Newberry Library

The Newberry is an interesting setting for weddings. If you were to walk into the lobby during the week when the security desk and guard rail are in place it would be difficult to envision having a wedding there. But, when the desk and railing are removed it looks much different. The lobby has been restored and an art-nouveau chandelier creates a dramatic affect. The marble staircase and ornate banister become the focal point of the room and a dramatic way for brides to enter.

A separate room, Rugles Hall has large windows facing both Washington Square Park and Dearborn Parkway and is ideal for the wedding dinner.

Another room, the Towners Fellows' Lounge has oak paneling and works well for small more intimate weddings.

The staff in the office of events can be reached at 312 255-3595 or via email to skubishk@newberry.org

Anne and Michael were married at the Newberry last Saturday. Once again I enjoyed working with Ali Phillips of Engaging Events by Ali. I've mentioned Ali in many previous blogs and it continues to be delightful to work with Ali. You can contact Ali at ali@engagingeventsbyali.com

Ana of anamiyares.com was the photographer, she can be reached at ana@anamiyares.com or 773.852-3761. I am hoping Ana will share some photos with me to post here or perhaps a link to her site with photos of Michael and Anne's wedding.

Keith Jorgensen was the video guy. He is the co-founder of Poetic Productions a professional videography company. Keith is also involved in the wedding website called the Daily Bride. You can contact Keith at info@poeticweddings.com or 312 863-4007

Back at Bond Chapel

Bond Chapel at the University of Chicago was the setting for the wedding of Elizabeth and James last week.

Lori Stephenson of Lola Event Productions was the wedding planner and the person who introduced me to James and Elizabeth. Lori is a delight to work with, she is very well organized and detail orientated but she is also laid back so things get done well but without the stress that sometimes happens in weddings.

Intercontinental Hotel Chicago

Amy and Sandro were married last night at the Intercontinental Hotel in the King Arthur Court room that features an entire wall of original stained glass and intricately carved wooden pillars, cast-iron chandeliers and a hand-painted ceiling. Christopher Schmidt, associate director of catering and his staff were great to work with. I really like the rooms in these older hotels, they just seem to have more character that many of the new places.

Sandro's father Dalmo who is a professional pianist played Chopin Nocturne in E Flat, Opus 9, No. 2 which was a wonderful addition to the ceremony. Sandro's brother Gian-Carlo read Love written by Roy Croft, a really beautiful reading.

Mike Stoklasa of Red Letter Weddings was the videographer and Toni DiDonato of Indigo provided the music.

Matt of Imaginative Studios was the photographer. I have had the pleasure of working with them several times recently. Be sure to check out their webpage to see their outstanding work.

It was a great team to work with and the wedding was a lot of fun for everyone.

A Suprise Wedding

Becky and David were married Friday evening at Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro

They had invited about 100 guests to what they described as an engagement party. After an hour or more of food and drinks a video of them as kids and then adults was shown on the video screens at the Bistro, the video ended by inviting everyone to the next room for the wedding! Becky's mother and grandmother, and brother knew about the wedding but no one else did including David's mother.

During the video Becky slipped away and changed into her wedding dress, when she walked in with her brother everyone stood and applauded. They were obviously surprised and delighted.

The wedding itself was a lot of fun, with laughter and a few tears all around.

2009 Bride's Choice Awards

WeddingWire, a wedding technology company, just announced that Spirited Weddings has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means Spirited Weddings is one of the very best Officiants.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

I would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

Trump International Hotel & Tower

Keith and Kelly were married in the Skyline Room at Trump Tower located at 401 North Wabash Avenue, in downtown Chicago. Monika B. Lotter, Director of Catering, 312 588-8000 and her staff were fantastic to work with. I was truly impressed by their willingness to help with the smallest of details and I was especially impressed that it seemed like every staff person in the hotel looked me in the eye and greeted me.

This was my first time working with Debi Lilly, Chief Eventeur, at A Perfect Event, Inc. Debi was clearly on top of every detail and provided a calm but professional presence during the rehearsal, wedding and reception. You can contact Debi at 773 244-9333 or debi@aperfectevent.com. Debi and Monica were a great team.

Technorati Tags: Wedding, Minister, Spiritual, Chicago, Non-Denominational, Wedding Officiant

Wedding at Pazzo's

Deanna from Deanna Mandarno has graciously provided these photos for me to post here. The wedding was in December at Pazzo's, 311 South Wacker. Enjoy.