Archive | Real Chicago Weddings

Morgan Manufacturing, Brooke & Andrew

By LK Events on 05/15/2017 in Morgan Manufacturing, Real Chicago Weddings, Vrai Photography

Planning Brooke and Andrew’s wedding was one of the highlights of my career. I knew the moment Brooke and her mom called, that we were going to have so much fun together…and be lifelong friends. Brooke is one of the most sincere women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. With Brooke’s impeccable sense of style and (her mom) Sheri’s flawless taste in finding the perfect details to tie everything together, we created a magical experience for their guests.

After meeting in Austin and spending a few years long distance, Brooke and Andrew eventually landed in Chicago to begin their life together. Brooke works for the Neat Method and Andrew works for Ora Interactive. Both from the Chicagoland area, they knew they wanted a Chicago wedding that was unique to their personalities but of course, FUN!

As guests entered Morgan Manufacturing they were greeted with welcome refreshments on a custom (American flag) table to kick off the 4^th of July weekend. A “Welcome” floral ring (designed by Sheri) was suspended over the table. We served cucumber water, basil infused lemonade and, St. Germain Fizz (the bride’s favorite cocktail). If guests wanted to hydrate before the long night ahead, we had beautiful custom mini water bottles. One of our favorite décor elements from this wedding was the ceremony in the round. We loved creating this for Brooke and Andrew as it felt like every single guest was a part of the ceremony. It was intimate and inviting.

Brooke carried a hand tied bouquet filled with rich pink peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and textural botanicals designed by Revel Decor. Her bridesmaids complimented by carrying bouquets filled with rich greenery and pops of vibrant floral. Andrew matched his bride with a hot pink ranunculus, which looked dashing against his navy tux.

A trio of magnificent suspended green chandeliers hung from the ceiling with bold botanicals and pops of bright floral. The dining tables complimented the overhead installation with garlands of organic and wild smilax and bright bold peonies, ranunculus, and roses. We completed the look with ambient candles in mixed metals and low lush floral. We had some fun with the photo booth and Revel designed a backdrop of café lights complimented by another floral ring stating “Cheers!”

Brooke and her Mom added so many unique personal touches for the wedding from the guest book cards and signature drink signage, to the escort card frames and who can forget those marvelous suspended rings throughout the venue.

I had the pleasure of working with the most beautiful couple, inside and out, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the “dream team” of event professionals we put together for Brooke and Andrew. Hard to believe it’s almost been one year! Congrats B&A!

Venue: Morgan Manufacturing
Hotel Suite: The Langham Chicago
Band & DJ: BKO Music – Becca Kaufman
Floral & Decor: Revel Decor – Erin Sellers
Catering: Limelight – Molly Fennell
Cake: Elysia Root Cakes – Elysia
Photography: Vrai Photography – Tina LaDeur Brouwer
Video: SharkPig – Corey Thomas Bienert and Margaret Bienert
Paper & Stationery: Steracle Press – Stacey Stern
Website: Madz Designs – Maddie Nieman
Calligraphy: Calligraphy Nerd – Andrea Fowler
Hair: Lauren Vitagliano Logan & Christina Maxwell
Makeup: Doris O’Meara
Photo Booth: SmileBooth – Chris Rubarth
Officiant: Groom’s Uncle, Kevin Considine
Rehearsal Dinner: Smith and Wollensky
Welcome Reception: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Transportation: VIP Valet Services
Wedding Planner: LK Events, Lauren Knuepfer

Winter Wonderland at Chicago History Museum, Emily & Kyle

By LK Events on 05/08/2017 in Chicago History Museum, Chicago Wedding Planning, Real Chicago Weddings, Tim Tab Studios

When I first met Emily, she had a wonderful inspiration for her wedding at Chicago History Museum. With almost a year to plan this wedding, we met frequently to review her planning timeline and have me answer any questions and provide referrals for her team of event professionals. It is during those moments that a friendship blossomed and I was so honored to help her and Kyle plan the most perfect winter wonderland wedding.

