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Add Glam to the Wedding Emergency Kit

Wedding Ideas, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

Yes indeed, having some kind of tote bag or kit for little "emergencies" on your wedding day is always a great idea, and be sure to have items that are helpful for ladies and gentlemen.  However, it is your wedding day after all, and there is no rule that says the emergency bag has to be strictly utilitarian.  

Along with the bandages and safety pins, you can add a little glamour with small luxury items for touch ups, perfume or luxury treats or snacks.  Even if it is just the tote bag or toiletries bag, you can make them extra special...and you might even hope that you get a blister to have a good reason break out your stylish tote or sparkly flats.

Glam Reception Kit

Classic Chicago Wedding at Union League Club

Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Emily and Brent celebrated their wedding at Holy Family Church and Union League Club with classic style and elegance.  The bride wore a beautiful gown by designer Enzoani, with bridal shoes by Chicago designer James Ciccotti.  The bridesmaids' sophisticated floor-length black dresses and groomsmens' black tie tuxedos set the tone for a fabulously formal Chicago wedding celebration.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Event professionals: Wedding Creativo Photography, LK Events, Dilly Lily floral, ULC catering and pastry chef Jessica Weiss, Gold Coast Allstars band, Midwest Transit limos, Salon Buzz, Dimitra's Bridal Couture.

Indian Wedding at Blackstone Hotel Chicago

WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Nevada couple Amit and Puja came to celebrate their winter wedding near the bride's family in Chicago.  Their vibrant three-day wedding traditions took place at their family homes, an Indian restaurant, and the big wedding day was held at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.  Their designer fashions theme, pink/purple elaborate decor, Venetian masks, and especially the inclusion of their dog "Gucci" made for quite a unique Indian wedding.

More images from this wedding are in the Featured Weddings section on our photography website.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Indie Wed Chicago 2013 Highlights

Creative Spotlight, Creativo News, Inspiration, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Ideas, Wedding Pictures, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

We had a wonderful time at Indie Wed on Saturday, and were inspired hearing all of the creative plans couples are making for their 2013 and 2014 weddings.  Indie Wed is THE event for couples looking for unique wedding ideas and professionals, and we were honored to participate. Thanks to everyone who came by our booth to say hello, and also a big thanks to our associates Amanda and Kevin for doing such a wonderful job.  We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people, couples and professionals, to make our world go round.

Here are some of our favorite highlights from Indie Wed.  There are also lots more pictures on our facebook page.

Wedding Creativo associates and ambassadors of awesome, Kevin and Amanda

Indie Wed welcome sign

Dame Couture vintage inspired wedding dresses

The "Belles and Gents" lounge on the third floor, presented by Sine Qua Non Events

The chocolate cigar gal rounds the lounge, furnished by Aged Vintage Rentals

Those cigars were a delectable sweet and salty treat by Truffle Truffle

I think we have a crush on food truck wonder Puffs of Doom

Tablescapes unique decor rentals are always a delight

Brides and bridesmaids, can we please see some Mohop shoes on your feet? Folks in Chicago make these kicks!

The Caterist, a new catering company based in Evanston, was in the booth next to ours. They saw us drooling, had mercy on us, and gave us some treats. They were quite tasty and we were impressed!

We liked this band called We, Unity Candle. They were fun, but as serious audiophiles we were mostly impressed with their abilities to manage quality live sound while rocking the house. We see a lot of bands that mistake loud distorted volume for rocking, and these guys did NOT do that, bravo!

Tweedle Press drew a crowd with their chimerical designs and environmentally sustainable paper goods

Endearing accessories and fabric flowers headpieces on display by Clark & Diversey

A great pairing of professionals, the always sophisticated Sarah Drake Design with Pistil & Vine Floral Design

MarEva's custom designed jewelry and brooch bouquets caught our eye. We were easily lured in by so many beautiful shiny sparkly things.

Naperville Illinois Wedding at Meson Sabika

Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Like many couples who "leave the nest" to start their careers in other cities, Kallie and John had a "homecoming" wedding in the bride's hometown of Naperville, Illinois.  Since the couple lives in New York, they had a lot of help from family and friends to plan and organize the wedding, which took place at Naper Settlement and Meson Sabika.

