Parents, Meet The Parents

Mom, Dad-meet Mom and Dad...

Well, here goes nothing-I have officially set the date for our parents to finally "meet" each other, all together and in one place all at the same time-believe it or not, it's happening next Sunday.  With us both coming from divorced families, getting together in groups can be touchy...can you imagine how it will feel on the wedding day?!  Well, we could-so that's why we thought it would be good to break the ice by drinking some stiff cocktails-over some good old fashioned chit-chat before hand...

"Pleasure to meet you!"

We are hopeful that it is less uncomfortable than it may seem-but thinking it may not be a thousand thread count kind of night. One good thing is that we have a cute, quaint spot pick out for the evening, Jane's in Bucktown.  It truly evokes a kitchen table feel with bistro quality comforts-we know everyone will enjoy that! 

Anyone heard of table topics for "parents, meet the parents?"...

(Images from flicker, treehugger.com and digital dad)

The Registry

At this special time, we are thrilled to include one of our favorite charities in our celebration.  WeddingChannel.com will make a donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society whenever someone uses their site to purchase a gift from one of our registries.  WeddingChannel.com will make the donations as their gift and there is no additional cost to you or to us.  If you intend to use our registries, we'd love if you'd help us support our charity by going through the Wedding Channel link below.

Sometimes it's the smallest things, that can make the biggest difference-Thanks for your love and support! 

We're looking forward to seeing you at the wedding!

89 days to go...

xoxo

Meg & Mike

Here's a quick link to find us:

Wedding Channel Registry Link

Bridal Lounge-ing

So... I must say, one of the best parts about being a bride-is that you are invited everywhere for free!  Well, CS magazine is hosting, so why not take a stroll down to The James Hotel to see what all the fuss is about-score some great food and drink and hopefully spy some cool new trends for 2010. 

I hesitate to promise that I won't crash any of these events after the wedding actually occurs-shhh, don't tell!!!

The James Hotel Chicago

The Nitty Gritty

95 days out and into all the nitty gritty, the details, the final decisions and final balances...

I am currently working on the rehearsal dinner, hair stylist, invitations, picking up the guys suits, looking into after parties and entertainment for out-of-towners, picking out songs for our DJ "must" play list, planning showers and cocktail musicians.  As an event designer, I still feel overwhelmed by all the steps involved-fully knowing, what I've got myself into. 

The pressure of making things just so... and trying to include all the little details I often fawn over (daily) in my style mags and blog reads- subtle hints of our personality and simple gestures, tying the whole thing together-how do you keep that simple? 

We'll, my answer is to be true to what you know, what you love and who you are.

• If something seems to fussy, it is...
•  If you are going to do something, do it right (not, half way)
• Make it memorable (if you keep forgetting to do that one thing...) there is probably a reason why.

PS-if you catch me in a frantic state over any of the above, don't be surprised... come on, I'm only human- and a bride, just once!

Seven Years Sentimental

Last weekend, Mike and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary-it sounds like a long time, but we are working on forever, you know... It seems like we have know each other a lifetime with the excitement of feeling like we just met.  Each day we still find a new things to make each other smile, or cringe-for that matter-while truly knowing that no matter what, we love each other.  No one said that life was easy, but when you get to pick your partner how could it not?! 

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

xoxo

Image via: Green Wedding Shoes

Hotel...Motel...Not Your Average Holiday Inn

The Chicago Restaurant show is in town during the wedding (how dare they...) and is going to make it quite expensive for any procrastinators!  So in an effort to save you $ and any headaches-take my advice and book your rooms now!

Rooms are blocked under Miezio/Musschoot Wedding for Friday May 21st and Saturday May 22nd.  Rooms must be booked 30-45 days out to guarantee the rate-please check with hotels for additional details.

All the hotels are walking distance to the Newberry Library situated in the historical Gold Coast that has tons to offer as far as transportation, shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife right at your fingertips.

Hotel Indigo
312.787.4980

Hotel Indigo Reservation Link

Book rooms at the Hotel Indigo before April 21st!