Emily has an elegant sense of style and that came through in her choice of a wedding gown and the exquisite bridesmaid dresses. So divine! Emily and Kyle fell in love with Timothee & Bethany Tabailloux and this husband & wife duo thoughtfully chose items to include in detail photos and carefully orchestrated the stunning First Look on Ava Terrace at the Public Hotel. All of these photos are picture perfect. Emily loved the work from Stems and Allison did not disappoint in bringing Emily’s vision to life. From the second greenery bouquet that we could use outdoors, to the adorable chair wreaths, not one detail was missed in this beautiful winter design.

There are some weddings that seem to run like clockwork, and Emily and Kyle had that day. There was excitement during the hours of getting ready, but once the couple and their wedding party arrived at the Chicago History Museum, you could tell they were ready for a wonderful celebration. The excitement of the snow falling just added to the joy of the day. Emily & Kyle had a very thoughtful ceremony that included a reading from Scripture, an excerpt from Hamilton, and a quote they hold near and dear. I also loved that they chose to process into more traditional music and then used a contemporary piece for their recessional to bring the guests into cocktail hour.

Guests noshed on passed hors d’oeuvres of deviled eggs and spicy shrimp corn dogs and then enjoyed their meal of either braised beef short rib or Lake Superior trout, courtesy of Food For Thought. The treat from Elysia Root Cakes was a double chocolate and vanilla bean cake with chocolate fudge and salted caramel buttercream filling. Absolutely marvelous! Emily and Kyle spent the rest of the evening dancing the night away to the musical talents of Time Chicago…with only a small break to pose for the dazzling snowy night photo.

Congratulations, Emily & Kyle! I wish you all the happiness in the world!

A little note from the couple:

Thank you so much for being an instrumental part of our wedding planning and execution! You were a joy to work with and it was so lovely getting to know you over the past year! We truly don’t know what we would have done without you – you perfectly brought our vision to life. We have received so many compliment son you and your team – our guests were very impressed with the seamless and beautiful day.

Emily’s Dress: Aire Barcelona from Mira Couture
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Wraps: Mark & Graham
Gentlemen Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Bakery: Elysia Root Cakes
Beauty: Shannon O’Brien & Blowout Junkie
Favors: For Your Party
Floral/Décor: Stems
Food & Beverages: Food For Thought
Musicians: Time Chicago, part of BeatMix Music
Officiant: Rocky Supinger
Photographer: Tim Tab Studios
Getting Ready Hotel/Room Block: Public Hotel
Invitations: Ellis Hill
Transportation: Trolley Car & Bus Company
Venue: Chicago History Museum
Wedding Planner: Nicole Zenner from LK Events

Grace & Romance at the Waldorf Astoria, Lauren & Simon

By LK Events on 05/02/2017 in Chicago Wedding Planning, Real Chicago Weddings, Vrai Photography, Waldorf Astoria

Lauren and her mom are the most amazing mother & daughter team and I thoroughly enjoyed helping them coordinate all of the final details for Lauren & Simon’s Spring wedding at the Waldorf Astoria. They found a wonderful team of event professionals to help bring the day’s vision to life and even though the weather did not cooperate with us, it was the loveliest celebration.

Lauren is the epitome of grace and she was very calm while getting ready with her bridesmaids on her wedding day. I could tell she was excited to finally see Simon and they enjoyed their photo session with Molly from Vrai Photo in the iconic lobby at the hotel. I can’t get over these photos!

Guests were welcomed to the ballroom for the ceremony and enjoyed a lively cocktail hour in the salon while the Waldorf Astoria, Natural Beauties Floral, and Standing Room Only Orchestra flipped the room. We fell in love with the tall, modern, chic design of the white delphinium flourishing out of the glass vase. Simply stunning and so unique!

Guests found themselves back in the ballroom for dinner and it was quite the romantic setting with candlelight and the fabulous centerpieces. They enjoyed their meal of either seared sable fish or herb crusted filet and the dessert of hazelnut cake with salted caramel mousse. How decadent! It was then time for some special dances and then the band had the dance floor packed the entire night.

Congratulations, Lauren & Simon! I hope this first year of marriage has been a dream come true with more love and laughter ahead of you!

