Brooke & Steve - Wedding Chalkboard at The Bridge, Lemont

I truly have loved customizing the permanent chalkboard that is in the main event space of The Bridge Lemont. This gorgeous venue has a few unique spaces for your wedding or party, but the main room is a blank slate ready for a couple to add their special touch. I love that I get to add to that though unique wedding chalk boards—like Brooke and Steve’s from this past Fall.

Vendor Team

Venue | The Bridge Lemont

Planner | Liza Loret

Floral | Something Borrowed Blooms

Video | Captured By Aleks

Caterer | Chef By Request

DJ | Signature Entertainment

Dress | Martellen's Bridal

Dress Designer | Stella York

Bridesmaids Dresses | Birdy Grey

Men's Attire | Generation Tux

Makeup | Kate K Beauty

Hair | Every Kind of Beautiful

Cake | Nothing Bundt Cakes

Calligraphy | Linalulu Paperie

Dessert | Creamery

Photographer | Joy Bijedic

Styled Shoot: Traditional NYC Elopement with a Modern Twist

What is more gorgeous than engagement photos in classic NYC? A beautiful elopement captured with a mix of classic and modern city backdrops. This beautiful shoot was the concept of Sophie Kaye Photography and photographed by April and Mike Raymond. Find the complete vendor list at the end of these gorgeous photos.

This beautiful shoot combines modern wedding silhouettes and florals among the backdrop of traditional and timeless New York City architecture. Playing off the mix of modern and classic, I kept the suite simple with pops of florals to bring in modern, desaturated color. To finish off the announcement and highlight the calligraphy I added romantic touches of the floral, vellum jacket, a wax seal with gold foil and dried florals, and you can just make out a black and white photo of Washington Square Park that graces the backside of the announcement with the couples custom wedding monogram.

Personalized vow books are the right touch for any elopement. Store your handwritten vows in a beautiful booklet with your monogram and wedding date to preserve your words for years to come. They additionally give you a beautiful, clean way to hold your vows that won’t stand out for the wrong reasons in your photos.

Not exchanging written vows? Personalize the booklet with your monogram and date and use the booklet to store a note to your partner about your marriage and love story.

Photo @aprilandmikeraymond
Planning & Concept @sophiekayephotography
Model @amanda.larson_
Floral Designer @navafloral
Hair & Makeup @bymadelineeleanor
Gown Designer @pninatornai
Gown Boutique @kleinfeldbridal
Ring Box’s @thestylingreserve @the_mrs_box
Shoes @jimmychoo
Jewelry @chanelofficial
Stationery @linalulupaperie
Coffee @ralphscoffee

Wedding Inspiration: Neutral, Boho Style

This mix of neutrals used for this vibey city wedding is the ideal mix of urban and nature. I chose to use only hand-drawn eucalyptus branches in both the invite and the complimentary wax seal matching the vibe of the organic color palette. By adding a more traditional calligraphy style, this invite became a beautiful mix of traditional and organic.

I loved seeing the mix of natural and more urban elements with the pops of colors in the decor and florals. The perfect inspiration for a city, boho wedding.

Venue: @ovationchicago⁣
Dress: @bhldn⁣
Earrings: @bhldn⁣
Prop & Event Hire: @poshstudiorentals⁣
Florist: @cityscentschicago⁣
Hair Stylist: @emilyraebridalhair⁣
Makeup Artist: @alyssadianamakeup⁣
Invitation Suite: @linalulupaperie⁣
Cake: @thesweetreservebakery⁣
Models: @emfoertsch, @poukenik

Wedding Inspiration: Romantic Blues

Another gorgeous shoot from the minds of Kristie and Kim at K and K Celebrates wedding planning! This beautiful mix of Grandmillennial and boho vibes has just a touch of romanticism that pulls is all together. I loved using the beautiful floral tablecloth as the main inspiration for the stationery. The toile inspired illustrations carried over from the invite onto the placecards at the table with a touch of pink in the calligraphy.

Planning + Styling: @kandkcelebrates
Photography: @ashlynhenry__
Stationery: @linalulupaperie
Floral: @michaelamantarian
Rentals: @hallsrental
Venue: @chezweddingvenue
Linens: @bbjlinen
Cake: @tonipatisseriecafe

Styled Shoot: Romantic, Pink table at DL LOFT

Here is the beautiful second shoot from the minds of K and K Celebrate! I love the mixture of prints, dusty pinks, and accents of metals that touch the table. The gorgeous florals mix perfectly with the glass accents that accentuate the light flooding throughout the venue. I loved getting to use a mixture of paints, calligraphy, and watercolor for all the paper goods! By using florals and textured paint strokes to create a pattern, the paper goods felt enhanced but not too over done.

