With the exciting news that your a planning a new together, you have many decisions ahead.

Take some time together to talk about priorities and ways to personalize your wedding, reception and celebration.

You also have a chance to hire experts to help with planning and share in your success.

Look into a variety of planning options to add to your enjoyment and erase much of the stress:

Full Service Planner 

We will handle all of the necessary planning elements of your wedding day. We work with you and your budget to select a theme, to secure the appropriate venue and the necessary vendors, work through all of the large and small details with you and assist you all the way through the planning process to make the wedding day what you have envisioned.

Partial Planning Consultant

We assist with the larger aspects of the planning process. Venue, Catering, & Decor, as well as supply vendor referrals for you. We coordinate the larger elements of the wedding and be there with you the day of.

Weekend Coordinator

For the weekend of your wedding, we are there to assist the day before the wedding, to handle any last minute items that need to be worked through, run the rehearsal, and then manage the wedding day.

Day of Coordinator

Having one our Planners there with you help put the pieces that you have planned together for you and then to be there on the day of your wedding, handling your vendors, keeping you on time, and making sure you have a memorable and enjoyable day.

Look into more options for planning services and a detailed day of timeline:

http://livenitup.com/weddings.php

We wish you exciting planning ahead!

It is a wedding tradition, but why do we do it?

The tossing of the bride’s bouquet is like having a glass of champagne that night- it is not necessary but certainly makes the evening more fun! In the old days, it was considered lucky to touch the bride, and even luckier if you were able to tear off a piece of her dress or veil.  Imagine someone ripping off a piece of your Monique Lhuillier couture gown – can you say friendship OVER?!  The tradition of grabbing fragments of the bride’s clothing for luck dates back to 14th century France.  In order to prevent single women from invading the bride’s personal space, and potentially leaving her half-dressed, the bouquet toss was introduced as a more civilized alternative.  This way, the single ladies could still snag the potential of their own happily ever after while leaving the bride’s beautiful dress intact.

Today, the bouquet signifies an upcoming engagement or unexpected romance for the lucky (or most aggressive) girl who catches it.  Superstition?  We think not!  One of our Windy Wedding partners was at a wedding a few weeks ago, and the girl who caught the bouquet is now happily engaged!

Enjoy the fall wedding season.

Planning for a dress fitting is certainly high on the list

We’re featuring some piece of mind this week.  Planning for a dress fitting is certainly high on the list.  Before walking into a dressing room, consider these ideas and some flattering favorites to help make the most of your dress shopping experience.

While you’re at it – why not erase 2 lists of things to do.  Take away wedding week stress by picking up these wedding day kits online to avoid trips to the convenience store.  These are daysavers with men and women in mind.   We met the ladies of Mojuba at a recent Chicago bridal event and loved their refreshing ideas and sleek, well-planned kits.  This week we toast to fewer lists and miles of Aisle Style:

Aisle Style

When choosing a wedding gown, one of the most important factors to consider is your body shape, and how various dress silhouettes look on your frame.  Here are some of the most popular dress shapes, and how to know which one is right for you.

From Left to Right:

1.  A-line:  This classic cut is one of the most figure-flattering out there, ’nuff said.  The style is so pretty, though, no one will know your fashion is also functional!

2. Ballgown:  For the bride that has dreamed of a “princess” wedding, a ballgown is the way to go.  Ballgowns are especially flattering on pear-shaped women, since they highlight a smaller top, and camouflage larger hips and thighs.  Avoid the style if you are petite, though, since it can overwhelm a small frame.

3.  Mermaid:  The mermaid silhouette is typically tighter through the waist and bodice, and fans out at the bottom from just above the knee.  Since the look can be revealing, and emphasize any junk you may have in your trunk, it’s not a great choice for the bootylicious bride.  It makes a gorgeous silhouette, however, for tall, thin brides, since the body hugging style emphasizes any curves with its tight fit and full, fanned-out bottom.

4. Sheath:  If you’re a petite bride, or have worked hard for your wedding day figure, a sheath is a great way to go, since the dresses work with minimal fabric, and are very body conscious.

