Italian Inspired Wedding (Series 2 of 2)

We love the idea of having a wedding with elements of Italian culture. Add pops of color to your tablescape with personal olive oil bottles and greenery or limoncello for your guests! And who could say no to this adorable gelato cart? If you’re thinking of having an Italian inspired wedding, take a look at these photos for inspiration!

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French Inspired Wedding (Series 1 of 2)

You don’t have to travel to Europe to have the wedding of your dreams. Elegant, romantic, and airy elements can turn any venue into a vision of the French countryside. Color palettes of white, pale gray, and soft pink accented with timeless pieces makes for one breathtaking wedding. We love the idea of having a champagne tower with elegant crystal glasses, or adding some macaroons to your dessert display! Take a look at these photos for inspiration for your own wedding!

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Real CBE Wedding: Chelsea and Morwin // July 2, 2017

Real CBE Wedding: Chelsea and Morwin // July 2, 2017

This past summer we were delighted to be a part of Chelsea and Morwin’s wedding day! This elegant wedding was completed with touches of gold as well as classic white floral. The beautiful couple said their “I Do’s” at the Overture Center for the Arts and it was all captured by Booth Photographics. Take a look at their amazing photos for a peek into their special day!

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Real CBE Wedding: Candice and Willie // June 10, 2017

Candice and Willie held their reception and ceremony at the Lageret and we were so happy to be a part of it! The amazing hanging centerpiece and wall of photos of loved ones were personal touches that made this day so special and intimate. Tim Fitch captured their wonderful day, and these are some of our favorite photos!  Be sure to check out all the gorgeous details in their feature in the current issue of the Wedding Planner and Guide.

Vendor Spotlight: Tic Tac Tag

Vendor Spotlight: Tic Tac Tag

This week’s vendor spotlight is on Tic Tac Tag, a new alternative to having a photo booth at your wedding! Tic Tac Tag was founded by Jason and Jessica Uzarrage and serves the Chicago area. With Tic Tac Tag, guests can take photos on their phones anywhere at the wedding, and once they upload the photos to twitter or Instagram with your event hashtag, the photos print out automatically with the Tic Tac Tag Printer! Couples can also create a custom template to personalize the photos!

This is a great way to showcase different spaces of your wedding and get more unique, personal photos and candids of your big day! Many people choose to get creative and make a sign promoting guests to upload photos with your wedding hashtag! We love the idea of getting out of the photo booth and having a variety of photos of your guests on your big day! Take a look at these photos from Tic Tac Tag to take a look for yourself!

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Men can be tough to shop for around this time of year. Luckily, we found some great gift ideas for you to get the men in your life this holiday season! These are a few of our favorites from some local shops, including Tactile Craftworks which creates some beautiful, long-lasting leather pieces. Take a look at for some ideas or check out the shop’s sites for more!

  1. Tactile Craftworks
  2. Quince & Apple
  3. Fern and Nettle
  4. Big White Yeti
  5. Huckberry
Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gifts for this holiday season from our favorite local shops! Anything from jewelry to framed canvases, these shops are sure to have what you’re looking for! If you’re still looking for ideas on what to get for your mother, sister, significant other, or friend, take a look at some of these ideas and check out these shops for more!

  1. Cire’ Alexandria
  2. JD Wolfe Pottery
  3. One-OneThousand
  4. Lindsay Letters
  5. Big White Yeti
  6. Fern and Nettle

Hosting the Holidays

Whether you’re having the family over for the holidays or just some friends for a night of hot chocolate, Christmas music, and gift wrapping, this time of year is a wonderful time for entertaining! We love the idea of adding in elements into your home decor to give a little holiday touch, like replacing your usual pillows with some that are holiday patterned, or adding wreaths around the house to give your home a cheerful atmosphere.

A hot chocolate bar for guests is a great way to get family and friends in the holiday spirit, as well as treats topped with peppermint and festive holiday cocktails! If you’re having a casual get together, or a fancy holiday dinner, these extra touches are sure to inspire. Take a look at these photos for ideas for your holiday gathering!

Sparkling Seasonal Chianti

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Looking for a festive drink for an upcoming event? We had some fun trying our hand at mixing up a holiday season cocktail this week. This sparkling wine and Chianti recipe with hints of vanilla and a dash of fruitiness is perfect for this time of year. It’s incredibly easy to make and we couldn’t resist adding a little garnish for some extra charm!

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Ingredients

1 Bartlett pear
3 Small apples
3 Fresh plums
¼ cup Cane syrup
1 bunch Rosemary sprigs
1 tablespoon Vanilla
1 bottle Chianti
1 bottle Sparkling white wine, chilled

 

  1. Cut pear lengthwise into ¼ inch slices, cutting from stem end through the bottom. Cut apples crosswise into ¼ inch slices, and cut the plums into wedges.
  2. Stir together pear, apples, plums, cane syrup, 2 rosemary sprigs, and vanilla in a 3-quart glass container until the fruit is coated. Gradually stir in the Chianti. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.
  3. Stir in sparkling wine just before serving. Serve over ice and garnish with rosemary sprigs if desired.

 

Photography: Sarah Kay Photography

Recipe: Southern Living

Winter Wedding: Reception (2 of 2)

You can complete the look of your seasonal wedding ceremony with a wintery reception filled with seasonal greenery and candlelight that creates a warm and chic look to your big day. A winter wedding can be a magical setting for you and your spouse to celebrate your special day!

Give a romantic, cozy atmosphere with candles, blankets, and a hot chocolate bar that is sure to warm your guests’ hearts. And these cakes are absolutely gorgeous and will be sure to make a statement at your wedding! If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, take a look at these photos for inspiration!