A (very) long overdue post recapping the fabulous August wedding of Samantha & Matthew...
Sam and Matt tied the knot at the Hilton Orrington in Evanston, surrounded by the people who know and love them most. An emotional, tear-filled ceremony celebrated the love they have for each other, for their families and the excitement for their future together.
After the I Dos, guests were treated to a chic cocktail hour, draped in sheaths of gray and white with touches of crystal all about. Guests were then led to the reception and the party was kicked off with a first dance by the newly married couple to the song "You're The One That I Want" that was choreographed by the bride herself!
The night was sprinkled with toasts, memories, joy, laughter, and most of all...fun! After hours on the dance floor, late night Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza was a perfect ending to a perfect evening.
Doesn't the room look just marvelous?
Thank you to all the wonderful vendors who worked with us on this wedding: Hilton Orrington, Richard Remiard Event Design, Larry Rapaport Photography, Take the Cake, Arlen Music Consultants and Xpress Video Productions. (Photo Credit: Larry Rapaport Photography)
How fun! A fabulous recap of Amy & Adam's Memorial Day wedding, featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs.
Click here for more gorgeous photos, courtesy of Steve Koo. Thank you to Amy & Adam for having the Lovebird team as part of your special day!
Okay Lovebirds, are you ready for a Friday afternoon treat? Because we’ve sure got one for you in this new album from b.t. elements…
b.t. elements' Save the Date cards are by far the most fun cards we’ve ever seen! From the clean lines, to the darling graphics and the colorful ribbon options, these cards will ensure that no one will forget the date of your wedding!
Whether you’re going for a more traditional feel, or you want to break out the bright colors and designs…we promise, you’re going to fall in love with b.t. elements!
Contact Us to place your order today!
We are SO lucky to get to work with amazing and talented people each and every day! This month, we want to introduce you to Loreen Hospodar of Reenie Rose, a company that creates custom oil paintings of your bridal bouquet to make them last a lifetime.
1. Three words to describe your company?
- Innovative
- Botanical
- Colorful
2. Tell us a bit about what inspires your work.
Honestly, what the florists create for me to work from is so inspirational. I've always painted from nature, but bridal bouquets are nature in its most complimentary state.
3. What trends are you seeing this season?
I am not personally receiving requests, but according to the bouquets that are being sent my way, color is back! An all white bouquet can be quite lovely, but there's nothing better then painting splashes of bright color across a canvas.
4. If you did not work in weddings, what would you be doing?
I love weddings, art and flowers, so I've created an ideal niche for myself. If I wasn't working in weddings though, I'd still be painting. I've always wanted to do something with refurbishing old furniture and objects with a fresh coat of paint...throw in some decorative handy work too.
Thanks Loreen, for sharing with us!
Listen up, Lovebirds…there’s a new blog on the wedding scene that you’ve just got to check out!
Be U Weddings was created by local-area invitation and stationary designer, Sacha Krasney. Sacha has been in the wedding and design business for almost a decade and is now launching Chicago’s first ever blogazine devoted entirely to real weddings!
“Sacha Krasney’s Be U Weddings blogazine is a must-read for the trend-setting Chicago bride,” says Samantha Saifer, Director of Marketing for Chicago Social Magazine and CS Brides, “We’re already in love!”
Check out today’s “Vintage Chicago Wedding” post for all sorts of ooh-worthy images from Sacha’s wedding at one of our favorite venues, Salvage One
Enjoy!
If we had to use one word to describe Lindsay and Andrew’s wedding this past weekend, it would have to be family. (And the second word, of course, would be GORGEOUS!) The uniting of these two people was obviously a special time for everyone involved, from the sisters of the bride, to the best friends of the groom. Every detail was intimate and personal, including the song that Lindsay walked down the aisle to, which was composed by her very own father! The Best Man also was the officiant, which was particularly significant since Andrew married him and his wife just a few years ago.
After the ceremony space was converted for the reception, Lindsay’s grandfather started off the evening with a lovely toast that celebrated the Mother of the Bride for raising such a wonderful daughter, and praised Lindsay for the accomplished woman she has become.
The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, lots of dancing, and a very sweet cake-cutting ceremony. Thank you for making Lovebird a part of this LOVE-ly event!
And, thank you to the fantastic team of vendors: InterContinental Chicago , Richard Remiard Event Design , Bradley Young Entertainment , Eric Meng Photography , RAC Visual , Bittersweet and Christine Purtell make-up.
