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:
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
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
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
Elizabeth Greve Photography
Elizabeth Greve Photography | Mila Craila
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
