frankly speaking

I am thrilled to announce that I have been nominated for Event Solutions Magazine’s Spotlight Award for Event Planner of the Year. Go to http://www.event-solutions.com/spotlight/voting/ if you’d like to vote for me

Guests arriving at this weekend’s wedding received this amazing Gift box, in The Wedding theme colors and signature Peacock Feather. Inside held some of the couples Favorite Chicago Made Sweets. Included were Custom Lollipops from Candiality, Garretts Popcorn, Damn Good Cookies, Frango Mints, Fannie Mae Chocolates, Custom Cookies from Sarah’s, Tootsie Pops, Lays Potato Chips and Chicago Made Lemonheads, Milky Way & Snickers amongst other goodies.

After a morning of Mani’s and Pedi’s with her Bridesmaids, the Girls headed to their Bridesmaids Luncheon. I designed a real “Girly Girl” atmosphere with a French Inspired Menu.
Classic French Soup, Frisee Salad with Lardon, Crisp Pancett and Egg with Red Wine and Shallot Vinaigrette, Coq Au Vin with Mushrooms & Pearl Onions, Winter Root Vegetables, and for Dessert a Trio of Creme Brulee, Petit Four and Berry Tartlette. Sarah gifted all her maids with Designer Sunglasses. The start to an incredible weekend.

I am once again honored with a GALA Award nominated for my Winday City Winter Wonderland Wedding. I am so humbled.  It is featured in this week’s Event Line from Special Event Magazine. http://specialevents.com/photogallery/let-it-snow-frank-event-design-creates-a-windy-city-winter-wonderland-wedding-for-a-homesick-bride/?YM_MID=`mmid`&YM_RID=`email`

I was hired this year by a client to multiple events for her Son’s Wedding. This weekend I designed “Dinner the Night Before” (not the typical Rehearsal Dinner). We used themes from the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris”.

Guests were greeted with French Martinis (served out of coupes instead of martini glasses) amazing french inspired passed HD’s and pate station. A harpist played french inspired themed music. When they moved to dinner, the escort card table was a “work of art”. The centerpiece was a oversized frame with a french impressionist floral that came to life. The picture doesn’t do it justice.. it was truly “magnifique”. Escort cards were all mini works of art on easels that signaled guests as what table they were seated at. They were all named after impressionists, with a large painting on each table that guests were able to match their escort card to.

Guest tables were donned in French Blue Fleur d’Lise linen, Silver beaded chargers and round platinum menus “under glass”. I used silver Chameleon Chairs. Napkins were hand tied in sliver double faced satin ribbon. Centerpieces of all white roses, hydrangea, Calla Lillies, Garden Roses and Stock graced each table. As Guests entered the room to sounds of “I Love Paris” and “Le Vie en Rose” from the bably grand piano in the center of the room.

Dinner was exquisite. I worked closely with the Chef to design a french menu of:
Amuse- Escargot
Les Soupes- Trio of sippers
Entree- Duck A L’Orange with lentils and braised brussel sprouts, then the salad (served after entree, very European) of frisee with a Bleu Cheese Flan, follwed by a Fromage course of assorted cheeses. Dessert included french meringue cookies served to the table, but the Pièce de résistance was a Flambe’/Crepe station with bananas foster and cherries jubliee.

I learned that the Groom was related (six degrees of seperation indeed!) to TS Eliot, so as everyone left they received a book of his poetry. Throughout the evening, Guests particpated in “Open Mike” a trend that started in French Coffee Houses in the 60s, to toast the bride and groom with stories, music and

So, the elements of this amazing film, Food, Literature, Music, Art and Time Travel, were all brought to life. The client was pleased as she said in her email to me while she was getting her hair done for the wedding, “You didn’t only create an event, you gave by guests a experience”.

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Two the Chuppah’s I did are featured in the Chuppah article!
http://enews.penton.com/enews/specialevents/specialevents_/2011_09_14_eventline_sep_14/view.html Check out some of these amazing structures.

Well, it goes to show you, in Chicago the Weatherman isn’t always right! With the forecast of Saturday Showers, Mike and Sarah’s ceremony we figured would be “Plan B” and indoors. But, the rain and wind was south of the Windy City, letting them have the outdoor Ceremony they really wanted. A simple and elegant reception followed. Hightlights were a puzzle guest book where guest signed puzzle pieces and a “Thanks for being with us–it means SMORE than you will ever know” good night gift. A lovely day for a lovely Chicago Couple.

I am featured in Crains Chicago Business in an article about the surge of Civil Unions in Chicago, now that it is legal for a same sex couple to be partnered. For the whole story go to http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20110827/ISSUE01/308279985

In the Greek Orthodox Religion, most everything is repeated three times to represent the Holy Trinity. Well, I followed tradition of the religion I was raised in and had my Third Greek Orthodox Wedding in row last night. I created a simple and sophisticated wedding for this mature couple. Sylvia wore a very simple ivory organza dress with fresh orchids in her hair. The wedding party was all children wearing white. The Reception at the University Club started in the Gallery overlooking the gorgeous lakefront. The weather was perfect, so guests got to enjoy the terrace adjacent to the gallery. The escort card table arrangement was our Greek tribute, with blue flowers and olive branches. Dinner and dancing in the Michigan Room, was accented with centerpieces of all white, mono-botanical, low arrangements in stunning, cut crystal bowls. Guests enjoyed a choice of beef or fish for dinner, followed by Greek and American music and a sweets table that had Greek sweets made by Sylvia’s relatives.