5. Drop-Waist:  Dresses with a drop waist sit below the normal waistline, and look stunning on women with shorter torsos, and hourglass figures.  Steer clear of a drop waist if you have a long torso, though, as it will highlight the area and can make you look disproportionate.

6. Empire Waist:  This style is classic, feminine, and flattering on everyone.  It’s especially perfect for ladies who want to camouflage the tummy area, since the dress falls from just below the bust.

“Destination Chicago: Windy Wedding Giveaway Sequel Casts Off”

“Destination Chicago: Windy Wedding Giveaway Sequel Casts Off”

By popular demand, we’ll share more of our Windy wedding background

“Now, no one ever said it was a bad thing to be known for throwing pirate events…”

Captain Bruce Randall quipped with a wink.

Bruce and Karen Randall, owners of Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago had

done pirate weddings on Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier and Red Witch at Burnham harbor.

Tall Ship Adventures has the two tall ships in Chicago, so we appreciate our maritime history and thrive off a relaxing, invigorating sail and vista from the lake.  Great Lakes Events joined as a private event partner when we moved into our “Empire Office” in the River East Art Complex.  Together, it’s a much easier time with client meetings and planning in our Lake Michigan conference room than before when we’d try to hold meetings in the Windy ticket booth (with sufficient room for 2).

Yes, we have all been known to swashbuckle on a regular basis with ships to commandeer, champagne pirate soirees and “Real Pirates of the Inland Seas” tours.

Last year 5 friends and colleagues had the idea to throw a wedding for a deserving couple.  We wanted to donate what we could to the couple, to help promote each other’s businesses in challenging times and to enjoy working together.

Tall Ship Adventures, Great Lakes Events, Liven it Up Events and Appease mobile spa were the core groups that made the first Windy Wedding Giveaway happen on a small scale (if you can call a 148-ft ship with 100+ guests “small”).

“Ultimately, we wanted people to think of Windy and Red Witch as Chicago gems, upscale venues and outstanding patios with the added draw of the lake view.  We wanted to spotlight remarkable backdrops with a royal touch and the talents of our Chicago wedding vendors.” adds Lin Decker, owner of Great Lakes Events.

The Windy is the setting for the wedding ceremony; she has all the character and charm of the great days of sailing. Windy is silently pushed by the winds once her sails are set, to create our tranquil event.

Great Lakes Events will host a Cocktail & Skyline sail and photo shoot aboard Red Witch to entertain the wedding party as we showcase all we have to offer.

We’re more than a tourist experience or a throw back to a high school prom on the pier.  We set out to combine the romance and elegance with the picturesque skyline to share the views with our locals and their guests.

After mastering the art of loading a wedding on in 21 minutes, we’re casting off for another exceptional wedding, with Chicago’s top-shelf wedding vendors on board.

This year we are proud to throw a Windy wedding for the winning couple that has sparked a cross-country reunion with 3 generations!

The vendors are thrilled to combine our natural gifts with great friends in the wedding industry who are willing to share their talent, eye for beauty and specialties to help create a Windy wedding with an eye on Destination Chicago.  This year’s Windy wedding ceremony will take place June 13.

Members of the press are invited to attend one of our media hospitality events:

Wed., June 9

4:45-5:45pm
Cocktail reception with Windy wedding partners

Tall Ship Adventures & Great Lakes Events office

401 E. Illinois, ste 332

Chicago, 60611

followed by an optional sail on Windy

6pm

RSVP by June 1

info@greatlakesevents.net

OR

Fri., June 11

Cocktails & Skyline sail hosted by Great Lakes Events

Sail on Red Witch departing from Burnham Harbor

4:45 boarding

sailing 5:30-7:30

RSVP by June 1

info@greatlakesevents.net

For additional information:

Linda Decker 773-354-1563   Linda@greatlakesevents.net

From pirates to maritime history tours, elegant events to “Cocktails & Skyline Sails”, we have an event that will suit you!

