Tying the Knot

Stunning Wedding at The Peninsula...

2010-11-29T14:10:00.001-06:00

Melissa and Joey

were married on Saturday, September 11, 2010

at the beautiful Notre Dame de Chicago.

They celebrated their marriage at the lovely Peninsula Chicago Hotel.

Photography by Vrai

Wedding designed by Brooke Righeimer from Tying the Knot

Stationery by Tying the Knot

Amazing Salvage One Wedding...

2010-11-16T14:14:00.001-06:00

Elizabeth Lohr and Mark St. John

were married on Saturday May 22, 2010

Wedding Ceremony ~ Assumption Church, Chicago

Fabulous Reception ~ Salvage One, Chicago

Photography by Jason Brown of J. Brown Photography

Wedding Design and Coordination by Brooke Righeimer of Tying the Knot

Stationery design by Tying the Knot

A Dazzling Chicago Wedding...Part 3

2010-05-13T13:02:00.001-05:00

Abi and Matt

August 1, 2009

Intercontinental Chicago Hotel

Photos courtesy of Glen Abog Photography
Wedding Designed by Christine Stone, Tying the Knot
Stationery created by Tying the Knot

A Dazzling Chicago Wedding...Part 2

2010-05-04T14:00:00.001-05:00

Abi and Matt

August 1, 2009

Hindu Ceremony at the Intercontinental Chicago

Photos courtesy of Glen Abog Photography
Wedding Designed by Christine Stone, Tying the Knot
Stationery created by Tying the Knot

A Dazzling Chicago Wedding...Part 1

2010-05-03T17:05:00.006-05:00

Abi and Matt

August 1, 2009

Intercontinental Chicago Hotel

Photos courtesy of Glen Abog Photography

Wedding Designed by Christine Stone, Tying the Knot

Details created by Tying the Knot

All things wedding...

2010-04-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

As a wedding planner, I typically love all things wedding...from movies to books to TV specials, we like to see how "Hollywood" depicts the planning process and the wedding itself. Who could forget Father of the Bride or The Wedding Planner?! Both classics with a different spin on what exactly the "wedding planner" takes care for the clients. At a recent final meeting with one of my May clients, my client raved about a book series she is reading; Nora Roberts, The Bride Quartet. She has read the first two books of the series and has absolutely loved them! The story involves four childhood friends that own a wedding planning company together. Each book highlights one of the four women, their love life and their career...Photographer, Florist, Caterer and Wedding Planner/Business Manager. So to those that are not famliar with the book series, check it out! It sounds like a great read especially now that we are in wedding season! Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Penguin Group.

Popcorn Station

2010-04-09T14:11:00.001-05:00

Wedding Favors come in all shapes and sizes...

They can be added as decor on the guest tables, as an exit favor or at an interactive station.

One of our favorite favor stations is the Garrett's Popcorn Station.

It is a crowd pleaser! Everyone loves the look but especially the taste!

Custom Signage by Tying the Knot

Photography by Bellissima Photography

Custom Stationery

2010-04-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

Wedding Guide Chicago hosted a photo shoot at Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst for their current magazine issue. Tying the Knot was invited to participate as the stationery designer and photoshoot coordinator. We worked with a great team that day! Photos by Bellissima Photography, floral by Phillips Flowers, rental from Classic Party Rentals and the beautiful wedding cake by Toni Sweets.

A few stationery favorites:

Place Card Tables

2010-03-17T15:06:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite wedding details is the place card table. It is often the first detail that wedding guests see when they arrive at the reception. A place card table should set the tone of your event...it should offer a sneak peak to what is to come inside the ballroom or dining area. When we are creating place card tables, we try to think outside of the box...we try to create a "wow" for the wedding guests...something they will continue to talk about!

A few of our favorites...

Photography by Vrai

Photography by Gerber and Scarpelli

Photography by Stephen Green Photography

Photography by Brian Kinyon

Spring is almost here...

2010-03-12T16:23:00.000-06:00

It is almost the middle of March, High Wedding Season is almost upon us, the sun is trying to come out and I can only think about the wonderful outdoor venues that will host our client's upcoming weddings and pre-wedding festivities. Outdoor venues in Chicago evoke instant character...there are not many places like Chicago where you can be sixteen floors up at the "Terrace at the Trump" enjoying a cocktail and delicious cuisine, surrounded by some of Chicago's most historic buildings.

For the sports fans out there...the many rooftops of Wrigley Field are unique spaces that can host bachelor and bachelorette parties. A rooftop offers a casual, fun environment where you can mingle with friends enjoying cocktails and great food while watching the famous Chicago Cubs. These outstanding rooftops are located in classic three story buildings that have been renovated with decks and stadium seating looking out to one of the most famous ballparks in the country. Once again, only in Chicago!

