Hotel Baker Wedding Showcase
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Venues
The beautiful Rainbow Room at Hotel Baker in St. Charles
We had the pleasure of spending our Sunday afternoon at Hotel Baker’s Wedding showcase, and would like to thank Liz Weber and her wonderful staff for putting together such an amazing event for local wedding vendors and future Brides & Grooms. Guests enjoyed a wine tasting in the Rainbow Room which was beautifully decorated in purple (our favorite color!), by Liz and her staff along with a gorgeous Head Table Centerpiece provided by Town & Country Gardens. Something 2 Dance 2 DJ Entertainment provided the music in the Rainbow Room and was joined by Kelly Vanderploeg Photography.
The Waterfront Room overlooking the lovely Fox River was all abuzz with a slide show provided by Alex Claney Photgraphy and a delicious ice cream sundae bar provided by Coldstone Creamery. Guests enjoyed stepping outside on the Waterfront Patio to enjoy their wine or ice cream.
The St. Charles Room was also filled with wonderful wedding vendors. Rolf’s Patisserie provided gourmet pastries and Wedding Cake for all to enjoy. Jim from JP Jewelers provided custom designed rings, and Classic Chassis provided the most beautiful Red Rolls Royce parked right outside of Hotel Baker for our couples to check out.
I speak from true experience to the level of dedication the team at Hotel Baker provides as Jay & I renewed our vows here for our “10 Seasons of Love” Anniversary Party in 2007. To learn more about Hotel Baker and how they can help create your dream wedding or special event, please visit www.hotelbaker.com
Tags: Alex Claney Photography, Classic Chassis, Cold Stone Creamery, Hotel Baker, JP Jewelers, Kelly Vanderploeg Photography, Rolf's Patisserie, Something 2 Dance 2, Town & Country Gardens
Wedding Professionals unite for joint ABC & ADJA Meeting in Chicago
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Chicago Wedding Coordinators Judy Alden, Jane Skarosi and Melissa Phillips at joint ABC/ADJA Meeting
June 8, was a first for our Chicago ADJA Chapter as we hosted a joint meeting with the Association of Bridal Consultants, headed by Illinois ABC Coordinator Judy Alden and ADJA Vice President Jay Sims…and moderated by yours truly! Our goal is to bridge the gap between Wedding Coordinators and DJ Entertainers to work together to provide the best possible service for our Brides & Grooms.
Our panel of Wedding Coordinators included Judy Alden, Master Bridal Consultant, ABC Illinois Coordinator, and owner of JulWil Weddings, Melissa Phillips, owner of Simply Perfect by Melissa, and Jane Skarosi, Master Bridal Consultant and Owner of Bridal Mansion of Lisle and Weddings by Jane.
Our panel of DJ’s included Peter Merkle Chicago ADJA Chapter President and owner of Global Heart Entertainment in Chicago, Jay Sims, Chicago ADJA Chapter Vice President and Owner of Something 2 Dance 2, and Ken Overbey, Owner of Sounds Abound Entertainment and Wedding Shop in Naperville.
Our distinguished panel of “wedding experts” were posed a variety questions about their experience in the wedding industry. They discussed the importance of organization, trust and personality in finding the right vendor for your wedding and how crucial it is to work together as a team by always having your Bride & Grooms best interest at heart. Melissa stated that when Brides are surveyed after their wedding they remember the Food and Entertainment, and each coordinator agreed that a DJ can truly “make or break” a wedding reception. Our panel of DJ’s all agreed that working with a Professional Wedding Coordinator can make their job easier and can truly add to the success of the reception.
To find a Professional Wedding Coordinator in your area please visit: www.bridalassn.com and to find a Professional DJ Entertainer in Chicago please visit www.adja.org/chapters/chicagoland
Tags: ABC, ADJA, Bridal Mansion Lisle, Jay Sims, Judy Alden, JulWil Weddings, Simply Perfect by Melissa, Weddings By Jane
Creative Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Yummy Cold Stone Ice Cream Sundae Bar!
Wedding Favor Donation Card
When I meet with Brides & Grooms, I am quite often asked to provide creative wedding ideas, so this month I decided to share three of my favorite wedding trends with our readers. Have Fun, Be Creative & Enjoy!
