Oak Street’s Fourth Annual Charitable Wedding Walk

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Don’t miss a chance to meet and mingle with some of Chicago’s best wedding professionals at this annual charity event.  All proceeds will benefit The American Heart Association and as a bride you will get your very own luxury swag bag full of tons of amazing goodies (including something from Greatest Expectations).

To purchase tickets just click here

But wait … We have a free VIP ticket!! One lucky reader will get a vip ticket  for two (the bride and her guest worth $90!) to this exceptional event!  If you would like to be the recipient of such an awesome prize just post a comment on this post telling us what you enjoy most about reading CS Brides!  We will have a random drawing on September 9th so hurry and post your comment today!

It was so thoughtful of Sarah to send me a picture her beautiful bridal bouquet with the broach attached.  I really love all of their pictures, so if you want to see more check out her photographer, Janie Lucille Yoder’s blog. I think you will be happy you did!

Thank you Sarah for sharing these beautiful images with us. You were a radiant bride!

I seriously loved interviewing Kara Underwood from Magnificent Milestones!!  Kara owns an amazing custom invitation shop and I am like a kid in a candy store there … Ok, I will admit it … I have a little crush on paper. Feeling really nice paper gives me a bit of a rush.  Now I know that might be a little strange for some of you but it isn’t for Kara and that is one of many reason we get along so well!!

One lucky reader will get an amazing gift provided by Kara … You will have to read through the interview to find out what and how you can win.  Yeah, I am sneaky like that!

You own a beautiful invitation company that operates out of Smitten Boutique, how did you end up sharing this space?

Kirstin Martin, the owner of Smitten Boutique, and I separately had dreams to open a wedding boutique in the West Loop. It was perfect… close to many wedding vendors and there was absolutely nothing like it in the area. The only problem was, we both had the idea at the same time.

We opened within 6 months of one another and did our best to find our niche and support one another’s businesses. Kirstin focused on day of details, such as jewelry, cake toppers and more, while I focused on custom invitations and all things paper. We were constantly sending people to one another and meeting for coffee to chat. After a year, Kirstin and I met to discuss a physical merger. We would share the amazing space at Smitten Boutique and each maintain separate businesses. Naturally, I jumped at the chance!

Seriously folks, if you live in the Chicagoland area and have not been to Smitten Boutique then run don’t walk. The store is simply amazing!!

What do you love most about the invitation business?

When the bride sees her invitations for the first time! It is very surreal to see your name next to your fiancés… very official!

You just created your own Invitation Line.  Tell me about “The Third Coast Collection”!

I started the Third Coast Collection out of my love for Chicago and a void in the marketplace. Brides & Grooms are always searching for fun and kitschy notes for thank you cards and welcome bags. They don’t always have the budget for customized notecards and these have a way of being personal to the couple and their personalities. Stay posted for a line of Chicago-centrice save the dates and invitations coming this fall!

You used to be a wedding planner, what made you decide to forego that and focus on invitations?

I love weddings (obviously), so it’s no surprise that I had my hand in several things at once. Planning was so much fun, but I truly think everyone should have a specialty. After the business started to grow, I realized that I was spreading myself to thin and needed to decide on just one focus. My love for paper prevailed!

I must admit this makes me very happy!!  Not only because Kara was some stiff competition for me but because she has truly outdone herself with the custom invitations.  I seriously love taking my brides to see her.  Not only do they love being in the shop and what she has to offer but she is just plain fun to spend an hour with … Oh and it does not hurt that if you make an appointment to look at invitations with her she gives you the most adorable “expert thank you cards” (yes, that is all you have to do … Make an appointment instead of just stopping in!).

What do you miss most about planning?

Good question! I miss the day of, hands down. It is so exciting… Seeing the bride for the first time, watching the groom when she walks down the aisle, bringing them in to see the room, everything.

What did you find the most stressful about being a wedding planner?

There were times that I felt more like a psychiatrist than a planner! There is a lot of mediating, whether it is between a client and his/her parents or the bride and groom themselves, and it is challenging.