During the morning, the bride had help getting ready at home with her mother and bridesmaids, a.k.a. "team bride." Her lovely Sassi Holford gown was accented with two different sashes, one white for daytime and one black for evening.  Her black studded Giuseppe Zanotti heels also added a kick of personal style.  The bridesmaids wore long black dresses, with bouquets of autumnal reds and peach-orange hues. 

The Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement was built in 1864 with a Gothic Revival style of architecture.  The couple was married by the same minister who presided over the bride's parents wedding years ago.

M&M Special Events decorated the reception with warm champaign, cream and soft golden tones, along with Philip's Flowers arrangements, which were primarily ivory roses for the centerpieces, along accent arrangements and cake topper flowers in vibrant deep red and peachy-orange roses.

The groom's brother was his best man, and he had kept the first "contract" the two made as young boys.  It was an agreement to "not hit each other during the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.," which was a lovely sentimental gesture that had everyone laughing and crying at the same time.

During the course of the evening Kallie also had a special moment for her sister Breanne, presenting her with a parade of birthday cakes!  We are also honored to be joining this family again later this year when they will be celebrating Breanne's wedding in June.

Iris and Blush for Spring Save The Dates

Creativo News, Engagements, Wedding Ideas, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

Inspired by blush and pastel colors of spring, this two-sided Save-the-Date postcard with pink and cream iris flowers is a great way to set the tone for a romantic spring wedding.  Wedding Creativo offers customized Save-the-Date cards with select engagement packages, or anyone may order custom designed cards from us by request.  For more information please contact Sarah at info@weddingcreativo.com.

Engagement Ring Trends 2013

Creative Spotlight, Engagements, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Ideas, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo featured in CSW

Creativo News, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

For the recently engaged, or if you know someone who is planning a wedding in Chicago, we recommend picking up a copy of Chicago Style Weddings magazine.  The magazine is desinged to follow a typical flow for  wedding planning, and especially helpful is the month-by-month chart to keep on track with planning tasks.  Wedding Creativo is also honored to be featured in a couple of articles about photography trends and tips.  January/February 2013 issue is hot off the presses, so check a magazine rack at a store near you to pick up a copy.  Happy planning!

How To Get Married in Chicago

Engagements, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

You just got engaged! Congratulations!

Now what?

Well, depending on what kind of wedding or civil union you have in mind, this next phase in your life could involve anywhere from 2 years to 24 hours.  This article will not focus that much on the planning aspect of what happens next (although we have a few basic getting started tips), but rather the actual requirements and steps to legally get married in Chicago and Cook County, Illinois.

1. Figuring out what kind of wedding you want (and can afford) involves a lot of factors that you and your sweetheart need to first discuss with each other.  Your financial state and life priorities can vary greatly depending on what age you are when you decide to marry.  A couple's shared goals at age 22 are usually very different than at age 28, 34, 40 or beyond.  What ever your shared dreams are as a married couple, the wedding is only part of your future plans together, so your decision for those plans are a very personal choice.

Tip: for general cost estimates and sample wedding budgets we suggest http://www.costofwedding.com

2. Plan the wedding. There are tons of web sites, magazines, books and software to help with this.  Or, you can hire an experienced and qualified event planner.  In the Chicago area, we recommend starting by picking up a copy of Chicago Style Weddings magazine.  It is organized like a planning guide and has a standard planning schedule of what tasks to check off your list each month.  For this blog post, we're going to leave it at that.

3. Get married!

Now, to actually get married or have a civil union in Chicago, the city and Cook County web sites have several pages with information, however, it can be tricky to find all of the specific information that you need.  So really, the purpose of this post is an effort to centralize all of the important information right here!

Step 1: Prepare to get your marriage license. To get married in Illinois, couples must get their marriage license issued in the county where they are planning the marriage ceremony to take place.  In Chicago, and closest suburbs, that is Cook County.  Generally Illinois, and specifically Cook County, are not very strict with legal requirements, but there are some eligibility laws, required legal identification, and the license fee is $60.  For more general information:

Applying for a Marriage License: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagelicenses/pages/default.aspx

Applying for a Civil Union License: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/civilunionlicenses/Pages/default.aspx

Step 2:  Go to get your marriage license. You will need to apply for your civil union or marriage license together and in-person.  You may do this at any of the six Cook County Clerk's vital records offices in the area.  Five of the locations are in the suburbs: Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Markham and Bridgeview. There is one location in the city of Chicago, at the Daley Center -- 50 W. Washington St., East Concourse, Lower Level 25. 

