Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc.

I am so excited that I had a chance to interview Susan Jablonski from The Left Bank (one of my favorite stores and wedding mecca’s in Chicago!).  I have known Susan for many years and she is truly exceptional!  I love walking into The Left Bank and seeing all of the beautiful and inspired items she has available.  The customer service is top notch and I promise you will feel extra special the entire time you are there!  The Left Bank has a fantastic website where you can purchase many of the fabulous items sold in the downtown Chicago shop.  You should also check out their outstanding blog Everything But The Dress!

Because Susan is so amazing, she has provided the most beautiful brooch for us to giveaway to one truly lucky reader. (I will have a hard time parting with it.  I have it placed lovingly on my desk just to soak it in while I still can.  This is a beautiful piece of jewelry)  Read through the interview to discover how to win the brooch!

You have been in business a long time – how did The Left Bank get its start (and where did you get the name)?

The Left Bank is turning 15 years old on May 1 of this year! We began importing jewelry from France and as word got out about our unique jewelry, brides soon followed.  I’ve been a Francophile for nearly my  entire life, so I named the business after one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris that is filled with petite boutiques, cafes and great nightlife.

How is it different today than when you first started?

Through the years, we’ve evolved and added a tremendous collection of veils, headpieces and those tough to find wedding shoes.  I believe the key to staying in business is to constantly evolve and embrace change.

What is your favorite thing about owning the shop?

Meeting wonderful people and sharing stories. When I first began, I was worried about not meeting people and expanding my friendships, but I was completely wrong.  We’re a small business, so it’s wonderful chatting with our clients and getting to know them.

This is exactly how Susan and I first met.  I purchased my wedding head piece at The Left Bank and we just became fast friends!

What is your favorite thing you sell?

My favorite things are our one-of-a-kind pieces that are crafted out of vintage components and turned into modern luxe jewelry.

Personally, I own way too many things from the shop

You got married not too long ago (congratulations!), what was your favorite and least favorite part of the planning process?

Ah, we’re 2 year newlyweds.  I was fortunate that I relied a lot on friends in the industry but did not make my mind up until the month before.  Being in the business I was inundated with friends asking me questions about the details, which was a bit tiresome, but a natural question.  I make very fast and efficient decisions, and with so many wonderful choices out there, I waited.  That goes without saying that I would not recommend this type of decision making to those outside the biz!

And neither would we!  Ladies, do not follow Susan’s example here!

What do you like most about married life?

Married life is great, but I’ve been independent since I was 4 years old (my sisters say!) so it’s taught me more patience.  I’ve married someone the complete opposite of me which keeps me more balanced.  I definitely believe in the “yin/yang” factor with relationships.

Did you wear a veil?

Yes, I wore a beautiful Italian Tulle veil which was super soft and draped beautifully over my gown.

I would have expected no less from Chicago’s veil expert!

What is your favorite museum in Chicago?

My favorite museum is the Art Institute and love the new Modern Wing. The AIC has a phenomenal collection and have always loved the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

If you could travel anywhere outside the United States where would it be and why?

Definitely France, I feel completely in my element there.

Describe the perfect Saturday night.

I work weekends, so a nice long bath and a glass of bubbly is heavenly.

I can totally  identify with this!

What is your favorite number?  Why?

Easy…22…my birth date!

What is your favorite saying?

“Make your life a dream and your dream a reality”
“Fais de ta vie un reve, et de ton reve une reality”…  Saint Exupery

If you were a color what color would you be and why?

Lavender, it’s calm, vibrant  and regal at the same time.

We have known each other for a very, very long time … What is your favorite thing about working with Greatest Expectations?

Heather, you always make me smile and I admire how you’ve grown your business and family.  When I meet your clients, they exude the same grace and professionalism as you. Kudos to you for being one of the top wedding planners!

Thank you Susan.  Those are extremely kind words and they mean a lot coming from you.  I do have some fantastic clients as well

Now onto the contest!!  Head on over to Everything But The Dress, look around and enjoy the blog.  Then come back here and post a comment telling us one thing Susan “Cannot live without”.  We will draw a random winner on Wednesday, February 10th.

