Becky and Fuad's Lakeside Wedding

January 17, 2011Destination Weddings, Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Becky and Fuad have many shared interests including music, travel and yoga (we featured their yoga engagement session a while ago), so it is no wonder they found marital bliss together.

They combined American and Indian traditions for their eclectic wedding weekend along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. The evening before the wedding the families gathered for a dinner that incorporated some Indian traditions, such as delicate henna paining of the hands and feet.

On the wedding day the bride had her parents help with hair and makeup. The bridesmaids dresses were vibrant orange and with accented with bouquets of purple and green by Bloomies. Matching jewelry worn by the bride and bridesmaids was made by the bride! In their beige summer suits, the groomsmen escorted family members while friends played a guitar and kalimba duet for a world music flavored processional. The pavilion-covered beach ceremony provided views of the bride's favorite St. Joseph lighthouse and a majestic metal sculpture.

Coordinator Jessica Smith organized a lovely reception held at Veranda at the Witcomb. An amazing summer sunset gave the semi-outdoor venue a golden glow and the perfect ambiance for dinner by CK Catering. Becky is an amazing singer and Fuad a wonderful musician, and they treated their guests to a beautiful performance of classic ballads. Fuad also took over the turntables a couple times from friend DJ Warp, keeping everyone on the dance floor with a mix of international grooves and old-school funk and soul (I remember being really happy when one of my favorites "Flashlight" came over the speakers!). Later in the evening other talented friends from the Chicago performance group, Pyrotechniq, performed a fire dance. All in all it was a celebration that reflected many of the bride and groom's shared passions.

Inspired Finds:

Kalimba Henna Painting Kit Jewel T-Strap Sandal

Melissa and Aaron's wedding at Galleria Marchetti

January 7, 2011Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

How could anyone turn down a marriage proposal while sharing ice-cream? Well, that's exactly how clever groom Aaron sweet-talked his bride Melissa when he popped the question at Jeni's, one of their favorite ice-cream shops near the groom's family home in Columbus, Ohio. He actually had the shop put a sign in the ice-cream cooler window with a special "flavor" to hopefully catch his sweetheart's attention with a proposal written in the description! The couple used this moment as inspiration for their wedding theme and table cards, which were all named after many famous ice-cream shops that they have visited.

Morning preparations and "first-see" were at the InterContinental hotel on Michigan Ave. The early afternoon wedding was held in the outdoor courtyard at Galleria Marchetti, with reception under the adjoining pavilion. The wedding was administered by Rabbi Bruce Elder as Moeller Music performed the ceremonial score.

The couple's dog was all smiles as he trotted down the isle to start the processional. The bridesmaids dresses by Alfred Sung provided a purple punch of color before Melissa made her grand entrance in a Mauel Mota Pronovias gown. Brittany from Robert Jeffery Salon gave the bride a breezy summer look with a stunning hairpin to pull back the brides lovely locks, and compliment her contemporary laid back summer style.

At the reception the guests were treated to ice-cream sundaes and cupcakes by Lucious Layers, sweet floral arrangements by Mille Fiori, and lively music from Style Matters dj Spencer.

Inspired Finds:

Angry Ice Cream Cufflinks Ice Cream Cone Holder Cake Pops

Magic Moments 2010

December 29, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Thanks to all of our 2010 newlyweds for a wonderful year filled with magic moments. We still have about half of our weddings from this year yet to feature on the blog, so please stay tuned over the winter to see lots more about our couples and their great weddings.

Wishing everyone all the best for the new year.

- Sarah & Giorgio

Dennis and Lisa's wedding at the Wit Hotel

December 15, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

A romance was sparked for Lisa and Dennis when they first met at the Chicago Board of Trade. Who knew soybeans, cattle and wheat could be an impetus for such a great match? The bride and groom thought of a unique way to represent their start by having their reception table cards named after common futures traded in the stock exchange, such as gold, soybeans, and oil. But that was just one of many spectacular details at this downtown Chicago summer wedding.

