Illinois-Chicago — The Knot Community

White Willow Studio

marin1983 — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:50:15 +0000

Has anyone used or know someone who used White Willow Studio for photography or videography? I think I like them, but can't find any reviews anywhere. Thanks!!

Dress cleaning

laur2511 — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 20:00:47 +0000

Hi ladies, I apologize if this has been asked before but I'm new to the area. Any dress cleaning and preservation places you would recommend?

Anyone located in NWI and planning their wedding or reception?

FutureMrsFasano — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:16:12 +0000

I live in Northwest Indiana (about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago) and I am planning a reception for next summer. Im looking for others who might have tips and ideas for affordable caterers, venues and everything else wedding related. Thanks!

Bridgeport art center-realistic budget?

Ktrojan107 — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 06:28:18 +0000

Hi I am looking to get married 3/21/14 at the Bridgeport art center. My budget is $30,000 but my mom has offered to buy my dress and accessories. We are probably going to have about 200-225 guests. Does anyone know if this is realistic? I've looked and I think it is but there is just so much! Thank you!

Vendor Review 12/29/12 Wedding

jsquared62009 — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 05:47:00 +0000

Vendor reviews always helped me when I was planning so here's the reviews from our wedding. It might seem like I just love giving out A's to vendors, but we just really had great vendors all around. I credit that to the fact that all of the vendors we used had been recommended here on theknot by fellow chicago brides!

Flowers: Kimberose A+
From start to finish Kim was great! She worked with our budget and gave us amazing results! The bouquets still looked great the next morning. She was quick to respond and always very helpful. She's also very professional...she was on time, called a few weeks before the wedding to confirm everything, and stayed to help my friends set up the reception hall even after her work was done. She goes above and beyond and it's clear she loves her job.

Hair & Make-Up: Brides By Kelly A+
Kelly is amazing! She had a great personality that made the 4hrs worth of hair/make-up super fun. She also does amazing work. My hair never stays up, but by the end of the night is still looked perfect. My makeup still looked great too! She did a great job of listening to what each girl wanted/envisioned and delivered flawlessly. She was also very quick to respond to any question I had.

Gown/Alterations: The Crystal Bride A+
Heather was a great consultant. She listened to what I wanted, looked at pictures I brought in, stuck to my budget, and helped me find my dream dress after only 7 dresses. Every fitting I had went very smooth, they were always ready to go with my dress, and made the process very fun/ stress-free.

Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal B
The gowns were great for the price. We had made an appointment since I had 6 girls, and when we showed up we still had to wait 30min to see anyone. Even then we had to share that consultant with 3 other groups. Despite that day, I still give them a B since the price can't be beat and the customer service after that was great. Even the day before the wedding they steamed 2 of the girls dresses for no charge and got them back to us that same day.

Tuxes: Men's Wharehouse A+
The price was great and the customer service was really good as well.

DJ: An Enchanted Evening A
We had Larry from Enchanted Evening and he kept the dance floor going all night. Their package is really reasonable and they have a good online planning site. The only reason I didn't give them an A+ is that it was a week before the wedding and we still hadn't been told who our DJ was. They apologized and told us right away. Also, other than that one incident they were extremely attentive. Any e-mail I sent was replied within 1-2days. They let you watch videos of their DJs and then pick your top 3. That was really helpful because then we knew we were getting someone who's style would match ours.

Engagement Pics: Kathleen Thame A+
We took our engagement pictures over a year before the wedding. Kathleen was awesome! She picked a beautiful location for our pictures. She also had saved pictures I had sent her of poses I liked on her phone and pulled it up to make sure I had gotten all of the shots that I wanted. She is really flexible, professional, and personable. We were really bummed that she wasn't available for our wedding...she's fabulous!

Wedding Pics: George Street (Thomas K) A
We met with them on a whim and were totally impressed. They let you chose a photographer from their portfolios. They also have wedding coordinators that are available to help you every step of the way. When I didn't know where to get ready/take pictures before the wedding they suggested a great place. They also have a great online planning site. We had Thomas K and he was great! He came up with so many great pose ideas and was willing to do any poses we wanted as well. He was on time, professional, non-obtrusive, and even checked with us when his time was up to make sure there weren't any pictures we still wanted. George Street made me nervous at first since you don't actually talk to your photographer until the week of your wedding, but it turned out great since you have contact to the coordinators throughout the process. We couldn't be happier with our pictures!

