Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc.

Here at Greatest Expectations, we love what we do.  Combined we have been planning special events for more than 15 years, but our hearts belong to weddings.  We love the romance, the excitement, the emotion … My heart melts when the new couple walks back down the aisle and I continue to cry at every Father of The Bride Toast. Truly, we love every event we do … But it is rare that we have a chance to really get creative and step completely outside of the box on a wedding.  That is why we so enjoyed working with Christina and Cary on their unbelievable “Red Hot Wedding” this past April at the Chicago Illuminating Company (one of my all time favorite venues).

Christina has amazing taste (well, she did hire us right – the proof is in the pudding).  She came to us with so many beautiful and exciting ideas for a contemporary yet completely elegant wedding.  We worked together to create something that no one else has ever done from a design perspective.  The team of vendors we had just rocked and working together, we just really hit this one out of the park.

Normally I write the post about the event and then show you pictures at the end but I just don’t think it does the event, or the images justice this time.  So I would like to include pictures as I post to really give you an idea of what it was like at this event!  I will also note that it is not necessarily in “event order”.

All of the images are from the beautiful and talented Amanda Hein Photography.   I really love working with Amanda.  It is super fun to watch her work as she is constantly scanning the room for the perfect shot, creative angle and unique look.  I highly encourage you all to check out her website (and blog, where Greatest Expectation got their share of love when she posted this same wedding) to see more of her work!

One of the things I loved most about this event was the color palette.  Interestingly enough, Christina and Cary first wanted an icy blue with red accents. As we progressed through the planning process she realized those colors just were not working for her (have you ever tried to find blue flowers, there are not many to choose from and you cannot get too picky about the exact shade of blue).  So a little over half way though the planning process she came to me with the idea of doing eggplant and candy apple red … I will admit to being a tad bit skeptical at first but once you see these colors together there is no denying the power and beauty they invoke.  We started with an amazing monogram (designed by the bride herself, she really is quite the talent!).

We decided to use stark white in the cocktail hour with accents of the eggplant and red in the floral and with the votive candle holders.  It was such a beautiful and really fun cocktail area.  We had white spandex on all of the high boys and two beautiful white seating vignette’s. The Pièce de résistance was the Glow Bar from Ivan Carlson (they did the white furniture as well). And one of my favorite things was the “place card wall”.  Think french message board gone contemporary!  This was a really, really large piece – over four feet tall and nearly four feet wide!  Truly, truly gorgeous!

Because red had always been part of the design we were able to keep several of the design ideas we already had planned, including the candy apple red dance floor!  Frost Lighting worked with us to not only create the perfect lighting effects but to also create the super cool dance floor.  Frost also provided the red seating arrangements that helped the dance floor area feel like a night club.

Because the contemporary shapes and architecture were such an active part of the design plan, we used a beautiful combination of squares and circles in almost every element.  The centerpieces done by Fleur, Inc were a combination of the most amazing red pave floral chandeliers dripping with crystals and red pave spheres in square glass containers. BBJ linen provided the rich eggplant lamour linens and the color combination was truly eye popping! We topped the tables off with fantastic red water and wine goblets and square bread plates. And guests were seated on Ice Versailles Chairs (all from Halls Rental) which are a clear lucite where you can see the silver tubing.  It was such a fantastic way to marry the tradition of the Versailles Chair with the edgy contemporary design of the lucite.

While all the guest tables were round, the head table was a square.  All of the floral was bright red, the only exception were the Bride’s flowers which were mostly white with a touch of blue (my favorite way to get your “something blue”).  We used her flowers as the centerpiece for the head table. That is not only a great design element but a wonderful way to save a little money.

The cake was a simply divine creation by Amy Beck Cake Design. Amy really out did herself with this square butter cream structure.  There were beautiful hand made red sugar flowers that I know took Amy and her entire staff weeks to make!  It tasted amazing (as Amy’s cakes always do) and really was a sight to see!

The catering for this event was done by Berghoff Catering Group.  I am here to tell you all, it was amazing!  Obviously the food tasted outstanding but what was even more exciting than that was the design of the food.  I really wish I had some pictures to show you the dinner, especially the salad course which was a Mango and Strawberry Tower with mangos, strawberries, goat cheese and arugula accompanied by raspberry vinaigrette with a fresh honeycomb.  Is your mouth watering yet?