We are absolutely loving these new notepads from Donovan Designs and they’re here just in time for summer! Cute, colorful and fun, these notepads would make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and so much more. They are customizable, come in an array of colors and patterns, and couldn’t be more adorable!
Please contact us to place your order!
Though the weather was chilly, the celebration of Rebecca and Jordan’s union sure did warm things up in the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago last December! The romantic candlelight and all-white décor was the perfect setting for this lovely couple to celebrate their new life together.
After the ceremony, guests joined the happy new couple on the dance floor to the tunes of Hey Jimmy, who played well into the night. A special treat for these fun-loving partygoers was late night DJ Phantom from Chicago’s own WGCI radio station, who played until the early hours of the morning!
Lovebird thinks Rebecca and Jordan’s love is as unique as each snowflake and will last for many, many winters to come!
Thank you to the amazing team that made this wedding possible: Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, Richard Remiard Event Design, Andre LaCour Photography, Hey Jimmy and DJ Phantom
On a dramatic summer day that began with thunderstorms and ended with sunshine, two fun and fabulous people joined their lives together and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Mara and Michael embodied who they are as a couple with a chic black and white motif, offset by the kaleidoscopic colors of Carnivale.
A simple, intimate ceremony setting balanced the vibrant colors of the décor. Cocktail hour boasted chips and guacamole, strawberry-lime mojitos and lively Latin music. The stylish dining room was full of personalized touches, such as M&M candies and monogrammed cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s, complete with matching favor boxes to go!
Lovebird knows Mara and Michael will have a life as sweet as their namesake, M&M candies, and as colorful as Carnivale – salud!
Thank you to the amazing team that made this wedding possible: Art Quest , Leathem Photography , Tryst , Sweet Mandy B's and Carnivale
Amy and Adam were married at the picturesque Lincoln Park Zoo on a lush green lawn surrounded by friends, family and the city they love. The officiant was a longtime friend and the person who introduced these two lovebirds years ago! She recalled how they met, re-met, moved cross-country together and finally fell in love in a heartfelt and intimate ceremony.
After the “I Do’s”, guests headed into Café Brauer for a cocktail hour on the North Loggia with mini hot dogs, mini sliders and other passed hors d’oeuvres. The theme of nature ran throughout, with a cookie tower constructed of tree stumps topped with white chocolate bride & groom owls, organic green and purple centerpieces, and a birdcage to collect gifts and cards. The favors were tiny Redwood trees from California, the bride and groom’s current home, with promises from the couple to visit the site of each planted tree.
Like two birds of a feather, Amy and Adam go together and Lovebird wishes them all the best!
Thank you to the amazing team that made this wedding possible: Stems , BluePlate , Great Life Music , Steve Koo Photography , Vanille Patisserie and Cafe Brauer
Checkerboard has introduced Unveiled, their newest (and dare we say coolest?) wedding invitation collection.
Each invitation is showcased as part of a larger ensemble and includes coordinated designs for all of your wedding festivities. Think bachelorette parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, save the dates, engagement parties and more.
Gorgeous paper, fun envelope linings, new font styles and pages and pages of printed inspiration boards make this album truly special.
We're thrilled to offer this album in our Paper Library. And, now through March 29, purchase 25 invitations and receive 25 more free! Contact Us to schedule an appointment to view the Unveiled Collection.
We were so excited to learn about the launch of this new online wedding shop from the team at Anthropologie. The site is filled with gorgeous gowns and bridesmaid dresses, lingerie, shoes and accessories that are perfect for the bride looking for something a bit different.
The site features a questionnaire to help brides determine their personal style and provides clothing and accessory recommendations based on your answers.
And, coming soon--an interactive "moodboard" feature to help organize your wedding inspiration. The BHLDN site officially launched on Valentine's Day and needless to say we are in LOVE. {Sigh.}
Today on WGN News we had the opportunity to showcase products and services specifically for the groom! To view the complete segment, please click here.
Among our favorite items...custom designed invitations and stationary from The PaperDoll Store, pre-wedding pampering services from Halo[FOR MEN], gorgeous ties from Lee Allison, and the most delicious grooms' cake from Sarah's Pastries & Candies.
Here is a sneak peak of our studio set-up...
As a thank you to our Lovebird clients and WGN viewers, we're excited to share the following discounts:
The PaperDoll Store: free shipping on online orders through September 30, 2010. Enter LOVEBIRD at check out.
Halo[FOR MEN]: $10 off "The Man" or "The Shave" services for first time customers through Sunday, September 19. Mention LOVEBIRD when making your appointment.