Click here for more information on Cook County Vital Records locations: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/aboutus/hours_locations/Pages/VitalRecords.aspx

IMPORTANT!!! The marriage license is issued while you wait and is good for 60 days.  There is a 24-hour waiting period, so you have to wait at least one day before you can legally get married.  This is especially important information for couples who live outside of the county or state and are planning a wedding or elopement in Chicago or suburban Cook County.  So, plan your travel accordingly to obtain your marriage license at least 24 hours (but we suggest 48 hours, just in case) before your scheduled ceremony time.

Step 3:  Check your issued marriage license has all the correct information.  Before you leave the clerk's office, be sure your legal names are spelled correctly, and your age is correct.  If this information does not match your drivers license or or other legal identification documents, it will be a big headache to fix later.

Step 4:  On the wedding day, remember to bring your marriage license and mailing envelope provided by the county.  If you are having a big wedding day, it helps to delegate the best man, maid of honor, sibling or a parent to be in charge of bringing the license and giving it to your officiant.  If you are eloping or having a small wedding, of course you may do this yourself.

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE FOR COURT HOUSE WEDDINGS OR ELOPEMENTS!!! Marriage court is NOT located in the same building downtown where you get the marriage license.  Marriage Court in Chicago is located at 119 W. Randolph St., Lower Level (City Hall building).  Although, these buildings are close to each other, so if you get the locations mixed up, you won't have to go far to find the correct location.  No appointments accepted, first come first served.  The fee is $10.  Here is more information about hours and locations for marriage and civil union by a judge in Chicago or suburban Cook County:  http://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/MunicipalDepartment/FirstMunicipalDistrictChicago/MarriageandCivilUnion.aspx

Also, in the City of Chicago, on select Saturdays throughout the year, Marriage Court judges hold brief ceremonies for a couple hours in the morning at the beautiful Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington St.  You have to call to find out the available dates, and go in person to Randolp St. Marriage Court to make your appointment for a specific designated time for your ceremony.  These special dates and times typically get booked in advance, especially during popular times of year.  Call 312.603.5660 for information, or go here on the City of Chicago's website (scroll down to the bottom of the page): http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter-thingstodo.html

Step 5:  After your ceremony, your officiant will fill out the marriage license.  You can make this a ceremonial moment with your photographer capturing the signing, or the officiant can just fill it out while you're getting hugs and kisses.  The officiant is then responsible for delivering your completed marriage license to the county office.  When you are issued the license, you also receive an envelope with the county office address already printed on the envelope.  It just needs a postage stamp, or the officiant can deliver it in person if they prefer.

Step 6:  Order an official copy of your marriage certificate.  Cook County does not automatically send you a copy of your offical marriage certificate.  You will need to order this after the wedding. There are several ways you may order your certificate, including online. (You should order at least 2-3 certified copies....see step 7).

Here is more general information about Cook County Marriage Certificates: http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagecertificates/Pages/default.aspx

Direct link to ordering a standard marriage certificate online: http://cookcountyvitalrecord.com/

The county also offers special decorative commemorative certificates: https://commemorative.cookcountyclerk.com/

Step 7:  Changing your name.  Not everyone does this, but if either spouse is changing their name after getting married, you will need several certified copies of your marriage certificate.  The bad news is...it can be a hassle to change your name, and then update that change on everything from your drivers license to your retirement account.  The good news is, you do NOT have to go through the court process with a marriage name change (which is really good news, because to otherwise legally change your name in court costs nearly $400!).

You should first change your Social Security card, here is information on Social Security Administration web site: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm

Then, after you receive your new Social Security card, go to your local DMV to request a new driver's licence, update your vehicle registration and title.  There are many other legal documents or financial institutions where you'll also need to update you name, such as your passport, with your employer, bank, insurance, post office, credit card companies, etc.  Some of these you can do over the phone, but in some cases be prepared to provide additional certified copies of your marriage certificate.  Sounds like a big hassle, yes?  Well, there are online name changing services that can make things easier....for a fee....such as MissNowMrs.com.