Ambassador East Hotel
312.787.7200
(Must call to make reservation with our group rate)
Book rooms at the Ambassador East before April 30th!

"The infamous Pump Room"

Elysian Hotel

312.646.1300

Book rooms at the Elysian Hotel before April 23rd!

Gorgeous French chateux-esque vibe...

Invitation=Inspiration

Indie Wed was a super duper-really, the best part about it was meeting a fantastic couple that founded this amazing Eco friendly invitation company...Spilled Ink Press!

Even before the show, I had spent time on their website admiring their work -thinking it would most certainly fall outside my budget...much to my surprise, the pricing is very inclusive and appropriate (dare I say, cost effective?).

Not only do they offer a green initiative in the printing method and papers but a cooperative design strategy.  First thing Monday morning, I picked up the phone and made an appointment-I can't wait to see what we can come up with!

Here is a sneak peak at some looks I love...

Images via: Vrai Photography

Mission: Indie Wed 01.30.10

http://www.indiewed.com/

Things I will be looking for:

1. Eco friendly Invitations

2. A super cute headband

3. Vintage inspired accessories

Wish me luck!

XOXO

Pretty, Peach

Image From: Ariella Chezar

I always stick to neutral color palettes, maybe branching out by using tiny touches in my wardrobe...finding it hard to live with something trendy like, color. When the wedding planning started, I knew I had to snap out of it.  Coming from a design background you'd think I would know better...But in my defense, I really do find most inspiration in a neutral canvas, finding charming errancy in patterns and textures alike while furthermore, allowing for unique opportunities in the details.  That's probably why I became a florist.

          Image From: Design Sponge

Recently, I have adopted the color peach into my safety scope.  Not only does it pair well with my complexion and the essence of spring, but just reeks of vintage romance and casual elegance.  How suitable for a wedding, especially ours!

Don't get me wrong, I plan on layering shades of espresso, taupe and gold throughout the day as well, but peach is pretty too!

                            Image From: Style Me Pretty

Seriously Cute.

Dear Self,

It would be so great if you could please save enough money to buy these super adorable and extremely necessary wedding shoes.  It would be impossible to walk down the aisle in anything else. 

How could you live without them? Seriously...

Love,

Me

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

A sparkle in my eye...

The contracts, the vendors, the decisions and the details-all equally important aspects of planning any event let alone your wedding, which seemingly has a million elements to make the day just right. 

We got off on the right foot before we were even engaged by meeting with a local jeweler-I know it sounds somewhat anti-climactic without any specific plans in mind yet, but after 6 years together we knew our day would come sooner than later.  Trust me, it was well worth it...

http://www.stevequickjeweler.com/

Steve Quick, has been in business since the early eighties and has made thousands of custom engagement and wedding rings, how could we go wrong with such a pro?!  After our initial visit with Steve, Mike made some plans of his own, obviously.  One month or so later, Mike proposed with the most perfect ring, made just for me, just the way we talked about it~absolutely stunning!!! 

Now here we are, about 13 months later and 5 months out from "the big day"~of course I can't wait to do it all again for the wedding bands!!!  I popped in last week to drop off my ring to get polished and started to take a closer look at some things that have caught my eye-OMG so pretty.

Not only am I the luckiest girl in the world, to have met the man of my dreams-but also the luckiest girl in the world, to have the man of my dreams~ meet the best jeweler in the city. THE BEST.

Tiny Bytes...

A quick muse to temper your palates (literally and figuratively)-a few notes on our spectacular caterer~Carlyn Berghoff Catering Group!

There is something to be said about using local vendors and small businesses, for your wedding and everyday life...we always seem to find a consistently better value in overall product, quality and of course the people.  It was an easy choice for us when seeking out our catering options, Berghoff pairs it's high-end menu items with a sustainable initiative and attention to detail,  meeting our criteria for a perfect vendor. 

Here is a glimpse at a few menu items for the "Big Day"..................

Organic Honeycomb and Plum Salad

Mini Berghoff Burgers

"everything is better with bacon" wrapped dates...yum

More at:

http://www.carlynberghoffcatering.com/

The Ring, The Date, The Venue and then of course, THE DRESS!