Lauren’s Dress: Rivini
Lauren’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Floral/Décor: Natural Beauties Floral
Musicians: Standing Room Only Orchestra
Officiant: Family Friend
Photographer: Vrai Photo
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Venue, Food & Beverage, Getting Ready: Waldorf Astoria
Wedding Coordinator: Nicole Zenner from LK Events

A Bright and Cheery Summer Soiree, Harold Washington Library

By LK Events on 02/21/2017 in Gerber + Scarpelli Photography, Harold Washington Library, Real Chicago Weddings

Planning weddings means we are surrounded by pretty flowers and gorgeous details throughout the year, but what usually stands out most is the bond we end up forging with the families whom we work with. This was one of those families. Their warmth, insatiable humor, and kindness ensured that our year spent planning Jenna and Scott’s wedding was beyond enjoyable.

When I first met Jenna and Scott, the conversation revolved around having the best band to get the dance party started. Knowing their family and friends who would be in attendance, a great band was high on their priority list. When they made the decision to hire The Chicago Players, I just knew that the following June would live up to their expectations for a classic dance party!

As soon as we finalized the band, we spent the rest of the year dreaming up ways to infuse their personal style into the wedding day. Fleur decked out the Winter Garden Ballroom with some of the biggest coral charm peonies I have ever seen! Jenna and Scott infused so much personal style into their paper goods from the invitations and literary quotes on the cocktail tables to the custom water color cocktail in honor of their pup, Augusta. It was an incredible day spent with such a loving family and I am so honored to have been there for their journey. Wishing you all the best!

Photography: Christine Ciszczon, Gerber & Scarpelli
Catering: Wolfgang Puck
Venue: Harold Washington Library
Band: The Chicago Players
Floral/Décor: Kelly Marie Thompson, Fleur Inc
Paper Goods: Chena Designs
Beauty: Sonia Roselli
Photo Booth: Smilebooth & Custom Backdrop by Jayne Weddings
Transportation: VIP Valet
Planning: Allison Young, LK Events

The Art Institute of Chicago, Erin & Joey

By LK Events on 02/13/2017 in Amanda Hein Photography, Real Chicago Weddings, The Art Institute of Chicago

Erin and Joey’s story began while they were both attending the University of Illinois. After college they moved to Chicago and a few years later Joey proposed on their rooftop followed by a romantic dinner out. They celebrated with friends the next day and then the wedding planning began.

They kicked off their wedding weekend with their Rehearsal on the Grand Staircase at the Art Institute followed by their Rehearsal Dinner at III Forks.

Their wedding day started with some pampering for the ladies from the amazing makeup artists and stylists from BrideEyes, Makeup by Beth, and the Charles Ifergan Salon while the guys had a relaxing morning at Erin and Joey’s condo. Amanda Hein Photography was onsite to capture all the special moments of their day.

Erin and Joey had their first look in the beautiful gardens of the Art Institute and then joined their families for photos. Then it was time for these two to get married. While the string quartet played Halo by Beyonce all eyes were on Erin as she walked up the Grand Staircase in a stunning Lela Rose gown with both of her parents. She carried a beautiful bouquet that was a mix of ivory polo roses, white majolica spray roses and white Eskimo roses with delicate white ranunculus blooms tucked throughout.

Hello Darling dressed the dining tables in a mix of ivory shantung, harvest shantung and ivory contessa linens. Some of the tables were decorated with a pair of vintage medium cut glass vases of varying sizes & silhouettes with textural round bouquets of white hydrangea, white stock, white lisianthus, ivory polo roses, champagne sahara roses and ivory majolica spray roses with accents of pale green seeded eucalyptus. Tucked around the blooms were two silver mercury glass candlesticks topped by optic glass hurricanes and a collection of gold and sliver mercury glass votives and globes. The other tables had a pair of silver mercury stemmed glass candlesticks tucked next to a trio of three petite vintage cut glass vases filled with textural round bouquets of white hydrangea, white stock, white lisianthus, ivory polo roses, champagne sahara roses and ivory majolica spray roses with an accent of pale green seeded eucalyptus. Silver and gold mercury glass votives and globes were placed around the candlesticks.

Toast & Jam started the reception with the Wedding Party introductions and then introduced our newlyweds. After the introductions Erin and Joey gave their thank you toast followed by Reverend Jennifer Burns Lewis giving the blessing. The guests were served a lovely duo of a Peeky Toe Crab Salad and a Cheddar Heirloom Tomato Soup. Once the guests were served then Erin’s Maid of Honor & Joey’s Best Man gave their toasts. After the toasts guests dined on Grilled Hanger Steak and Housemade Gnocchi with Heirloom Tomatoes. While guests were dining on their entrees Erin’s Father gave his toast and then danced with his daughter. Then it was Joey’s Fathers turn to give his toast and then Joey danced with his Mother.

