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.

Photo by Mark Romine Photography

The First Look took place in the college classroom where Casey & Joe first met!

Photo by Mark Romine Photography

The ceremony took place in Evelyn Chapel.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Black, gold, and ivory created a dramatic look for the wedding reception at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott. 

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Instead of a guestbook, guests wrote their well wishes on a gold and ivory globe.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

These cute maps highlighted important relationship moments, while guests could peruse the photo album of Casey & Joe's journey together. 

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Family wedding photos decorated the gift table.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

These escort cards were a whimsical play on the bride's maiden name.

Photo by Mark Romine Photography

ISU's Reggie Redbird made a surprise appearance at the wedding reception!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Beautiful candlelit tablescapes created an elegant ambiance.

Photo by Mark Romine Photography

Congratulations to Casey & Joe!

Vendors:

Reception Venue: Bloomington-Normal Marriott

Photographer: Mark Romine Photography

DJ & Lighting: Sound and Light Creations

Florist: Steve's Flower Market

Wedding Coordination: Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Top 5 Wedding Trends for 2016

At the beginning of every year, there are always a slew of wedding magazines and websites that proclaim what the top wedding trends will be for the next season. Sometimes they are spot on and other times the supposed trend never takes flight (ahem... floral print wedding dresses). So, I was excited when my friends at Paperless Post asked me to share what wedding trends I'm actually seeing in 2016! Here is my list of the top 5 wedding trends that real couples are doing this year:

Unconventional Seating 

Instead of the traditional round banquet tables, couples are using tables of assorted shapes and sizes for their reception seating plans. A mix of round, square, and long tables creates added visual interest in the room and a cozier ambiance for guests.

Metallic Accents

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

From the floral decor to the stationery, I am seeing metallic accents everywhere! Couples are incorporating silvers, golds, and glitters into their wedding color palette. Whether mercury glass vases for a vintage feel, a sequin linen on the cake table for a touch of old world glamour, or silver borders on the wedding invitations for a modern design, metallics can easily work in an array of different wedding styles.

Dance Floor Giveaways

When it comes to the wedding reception, couples are always eager for the dancing to begin and want to see a packed dance floor. In prior years, they would think about comfort and provide flip flops for their guests weary feet. But now, it's all about fun, and couples are opting for foam light up batons, glow bracelets, and sunglasses to get their guests in a party mood.

Selfie Booths

Photobooths have been an ongoing trend for years. But in 2016, couples are paying tribute to our cell-phone obsessed times with "selfie booths." No need for an actual booth, attendant, or printer. With just a table of props and some selfie sticks, guests can have some fun and share their photos instantly. Don't forget to post a custom wedding hashtag nearby for guests to use so that you can check out all the selfie shenanigans later. #MarriedMayhem

Lighting

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Wedding decor is most often associated with flowers and linens. But this year, couples are focusing on lighting. Whether it's simply specifying the level of dimness for the venue's lights or bringing in outside uplighting, the lighting is one of the quickest ways to change the look of a room and create a certain atmosphere. Amber uplighting can transform a boring ballroom into an enchanting soiree. Or a custom monogram gobo light behind a head table can give a wow-factor personalized touch.

It's always an exciting part of my job to see how real brides and grooms incorporate the latest trends into their big day. So take a trend and make it your own! Happy Planning!

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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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Quick Tip: Wedding Reception Lighting

Even if you're not hiring a lighting designer for your wedding reception, you'll still want to think about lighting.  Many venues have their lights on dimmers, which means you'll have some lighting decisions to make.  You may want the lights dimmed throughout the entire reception.  Or, you may want to bring the lights up for dinner and bring them down for dancing.  Maybe you want to brighten the room for the "mini-events" throughout the night, such as the cake cutting or bouquet toss.  If you don't bring up the topic with your vendors, you may be surprised when they bring up the lights during the first dance, when you had assumed it would be romantically dim in the room.  No matter what your decisions, don't forget to discuss your lighting preferences with your wedding coordinator or site manager.

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