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Wedding Photo of the Week: Cantigny Willow

Wedding Ideas, Wedding PicturesWedding Creativo Photography

Last year we tried to feature a "photo of the day" and that was kind of overly ambitious to keep up.  So, this year we're going to try a new feature.  Introducing - - - Wedding Photo of the Week!  It could be from one of our recent weddings, or from anytime in the last two decades, but it wil always be one shot that makes our creative hearts smile.

This week's photo is from Cat and Matt's wedding from a couple weeks ago.  We love them under this majestic weeping willow tree at Cantigny Gardens.

© Wedding Creativo Photography / Giorgio Ventola

A Traditional Spanish Wedding at St. Mary of the Angels

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Theresa and Guillermo live in Spain where the groom is a wine maker at a beautiful vineyard.  They celebrated their passion for the finer things in life, as well a their cultural heritage, at their summer wedding with family in Chicago. 

The ceremony was held at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Chicago, and incorporated many Spanish wedding traditions, including the groom's presentation of 13 gold coins or "arras", and the "padrinos" or godparents joining the couple together with a large rosary in a figure 8 loop to symbolize their union.

A Mariachi band entertained the guests at the Hilton Chicago reception.  The wedding cake had strings tied to charms baked into the layers, which the girls and women pulled out to see who got the lucky charm before the bride and groom cut the cake.  Lastly, for the guests' gifts, the groom selected a special vintage of wine for everyone to take home a bottle that commemorated their lovely wedding day.

Inspired Finds:

   

Dennis and Lisa's wedding at the Wit Hotel

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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.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

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

Jewish Wedding at Chicago Cultural Center

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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.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

SNEAK PEEK: Congratulations Steffanie and Kyle

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While Steffanie was getting ready she got a visit from a this special butterfly.  I'm confident that this little critter brought her luck since this whole week has been stormy, but yesterday was absolutely beautiful...both the weather and wedding, which took place at First United Methodist Church and Galleria Marchetti.  We'll post more details and pictures soon, but for now, enjoy this sneak peek!

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 06.17.2010

Inspiration, Wedding Ideas, Wedding PicturesWedding Creativo Photography

If you're not exactly a big fan of cake, you may want to consider having a wedding pie!  Down the street from our studio is the wonderful Hoosier Mama Pie Company, and we recently had the pleasure of seeing them serve up delicious dishes of apple, banana cream, French silk, strawberry rhubarb and other wonderful pies at Steve and Elaine's wedding.  The bride and groom even had an elaborate double-decker banana cream wedding pie instead of cake. The creative couple made the cake toppers themselves out of clothes pins.  So cute.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 06.15.2010

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Bridesmaids getting ready and enjoying the view at Trump International Hotel and Tower

Helpful bridesmaids are the best thing in the world for any bride.  If you have thoughtful, reliable and supportive friends and/or siblings to help rock your wedding day (so you avoid seeing the other side of that coin) be sure to thank them well.  It cannot be over-stated how wonderful it is to be surrounded by cheerful and helpful bridesmaids...(or even just a few reliable pals if you are not having a bridal party). 

© Wedding Creativo Photography

 

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 05.29.2010 - Memorial Day Weekend

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We hope everyone is enjoying Memorial Day Weekend, and that we all take a moment to remember why we observe this holiday.  In honor of all who serve in the military (and this weekend, we remember those who gave their lives), today our Daily Photo features husband and wife Iraq veterans, Margaret and Zach.  Their family, with many Lieutenants, Colonels, Majors and Generals really knew how to celebrate a great day in this couple's life. It was an honor for us to photograph their wedding at Holy Name Cathedral and reception at Maggiano's.  Thank you to all the brave people who serve, past and present!

 @ Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 05.25.2010

Inspiration, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Ideas, Wedding PicturesWedding Creativo Photography

Very shiny. Very sparkly.  Like Rainman, we're drawn to take pictures of the the lovely sparkly and shiny details of our brides' dresses and accessories.  Many visitors to our studio comment on this beautiful necklace that bride Anne wore on her wedding day.  It is unique, yet a classic, and one of our favorites as well. 

All this month we're taking a look back at some favorite pictures from past weddings in celebration of our studio's 30th anniversary. 

© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.

 

 

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 05.23.2010

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For years I had no idea what a Vegemite sandwich was (thanks Men at Work), until we were lucky enough to photograph the Australian + American wedding of Jeremy and Michelle at the Adler Planetarium.

All this month we are taking a look back at some favorites from the past for our studio's 30th anniversary. 

© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.

I guess I missed this episode of Pop Up Video, which explains the mystery that is Vegemite.

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 05.22.2010

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Christian and Claudia were also a couple that knew how to party.  They held one of our most memorable receptions ever by including guests in the entertainment by giving everyone the chance to be the lead singer of  Live Band Karaoke. Needless to say, this reception rocked!

All this month we are taking a look back at some favorites from the past for our studio's 30th anniversary.  

© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.