Our first Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues
Kristy & Anthony say "I Do" at the Chicago History Museum
After months of planning, our first Wish Upon a Wedding took place on September 4, at the beautiful Chicago History Museum. For those of you who are not familiar with the organization, Wish Upon a Wedding’s mission is to provide free-of-charge weddings, allowing couples facing serious life-altering circumstances to concentrate on the issues affecting their lives. From the venue to the cake, and most everything between, they take care of all the wedding planning and details.
DJ Jay Sims had the honor of working closely with wish recipients Kristy & Tony, along with Chicago wedding planner Kelly Cavanaugh of Clementine Custom Events to bring their wedding wish to life. Hilda Burke of Angel Eyes Photography captured this beautiful event on film & Jason Groh of Lexoria Wedding Films was the cinematographer. The gorgeous centerpieces were designed by Andrew’s Garden in Naperville.
Gorgeous purple & fuchsia centerpieces from Andrew's Garden.
The day after their wedding wish was granted, Kristy & Tony had this to say about the numerous Chicago wedding professionals who donated their time and love:
“Thank you all for being a part of our special day! All our dreams came true last night! It was beyond anything we expected! All of you are very special people. It’s people like you that make this world a better place! With much gratitude and appreciation, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! It was the best night of our lives!”
To learn more about this amazing organization please visit: www.wishuponawedding.org
Tags: Ali Phillips, Andrew's Garden, Angel Eyes Photography, Chicago History Museum, Clementine Events, Hilda Burke, Jason Groh, Jay Sims, Kelly Cavanaugh, Lexoria Wedding Films, Something 2 Dance 2, Wish Upon A Wedding
WedBash 2012
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Delicious Lobster Salad from Catering with Elegance.
Wedding Guide Chicago hosted an amazing networking event at the historic Auditorium Theatre for wedding professionals on March 28, that I was lucky enough to attend. Guests enjoyed various food stations as they arrived on the mezzanine level of the theater including a new England themed station by Catering with Elegance including Lobster Rolls, Lobster Ravioli, and Lobster Bisque, Cork Catering served chicken salad lettuce wraps, and mushroom tarts, just to name a few. As we made our way down to the theatre stage we were treated to delicious food from Rockit Ranch Productions including gazpacho, ceviche, grapes covered in goat cheese and pistachios (a favorite at our table), and a beautiful infused tea display. Luscious Layers Bakery provided yummy sweets including chocolate whoopie pies, peanut butter bars, and cupcakes.
We enjoyed mingling with many of our Preferred Wedding Vendors including Reverend Jim Rehnberg, Robyn Bruns from Red Letter Event Planning, and Rebecca Motyka from BBJ Linen.
Yummy Whoopie Pies from Luscious Layers Bakery
And for the second year in a row, Wedding Guide Chicago announced that their partner charity for 2012, is Wish Upon a Wedding, an organization near and dear to our hearts. Please visit their website to learn more about this amazing organization that grants “wedding wishes” to very special couples.
Tags: Auditorium Theatre, BBJ Linen, Cork Catering, Luscious Layers Bakery, Red Letter Event Planning, Reverend Jim Rehnberg, Rockit Ranch Productions, Wedding Guide Chicago, Wish Upon A Wedding
Vendor Spotlight: Kristin Ashley Events
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
The lovely Kristin Weis of Kristin Ashley Events
After a long day at the ISSE Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Kristin Weis, of Kristin Ashley Events in St. Louis. We totally bonded over truffles and cookies (among other things), and I had the chance to interview her for my blog.
Tell me about yourself & your business: I first started planning with Engaging Events by Ali from 2008-2010 and relocated to my husband’s native town of St. Louis, MO where I started Kristin Ashley Events, LLC. I love doing weddings in St. Louis, Chicago and Indiana (where I was born and raised). I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Retail Management. Kristin Ashley Events offers professional advice and guidance throughout the wedding planning process, my goal is to be inpsired and enlightened to design and coordinate events that best reflect our client’s needs and wishes.
How did you get started in Wedding Planning? I started with visual merchandise in Chicago and wanted to try something different. I contacted Ali Phillips and had a few interviews, got the job and the rest is history. She still remains a best friend and a wonderful mentor.
We know Ali from all of her work with Wish Upon a Wedding…she has a wonderful reputation here in Chicago. What a great person to have as a mentor!
What sets you and your company apart from other wedding planners in St. Louis? My personality; I make the process fun!
What are some 2012 Wedding Trends? Metallic, patterns, textures and lounge inspired decor.
Since we met enjoying delicious desserts at the ISSE Conference, what are some of your favorite menu items for wedding receptions? I love customizing menu’s based on the season. August, farmers market (we have the best fresh veggies in the Midwest so use them!) Offering a butternut squash soup for fall or mango salad for summer.
I totally agree! Farm to table dining is huge here in Chicago as well!
