Place Card Ideas

I have officially decided to drop the facade and admit that, deep down inside, I love Martha Stewart. There. I said it.

And now that I have that off my chest, I can share this bit of loveliness with you:
Fabulous place card ideas!! Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings. these suggestions are unique, crafty, and practical. I love it!

And..... most of these ideas are project you can do yourself. It's a great way to add a personal touch - and helps spare the wedding budget!

I especially like the cheese and cracker starter - it's an appetizer and a place card!

It's also possible that I like it because I love cheese almost as much as I love cupcakes.

My other favorite is the fabric flowers, which double as boutonnieres for the guests. You can even have your tables color-coordinated!

Angie & Ben's Summer Soiree at W Hotel

A video treat to start the weekend!

Angie and Ben were married in June at W Hotel City Center. I love this place - it's loud and colorful and funky when you walk in, but when you go up a flight of stairs you're transported to another world! There's an intimate feel to the space and you're swept away by the amazing architecture and decor. A wonderful wedding venue!

Another special treat was getting to work with the fabulous Heather Vickery and the terrific staff from Greatest Expectations Special Events and Weddings. Heather makes sure every detail is just perfect - and smiles through it all!

If you're planning a wedding and need someone to handle the details, Heather is definitely the person to call. The stress will melt away as soon as you hear her voice!

And now, enough of my chatter and on to the good stuff - Angie and Ben's wedding, as presented by the talented folks at Poetic Productions.

And congratulations, Angie and Ben - it was great working with you to create your ceremony!

My Fantasy Wedding Dance Party

I have been planning a wedding for the last few years - in my head. Even though I've been married eighteen years, I sometimes fantasize about having another wedding.

I have many of the details of my fantasy wedding already set. It would be held at Catalyst Ranch, of course. Luscious Layers Bakery will make my cake - and the sweet table. (Hey, it's my fantasy - I can have both.)

Since those two important details are done, I spend most of my time considering the music playlist. This is a constantly-evolving creation. The problem is that it keeps getting longer.

I can't imagine a party that doesn't include dance songs from the 80's and 90's (my era!). The obvious choices are New Order and Depeche Mode. And I can't forget It's My Life by Talk Talk (not that Gwen Stefani cover - ick!). Then there's Been Caught Stealing by Jane's Addiction. Ans then I'd have to get at least one INXS song in the mix. Where will it end??

Then, I keep finding more songs that I love - from this decade. Like, Michael Franti's Say Hey (I Love You) and Closer by Ne-Yo. It's getting ridiculous. I'd have to have a whole weekend to play everything I want.

But I guess that, since it's only a pretend wedding that I'm planning, I can add all the songs I want. You folks who are planning an actual wedding have the difficult task ahead of you - finding songs you both like, your guests will dance to, and fitting them all into a few hours of reception time. And then there's the No Play list to consider..... you definitely don't want to waste time hearing songs you hate. Chicken Dance, anyone?

Today's Chicago Tribune featured an article with practical advice about wedding music and the No Play list. Check it out here.

Ooh, that reminds me, I have to add I Gotta Feeling to my playlist!

Mary and Trina's Wedding at a Lake (that used to be a pond)

After 15 years together, Mary and Trina celebrated their love with a civil union ceremony on July 23rd. They shared the moment with family and friends at a lovely lake-side party room in Arlington Heights. Except, there wasn't supposed to be a lake there. Just the day before, the room overlooked a pond with a fountain. (Notice the picnic table submerged in water?) The heavy rains from the night before turned the surrounding area into a wet mess.

Luckily, the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Guests trudged through flooded roads and around blocked streets and came out ready to have a great time!

For the ceremony, Mary and Trina chose to participate in a sand ritual. One of my favorite details was that each guest received a little bottle of rainbow-colored sand as a keepsake.

My other favorite detail was that they served tropical drinks - in slushie form! They had two slushie machines, serving Margaritas and Pina Coladas. These two know how to throw a party!

Thank you, Mary and Trina, for letting me be a part of your wonderful day!

And thank you to photographer K.C.Hatfield for graciously allowing me to use these pictures!