Q & A: How Do I Get a Marriage or Civil Union License in Cook County?

Answer: Here's a video that explains how to get a license!

Beautiful "Fish and Bird" Wedding

Look at this gorgeous wedding, inspired by the Tom Waits song, "Fish and Bird." It is featured today on the Wedding Chicks blog.

When Janelle and Chris were first dating, Chris sent Janelle a note with the lyrics to the song. This became the theme for their gorgeous backyard wedding. 

There were so many amazing elements, including succulents (!!), a jellyfish backdrop, and even pie.

Not only do I love all the beautiful details of this couple's wedding, but they happen to be two people I know and absolutely adore.

Congratulations, Chris and Janelle! I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, joy, and game nights with friends! 

Check out the full gallery of photos by Julia Franzosa Photography (one of my favorites!) HERE.

Congratulations to the Smiths! (The couple, not the band)

I get so excited about babies! And I get super-duper-over-the-moon excited when those babies happen to belong to wonderful couples, like Cori and Steve, whose wedding I officiated in 2011. 

Tatum Ann Smith arrived yesterday morning - and she's absolutely adorable! Congratulations, Cori and Steve. I hope to meet your little angel soon!

Cori & Steve Smith - photo by Angel Eyes Photography

Marriage Equality in Illinois!

I have literally not been able to express my joy out loud because I keep crying. And there I go again.

So, this says it all:

A Case for Unplugged Weddings

This past year, I have added language in my ceremonies asking guests to put away their phones & cameras. Now, I should explain that this is put into the 1st draft, which I send to the couple, and they have the option of removing it. I find that most people leave it in. They've heard the  stories. And I can vouch for it - the stories are TRUE.

Of course, not everyone with a smart phone or an iPad is rude. And yet, many people seem to forget their manners when they're at a wedding and they want to get that one "perfect shot." I've seen a camera-happy relative almost bump into the groom as the groom was pouring a glass of wine. I've seen a bride barely able to walk up the aisle because guests were stepping in front of her to take pictures. And I hear the clicking and snapping throughout the ceremony.

 So, my friends, please watch the video below. And don't be that guy.

Thanks to my colleague, Life Cycle Celebrant Cindie Wilding of Bird and Nest Ceremonies, for sharing this video!

Casey & Andi's Beautiful Downtown Chicago Wedding

I had the honor of being a part of Andi & Casey's gorgeous wedding this past June. The ceremony and reception too place at the Hotel Intercontinental and everything was absolutely stunning due to the creative touches of Engaging Events by Ali.

Casey and Andi are truly two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet, and their wedding day was filled with so much love and happiness. It was such a joy to be able to celebrate with them.

They were kind enough to share their beautiful video, created by Highway 61 Films.


Casey + Andi - Feature Film - Intercontinental Chicago from Highway 61 Films on Vimeo.

Green Wedding Tips from Sierra Club

I just came across this post on the Sierra Club website - 10 Steps to a Green Wedding and wanted to share.

The article had some great suggestions, including:

• Avoid "blood diamonds" in favor of vintage rings, or even wooden bands
• Choose a venue that require less travel 
• Serve organic wine
• Use a florist that offers local flowers and greenery

One of my favorite tips was celebrating your marriage with a shower of biodegradable confetti!

Ecofetti offers confetti that is environmentally safe - and comes in a variety of colors, as seen below.

How fun is that? 

So, as you plan your wedding, keep in mind that there are many options that will allow you to have a wonderful, unique event, and still remain environmentally responsible.