Windy Wedding vendor partners 2010

Photo: by Jeff Suddeth

Our pros make your next event exceptional by reflecting your personal style.

http://www.greatlakesevents.net

Rejuvenating beauty treatments to pamper with VIP flair brought to you by Appease.   www.appease2you.com

The ideal picturesque, summer venue: Windy, Chicago’s Official Tall Ship

www.tallshipwindy.com

Photo: by Jeff Suddeth

Elegant, personable wedding planning from Liven it Up & Great Lakes Events

www.livenitup.com

Destination Chicago Must: Taste Chicago’s pizza legends with

Second City Pizza Tours

www.secondcitypizzatours.com

Picture perfect moments with our experienced wedding and yacht photographer, Jeffrey Suddeth.

www.jeffsuddethphotography.com

Stunning bridal bouquet and wedding décor aboard during the ceremony

Sunflower Gallery

Full service floral design studio – unique flower design for weddings and special events

www.sunflowergallery.net

“Cocktails & Skyline Sail” on the Regal Red Witch featuring our flagship champagne cocktail “Red Witch Royale”.  Great Lakes Events & Lakeshore Sail Charters

www.redwitch.com

Carol Woldhuis Designs

Custom invitation with your personal style and design in mind.

http://carolwoldhuisdesigns.com

Personalized invitations for our Regal Red Witch Cocktail, Skyline and photo shoot

Invite preview:

http://carolwoldhuisdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/red-witch-proofs.html

Piggy Design

Outstanding webdesign, Flash galleries and e-commerce for Windy Wedding, Great Lakes Events and Tall Ship Adventures

www.piggydesign.com

Midwest’s largest selection of wedding accessories and bridal shoes

Bridal shoes by The Left Bank
www.leftbankjewelry.com

The soul of Paris in the heart of Chicago

Roti Mediterranean Grill appetizers aboard Windy.

Rated “4 forks – Don’t miss it” by the Chicago Tribune

http://www.rotiusa.com

Wine and champagne aboard Regal Red Witch for

Cocktail & Skyline Sail

Poppa Cork

Welcoming the Chicago Barefoot Republic

Windy wedding ceremony bubbly toast

www.barefootwine.com

Ben Mahoney Productions. Videos that rock.
www.benmahoneyproductions.com

Mojuba Wedding

Our Groom Will be a Hero with this Stylish Wedding Day Kit

www.mymojuba.com

Generous couple gift basket

Couples that play together…stay together.

www.loverslane.com

Groom and wedding party tuxes.

You’re going to like the way you look.

www.menswearhouse.com

Chicago spring season in full swing

Welcome to the next great harbinger of warm weather in Chicago – the Cubs home opener!

This year we have sun, mid-60’s and new POV’s to enjoy the Chicago experience.  Brace yourself – the Cubs are even ahead against the Brewers, the Sox beat the Twins, the Bulls may clinch their play-off birth and the Blackhawks are ready to take their best shot at the Stanley Cup.

This week if you stay in to watch some sports, or get ready to lap up the patio, rooftop and sailing season, make the most of your time and travel!

I have been just thrilled with Appease mobile spa and the compliments that have come with my sassy golden summer beach wave (a very wearable trend for transforming after work or working wonders with wedding styles).

Book some appointments in the comfort of your own home for the season opener mani-pedi, sun-kissed foils and fresh cut, couples massage, refreshing facial, girls’ night or quality time with mom.  What goes better with a brunch than playful color or strolling into any work or family function after you have decompressed with sport or deep-tissue massage.  After toiling on those taxes, take a well—deserved break of your choice…

Here’s to turning some heads!

www.appease2you.com

Fax……….. 630-550-3764
Email……..info@appease2you.com

We cast-off this week with Tall Ship Windy at the Pier.

Come on out for a relaxing sail starting April 15!

www.tallshipwindy.com

More news for the great Lake Mich on the horizon…

Spring is here officially and welcomed by snow in Chicago.

We’re a resilient bunch and are looking forward to the sunshine that will melt it and bring us back to 50 degrees in two days’ time.

Most of us took the snowy Saturday to catch up on email and check off things on our indoor to do list.

Last time we were talking about scheduling time for a breather to decompress from wedding day stress. I had recommended a photo break to talk as a couple and plan some posed and candid shots that are capture your personality. This time – we’re here to spice things up!

