Bashert Weddings: Guestbooks

Showing posts with label Guestbooks. Show all posts

Monday, February 16, 2026

Molly & Kenny: A Sweet Spring Wedding at Columbus Park Refectory

As the first hints of spring have arrived in Chicago, I found myself reminiscing about Molly and Kenny’s beautiful and heartfelt wedding at Columbus Park Refectory. Tucked away like a true hidden gem, this historic venue is full of charm with a brick and stone exterior and sweeping grounds that come alive when winter finally gives way to green.

Spring at the Refectory feels almost poetic. Soft light filters through and the entire space carries a quiet romance that perfectly matched Molly and Kenny’s vision. They embraced their wedding planning in a way that felt natural and effortless, nothing overdone, nothing forced, just thoughtful details woven throughout the day.

What made their celebration so special was how deeply personal it felt. Molly and Kenny chose meaningful touches that reflected who they are, allowing their personalities and love to shine, proof that you don’t need excess to create something unforgettable.

It was the kind of spring wedding that feels both fresh and timeless, where sweet moments unfold against a backdrop rich with history, and where two people begin their next chapter surrounded by beauty, warmth and the people who know them best.

Check out the fabulous photos from one of our fave photographers, Henington Studios.

As the Bride & Groom get dressed and ready for the big day, it's a chance to exchange heartfelt messages.

A perfect First Look moment, full of emotion!

The VIP made an appearance!

The gorgeous grounds of Columbus Park Refectory

Guests fill the space, eager for the big moment!

A few minutes of alone time after the ceremony let the couple catch their breath and create a special moment

A charming polaroid photo guestbook

Personalized touches reflect the couple's personality and interests

Pure joy!

Congratulations to Molly and Kenny!

Vendor Team:

Venue - Columbus Park Refectory

Chicago Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Photographer - Henington Studios

Dress - Grace & Ivory

Hair & Makeup - Pin Me Up Chicago

Caterer - Blue Plate

Florist - Southside Blooms

Band - True Company

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Signs you Actually NEED at a Wedding

There are only a few signs that you actually must have at a wedding. But other signs can be helpful for guests and add to the decor and ambiance of the event.

Here is your comprehensive list of wedding signs to consider for your big day:

Table Number Signs are a must if you are having a dinner with assigned seating, as most weddings do nowadays. Keep in mind these signs don't have to be actual numbers and are a chance to reflect the interests and personality of the couple. Interested in travel? Name your tables after places you've visited. Love to read? Name the tables after your favorite novels. Tables can be labeled anything to go with a theme!

Escort Cards are the other big must, since people need to know where to sit. Traditionally, these are the little seating cards that direct guests to their tables. E.G. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Table 5. The escort cards can create a lovely visual display, though some couples are now opting for a seating chart that lists everyone's table assignments on one large decorative sign.

Programs are the typical place to include descriptions of ceremony customs, bridal party names, a thank you to guests, post-ceremony instructions, and an in memoriam to departed family. But if your ceremony is pretty short and sweet, the programs can certainly be skipped. If you do plan for programs, you don't need one for every guest. We always see so many programs left over because guests tend to share or don't pick one up. Order enough for around 60-70% of your guest count.

Menu Cards can add some visual appeal to the tablescape but are not necessary in most cases when guests have already chosen their meal in advance.

Welcome Signs are an optional addition, but they can be very helpful to guests. Consider the layout of your venue. If there are multiple entrances or more than one event going on, the welcome sign can serve as a guide to indicate that guests are in the right spot or lead them to where they need to go.

Bar Signs are useful if you plan to have a signature drink to let guests know the specialties that they can order.

Gifts & Cards signs can be helpful if you have an unusual cardbox that doesn't look like a regular cardbox.

Guestbook Signs can also help guests figure out what to do if you have an atypical guestbook.

Hashtag or QR Code Signs have gained popularity as couples want to inform guests how they can share photos that they take at the event.

Favor Signs let guests know to take a party favor and can include a cute saying to go with what the favor is.

