Hannah & Dan: Winter Wonderland Wedding

The air is already getting a little brisk this week, hinting that winter is just around the corner. So, I thought I'd share this enchanting winter wonderland themed wedding. Being from North Dakota, Hannah was no stranger to the cold. I loved how she embraced the winter with unique and intricate details. Check out the beautiful photos from Katie Kett Photography:

The invitation suite is the first chance to introduce your theme to guests.

These invitations are simple and elegant with a touch of the winter magic to come.

Love the bride's delicate snowflake jewelry!

The bride wore these faux-fur lined boots.

Me giving the guys a little help with their boutonnieres.

With a matching cloak, the flower girl was a little fairy snow princess!

The ceremony program

I love texture in a bouquet and this bright white bouquet with brunia, pine cones, and dusty miller reminds me of a winter landscape.

Our bride was ready to brave the elements in this gorgous ice blue cloak.

The bridesmaids carried muffs instead of bouquets down the aisle!

Baby's breath pomanders lined the aisles, like little hanging snowballs.

The Ceremony

There is something so demure about wearing a stoll!

Winter accents abounded at the reception at European Crystal Banquets.

The bride gave us a box of decor and gave us free reign to find ways to use it.

We had so much fun!

No need for bride and groom signs. 

These crystal snowflakes indicated the seats for the guests of honor.

A mini winter forest scene at the couple's place setting.

The sausage hut is a Polish tradition that defnitely has a wow-factor.

To me, it also brought a cozy feeling, reminiscent of the European holiday markets

Yum!

Snowflakes fell during the First Dance.

Magical!

Congratulations to Hannah & Dan!

Vendors:

Reception Venue - European Crystal Banquets

Photography - Katie Kett Photography

Flowers - Bella Flora

Invitations - MagnetStreet

Wedding Planning - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Samantha & Ken: Tech, Love, and Video Games

Planning a wedding with a theme is so much fun! Samantha and Ken were college sweethearts who both majored in computer science and shared a love of video games. The goal was to personalize their wedding with a computer and video game theme, while still creating an elegant event. Of course, the key was in the playful details. The photos by Michael Rastall Photography capture the magic:

The bridal party having fun.

Many churches and venues do not allow flower petals to be thrown. 

As an alternative, we had the flower girl hand full-stemmed flowers, 

to guests, as she made her way up the aisle. 

Guests were surprised and delighted by the twist on tradition!

The themed details started with the escort cards, which were displayed as keys on a keyboard. 

As guests removed their cards, the keyboard underneath was revealed.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The tablescape featured the purple and yellow color scheme with custom cookies in the shape of video game characters at each place setting.

Instead of table numbers, each table was named after a video game or gaming console. 

Some of the custom cookie favors included Kirby and GameBoy.

Wedding Cake with Custom Video Game Topper

Super Mario Groom's Cake

Cute and yummy!

The traditional money dance involves guests pinning dollar bills to the wedding dress.

But using a sash for pinning can help avoid tears or sticks. 

Whimsical signature drinks added to the theme.

The cardbox - can you guess which video game it's from?

A guestbook puzzle

Congratulations to Samantha & Ken!

Vendors:

Venue - Bolingbrook Golf Club

Photographer -Michael Rastall Photography

Videographer - Wynn Films

Cake - Lezza Desserts

Escort Card Board - Letterpress by Lydia

Florist - Flowers by Color

Wedding Planning - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

This old English rhyme dates back to 1898 and describes a tradition still carried out by many brides today. Over the years, brides have adhered to this poem to incorporate some special wedding day good luck charms into their attire or ceremony. Want to follow the advice of this age-old adage? Knowing the meaning behind each line will help you choose the perfect old, new, borrowed, and blue item for your wedding day. Check out our ideas for both traditional and modern takes on this custom for your big day.

photo from huffingtonpost.com

“Something Old” signifies the connection and love a bride will always have with her family and her life before marriage.