Lee Allison Ties: 10% of orders placed online TODAY only Enter WGN at checkout
Sarah's Pastries & Candies: 10% off custom cake orders placed through September 30, 2010. Mention LOVEBIRD when ordering.
Thank you for watching and enjoy!
Browse photos from the wedding of Lovebirds, Sandra and Andrew, featured today on the Real Weddings page on Bride-Buzz.com. This warm, intimate and beautiful event (think all white floral and lots and lots of candle light) perfectly celebrated the marriage of one of the sweetest couples we know!
A special thank you to The Standard Club, Richard Remiard Event Design, Larry Rappeport Photography, RDR Productions, and Front of House, for helping us create such a wonderful event.
Congratulations Sandra & Andrew! We loved being a part of your special day!
We were so excited to stumble across this beautiful post on StyleMePretty.com
While we can't take credit for this GORGEOUS (and we mean GORGEOUS) wedding, we loved working with Emily to select the perfect invitations, programs, place cards and menus--all by one of our longtime favorites, Monique Lhuillier.
Emily's invitation (pictured above) features Monique Lhuillier's signature lace on rich cotton paper. The same luxurious paper stock and elegant fonts were used for the custom programs, place cards and table menus. Simply stunning, if we do say so ourselves!
To view Emily's selections and see images of her beautiful decor on StyleMePretty, please click here.
The Rolleez rollable ballet flat is our new wedding DO. Comfy and stylish, these ballet flats roll up into a ball and fit into the tiniest of clutches so you can carry them with you to your next wedding or event.
Each pair of Rolleez includes a tote bag to hold you heels, as well as a set of invisible hemming tape so you can shorten dresses or pants that are too long for flats. After you're done wearing them, simply re-roll and put back into your purse for future use.
Rolleez comes in four sizes Small (US size 5-6), Medium (US size 7-8), Large (US size 9-10) and Extra Large (US size 11-12) and nine colors; Tan Tan, Glamorous Gold, Ruby Red, Precious Pink, Boisterous Black, Couture Copper and Stunning Silver, Irresistible Ivory and Winter White.
We love the idea of gifting these flats to your bridesmaids (don't forget to order a pair for yourself!) or placing a large basket of Rolleez on the dance floor for your guests. With a variety of colors to choose from, you can even match the shoes to your wedding decor!
For ordering assistance and pricing information please contact Lovebird directly.
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!
As our former brides become mothers (that's right--the first Lovebird babies arrived this spring), we thought it only appropriate to expand our Paper Library.
Shop personalized pregnancy stationary with coordinating return address stickers (one of our most popular gift items for moms to be!), super stylish birth announcements and photo cards, and too cute shower and birthday party invitations.
New products from our favorite designers, plus free shipping...it's baby bliss!
Here's something that's got our hearts a flutter...
Bride Buzz, a new daily e-mail blast for brides-to-be, launched earlier this month and we're already in L-O-V-E. Authored by three self-proclaimed "style obsessed journalists" Bridal Buzz features their picks for the most inspired goodies from the wedding scene. Recent posts have featured everything from bridal bling to honeymoon hotspots. Subscribe to get the buzz delivered to your inbox or visit their Website to view the archives.
For brides on a budget (or anyone who loves a good deal!) a trip to White Chicago is a must DO when dress shopping. The River North boutique features a huge collection of once-wed and sample wedding gowns that are available for a fraction of the retail price. Here's a few beauties that we saw during a recent visit to the store...
Designer: Melissa Sweet
Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Designer: Christos
Prefer online shopping? No problem. Shop the store's online consignment boutique whitexchange.com to see what is available both in-store, as well as from other brides around the country. The store has strict rules for qualifying dresses to ensure that only the best designer gowns are made available. Brides can make an appointment to shop the Chicago store, OR search online by dress type, designer, style name or number, color, silhouette, fabric, neckline, waistline, details, location and category. LOVE!
Log on to WGN News to watch Lovebird and White Chicago as we discuss our favorite ways to WARM UP a winter wedding! We're sharing tips on how to turn your affair from frosty to fantastic (think vintage-glam decor and bite-size comfort food), plus highlighting the season's most stylish gowns and invitations.
A few fun photos from the set...
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A special thank you to Hello Darling and Fig Catering for the beautiful floral and food presentations. We'd also like to thank BBJ Linen, our gorgeous models (Megan, Mary Beth, Rebecca and Kyra), and make-up maven extraordinaire, Jessica Kramer (e-mail us for her contact info). We could not have done it without you!
Today marks Lovebird's second birthday and we have much to celebrate!
The past two years have been filled with beautiful weddings, fabulous couples and countless new friends. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support. YOU have helped us succeed in ways we would have never imagined.
