Modern Wing Fabulousness

My good friend and fellow wedding connoisseur, Frank Andonoplas of Frank Event Design invited me to join him in a private preview of the gorgeous new Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago, opening to the public May 16th.

The space was designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. With this new addition to the existing Art Institute, the whole campus is now the second largest art museum in the States.

Additionally, there are some incredible green features including the bizarrely unique “flying carpet” – that helps filter daylight to light the upper levels of the museum, significantly saving on electricity consumption.

Various spaces of The Modern Wing are available to rent for special events. Perfect for the urban chic bride {eco-savvy or not!} looking to make a wonderful statement with her venue selection – I can’t wait to design an event here!

Whether you are in search of a new private event venue or simply craving some art and culture, you must visit the new Modern Wing!

{photo credits: building images taken from the art institutes’s website, http://www.artic.edu/aic/. lush and verdant tree images taken on my visit to the modern wing}

Client Inspirations – The Drake III – Color & Tropical Chic

This Drake Hotel wedding had a bold, graphic color palette of Green/White/Black.

Some of the tables featured elevated centerpieces, designed in black lacquered vases hosting a canopy of rich palm fronds – lending her desired ‘Tropical Elegance’ vibe. Additionally, Frank and I sourced the same palm patterns as those in the classic movie Casablanca and had them projected onto the dance floor for added texture and drama in the old, glamorous space.

The wedding was stunning, the bride and groom were thrilled and we pulled off the perfect design for her Kelly Wearstler/Tropical Elegance/40’s Glamour inspiration!

Thanks to my friend and wedding planner Frank Andonoplas for his partnership on this wonderful wedding.

Client Inspirations – The Drake II – Interior Designer

One of this client’s inspirations was her favorite interior designer: Kelly Wearstler.
A few of Wearstlers’ trademark styles spoke to me and my wonderful planner friend Frank Andonoplas: Kelly’s use of eclecticism, old world glamour – showcased in modern manners and graphic designs with bold color combinations. I was able to create a wedding design that incorporated these fantastic looks.
Here are a few more design notes from the seductively stylish event…
~The head table sat 14 people; the bridal party. We used long, rectangular shaped tables lined end-to-end to create a more dramatic contrast to the sea of round tables.
~One of the most impressive pieces of the wedding was the custom designed canopy – created to house the head table and make a statement in the grand room (pictured above).
~Because the room is so ornate, I decided to execute the canopy in a more graphic, geometric style. The canopy was woven with flowy fabrics and featured a pair of black crystal chandeliers, twinkling above guests as they dined – another modern and graphic contrast in the luxe, detailed room.

~The head table (above) featured a custom mirrored tabletop that reflected the abundance of candlelight and highlighted the chandeliers suspended overhead. I always encourage clients to use ‘low’ designs on their head table – all eyes will be on the bride and groom! Guests love to see their reactions to toasts etc. For their long, rectangular table, I created a rolling landscape of varied, eclectic elements stretched down the middle of the table.
~Adding to the eclectic feel, I included elements (strategically chosen, but seemingly random!) like gold lacquered geometric pieces, white porcelain sculptures, graphic black votive cups, varied forms and heights of candlelight and fresh, living succulents and palms tinted gold for an unexpected look.

Client Inspirations -The Drake – Inspirations

Before I meet with a client for the first time, I ask them to bring any inspirations they have for their wedding design…It doesn’t always have to be literal (like a centerpiece they saw in a magazine) – and is often times a bit more abstract…A favorite vintage purse, a piece of artwork. Something that speaks to them (they often don’t know why) or captures the essence of what the bride is looking for on her wedding day.

I’d like to share a few of my client inspirations and show how I translated their thoughts into the form of a wedding design.

A favorite client, got married in the Gold Coast Room at the iconic Drake Hotel.

She came to me with a few inspirations.

–Her favorite Interior Designer: Kelly Wearstler – Goddess of Modern Glamour (The brilliant beauty responsible for chic settings in The Tides in South Beach and The Viceroy in Santa Monica, for example)
–Tropical Elegance
–40’s Glam

How did it all come together?

I was recently interviewed for Brides Chicago about this favorite project…

I will post a few more images of this wedding taken by the wonderful Garbo Productions.