Our favorite Valentine’s Day Treats
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
What girl wouldn’t want a Red Velvet Cupcake with a ring on top! Thank you Sugar Path for such a cute idea!
If you follow my column or know me even remotely, you know that I love sweets–chocolate, ice cream, gelato, cupcakes, pies, caramel, peanut butter and the list goes on. So I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite treats and where you could get them whenever you are in the mood. For me, every day is Valentine’s Day!
If you are in Chicago or New York City, be sure to stop by Magnolia Bakery for the best Banana Pudding ever! I know they are famous for cupcakes, but trust me on this one…the banana pudding is one of the best desserts I have ever had.
One of my all time favorite desserts is the Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery.
For delicious cupcakes, cakes and pies in Geneva, Illinois visit my friend Michelle at The Sugar Path. Made from scratch using the best locally sourced ingredients and family recipes, it is easy to become a raving fan like I am!
Cute Valentine’s Day Cupcake from The Sugar Path
If you like pie and happen to be in New York City, you must visit Hill Country Chicken. They make the most delicious mini-pies from scratch just like mom used to make but in mini-versions. My favorite was their seasonal Sweet Potato Pie with marshmallow topping.
An array of delicious mini homemade pies at Hill Country NYC
And finally, I must end with a photo of my main guilty pleasure: ice cream! I would have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner if I could. If you are searching for yummy dessert ideas, please feel free to drop me a line. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all…don’t forget to enjoy something sweet with your sweetheart today and every day!
Enjoying my favorite dessert..an ice cream sundae at Sugar & Plumm New York City
Tags: Hill Country New York, Jennifer Kaye Photography, Magnolia Bakery, The Sugar Path
Something 2 Dance 2 enjoys Wedding tasting at Hotel Baker
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
Photographer Alex Claney captured this beautiful shot from Hotel Baker’s balcony
It was a gloomy day on Sunday, but inside the Rainbow Room at Hotel Baker was brightly filled with brides and grooms planning their 2013 weddings.
The beautifully lit dance floor was filled with gorgeous displays by Town & Country Gardens and Park Place Interiors.
Lovely floral display from Jamie and her team at Town & Country Gardens
The Waterfront room was filled with the smells of delicious sweets from Oak Mill Bakery and Kernel’s Gourmet Popcorn of Geneva. Hotel Baker also provided a gelato bar with yummy toppings and Lou Malnati’s provided late night pizza snacks for our brides & grooms. Alex Claney Photography took amazing photos throughout the day to capture the event and kept our team at Something 2 Dance 2 DJ Entertainment company for the day!
Gorgeous Wedding Cake from Oak Mill Bakery
Tags: Alex Claney Photography, Hotel Baker, Kernels, Lou Malnati's, Oak Mill Bakery, Park Place Interiors., Something 2 Dance 2 Chicago Wedding DJ, Town & Country Gardens
The Special Event Conference keeps it Hot in Chicago!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
The Wedding Event Marriott Chicago Downtown
If you were looking for wedding and event professionals last week, you would most likely find many of us attending The Special Event Conference at McCormick Place where more than 700 spent their week attending seminars, roaming the trade show floor for new and exciting ideas and products, and of course networking together at amazing events.
The ballroom at Marriott Chicago…sensory overload!
Ali Phillips, of Engaging Events chaired The Wedding Event Dinner at Chicago Marriott Downtown where over 50 event professionals came together to create the most amazing evening, with over the top decor, florals, lighting and tablescapes. The amount of time that was spent to make every event so special was truly remarkable and I must say that wedding professionals are some of the most generous people I have ever met. Our team at Elegant Event Lighting and Something 2 Dance 2, were so inspired and we are looking forward to implementing many more creative ideas for our clients this year and beyond. Who knows, maybe you will see an ice DJ Booth at our next wedding!
So cool…a DJ Booth made of ice!
Our gorgeous table decor at The Wedding Event dinner.
Tags: Ali Phillips, Chicago Marriott Downtown, McCormick Place, The Special Event Conference
More 2013 Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Celebrating 2013 with the color of the year!