You just got married yourself (at the Ivy Room no less).  What did you learn from “the bride’s perspective” that you did not know from the planner perspective?

All the fun details and stresses you don’t deal with as a planner…. Such as the amazing dress, the dreaded guest list.

What was your favorite part of your wedding?

Oh gosh, that is hard! I have a few… getting ready with my bridesmaids and my mom was a blast. I needed my girl time, so everyone came over in the morning for hair and makeup. After a lot of laughs (and some champagne), it was time to start the day. The ceremony was also one of my favorites. Our officiant did a great job personalizing it. Last but not least, one of my favorites was the dance party that took place that night.

What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?

My favorite food is Mexican and I love the *new* Mercadito.

Favorite color?

Yellow

Favorite movie?

Steel Magnolias

Favorite song?

This changes all the time! Once I love something, I listen to it on repeat, literally, so it doesn’t last as a favorite for long. Sleepyhead by Passion Pit is on repeat right now.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom, for a lot of reasons. She is one of eleven (yes, eleven!) children which made her mom-like figure to my aunts and uncles at a very young age. She had to sacrifice a lot to help out and never got to go to college. But I have never heard a complaint. She worked hard before starting her own family and still became extremely successful. In more recent years, I have thrown her several curve balls, moving to Chicago (with no job, no plan), starting my own business, opening a store and more. Everything I throw her way, I get nothing but support. I am always told that if “someone can do it, it’s me” and I truly think that is why I get to do what I love today.

What do you like best about working with Greatest Expectations?

Personally: You two are just fun! I can seriously chat with you for hours. Oh wait, we have!

Professionally: I love working with planners like you that go above and beyond for their clients. They are so lucky to have you! I know when I email them at 9:00 p.m. at night, I will get a response

Thank you Kara!!  It is so nice to get that kind of compliment from someone in the industry.

Now on to the good stuff … If you love paper the way Kara and I do then you will really enjoy these beautiful (and totally fun)  engraved note cards from Kara’s Third Coast Collection. In order to win simply post a comment here telling us about your personal secret (or not so secret) obsession (mine is clearly expensive paper). Anyone is welcome to enter!

It was such an honor to interview my long time friend and treasured vendor, Kelly Marie Uss from Fleur, Inc.  Kelly has worked in the floral industry for twelve years.  She loves working with unique blooms, pulling inspiration from cloud formations in the sky, ripples in raindrops, hidden clovers in grassy patches and the glow of the flowers themselves.  She pairs a modern and clean approach to design, softened with a versatile, whimsical wild-flower-esque touch.  Her background in painting and printmaking gave her a non traditional training in floral design and that is apparent in her sensitivity to texture and color.  “Nature offers us so much, often in the whirl-wind of life we miss the small details. I feel it’s my job to help people recognize time to slow down and enjoy the intricacies all around us” say Kelly Marie.  “There is so much beauty out there!” she says with a sigh and a smile.  And she definitely keeps us noticing.

Read all the way through the interview to discover what Kelly is giving away to one lucky Chicagoland reader!

How long have you been in the floral industry?

Twelve years! It is really amazing to think about it.

When did you open Fleur, and how has it grown?

Eight years ago. In fact, April 8th is Fleur’s golden birthday! We’ve grown so much it’s mind boggling. From just a little bucket shop to a new location. We started with just a small storefront and now have a new location with a private meeting room for clients. Also, our style has really changed from modest arrangements to stylized centerpieces, and all the designs in the middle. It’s so fun to keep pushing the boundaries. In addition to working on just spectacular weddings and events, our storefront offers a boutique style shop with new selections almost everyday. We’ve also begun carrying vintage vessels, gorgeous hand crafted jewelry and beautiful plants.

I can say from first hand experience how creative and fun Kelly’s floral concepts are!  I always love it when she calls to tell me she has a “new idea” because I know it will produce something amazing for one of my clients.

What is your favorite flower?

I have three. Peonies and lilac, because they remind me of my Mother’s garden growing up. And mimosa which resembles the softest little, butter yellow cotton balls. All three have incredible fragrances and do not last long, which makes them so very special and a reminder to me to stop and enjoy little moments.