Hinsdale Wedding Walk Re-Cap

2010-03-09T14:07:00.001-06:00

The 2010 Wedding Walk has come and gone but was once again a huge success! Brides visited downtown Hinsdale from all over Chicago and surrounding suburbs. They were delighted to receive great goodies from all of the vendors along with informative information to assist in the planning of their big day. 25 lucky brides walked away with fabulous raffle prizes donated from the various businesses! One extremely lucky bride was given one of the best gifts a bride could receive...a honeymoon to Riviera Maya courtesy of Viking Travel, Funjet Vacations and Classic Vacations. I was honored to make the call to the lucky bride and I can tell you she was very ecstatic to be the big winner of the day! Congratulations to all the brides!

Thank you to the many businesses that participated in this years show! And a big thank you to our media partners Wedding Guide Chicago and CS Brides! Both wonderful resources for brides!

For more information about the wedding vendors that partipated in the show, please visit the Hinsdale Wedding Resource Website.

Winter elegance...

2010-03-04T15:07:00.000-06:00

A winter white wedding

Classic details

Sophisticated coordinating stationery

Photography by Brian Kinyon Photography

Stationery by Checkerboard

Details by Tying the Knot

Photo of the Day

2010-02-26T13:47:00.000-06:00

Most Chicagoans are wishing they were somewhere warm right now!

So I wanted to share a wonderful destination wedding moment...

As the bride, groom and their guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the beach,

a FABULOUS Mariachi band joined their celebration! Everyone loved it!

Photography by Stephen Green Photography

Photo of the Day

2010-02-25T16:05:00.001-06:00

A Father of the Bride enjoying a moment he will never forget...

Photography by Brian Kinyon Photography

A fabulous Groom's Cake...

2010-02-22T13:27:00.001-06:00

Details are an important part of a wedding because they often

show insight into the bride and groom's personality.

So I thought I would share one of my favorite parts of last weeks wedding...

The Bride had a Groom's Cake created based on his love for fishing!

She shared with us a photo of him catching a large Muskie,

which was the inspiration for the Groom's Cake!

The Groom absolutely LOVED it!

Photography by Brian Kinyon Photography

Valentine's Wedding Part 2

2010-02-19T11:07:00.002-06:00

The Valentine's Candy Station...

filled with Hershey Kisses, Jelly Beans, Licorice,

Bubble Gum, Swedish Fish and more!

Candy Station created by Tying the Knot

Photography by Brian Kinyon Photography

February Wedding with a touch of Valentine's Day

2010-02-18T15:46:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful day on Saturday

as Nora and Chris said "I-do"

at St. John Berchman's Church in Logan Square, Chicago

Following the ceremony, their reception took place

at the lovely Union League Club of Chicago.

The ballroom was elegant and romantic

with centerpieces of white tulips, white hydrangea or white roses,

accented with tall cylinders and floating candles.

Details, Details, Details...

Each guest napkin was wrapped with navy satin ribbon

and with a rosemary sprig tucked inside.

The menu cards and place cards were double layered,

backed in a shimmer silver.

Custom Valentine's were placed at each guest seat...

"Give a Valentine to someone you hold dearest."

Nora and Chris's wedding was outstanding from beginning to end...

More detail photos tomorrow...

including photos of their Valentine's themed Candy Station!

A sneak peak...

Stationery designed and created by Tying the Knot

Photos courtesy of Brian Kinyon Photography

Classic...Beautiful...

2010-02-10T16:00:00.001-06:00

With a exquisite view of Morton Arboretum,

the wedding reception at Esplanade Lakes in Downers Grove,

was accented with coordinating details that

began with a monogram and fall color palette...

Photography by Studio Verite Photography

Stationery created by Tying the Knot

An elegant Fall Wedding

2010-02-08T16:01:00.001-06:00

Jennie and Jim were married in October 2009

at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church.

Their celebration continued at The Blackstone Chicago!

The color scheme of magenta, mango, orange. eggplant and gold

was picturesque for the ballroom and time of year.

Photography by Peter Thompson Weddings.

Stationery details were created by Tying the Knot.

"The Game of Love"

2010-02-02T11:10:00.001-06:00

"A pair of athletes return to Chicago for their elegant North Shore Wedding"

Mariel and Peter's tented wedding reception was located at the

beautiful Shoreacres Country Club in Lake Bluff.

It was featured in Chicago Social Brides Fall/Winter 2009 issue.

Stationery and Wedding Details were created by Tying the Knot.

Photography by Gerber and Scarpelli

Chicago at night...

2010-01-27T11:45:00.000-06:00

What an amazing evening in the city of Chicago!

Photo was taken on The Riverwalk Terrace,

where my client hosted an amazing engagement party!

Photography by Gerber and Scarpelli

Jill and Drew...

2010-01-22T15:28:00.002-06:00

were married on a warm summer day!

The bridesmaids wore metallic grey and carried vibrant flowers!

The reception was full of energy and life!

Photos by Peter Thompson Photography.

Kim and Mark...congratulations!

2010-01-20T17:11:00.001-06:00

A wonderful photographer, Melissa and Josh Mitchell from Continuum Photography, blogged about one of my favorite clients from 2009. They shared their experiences with the bride and groom and of course highlighted some of their favorite photos from the wedding.