Best wishes for a new year filled with love and happiness!
The just released issue of Chicago Social Brides includes LOVEBIRD as a "buzz-worthy" event planning company that "brides are falling in love with!"
Be sure to check out the magazine's online edition for the rest of Chicago's bridal buzz.
Thank you CSBrides! We are beyond thrilled with the mention!
Lovebird was thrilled to be interviewed by Amy Robbins Kadens, founder of a new wedding Website that we absolutely adore. While planning her own wedding in 2008, Amy feel in love with the magic of the wedding industry. Now an events consultant in Chicago, Amy and her team have married their obsession with all things wedding with their gift of gab to create The BrideScoop!
Check out our interview and get the very latest wedding dish from Amy and team here.
What are we most thankful for? Our wonderful clients and friends. As we head into another holiday season, we'd like to give thanks to ALL of you for your continued love and support. Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo Credit: Hostess with the Mostess
Whether sending thanksgivings, celebrating the season, or offering wishes for peace on Earth, it's time to spread the holiday cheer! Enjoy 20% off your personalized holiday card or invitation order now through November 26. And, because this season is all about giving, we're offering 20% off your personalized holiday invitation or card order now through November 26.
Here's to a lovely season of joy!
We're excited about this new wedding registry option that looks, well...tasty. Foodie Registry is a new service that gives couples the option of registering for gift certificates to Chicago restaurants!
Forgo the fancy kitchen appliances for something you really want--a delicious dinner prepared by someone other than you! They're calling it "The Gift of Good Tastes" and we couldn't agree more.
Edie and John tied the knot with a traditional Catholic ceremony in the beautiful Our Lady of Mount Carmel church. They infused their day with moments specific to their love story, and paid tribute to the love stories that came before them…
Following the ceremony, Edie & John departed in a vintage Rolls Royce for photos at some of their favorite Chicago landmarks. First stop, the Lincoln Park bar where these two lovebirds first met.
E&J's personal touches were all over this wedding - programs and placecards featured the groom's family crest; old family wedding photos lined the placecard and gift tables; father and daughter danced the tradional polka; and, dessert included a GIANT cupcake from Sweet Mandy B's made especially for the groom.
Under an unexpected overcast sky, guests gathered outside of the lovely Galleria Marchetti for cocktail hour. Just as Edie and John stepped onto the lawn, the sun broke through the clouds and perfectly spotlighted the couple.
Edie & John, Lovebird hopes your lives will always be filled with love, happiness, and rays of light through dark clouds!
Thank you to the vendors who helped lend a hand to this love story: Fleur , Galleria Marchetti , Monastero Entertainment , and Timothy Whaley & Associates .
Even though Lauren and Pat married on one of the hottest August days this summer, working with this Lovebird couple was no sweat!
The wedding took place in a suburban church, with champagne-colored programs and simply elegant florals. The reception site, located on a sprawling golf course, lent itself perfectly to pictures. Lauren's sister, her maid of honor, captured the fun-loving spirits of L&P in a picture dvd she made to show guests as they entered the reception.
Guests got an even better glimpse into the couple's history during dinner. Instead of assigning guests by table number, each table had a theme: pictures from the day they met at Harvard, life in Boston and Chicago, and their engagement served as "table numbers," leading guests to their places for the fabulous evening yet to come.
Lovebird knows that like their alma mater -- the oldest university in the U.S.! -- this beautiful couple will stand the test of time! Thank you for letting us be a part of your lovely day.
Lovebird would like to thank Tina and Dolllie , Dennis Lee Photography , and BBJ Linen , vendors who helped make Lauren and Pat's wedding so personal and beautiful.
Yes, Lovebirds, you read that right. For brides hoping to lose 50 lbs or more before their Fall 2010 wedding, People Magazine wants to help!
People health editors want to profile six brides between the ages 22 - 45 who are engaged to be married in the fall of 2010 and want to slim down. Brides will be set up with a diet and exercise plan, profiled in the magazine, and have a -- gasp! -- potential tv appearance throughout the duration of their challenge!
Lose weight and find fame! Contact hello{@}lovebirdevents.com for information on how to become a potential candidate.
Time to get your bling on Lovebirds!
Our fave gals at whiteCHICAGO are hosting a trunk show this Saturday, October 3 with jewelry designer Kristen Amato. Kristen will be in-store debuting the new
For more information, including how your gown can help win you a FREE K. Amato earring and necklace set click here. Happy Shopping!
