frankly speaking

Heidi’s Wedding Weekend offiicially kicked off with a Bridesmaids luncheon that I designed.  It was at the Signature Room at the 95th.  Since she is not a fan of pink I went with summer colors of green, yellow and orange, with a touch of purple.  Lunch began with Mimosas and passed Noshes.  The girls then took their place at the lavish Lunch Table.  Yellow chair covers with Apple Green Ties, and flowers shaped in all things “girl”.. purses, shoes, and dress forms.  Each maid received a broche of the First Name intial that I repurposed on the back on their bouqets ont the wedding day.  It was cleverly pinned to the lush Midori Ribbon that was on the napkin.  Great Menu Cards, Framed placecards and glittered bon bons completed each setting. I worked with the 95th Chef and Pastry Chef to come up with a menu that was not in their usual offerings (This happens alot, me thinking out of the box).  Lunch was a trio of Summer Soups, a crisp Caesar Salad with Prawns. It ended with a dessert I hear nobody wanted to ruin.. “Raspberry Mousse ala Jimmy Choo”.  It was a perfect afternoon that started the excitement of the weekend.

 

Saturday July 3rd, I did a lovely wedding for a great couple at the Chicago History Museum.  The weather totally cooperated, and we were able to enjoy the ceremony and cocktail hour outside on the Museum’s Plaza.  The sun was going down, so by the time we started, the majority of the plaza was shaded.

Decor was simple, as the couple’s tastes were.  A trio of Large beer stein shaped vases held white and purple cymbidium orchieds, suspended in water.  The other centerpieces were very organic, using garden roses, and orchids, and lot of interesting greens.  Sorry, I forgot to take pics of the reception… I get so busy concentrating on the client, I forget! We used Gun Metal Grey Bengaline tablecloths and napkins, and simple ivory gardend folding chairs. 

As with any client, I personalize the wedding. The menu was a smattering of the couple’s favorites.  And, yes, there was no wedding cake. They werent into it, so my suggestion was a plate of sweets to each table.  Also, we passed mini ice cream cones, a perfect touch for a summer evening.  

Chilled Hors d’oeuvres

 

Mini Fish Tacos with Queso Fresco, Shredded Cabbage, Salsa

and a Lime Sour Cream

Sliced Tenderloin on Crostini with Horseradish Aïoli and Micro

Greens

 

 

Selection to Include Traditional Deviled Eggs with Three Different

Fillings to Include Classic Egg Mixture, Pesto Filling and Chipoltle

Flavored Filling

Dinner Menu

Served over Organic Mesclun Greens, Kallas Farm Honeycomb,

Marcona Almonds and Tangerine Essence

 

 

 

Assorted Bread Basket

To Include Pumpernickel Onion, Multigrain, Pretzel and Rosemary

Olive Oil and Flatbread with Sweet Butter

Served with a Red Potato Hash with Colorful Tear Drop Tomatoes,

Grilled Pencil Asparagus, Crispy Leek Straws and a Lemon Garlic

Parsley Sauce

 

Vegetarian Option

Presented with Sweet Corn Flan, Grape Tomato Ragout, Madras

Curry Emulsion and Micro Greens

Displayed on White Rectangular Plates at Each Table

Selection to Include S’mores, Chocolate Tartlets with Fresh

Raspberries, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

and Mini Apple Tartlets with Little American Flags

Miniature Almond Espresso Cones Filled with Chocolate, Vanilla, or

Chocolate

 

The guests danced the night away and partied like rockstars.  A perfect night for such an ideally matched Couple! 