Here are a few of my favorites...please check Continuum's blog for more photos of this beautiful wedding! Melissa writes that their wedding day "was full of heart-felt moments and good times." I could not agree more...Kim, Mark and their families were a delight to work with and their wedding was absolutely lovely!

Elegant Fall Wedding

2010-01-19T16:41:00.001-06:00

Elegant Fall Wedding at The Park Hyatt, Chicago

Photos by Stephen Green Photography.

Programs, Place Cards and Candy Station created by Tying the Knot.

A highlight Wedding from 2009...

2010-01-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

A Beautiful Fall Wedding...

Details included custom favor boxes from BT Elements, Delicious toffee from Terry's Toffee, Custom Programs, Place Cards, Table Numbers and Menu Cards from Tying the Knot

Photos courtesy of Stephen Green Photography

Hinsdale Wedding Walk

2010-01-13T19:56:00.000-06:00

Tying the Knot launched their wedding planning services in 1999 but it was not until 2005 when we expanded and opened our adorable studio in downtown Hinsdale. When we arrived in Hinsdale five years ago, my business partner and I were immdiately involved in the first annual Hinsdale Wedding Walk. The Wedding Walk was a great opportunity to showcase our new studio and everything we had to offer.

This years wedding walk is going to be another outstanding opportunity for brides to meet with expert wedding vendors, win fabulous raffle prizes and enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful downtown Hinsdale.

Expert Vendors include Classic Party Rentals, Toni's Bakery, Zazu Salon and Day Spa, Char Crews, Caffray Jewelers, Jane's Blue Iris, Francia Bridal Boutique, Sass N' Class, Viking Travel, Music by Design, Tying the Knot, Stephen Green Photography, Fred Astaire Dance Studio and The Trolley Car Company

We hope to see you on Sunday March 7th for an afternoon of wedding bliss!

If you can not attend this years Wedding Walk, please visit the Hinsdale Wedding Resource website to contact the expert vendors directly. They would be happy to assist you in creating your beautiful wedding!

More information on Invitations...

2010-01-11T16:02:00.000-06:00

A wedding invitation offers pertinent information to your guests regarding the ceremony and reception along with requesting imperative information for your wedding reception. To assist in the invitation process further, I want to share more important invitation information...This information will assist you in knowing your exact guest count...it is very important to ask the right questions from the beginning so unexpected guests do not attend your wedding reception.

Item Number 1 - On the inner envelope (or the outer envelope if you do not have an inner envelope), please indicate who is invited to your wedding reception. This is very important especially when you are not inviting kids.
A few examples:
Outer: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Smith
Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Who is invited? Only the adults of the household

Outer: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Smith

Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
and Family
Who is invited? The entire family at this household

Outer: Mr. Bradley Smith
Inner: Mr. Smith and Guest
Who is invited? Bradley and his date

Outer: Mr. Bradley Smith
Inner: Mr. Smith
Who is invited? Only Bradley

Item Number 2: Although you have now invited the right people from each household, we still need to have a double check system. So, on your response card, please include the following statement: Number of persons attending. This will give you advanced notice if the Smith's included their kids in their R.S.V.P. count even if the kids were not invited.
For example:
The favour of your reply is requested by the seventeenth of June
M__________________________
______ Number of persons attending
______ Not able to attend

Item Number 3: There is a growing trend with R.S.V.P.'s...many family and friends will not R.S.V.P. by the date that you request. So what now? Please begin by dividing the list by who invited the guests that have not responded. From there, begin calling each guest to check if they are attending the reception. I would not recommend assuming these guests are not attending; this can only lead to unexpected arrivals from guests you assumed were not coming.

Item Number 4: There is also a growing trend towards last minute cancellations...to ensure you are not paying for uneaten meals, please tell your catering manager a lower guest count when she or he initially asks. They will typically require a final guest count 3-5 days prior to the wedding. At this point, lower your guest count by 5-7 guests but no more than 3% of your total count. PLEASE remember to give an accurate count at least 24 hours prior to the wedding; the catering manager needs to know the EXACT count that will be attending. The reception venue will be setting the tables based on your final numbers. There will not be extra place settings at the tables unless requested. Most venues will charge you for the extra place settings. Unfortunately, there still may be no shows but please do not think about it or worry about it!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions. I am here to help!

Traditional Invitation Wording

2010-01-07T14:43:00.001-06:00

Your beautiful Wedding Invitations have been selected and now you are working on your invitation wording. You have spoken to all the important planning members and have decided that your wedding is a formal event hosted by the Parents of the Bride. So you have decided that traditional invitation wording will work best for these beautiful invitations.

So what is traditional invitation wording...

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Emma Ann

Jacob George Smith

Saturday, the ninth of July

Two thousand and ten

at three o'clock in the afternoon

Old St. Patricks Church

711 West Monroe Street

Chicago, Illinois

Questions? Please let me know.

Photo courtesy of Checkerboard.

Invitations...