Family Photo Signs that label who people are on memory tables or in photo displays can help guests feel connected to the important people in your life.

How do you go about creating these signs? Where do you get them? We can help!

Let's plan your perfect day!

Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

www.CamilleVictoriaWeddings.com

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Botanical Beauty: A Blooming Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory

With the pandemic still looming, we are looking back at some of our favorite weddings from years past. Megan and Richard's September 2019 wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory was a lush landscape of greenery. Around every corner of the Conservatory was a beautiful photo-op. But the true beauty came from the bride and groom's grace and genuine love. Check out the highlights with these gorgeous photos by Rebekah Albaugh.

A mother-daughter moment

Sharing faith and blessings

Talk about a scenic route!

The path to the ceremony patio passed through a variety of vistas from jungle-like vegetation to arid desert cacti.

A dual program and fan for a hot day!

Gorgeous, natural bouquets from Carousel Flowers

Pure joy for husband and wife!

Photos by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Part of what wedding planners do is setting up those special, personalized touches.

Gone are the days of the traditional guestbook!

Megan and Richard encouraged guests to write notes of well wishes, thoughts, and advice

for them to open on their anniversaries.

A memory table paid tribute to family members to keep them close on an important day.

My favorite photo of the day by one of my favorite photographers!

Rebekah Albaugh captures the most beautiful moments and is able to set up a photo while still putting a couple at ease. I even assisted with this shot!

Wedding planners have to be a jack of all trades, and we step in where needed on wedding day. I held a background light to help make this photo just right, before I shuffled the bride and groom into the reception to cue their grand entrance!

Reception Time! What a room!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

As wedding planners, we help the newlyweds make a smooth getaway!

Not only do we distribute bubbles, cue the getaway car the get in place, and get the guests lined up outside, but we also give some tips to the bride and groom to stop for a kiss for a great photo and memorable moment!

Congratulations to Megan and Richard!

Vendors:

Venue - Garfield Park Conservatory

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Photographer - Rebekah Albaugh

Gown - Jasmine Bridal

Caterer - Food for Thought

Video - Petit Four Films

DJ - Spinnin Discs

Monday, June 3, 2019

Love among the Dinos: A Fall Wedding at The Field Museum

It was so much fun to work with Lara and Brett on their Fall wedding at Chicago's acclaimed Field Museum. They truly embraced the vibe of the venue with florals and decor that transported guests to a feeling of being in the forest, while also putting so much of their personality and influences into the day. Check out the fantastic photos by Laura Witherow Photography:

Instead of a traditional ceremony set-up, we did a Chuppah in the round, with guests on all sides.

The couple was literally surrounded by family and friends!

With little dinos on the cover, even the programs gave a nod to the extra special and unique venue.

As the newlyweds recessed down the aisle, they passed under the traditional sword arch, welcomed by the groom's military buddies.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

A room with a view - guests dined with the elephants and Maximo the Titanosaur.

Luxurious blue velvet linens with tall manzanita tree centerpieces made for a gorgeous tablescape.

Artwork of the Chicago skyline served as a beautiful guestbook that can be hung in their home.

A POW/MIA table honored those who have served our country.

'90s Cover Band "As If" kept the dance floor packed.

(Can you spot a rare appearance by yours truly in the background? Clipboard always in hand!)

Bride & Groom stormtroopers were guarding the sweets table!

Congratulations to Lara and Brett!

Vendors:

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Venue - The Field Museum

Florist - Kehoe Designs

Lighting - Frost

Band - As If

Photographer - Laura Witherow Photography

Video - Amor in Motion

Caterer - Blue Plate

Monday, January 9, 2017

Casey & Joe: Campus Lovebirds

College sweethearts, Casey and Joe, provided a fun-filled wedding weekend for their guests at the place that brought them together, their alma mater, Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal. The reception was full of personal details, and their school spirit was only matched by their love and devotion to each other. To top off the evening, a surprise guest even stopped by the reception, for these two ISU lovebirds.