Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc.

I love 1154 LILL – seriously, this is just the coolest store and I think it makes a perfect gift for your wedding party and a great excuse to get together with your girlfriends!

1154 LILL STUDIO is hosting their Blissful Bride Week Monday, September 14th – Sunday, September 20th.

Get 20% off your custom handbag bridal order of 5+ items.  Take your entire bridal party and make a day of it! They even have custom bridesmaids dresses (in Chicago only) by AUDEY, where a portion of all sales go to Equality Now, an International Organization that  works to protect and promote human rights for women around the world!

Be sure to schedule your appointment online or by calling their store at  773.477.LILL (5455)

Oh, and in case you did not already know it LILL does private hand bag parties!!  You can do them in the store or at your house!  This is a fantastic idea for a bridal shower, birthday … anything really! I might have to plan my own private hand bag party … More details here.

Chicago Social Brides and  Oak Street are hosting their Third Annual Charitable Wedding Walk on Sunday, October 4th from 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

This is truly an exciting day filled with high style and elegant wedding treats.  It is a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

This outdoor wedding walk will include glimpses of couture gowns, elegant jewelry, haute cuisine and delectable cakes at more than 25 stops along the famous shopping row. Brides-to-be will receive a luxury, Juicy Couture tote to collect gifts at each location (exclusively for the bride). The walk will begin at the Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia, level three.

The best part is that a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. Not only can you spend an entire day shopping for luxurious wedding items but you can feel great about it because proceeds go to a fantastic charity (now that is what I call a great Sunday)!

To order your tickets online or get additional information just click here.  Tickets are $65 for the bride and $25 per guest.  A portion of your ticket price is tax deductible.  Online sales close October 1st so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot for this exclusive event on Chicago’s  most glamorous street!

If you want to check out last years exceptional event you can take a look here.

Be sure to let us know how the event was and have a truly fabulous day!

Oh, and if you have not already seen the current issue of CS Brides you really should!  It is a wonderful magazine … You can even view a digital version, which I think is simply fantastic!

Ashley and Michael sure know how to have a good time because this was one lively party!!

I am blown away by the amazing photography taken by Dayna Schroeder.  She has such a magical eye.  It never hurts to have a wedding party willing to take some risks … These pictures are so edgy and creative!

Ashley wanted to pull together some unique color combinations including gold, yellow, orange and peach … I think everything came together beautifully!

One of my favorite things was the guest favors.  They decided to make a donation to charity instead of giving gifts to the guests, but the twist was allowing the guests to pick their charity out of the couple’s favorite three.  I am in love with this idea!!  It is a great way to honor your guests and give back to the community!

The very cool cake came from Alliance Bakery. They always do an outstanding job!

We carried the paisley motif and their monogram throughout the entire event, including the fantastic lighting done by Chicago Lighting Design.

Coming in a future post will be some video footage taken by the always exceptional Poetic Productions (we are still working on the video blog end of things).

We want to wish Ashley and Michael a heartfelt congratulations and we thank you for allowing Greatest Expectations to be part of your special day!

We all know how important it is to have “the” dress for your wedding!  If you are like most brides you search high and low for the perfect wedding gown and it, of course, needs to fit within your budget.  Those two things do not always match up but I’d like to tell you about a match made in heaven!!

Chicago’s premier wedding designer, Caroline DeVillo, is having her semi-annual sample sale August 22nd 11:oo a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 23rd 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

You have just two days to get some really amazing gowns at prices 30-70% off regular prices … Who knows, maybe your perfect match will be the first gown you try on!! Now how can you pass that up?

Make sure to RSVP: 773.342.0096 or info@carolinedevillo.com.

Now go get dressed!!

Visit Belle Vie Bridal Couture to preview the latest designs and receive special savings on gowns and accessories when you purchase them together!!  But you  do need to make an appointment so be sure to give them a call at 312.751.222 or visit them at Belle Vie Bridal Couture.

Christos Trunk Show

Friday, August 7th | 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, August 8th | 10 AM – 5 PM

Amsale Trunk Show

Friday, August 21st | 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, August 22nd | 10 AM – 5 PM