2010-01-06T12:13:00.000-06:00

Wedding invitations come in all sorts of shapes and sizes...they can be colorful or traditional...whimsical or classic...casual or elegant...the choices are unlimited! Typically wedding invitations are the first items your guests will be receiving to your upcoming nuptials so remember they should set the tone for your event. They should give your guests a sneak peak to what is to come.

If you are ready to start shopping for invitations, here are few questions to ask yourself before walking into a stationery store and a few helpful hints:

- How many households are you mailing invitations to?
It is very expensive to order more invitations so get the quantity right on the initial order.

- What is your invitation budget? On average, we tell our clients $10 per set. A set includes an invitation, reception card, response card, response envelope and an outer envelope with return address. Invitations can cost much more than the average but it is a great starting point. Items that increase an invitation cost are paper quality, multiple paper layers, accents such as ribbon, printing method, etc.

- Discuss with your Fiancé prior to the meeting about the wording for your invitation. An invitation invites your guests to your wedding but the question is...who is inviting your guests? The Bride's Parents? Both sets of Parents? Just the Bride and Groom? Or everyone? Traditionally the person(s) inviting is the person(s) paying for the wedding but contemporary weddings are evolving from years past so traditional invitation etiquette does not always fit in today's society. So it is important to discuss the wording with the important planning members prior to ordering so the right choice is made.

- What additional information do you want to tell your guests? Do you have room blocks set-up? Is there guest transportation? Is there a helpful map or directions to the ceremony and reception?

- When finalizing your response card wording, remember to think about your dinner reception...are you offering a choice entrée? Do you need to ask about dietary restrictions? Are kid's invited? Is your single friend invited with a guest? A great item to include on the response card is "number of persons attending."

- Always receive a proof for every piece

- Stationery stores have different lead times for invitation orders...I would recommend to start thinking about your invitations 5 to 6 months prior to the wedding.

- Invitations are mailed, according to traditional ettiquette, 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. If your wedding is a destination or holiday weekend wedding and you have not mailed Save the Dates, I would recommend 10 weeks prior to the wedding.

A few collections that we carry are: Checkerboard, BT Elements, Monique Lhuillier, Encore Studios, Carlson Craft, McPhersons, Paper Duvet, and more!

Please let me know if you have any questions. Have fun! Enjoy the process! Mailing your invitations is an unbelievable feeling...it makes everything that you have planned and worked on for months the ultimate reality that the big day is just around the corner!

Tastings

2010-01-05T15:18:00.001-06:00

Busy day at the studio today...met with a great organization this morning, Hinsdale Wedding Resource...plans are underway for the 6th annual Hinsdale Wedding Walk. My afternoon was spent brainstorming for my 2010 clients...my main concentration was on food...creating a unique menu beginning with passed hors d'oeuvres and ending with an elaborate sweets station/favor station. So with food on the brain...I looked back at one of our beauitful summer weddings catered by Entertaining Company for inspiration.

Photos courtesy of Stephen Green Photography.

Vintage/Retro Ideas...

2010-01-04T16:42:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! Congratulations to the newly engaged brides and grooms!

As I kick off the New Year...I am back from vacation and working on design ideas for my 2010 clients. Ideas stem from all sorts of places...so remember to look around wherever you are...your home, local restaurants, your favorite movies, childhood memories, hobbies, etc...

Today, I was researching vintage/retro ideas...bringing "old school" back. Vintage ideas are fun and unique touches that tell wedding guests a little bit about the personalities of the bride and groom. When adding non-traditional details to a ceremony and reception, add them where they make sense...is it a whimsical add-on, a retro stylish touch, or maybe a little vintage romance! It should exude a feeling that you want the guests to experience.

A few fun ones from The Knot....

Photos have been borrowed from The Knot and are courtesy of the following photographers Brooke Mayo Photography, Azul Photography, Katie Lewis Photography, David Hill, Monika Broz and David Mielcarek, James Tongol

Chicago Welcome Bags...

2009-12-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

What better way to welcome your Out of Town guests to Chicago than with a custom Welcome Bag...they can be filled with local treats and great amenities to make your friends and families stay more enjoyable.

Advise to Brides and Grooms:
- Plan ahead

- Create a theme and select a minimum of five items
When considering which items to purchase...consider a few favorite categories: Chicago based? Bride and Groom's Favorite things? Supplies your guests may have forgotten? Enjoyable Late Night Treats?

- Begin purchasing non-perishable items early

- Don't forget to include a note to your guests
If you are including pertinent information, please include the note on the outside of the bag!

- Call ahead to your Room Block Hotels to let them know the Welcome Bags are coming. Decide whether they will be delivered directly to the room or passed out upon check-in. Please note, a cost could be involved if you select to have the Welcome Bags delivered to the hotel

- Plan a Welcome Bag assembly day; it goes much quicker when you have help from your family and bridal party

- Schedule a delivery time...the hotel needs the welcome bags no later than the morning of check-in

We have created many Chicago based Welcome Bags for our clients...there are so many great local items that every wedding guest would enjoy: Garrett's Popcorn, Wrigley Gum, Ferrara Pan Candy, Jay's Potato Chips, Terry's Toffee...and more!