Reception: Fountain Blue Banquets A
We first met with Bill and fell in love with the Fountain Blue's rooms and their customer service. We also met a lot with Connie throughout the process and she was so helpful. They do such a great job at making you feel like their number 1 priority. The food was amazing. The next day we had people asking us what kind of chicken we had because they loved it so much. Their package includes so much and is a great value for the quality of service they provide. Also, the day of we had a coordinator who checked in on us throughout the night to make sure we didn't need anything. They made the entire night go smooth as silk.

Limo: Luxus Limos: A
We got the Escalade limo. It was clean, and the stocked bar was great! Our driver was early, knew how to get to all of the locations, and very professional. Also, their prices were some of the best I found.

Getting Ready Hotel: Intercontinental O'Hare B
They have great rooms for getting ready the morning of. They also have a great art gallery wing that was great for indoor pictures before the ceremony. There was no one around so our pictures were really easy to take and we had as much time as we wanted. We booked 2 rooms for the night before and then the changing room for the day of. Even with only those 3 rooms, they upgraded one of them to an executive suite. The rooms are awesome for the price. The morning of every staff we came into contact with was so attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. The only reason I gave them a B was that the sales lady was sometimes hard to get ahold of, but she was still extremely helpful and friendly and made sure our day went off without a hitch. I'd still highly recommend them!

looking for an affordable Hair Stylist/ Makeup In Chicago

nchachor — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:53:41 +0000

Anyone have any reccomendations for hair/makeup for my wedding? Getting married at Salvage One. We will probably get ready there. Thanks!!!

farm venues in greater Chicago

Acblue84 — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:12:11 +0000

Hello all- I really love the idea of a farm (or garden) venue for my wedding and reception, but I haven't had much luck finding locations in the greater Chicago area besides Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn...which looks wonderful, but might still be too far from downtown.

Most of my friends and relatives will be driving/flying in for the occasion, so the closer to downtown the better! Any suggestions?

Ringbearer Suits for sale - worn once!

TNJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:53:37 +0000

Hi girls - My 3 year old was in two weddings this summer/fall and I am selling his suits, as he'll never wear them again! Here is a link to the craigslist post with all the details.

Thanks!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bab/3532680303.html

Affordable Florists

ykondr2 — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:03:37 +0000

I have been to a few florists in the Naperville area and all have gaven me a quote of almost $3000 dollars. I am trying to keep it simple (simple white roses bridal bouquet, 6 smaller bridesmaid bouquets, 6 grooms men, 1 dad, 2 moms, 2 grandmas, 3 grandpas, 1 flower girl, 1 ring bearier). I just want ribbon for the pues and candles for the center pieces. Does anyone know of florist that is affordable. Maybe one that does it from home around the Naperville area?

The Knot & GigMasters Wedding Entertainment Sweepstakes - Ends 1/13/2013

Knot Jennifer — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:37:40 +0000

Hey Chicago Knotties!

Are you planning the entertainment for your wedding? Good news! We are running a sweepstakes with GigMasters.com now through Sunday 1/13/13.

Details:

We’ll select at random, one winner who will receive one (1) free 30 minute online or phone consultation with a GigMasters wedding entertainment representative. After the consultation, the GigMasters representative will provide the Prize winner with a list of possible entertainers in his or area, and help them to arrange to receive price quotes. GigMasters will pay for the entertainment chosen by the Prize winner, up to $200.

How to enter? It’s easy!

Answer this question in the thread: What is the one song you do NOT want to hear at your wedding?

Good luck!

Knot Jennifer

No purchase necessary. For official rules for the Wedding Entertainment Sweepstakes please click this link.

http://www.xoedge.com/rules/2013/GigMasters-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules-Final.pdf

Timothy Whaley/Bill Jaeger

WendyLC — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:03:50 +0000

Has anyone used Bill Jaeger from Timothy Whaley and Assoc. Photography?