Step 8:  Enjoy your marriage!

Of couse, at our wedding venue Creativo Loft, and photography studio Wedding Creativo Photography, we would be happy to help you plan a fun and memorable wedding.

10 Great Chicago Wedding Blogs 2012

Creative Spotlight, Inspiration, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Ideas, Wedding PlanningWedding Creativo Photography

With thousands of wedding blogs around the world there is literally limitless inspiration and information for wedding planning.  For the Chicago area, we are fortunate to have so many creative and knowledgeable wedding professionals who also have fantastic blogs.  We find the advice and tips found on event professionals blogs to be more realistic, filled with a lot more original ideas, and frankly, far more diverse than what we see on the nationally-known wedding blogs. 

10 of our favorite Chicago wedding blogs and posts in 2012           (listed randomly)

1. Wedding Creativo Blog (okay yes, we are biased, ha ha) - of course as photographers, we feature lots of pretty pictures, but also practical tips and insights based on our real weddings from two decades of experience. One of our most popular posts: Make Your Own New Wedding Traditions

2. Entertaining Company Blog - this is a great catering and event design company, and owner Wendy Pashman is an amazing writer to boot. This blog shares a wide variety of ideas and inspiration for weddings and parties of all sorts. Recommended reading: How to Cocktail Like a Marchesa

3. Alice Padrul Journal - Couture wedding dress designer Alice Padrul shows her stunningly beautiful gowns in action featuring videos and photos of real brides on their wedding day, and occasionally she gives us a peek behind the curtain into her dress making workshop in Chicago.  Recommended reading: The Making of a Gown

4. Sarah Drake Design Blog - Sarah Drake is a professional creative designer on several fronts, and has expanded her creative work beyond weddings and paperies, but she is a greatly admired wedding invitation designer in Chicago.  We enjoy reading about what inspires her work, and also regular features of her behind the scenes working on the delicate details of her designs. Recommended reading: September = Wedding Production

5. Fleur Chicago Blog - Kellie Marie, owner of Fleur, is hands down one of the most talented florists in Chicago, and her blog regularly inspires with photos of her beautiful work, boutique floral shop, and her personal notes and insights.  Recommended reading: Don't Sweat It

6. Sine Qua Non Special Events Blog - event planner Beth Bernstein leads the team at SQN with lots of practical planning advice, and her blog also shows her talents as a taste maker with posts that are always on top of the latest trends.  Recommended reading: Beauty and the Brooch (Bouquet)

7. Stitely Entertainment Blog - Jeff Stitely and crew are tops among wedding musicians in Chicago, and their blog often has some surprising and clever sources of inspiration for wedding music.  Recommended reading: Perpetuum Mobile - Music Inspired by Food Poisoning

8. Anita Weds Blog - Anita Vaughan is a kind and thoughtful person, which is why she is a much loved wedding officiant in Chicago.  As a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant she shares a lot of diverse weddings on her blog, and we always enjoy reading how she works with couples to help them add personal touches and special meaning into their ceremonies.  Recommended reading:  Adding a Little Spice to a Ceremony

9. Everything But The Dress - This blog belongs to the ladies of The Left Bank, where brides find dazzling wedding jewelry in Chicago.  It is always fun to see their latest arrivals and trunk shows, and we also enjoy seeing their real brides' bling, as well general wedding style tips and trends.  Recommended reading: Magnificent Cuffs Inspired by the 2012 Oscar Awards

10. The Haberdash Blog - For fashion and lifestyle tips for the guys, this blog by the Chicago men's clothing boutique Haberdash is an excellent resource.  This is not specifically for grooms, but these curators of fashion for well-dressed men can also inspire great ideas for grooms looking to express their own style beyond the standard black tux. Recommended reading: Classic Essentials The Overcoat

Button Theme Wedding at Abbington Banquets

Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Cat and Matt's wedding is a fantastic example of traditional day that used slight touches of vintage elements and unique details.

The bride collected lots of buttons to incorporate on her bouquet, programs, and reception gift boxes.  It was a creative touch, and absolutely gave their wedding a unique button theme without going overboard with buttons. They were used on a few key DIY projects that the bride and her friends were able to manage, and was executed perfectly as a memorable theme.