The incredible team includes:

Planning: K and K Celebrates
Photography: 606 Photo
Grazing Boxes: Sage and Jam |
Floral: FleurInc
Venue: DL Loft, Chicago
Bubbly Wall: Bubbly Events Chicago

The perfect mix of elegance, romance and a dash of modern!

Wise Wedding: What is an Invitation Suite?

Have you heard the term “invitation suite” and had no idea what it meant? You are not alone! There are a handful of terms that can sound the same or confuse you when talking with a wedding industry expert. I've compiled a helpful guide outlining these terms and what exactly an invitation suite contains.

Why call it a suite?

The term “suite” refers to a set or a number of things forming a series. Thus your invitation suite is the set of paper items letting your guests know the information for your big day. It should always include the invite and an RSVP card, as well as a card for important information like directions and accommodations.

The basic wedding invitation suite consists of:

1. Your invitation—which is the largest piece–includes the key information of your name’s, wedding date and time, venue, and can include the ceremony venue address without a zip code.

2. The outer mailing envelope is the largest envelope and is addressed in the style of your choosing—printed or hand calligraphy—to your guests. These can be white or for a more fun touch a color or metallic of your choice.

3. The details card includes reception venue name, address, reception start time, and accommodations info such as where you have hotel room blocks. You may also include your website at the bottom of this card or registry information. 

A second card (that you may or may not need) can be included with such information as directions, travel arrangements, or other pertinent information for guests. ( See optional items to include below)*

4. The RSVP card is a smaller card to allow guests to write their name(s) and let you know if they are attending. You may also include a space for meal choice, song requests, or website information.

5. The RSVP envelope is the smallest envelope and should always include an address that goes back to you or the coordinator of the guestlist. (Don’t forget to place a stamp on this so your guests can easily drop them back in the mail to you.)

Other items you can include in your invitation suite*

Inner Envelope

An inner envelope can be used to tell guests who is (and is not) invited to your big day. The envelope is slightly smaller than the mailing envelope and holds the invitation suite inside. This is traditionally used in more formal weddings but allows you to clearly state who you are expecting to show up. Examples include your Guests’ names and noting if they have a plus one (i.e. Mr. Robert Smith & Guest). This is also the place to indicate whether or not children are invited by just writing the parent’s names.

Weekend Details Card

If you have multiple events going on during your wedding weekend, such as a brunch, welcome drinks, after party, etc. include a weekend details card. You want to have your guest know what to expect as well as what to pack appropriately for all the different social events.

Invitation Wrapper

An invitation wrapper is not necessary but is a beautiful and practical addition to your suite. This “wrapper” can be twine, ribbon (Seen in the picture on the left), a belly band, a folder, or even a layer of vellum wrapped around the invite. It is a beautiful accent to keep all the contents of your invite safely together when being mailed.

Website Card

You can include your wedding website on your details card or include a smaller card with just the web address. If you choose to have a website, which is a helpful resource for your guests, include as much information and details of your weekend/wedding there. This will cut down on how many text and phone calls you and your parents will receive from loved ones about your big day.

Envelope Liner

An envelope liner is a beautiful insert to your mailing envelope that allows you to add an additional splash of color, pattern, or shimmer to your invitations. It is also a fun surprise for your guests. It adds additional weight and quality to your overall invite.

Directions/Maps

Including an insert for directions or a map is great for a destination wedding or if you have multiple events happening in the weekend and need an easy guide for your guests. These can be done simply or more elaborate with watercolor features and illustrations. These beautiful pieces are not only functional but can be a keep-sake of your wedding to be framed.

Wax Seal

A popular but beautiful new trend includes the wax seal (Pictured below). These small but impactful pieces are a fun and elegant way to add color, texture, or even your monogram to your envelopes or invitation. They can be used on an invitation wrap, on the inner envelope, or on the outer envelope. If you use them on the outer envelope, know that the suite then must be hand canceled by the post office as they are not always read by the modern machines.

Postage Stamps

One thing your should not overlook is your postage stamp. This small item can make or break the mood of the front of your envelope, choose wisely! There are a handful of beautiful options from the USPS. As well, you can choose vintage stamps totaling the right price for a layered look that will stand out in your guest’s mailboxes.

Photo by Jason Adrian Photo

You can include as many of these items as you see fit and are helpful for your wedding weekend. Just remember, the two most important items are the invite and RSVP, then build your suite from there! Next week, I will be talking about the importance of invitation wording.

As always, if you have a question-feel free to message me!