So...one might not think that I am a super traditional- modern-romantic type, but I am...to the T actually- and couldn't really imagine my (our) big day other than  anything predicted in my little fantasy (OK, so not bridezilla or anything but, in a sweet way)...including everything from the perfect partner to of course, the perfect dress!  I had some expectations in mind for my wedding day look, but had no idea what anything would look like when I tried it on.  I made appointments at every where I felt I should be looking and was advised by fellow brides, and then brought my girls along for their valuable opinions...so the adventure begins!

I went round and round with different looks and everyone's opinions, when finally I decided this may be something that I need to do on my own-to know my choices and weigh the opinions.  I decided that after tirelessly looking I would just go back to where I started but, doing it all my way this time.  Caroline DeVillo, here I come...

When I walked in, I felt like I was on a mission...telling Caroline (herself, of course) everything I could think of that would help her guide me to the right dress. She swiftly had some things in mind to try-and although we had already done this before, it felt right this time.  After only a few more dresses we found the right one-a prototype we can custom tailor with all the quirky details I love and of course the one detail I can't live without...pockets!  It was easy the day I found my dress, I suppose it's because I did it my way..

PS-sorry you can't see the dress til the wedding...

       

Caroline DeVillo Bridal Couture

CS Brides Press

More CS Press...

Image via:Brides magazine

Our Kind Of Place...REVISED

Choosing the right venue for your wedding ceremony and reception may seem easy, but that was not the case for us at all.  We really wanted to have a city wedding, in an urban setting, that was not too stuffy or too casual.  We looked at a number of loft spaces, art gallery style venues, a conservatory and even an old firehouse...with each of these places they all had their own character, style and setting for the right person-but not for us.  We need a central location, with convenient parking, that could accommodate our 150 person wedding list (doesn't seem impossible, right?!) , that felt outdoor-sy, yet modern in it's own way. 

After doing walk-through, after walk-through we finally found our match, The Newberry Library!  The historical library was built in 1893 as a research library and host of rare manuscript collections, maps and history and culture of Western Europe and the Americas.  The old-school essence, location and overall appreciation of the space made it a winner for us. (and of course not to forget the wedding planners Karen Aubrey and Karen Skubish, love them!) 

We will be having our actual ceremony in the adjacent, Washington Square Park making it an easy transition to the library. The over-sized stone fountain and lush gardens create an intimate place for us to say for vows and for guest to experience a tiny piece of what this city is all about. 


(We are in the process of getting our permit application evaluated, so cross your fingers in hopes I don't have to edit this posting...)

Okay, so we had to edit this posting-no biggie...

We did submit and get our application accepted, but after much deliberation we have decided to simplify (my favorite practice) and have the ceremony in the Newberry Library's gorgeous lobby-did I mention the long winding staircase?!  With weather consistantly playing a role in Chicagoan's lives each day, why stop there-one can never be safe planning an outdoor ceremony or any celebration for that matter, anytime if the year in this city-what were we thinking? 

I had a nice pep talk with Karen Aubrey today and she has big plans for our "big day" as she does for each client she meets.  For some reason, she has had this way of making me feel like she has nothing else in the world to think about (which is of course, not the truth) and for that very reason-we knew we couldn't go wrong.  I am thrilled to be moving forward on all the details of the day, finally!

I love this picture...

The front of the building where guest enter

(Walton Street and Dearborn)

Save The Date...

When planning a wedding most brides gather inspiration from magazines, bridal shows and blogs-of course we all do!  Well, one thing that we really wanted to do was evoke our lifestyle, our personalities and eclectic taste, while in the meantime-create a seamless continuity.  Our dear friend and talented screen print artist, Brad Shorten, helped develop the overall concept for our save the dates.  Knowing our perimeters, he gathered layers of fonts and hand sketched organic detail within a modern concert poster style announcement.  This marks the beginning of everything to come...check out the process used to custom create our look!

Here Comes The Blog!

We are so excited to introduce our Wedding Blog-this page was created with the intention to, share our lives a little more with the ones we love, about our love, our lives and of course "our big day!"