Real Wedding – K&M’s Wedding Board

3 / 15 / 17

One of the things I’ve been meaning to make time for is creating Wedding Boards, following each client wedding to illustrate how the initial Inspiration Board vision turned into reality.

K&M’s inspiration started with the dramatic backdrop of the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall. They wanted their wedding to compliment the setting with a timeless, formal and elegant feel. We worked with a color palette of crisp whites and varied bright greens for their late spring wedding. With touches of metallic gold found in accessories such as their gold-rimmed china, votive candles and chairs – the classically beautiful scene was set.

This collection of the couple’s wedding photos, that I used to put together this Wedding Board, was captured beautifully by the talented Katie Kett Photography team, Katie & Pat.

For more of K&M’s wedding, check out these images.

Vendor Credits: Venue – Chicago Cultural Center || Floral & Decor – HMR Designs || Food & Beverage – Boutique Bites || Photography – Katie Kett Photography || Orchestra – Rendezvous || Film – One Fine Day || Wedding Cake & Cupcakes – Sweet Mandy B’s || Host Hotel – Public Chicago

Wedding Weekend

5 / 26 / 16

Giddy with excitement going into the weekend. Cutie KSE couple K+M are getting married at the Chicago Cultural Center, one of my long time favorite venues.

Their style is timeless, their love is endless, their families are lovely and their friends are the coolest. Can’t wait to see their beautiful details come together!

Outfitting: Autumn Splendor

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I believe the weather rollercoaster we experience as Chicagoans is simply part of the trade off. In exchange for 30 degree fluctuations from one day to the next, or winter-like days in springtime – we get the dreamiest city surroundings. An ocean-inspired Great Lake, a mountainous landscape of skyscrapers, world-class dining and the most charming neighborhoods and communities around every corner.

This fall has actually been quite lovely (dare I say!) – the generous smattering of warm temperatures has kept the vibrant hues of the season in full splendor longer than I remember in years past. While I love the traditional hues of the turning leaves, when it comes to seasonal entertaining and fashion, however, I am drawn to embrace a slightly more unexpectedly autumn palette.

For an easy outfit this fall – you may find me popping from pre-school drop-off to meetings-to-errands in a similar uniform:

I’m able to run around town with ease in an upgraded pair of leather-trimmed leggings, topped off with a lived-in chambray shirt. The punchy poncho, booties, bargain cluster earrings and bold lip stain (smooch-friendly essential for all mommas) help make a bit of a statement when paired with neutral necessities such as a roomy tote and sunnies. Perfect for adding some pep to this season’s autumn wardrobe!

Recycle & Reuse

5 / 20 / 155 / 28 / 15

While opportunities don’t always present themselves, I always try to help my clients find any and every way to get double-duty usage out of something used at their weddings. Altar arrangements used to flank the entrance to their ballroom, aisle clusters secured to the backs of bridal party chairs, cocktail arrangements relocated to the dessert buffet etc.

For a former, favorite (sophisticately preppy) client, I had a pair of scripted monograms made for the church.

We sneakily added these married monograms to the beautiful camellia wreaths adoring the church doors, as guests witnessed the I Dos.

After a shower of fuchsia rose petals cascaded over the happy newlyweds during the Grand Exit, the monograms were moved to the reception to ‘secure’ gorgeous, billowing navy curtains adoring the French doors used as a backdrop for both the cake (deliciously Sweet Mandy B’s) and the intimate head table.

The cutie monograms were then packed up for the couple to take home and use as artwork in their home, as a special reminder of their dreamy day.

Things worth doing are often worth doing twice, no?!

Xx!

Kara

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Vendor Credits: Kara Superfine for Bliss Weddings, HMR Designs, St. Chrysostomos Church, Chicago History Museum, Amanda Hein Photography

Mom.

5 / 9 / 155 / 28 / 15

I am lucky enough to have a mom that has been my favorite friend for as long as I can remember. I appreciated her as a youngin, as a teen and adored her in college.

As a mom, myself, I cherish her even more. Looking back, she made being The Best mom in the world seem like the most effortless and easy role….something I know, first hand, couldn’t possibly have been! Seeing her with Carter floods my mind with memories of the absolute dream childhood she provided for my brother and I.

Mom is strong, loving, generous, unabashedly goofy, caring, gorgeous, selfless and the least lazy person I know! Such an example for me, as I try to navigate my way through mommyhood. My heart explodes with love and appreciation for my mom!

Whether you’re a New Mom, an Old Mom or a Future Mom – Happiest Mothers Day to you all! Hopefully someone special spoils you rotten!

Xx!

It’s Finally Here, My Dears!

5 / 3 / 155 / 28 / 15

As life as a momma, wife, wedding & event planner and – as of late last year – a new business owner(!!) snowballed into total overload, client and family life continued to take priority. This left no time to keep up with the sweet and simple little blog I started back in 2008.

I am really excited to get back into the swing of things, sharing all sorts of dreamy inspirations that always Celebrate a Life Well Styled!

Xx!

Announcing Kara Superfine Events

10 / 22 / 145 / 27 / 16

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Many say this is long overdue. I say the timing is just right!

I am so thrilled to announce the launch of my very own wedding & event planning company, Kara Superfine Events.

Kara Superfine Events works with discriminating clients to plan, design and produce incredible celebrations that are tailored specifically for each individual client.

Website forthcoming, but in the meantime, feel free to reach out to set up a time to connect about your wedding or party.

Pause in Action

8 / 3 / 145 / 27 / 16

I started this sweet and simple little blog 6 years ago, before Life grew so exquisitely full.

I simply don’t have the heart to close down the The Art of The Occasion, in hopes of finding a pocket of time now and again. Should you, in the meantime…during this blogging sabbatical…like to keep up with me, my wedding, design and daily happenings, feel free to follow me on

Instagram.

Spring Fling

4 / 19 / 145 / 27 / 16

While I haven’t put together this year’s Easter Centerpiece yet [sneak peak: coral, celery & grey!] – here was last years collection of sunny yellow Garden Roses, Dusty Miller, Mimosa and Kumquats.

Have a wonderful Easter!

Had it.

4 / 3 / 145 / 27 / 16

Via

At least it’s not snowing at the moment here in Chicago!…but seriously, friends, our frigid temps and uninspiring sogginess has me counting down the days [minutes?!] until our little holiday to Mexico next month!