2013 wedding planning is well underway so please enjoy more tips and inspiration to create the wedding of your dreams…
Support Local Food Artisans For those of you who follow my Blog, you know I am obsessed with desserts and anything sweet and I have found that many of my brides and grooms are not only incorporating unique sweets, but they are also searching for local products which is a huge trend right now. Think chocolate, honey, or tea? I recently tried some delicious local honey from Bron’s Bee Company in Elburn that was chocolate! I paired it with raspberry tea and it was amazing. Look for local chocolate makers in your area for hand crafted truffles or caramels for your candy bar or favors. One of my favorites is All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva. Chef Roby makes each truffle by hand and they are not only beautiful on the outside, but they are creamy and delicious on the inside.
Hand Rolled Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles from All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva
Farm or Vintage Themes Rustic farm settings and vintage wares continue to be popular with brides and grooms. Incorporating elements such as rustic wooden farm tables, crates or mason jars filled with flowers or even a signature drink give an event an entirely different look. How fun would it be to sip your favorite cocktail from a mason jar or enjoy your favorite dessert this way!
Signature Drinks in Mason Jars…too cute!
Unique Backdrops Crystal Curtains, Ceiling Draping and Lounge Furniture can create a whole new ambience at your reception. Creating a “lounge area” allows guests to socialize and mingle during cocktail hour or when then they want to take a break from dancing.
Our team at Elegant Event Lighting created a cool lounge effect at Embassy Suites Chicago.
Tags: All-Chocolate Kitchen, Bron's Bees, Chef Alain Roby, Colin Lyons Photography, Elegant Event Lighting
2013 Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Dancing the night away! A fun 2012, wedding captured by Colin Lyons Photography
Hello 2013! For those of you planning a wedding I always think it is so important to put your own personal stamp on the day. Be creative, have fun and be yourself. With that being said, I hope you will enjoy taking inspiration from a few of my favorite wedding ideas.
Spotlight your Heritage: Cocktail Hour is a great time to celebrate family traditions with music, food and cocktails. An Italian wedding may include Sinatra and Tony Bennett music while guests enjoy mini bruschetta, toasted ravioli, risotto balls and good Italian wine.
Glam is here to stay! Wedding decor has become more sophisticated by incorporating crystals, luxurious fabric textures and sparkling chandeliers. Our Elegant Event Lighting team has been seeing this trend more and more frequently. One of my favorite designs from 2012, include our bride and groom Samone & James getting married under one of our custom canopy drapes complete with our crystal chandelier.
James & Samone’s beautiful Ceremony at Hotel Baker captured by Just Love Me Photography
Small Dessert Bites: Many of our brides are opting for a smaller traditional wedding cake surrounded by mini desserts. How fun for your guests to taste your favorite treats from childhood! Chocolate Chip Cookies, Banana Pudding and Chocolate Eclair Cake are some of my favorites; I would have loved to have shared these treats with my guests at our wedding 15 years ago.
Lots of yummy mini desserts!
Stay tuned for more ideas next week….
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, Hotel Baker, Just Love Me Photography
JW Marriott Chicago hosts ABC Holiday Meeting in style!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
The gorgeous JW Burnham Ballroom was perfect for our ABC Holiday Celebration
We had a great time at the ABC Holiday Networking Meeting on December 11. The incredible team at JW Marriott Chicago, wowed us with amazing food, conversation and exceptional service. We enjoyed signature champagne cocktails and delicious hor dourves including mini-latkes on silver spoons and filet mignon grilled cheese bites in the beautiful Grand Ballroom. Our hosts Miranda Thomas & Anthony Micheletti then took us up to the gorgeous JW Burnham Ballroom on the fourth floor for dinner. The menu was stunning…a 5-star dining experience and a feast for the senses: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup to start, followed by a deconstructed Roasted Pear Salad, continuing with a choice of Filet of Beef, Roasted Duck Breast or Truffle Cavatelli Pasta.
My Vegetarian Entree: Truffle Cavatelli Pasta with Vegetables
My favorite course dessert was not to be missed! Pastry Chef Kimberly prepared a delicious display for each table: pumpkin, chocolate and cranberry Creme Brûlée, Devil’s Food Cake and Red Velvet Snowballs. Each dessert was visually beautiful and tasted even better! She even took the time to provide each of our members with a little treat to take home to our loved ones: Chocolate Peppermint Bark & Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix in adorable little jars. Now that’s the icing on the cake!
Holiday Creme Brûlée: Pumpkin & Cranberry & Chocolate...so delicious!
The degree of service was absolutely amazing from each and every JW Marriott staff member. I cannot wait to tell my clients all about this beautiful gem in the heart of our wonderful city of Chicago. Thank you Miranda and Anthony for being the perfect hosts and for creating such an amazing evening for our ABC Illinois members!