Berghoff also provided beautiful Blood Orange Martini’s as the speciality cocktail (complete with red star fruit!) and a French Fry Bar (white and sweet potatoes with all imaginable toppings) to finish the evening out.  Trust me, if you hear about an event that Berghoff is catering make sure you are on the guest list!

Of course as with all weddings, the most important part is the couple and the actual wedding. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the first part of the day.  The most “unlucky” part of the entire day was when the Michigan Avenue Bridge got stuck half way up.  We were taking “first glance” pictures on the stair case at Michigan and the River and it obviously caused a serious traffic jam. No one could get across the bridge and they literally closed down Michigan Ave for four blocks!  But honestly, how else could we ever have gotten a shot like this (which I adore).

The beautiful bride!

The ceremony was held at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lincoln Park.  I think this series of images is just fantastic!

One of the perks of having a reception in an industrial area is getting shots like these …

And I think this photograph may actually be my all time favorite image.  Seriously, my favorite image ever in over 13 years of planning special events and weddings.  I am not exactly sure why but it totally evokes something magical, romantic and completely beautiful in me.

Wow – I know that was a long post.  I hope you enjoyed it.  As you can tell I enjoyed every aspect of planning this event.  It was a complete pleasure working with Christina and Cary. They are wonderful people and I wish them the most beautiful, love filled future possible!

Our favorite wedding shop, The Left Bank Jewelry & Wedding Shoes, is hosting a

Martinez Valero Wedding Shoe Trunk Show!  

These shoes are gorgeous, sexy and tons of fun!!  

The show is one day only and you simply do not want to miss it if you are still searching for your perfect glass slippers!

Thursday, July 2nd ~ 2pm – 8pm

1155 West Webster Ave.

Trunk Show Special ~ All Martinez Valero Shoes will be 15% Off

Prices range $145 – $175

Martinez Valero began creating high end women’s fashion footwear in the early 1950’s in Spain.  The Spanish influence of his designs lives on today and comes to life through the sexy yet sophisticated detailing in their unique bridal shoe line. The use of delicate detailing and crystal embellishments make these bridal shoes unforgettable.

As I was going through some files in my office this week I discovered a pile of really lovely thank you notes I have received from clients and their parents.  I thought it would be nice to share some of them with you (none of these are featured on my website at this time).  It just gives me the nicest warm fuzzy to read these and I hope you enjoy them as well.

Dear Heather,

Thank you so much for all of your great ideas and insight. Thanks for making this planning process go as smoothly as possible and for shielding me from any “unpleasantness” that may have occurred.  I had a blast with you and will definitely recommed you to friends!  You’re the best!

Love, Christina

Heather - 

We wanted Jairon  and Makayla’s wedding day to be perfect.  Thanks to you – it was even more!  Simply perfect!!

They are such a special couple and with your help, they were able to enjoy their day and allow everyone to see what we have seen for years, they are perfect together.

Your help created wonderful memories for them as well as us and we cannot thank you enough for that.

Dan & Kelly (Parents of the Groom)

Dear Heather -

Chris and I cannot thank you enough for all you did to make our wedding day truly unforgettable. Having you there allowed us to truly sit back and enjoy every moment.

It was a spectacular day for us, our family and our friends and we could not have done it with out you and your staff.

Thank you for making our day so special!

Kate & Chris

Dear Heather,

Thank you so much for taking care of George and me.  We could not have asked for a better event.  It’s too bad I can’t have a few weddings because you are the best!

Warmly, 

Diana and George

Dear Heather,

Thank you so very much for all your hard work, words of reassurance, encouragement and guidance.  We most certainly would never have survived these past months without your expertise and energy. I feel like we have become family and hope to stay in touch.

Again all our thanks,

Karen & Emil

Dear Heather,

Thank you so much for helping make our dream wedding come true!  We could not have done it without you.  The wedding was everything we had envisioned and we throughly enjoyed the journey to make it happen.  It was a pleasure working with you. Take care and keep in touch!