Ambiance

2009-12-29T10:48:00.004-06:00

At an initial meeting with a client, we often ask the bride and groom to answer separately the following question: "what is the most important reception item to you?" We hear a variety of answers but typically the top three are: Food, Beverage and Entertainment. We of course hear floral and decor numerous times but lately Brides and Grooms have chosen to say ambiance rather than just great flowers and beautiful linen. To make a reception unique to each of our clients, we transform a venue into a feeling...an emotion...something that our client's want their guests to experience. So combined with great food, fabulous cocktails and the perfect band/DJ...the wedding reception becomes a one of a kind event!

When the ambiance is set, do not forget about the details...they are always the finishing touch to a perfectly planned wedding reception.

Photography by Susan Ryan Photography.

Holiday Engagements....

2009-12-28T10:31:00.001-06:00

The holidays are upon us...what a wonderful time of year to get engaged! I would love to hear your story...how did he propose? How did he make one of the most special moments in your life unique?

Cocktails Part 2...

2009-12-22T15:29:00.002-06:00

Still thinking about signature drinks and wanted to share a photo with you...please picture a perfectly landscaped backyard, a beautiful June Saturday and 175 of your closest family and friends. Are you there? Have you temporarily forgotten about this snowy December day? Wonderful! Now add...a steel drum band, delicious hors d'oeuvres and the groom's favorite cocktail...a mojito! It was a refreshing signature drink that the guests absolutely loved! Photo courtesy of Stephen Green Photography.

Cocktails!

2009-12-22T10:29:00.001-06:00

As I wrap my last Christmas present, a fabulous red tin filled with vodkas from around the world (my cousin's favorite liquor)...I think about all the wonderful signature drinks our clients have offered their guests in the past. A signature drink is a fun way to incorporate one more detail into a bride and groom's special day. The cocktail can be a new concoction or it can be just a new name for a classic cocktail. This May, the Bride and Groom will be offering "The Great St. Tini" after the groom's last name...St. John. A little detail that goes along way! And don't forget about coordinating signage...it is a must!

To get help you get started in your search for the perfect cocktail...check out Martha Stewart Weddings! A ton of great cocktails to select from.

Save the Dates...

2009-12-17T16:52:00.017-06:00

As I was twittering today, (you can follow me at BrookeRigs on Twitter) Wedding Channel proposed the following question - "Are save-the-dates really necessary?" (You can read their answer at http://bit.ly/90ejPq)
So I checked it out...I really loved their answer...it was exactly what I tell my clients...Save the Dates are not necessary but when planning a Destination Wedding or a Holiday Weekend Wedding, they are definitely useful to their guests. They also can be just fun stationery to announce their upcoming marriage.

Our clients have sent out all types of Save the Dates...there are those that love magnets, photos, or just beautifully designed stationery that coordinates with their formal invitation...the options are endless!

A few of my favorites are:

Save the Dates were created by Eventful Inks (Tying the Knot).

Magnets were created by Magnet Street Weddings.

Invitation and Save the Date set (bottom left corner) was produced by Checkerboard.

Salvage One Bride

2009-12-16T14:33:00.002-06:00

On this chilly December day, I am brainstorming for one of my funkier brides for next year. She is having her wedding reception at Salvage One...for those that have not been there...stop by! It is amazing! They sell the most unique furniture, lighting, decor...! Last time I was there they were selling a subway door! Fabulous!

The space is also available for weddings and events. For our client's cocktail hour, they will be mingling amongst the salvaged items that are displayed on the first floor and out on their patio. A crowd favorite outside is the tray/bath tub water sculpture! It is something you do not want to miss!

A few ideas that we are currently considering for their fun, unique, non-traditional wedding reception are:

Mini Coke Cans with silly straws - photo courtesy of Inside Weddings Winter 2009 Issue

Dara Blakeley Photography

Sangria during cocktail hour

and a few of the Groom's favorite beers!

Photo courtesy of Sur la Table.

Mac and Cheese Station...one of the bride and grooms favorite dishes...

it will be created with Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese...

Toppings will include caramelized onions, bacon, blue cheese, hot sauce...

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Kazoos from Oriental Trading to sound off the night...

What a way to end such an entertaining day!

Color trends

2009-12-15T17:50:00.000-06:00

When looking towards the next year...Brides want to know "what is the hot colour for 2010?" Pantone has released their "Fashion and Home" color choices for 2010 and the winner is turquoise (pantone color 15-5519)...along with other top choices/recommendations. Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute writes: "Spring and summer naturally evoke feelings of calm ocean waters and tranquil beach vacations in cool, vibrant, tropical Turquoise. This soothing hue from the blue-green family conjures feelings of escape, especially when paired with Amparo Blue. With more warmth than the typical spring navy, this particular shade of blue is extremely appealing because of its brighter, more energetic attitude."

Last summer, one of our bride's chose turquoise, sandy beige and white/ivory as her color palette...she was channeling a beautiful beach wedding somewhere tropical but her back drop was an elegant ballroom in the suburbs of Chicago. She wanted to incorporate her beach colors to the ballrooom without bringing the seashells to her theme. She wanted the ballroom to be elegant and romantic. The guest tables were dressed with turquoise bichon and ivory poly napkins. While the flowers were shades of white/ivory with touches of green and accents of natural stones.