Cutting a small piece of fabric or lace from your mother or grandmother’s wedding gown and preserving it in a necklace is a beautiful and sentimental way to include something old in your wedding. You could also use the lace from a family gown to wrap your bouquet, make a garter, or even have a seamstress make gloves for a true vintage look! More traditionally, wear an old piece of jewelry, such as a hair comb, watch, or set of pearls.

The line “Something New” describes the anticipation of the bride’s new life, with hope for success and happiness.

Many brides consider their ring or the wedding gown as their something new. But your “something new” could be a new set of earrings from your fiancé, parents, or friend. The “something new” certainly does not have to be a gift that you have received. You can also get creative by buying your dream pair of pumps to walk down the aisle.  

“Something Borrowed” symbolizes the support the bride receives from friends and family and how they will always be part of her life. This item traditionally comes from a couple who has had a long happy marriage.

Did you drool over a friend or sister’s impeccable veil? Have you admired that stunning tennis bracelet your aunt always wears? These important people in your life would certainly be thrilled to know how much you like their piece and would be honored to lend it to your for the big day. Just be sure to take excellent care of the borrowed item and return it to its owner promptly.

“Something Blue” represents the bride’s faith, loyalty, fidelity, and purity. From blue lingerie to fun blue heels, you can really get creative with this one! Ask your fiancé to write a note on the soles of your wedding day shoes in blue marker to read before walking down the aisle. Include blue flowers in your bouquet. Or for something extra special, sew a heart-shaped piece of your dad’s blue dress shirt on the inside of your wedding dress.

Typically only those closest to the bride are privvy to what the bride has chosen for her "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Since the selected items usually carry great significance to the bride, why not share the meaning of these tokens with your guests? Include a short blurb in your ceremony program that describes your selected mementos and the importance behind them.

It’s fun and easy to keep this sweet tradition alive. Tell us what special good luck charms you’ll have with you on your big day!

*Sara Steinhoff contributed to this article.

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Wedding Songs to Make the Day Special

There is nothing like the perfect tune to capture the wonder and happiness felt while a bride makes her way down the aisle. A well-chosen father-daughter or mother-son dance can leave all of your guests sniffling. Use our curated song lists to choose your wedding soundtrack for those special moments on the big day.

Processional

Richard Wagner’s Bridal Chorus or “Here Comes the Bride” has held its place as a traditional wedding song since 1850. However, there are many different versions of this well-known tune. If you want a more modern sound, try Jonathan Cain’s Bridal March. Click here to listen.  

more contemporary entrance songs

Thinking Out Loud- Ed Sheeran 

Marry Me - Train 

Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Piano Version - Landon Pigg 

Hallelujah Instrumental - Jeff Buckley 

The Luckiest Piano - Ben Folds 

Your Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus 

First Dance

Photo from annaandspencer.com

All I Ever Want is You - Megan Davies

Amazed - Lonestar 

Never Stop - Safetysuit 

Can’t Help Falling in Love with You - Elvis Presley 

Bring Me the Night - Sam Tsui and Kina Grannis

Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips

Father-Daughter Dance

Photo from blog.davidwittig.com

The father-daughter dance is always an emotional part of the reception. Choose a song that reflects how you want this moment to feel-- uplifting, sweet, or even fun! Think about what the song will mean to your father.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - IZ Kamakawiwo'ole

You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban 

Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle 

I Loved Her First - Heartland 

Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant 

My Little Girl - Tim McGraw 

My Wish - Rascal Flatts

Mother-Son Dance

Photo from mydeejay.com

The mother-son dance is a beautiful moment where the groom can give a tribute to his mother and all of the things she has taught him. The songs below capture the friendship and bond between mother and son.

Everything - Michael Bublé 

Child of Mine - Carole King 

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel 

Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks 

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong 

For all of the music on your wedding day, choose songs to reflect your personality and the relationships with all of the important people in your life. Happy listening!

Resource: Laich, C. (2010, September 23). History of Here Comes the Bride and the Wedding March.

*Sara Steinhoff contributed to this article.

