Real Wedding: Brittany and Edward

On Sunday, February 8th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for a lovely couple living in Atlanta, GA.  They wanted their winter wedding reception to be in the Windy City in Chicago's most favorite landmark...the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) on the 99th floor.  The 360 degree views should have been amazing for their 120 guests, but the overcast told a different story.

We had 11 weeks to bring Brittany and Edward's dream wedding to life with the help of some amazing vendors.  Take a look at their red, black and white wedding:

Brittany wore a gorgeous Pronovias wedding gown

Brittany's "something blue" was her beautiful Steve Madden wedding shoes

Juliet Tan Floral Design created her lovely rose and bling bridal bouquet and make-up by Lena Clark MUA.
Hair styling by Shantell at Iridescent Hair Salon

Perfection! Wedding day photography and videography by Rush Productions

Nothing but the best for Edward in his custom tuxedo

Married at Edward's home church on the south-side of Chicago

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design by Juliet Tan Floral Design

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design

Stunning 7-tier wedding cake by Delish Cakes

It's all in the details - Escort card by Calligraphy by CT

Gorgeous tall centerpieces by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Edward's Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy groom's cake by Delish Cakes

Brittney & Edward's first dance with music by JAM Music

Skydeck perfection!!!

May have been overcast preventing the Chicago skyline from coming through, but this photo is phenomenal!

Ending the night on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower

Until next time....WEDologize!

Photography by Rush Productions 

Out-Of-State Wedding Party (Day #24)

I was just recently asked by one of my out-of-state clients, "How do we handle ordering the wedding parties attire when many of live in different locations?"

Then when it comes to ordering attire, the easiest thing to do is order gowns and tuxedos from a chain of wedding attire stores like David's Bridal and Men's Wearhouse.  That way your bridesmaids and groomsmen can try on the exact garment they will be purchasing and/or renting.  But when that is not possible, make sure the wedding party knows the price and payment plan of the store and when the garment has to be ordered.  Then inform them about visiting a cleaners or tailor to get their exact measurements to provide the store when they call in with their order.  The biggest factor to understand and stay on your wedding party about, gowns and suits will not be ordered until ALL of your wedding party members have placed their order.  

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

Taking The Tuxedo Beyond Black

I was truly inspired more by the men's attire at the 2014 Golden Globes and the 2014 Grammy Awards than the gorgeous gowns the ladies were wearing.  What I saw plenty of were men in navy or green tuxedos!  I simply loved the idea over your classic black tux.  I can remember when chocolate was the new black and now you have grey taking over the male wedding party attire.  But consider steering away from the norm and pick a color that many are not wearing.  You just might like it.  Take a look...

Now the bolder look might not be for every male, or even their partner, but for the daring...go bold and shock 'em all! Or hey, the ladies some times change for the reception...why don't you?!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  tailorablenco.tumblr.com; formaltailor.com; ebay.com)   

The Language of Tuxedos

No matter how good the tuxedo looks on a hanger, just like the bride and bridesmaids, the groom and his attendants should select their formalwear based on style and comfort.  There also 6 keys points I'd like to bring to your attention about tuxedos and how "sexy" they can look on a man:

1. When you are getting fitted for your tux, it should fit comfortably at the neck and shoulders.  So make sure to sit and stand at the fitting as well as button and unbutton the jacket.
2. About 1/4 to 1/2 of the shirt's cuff should show below the jacket sleeve.
3. Same as the jacket, the pants should fit comfortably and button easily.  Make sure to sit in the pants during your fitting.
4. If wearing a vest, the buttons should line up with your jacket front and should button comfortably across the chest.
5. Consider renting shoes from the formalwear location, make sure to try the shoes on later in the day, like after work in case your feet have a tendency to swell.  It's better to have loose shoes than tight-fitting shoes.
6. Don't use clip-on ties!  If you are purchasing or renting a tie, make sure to try it on so that it fits sung around the collar.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: gray tuxedo - www.ruffledblog.com; black tuxedo - www.weddingwire.com; tuxedo w/ purple tie - www.colincowieweddings.com; taupe tuxedo - www.weddingish.com)

Accessorizing Your Boo!

On Day #28 of the 31 Days of December, we talked about the Boys and patterned socks to give their attire a bit more personality.  Now let's dive a little deeper into accessorizing the boys with neckties, bow ties, pocket squares and belts.  Any of the mentioned items would also make wonderful groomsmen gifts since I'm always questioned as to what to get the boys as a wedding attendant present :)

Go above and beyond the plain, non-descript tie for some prints and color

 Loving a printed, whimsical bow-tie for the most fashion-forward bridal party

Even for the most casual wedding party, a bow tie can be so jazzy

Colored, patterned or textured pocket squares will complete a suit jacket

Consider a nice belt to keep those trousers up :)

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.brides.com; www.americanapparel.net; www.bubblybride.com; www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.the-perfect-necktie.com)

Look at that Tux...and Man!

It's a known fact that what the bride is wearing is the focal point of the ceremony, but the groom's look should be top notch as well. Tuxedos, rented or owned, happen to be the most popular choice for the groom's attire on wedding day.

When selecting a tux, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration - style and color. Althought the pants are the same, there are several jacket styles the groom can select from...classic 4 button jacket, jacket with tails, one button or two button jackets. Then consider the tuxedo's color - black, white, ivory, gray, chocolate or the stylish black and white combination. Many bride's like the groom to compliment the color of her gown by wearing a white or ivory tuxedo, but you can never go wrong with selecting a black tuxedo for both the groom and groomsmen. Then consider adding a splash of color with the vest, tie or bow-tie, and pocket square to compliment the bridesmaids attire and bouquet. And should you want to go totally retro, spice the tux up with colored suspenders!

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits:

www.bridesofnorthtexas.com

http://www.victoriasformalwear.com/