Great News for those in wedding dress shopping mode! Vera Wang has arrived at David's Bridal allowing more brides the luxury of wearing a dress designed by a couture designer. With five locations in the Chicago area, the White Line by Vera Wang has dresses ranging in price from $600 to $1400 and are featured in white, ivory, blush and chamgagne. In June, your bridesmaids will also be able to select Vera Wang dresses when she releases a line just for bridesmaids.
Engage!11 Luxury Wedding Business Summit-Part 1
As many of my followers know, I am a seven time attendee of the Engage!11, a luxury wedding business summit produced by Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts. I met these two women attending my first conference way back in 2008 and it has forever changed my business and my life. So much more than a conference, it is an experience of amazing learning seminars, great networking and gorgeous parties and details to feast the eyes and provide inspiration to the best of the best in the wedding industry.
Summer in Chicago
Trump Chicago Wedding
What I Loved about The Royal Wedding
WGN TV Appearance, Ideas for Wedding Gift Registry
Royal Wedding Week: What will Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress Look Like
The Royal Wedding Week is here! I have waited anxiously for months for this week to arrive. And right now all the talk is, what will Kate Middleton's wedding dress look like? The blogs and newspapers are filled to the brim with speculation and tips on who will design the dress. Clarence House and the Official Royal Wedding website have been very forthcoming and transparent with the details of the wedding day. On Saturday they released a ninety-page media document with the guest list, seating layout for Westminster Abbey and some of the wedding vendors that are taking part in the wedding of the century. One thing it did not include was ANY details or mention of Kate's wedding dress.
Fascinators and The Royal Wedding
I am fascinated by the anticipation leading up to The Royal Wedding. I am also fascinated by Fascinators. What is a fascinator you ask? Ah, a wonderful headpiece (often times taking the place of the traditional hat) which you see at weddings in the United Kingdom and all over the world. We are one week away from The Royal Wedding. The countdown has begun! Next week we will all get to experience the Royal Wedding from the United States while in the comfort of your own homes starting at 5am Chicago time. But rest assured that many a guest of The Royal Wedding and person in the UK and United States, in fact all over the world, will be donning a fascinator in celebration of Kate and William's wedding.
Chicago Wedding at InterContinental Chicago on Every Last Detail Blog
We were so excited when Lauren Groves, the mastermind and Editor behind Every Last Detail Blog wanted to feature Shellane and Tom's wedding from October of last year which took place on a gorgeous day at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with the reception following at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.
Magnificent Milestones, Chicago Stationer
Engaging Destination: Viceroy Anguilla
Getting married in the Caribbean does not get any better than at a location like the Viceroy Anguila! Just a two and a half hour flight from Miami to St Martin and then a quick boat ride, Viceroy Anguila is one of the most magical places I have seen to host a wedding. Whether you want to get married with the sand between your toes at their two beaches or in front of the gorgeous infinity sunset pool overlooking the ocean, Viceroy Anguilla is a one of the kind spot for your destination wedding.
The New JW Marriott in Chicago
Last Monday the new JW Marriott Chicago celebrated with a Grand Opening Event. And wow was the event Grand! The hotel opened in November of last year and is a great addition to Chicago. Boasting two ballrooms, the JW Marriott is Chicago's newest luxury hotel to host weddings and corporate events. I am so excited to have a new venue to show to couples for consideration for their wedding.
Spring Weddings in Chicago
If you are like me and live in Chicago, you miss the big yellow Sun in the sky. I love my Chicago Springs and know it is around the corner. I really also love Weddings in Chicago DURING the springtime. So, adding some sunshine and happiness to your day with some gorgeous details from a wedding that Kurt Gerber photographed and I planned a couple of springs ago!
Luscious Layers Chicago Wedding Cake Designer
Yesterday was one of those fun days and I got to get out of the office and attendLuscious Layers Open House and eat cake and sweets! Ashley moved to a storefront in Chicago in the Bucktown neighborhood in August of 2009 and has been baking up masterpiece cakes for weddings, showers, birthday parties and anniversaries.
Brides of a Certain Age Article in Chicago Sun Times
I love talking to the press and love when they call upon me for my expertise! Tammy Chase who writes for the Chicago Sun Times called me about three weeks ago to talk about my experience with brides who are a little older than the average bride which is reported to be 26. Turns out we had just helped Tim and Amy plan their fabulous wedding and they are both over 40. You can read the great article online but also read my tips for older brides who are getting married online.
Winter Engagement Pictures in Chicago
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you today!!! Rather than a typical pink and red "valentine's" post today, I am posting a gorgeous winter engagement shoot of Liz and Brian shot by the very talented YazyJo back in January. It was a cold day in Chicago but as you can see, you can capture some of the most romantic shots even in the middle of winter.
Ask Ali: Can you tell me more about my Wedding Dress Alterations
Ask Ali: When Should I Purchase My Wedding Shoes?
Ali, When should I be selecting and purchasing my wedding shoes? Can you give me any tips? (From Ashley)
That is a great question. It is a good idea to have selected your wedding shoes prior to your first fitting of your wedding dress which will typically happen two to three months before your wedding. Start looking for your wedding shoes about four to six months in advance of your wedding.
Engagement Sessions on Ice
Looking to do something this weekend? Want a fun "outdoor" activity but it is just too cold for you? What a FUN new idea for your Engagement Session? How about grab your skates and head to the top of the John Hancock Observatory. What you may ask? Well today thru March 31st, the John Hancock Observatory will have an ice skating rink, made from a synthetic substance called XTRAICE, inside called "Skating in the Sky". What a fun outing with your fiance. Don't forget the camera.
Ask Ali: Questions for a Chicago Wedding Planner
Today I am excited to announce a new Blog Series called "Ask Ali". As a wedding consultant in Chicago I answer a lot of questions for my clients or potential clients about weddings in general. I also answer a lot of inquires on email for people interested in the wedding business or those wanting to become a wedding planner.