Bridal preparations took place at the couple's home, which was buzzing with excitement from the company of bridal party and loved ones, and also their adorable pets, a Sphinx cat and English Bulldog. The four-footers even got in on some fun portraits we took with L & D on their rooftop deck.

Lisa found her perfect gown at Priscilla of Boston, a breathtaking Melissa Sweet design of silk organza with a diagonally draped bodice and delicate fabric rose petals cascading down to the hemline. Her veil was a favorite of ours this year, a shoulder-length custom-made design by Ms. Couture. Badgley Mischka satin heels perfectly matched the dress with a fabric flower detail on the vamp. The baubles were brilliant diamonds with flower-shaped earings, a trio of bangles, and a magnificent three-stone, pear-shape, platinum diamond engagement ring from Windy City Diamonds.

An illustration of the landmark Board of Trade building and a custom monogram was incorporated into their stationary, programs and menus by Clementine Ink + Paper. We also stopped by the BOT for bridal party pictures before heading to theWit Hotel for their ceremony and reception.

The ketubah signing took place first, which is the signing of the marriage contract that is an integral part of Jewish weddings, and it is tradition to have the document made artistically. Well, Lisa and Dennis' ketubah by artist Danny Azoulay was like nothing we've ever seen before with amazing lace-work all around the sides. The ceremony followed in the ballroom under an elegant white lace chuppah.

Cocktails were held at Roof on theWit, which you might have guessed is the hotel's cool roof-top bar. During that time the ballroom was transformed into an all-white reception, with white orchid and rose centerpieces to match the bride's bouquet, with floral and decor design by Heffernan-Morgan. The event was coordinated by Engaging Events by Ali, who made sure every last detail was perfectly in place, from the white feathers draped from the ceiling to the spotlight on the wonderfully detailed cake by Take the Cake.

The couple celebrated their families' heritages, with shots of vodka for the bride's Russian side, and from the groom's family guests were given Chinese luck charms as favors. The guests packed the dance floor with Peter Hennes Orchestra on the bandstand. And, we have to say that our own Pazzi Photo Booth was a big hit with everyone revealing their goofy side for fun pictures with our crazy booth props.

You can also see the highlights video made by the wonderful folks at I Do Flims.

We are also exited that Dennis and Lisa's wedding was featured in the December 2010 issue of Chicago Social Brides.

Wendy and Neil's wedding at Promontory Point

December 12, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

So, what do you do when your wedding day lands on the hottest, most humid, stormy day of the year? You have fun!

Wendy and Neil were as prepared as they could have been for their July wedding, with cute parasols, fans, and, of course, lots of water on hand for their outdoor ceremony at Promontory Point along Chicago's lakeshore. Despite temperatures soaring over 100, and thunderstorms rolling through, the bride and groom (and their guests!) did not let anything dampen their happy celebration.

The bride got ready with her mom and the gals at Hotel Raffaello with Bridal Beauty Chicago doing hair and makeup. Wendy spotted the perfect gown at Here Comes the Bride in Addison, and selected a beautiful Mori Lee design. The bridesmaids wore knee-length blue Dessy dresses and groomsmen wore beige J. Crew summer suits. The wedding rings were perfectly cut by Hearts On Fire, and the bride's floral accented shoes were by Nina.

The reception dinner was inside the Promontory Point Chicago Park District building, with a tent adjacent outside for additional dance floor, bar, and photo booth space. The groom's Italian family heritage provided inspiration for a Tuscany theme, with the couple going with vibrant orange and blue hues for their wedding colors. The tables were accented with red-orange and yellow fresh tomatoes, Italian breadsticks, and candle lanterns. A framed old-world map covered a table for place cards, home-made cookies, and Cake Girls wedding cake. Oh, I can't forget, the Tuscan cinghiale (wild boar) pasta by Wolfgang Puck Catering was some of the best Giorgio and I have ever tasted!

Towards the end of the evening, the groom and his buddies had the ultimate solution to the hottest wedding day of the year....a jump in the lake!