What better way to add to moments and memories you’ll share than having a private day filled with fun and laughter? Yes, I started my Chicago planning career by doing pirate parties on a real pirate ship. It was a great way to have something to look forward to and certainly a conversation starter! Lover’s Lane hopped aboard as our generous costume sponsor and inspired

everyone to “release their inner pirate”. The costumes helped all our guests relax and inspired countless photos.

Choose your comfort level. We welcome Lover’s Lane to Lincoln Park: 955 Diversey in the Lincoln Park area of Downtown Chicago.

Take a lunch trip to the Lover’s Lane nearest you or shop online if you prefer www.loverslanestore.com .

The opening marks the first time since 2005 that Lover’s Lane has had a store in Downtown Chicago. Lover’s Lane Marketing Specialist, Eric Gorde, said: “Lover’s Lane has returned to Downtown Chicago to ensure that everyone can enhance their loving relationship, one couple at a time! Whether you happen to be a tourist who doesn’t get a chance to make it out of downtown, or a resident who decides not to make a trip, now there will be a convenient store location to satisfy all of your needs for sexual wellness.”

We thank Lover’s Lane for their inspired costumes and cheer them on as one of the Midwest’s premier retailers of lingerie and romantic gifts. A toast to couples playing together to stay together!

Happy spring and find some time to add your own favorite spice to the planning equation!

Great Lakes Events

Contact us at: info@greatlakesevents.net

Create and capture the most personal souvenir that will last a lifetime! Inspired engagement and wedding photography ideas

When planning a wedding, there are extensive details, things to confirm and places to arrange. Take a moment each day to decompress and think about the feelings you want to share with your family in this great time of celebration. Many of those memories will
be shared with photos. Whether you want to have wedding colors carried through each detail or you want to remember your young relatives first dress up occasion, it is the photos that add to the all import family and loved one bond!

Take a fun lunch with your fiancé to ask each other how you want to bring your personality into some photos beyond the “stock poses”. Maybe an unexpected city shot crossing the street in wedding attire? Maybe your favorite piece of art or park or pond as a natural background that reminds you of why you have chosen to share so many moments together now and in the future…

I can only speak from experience of the weddings, events and memories I’ve helped plan. I especially remember a sail along the Chicago skyline with the sun setting and the full moon rising. My guests and I had 6 photographers on board and one, key cameraman (Jeff Suddeth) who caught the lighting and full moon that we all talked about throughout the summer.

I will share his story and hope that it adds to your happy engagement time. I know you’ll have wonderful souvenirs to share!

Best to you in planning and in photos to share!
Great Lakes Events

Jeff’s photo background

Take a peak at how to let your personalities shine!!
www.jeffsuddethphoto.com

Through experience in glamour, story telling and outstanding lighting, Jeff
offers you the confidence to let your best moments shine through.
Jeff has been intrigued by photography since the age of 5. With the novelty of a Kodak Instamatic and his mother’s guidance, Jeff began to snap photos to piece together a story.

With his natural eye for detail, Jeff’s talent developed with his first digital point-and-shoot camera. That camera followed him everywhere! It was these hands-on experiences that lead Jeff to the challenge and understanding of how technology works to best highlight natural beauty. Many of us have had the frustration of not being able to adequately photograph a moonlit night or spectacular fireworks display. These challenges compelled Jeff to understand why the moon wasn’t coming out right. We have all seen pictures of the moon, but can not accomplish those same shots on our own.
Yet, we know it is possible. Jeff continued his fascination with getting the great shot.

Jeff’s enthusiasm for photography and engaging images earned him many referrals. He went from scenery to people and then to telling their story through weddings.
Jeff’s favorite photography subject is people. Wedding photography is close to his heart. Each couple, engagement and ceremony has a wonderful story to be told. They are the perfect combination of people, portraits, photojournalism, beauty and
fun. In fact, wedding photography is the ideal way to blend his passion and knowledge.
His clients have been happy with Jeff’s images, work and with the fact that he remains personable throughout the entire process.