 

I was so excited to receive an invitation from Elizabeth Grace Stationers to an event for event planners this lovely summer evening. (Ok, it’s not officially summer till Sunday).  It was nice to finally see her shop. This boutique, in the heart of Lincoln Park on Clark Street just near Arlington is so charming. Not only does owner Laura Manteuffel carry an awesome selection of wedding invites (many I do and many I don’t) but a fab selection of cards and “irresistables”.   We noshed on Summer Appetizers from Chef Seth David Roth, and makeovers were available courtesy of celebrity Make up artist Darcy McGrath (who I was thrilled to get reaquainted with).   My dear friend Elissa from Rick Aguilar Studios captured the evening on film.  It was great to see some familiar faces, as well as meet some new ones.  And they served my favorite summer cocktail.  Moscato di Asti.  Shawn and I call it “Kool Aid for Adults”.  We enjoy this awesome Italian wine on the balcony at home on a hot summer night.  I had a Bellini before I knew that had the Asti.   We all were given an incredible swag bag filled with lots of neat stuff.  It was just was so nice visit with so many nice people.   For more information www.elizabethgrace.com

 

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Got a call yesterday from Esquire Magazine.  The guy wanted to know if I was familiar with the magazine. Duh, Have subscribed to it for 20 years plus!  Actually was reading the June/July issue w/ Tom Cruise on the cover that morning while sitting on the balcony having coffee. They were looking for a male Wedding Consultant to assist with answering a question from a reader for the Answer Fella column.  It was about the duties of a best man.  Look for it in late summer early fall!  (they couldn’t give me an exact issue).  Stay tuned!�

In 2006, The Early Show flew in Debbie Turner to interview me about Dogs in weddings.  They heard that I was a huge fan of this, and just done another dog wedding attendant.  and —actually had our own dog as ringbearer at our wedding. One of my favorite Pet Boutiques, Barker and Meowsky,  (A Paw Firm), will be holding a doggie fashion show of wedding fashions on Saturday.  They are located at 1003 W Armitage.  For more information, www.barkerandmeowsky.com  or 773-868-0200.  We just picked up an awesome rain coat for Fenwick here a month or so back.  They have the latest and greatest in everything Dog. (and cat). And.. this is where we found the black tie collar that Fenwick wore at our wedding.

I was so excited when I heard that the Chicago History Musuem www.chicagohm.org,  was going to do an exhibition of vintage wedding and newer wedding gowns and accessories. It immediately took me back about 12 years, when the Hellenic Musuem asked me to spearhead their exhibithon “Threads of Tradition:The Wedding which I did with my team Madelaine Gelis, Olga Garafoulis Maria Gepphert, and Kathy Kalasperis Smith.  We asked for local Greek Othodox Church members to send in family wedding gowns, veils, Stephana (the crowns used in a Greek Orthodox Wedding service) and  photos of from their families. The installation took abot a month, and it was amazing.  I learned that ladies had very small waists back then, and some gowns could not even fit on dress forms we used.

Anyway, CHM has done an amazing job with this. I breezed through the exhibit, but will go back when I have more time.  I am plannng a local ABC meeting for our members here in September. It will be an afternoon meeting. For more info contact our State Coordinator Judy Alden at judyalden@aol.com, or on our local website at www.abcillinois.com  Gowns and things from as early as 1850 are on display.  AND, kudos to CHM, for including a same sex wedding.  I had planned on taking photos to post of the gowns, but the Security Guard was watching too close, so this pic  took from the door. You will have to see it fro yourself!

The event was really nice.  They cleverly gave Four of my favorite Caterers each a room, and they themed food and decor to “Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue”.  Highlights were:

Food For Thought: Something Blue.  Tiffany Blue Food Stations with large bows, that were also used in the seating areas.  Great Blue themed Sodas and lollipops.  Didnt get to their food station as the line was Long.

Blue Plate: Something Borrowed. Interesting decor, like the borrowed it.  Great caprese salads, and Beet Cupcakes.  The Panna Cotta was nice too!

Bergoff : Something New.  Did all Local Flavors and Gluten Free options including a Gluten Free/Dairy Free Pizza, Asparagus soup and cigars, and Vegan and Gluten Free cupcakes of Strawberry, Chocolate Smore, Red Velvet and Carrot.  Decor was very “green” using lost of vegetables in a acylic table.

