Hot Chocolate in the City!

Now that cold weather is around the corner, doesn't a big mug of hot chocolate sound good?

Which, of course, got me to thinking about winter weddings. Wouldn't it be fun to include a drink sharing ritual in your winter wedding? 

And if this concept appeals to you, you need to check out some of my favorite businesses who create a divine cup of cocoa. They are TipsyCake and Katherine Anne Confections, both of which are a part of the Chicago Hot Chocolate Tour. 

A cup of deliciousness from Katherine Anne Confections

They were recently featured on WGN News. Check it out here: Chicago Hot Chocolate Tour: Sample some of the city's finest drinking cocoa

The Babies are Coming!

It looks like 2013 will be the Year of the Baby! A few of my past brides are expecting, as well as a friend of mine. I'm just dying to hold and snuggle these new little ones. I'm SO excited, I can't even stand it! 

I'm so thrilled to have been asked to create ceremonies to welcome some of these new little friends into the world. Have I mentioned lately how much I love being a Life-Cycle Celebrant? Best. Job. EVER!

And now that I'm in baby mode, I wanted to share some really cool ideas for any new mamas in your life.

I know a lovely woman by the name of Amy, who is not only a very cool mom, but also a Childbirth Educator and the creator of some very cool products & services for parents and babies, available through her website, Nakita Baby.

One of my favorites is henna for your belly! If you know anything about me, you know I LOVE henna! Why didn't I know about this when I was pregnant???

This beautiful artwork could also be incorporated into a wonderful mother blessing ritual. 

And if you do the henna belly, why not get a matching onesie for the baby?

Another fabulous offering is the belly cast, which can also include a henna design. What a wonderful keepsake for an expectant mother!

In addition to these great items, there are also other goodies, including custom-made baby slings. Be sure to check out all of the fantastic products from Nakita Baby by clicking HERE. A great opportunity to do some LOCAL holiday shopping.

And to all those babies coming soon - I can't wait to meet you! 

Fun, Flower-less Bouquets

As much as I enjoy flowers, not everyone is into the idea of carrying a bouquet on their wedding day. So, I always love seeing ideas for alternatives to the traditional flower bouquet. 

I just came across this article from Equally Wed, which has some great suggestions! 

Here's my favorite...... the lollipop bouquet!

Be sure to check out all the great ideas HERE. And for you DIY folks, this should be right up your alley.

Eleven Eleven Giveaway - Connie and Jessie's Big Day!

Woo hoo!! Connie and Jessie are married!!

 I think I was just as excited as they were about their big day! I am happy to report that we made it through the ceremony without any crying or other disasters (see, Jessie, I told you so!) and had a great time. 

Here we are right after the ceremony at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. They were absolutely gorgeous in their custom-made dresses by Mignonette Bridal. 

They walked down the aisle to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

See more of the gorgeous pix by Amanda Hein Photography on the Eleven Eleven Wedding Giveaway's page by clicking HERE.

Congratulations, Connie and Jessie. So glad to have been a part of your day - and to have you both in my life. I wish you a lifetime of joy, laughter and being right. And I will be around to make sure you're BOTH right sometimes. 

The Wedding Force

On September 1st, I finally got to officiate a wedding I'd been waiting for all year. 

I knew right away that I would have fun with Karrie and Matt when we first met. We bonded over Legos and sci fi, so I was especially excited about their wedding. Not to mention that it would take place at Starved Rock Lodge.

And they didn't let me down! The details of the wedding were fantastic - everything from the Legos in the bridesmaids' bouquets to the tables decorated for different Star Wars planets. I was even able to use a Doctor Who reference in the ceremony! How could you not love this couple?

Check out this great photo of Karrie and Matt. I'm happy to report that no one was injured in any light saber accidents.

See more on TrueLee Photography's Facebook page