Jeff dabbled in Information Technology but quickly learned that a cubical wasn’t the best place for him. He decided to continue to pursue his lifelong passion of photography instead. Jeff also uses his interest in photography to bring a fresh perspective to commercial work. Some of his business clients include Great Lakes Events, Lakeshore Sail Charters, Glitterati Productions and the fashion industry. He has had photos published on NBC’s website. He also sells stock images with several agencies.

Jeff is also the author of a best selling book about Computer Programming. He still writes, but now he writes about photography and editing digital photos.
Jeff lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife, three kids and a cat. He has two teenage twin daughters and a son who he adopted from Korea.

The Destination Wedding

Why not soak in the Chicago summer as you sail along the skyline!

We can be overwhelmed with details, expectations and lists of things to do. Our wedding industry colleagues have come together to giveaway a wedding on Lake Michigan to one lucky couple. Eveyone wants a picturesque, romantic day surrounded by one of the world’s most beautiful cities…Now’s your chance to win wedding memories that will last a lifetime.

Spotlight on
Chicago’s wedding industry pros:

Decompress from wedding stress with the scenic Tall Ship Windy and the Chicago skyline.

Let our pros make your wedding day exceptional by reflecting your personal style. Whether you enjoy modern trends or tradition designs, we’ll find a way to highlight your style.

Chicago flocks to Lake Michigan to relax, picnic, sun bathe and rejuvenate during the summer.

Enjoy a majestic backdrop with a royal touch: Rejuvenating beauty treatments to pamper yourself with VIP flair before your ceremony brought to you by Appease. Capture the picture perfect moments with Chicago‘s top wedding photographers, freshest flowers, caterers and designers.

Then…the WINDY will be your chic 148-foot tall ship for your ceremony; she has all the character and charm of the great days of sailing. Windy is silently pushed by the winds once her sails are set, to create your tranquil event. The ceremony will take place in mid-June on beautiful Lake Michigan aboard the Tall Ship Windy provided by Windy of Chicago, LTD. The lovely couple will wed aboard the ideal venue with 100 of their guests! www.greatlakesevents.net

• Engaged couples may submit their photo and an essay (500 words or less) on why they should be the winning couple for this promotion. Top candidates will be interviewed.
• Entries can be emailed to: windywedding2@gmail.com ; enter through January 31, 2010
• The winner will be announced on February 14!

Remember simple ways to let someone know you care.

Take in a breathtaking sunset, a memorable time and your own “summer favorites” menu.

Relax as you entertain guests from out of town.

Catch your postcard moment with the Chicago Lighthouse and toast as you sail by.

We wish you happy planning. More spotlights on wedding industry ideas and best practices will follow.

Submerged Wedding Centerpieces

Table centerpieces are most important part of the wedding reception that will set the tone for the whole affair. The submerged centerpieces are one of the hottest wedding trends right now and it is surprisingly affordable. Brides who want their centerpieces to be big, beautiful, and showy will find it to be very expensive. Sometimes it is tricky to balance style and budget. Submerged centerpiece might be a trendy and affordable option for you. As the name suggests, it is one or more flowers under water in a clear cylinder or other shape vase accented with stones, crystals candles. Many favorite wedding flowers will work very well in submerged centerpieces. Tulips, orchids, berries, roses, hydrangeas, calla lilies, amaryllis, gladiolas and curly willow are all excellent choices, and they come in beautiful colors. You can use single or multiple cylinders in varying heights in the center. You can either use the same kind of flower in each vase, or choose different flowers in the same color palette. Orchids are one of the most popular choices for submerged flower centerpieces, and they are available all year round. You can be creative and use fruit instead of flowers. For brides who want to have spectacular wedding centerpieces, and are willing to splurge, the ultimate in high style is to set a full floral arrangement on top of a submerged floral display. With so many ways to design them, submerged floral centerpieces are one wedding trend that is here to stay.
Submerged arrangements must be constructed on site and often at the last minute. It is not easy and often quite messy to set up. It is not a good idea for a bride to take responsibility of such hard labor on her wedding day. Let the professional florist do all the hard work so you can relax and enjoy your wedding.

www.chicagoweddingstudio.com