Tamara’s Top Three Trends this month are:
*Get Charitable! As a huge fan of the Celebrity Apprentice, I was moved by how willing people were to help others. Instead of wedding favors, why not make a donation to your favorite charity. Your DJ Entertainer can share your connection to the charity with your guests at your reception.
*Share your Journey! Instead of using Table Numbers, why not name each table after special places you have visited, or favorite restaurants you enjoy on “date night,” or take it a step further with actual photos on each table…the possibilities are endless and your guests will enjoy viewing “your story” at each table.
*Be Sweet! Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with dessert, so why not incorporate your favorite sweets at your reception. Not a fan of Wedding Cake? How about Cupcakes, Donuts, Brownies or even a Rice Krispy Cake! During the hot summer months, an ice cream sundae bar complete with hot fudge, caramel, nuts and cherries are sure to please the kid in all of us.
At Something 2 Dance 2 we encourage your creativity…so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when planning your Wedding…showcase your personality to create lasting wedding memories for you and your guests.
Tags: American Cancer Society, Cold Stone Creamery, Something 2 Dance 2, Wedding Trends
Vendor Spotlight: Red Letter Event Planning
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Robyn Bruns of Red Letter Event Planning
Many of our busy Brides need an “extra set of hands” on their special day, and being a part of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), has allowed me to meet wonderful wedding planners who can assist our Brides. Robyn Bruns, owner of Red Letter Event Planning is a great resource and can help you with your “Red Letter Day!” She took a few minutes out of her busy day to share more about herself and her company with our readers.
Hi Robyn, tell us about yourself: I started Red Letter Event Planning four years ago, originally I thought my clients would be planning corporate events but I fell in love planning weddings. Now 90% of the business is wedding planning from full planning to wedding day management.
What town is your business located?
I am located in the beautiful north shore suburb of Glenview, I love my town, there is always something fun going on. But of course I can help Brides throughout the Chicagoland area.
What services do you offer to Brides & Grooms?
My philosophy is that a wedding has to reflect the couple getting married, I always tell my clients that the best thing I can hear at their wedding is one of the guests saying, this wedding is so Chrissy, or Matt or whatever the name is of the couple. Then I KNOW I have done my job.
Wow Robyn, we are definitely on the same page…the more creative and personalized the wedding the better!
Do you have memberships in any associations or trade groups?
I have the Professional Bridal Consultant designation with the Association of Bridal Consultants.
Has your business received any awards or designations? I have received the 2010 Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire. I am also an approved vendor on the website You’re EnGAYged, which I am proud of because I believe every person has the right to walk down the aisle.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I love which is planning weddings, playing with my dog and living a happy life with my soul mate and husband Greg. I also have a Mediterranean cruise on my 5 year list!
Sounds fantastic…especially the cruise! It is also my philosophy to work hard and play hard.
What is your favorite color?
My personal favorite color is green, however my all time favorite wedding color combo is black and white with an accent color, this year I think the coral and turquoise colors look fantastic with black and white.
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be? That is really a difficult question as I love all types of music, I actually went to my ipod to see what song I played the most these past few weeks, embarrassingly enough it was Go Cubs Go (I went to a game last week) I guess that shows I am an eternal optimist!
Seeing the glass half full is a great characteristic…especially in the Wedding Business!
To learn more about how Robyn can help you with your “Red Letter Day,” please visit her at: www.redlettereventplanning.com
Tags: ABC, Red Letter Event Planning, Robyn Bruns
Vendor Spotlight: Onesti Italian Steakhouse
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
I had the opportunity to participate in a Wedding vendor showcase held at the beautiful Onesti Italian Steakhouse in St. Charles, IL, and I can honestly say that Ron Onesti, Aubrey Pauly, Romi Herron and the entire staff are amazing to work with. With 3 different rooms to accommodate any event, this hidden gem is the perfect place for Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers and of course for a date night with your sweetie. And being Italian myself I can honestly say that the food is authentic, delicious and prepared with love.
Aubrey Pauly took some time to share more with our readers:
Tell us about yourself and your business:
I’m Aubrey Pauly, Events & Catering Coordinator at Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club. I help couples plan their upcoming rehearsal dinner, reception, engagement party or bridal shower. I make sure the bride and groom enjoys some gourmet Italian food, all while having fun with friends and family!
What town is your business located? St. Charles, IL
What type of event makes up the most of your business?