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Thessa & Ricky: Happiness Found

Thessa and Ricky reminded me that some couples must truly be meant to be. At the reception, they explained that the bride's last name means "to search." For years, the bride was in search of her happiness. Then she met her groom, whose last name actually means "happiness!" There was no more need to search. She found happiness both literally and figuratively. Hence, the wedding hashtag #HappinessFound highlighted the theme of the event. The bright design scheme of orange and chevron just underscored the joyfulness of the occasion. Check out some snapshots from the day:

The talented bride made the centerpieces herself!

There was bocce ball and bowling to keep guests entertained during the cocktail hour.

Tags hung with clothespins served as escort cards to direct guests to their tables.

Guests enjoyed photobooth fun with homemade pinwheels and props.

Orange and grey chevron created a bright tablescape, 

complete with menu cards and frames for guests' photobooth pictures.

A festive cupcake tower, incorporating the chevron design scheme.

Photo by Mike Fan Photography

Congratulations to Thessa & Ricky!

Vendors:

Venue - Pinstripes

Photographer - Mike Fan Photography

Cupcakes - La La Li Bakery

Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Tracy & Mike: Classic Elegance in Chicago

I worked with Tracy and Mike from the start of their planning to create their vision - a classically elegant wedding. 

It was fun to make the traditional trendy, melding the customary with unexpected little twists. 

Check out the photos from this fabulous wedding!

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

The ceremony was at the renowned Holy Name Cathedral.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

After the ceremony, a trolley whisked the bridal party away for photos around Chicago.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

The reception took place at The School of the Art Institute Ballroom,

a hidden gem for Chicago weddings.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

 A cookbook served as an unexpected guestbook, where guests could leave messages on the pages of recipes that strikes their fancy. 

As the couple uses the cookbook throughout their life, they will come across the well wishes of friends and family, reminding them of their big day.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

 The bride and groom sneak a peek from the balcony above before their grand entrance.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Tablescape 

featuring a color scheme of gold, black, and white, with accents of natural green

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Place Setting

Menu cards atop classic gold chargers.

But the bow napkin fold adds a twist, making guests feel like they are unwrapping a gift as they sit down for dinner.

Envelopes emblazoned with "Lucky in Love" hid lottery ticket wedding favors inside.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, a tiered charlotte russe cake gave a splash of color.

This cake was a modern touch, by straying from the usual white wedding cake, yet also a throwback to yesteryear for this historical venue, as it was a once popular treat known as an "icebox" cake.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

 Congratulations to Tracy & Mike!

Vendors:

Church - Holy Name Cathedral

Reception Venue - School of the Art Institute Ballroom

Photographer - Katie Kett Photography

Cake - Sugar Fixe

Florist - Westgate Flowers

Band - Momentum Talent Group

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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A Wedding Favor that Won't Be Left Behind

I had a lovely little surprise yesterday. When the UPS man knocked on the door, I couldn't imagine what he could be delivering. I wasn't expecting a package. I brought the package inside, and when I saw the label -- L.A. Burdick -- I instantly had to open it!

Burdick chocolates are some of the most delicious and most unique chocolates I have had! When I lived in Boston years ago, I was fortunate to visit their chocolate shop and indulge. The little box I got yesterday was a Valentine's gift from my wonderful parents. I opened up the wooden box, and there was an assortment of chocolate mice staring back at me!

Let's be honest -- this box of chocolates isn't going to make it until Valentine's Day! My husband was lucky he even got some! :)

I wanted to share this little story because my clients often wonder what to give guests as favors. They struggle to think of things that their guests will actually like and won't leave behind. So, I always advise to give favors that are either a  yummy treat or something practical that guests could actually use in their home.

Lo and behold, Burdick does wedding favors!

Many companies do chocolate favors. But what I love about the idea of Burdick favors is they aren't just a mini box of chocolates. Guests get a little surprise when they open a box and see adorable chocolate mice, complete with silky tails, or debonair little penguins staring back. So, it's a favor that is delicious but also has a touch of whimsy to it that will make guests smile. If a guest were to leave this favor behind, rest assured, I would grab it up!

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