The Big Fake Wedding: Chicago 2018

When I heard about the Big Fake Wedding, I immediately thought about when I was a bride planning for my own big day. Being younger in age as a newly engaged bride-to-be, I hadn't attended many weddings with the mindset of what I liked about them and if I would repeat anything for my own day.

The concept of the Big Fake Wedding is so simple and smart. They come to a city, gathering talented local vendors and “create an experiential opportunity for wedding vendors to showcase their products and services to shopping brides and grooms just as they would at a real wedding.” You get to see the wedding in the form of a vow renewal ceremony and the reception complete with drinks, DJ and dancing. The best part s if you like something you see, taste or hear you can talk to the vendors who created it right then and there! How cool is that?

Each city is a different theme and experience for the couples attending, and Chicago did not disappoint. With the theme of “World Royalty” and pulling from beautiful, rich tones—there was so much inspiration to play with! Check out how the day pulled together over all:

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The venue was the beautiful Zhou B Art Center owned and founded by two Chinese brothers, both incredible artist who rent out the space for art exhibits and events. This industrial and chic venue was full of charm and some seriously beautiful art.

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

My role in this big day was one of two invitation designers. With such a rich color scheme and moodboard full of pattern and texture to work from, I knew that I wanted to do something more elevated than a standard invite to incorporate these elements. After deciding on this beautiful paper cut folder in a rich gold to house the invitation suite, I wanted to incorporate each color in a unique way on the rest of the accenting pieces.

Blending the free strokes of the watercolor with the formality of the calligraphy created the perfect mixture of classic and modern that would be represented in both the venue and the elements of the wedding day overall. I loved how this suite represented the theme in a chic way!

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Thais Photography

Thais Photography

The day flowed like a real wedding, complete with photos of the “bridal” party, ceremony and reception. The bride and groom who modeled for the day performed a vow renewal during the ceremony portion including their pastor, real friends and family in their “bridal” party.

It was a beautiful ceremony complete with string quartet playing a custom arrangement as the bridal party walked down the aisle and an incredible copper arch with lush florals serving as the backdrop for the bride and groom’s ceremony. The reception was full and fun with fantastic appetizers, desserts and specialty mixed drinks. The bride even performed a special choreographed dance mid reception!

Thank you again to the team at The Big Fake Wedding for having me, it was such a fun party to be apart of and incredible to meet so many wonderful couples!

Thais Photography

Thais Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography | Mila Craila

Elizabeth Greve Photography | Mila Craila

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Cakes & Catering SOCIAL sparkling wine @socialsparklingwine

Favors & DetailsThe Standard Canvas @TheStandardCanvas

Groom & His MenBlank Label @blanklabelclothing

Bridesmaid Dresses Brideside Jewelry European Jewelry @europeanjewelryinc

Photo Booth Smilebooth@smilebooth

Cake ParfaitsVanille Pattisserie@vanillechicago

Day Of CoordinatorWedicity. DJ & EmceeCharizma Entertainment Group

Floral & Event Design: Bouquets, Boutonnieres & Tables 5,6,7 Eden

Floral & Event Design: Ceremony Backdrop & Tables 1,2 Nightshade Floral

Floral & Event Design: Flower Wall & Tables 3,4 Crafts By Stacey @craftsbystacey

Hair Styling Carrie Kacen Hair and Make-up Artistry @carriekacen

Hotel Accommodations W Hotel @wcitycenter

Invitations The Paperie Co @thepaperieco | Lina Lulu Paperie @linalulupaperie

Craft Cocktails CraftYours @craftyours

Makeup Artist Fearless & Bella @fearlessandbella

Marshmallow Favors Malvi: Marshmallow Confections @malvimallow

Catering LM Catering @lmcateringchi

Seating Chart, Custom Drawing, & Paper Goods XO Art & Design @xo_artanddesign

Dance Lessons Windy City Wedding Dance @windycityweddingdance

Photo Magnets Flash Magnets @flashmagnets

Ceremony Musician Bridge and Bow Music

Wedding Registry Mishkalo@mishkaloregistry Wedding Cake ECBG Cake Studio

Signage & Custom Jackets KRorerDecor @krorerdecor

Sparkling Water Spindrift Cookies Warm Belly Bakery @warmbellybakery

Table Accents The Blonde Scribe @theblondescribe

Travel Agent LovinAway @lovinaway

Photographers Thais Photography @bythaisphotography | Mila Craila Photography @milacrailaphotography | Elizabeth Greve Photography @egpwed

Venues Zhou B Art Center @zhoubevents

Wedding Dresses Winnie Couture @winniecouture

Wedding Films Eyework Studios