Taste America: Something Old.  The Steak Diane Sliders were incredible. I admit, I had two.  The Shrimp dish was also a wow.  They had some sweets as well, but I passed as I did on the rest of the desserts, but always curious what they showing  Decor was Black and white with huge towering palms.  (hmmm I wonder if the borrowed this idea from me, I have done this at the Drake before) and male staffers were dressed in white cocktail jackets ala Bogart, and ladies dressed in black w/ black gloves.

Great music filled the room from the girls I love at Toast and Jam.

They have done a full catalog of the exhibit, but gift shop was closed. Next time. Enjoyed myself  And yes,  did do an industry thing on a Wednesday.  Note: Date night was rescheduled for tonight.

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I was featured.. here is the link.  Thanks guys!

 

 http://www.something2dance2.com/blog/?p=276

While speaking to a Chicago Venue, I mentioned that I was excited to be speaking at the monthly ABC Meeting coming at their property.  When the Catering Manager said “what meeting?” and it was only 2 weeks away, I called our State Coordinator Judy Alden with a “Houston, we have a problem” message.  Judy called and her it was a bunch of excuses with pretty much the result being they decided they didn’t want to host us, after telling Judy that “they would take care of everything”, linen, flowers, AV for my presentation, etc. 

So, Judy calls me in a panic. She was leaving for vacation on Saturday.  We made a call to the Hotel Intercontinental who had offered to host a meeting and welcomed us with open arms.  With this I told Judy, to just send the evite, and email blast announcing the change, and I would step in and take care of planning. 

Guests were welcomed with awesome an awesome string quartet, full bar and incredible passed HD’s. The pear and goat cheese pizza— I could have had as my dinner entree  Guests then entered the ballroom.  Floor length ivory damask linens, and chameleon chairs with several different types of “softwear” as we call it (Different fabric cushions and backs) were the base of the tablescape.  Gold beaded chargers and elegant centerpieces of hydrangea, and roses in summer colors of green, orange and and yellow graced each table. The containers for the flowers were wrapped in silk, and secured with a vintage broche.  The strings relocated and played all non classical music for dinner.  (Showtunes galore, as well as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, The Beatles). 

Dinner was incredible.  Menu was:

A duet of

Truffle Flan, Morel Consumme and Micro Arugula, with fennel and Kumquats, with Spicy Lemon Caper Drizzle.

Pistachio Crusted Filet Mignon, with Artichoke, Leek and Cherry tomato “Salad, and Potato Tart

Dessert was a Strawberry Rhubarb tart with Fresh Basil (the basil was a great accent of flavor).

We enjoyed wines by Simi.  I LOVED the Cab, and I am usually not a Cab fan.

 

I then gave the keynote speech that I did at the 2009 ABC Conference in Indianapolis.  It was very well received.  I think I can now do this in my sleep. 

 

I was thrilled to step in and save the day for ABC.  I am so grateful to the vendors who partnered with me that evening, and and such short notice.  It just shows me what wonderful relationships I have with my vendors, and know I can always count on them.

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If you will remember a few months back, my blog entry showing the assembly of over the top invitations that were custom made, and put into silk boxed, tied with organaza and sealed with a broche.  Well, the wedding for that invite mailing was this weekend. 

The custom monogram that guests saw from the very begining, was again present to brand the wedding, along with thousands of Swarovski crystals. 

The weather was perfect, and Michele and her maids, all dressed in Vera Wang left Four Seasons in Black Limosines and a vintage Bentley.  Michele wore Vera’s “Bouquet” Gown, and matching cathedral veil was made of beautiful french tuelle and custom made lace.  The girls wore “iris”, a very light light lilac. Guests arrived shortly after via trolley.  The mass at St. Andrews in Lakeview was beautiful.  Michele picked all the music from her favorite classic and liturgical favorites.  Strings and trumpet, along with a bagpiper (a surprise for the Groom for the recessional) made the ceremony perfect. 