Describe the perfect wedding centerpiece?

Right now I am just obsessed with vintage milk glass, or rather, vintage vessels in general. I love varying heights and shapes of containers, teacups and saucers filled with clusters of exploding movement and texture or one single bloom. I’d like to see dogwood blossoms, helleborus, peonies, ranunculus, jasmine, lots of buds, fun textures in a sherbet palette, with pillar candles! I’d love to place them on top of old, hardcover books, or sew a little “place-mat” out of vintage fabric. How bright and fun!

Like Kelly, I am currently obsessed with the look and style of vintage weddings.  I think they are so romantic and fun!

What is your favorite venue in the city?

I like open space and natural light, so I think it might have to be Prairie Productions because it is just a blank palette waiting and there is so much room for so many options. Salvage One is also just so eclectic and amazing!

Awhile ago I “sipped champagne” with the bride from a wedding Kelly and I did together at Prairie Productions. Check out some pictures from the event in my interview with Alyssa.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Everywhere!! I want to see it all! But if I was planning my next little holiday I think it would be in Nova Scotia. I’ve never been to that part of the world and would love to see the maritime culture. I just know I would be so inspired and filled with design ideas after a week there.

If you were an animal which one would you be and why?

Recently I read that my spirit animal may be a crab (!?), but I think I’m a little more like squirrel. I am always forgetting where I hide my keys, and I like to use acorns in arrangements. They’re also all over Chicago, and I feel like that these days with all my running around, I am too.

What is your favorite song or musician?

I don’t think I have a favorite song, but I really love singer/songwriters. Will Oldham, Bill Callahan, Tim Buckley, Linda Rich and so many more. It’s nice to come home after a long day of work to some soothing guitar melodies. And I play the banjo, so almost anything that has an accompanying banjo usually wins me over.

Who is your favorite artist?

As for artists, I love Paul Klee for his whimsy and color, and Winslow Homer for his nature and palette. They’re perfect descriptions of my realist and abstract sides.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Lula Cafe. Yum! Although, Avec is a close second. Oh gosh, I’m getting hungry right now, thinking about them.

What do you like most about working with Greatest Expectations?

As we all know, the wedding industry can be stressful for both the bride and the vendors. Working with you and your team is so fun that the stress is just eliminated! We can laugh and joke all the while figure out plans and develop a completely unique and personalized celebration for each and every client. You are always coming up with the most fabulous new ideas and your standard is a perfect pairing of good fun, humor and superb professionalism! It is always a delight to work with you and your staff.

Thank you Kelly!!  It warms my heart to hear such kind words from you.  I consider myself extremely blessed to not only work with you often but to call you my friend.

Kelly has generously agreed to giveaway a $100 vase arrangement to one lucky reader!!  The arrangement will be made in a vintage container and include wonderful blooms of the season.  The picture below is just an example of Kelly’s work.  The winning item may resemble this piece.  In order to win just post a comment to this thread telling us what you enjoy most about having fresh flowers in your home! A winner will be selected at Random on March 8th. You do not have to be a Greatest Expectations bride to win

The rules

The wedding must take place at least 500 miles from Chicago, and you must be a totally fun couple (Doug’s rules, not mine!).

How to enter

Send your story to doug at dougphoto dot com.  Include a picture of yourselves.

The judges

Doug’s two adorable daughter’s get the final say.  He reads them “your story” and shows them the pictures and they select a winner!

What you Win

8 hours of coverage from Doug, a disk of edited high resolution images, and an online gallery of images.

The Catch (if you can call it that)

The winner needs to cover the transportation cost to get Doug to the wedding location. Oh and you need to send your stuff in by the end of the day tomorrow, February 22nd!  Now get to writing!!

This is the second year Doug is giving away wedding photography.  If you want to see last years winners just click here.

Here’s a super fun picture Doug took of our clients John and Maureen a couple of January’s ago … I love this shot but you can see why he is anxious to get out of Chicago for awhile!!

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!

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!!