WEDologyEDU - Winter 2014

I'm so excited to announce the official date for WEDologyEDU (formerly WEDology Experience) is Saturday, November 1st at Halsted Studio near downtown Chicago!  Yes, you requested the workshop in the city and I listened.  Registration is LIVE and the early-bird pricing has been extended to October 1st.

This intensive one-day workshop will cover the following topics:

• The role of a wedding/event planner and the various hats they wear
• How to turn your passion into a profitable business
• The potential client approach and initial meeting
• Contracts and how to receive compensation
• Who's your ideal client
• Marketing efforts and public relations for your wedding/event business
• Benefits of social media and blogging
• Expanding your wedding/event business offerings

I look forward to meeting, greeting and teaching budding and aspiring wedding and event planners on November 1st!!!  Visit our business website WEDology toolKIT for more dates and information about our WEBinars, NOTEbooks and MENTORing.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Real Wedding: Amaka and Hugh

On an sunny, gorgeous Saturday in September 2013, Amaka and Hugh were married in front of their family and friends on the beautiful campus of Loyola University Chicago.  The wedding color palette was tangerine, apple red and purple and balanced nicely off Lake Michigan and the amazing Chicago skyline.  Take a look at some of the wonderful photos of this wedding:

Gorgeous bride in her Enzoani wedding gown

Beautiful bride and her bridesmaids...two of which are her sisters

The groom's first glimpse of his soon-to-be Mrs. in the lobby of the Dana Hotel

Lake Michigan was the backdrop to this beautiful ceremony
on the Loyola University Chicago campus.
Bouquets by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Professional photography captured by
Rush Event Photography & Video Productions

Bouquets by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Custom designed escort cards by CT Designs, Inc.

The 95-person reception took place at Palm Court at Loyola University Chicago.
The reception decor was provided by Tablescapes Chicago, BBJ Linens and Rosemary's Garden

The Mr. & Mrs. First Dance to the sounds of DJ John Young

And they lived happily ever after...

You can also find this Real Wedding in the latest edition of
Wedding Guide Chicago

Until next time...WEDologize!

Real Wedding: Louisa and Anthony

On April 26th, Louisa and Anthony were married at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in front of their closest family and friends.  The platinum, white and purple color palette was gorgeous against the neutral backdrop of the Museum.  One unique aspect that this great couple added to their ceremony was asking each guest to take a minute (or two) to write words of advice before they said their vows.  The advice cards and personalized pens were on each guests seat prior to the start of the ceremony and the pen doubled as a favor.

Take a peek at this beautiful April wedding:

Gorgeous bride just arrived to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for the ceremony

Miss on her way to become Mrs.

Ceremony took place in the main level of the Museum due to weather.
Love the hanging lantern detail creating a focal point at the altar.

The brides gorgeous bouquet created by Work of Art Florist

Room shot showing off the amazing platinum and purple linens provided by BBJ Linens

Love the paper lanterns above the dance floor

One of 3 centerpiece designs created by Work of Art Florist

Two of 3 centerpieces created by Work of Art Florist.
Beautiful framed table numbers provided by client

Third and final centerpiece created by Work of Art Florist

A small sampling of their dessert and coffee station, provided by Jewell Events Catering,
that was revealed after dinner was complete

Walking into their new life hand and hand

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - my iPhone)

Brides Most Unnoticed Accessory

When wedding gown shopping, brides always focus on their head piece or veil, shoes and undergarments.  But what about that "item" that will hold your lip gloss, lipstick, perfume, compact and breath mints?  This "item" is hardly ever photographed, but I always witness the bride looking for it to make 'touch-ups' throughout the night.  It'll sit lonely on the head table or sweetheart table, or sometimes held by the Maid of Honor.  But at the end of the night, this item is always in the hand of the bride before heading off into marital bliss.

Check out this "item" that can only enhance the wedding gown and it's accessories:

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - http://www.camillelavie.com; www.etsy.com; www.stylemepretty.com; http://www.affordableelegancebridal.com)

Real Wedding: Tammy and Matt

As I start my Real Wedding series of blog posts, I'd like to share the wedding of Tammy and Matt who were married on February 22, 2014.  The American ceremony took place at Chicago Theological Seminary and the reception at Zhou B Art Center.  The Buddhist ceremony in honor of the groom's culture took place 2 weeks prior.  150 of Tammy and Matt's guest, some who traveled internationally, met the harsh winter with a day of love and laughter.  The couple brought in so many cultural touches to their turquoise and apple red ceremony and reception.  Take a peek:

A word of prayer from the bride's mother who also officiated
the wedding ceremony

Table design by The Flower Firm, Tablescapes Party Rental
and Blue Plate Catering

Guests could write a message in their photo guest book or
print a message on a post card

Cocktails and dancing in the Moongate Room of Zhou B Art Center

Stunning wedding cake created by La Patisserie

Surprise groom's cake from the bride created by La Patisserie
that showcased a movie reel of his family photos

King-style table for the bride, groom and wedding party

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Tran!!!
Gorgeous bouquet by The Flower Firm

Delicious dessert buffet was displayed with coffee,
sliced wedding cake and (12) different mini desserts

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - my iPhone)