We host several rehearsal dinners, and also have our regular diners that like to come listen to live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Many brides and grooms also choose us for a smaller and more intimate reception, which we are seeing a growing demand for. Additionally, we host many communions, baptisms and birthday parties.
What other services can you offer to Brides & Grooms at Onesti’s?
We are constantly keeping in touch with great local vendors like Something 2 Dance 2, who we can refer to brides and grooms for their Wedding needs. If you’re looking for a photographer, florist, bakery, or just specialty linens and china then you’ve come to the right place!
Do you have memberships in any associations or trade groups? We belong to the National Restaurant Association, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, and Ron Onesti is on the Board of Director’s for the St. Charles Visitor’s Bureau.
Has your business received any awards or designations? Ron Onesti won a St. Charles “Pride of the Fox” Award.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope to still be planning weddings and events. I’m constantly learning with each event…skies the limit!!
What is your favorite color? I love turquoise….It reminds me of summertime and the beach!!
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be? Madonna’s “Like a prayer”.…it’s a classic!! How can you not sing along??
Great choice, Aubrey…”Like a Prayer” is one of our most requested songs at Weddings!
To learn more about Onesti’s please visit them on the web www.onestidinnerclub.com or stop in for dinner 7 days a week.
Aubrey always has a smile on her face!
Tags: Onesti Steakhouse St. Charles, Something 2 Dance 2, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Wedding Venues
Chicago Wedding Planner Frank Andonoplas
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Frank Andonoplas speaks for Chicago ABC Chapter
This week I had the pleasure of hearing Chicago Master Bridal Consultant and Event Expert Frank Andonoplas of Frank Event Design at our monthly ABC meeting at the beautiful Intercontinental Chicago. Frank put together an amazing presentation sharing insight into his 19 years as a Wedding and Event Planner which was a HUGE SUCCESS!
Frank is truly an expert in the industry and he gains inspiration for his beautiful events from Food, Fashion, Interior Design, Bridal Magazines and Industry Events just to name a few. Frank personalizes each and every Wedding and adds “special touches” for each Bride & Groom to create a magical night that each and every guest will never forget.
When discussing current wedding trends I was so excited to hear that Purple is one of the current Hot Colors and that Cupcakes are still a fun way to share something sweet with your guests at the end of the night. Frank shares so much with fellow planners and wedding professionals and feels that we are all “colleagues” in this industry rather than competitors. That is something very refreshing to hear…thanks for being you Frank.
To learn more about Frank and to view photos of his work, check out his Blog “Frankly Speaking” at www.frankeventdesign.com/frankblog
Networking with Chicago ABC Chapter at the lovely Hotel Intercontinental Chicago
Tags: ABC, Frank Andonoplas, Frank Event Design Chicago, Frankly Speaking, Intercontinental Chicago
TOMS Shoes for your Wedding
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Fabulous TOMS Shoes Wedding Collection
While attending a conference I came across a wonderful video regarding TOMS shoes and was really inspired by their concept of donating 1 pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that was purchased. Recently TOMS started offering Wedding Shoes, so I thought I would share a bit of their story with our readers.
Change a life with your next big step. Wear TOMS in your wedding, and help children in need with the first steps you take toward your new life together. TOMS offers a special deal for couples who outfit their entire wedding party in TOMS to help make an even bigger difference in the lives of others around the world. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
Another great idea is to have your guests sign a pair of TOMS along with your guest book…you will be helping a child in need on your special day!
For more information please visit their website: www.toms.com/wedding-collection
Tags: TOMS Shoes, Weddings
Vendor Spotlight: Personal Stylist Erin Carpenter
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
The fabulous Erin Carpenter celebrates her 30th Birthday with style
Being a member of ABC has given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people including the most fabulous Personal Stylist in Chicago, Erin Carpenter. I had the opportunity to interview Erin about her business and she was kind enough to share some very helpful tips with me and all of my readers.
Tell us about yourself and your business: My name is Erin Carpenter, Bridal Wardrobe Stylist. From the engagement photo session to the honeymoon, and the “Big Day” in between, my goal is to help the bride look and feel her absolute best for the most photographed day of her life. I offer head-to-toe wardrobe planning, personalized gown selection, personal shopping…I’ll even go on-site on the wedding day to ensure every layer of tulle is in place!
Where is your business located: Chi-town!