We started the party with Erin & Joey’s first dance. After dancing for a bit they cooled themselves off with some yummy gelato from gelato cart provided by Black Dog Gelato Company. Everyone danced the night away until the last song that was played which was Mirrors by JT.

It was an honor being a part of Erin and Joey’s Wedding Day! We wish them all the best, congrats you two!

Caterer: Bon Appetit
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Artistrings
Ceremony Venue: Woman’s Board Grand Staircase at the Art Institute
Décor: Hello Darling
DJ: Toast & Jam
Gelato: Black Dog Gelato Company
Gentlemen’s Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Hair: Charles Ifergan Salon
Hotel: Waldorf Astoria
Makeup: BrideEyes & Makeup by Beth
Officiant: Reverend Jennifer Burns Lewis
Photographer: Amanda Hein Photography
Rehearsal Dinner: III Forks
Reception Venue: Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room Art Institute
Stationery: Magnificent Milestones
Transportation: Odyssey
Valet: 5 Star Valet
Wedding Dress: Lela Rose

French Elegance at Chez, Melanie & Richard

By LK Events on 12/19/2016 in Chez, Jeremy Lawson Photography, Real Chicago Weddings

When I first met Melanie’s mother, Jodi, I knew that we would have a fun few months finalizing all of the details for Melanie & Richard’s December wedding at Chez. Jodi is witty and has the most open heart, that you can’t help but be best friends with her! She found all of the people that became our team of professionals and I assisted with final meetings and deadlines.

Jodi has impeccable style and that was shown in the team she chose – Chez, Jeremy Lawson Photography, Entertaining Company and Kehoe Designs…just to name a few. I loved that Jodi incorporated some of her own china and antique finds to the final look of the wedding. Those are some of the details that make a wedding so unique, and Melanie & Richard had a wedding that was uniquely their own!

Melanie & Richard chose to have a First Look and then take a few iconic photos with their wedding party around the city. It was a clear and crisp December afternoon and everyone was in high spirits as we hopped in and out of cars to capture photos in downtown Chicago. Meanwhile, Chez was being transformed into a French Country style, with a twist. Vince from Kehoe Designs brought in key elements, like gold baroque console tables to accent the escort card table, a stunning floor to ceiling chuppah with exquisite draping, and vintage mirror tables for guest dining. Everywhere we turned that night, we were in awe of some other detail.

Melanie & Richard signed their Ketubah prior to the ceremony beginning and there was such an air of excitement and of love when Melanie walked down the steps and the aisle to Richard. There was not a dry eye. With the shout of “Mazel Tov”, guests were moved into the cocktail and lounge area of Chez while the room was flipped for dinner. It was a spectacular display…from the floral/décor from Kehoe Designs, the personal (and rented) china, the exquisite meal from Entertaining Company, and the stunning four-tier cake from Elysia Root Cakes. What a memorable celebration!

Congratulations, and Happy Anniversary, Melanie & Richard! I was so honored to have helped you enjoy your special day!

A little note from the couple:

We just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you helped us with before and during the wedding. You were so attentive and organized and really made sure that we were happy with everything. There is NO way we could have done everything without you. My mom and I were joking that we were just twiddling our thumbs the week before the wedding because you had everything covered! You were so great during the wedding too and I felt like I was really able to enjoy it and not worry about all the details. So thank you SO MUCH.

Melanie’s Dress: Anna Maier from Ultimate Bride
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Helm from Cenzina’s
Mother of the Bride Dress: Mira Couture
Gentlemen Tuxes: Black Tie Formalwear
Bakery: Elysia Root Cakes
Beauty: Cynde Cosmetics & Salon Soca
Floral/Décor: Vince Hart from Kehoe Designs
Food & Beverages: Entertaining Company
Musicians: Bluewater Kings Band
Officiant: Rabbi Evan Moffic
Photographer: Jeremy Lawson Photography
Getting Ready Hotel/Room Block: Ivy Boutique Hotel
Invitations: Magnificent Milestones
Venue: Chez
Videographer: Vanilla Video
Wedding Coordinator: Nicole Zenner from LK Events

A Garden Wedding, Galleria Marchetti

By LK Events on 11/14/2016 in Galleria Marchetti, Real Chicago Weddings, Sapan Ahuja

One of the greatest pleasures of my job is getting to plan one of my oldest friend’s weddings. Leslie and I have been friends since pre-school so when Scott called to tell me he was proposing, needless to say, I was ecstatic! I knew this was going to be a fun wedding, not only because Scott and Leslie have impeccable taste…but this was also going to bring us childhood girls back together again!