Jewish Wedding at Chicago Cultural Center

December 6, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

A man dressed like a chicken walks out into a wedding reception....it sounds like the opening line of a joke, but that's exactly what the best man did at this wedding. You see, the groom Matthew and his brother Jeremiah (the best man) come from the family of foodies behind Corky's Catering and Cork Special Events. So, of course they treated their guests to a dazzling display of diverse gourmet delights.

But, let's not jump ahead of ourselves. Tabitha, who is an accomplished dancer, was a statuesque and elegant bride in her Cosmo Bella gown that she spotted at Wedding Belles in Barrington. Her stunning heels were from Chicago's own James Ciccotti Bridal Shoes and Accessories, which specializes in elegant silk and satin designs made in Italy. She accessorized with vintage pearl and diamond earings, a decorative hair comb by Elen Henderson, and wedding rings by Ken Bien Jewelry. The bridesmaids wore designs from Vineyard Collection, while the gentlemen were outfitted by Morris and Sons.

The family gathered pre-event at the InterContinental Hotel for preparations and portraits before proceeding to the Chicago Cultural Center for the ceremony and reception. Sue Primer coordinated the celebration with flowers by Richard Remiard Event Design, cake from Oak Mill Bakery and entertainment by Chicago Catz.

A touching moment came when a special song, written by the groom's father, was played during the reception. It was recorded by family friend and Chicago rock-and-roll hero Jim Peterik, who also treated the guests by performing his hit songs "Vehicle" and "Eye of the Tiger."

However, I think it was brother Jeremiah delivering the best man's toast in a chicken suit that stole the show on this night under the Tiffany dome.

Becca and Jeff's Wedding at Cantigny Gardens

November 22, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

The 250 acres of well manicured flora at Cantigny Park served as the backdrop for Becca and Jeff's outdoor summer wedding, with reception dinner inside the park's Le Jardin banquet hall that overlooks the gardens.

The bride wore an Amsale gown that she discovered at Belle Vie Bridal. At her side, the groom wore a beige Tommy Hilfiger suit as they exchanged Tiffany wedding rings.

The bridesmaids wore vibrant fuchsia designs by Bill Levkoff, while the entire bridal party was accentuated with vibrantly hued bouquets and boutonnieres with shocks of orange, fuchsia and violet. Winfield Flower Shoppe also embellished the dining room with matching floral centerpieces and reception decor.

Cantingy provided the cake and catering, while Amanda Burdick of La'Di Events kept the day running smoothly, and Dena Masely from Toast and Jam DJs packed the dance floor. Music was also shared by the bride and groom with Sappy, Sweet and Happy mix cds, which they made for guest gifts.

Becca and Jeff are teachers in "real life," and on their wedding day gave everyone a lesson in happiness and the natural beauty of true love.

Helen and Daniel's Wedding in Sorrento, Italy

November 18, 2010Destination Weddings, Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Helen and Daniel chose the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento for their destination wedding in Italy. For two thousand years visitors have come to the small southern Italian town famous for it’s wonderful lemons and fantastic views over the Bay of Naples.

The rehearsal dinner was held at Casale Antonietta, a bed and breakfast farm on the outskirts of town. The farm has relaxing activities including horseback riding as well as wonderful lemon and olive groves to be explored.

The ceremony was held at the historical Cloisters of San Francesco, which is an outdoor courtyard-like structure that is part of a medieval monastery that dates back to the 8^th century.

The reception was hosted at the Relais Blu Belvedere, the hotel features amazing views over looking Capri in the Bay of Naples.

In between the ceremony and reception Giorgio took the bride and groom for pictures at the famous Pompeii Ruins. In the year 79 AD the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted leaving the city covered in ash essentially freezing the town until it’s rediscovery in 1599. All of the women working at the site gushed over the lovely bride Helen in ways only Italian mamms and nonnas do. It was quite amusing for the bride and groom. Giorgio is convinced that he is possibly the first photographer to take wedding portraits at this hitoric site since it seemed higly unusual to all the workers there...and was quite a farce...but it is a great story you can ask Giorgio to tell you all about when you come to meet him to talk about your destination wedding. He really is a miracle worker when it comes to making special moments like that happen!