Congratulations to Sarah our winner of the Ribbon Brooch!

GREATEST EXPECTATIONS SPECIAL EVENTS & WEDDINGS, INC.  NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS  2010!

Chicago, Illinois January 21, 2010 — Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc. is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2010 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot Chicago magazine and on The Knot Chicago Website, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. From New York florists and Seattle bridal salons to DC makeup artists, engaged couples will find detailed feedback on local wedding businesses reviewed by thousands of newlyweds who had great things to say.

“We are beyond thrilled to have received this enormous honor!  A very special thank you goes out to all of our brides for helping make this possible.”

# # #

About The Knot Inc.
The Knot Inc. (NASDAQ: KNOT; www.theknot.com) is a leading lifestage media company. The Company’s flagship brand, The Knot, is the nation’s leading wedding resource, reaching well over a million engaged couples each year through the #1 wedding website, TheKnot.com. Other products from The Knot include The Knot national and local magazines, The Knot books (published by Random House and Chronicle) and television programming bearing The Knot name (aired on the Style and Comcast Networks). The Company also owns WeddingChannel.com, the most visited wedding gift registry website.

We know that not every bride plans to change her name … But if you are planning a name change then I have the perfect solution for you!!  MissNowMrs offers an easy and affordable solution to changing your name.  This one stop shop will help get your name changed everywhere from Social Security to the DMV, USPS to your Credit Card Companies and everything in-between!

I was one of those women who wanted to take my husband’s name but not get rid of my maiden name.  Let me tell you, the process was confusing and took way too much time.  To be honest, I still have not changed my name for my air miles, which seemed to be the most difficult part of the process (go figure, airlines!).

With three simple steps you will be on your way from Miss. Single to  Mrs. MrRight! So don’t waste time and energy dealing with this on your own … Let the smart ladies at MissNowMrs do all the dirty work for you so you can enjoy being a newlywed!

** Two lucky readers will get gift cards from MissNowMrs that will cover the complete cost of their online services (a $29.95 value).  So here is where we find out if you are reading this blog and paying attention … In order to win the gift cards you simply need to post a comment telling us what you are most looking forward to about married life.  We will draw names at random on January 29, 2010.

And the winners are Michelle and Abigail! I will be sending you both emails to get your mailing address and send your MissNowMrs gift cards right away!! Congratulations!!

This wedding was glamour on a grand scale!! We all had so much fun working with Rachel and David on their beautiful black, white and hot pink wedding!  Rachel, who is the oldest of three girls has excellent taste and we really bonded.  The planning process was like hanging out with an old friend.  I also truly enjoyed getting to know her mother!  We had a lot in common since I was pregnant with my third daughter for a majority of the process.

The setting was just right at Ivy Room at Tree Studios.  Any opportunity to work with Donna and her team at the Ivy Room is a welcome one!  I just adore this picture of Rachel and David against the “Ivy Wall”. Breathtaking!

Jewish law requires that all weddings on the Sabbath be after sundown.  That meant this Labor Day weekend wedding started after 7:30 p.m. (and lasted well into the wee hours of Sunday morning eventually moving to Pops for Champagne!)  The first event was the Ketubah signing.  I have always loved this tradition, it one of the most beautiful parts of any wedding ceremony. Once this event is over the couple is “married in the eyes of Jewish Law”.

The ceremony, which took place directly following the Ketubah signing, was in the main ballroom with the most amazing and beautiful seven layer Chuppa you can imagine with lots and lots of romantic candle light.  Ronsley Special Events really did a great job with everything.  The ceremony was a magical setting in all white (except for the beautiful black chivari chairs provided by Tablescapes).

We were blessed with perfect weather for cocktails in the courtyard (seen below light up beautifully with pink up-lights thanks to Sound Investment).

From there guests went back inside to a totally transformed space with rich pink lighting, the most luxurious black and white silhouette linens from BBJ Linens and to die for centerpieces from Ronsley Special Event.  We alternated tables with the all white tall centerpieces featuring Calla’s and Orchids and short square centerpieces of hot pink roses in an opaque black vessel … Of course there was tons of candlelight throughout the room!