Seamstress Much Needed

MrsJarrin911 — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:09:39 +0000

Good morning ladies,

I have recently bought my dream dress from a lady I found on craigslist who had my dress brand new with tags on. Good news is, it is in perfect condition and looks gorgeous. Bad news is, it needs a lot of alterations since I am 4'11 and the dress is not a petite.

When I went to David's Bridal and tried on this very dress, they told me it would cost $250 to both hem the bottom and add a bustle to the back. I am hoping to find a more affordable seamstress and one that can be trusted.

Anybody have reccomendations from seamstress they have worked with in the past?

Thank you in advance! :)

Danada House Help!!

Kempf2014 — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:20:57 +0000

My fiance and I are in LOVE with Danada House for our wedding reception. We had a tour of the facility today and couldn't be more pleased! However, the space seems a little limited to me and with a max capacity of 250, our guest list will have to be cut down.

Has anyone been to, or had a wedding at Danada House with the max capacity of 250, and if you did, was there enought "elbow" room for everyone? I worry about space and comfort and if 250 people might even be a tight squeeze.

We have a hold on a date for 2014, but the space truly concerns me and we have to let Danada House know in a week if we want to officially confirm the date. ANY input would help....and ASAP. Thanks!!

Wedding Planner/Coordinator Review

ejmoffitt — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:39:01 +0000

I used Natalie at Beaumann Events. ( http://www.beaumannevents.com/ )

She helped me enjoy my day! Without having someone else worrying about the boys getting their corsages, getting the extra candles lit, etc. I would have been so stressed. I totally recommend her. She took care of all the details during the wedding and reception while I got to soak in all the precious moments of my wedding day. She made sure everything was the way i wanted it, and didn't impose her opinoin on anything. She was an extension of me and I could not have done it without her!

Suggestions for Bridal shower venues in the NW suburbs

carkos — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:47:14 +0000

I really could use help planning my brother's fiance's bridal shower. We are looking for venues in the Northwest suburbs (Des Plaines, Northbrook, Wheeling, Glenview). I was hoping for a restaurant with a private room for around 30 people. I wanted to keep the price to about $25/person.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I am out-of-state so it is hard to plan without seeing the venue.

Thanks!

Newly Engaged

VivianChicagoBride — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:24:41 +0000

Hello! I'm new to the board and recently engaged. I'm thinking of doing a destination wedding although I have no idea how to find a venue. My FI and I live in the West Loop but are thinking that we want to get married out of the country.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Where to take pictures after the ceremony? - NW Suburbs/Illinois

pberryhill — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:46:47 +0000

My fiance and I are getting married in February and we are trying to figure out where to have our wedding photos taken on the day of the wedding. If anyone can help us think of places in the northwest suburbs (we are getting married in Villa Park and the reception is in Itasca) I would really appreciate it. We have thought of Morton Arboretum but I am afraid we will have to pay for each admission...Thanks in advance!

Brookfield zoo reception?

bmetelka — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:51:42 +0000

Hi everyone! Is anyone having or had a reception at the Brookfield Zoo? From the research I have done, people seem to have only good things to say. I am going on a tour tomorrow. My only real main concern is that some of the habitats might be a little smelly. haha Anyone have any thoughts/comments?

Luscious Layers Bakery - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:03:01 +0000

Luscious Layers Bakery A+++

Working with Ashley and Lyndsay was wonderful. They are both so professional and responsive to all questions. They helped us to design a small Chicago themed wedding cake along with lots of cupcakes. We would recommend their services to anyone looking for delicious baked good, great customer service, and even affordable prices. This is the trifecta of bakeries!

Phone	(773) 661-1335
Email	lusciouslayers@gmail.com
Website	http://www.LusciousLayers.com

Centerpiece Ideas

ykondr2 — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:38:42 +0000

I am thinking of having long stem hurricane glasses with a floating candle in them. Probably 3 different size(lenghts) ones for each table. Has anyone done this before and if you have where do you get those long stem hurrican glasses(vase) in bulk and cheap?