Do you have a favorite color palette? Nope, I get inspired by my brides. One day I might not like a purple palette, but after talking to my client I get to use things that she is inspired by and sometimes I end up loving the color I used to run from!
If you could only have one song on your I-pod, which song would it be? Rihanna-Live Your Life
If you are a bride living in St. Louis, Chicago or Indiana who is in need of a fabulous wedding planner, please contact Kristin at: http://www.kristinashleyevents.com/
Tags: Engaging Events by Ali, ISSE, Kristin Ashley Events, Wish Upon A Wedding
Wish Upon a Wedding Blissful Wishes Ball raises $35K
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Blissful Wishes Ball at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
On Monday November 1, Wish Upon A Wedding held their First Annual Blissful Wishes Ball at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago. Jay and I along with over 250 wedding vendors attended this amazing event which raised $35,000 to help provide weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness. The Chicago Chapter has granted 3 Wedding Wishes this year with the help of generous wedding professionals throughout Chicagoland.
Chapter President, Ali Phillips and her team coordinated a beautiful event. Attendees were treated to a delicious dinner (including wedding cake from Sarah’s Pastries), silent and live auctions, dancing, and a special treat at the end of the night was provided by More Cupcakes Mobile Truck. I am still thinking about the Salted Caramel Cupcake I enjoyed!
There are many ways to become involved in this wonderful organization. If you are a wedding professional you can become a Wish Granter or a volunteer. If you are a Bride-to-Be, you can make a donation at your wedding on behalf of your guests in lieu of a traditional favor. Visit www.wishuponawedding.org and find out how you can help make wedding wishes come true.
Tamara & Jay Sims at Blissful Wishes Ball
MORE Cupcake Truck at Blissful Wishes Ball
Tags: Ali Phillips, Knickerbocker Hotel, More Cupcakes, Sarah's Pastries, Wish Upon A Wedding
Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Launch
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Reverend Phil Landers, Tamara Sims, Kris Malandruccolo of Elegant Videos by Kris and Mary Gearhart of Bartlett Hills Golf Club
It was an amazing evening at the Ravenswood Event Center on Wednesday March 24, where the official Chicago Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding was launched. The space was filled to capacity with over 200 Wedding Professionals willing to share their talents and services with upcoming Brides & Grooms hoping to make their wedding wishes come true.
Chicago Chair, Ali Phillips spoke poignantly about this amazing charity which is the only wedding wish granting organization that produces weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness.
The most touching (and tear filled), part of the evening was the video produced by I Do Films which documented the journey of Chicago’s first wish recipients Beth and Nick (who also attended the event), who will become husband and wife on April 18, 2010, thanks to this generous organization. The video was truly an inspiration to all and exemplifies the true meaning of unconditional love.
Wish Upon a Wedding relies on the generosity of professionals from the Wedding and Hospitality industries to provide goods and services for our Wish Recipients. By calling on our database of regional Wish Granters, we are able to make wedding dreams come true. From caterers to photographers, and from DJs to cake designers, {and everything in between}, we need you!
It takes hundreds of Wish Granters to make dreams come true. To apply, visit the Chapter Locations page and fill out the short form to grant wishes in your area: www.wishuponawedding.org
Tags: Engaging Events by Ali, I Do Films, Wish Upon A Wedding
ABC Vendor Showcase & Wish Upon a Wedding
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Helping Make Wedding Dreams Come True!
A huge thank you to Melissa Phillips of Simply Perfect by Melissa and Judy Alden, our Illinois ABC Coordinator for putting on an amazing event at Sutton Place Hotel in Chicago. As proud ABC Vendor Members, Jay & I were given the opportunity to showcase our Lighting and Decor division of Something 2 Dance 2 to Wedding Consultants in the Chicago area along with over 25 Chicago based Wedding Professionals. And thank you to the fabulous Jennifer Mordini, for capturing the evening with your Photography.
We had the opportunity to meet wonderful vendors and wedding planners who are committed to making their clients dreams come true on their wedding day. And speaking of dreams…we also learned about an amazing organization Wish Upon A Wedding, America’s only wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon A Wedding produces weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness. By celebrating the courage & spirit of these couples, it is their hope that others facing similar situations will find hope, strength, and the promise of eternal love.
Our very own Melissa Phillips, is involved in this organization and is looking for Professional Wedding vendors to be a part of it as well. She had a huge response last night from our ABC members, and we are looking forward to attending the Chicago Chapter Kick-Off Party on March 24, at Ravenswood Event Center in Chicago .
To learn how you can help Wedding Wishes come true contact Ali Phillips, Chicago Area Chapter President: chicagopresident@wishuponawedding.org
Tags: Association of Bridal Consultants, Jennifer Mordini, Ravenswood Event Center, Simply Perfect by Melissa, Sutton Place Hotel, Wish Upon A Wedding