Guests entered the Four Seasons lobby and walked up the Grand Staircase, lined with violins.  From here they  were greeted by a long 16 fooot table holding the escort cards and then moved into the ballroom prefunction area.  I did the whole cocktail hour in white.  Other than two large white rose arrangements on the Four Seasons beautiful mahagony tables,which held family photos, there were no other flowers, but  all candles.  Oversized Hurricanes and sheer linen hung over tied white linen gave the cocktail hour a fresh look.  Guests enjoyed great savories such as Kobe Beef Burgers and Prawns. 

The Ballroom.. I don’t know where to begin. I called it “Parisian Chic”.  All done in ivory and shades of lilac and lavender.  The dance floor was covered in ivory vinyl, with the mongram prominent and center.  The backdrop to the orchestra  had dozens of strands of Swarovski crystals hanging floor to ceiling in the reveals of the gorgeous flowing ivory fabric.  Guests tables were done in two different kinds of linen, and two different kinds of centerpieces.  Flowers in white and ivory complimented the lamps and standing candleabra with again, strands of Swarvoski dangling from them.  Menus personalized with each guests name did double duty as placecards.  Waitstaff took dinner orders with a choice of Beef or Fish, as Veuve Cliquot flowed.  The head table, was three tables of different sizes clustered together, with petite vases of the same flowers as on the guests tables, plus dozens of different candles.  The Bride and Groom sat on a loveseat, again thinking outside of the box.   After Dinner guests danced, and hung out in the lounge areas by the bars we brought in, with huge lamps made of guess what.. Swarovski crystals, with a band of lilac roses.  the whole room was lit in ivory, but transformed to purple as the couple started their first dance. 

The centerpiece of the room was the amazing wedding cake.  I worked very closely with my cake artist, by duplicating the detail of the this magnificent wedding gown (see close ups I took at one the many fittings I attended).  From the magnifcent handmade flowers and lace to even the french tulle piped on so delicately, it was beyond incredible.  Too gorgeous to cut, but guests loved loved loved the chocolate cake, french buttercream and carmel filling.  Cookies and fruit were also available for guests to continue the noshing.  Oh, sorry, I forgot.  Chicago Pizza was our late night snack. 

You all know how much I love the word “Unexpected”.  My “Undexpected”for Michele and Tom was a doughnut station as part of dessert where guests could “make their own” by picking their own icing and toppings  A real switch from the chocolate fountain or make your own sundae bar (which I still love!)   But, last but not least.  The intermezzo course of frozen grapes was served to each guest on a individual ice sculputure that glowed in purple.  And the frosting on the cake— We flew in the world’s fastest etch a sketch artist to do sketches of guests, on custom made (just for our Wedding) sliver mini etch a sketches for guests to take home.  His fingers must have been aching, as he captured most of the 150 guests. 

For the first time in ages, today, as I type and relive this, I am depressed that this is all over. I worked so hard in creating such a magical day, and managing the numerous details.   This couple and I have a very special relationship, which you can’t help but have when working so closely for over a year.  I am actually in withdrawl that the wedding is over, but glad that our friendship will continue.  I can’t wait to see the official photos and video so I can relive this incredible day all over again.�

My Nephew Joey (when will ask me to call him Joe, like I asked relatives to stop w/the “Frankie”) made his first Holy Communion recently, so close friends and family gathered to celebrate.  A luncheon at the Doubletree Suites included Baked Potato Soup, Spinach Salad, Duet of Filet Mignon and Chicken, Double baked Potato and Asparagus and dessert of Cheesecake.  Joey asked me to do the room in Blue and Green.  So, Uncle did. Royal Blue Tablecloths, and Lime Green Napkins and centerpieces of Blue and Green Hydrangea is what did it.