Leslie and Scott fell in love with Galleria Marchetti for many reasons. The outside courtyard was perfect for their ceremony and cocktails and the newly renovated tent provided the most intimate dinner in the heart of the city. We kicked off the wedding weekend at Jane’s Restaurant and headed back to the Langham Hotel where Leslie got ready in the morning. Leslie and Scott had their first look right outside the Langham that provided the picture perfect backdrop for these two! A little rain didn’t stop us from taking photos around the city before heading back to Galleria Marchetti for the ceremony. The rain did prevent us from an outdoor wedding; however, we were able to set up the most beautiful ceremony inside the tent. Fleur Couture adorned the back of the chairs with a garland made up of lemon and bay leaves and lined the entrance with clusters of polished nickel lanterns with mossy green accents.

Leslie carried a garden style hand tied bouquet of seeded eucalyptus, bay leaves, white peonies and Juliet garden roses. The bridesmaids carried coordinating bouquets of seeded eucalyptus, blush peonies and garden roses. Each dining table evoked a fresh picked garden feel with a focus on greenery and complimenting spring blooms. We used classic nickel lanterns surrounded by mercury glass bowls of plumosa, white peonies and ranunculus on some guest dining tables and rustic wooden boxed filled with white hydrangea, berries, apricot stock and queen annes lace adored the others. Paper Plane Paperie designed the wedding logo that we carried throughout the invitation suite and paper details. We accented the menu cards with a bay leaf sprig that gave the napkins the perfect pop of color on the neutral tables.

Artistrings’ trio performed for the ceremony and after Leslie and Scott recessed to, “Love Story,” the party continued with Cage and Aquarium keeping the dance floor packed all night and Sapan capturing it all. We had such an incredible day for Leslie and Scott and it was an honor for us to be a part of it all! Congrats you two!!

Wedding Planning: LK Events, Lauren Knuepfer
Venue and Catering: Galleria Marchetti
Rehearsal Dinner: Jane’s
Photographer: Sapan Ahuja
Event Design: Fleur Couture
Entertainment: Cage and Aquarium
Ceremony Music: Artistrings
Officiate: Groom’s Uncle
Wedding Cake: Alliance
Hair: Lauren Logan
Make Up: Dana Jasper
Invitations and Day of Items: Paper Plane Paperie
Tables: Halls Rental
Linens: BBJ Linens
Transportation: VIP Valet Services
Dress: Amsale
Shoes: Pelle Moda
Groom’s Tuxedo: Tommy Hilfiger
Groom’s Shoes: Johnston and Murphy

An Autumnal Affair at the Iconic Drake Hotel

By LK Events on 10/24/2016 in Chicago Wedding Planning, Kent Drake Photography, Real Chicago Weddings, The Drake Hotel

Hard to believe Ashley and Jim’s October 31st wedding was almost a year ago! From the moment I spoke to Ashley over the phone, I knew we would become fast friends; we clicked immediately! I was so excited to plan Ashley and Jim’s nuptials, especially because they happen to be friends with past clients of mine from Food For Thought. Ashley and Jim are two of the most sincere people I have ever met. They are absolutely adorable together and no matter what decision was being made, they always put each other and their family first.

After looking at a few venues, Ashley and Jim chose the Drake Hotel. Ashley had a feeling all along that the Drake was “the one” and they fell in love with the Grand Ballroom for their October wedding. After choosing Kent Drake to document the wedding weekend and Déjà vu to entertain us all night, we focused on floral and décor and selecting the perfect invitations and day of paper from Magnificent Milestones.