You can see this wedding featured on his destination wedding site Giorgio Ventola International.

Steffanie & Kyle's Wedding at Galleria Marchetti

October 27, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Diamonds and snake skin never looked so chic as when worn by Chicago bride Steffanie who married her dashing groom Kyle at First United Methodist Church. A whimsical outdoor pavilion reception followed at the elegant Galleria Marchetti, which is located just a few blocks from our studio in Chicago's River West neighborhood.

High fashion and modern styles set the tone for this wedding day, starting with the bride and bridesmaids glamming it up with makeup by Starlight and hair by Lush. The bride's gown was a contemporary Augusta Jones design with a stunning diamond belt by Lazaro. The bridesmaids wore short black cocktail dresses that they all selected themselves. Later in the evening the bride also changed into a white and silver short number when it was time to party on the dance floor. The short dress was a hot look for wedding styles this summer, and these women were spot on with that look! I hope we see this trend continue into 2011. The radiant diamond ring, bracelets and earings were hand-made by jeweler Steven Saitelbach. As for the fellas, they were outfitted by Formally Modern Tuxedo who did an absolutely impeccable job tailoring those sharp-as-a-tack suits.

From the violet and yellow bouquets to the jaw dropping Manzanita tree branch centerpieces, the floral decor by Blumen was spectacular. Flowers also accented the wonderful wedding cake by Amy Beck.

We stopped for some fun bridge shots on the way to the reception with Chicago Trolley transporting us with a safe and fun ride.

Entertainment by the band Groove Addiction made it an enjoyable time for the happy guests, who all received special favors of lemon truffles, picture frames and commemorative bottles of wine at their tables.

It was an exuberant and joyful day that we were so grateful to experience, and Giorgio and I left wondering if we will ever see such an awesome pair of diamond snake skin bride's shoes ever again. We can only hope!

Inspired Finds:

Krys and Billy's Peony Themed Wedding

October 14, 2010Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Peonies have thousands of years of recorded history. The origin for name of this flower is mentioned in classical Greek mythology. Legend has it that Paeon, the physician to the gods on Mount Olympus, received the beautiful bloom as a gift from Leto, the "hidden beauty" mother of Apollo and Artemis. The Peony is also the state flower of Indiana and the traditional floral symbol of China. It is a flower considered to symbolize riches and honor.

A plethora of peonies were present throughout the day for Krys and Billy's wedding. Krys discovered the florist that provided her fresh cut peonies for her bouquet and decor at Lincoln Park Farmers Market. We first noticed them as soon as we walked in the bride's home with vases filled with peonies in the living room and kitchen. Peonies were incorporated into the programs and stationary designs by Exclusively Weddings. Hair stylist Litsa at Anasa Salon (the bride says does wonders with curly and wavy hair) used a decorative peony hairpin as the finishing touch for the bride's up-do. Also, the bride herself placed a beautiful pink peony to top her wedding cake (which was embossed with words representing the things in life that Krys and Billy hold dear) by Continental Bakery.

As for the fashions, the couple turned to Steve Quick for the wedding rings (white and blue sapphires were their stones of choice). The groom's spiffy threads were from Savvi Formal Wear, the bridal shoes were the Grace design by James Ciccotti, bride's dress and accessories found at Weddings 826, and the stunning gown was designed by Winnie Couture. Oh, the bride's mother MADE not one but two veils for Krys to choose from, one long and one short.

Although we had storms approaching, they stayed away through the ceremony at Mary Seat of Wisdom church, and all the guests were safely inside the reception at Old Orchard Country Club, by the time the thunder rolled through.

But, as usual, we took advantage of the dramatic skies as a backdrop for some outside pictures before heading inside when the rains came.