What type of events make up the majority of your business: When I’m not working with brides, you can find me styling professional women throughout Chicago–including NBC5’s Ginger Zee. I am also the fashion blogger for Today’s Chicago Woman on ChicagoNow.com.
What other services do you offer: A big need that I meet is wardrobe consultation and shopping services for the mothers of the wedding. I help them find a dress that flatters their figures and camouflages any perceived flaws, while also being occasion- and age-appropriate. Times have changed, and that old standard, the stuffy, sequin-covered mother of the bride suit, is simply no longer acceptable!
Has your business received any awards or designations: My work has appeared on NBC5 and ABC7 news and LXTV’s First Look Chicago, and in Michigan Avenue Magazine.
What is your favorite color: This Spring, my favorite color is navy…navy is the new black!
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be: “Yeah” by Usher never fails to get me movin’–whether I’m at a wedding or on the treadmill. The cameo from Lil’ John always makes me smile. It reminds me of that great parody of him Dave Chappelle did…anyone else ever see that? Hilarious!
Best bridal style tip: Many brides think the big decisions are over once they’ve finally decided on a gown. But don’t take your wedding jewelry choice lightly. Many photographs will be from the shoulders up, so make sure you choose a necklace and/or earrings that not only compliment your gown, but flatter your face shape.
Tell us about your Wedding:
Favorite part about my wedding: Letting loose and dancing with all of our wedding guests. Our bridal party, family, friends…we were surrounded by everyone we love, and we were all having the best time. The weather was beautiful, so our DJ moved the speakers to the outside patio and we danced under the stars along the canal (in downtown Indianapolis, my hometown). My mom had a perma-smile the whole night, and my dad did the robot. It was a fabulous party!
Any secrets you would like to share with our readers:
Shhh, don’t tell: Four years later, my wedding gown is still uncleaned, crumpled in a garment bag in storage…I’m almost afraid to look!
Too funny, kind of like the cobbler who doesn’t own a new pair of shoes!
How can my readers reach you:
Contact info: erin@erinpersonalstylist.com, 773.294.8385 www.erinpersonalstylist.com
Tags: Erin Carpenter, Personal Stylist
Vendor Spotlight: Invitations by Design
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Tara with Invitations by Design displays her beautiful products.
Being in the Wedding business we quite often meet wonderful vendors who provide top notch service to our clients and Tara Vanderheyden of Invitations by Design is one of them. Tara offers custom designed invitations (and inserts such as accommodations, maps, response cards, etc.), programs, seating charts, place cards, menus, thank you notes, welcome bag tags, favors, addressing services (addressing, stuffing, stamping, sealing and sending your invitations), and more. Her services are customized to each client’s needs and are beautiful and creative! Tara’s work is currently featured in Chicago Social Brides Magazine, which makes her extremely proud. Tara loves surrounding herself with talented people who are passionate about Weddings and she hopes to expand her creative team in the near future.
When asked what her favorite color is…she enthusiastically replied: Pink…but of course she will work with any Brides color palette.
To learn more about Tara and Invitations by Design, please visit her website: www.invitationsbydesign.com
Hilton Garden Inn St. Charles
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Venues
Sara and Tamara at St. Charles Chamber Annual Charlemagne Awards. Photo by Alex Claney Photography.
Part of my mission in creating this Blog is to spotlight various reception locations to help future brides and grooms during the initial Wedding Planning process. Each month I will conduct a “Vendor Spotlight” showcasing the many wonderful Wedding professionals our team at Something 2 Dance 2 and Elegant Event Lighting works with throughout the year.
Sara Boal, CMP is the Catering Sales Manager at Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles, IL. Sara works very closely with each Bride & Groom providing a very hands-on approach from the beginning of the planning through the wedding reception. Our brides love working with Sara and appreciate her dedication and attention to detail in creating the wedding of their dreams. Her property has received a Guest Loyalty Award and the Hilton Brand is ranked #1 in the U.S. for Customer Service.
Sara loves the wedding industry and strives to be the best each and every day…so it is not a coincidence when asked what her favorite song was, she replied: “Simply The Best,” by Tina Turner!
To learn more about Sara and Hilton Garden Inn for your Wedding or Special Event please visit: www.stcharles.gardeninn.com
Tags: Hilton Garden Inn, Wedding