Photos courtesy of Stephen Green Photography.

Tented Weddings...

2009-12-14T17:06:00.000-06:00

Tent Weddings! We love them! They are so personal and unique to Brides and Grooms...they are each custom based on the client's property and style. Some clients select having a tented reception because they always dreamed of having their wedding at their parent's home and can think of nothing better than a "ballroom" created specifically for the bride.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Day Art.

While others select a tented wedding because they want to bring the outside in and what better way to do that than create a wedding and reception venue using your back yard. Jamie and Erik knew that when they said "I-Do" they wanted to be looking at the forest that sits behind their home. It was a beautiful day, accented with the perfect details!

Photos courtesy of Brian Kinyon Photography.

Jennifer and Kevin May 2009

2009-12-11T18:27:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite venues in the city of Chicago is Cafe Brauer...there is something about its timeless elegance that compliments every wedding and their beautiful decor. Jennifer and Kevin were fabulous clients and we loved every moment of planning their wedding with them. So in the spirit of sharing more of our 2009 favorite weddings...I have created a photo collage of some of my favorite moments throughout the day. Thank you to Stephen Green Photography for the beautiful photos! Congratulations Jennifer and Kevin!

Carrie and Zach...October 2009

2009-12-10T18:16:00.001-06:00

It was a slightly rainy day in October but that was not going to stop this fun loving couple from having the time of their lives. They wanted a unique but still elegant venue to host their wedding reception and it was when we discovered the Wilder Mansion that we knew we had found it! The mansion had recently been renovated when my client's booked the facilty so it was going to be something new and different for their wedding guests. When we toured the space, I knew it was going to be a venue that I recommended on a regular basis.

The Wilder Mansion was the perfect spot for Carrie and Zach's family and friends to celebrate their marriage. The guests began their evening cocktailing and enjoying hors d'oeuvres on the first floor and patio...from there they were escorted upstairs for a sit down dinner. Once dinner was complete, the party moved back downstairs for dancing and mingling amongst family and friends. The mansion was once a home so the layout includes various sized rooms which adds a quaintness to the environment. There was something for everyone to enjoy that evening!

A few photos from Carrie and Zach's wedding:

Wedding Albums???

2009-12-09T19:39:00.001-06:00

As a wedding planner, I get asked all sorts of questions...and from a variety of sources...clients, friends and new acquaintances. I also ask bride's all sorts of questions. A hot topic that I often have with clients is "what inclusions does a bride need from a photographer?" And there isn't a right or wrong answer in my opinion. I think that bride's need to speak to their fiancé about what they want from their wedding photography. I do feel photography is one of the most important elements of a bride and groom’s day. The photos that are captured that day will be with you forever. One of my favorite trends in photography over the last few years is the photographer’s ability to candidly capture the emotions of the day. The right photographer can capture the first kiss to your new husband in a way that you will never forget the emotions you felt at that exact moment. Every bride can imagine a different use for their photos but I think that an album is very important. So if an album is not included in your photography package...make one on your own! An album allows you and your husband along with family and friends a chance to relive this fabulous moment in your lives.

A few photos that I love...

Photography by Alex Claney Photography, Riverbend Studios, and Phil McConville Photgraphy.

Chicago Weddings!

2009-12-08T17:09:00.006-06:00

I absolutely love Google...who doesn't! Today, while browsing the internet, I decided to google "Chicago Weddings." There were over nine million hits...the top hits directed me to local wedding magazines and the others that I checked out had "chicago weddings" in their webite. Who knows what 9,000,000 and 1 was regarding... So I thought I would blog about a couple of my favorite websites for brides:

Number 1 - the very elaborate photo gallery on The Knot

Number 2 - Style Me Pretty

Number 3 - Hostess with the Mostess - it covers entertaining across the board! Great DIY ideas for the creative bride and hostess!

These websites/blogs are filled with great ideas for brides...I spent most of my time on party favors...I found this absolutely adorable idea for an exit favor!

...the perfect box accented with a sticker from My Wedding Labels. Inside the box are two mini milks and individually wrapped donuts. So much fun! Photo courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess.

We love late night snacks...although it was awhile back, this wedding will always share a place in our wedding hall of fame...the wedding guests went home with milk and cookies! The bride and groom's favorite late night treat. Both were accented with labels from My Wedding Labels.

Photography by Stephen Green Photography.

Modified Candy Station...

2009-12-07T15:59:00.003-06:00

We already know that Candy Stations are a hit at every wedding but sometimes they need to be modified to coordinate with the Bride and Groom's style. In September, we created a dual purpose sweets station...during the wedding reception, cookies, cupcakes, M&M's, mixed nuts and Hershey Kisses were available to guests to enjoy as they danced the night away. But these same sweets were also available as a take home treat...a portion of the cookies were individually bagged along with individually boxed up cupcakes...both were accented with custom coordinating labels. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy each type of cupcake and cookie...some types as wedding dessert and others as a late night treat!