The treats just kept coming as the guests were blown away by the sounds of the Larry King Orchestra, tastes from Weddings by Blue Plate and the piece de resistance, a four tiered PB&J cake, dripping in handmade silver and crystal flowers, from none other than Amy Beck Cake Design … Ok, so it was Amy’s, to-die-for, chocolate bourbon cake with peanut butter mousse and fresh raspberry filling … PB&J couture style!

All around this wedding was a blast.  It was such a pleasure working with Rachel and David (and their families!) and being surrounded by some of my favorite vendors.  That always makes events run smoothly and a lot more enjoyable!  The beautiful photography is courtesy of Matt Blum .

As a little icing on the proverbial cake … Chicago Social Brides Magazine decided to feature Rachel and David’s wedding in their December 2009 Issue.  Be sure to pick up your copy today to see it in person (you can also view the entire issue online).

Every once in a while, when I have some time to kill (ok … So about twice a year, but that is not the point!) I will Google Greatest Expectations.  I was prompted to do so the other day.  We were lucky enough to be listed in a national magazine (yeah!) the only problem is the magazine used my name only and not the company name.  Oh, and they spelled my name wrong.

That had me thinking … What happens if I typed my misspelled name in and did a search.  Well, it turns out that about five hits down you do find the real Heather Lynne Vickery and Greatest Expectations thank goodness!

I also discovered that we had been blogged!!  I love that.  I’d like to thank  Tickled Pink Brides in Orlando Florida and Rusty Worden Photography in North Carolina for the blog love they sent our way.

And to remind you about some blog love from the past you can always visit OneWed and Northern Nuptials.  We thank them for allowing us to be part of their beautiful sites and hope to do so again!

Now go forth and plan!!

Amsale Trunk Show at Belle Vie Bridal Couture

January 15th & 16th

Reem Acra Trunk Show at Belle Vie Bridal Couture

January 22nd & 23rd

For all Belle Vie trunk shows, preview the latest designs and receive special savings on gowns and accessories when purchased together.

Belle Vie Bridal Couture ~ 34 East Oak Street  ~ 312.751.2222

By appointment only!!

Paloma Blanca Trunk Show at Mira Couture

Friday, January 22nd 9 AM – 5 PM

Saturday, January 23rd 9 AM – 3 PM

View the Spring 2010 line and receive 15% off your entire order!

Mira Couture ~ 1 East Delaware Place ~ 312.255.1699

By appointments only!!

AvantBride NYC at The Left Bank

January 22-24

Avant Bride boasts a unique and eclectic collection of combs, headbands, pins and veils.

The Left Bank ~ 1155 W. Webster Avenue ~ 773-929-7422

Appointments suggested, but not required.

Be sure to check out the Aire Barcelona Trunk Show at The Dress by Nicole!!

January 22nd – 24th

This is the trunk show you’ve been waiting for-Aire Barcelona! Come see the 2010 collection and take advantage of their special 10% discount on all Aire Barcelona gowns purchased during the event!

While you’re in the store, be sure to shop and help them celebrate their one year anniversary with 20-60% off on select in-stock gowns and accessories.

Appointments recommended as space is limited!!

Please call 630.653.3737 or Email nicole@shopthedress.com

The Dress By Nicole
131 W. Wesley St.
Wheaton, IL 60187

Special Hours:
Open Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM

The holidays are over and just like everyone else you want to shed a few sugar cookie pounds.  If you are a bride then it seems even more important because you have to fit in that perfect dress!!

Let me suggest you join The Ivy Room for their Wedding Dress Work Out.  This is an 8 week pilates inspired work shop sure to get you looking and feeling your best for the big day! Classes will be held on Sunday mornings, the perfect way to kick start your week.

Sunday 10 AM

January 24th – March 14th

$140 for 8 weeks or $20 per class

Everyone is welcome (that mean’s fiance’s and friends to help keep you inspired) and if you are an Ivy Room Bride you will get 15% off (now that is incentive). Hurry to reserve your spot as space is limited!

To enroll email info@ivyroomchicago.com or call 312.645.7760