Love,

Nikki & Bob

WOW!  That is all I can say about the beautiful event hosted by Blue Plate the week before last.  The event was a way to say “Thank You” to some of their clients and also an opportunity to show off some brand new menu items.  The entire event was just mind blowing from the start but I really should give credit where it is due to their Head Chef, Paul.  The meal was mouth watering (and this from a pregnant girl who cannot eat much of anything that is not a starch!).  My stand out favorite was the main course of Pan Roasted Black Cod with Toasted Barley Risotto, Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Bok Choy and Miso.  Honestly just thinking about it makes me want to throw my own party just to have that on the menu!  Paul, you truly out did yourself!

Ok now on to all of the other eye popping details!  The event was held at The Ivy Room at Tree Studio’s which is Chicago’s hottest venue these days (if you have not checked it out I suggest you run not walk, they book up fast).  There was a long list of other vendors who participated in the event including the outstanding event and floral design of Botanicals (I am totally in love with the peacock feathers they used through out the room, I so need a client that wants to go all the way with those!) and lighting design of Sound Investment.  We actually had the extreme pleasure of being seated with Matt and Peter from Sound Investment, these guys really know what they are doing and they are a total blast to have a meal with so I am sending a big Thank You to who ever did the seating arrangements!  The amazing invitations, place cards and menu cards were done by Elizabeth Grace.  I am not joking when I tell you they were the most stunning stationery items I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot of really beautiful things).  And the evening topped of with live entertainment from The Ken Arlen Orchestra.  Because the evening was intended to be a social event for professional Event Planners, we were invited to bring a guest.  My guest, of course, was our own Katherine Brown.  It was also a lot of fun to see some of our counterparts in the Chicago planning world.  It really is a small community and I do enjoy spending time with so many of them! We had the most incredible time and we just wanted to properly thank Blue Plate and all of the other vendors for an incredible evening!!

Below are some beautiful photographs taken at the event by the extremely talented Jai Girard and staff.  These photographers are so much fun to work with and as you will see below, their work speaks for itself!   

To top it all of my dear Friend Ken was sweet enough to provide me with a copy of the floor plan from the event.  It just gives you a full view of the entire room and how much work was put into the whole thing!! Thanks Mr. Doll!!

There is no good excuse for the extremely late posting of this beautiful wedding (ok, fine … If you want to count being super busy and pregnant there might be a slightly good excuse).

We loved working with Makayla and Jarion.  They are just the sweetest couple ever and it was a total joy to get to know them and help plan their perfect day.  Makayla was so sweet she even watched my kids a few times (and I am pretty picky about the people that watch my babies!).

The inspiration for this winter wedding came from one of Chicago best restaurants Carnivale. After dining there, the bride and groom completely changed their wedding design and we could not have been more thrilled.  I honestly think it was the most beautiful color combination I have ever seen and it afforded me the chance to do something I have not done in years … Use multiple linen colors.  We showered the venue with hot pink, teal, royal blue and deep purple.  By combining the linens with colored glass votives from Cudge (my favorite place to purchase votives) and the beautiful floral designs of Fleur, Inc we created a fantasy world of color.  It really was gorgeous.

Below are some of my favorite images.  You’ll have to forgive me if there are too many floral shots, I was just in love with the color and design.  I even included a super cool shot of the votives and a rare picture of me with the Bride (I am always so honored when they ask to take a picture with me).  These beautiful images were taken by Rob Warner from Warner Foto.

This has been a great week “online” for Greatest Expectations.  Heather Lynne Vickery, our Owner and Event Director was featured in two prominent wedding blogs in the past week and we wanted to share them with you.

The first is OneWed, an excellent wedding planning resource and a really fun online destination for brides looking for new, exciting tips and also a little celebrity wedding planning gossip.  Heather was featured in the “savvy scoop” section of the OneWed Bridal Blog where her “Rule of Three” is discussed.   

The second is Northern Nuptials, a fantastic site for those of you looking to plan a destination wedding in Northern Michigan. The website is the most extensive listing of wedding sites, vendors and honeymoon locations in Northern Michigan.  It was really an honor for Heather to be asked to do their first guest editorial “how to make your guests feel at home during your destination wedding.”  The article and website have tons of details and information valid for lots of couples planning destination weddings, not just those in Michigan.

Be sure to check them out and don’t forget to let us know what you think!!