Wedding Cakes!

2009-12-04T13:33:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite details of a wedding is the wedding cake! Brides have so many fun options to select from. Some opt for traditional wedding cakes and others think outside the box...this bride went for classic elegance! So in keeping with my "Thinking back in 2009" theme...I love this wedding cake! It was created by one of my favorite Chicago bakeries, Take the Cake. The bride's colors were pale pink and white accented with copper. The wedding reception took place at one of Chicago's most beautiful venues, The Chicago Botanic Garden.

Although this June wedding was a bit mild, the still guests enjoyed the outstanding view from McGinley Pavilion. It looks out to the Great Basin at the Garden.

December...

2009-12-03T21:33:00.001-06:00

December is one of the most enjoyable times of year...it is filled with friends and family and holiday spirit! It is also a very popular time of year to get married. One of my most favorite stationary moments of this year is occuring this weekend! We assisted our client with coordinating Save the Dates and Invitations. Our clients loved the set so much that we carried the designed motif throughout their reception details. From wedding programs to menu cards, table numbers and programs...there was one coordinating element...the motif...it began with the Save the Date and will continue until everyone says goodnight to the Bride and Groom on Saturday! One of our favorite photographers (Brian Kinyon Photography) is photographing the wedding and I am looking forward to sharing the details with you! For great invitations and coordinating pieces, we are consistently using Checkerboard (http://www.checkernet.com/) along with our in-house custom printing system! We are all about the details and this wedding hits the spot! Congratulations Amy & Brian!

Candy Stations!

2009-12-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

Candy stations have been the rage for many years BUT they don't get old...wedding guests enjoy them and we love designing them! One of our favorites was created for a wedding and reception at The James Hotel (http://www.jameshotels.com/). Photography by Vrai (http://www.vraiphoto.com/). The candy was chosen first by color then by type...the table was designed to mimic the color scheme of the wedding. The guests enjoyed Chocolate Turtles, M&M's, Sugar Peaches, Chocolate Raisins and more...each guest received a to-go candy bag to fill for the ride home.

Candy stations are always being re-invented but like all details, they should coordinate with the reception and of course the Bride and Groom's tastes! We added To-Go Cupcakes and Cookies to a Favor Station Table in September when we heard those were favorites of the Bride and Groom! Everyone enjoyed the twist...

Looking back at 2009...

2009-12-01T14:05:00.000-06:00

Wedding season 2009 is officially over for Tying the Knot but our break is short this year...our first 2010 wedding is on January 2nd!

As I look back at the year...it was filled with weddings of all sizes and shapes!

At each wedding, I take a moment to photograph my favorite details..a little instant gratification and it is a helpful tool to showcase our work immediately to future clients...

Today I am highlighting a beautiful rustic elegant wedding we created in April. The bride was very detailed oriented and wanted unique touches everywhere...her budget did not allow us unlimited resources so we needed to offer creative solution for her to get everything she always dreamed of...and we did! The placecard/favors are homemade apple butter jars with yellow gingham fabric toppers attached with twine sitting a top wood logs...the table numbers are hand cut wood boards with brown stamped numbers...the centerpiece vases are mason jars...and the votives are accented with coordinating green ribbon and twine...rustic elegance without breaking the bank!

Weddings online...

2009-11-30T16:27:00.000-06:00

Weddings have changed so much with the internet. What bride has not been on The Knot Wedding Website (theknot.com). There are so many tools at a bride's fingertips but I wonder are they using them to their benefit or is it making the process even more overwhelming? Today I downloaded a Knot Wedding Application to my IPhone...now anytime of day, a bride can ask the wedding question that is on her mind! Wow! It is absolutely amazing!

Today The Knot Wedding Website was very handy for one of our 2010 brides...we have been working on floral decor for her December wedding...she wanted me to know exactly what she wanted but was having difficulty describing it...so she sent me photos from The Knot gallery! It was just a starting point but now I will take her intial direction and design the most elegant, romantic reception decor for her. Our conversations via e-mail were a time saver for her and a push in the right direction for me. From there, I have created a story board so that she can envision what I am suggesting! She already loves one of my favorite design elements...a beautiful charger with a round menu card! I love round menu cards!

Photo courtesy of theknot.com and E. Sullivan Photography, Houston, TX.

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T10:52:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends...it is a time to look back and be thankful for what we have and what we have been given this year! It is a time to look to the future and be thankful for the blessings that will soon be in our lives. Weddings are a gift to couples and their families. It is an amazing day where two families merge into one and look to the future to see how their family will grow with this lovely couple.

Happy Thanksgiving! And congratulations to the brides and grooms that are getting engaged in the days to come! It will be a memory that will last a lifetime!

California...