Lovebird believes weddings should be passionately celebrated, and celebrate we did! Katie and Justin not only encorporated beautiful decor into their wedding, but made sure it was a P-A-R-T-Y!
Married outside Galleria Marchetti under a beautiful floral arch, the ceremony incorporated the story of how K&J met. The personal touches did not stop there -- Katie, Justin, and Lovebird made sure to put the K&J "stamp" on everything -- from silk-screend menu cards and cocktail napkins, to a monogrammed cake-topper and custom-built bars!
After guests enjoyed songs from The Ken Arlen Band under the outdoor tent, the party moved inside to a space that rivaled the best of club lounges. Guests danced the night away to the DJ that spun until 2 am!
Katie and Justin, we hope you have since recovered from your celebration, but that the memories last forever. We know we are still dancing!
And here's to The Ken Arlen Band, Alice's Garden , Richard Remiard Event Design , and North Shore Photography for making Katie and Justin's wedding such a party!
We love love, and we l-o-v-e-d our latest wedding! Our September bride and groom, Katie and Ryan, brought personal style to their day. The venue, Salvage One – a downtown warehouse which refurbishes and resells vintage furniture – gave an ambiance of eclectic style. K&R (with a little help from their friends at Lovebird) added their own creative touches to make their wedding one to remember.
Birds’ nests on the endcaps of ceremony aisles, squirrel and bird-stamped place cards, and red and green apples placed in vintage bowls adorned the tables and showcased Katie and Ryan’s love of nature and animals. Their eye for simplistic beauty – and use of birdcages on the gift table! – had us fluttering with delight.
For more beautiful images of this wedding click here.
Congratulations, Katie and Ryan, and thank you for such a unique and lovely night.
PS - Can we borrow those birdcages?!?
Thank you to our friends at Anna Guziak Photography, Cattails, Toast & Jam and Salvage One for a great event!
One of the Lovebird Event Assistants alerted us to some big news. Our beloved J. Crew has made their fall 2009 Wedding & Parties Collection available at the 900 N. Michigan store!
Brides-to-Be (and grooms too) can call up the store's wedding consultant at 312.751.2739 and schedule a private shopping appointment to view the collection. While many of the styles are sampled in the store, J.Crew suggests making a list of the styles you'd like to see (preview looks here) before scheduling your appointment. If the store doesn't carry the dress you're looking for, they'll do their best to track it down in time for your visit.
The Website is equally as helpful with a comprehensive color palate and fabric glossary.
Ahh, yes. J. Crew, I DO love you!
Can you believe it's almost time for back to school? Just because your boss doesn't believe in recess and your Mom refuses to buy you new shoes (the real world really IS hard!), doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to some fancy new "school" supplies.
Load up on your favorite stationary items during Embossed Graphics 60 day sale!
As an added bonus, Lovebird clients will receive free shipping on all EG orders placed by September 30.
To take advantage of this promotion e-mail us your order by midnight on September 30. Happy Shopping!
Allow us to introduce Chloe B., the newest addition to our paper library.
Designed for the most stylish of senders, Chloe B. is a new personalized stationary line by Crane & Co. The line features luxurious papers, bold prints and expertly tailored designs in a cool and refreshing color palate.
We're particularly fond of the new address wraps, which ensure you envelopes are as fashionable as they are functional.
With a variety of coordinating stationary, mailing labels and calling or business card options, Chloe B. is sure to become the latest must-have (desk) accessory.
Our fav gals at The Paper Doll Store are offering some smokin' hot summer specials!
With every purchase of 25+ cards or invitations, you can receive FREE matching return stickers of your choice.
View the complete collection online.
We recently stumbled across this sweet idea from Raise the Cake. Every cake needs a stand, so why not have one that compliments your decor? Raise the Cake allows you to create your own custom cake stand. Shop their online selection of fabric, ribbon and bling (seriously, you can dress your cake stand up with Swarovski Crystals) to design your one-of-a-kind stand. For you non-creatives, there are several "pre-designed" cake stands available for purchase as well. The stands are available in three sizes and can be used to display cakes or cupcakes. Looks like the days of plain old cake stands are coming to an end!
We can't get enough of our newest invitation partner! PosePrints offers adorable invitations, announcements, note cards and magnets that allow you to create a look-alike "pose" that reflects the individuality of the bride, groom or guest of honor!
The online design tool is lots of fun and easy to use. We think it is perfect for shower or bachelorette party invitations, shower gifts and bridesmaid presents!
Lucky for you, all Lovebird clients will receive a 10% discount on orders placed at PosePrints by entering "lovebird" at checkout.
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