I am up for any other budget centerpiece candle ideas too! :)

Thanks!!

Satin Chair Covers - Vendor Review (Fabric Back-Drop / Uplighting)

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:04:07 +0000

http://www.satinchaircovers.com/

Natalia & Travis

630.504.2009

email: satinchair@yahoo.com

Satin Chair Covers – Natalia & Travis A+++

One of my bridesmaids recommended Satin Chair Covers to me saying that they were her best wedding vendor. I reached out to Natalia and Travis and they were very helpful. I was impressed with their fast customer service and also with their wonderful pricing. I was able to secure a much more eloquent fabric back-drop for my wedding ceremony than with any other vendor for almost half the cost. In additional to that uplighting was included in the cost.

This was a fantastic deal and my wedding ceremony was gorgeous. I would recommend Satin Chair Covers to anyone due to their professionalism and their ability to provide beautiful décor.

Bellow Blue - Wedding Photography

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:30:19 +0000

Bellow Blue – Joan & Jon A+++++++++++++

Bellow Blue was truly my favorite wedding vendor. Joan and Jon are so easy to work with and they are just so down to earth. I enjoyed every minute of our engagement pictures and now our wedding pictures. They helped us to look our very best and they definitely helped to capture the most important day of our lives.

I really love the fact that Joan and Jon are a married couple and they are also partners in their photography business. I really do feel that since they are so in tune with each other that it really flows through into their pictures. They’ve captured timeless, flawless, and captivating photographs that we will cherish for a lifetime.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer team that is professional, down-to-earth, and extremely easy to work with, look no further. Joan and Jon will go the extra mile (literally as they did travel from Madison to Chicago on two occasions to capture our moments) to ensure that you have everything you dreamed of and more with regards to your wedding photography.

Potpourri Strings - Vendor Review (String Duo)

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:26:26 +0000

Potpourri Strings

Linda H. Lager

http://www.potpourristrings.net/

e-mail: potpourristrings@aol.com

(708) 895-0458

I hired Potpourri Strings after going to one of their concerts. I decided to use a string duo which was perfect for my loft venue.

It was very easy to work with Linda and she was extremely helpful when it came to questions about music selections for the ceremony and cocktail hour. I would resommend this duo to anyone that is looking for live music. They were timely, professional, and their music sounded wonderful.

I would absolutely book them again and they were also very affordable compared to others in the business.

Tamara Make-Up + Hair Artistry - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:18:18 +0000

My make-up and hair were perfect for my wedding day and working with Cristina and Melanie was wonderful. They helped to make each and every one of my girls (and Mom) feel beautiful.

Unique Floral - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 01:50:50 +0000

Unique Floral – Amy Tellner A++++++++++++

All of my other vendors have reached out to me and said “Amy (Your Florist) is the best florist I have ever worked with”. I have to say that I am not surprised at all. From the first e-mail that I received from Amy I knew that she would do an amazing job.

Amy and I met and she had already found my pintrest “Wedding Flowers” page and made several notes and comments about what I envisioned for my wedding. She was so organized and I could tell that she really cared about creating what I wanted. She not only was hands down the most organized and friendliest florist that I met with, but she was over $600 less without having to make any compromises.

On my wedding day Amy came to my hotel room to deliver the bridal party flowers before the wedding so that we could take pictures with them and then she went to the venue to help set-up for my ceremony. She worked for several hours and even stayed until my ceremony was over so that she could help the catering company flip the room. She wanted to be able to make sure that my centerpiece flowers were perfect.

Another sidenote, but worth mentioning is that my Husband and I recently moved to New York City (about a week before hurricane sandy hit) and Amy reached out to make sure that both myself and my husband were ok. To me that just speaks volumes to her character! She was a joy to work with and if you are looking for the best florist, look no further. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

http://www.seeamysflowers.com/default.html

e-mail: mggalt@sbcglobal.net

Phone: (630) 897-5847

Just Press Play (DJ) - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:28:17 +0000

Just Press Play - Jeff A+++++

jeff@justpressplaypro.com

www.justpressplaypro.com

847.660.0256

From the 1st e-mail to the final thank you card we received from Just Press Play I can’t even begin to tell you how happy we were with their customer service. Jeff replied to my e-mails with helpful information and in a timely manner.

