Thanks so much to the wonderful editors of Brides Chicago for selecting my very own wedding to feature on the glossy pages of their publication!  The Spring/Summer issue is on stands now.  Here are just a few of the details highlighted by the Brides Chicago feature…

Our wedding took place on the grounds of the charming and beautiful country club where my family has been members for years, Hinsdale Golf Club.  The ceremony was initially intended to be set in the gorgeous manicured gardens, however, in an unsurprisingly Chicago turn of events…weather forced us inside for the ceremony and cocktail hour.  A second chuppah was created out of the fabric backdrop behind the band in a mere 20 minutes as guests were arriving.

My girls wore adorable party dresses from JCrew and carried bold magenta peonies {number one favs of my mother and I!}, accented with charming dusty miller and camellia.  Our custom letterpress invitations were produced by the lovely Jenna from Clementine ink + paper.

My mother in law and I surprised my husband {and our guests} with a serenade by the Cubs Dixieland Band for the duration of the cocktail hour.

Dinner and dancing took place in an elegant {and massive!} white tent set in the middle of the golf course – guests arrived via chauffeured golf cart and open air trolley.

Petite cabaret tables were positioned on the lawn outside of the tent where we had croquet and cigars available for guests, once the weather cooperated.  These cocktail tables were dressed in yellow linens and surrounded by white chiavari chairs with custom black and white striped cushions.

Back in 2006 {just after we got engaged} I chose a color palette that I had yet to execute for a client…Frenchy black and white accented by sunny yellow {ok ok, so since then the color combo has been a bit overdone…} The tables were set with graphic black and white linens from BBJ and topped with centerpieces set atop ornate lacquered stands and garden urns.  Flowers included cattleya orchid blossoms, casablanca lilies, open roses, fragrant peonies and barely-in-season viburnum.  We had beautiful yellow silk ribbons detailing each guest napkin that perfectly framed our menu cards.

Partytime Productions provided the tent and gorgeous lighting – pin spots highlighting each centerpiece as well as textured projections shone on the canopy above.  The tent ceiling also featured suspended votive candles that twinkled above guests as they danced and a black chandelier noted our family head table.

The sweltering day and unexpected weather did not disappoint.  The day was about love.  About life.  About family and friends.  It was absolutely overwhelming to look around the tent knowing that every person in attendance was there to celebrate and support Joel and I.

Forget dreams of a McMansion, luxe cars and expensive jewelry – can I throw a fabulous wedding-themed fete each year?  Please…?

{credits}  images taken by gerber and scarpelli.  tent and lighting by partytime productions.  linens provided by bbj.  tables, chairs, chargers, goblets etc. provided by tablescapes.  all floral and decor executed by my former home…botanicals.  my gown by the amazing alice padrul.