Just wanted to put this info out there in case it helps some fellow chicago brides
Dress: Reddington Bridal in Park Ridge D
The owner measured me for the dress herself and said at the time, it will be an inch small in the bust but I think you will be fine. Fast forward 5 months when the dress came in and it wasn't fine. Didn't zip in the bust. The same owner who measured me did not apologize, did not offer to reorder the dress in a larger size (although we had enough time to do so), and was completely indifferent to me standing there crying in her shop. She totally brushed it off and said it will be fine after alterations. It was not the moment brides dream about. So disappointed in them.
Alterations: Mary Catomy A+
As previously mentioned she pretty much had to rebuild my dress for me. She did it quickly, inexpensively, and added extra touches that made my dress even better than before.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Wilder Mansion A+
Really great people to work with, well maintained facility, great pricing (compared to Chicago), can't say enough great things. Super responsive to questions and emails, Our ceremony was in the garden and we get a commemorative brick which will be laid down the aisle. The fact that we will always have a brick in their garden is super cute to me.
Caterer: Maison Cuisine B-
The food was delicious however we had some service issues at the wedding. The owner, Danielle, apologized for those issues and will be offering us a partial refund. So happy the food tasted great, wish it went a little better, but grateful the owner is trying to fix the problem.
Ceremony Musicians: Dynamic Duets A+
Audra was wonderful to work with and is genuinely excited for the bride and groom, loved them, also very responsive to emails
Floral: Unique Floral by Amy Tellner A+
Uhh so amazing. She worked with me to create the perfect upscale event I was looking for, her flowers were beautiful and shes so great at responding to emails right away. Couldn't have been more pleased
Hotel Block: Eaglewood Resort in Itasca B
There was a bit of confusion having so many family members check in with the same last name that my Husband's room for the night before the wedding got given away to his dad. Lots of billing issues, and the lay out is SUPER CONFUSING. However, the staff is extremely helpful and polite, and the rooms and facilities are well maintained. We did our first look here as well as all family/bridal party pics on the golf course. Got some beautiful shots.
Photography: GReyes Photography A+
This husband and wife team was recommended to me by another Chicago knottie 2 years ago. They have since expanded their business and do weddings every weekend. They are great to work with and create gorgeous photos. Gilbert is EXTREMELY responsive to emails and questions. Can't recommend them enough. Check out their website, they have their portfolio online if you are looking for beautiful wedding pictures.
Limo: Vintage Chauffeuring A+
We rented a 1941 Cadillac Limousine to take my Husband and I to our wedding ceremony (after our first look). Andrew was the only company who did not charge a 3 hour minimum. He let us rent the car for only one hour which was perfect for what we needed. He was on time, provided us with cold bottled water and a just married sign. And wore a wool chauffeur uniform in 90 degree heat!
Charter for Family and Bridal Party: Ideal Charter A+
We wanted a charter bus to take family to the ceremony site at 3 then pick us up at 11. We did not want to pay for all the time in between. Ideal Charter was the only company I could find that did not charge us for all the hours in between. The day before the wedding they emailed me the driver's name and number just in case. Bus arrived on time, and was beautiful. It was a large black limo bus with leather seats and tables. Way nicer than I expected.
Band: 176 Keys Dueling Piano Show A+
Husband and I wanted to go with something a little different. We got used 176 keys. The owners Sam and Amy might have OCD when it comes to responding to emails. You will hear back from them within an hour, I promise. Super organized and professional. Our piano players were Smokin George and Matt, they played recorded cocktail music for us during dinner, did our bridal party intros. Then did a great piano show for 3 hours WITHOUT A BREAK. our family and friends werent sure what to think at first but george and matt got everyone up and moving, and by the end of the night guests were raving about them. SO happy we went this route
Cake and favors: La La Li Bakery in Westmont A+
Cake is my favorite thing in the world so I took this seriously. We did three cake tastings and after we met with Laura I knew we were done. She did the best tasting for us. She bakes 9 flavors of cake into mini muffins, then sets out all her fillings, so you can create your own combinations. Our wedding cake was two flavor combinations so guests had a choice between banana with fudge filling, or lemon with raspberry mousse. SERIOUSLY our guests raved about the cake. I liked them so much we had her do our favors (red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese filling) and our sweet table....and our groom's cake for the rehearsal dinner (chocolate cake with peanut butter mousse). Can you tell we liked them? She was affordable, down to earth, and eager to please, not like other bakeries that acted like they were doing us a favor by giving us a tasting. So freaking awesome!
Hair and Make Up: Krysten Bryant and Pamela Moore. A+
I booked these girls 3 weeks before my wedding when I had a falling out with a popular wedding hair and make up company that I previously booked. These girls squeezed me in for a hair and make up trial 2 weeks before the wedding and nailed the vintage hollywood glamour look i was going for. my hair and make up looked flawless the entire day in 90 degree heat. If you want their contact info let me know. Kyrsten's full time job is doing magazine and print work and Pamela works at a salon in Lincoln Park. I think working with professionals in the industry made all the difference in the world. They were great!
Boudoir Shoot: Kathleen Thame A+
I did this very last minute and am so glad I did. Husband actually cried when I gave him the album on our wedding night because the photos are THAT
beautiful. Katie is amazing, responsive to texts, and makes you feel very comfortable in a vulnerable situation.
If you have any questions send me a message. I will be selling almost all of my vintage Hollywood glamour decor soon for CHEAP because it has taken over my dining room, so please keep your eyes open for that.