2009-11-23T21:46:00.000-06:00

California or bust... Annually my husband's family and I head West to California for Thanksgiving! What a fabulous place to be... The weather is outstanding and the company is wonderful! As I sit by the pool with my family, I think about weddings in California! Would you ever need a back-up plan? They have perfect wedding weather every weekend...amazing! But no matter how gorgeous California is, I will forever love Chicago. I love the various seasons and I love brides that love winter weddings or brides that select the hottest month of the year! It makes Chicago a unique place to live! It adds wonderment to the planning process. I am looking forward to my 2010 weddings and cannot wait to hear from the new brides that get engaged over the holiday season. What a magical time of year!

Chicago...

2009-11-20T15:50:00.000-06:00

Chicago is an absolutely amazing place to get married...from the hotels to the unique venues, there is something for every bride! One of my favorite wedding venues is the Chicago History Museum (http://www.chicagohs.org/). We have a wonderful bride and groom hosting their ceremony and reception there tomorrow! It is going to be a beautiful day for a wedding! Who knew this weather was possible in November in Chicago.

We love the windy city!

I will of course share photos from tomorrow's wedding when I receive them but to hold us over and get us in the holiday spirit...Here is a photo of one of our favorite couples who had a beautiful December Wedding in Chicago! The bride even braved the weather to capture some of the amazing twinkle lights throughout the city! Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Kash Photography (http://www.jfkphoto.com/).

For those that don't know...the twinkle lights in Chicago will be turned on tomorrow at the Festival of Lights on Michigan Avenue...at the end of the day, Michigan Avenue will be twinkling with more than one million lights! It is amazing!

Edible and Usable...

2009-11-19T14:30:00.000-06:00

Wedding Favors??? Yes or No? What do you prefer? We love favors WHEN they add to the decor of an event, when they are interesting, when they are unique, and most most importantly when they are EDIBLE and USABLE!!! We love delicious favors...we inquire with our clients to think of what they love best. What would remind their guests about themselves? For one of our Spring weddings, we recommended a local caramel company, Katherine Anne Confections (http://katherine-anne.com/.) The caramels are absolutely yummy and it was one of the bride's favorite treats! The caramels are individually packaged but for this wedding, we added table decor by selecting a great favor box from BT Elements; a company we represent in-house. Each favor box was packaged with 2 caramels. The boxes come in various sizes and colors, which makes it easy to coordinate with a bride's color palette.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Green Photography (http://www.sgreenphoto.com/)

Who is Tying the Knot....

2009-11-18T13:21:00.000-06:00

Tying the Knot has successfully created many beautiful, memorable, extraordinary events in Chicago and throughout the suburbs since 1999...Tying the Knot is owned and operated by Christine Stone and me, Brooke Righeimer. We love designing, planning and coordinating weddings! We are both members of the Association of Bridal Consultants (http://www.bridalassn.com/) and have recently attended the ABC Annual Conference. This year it was located in Indianapolis...we had a fabulous time, met tons of great wedding professionals and are looking forward to implementing new tools into our business. One of the highlights was meeting Sylvia Weinstock (http://www.sylviaweinstock.com/). She was a featured speaker at the conference...she produces amazing cakes! She is the woman in the center of the photo...Christine and I are the others!

Unique Place Card Tables...

2009-11-17T12:25:00.000-06:00

I love place card tables...it is often the first thing your wedding guests see when they arrive at your reception...it often sets the tone to what they are about to see when the ballroom doors open to your grand reception! One of our favorites this year is from May...the theme was French Wine Country...photos by Stephen Green Photography (http://www.sgreenphoto.com/). When designing the tented reception...the bride was looking for elegance and wine country elements...the place card holders were real wine works and they were sitting atop moss amongst this beautiful Manzanita Tree.

Hinsdale Wedding Walk...

2009-11-16T16:27:00.000-06:00

Prizes, unique ideas, great company, and tons of talk about weddings...Every year in March, a group of Hinsdale Business owners get together and host the Hinsdale Wedding Walk...it is a wonderful event that allows bride's to walk the downtown area of Hinsdale and get inspiration for their upcoming wedding...the bonus of our walk is that we giveaway fabulous prizes!!!! Last year, a bride won a trip to Hawaii!!!! Click here for more details... http://www.hinsdaleweddingresource.com/hwwhome.html
This year we are planning on yummy hors d'oeuvres, great music, and unique ideas from all of the host businesses! We hope to see you there!

It's all about the unique touches...

2009-11-05T13:36:00.000-06:00

Wedding season is almost over for Tying the Knot...now we are moving onto planning season...new ideas for our clients...we love the details...thinking about unique touches that transform a wedding to a "one of kind event"! One of our favorites for next year is our Garrett's Popcorn Station...what a yummy idea! We open the station right after dancing gets started...we create a lounge area around it and suddenly your guests are saying "wow, what a wedding...they have thought of everything!" And don't forget about the coordinating stationary elements from station signs, popcorn signage and popcorn bags!

Day 1

2009-09-17T18:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our blog!

We are just getting started in the blogging world so please check back for updates! They are coming very soon!!!

To check out some of our past weddings, please visit our website at http://www.tyingtheknot.biz/ and our facebook account...Tying the Knot, Hinsdale, Illinois

Enjoy!