What a gorgeous table!
If you would like to learn more about JW Marriott Chicago, please visit www.jwmarriottchicago.com
Tags: Association of Bridal Consultants, JW Marriott
It’s Emerald Green for 2013!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Gorgeous Emerald Green!
Pantone just announced Emerald Green as the new hot color for 2013, and brides are super excited to utilize this gorgeous green hue for their Spring weddings. Many say that green is also the color of “prosperity” as we are all hoping for a better economy in 2013.
There are so many ways you could incorporate this beautiful color in your wedding. How about accenting your wedding gown with an Emerald necklace or bracelet? Bridesmaid dresses would be stunning in this deep jeweled tone. If you are having a peacock themed wedding, gorgeous feathers in deep green and blue would be a perfect centerpiece or favor. And who doesn’t love the scene from Wizard of Oz when Dorothy arrives in the Emerald City!
A peacock theme with emerald green.
How about a Candy Bar for your guests featuring a variety of green candy? Think M&M’s, Gummy Bears, Andes Mints, Jelly Beans, Mint Malt Balls, spearmint leaves, etc. It will look as good as it tastes!
A deliciously yummy emerald green candy buffet!
No matter how you choose to use Emerald Green, your wedding will surely be the envy of all of your guests.
Venue Spotlight: Venuti’s
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
A gorgeous ceiling canopy at Venuti's designed by our team at Elegant Event Lighting.
It was a beautiful November day for Mae & Joie’s Wedding at Venuti’s in Addison. And as always our team loves working with the Venuti family to create unique and memorable weddings. The space is the perfect canvas for room uplighting and ceiling draping which can truly create that “Wow” effect at your wedding. Much like our company, Venuti’s is a family owned business who prides themselves in providing five star service to each and every bride and groom. If you are in need of a venue for your wedding or special event, please visit our friends at Venuti’s!
Another Elegant Event Lighting ceiling draping design at Venuti's.
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, Venuti's
Wedding Lighting Transformation
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
A vision in blue from our team at Elegant Event Lighting!
Our team at Elegant Event Lighting had a blast creating a “vision in blue” for Lindsay & Mike’s fairytale wedding at Hilton Garden Inn St. Charles. We transformed the entire ballroom by creating a gorgeous ceiling draping complete with hanging blue lanterns, white fabric backdrop behind the head table, royal blue uplighting around the perimeter of the room, and our signature brilliant white dance floor as the icing on the cake!
Here is what Lindsay & Mike had to say the day after their wedding: ”The colors, lighting, and drapery were absolutely stunning! It truly was like something from a dream. Thank you for everything!”
A fairytale wedding with Lindsay & Mike and DJ Mike Tawney!
We couldn’t have been happier with the way we made their vision come to life! If you would like to know how we could transform your wedding, please visit us at: www.eleganteventlighting.net
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, Hilton Garden Inn
Vendor Spotlight: DBY Events Schaumburg
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Stunning Tablescape by Kasey Larson of DBY Events.
It was a beautiful fall evening at DBY Events & Invitations in Schaumburg. Host and owner Kasey Larson opened up her beautiful studio to industry professionals and clients for an amazing evening of food, cocktails, treats and the most unique tablescapes, centerpiece displays and invitations. I literally felt like a kid in a candy store and wished I could plan my own wedding again!
The food was catered by Tokio Pub in Schaumburg and Beurre Rouge and couldn’t have been more delicious. Chef Aaron Valdez even created a signature chocolate cocktail for the event, because, who doesn’t like chocolate! Tokio Pub provided mini sliders, sweet potato maki rolls and the most delicious peanut noodle salad I have ever tasted.
The girls from Delish Cakes in Bloomingdale created signature fall cupcake flavors including apple with caramel buttercream, pumpkin with maple buttercream, and red velvet. The cupcakes tasted as good as they looked.
Kasey sure knows how to host a party! Any bride would be lucky to work with her and her amazing staff! Our team at Elegant Event Lighting can’t wait to work with her too! Please visit her at http://www.designedbyyouinvitations.com
Delish Fall Cupcakes!!
Tags: Angela Swan Photography, Beurre Rouge, DBY Events, Delish Cakes, Elegant Event Lighting, Furla Photography, Kasey Larson, Tokio Pub
