Lindsey & Nick: Blessed Bliss

You couldn't help but feel the genuine emotion of the day at Lindsey and Nick's Chicago wedding. It was truly touching to see this couple's tenderness toward each other and their heartfelt spirituality. The beautiful photos by Studio Rebekah capture these moving moments.

Both the bride and groom took time before the ceremony for prayer, a poignant reminder of the significance of the day.

A faux first look can be even more emotional than actually seeing each other!

Even with an outdoor ceremony, a pair of vintage doors held by ushers created a grand entrance 

for the bridesmaids, as they hid behind the doors before walking down the aisle.

But the doors only opened for the beautiful bride, creating a wow moment, as they parted!

A unique alternative to a guestbook

The bridal party having some fun.

First Dance

Congrats to Lindsey & Nick!

Vendors:

Venue - South Shore Cultural Center

Photography - Studio Rebekah

Florist - Pastiche Floral

Cake - Lezza Bakery

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Naz & Sean: Movie Magic

Both being film school graduates, Naz and Sean were full of creative ideas for their movie-themed wedding. With a personally-produced movie, a live action sequence, and Bollywood style dance, there were tons of details to coordinate! But it was a magical day, where traditional Pakistani customs met Americana. Check out the awesome photos by Jay Crihfield Photography!

The lovely ladies

Showing off the bride's Mehndi.

With the vibrant colors, gorgeous jewelry, and intricate henna designs, 

it's the perfect combination of tradition and glamour!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Ceremony at River East Arts Center

After the ceremony, an intricate grand exit was planned.

Remember, these huge banners from high school football game days?

We arranged for special permission to gather on the Riverwalk outside.

We readied the newlyweds and started the countdown....

And away they went!

As guests cheered and waived ribbons!

We got special permission for a car to drive up on the Riverwalk for a very limited amount of time, so the timing had to be just right!

This convertible awaited the bride and groom to carry them around town.

The guests returned inside for cocktail hour!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The cardbox with a little bit of whimsy.

Notice the bird's comments about the use of its cage.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Upon the bride and groom's return, it was time for their grand entrance into the reception. 

A black and white silent-film style movie, starring and personally filmed and produced by the couple, played for guests. 

The couple waited behind the scenes for their cue.

In the film, a chase ensues. And where do the characters end up? 

Running right into River East Arts Center, of course!

Cue the live action sequence...

A fight develops between the villain (one of our groomsmen) and the hero (the groom).

Not to worry.... It all ends well with a Bollywood dance.

Cue the music!

Then, it's time for dinner!

Guests enjoyed both classic cuisine by Jewell Events and delicious Pakistani food.

Each table was named after a famous movie. 

Each place setting featured a menu and wedding favor.

This Avatar bride and groom topped off the cupcake tower.

Party Time!

Congratulations to Naz & Sean!

Vendors:

Photography - Jay Crihfield Photography

Floral/Decor - Revel Decor

Hair & Makeup - Mehwish Khan

Lighting - A Sound Investment

Catering - Jewell Events

Pakistani Catering - Sabri Niahari

Wedding Coordination - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Go Out With A Bang: Ideas for Your Grand Exit

Get your guests in on the action and leave them laughing with a fun grand exit. As you depart for the first time as a married couple, there are numerous ways to celebrate the new marriage.

Classics 

For the traditional bride and groom, throwing classic items, such as rice, birdseed, and flowers, never goes out of style. The custom of throwing rice comes from ancient Roman times where it symbolized fertility and good fortune to the newlyweds. Throwing rice has fallen out of fashion due to a long-standing myth that rice harms birds. According to online myth debunkers, such as snopes.com, rice actually will not hurt our feathered friends.  But it does have its drawbacks.  It's messy and difficult to clean up, so many venues do not allow it to be thrown. (It also will get stuck in your fancy up-do, and your new hubby may spend the first moments of marital bliss picking rice out of your hair before photos!) Plus, it's super slippery, and can be a hazard to guests that may be walking on it after the grand departure.  So, as beautiful and safe alternatives to this now long-standing American tradition, many modern brides throw seeds, dried lavender, rose petals, sprinkles or leaves to spread good luck.

Rice

Photo by Caroline Eller

 The grand exit from my own wedding where guests threw petals!

Autumn Leaves

Unique Twists 

For the dare-devil bride and groom, your grand exit can be a showstopper by incorporating the theme of your wedding or something special to your relationship.

mini beach balls

Paper Airplanes (from my super fun airplane-themed wedding)

Silly String

No Cleanup 

If you want to keep things clean or your venue has restrictions on what can be thrown, try some of these options that require little or no cleanup.

Bubbles (from my lovely Art Institute wedding)

Glow Sticks

Balloons

Sparklers

Other fun options can include bells, signs, or wands. Your selected style of grand exit may depend on timing. You'll need to decide whether to make your special departure from the ceremony while it's still light out or at the end of the reception for some night-time photos. Whatever you decide to do, putting a personal touch on any item is simple. Make small bags or arrange items in baskets to showcase as guests exit. So get creative, have fun, and go out with a bang!

What are you doing for the big exit? Tell us below…

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