Erin at Revel Decor designed this autumnal affair where she created a brilliant fabric archway for the ceremony with suspended votive candles hanging throughout the entire installation. Pops or orange orchid blossoms hung amongst the glowing candles giving an illusion of floating candlelight and blossoms. Since it happened to be on Halloween, Ashley wanted to give her guests a little fun and seasonal accent. We greeted guests with metallic gold painted mini pumpkins that held escort cards designed by Magnificent Milestones. The tables were adorned with rich orange and white botanicals consisting of hydrangea, roses, orchids and calla lilies and touches of green and burgundy floral hanging. We added foliage and branches to add height to the tall pieces and an abundance of candlelight throughout the entire ballroom.

Ashley and Jim had one of the most heartfelt ceremonies and it was truly an honor being a part of the planning experience and wedding weekend. I am fortunate to call Ashley a dear friend and we couldn’t be happier for you and Jim! Congratulations on one year and thank you for choosing LK Events!

Ceremony and Reception: The Drake Hotel
Wedding Planner: Lauren, LK Events
Photographer: Kent Drake Photography
Hair: Lauren Logan
Make Up: Krystal Hall (bride)
Jessica Bernardi-Meeker (bridesmaids and family)
Transportation: VIP Valet Services
Dress: Jenny Yoo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Tux: Jos. A. Banks
Entertainment: Deja Vu
Officiate: Bruce Otto, Spirited Weddings
Invitations and Day of Paper: Magnificent Milestones
Rehearsal Dinner: Osteria Via Stato

Elegant Fall Wedding at University Club, Sarah & TJ

By LK Events on 10/10/2016 in Real Chicago Weddings, The University Club of Chicago, Todd James Photography

I met Sarah almost a year before her wedding day and distinctly remember our two days of traveling around Chicago to find the perfect venue for her and TJ’s wedding. The couple had already decided that they were going to have their wedding ceremony at Saint Clement, and they wanted to find the perfect reception venue to celebrate in. I was very excited that they chose The University Club of Chicago, as Cathedral Hall is an elegant and iconic room in Chicago.

Sarah found Todd James Photography through a friend and he captured the day so beautifully. From the first snowfall of the season, to the faith-filled ceremony, to the beautiful reception in Cathedral Hall, the celebration and joy from Sarah & TJ emanate from their photos. Getting caught in the first snowfall was not planned; however, we all embraced the moment and laughed our way through snowflakes in our eyes and wet snow in our shoes! Along with Todd, Aaron Bean was also onsite to capture all of the moments on video, especially the getting ready karaoke moment from the ladies, such a treasured moment.

Given Sarah’s personality and vision for her wedding day, I knew that she had to meet Alexandra from Exquisite Designs. The two of them hit it off right away and Alexandra designed a beautiful color story and centerpieces that were the perfect look for a fall wedding. I’m completely in love with the Sarah’s bouquet and the lush head table garland. Sarah also has a similar paper goods obsession that I do, so I knew the perfect place for her stationery items would be at Magnificent Milestones. From the menu cards with quotes on them to the matchbooks with their hashtag, they were the little details that helped to make Sarah & TJ’s celebration truly unique. I also loved that they had Allie Hasson create a custom crest to be used as their guest book!

The final touch to Sarah & TJ’s celebration was the music. They wanted a packed dance floor and I knew that Sarah & TJ would love Gold Coast Events and they were over the moon with The Chicago Players. The special surprise was that Sarah’s family organized a flash mob on the dance floor to “Shut Up and Dance” and the look on her face is priceless! Congratulations Sarah & TJ! I was so honored to have been on this journey with you!

Beauty: Sonia Roselli Studio
Florist: Exquisite Designs
Rehearsal Dinner: Topo Gigio
Ceremony Musicians: Thomas Yang String Trio
Reception Musicians: The Chicago Players
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Photographer: Todd James Photography
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting: Frost
Room Blocks: Palmer House Hilton, Blackstone Hotel
Stationery: Magnificent Milestones
Crest Guest Book: Allie Hasson
Transportation: Trolley Car & Bus Company
Ceremony Venue: Saint Clement
Reception Venue, Food & Beverage, Getting Ready: University Club of Chicago
Videographer: Aaron Bean Cinema
Wedding Planner: Nicole Zenner from LK Events

Door County Nuptials, Megan & Darrin

By LK Events on 09/05/2016 in Chicago Wedding Planning, Real Chicago Weddings, Stoffer Photography

I don’t even know where to start with the journey that I had with Megan, Darrin & their parents. Theirs was one of the more memorable weddings that I have worked on, from beginning to end. Their wedding was a team effort – they provided the direction and I helped to curate our team to make their dream a reality. Plus we had a lot of fun and laughter together along the way.