Cat's classic diamonds and pearls jewelry, and authentic heirloom pieces also created a vintage feel. A flower pin handed down from her grandmother was used in the bouquet, as well as borrowed family handkerchief. The bride wore a lovely pastel peachy cream and floral detailed Maggie Sottero gown, with bridesmaids wearing short black dresses punched with candy apple red shoes and vibrant red, pink and peach bouquets. 

© Wedding Creativo Photography

The ceremony took place at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Our favorite moments included the young flower girl handing out daisies to guests sitting on the end of the aisle, and the baby ring bearer towed in a red wagon by his big brother.  So cute!

Any time we are near Cantigny Gardens in Wheaton, it is one of our favorite locations for wedding portraits.  It is of course a lush garden park in warmer months, but is also beautiful during cooler times of year.  On this visit we were lucky enough to spot a robust turkey roaming the grounds!

For this larger reception, Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn provided guests with a classic elegant setting, and as always at this venue, the service and cuisine were lovely.  The venue also provided event services including the cake, sweet table, decor and flowers. The button theme was delicately showcased with in reception details with the escort cards and guest gift boxes placed on the tables.

A wonderful moment at the reception was the toast given by the best man.  He still had this piece of paper given to him by the groom years ago when they were kids.  It was an "I.O.U." for a favor owed to him by the groom.  Note to any best men out there....if you have some kind of sentimental relic from your past with the groom, borrow this idea.  There was not a dry eye in the house.

Toast and Jam DJ Natalie opened the dancing portion of the evening with Cat and Matt's first dance to "Stand By Me," father and daughter song "You Are My Sunshine," and mother and son song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Destination Wedding in Cooperstown, New York

Destination Weddings, Wedding Pictures, WeddingsWedding Creativo Photography

Kate and Brian's destination wedding in Cooperstown, New York was filled with lots of laughs and happy tears.  One of the most memorable moments was when bride Kate, who is normally cracking jokes and keeping everyone around her in stitches, became overwhelmed with tears as she walked down the aisle.  So much, that she found herself surprised that she could not stop crying. But, eventually she and everyone else broke out in a big laugh at the ceremony, and then the laughs carried on all throughout this fun wedding day.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

If you've heard of Cooperstown, you may be thinking this was a baseball theme wedding.  Well, it turns out there is more to Cooperstown than the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Guests traveling to this destination wedding enjoyed the weekend in cozy bed and breakfast cottages, such as the Landmark Inn where the bride and bridesmaids started in the morning, or the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel, where the groom and groomsmen gathered before heading to the wedding. The church ceremony and barn reception were both located on the grounds of The Farmers' Museum.

The wedding fashions and details were primarily classic with elegant touches of country charm. Kate found her lovely Pronovias gown at Dimitra's Bridal in Chicago.  The bridesmaids wore blue knee-length Ann Taylor dresses.  The gentlemen wore their own black tuxedos with black bow ties.  The vibrant blue color was carried over to the bride and bridesmaids' shoes, as well as blue, violet and yellow flowers. 

The ceremony was performed by Rev. Jon Noble, makeup and hair by Renee Dugan, and event services provided by Flowers by Suzanne, Marjorie Landers cake, and Big Fish Combo band.  The wedding dinner catering, as well as the welcome dinner the night before was by Templeton Hall.

New Rustic Frames Collection added in Creativo Couture

Creative Spotlight, Creativo NewsWedding Creativo Photography

Just in time for the holidays, we have added a new collection of Rustic Frames!

See all of our current framing options here. Did you know we have an entire separate website dedicated to all of our products and custom services such as photo cards, albums, canvas and framed prints? Yes, see sample photos and descriptions at Creativo Couture.  Were you not a wedding or portrait client of ours (meaning, we were not your photographer) or do you have a personal or vintage family photo you want to work with? No problem, we offer custom services to anyone, just send us an email to find out more about what we can do for you.

Chicago private venue for holiday parties - Creativo Loft

Creativo NewsWedding Creativo Photography

This Thanksgiving holiday we are grateful for all of our wonderful clients we have been fortunate to work with for over two decades, and in 2012, we are thrilled that our new studio loft expansion has led us to even more wonderful folks.  We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and hope some may be inspired to consider Creativo Loft for their holiday season celebration plans!

Salute!

Sarah & Giorgio