Just Press Play is a great way to make your wedding music very personal since you make all of the music selections yourself. I really liked that aspect of this business because who knows your wedding guests better than the people planning the event. That being said, Jeff was able to play the songs that got people on the dance floor and kept them there all night long (seriously our dance floor was packed the entire night). I can’t tell you how many people said “Your wedding was the best wedding ever” and I know that had a lot to do with Just Press Play (Jeff).

I would recommend this company to anyone looking for DJ services. They provided great customer service, created the ultimate dance party atmosphere, and were even affordable. To me that is the trifecta!

Honest Foods - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:13:05 +0000

Honest Foods A++++++

After meeting with Krysti and having our tasting I was completely sold. Not only was Krysti so incredibly friendly, but she really knew how to make me feel at ease about all things catering. Honest Foods not only provided us with amazing food, but they also took care of most of our rentals (tables, chairs, linens, flatware, barware, china, glassware, etc.) which was a huge relief.

Krysti replied to all of my e-mails very timely and she always provided me with helpful information. She often times also offered advice on all things wedding. She even provided me with a few vendor recommendations which turned out wonderfully.

We’ve heard from countless wedding guests saying how delicious our food was. I must agree everything tasted just as good as it did during out tasting (which is incredibly hard to find). In my mind three things set Honest Foods apart from all other catering companies:

Amazing Food

Extraordinary Customer Service (specifically Krysti)

On-Site Catering Truck (ensuring fresh, delicious food)

I’d hire honest food again in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a company to help coordinate your entire wedding and make delicious food, look no further!

http://www.honestfoodscatering.com/

e-mail: info@honestfoodscatering.com

Phone: 773.777.8555

Just Ducky Events - Vendor Review

abussen — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 01:28:10 +0000

Just Ducky Events – Barb Duckworth A++++++++

I hired Barb after reading a review on theknot.com from another Chicago bride. I must say that I am so grateful that this other bride left her review for me to read. Barb absolutely made my wedding everything I could have dreamed of. I am a very detailed / organized person, so I had a specific vision of what my wedding would look like. Along with that were countless details that I made or had made to help make our wedding more personal. Barb really took charge and made sure all of my details were noticed.

Not only did Barb help to make my wedding look beautiful, but she also helped to create our timeline of events and ensured that we kept on schedule. She made sure that all of our vendors were paid and tipped and went back to our hotel to retrieve forgotten keys so that she could help to pack up our car after the wedding reception ended.

I was thinking about the saying, “She went the extra mile”, but in this case Barb went the extra marathon worth of miles. I would recommend her to anyone getting married. We loved her and our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without her. Hire her, you won’t be disappointed!

(630) 283-2304

http://www.justduckyevents.com

Candelabras for rent/sale?

mconti1 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:24:55 +0000

Hello-

I am brand new to The Knot! I am getting married in April 2011 and I have 19 tables that I need centerpieces for. I love the candelabra in the picture below and they would be perfect, but I can't find any for sale or rent in the Chicago area. Any suggestions?

I am actually interested in renting/buying 38 because the tables are long and narrow and two per table would look fabulous!

Any help is so appreciated!

Thanks - Michele

I want to pre-tie your tie for you.

larrytm1 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:51:21 +0000

To Future Groom,

Just face it! Your wedding is approaching fast and before you know it you will be in your hotel room with your best man and close friend. Everyone has a hang-over from the previous night bachelor's party and for the life of you, you do not know how to tie a neck tie.

I want to pre-tie your tie for you on or for your wedding day. I am located in the Chicago land area and willing to meet you at the location of your choice.

That's right! I will take the time and liberty out of my schedule to meet with you in order to tie your neck tie. It's just simple as that. At least you don't have to worry about spending 30 minutes in the mirror trying to decide whether or not your suppose to over-loop or under-loop. I will ease that worry and stress. Email me at lawrencemurry@yahoo.com.

I can't wait to hear from you.

Thank you,

Lawrence M.