Wedding flowers by Scarlet Petal Florist Chicago, IL

Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

I remember when I was a child, walking into the Museum of Science and Industry was like a trip to Disney World. The larger than life exhibits, the nostalgic dehydrated space food, and the out of this world omnimax theater kept us coming back for years.

A fellow events industry member and friend, Briana Merrill, emailed me the other day with exciting news. She is now spearheading the wedding events division at the museum! Well I wasn’t surprised, given her rich history of managing weddings and social events  for the past 7 years. 

She took me on a tour of the museum from a brides perspective and I was left in awe. We started at the grand and impressive Rotunda where most receptions are held, positioned right in front of the historic Great Train Story. What a feast for the eyes, especially under their gorgeous domed ceiling.

She also took me to their outdoor South Portico, soon to be tented for year round events, which overlooked a private and quiet pond. A perfect place for ceremonies and cocktails.

Take a look at the photos below showcasing some of their past events. If you are looking for an alternative scene this is it! We look forward to working with them this year.

Museum of Science and Industry

 

Rotunda Ceremony

 

Rotunda Reception

 

South Portico Ceremony

The Oscars, Going Green!

We’ve definitely been staying abreast of all the ways we can reduce the levels of CO2 we release into our environment. Remember the ol’ saying, reduce, reuse, recycle!

I’ve been a member of the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) for the past five years, the organization behind this years green efforts at the awards ceremony. After watching the Oscar’s last night, I did a bit of research on how the producers of one of the biggest events of the year did their due dillegence to be kind to our environment.  Here are a few examples I plan to adopt in our own practices and something you should consider when planning your own special day.

Promotion of Reuse instead of Discarding: Plants used in green room were either taken home by attendees or composted after the event. Here are a few photos of how you can incorporate this into your event.  (Image Source, Toast and Tables)

Hyacinth


Succulents and Assorted Plants


Herb Garden and Guest Favor

Source Reduction and Reuse instead of Buying New and Discarding: Furniture used in green room will be reused for upcoming events at Kodak. Whether it be a chair or even a vase, find those that do not need to be discarded and can be reused/rented. Also, 3,000 linen cocktail napkins were used at telecast and Governor’s Ball instead of disposable.

 

Promotion of Recycling instead of Landfilling or Incineration: All paper napkins purchased included 100% recycled content (27,000 cocktail napkins with 60% postconsumer content; 27,000 lunch napkins with 80% postconsumer content)

 

Sources: nrdc.org

The Knot's Real Weddings Feature

We're happy to be featured in another fabulous "Real Weddings" on The Knot. Thanks to Gina DeConti of Imaginative Studios who's stunning photography captured the beauty of Annie and Alex's  wedding.

It was a gorgeous September day and the bride and groom looked stunning. Being a true romantic, Annie chose to carry an assortment of cherry love, black magic, and red magic roses.

We wanted to capture the cusp of autumn, so the girls carried a hint of it in their crisp chartreuse and bronze colored bouquets.

 

I couldn't help but post these adorable photos of the ring bearer and cupid (guest). Too cute!

 

 

Here is a link to view our featured décor and Gina's award winning photography. Enjoy!

The Knot's Real Weddings: Annie and Alex

Floral Trends to Expect in 2009

The California Cut Flower Commission, one of the leading suppliers for all florists throughout the nation, has recently reported inspiring trends for 2009. If you’re torn between color palettes or can’t decide which theme best represents your wedding style take a look below and visit the links which provide you with storyboard images. Have fun!  

Habitat, the first and foremost trend, supports the ongoing initiative being taken by eco-conscious and ‘go green’ brides. Flowers in shades of softer green hues and warm yellows creating atrium type displays are small recreations of the natural settings found outdoors.

Habitat Flowers and Colors

Nocturne is a fashion forward and luxurious palette of deep purple, radiating fuchsia, and risky blacks.  A throw-back to the 20’s era, peacock feathers, crystal beading, and fur accentuate these pieces by making a grandiose statement.

Nocturne Flowers and Colors

Whisper, as quietly as is sounds, describes the soft undertones of this tranquil palette. Reminiscent of a spa like setting, eucalyptus, dusty coral, and stone grey combine a plethora of textures; a subtle feast for the eyes.

Whisper Flowers and Colors

Nomad palette envelops all of the colors of an open market in a far away land. As brides become more worldly, their tastes in décor have broadened. Hand-crafted items like table runners, candelabrum, and wooden trays can change an ordinary table setting into a Middle Eastern display.

Nomad Flowers and Colors

Chinoiserie, a term coined by the French interprets the Chinese 17^th and 18^th century’s style. Delicate birds and butterflies amongst single blooms closely identify with this remarkable culture.

Chinoiserie Flowers and Colors

 

The Sutton Place Hotel Chicago

We’re happy to announce that we have been selected to join Sutton Place’s preferred vendor list! I love the location and exclusivity that this venue has to offer.  In the heart of the Gold Coast, restaurants, boutique shops, and galleries are footsteps away for out-of-town guests to enjoy.  The modern interior of the hotel  is refined, yet unpretentious.  It’s a perfect location for those who are looking for an urban getaway and a VIP experience.

Quick Facts:

1.       Room seats up to 200 ppl (3^rd Floor) with floor to ceiling windows

2.       Cocktail Level equipped with a built-in full bar

3.       Bride and Groom receive 2-story penthouse room with a fabulous city view

4.       Room blocks available at serious discounts

5.       Currently waiving the room rental fee

To see the space, call Carolyn Dunahoo, Catering Sales Manager, 312.... www.suttonplace.com

 

Sutton Place Exterior

 

Standard King Suite

 

Cocktail Room Bellevue

 

Reception Room

Tara Guerard

We just returned from the The Special Event (TSE) conference in San Diego and I have so much to share. It was an educational and inspirational week amongst professionals in the events industry and one I was extremely impressed by was Tara Guerard of Soiree in Charleston, South Carolina.

Look out Martha Stewart, Tara Guerard is a strong contender! Tara operates and manages Soiree, an events company servicing personal, corporate, and destination weddings. She’s fabulous at what she and her team dream up! Their attention to detail is impeccable.

I attended her session and gawked at the photojournal she shared with the group.Her ideas ranged from custom bride and groom logos to brand all elements used in a wedding to hospitality gifts like soft flip flops and shawls provided to each and every guest at a beach front wedding. It makes you want to be invited yourself.

I am so motivated by her work and encourage you to visit her website to be inspired as well!

Soiree in Charleston, South Carolina