine two motivated, stylish wedding and special event planners who combine years of brains, background and brilliance to bring you an event that dazzles. From styling to planning, at Intertwined, we know where to add that perfect dash of glam—so that your vision isn’t just executed, it’s elevated. Dream big. Style your event today.”

Intertwined has offices in Los Angeles and Orange County

Call 714.694.0844 or email  info@intertwinedevents.com

I am so honored to introduce my amazing friend, stylist Erin Carpenter.  Along with makeup artist Sonia Roselli we photographed this engagement inspiration shoot at one of my favorite wedding venues. A New Leaf combines floral design with a unique event space.  Their urban garden is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city neighborhood. Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo of the clothing boutique Eskell were gracious enough to provide the clothing for our shoot.

Erin offers special styling services for the bride-to-be. From engagement photo session to the “Big Day,” Erin’s bride is the picture of her most stylish self…just in time for the most photographed days of her life. Whether you need a fashion-forward, figure-flattering look for your rehearsal dinner, a shopping strategy for your head-to-toe wedding ensemble, a style advocate at your bridal salon appointment, or the perfect “not your grandmother’s sequined suit” ensemble for the mother of the bride, Erin delivers with style and a sense of humor.

When she’s not styling models on set, stylist Erin Carpenter can be found working one-on-one with Chicago’s professional and social elite. Erin and her work have been featured on NBC-5 and ABC-7 news Chicago and Today’s Chicago Woman and Michigan Avenue magazines, and she is a style blogger for ChicagoNow.com.

Catch Erin at 773.294.8385 or erin@erinpersonalstylist.com, or over on her blog, Notes on Style: http://www.chicagonow.com/profiles/erincarpenter.

Eskell

1509 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486 0830

Eskell

1509 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486 0830

Sonia Roselli

7363 N. Greenview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
(312) 371-8596

A New Leaf

181 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-8553 ‎