Megan knew that she wanted to get married at her parent’s home in Fish Creek, WI. The next step was to find the right tent company to bring their vision to life. Arena Americas was able to provide the custom size, clear tent that would set the stage for this elegantly eclectic celebration in Door County, WI. Given Megan & Darrin’s hip and laid-back style, I knew I had to introduce them to John & Maura of Stoffer Photography. Their personalities meshed so well and John & Maura were able to capture every detail of the wedding weekend. I absolutely love the sweet First Look, magical First Dance, and the celebratory fireworks, which were a surprise for Darrin!

It was important to the family to use as many local event professionals and it was a fun experience to broaden my network and work with some great companies from Green Bay and Door County. There was Chives, who provided guests with culinary treats like Whitefish Bruschetta, a Raw Bar presented in a canoe, and a family style dinner that featured Fried Perch with Lobster Remoulade. Jeff from Twigs created lush garlands around the ceremony structure and on our wood tables and we brought in re:find Joy to help us with brass accent pieces. Mary from Alpha Delights created the perfect wedding cake for Megan and Darrin, but also provided an abundant and decadent sweets table for the guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

The comfort of their guests was very important to Megan and Darrin, so we researched multiple accommodations to be able to offer guests, including some VRBO homes. (This proved to be a bit of a challenge because September is still in the tourist season in Door County and our room blocks expired months before the wedding date.) They created custom welcome bags for each guest and provided trolley transportation throughout the weekend. Family and friends were also invited to the Rehearsal Dinner the day before the wedding, and the Brunch, the morning after the wedding. It really was a weekend celebration!

There were so many moments of the actual wedding day that stand out to me: the relaxed but excited atmosphere when the girls were getting ready that morning in the house, the string octet playing All of the Lights while Megan walked down the aisle, witnessing Megan and Darrin exchange their vows in front of all of their families and friends, the teamwork we had in creating a magical environment for guests in the tent, the heartfelt welcome by Megan’s father, the surprise performance of “The Cover Girls” during dinner, and a packed dance floor all night long thanks to The Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It was a night I will never forget and I know Megan, Darrin, their families and friends will not forget either!

Congratulations Megan & Darrin! I was truly honored to be a party of your beautiful celebration!

A little note from the couple:

It is difficult to find the words to express our gratitude to Nicole and LK Events for everything that was done help Darrin and I make our dream wedding a reality. Nicole’s graciousness and enthusiasm set the tone for our planning and for the wedding itself.
Nicole was on top of everything! Her connections with reputable vendors and her ability to keep everyone on task took all of the weight off of our shoulders. She and her team made multiple trips from Chicago up to Wisconsin to meet with our families and vendors over the planning year to ensure first hand that everything was taken care of. All I had to do was send Nicole an email about an idea I had about music, bridesmaid gifts or photography and she would respond right away that she would take care of it…and she always did!
On the weekend of the wedding Nicole and her team worked tirelessly to coordinate set-up so that Darrin and I could spend time with our family and friends who had traveled to celebrate the weekend with us. All that was left for us to do was sit back and enjoy some champagne!

Post-script from Nicole:

The logistics of planning this wedding in Door County, along with the teamwork from everyone involved and the fun that I had with the couple and their families prompted me to submit this wedding for the 2016 NICE Award for Best Logistical Achievement. We were announced as a nominee and the award ceremony was held in Chicago on April 12, 2016. We are very pleased to say that we won the Award! It truly took an amazing team of event professionals to bring the wedding to life!
I also submitted this wedding for the 2016 ILEA Esprit Awards for Best Wedding over $150,000. This was the first time I had submitted my work for an Esprit Award and we were truly honored to be announced as a nominee. The award ceremony was held in Austin, TX, on August 13, 2016, and we were shocked and humbled to have won the Award! With that, I again thank everyone listed below for every part they played in Megan & Darrin’s celebration!