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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Offering Rental Items for your day

Weddings by Karolina will be offering a few rental items for your wedding day.  This is to help Brides/Grooms rent items, instead of scrambling to every store finding the last minute decor!

Currently offering- Apothecary Jars, scoops, and tongs for your Candy Buffet
Card Box/Birdcages for your envelopes
Silk Flower Petals
Bouquet Vases

Please look for pictures of these items available on the website under "Rental Items"

Inquire within for pricing, and more rental items to add to the list coming soon.

Monday, September 19, 2011

September!

Wow! September has been our busiest month so far this year with 6 weddings total this month!  We've been to some great venue's this month. The Hyatt Woodfield, The Acre Restaurant, Victoria in the Park. We also returned to Seven Bridges Golf Club, where we did Kristin and Gene's wedding there last year, and we love the staff there!

Coming up this weekend we have Esplanade Lakes, and Marcello's.

Look for more blogs, new items on the website next month, and some new fabulous pictures in our gallery section from some of the great weddings we did this summer!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Earthquake Bride


I found this photo and article on yahoo.com today from the recent Earthquake in Virgina. 


The day after the East Coast earthquake, newspapers were filled with pictures of one woman: Valeriya Shevchenko. She was the fully decked-out bride sprinting frantically through New York's City Hall Park shouting into her cell phone. At a time when most people greeted the natural event with a shrug and a laugh, the Getty Images picture of Shevchenko provided a dramatic contrast. It looked like she was running for her life, but turns out she was running for something better: love!
From the Post:
When a security officer said it was an earthquake, Shevchenko hitched up her new David's Bridal gown and took off running, veil flying behind, to find [her fiance] Grif. "They said they had stopped the train — and my husband was on the train," said Shevchenko. "I ran all the way to Chambers and Broadway in my wedding dress and with my long veil to make sure he was OK. I kept calling, but his phone was dead. I couldn't reach him. I was so worried!" When she reached the corner, Grif was emerging from the subway. "She was frantic," said Grif. "She was upset." "Then I saw him with flowers in a suit," said his bride. "And I thought he looked so handsome." After exchanging kisses in front of onlookers, the pair headed back to City Hall.

The pair ended up marrying that day. The only problem with the happiest day of their lives, the photos of which ended up in newspapers across the country? The fact that they'd been keeping the wedding a secret from their disapproving families.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Couple to Wed on 9-11

When you say the date 9/11 only one thing comes to mind. This year marks the 10th anniversary from the tragedy.  This couple below chose to celebrate this day instead. Read their story.  :)






http://news.yahoo.com/couple-to-marry-on-9-11-good-things-will-still-happen-on-that-day-.html

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Updates to Website

So I just realized my last blog was in July! Sorry to be Missing in Action, but it's been a very busy wedding season for us! We've also been doing some updates to the website, so please check out the new slideshow on the home page from Olga and Bryan's wedding back in June, beautiful photo's taken by Laurie Peacock, www.lauriepeacockphotography.com  We also added some new photo's in the Gallery section, some new Reviews, and more wonderful wedding Vendors we've worked with this summer!  Wedding season is definetly not over for us. From now until the end of September we have 7 weddings! We've also been booking up fast for 2012, if your still looking for a DOC, or need more help planning your wedding. Contact us today!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Olga and Bryan are married!

Olga and Bryan got married on June 25th at Cantigny Park Rose Gardens, and reception was at the Red Oak Room.  Here is a preview of their photo's from Laurie Peacock, http://lauriepeacock.com/olga-and-bryans-cantigny-garden-wedding/

Congratulations!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Diana and Kris May 29, 2011

Diana and Kris contacted me last summer regarding their wedding plans. I used to work with Diana at a doctors office, and of course I said yes when she asked me to help.  Diana and Kris met on www.match.com (yes it does work!!!) This is actually my 3rd couple that has met on that has met on this dating website, so again yes it does work!!!  :)

Diana is Jewish and Russian, and Kris is Christian, so they had an interfaith wedding, which is always exciting and unique combining to faiths together.

Their ceremony and reception was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel O'Hare, http://www.crowneplazaohare.com/ In the O'hare 1 and 2 Ballrooms.

Diana and Kris had planned on doing a first look photo before their ceremony to take most of the pictures before, so they can enjoy their time with their guests at cocktail hour.  Although there was a downpour on that day at time of pictures, most pictures were done inside the hotel. The photographer was Kathie from Dazzle Me Photography, http://www.dazzlemephotos.com/ 

Ballroom 1 was an intimate setting with lights dimmed for the ceremony. Flowers, and aisle decor was provided from Lana's Flowers located in Morton Grove, (no website). Lana and her assistandt did an amazing job and used lit pillars down the aisle which looked amazing, also using vases with led lights and crystals to hold all the white calla lillies. As of yet this is my favorite ceremony decor yet! The Chuppah was made by the Bride's talented father Leo! It was beautiful.

The main ballroom was a nice black and white color theme, again with calla lillies that were used for ceremony (this is a great budget saver, use flowers that were used for ceremony for your reception centerpieces)  Uplights were provided by the DJ, Jacob from Dependable Wedding DJ's, http://www.dependableweddingdjs.com/ and made the room look fabulous.

This was a great wedding, and I was honored to be a part of Diana and Kris's day.  Congratulations again!

Other Vendors:
Videographer, Lexoria, http://lexoria.com/index.php
Cake, Baking Institute, http://bakinginstitute.com/
Rabbi-Adam Chalom
Linens- The Chair Couture, http://www.thechaircouture.com/

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Erica and Adam's Chicago History Museum, May 21, 2011

Erica and Adam were referred to me by Christine and Michael's mom, a couple's wedding I did back in October 2009. I love getting referrals from past weddings I've done, makes me super happy that they were happy!

Erica and Adam's ceremony and reception were held at the Chicago History Museum, www.chicagohistory.org  The cermony was outdoors at the Uihlein Plaza, (thank goodness the ceremony was later in the day, because it had been raining all morning!) Ceremony music was provided by husband and wife duo Moeller Music, www.moellermusic.com , and officiated by Bruce Otto, www.spiritedweddings.com 

Erica and Adam had decided to do first look photo's, starting at the Fairmont Hotel Chicago, www.fairmont.com/chicago  Instead of the usual Bride going down the long staircase to meet her Groom at the bottom, Erica and Adam used an escalator! Erica was on top, and Adam had rode to the top to meet his beautiful Bride. (totally loved this idea!) After this they went around the city to take more photos.  Can't wait to see the beautiful pictures by their photographer Brian Kinyon, www.briankinyon.com

Cocktail hour was held inside the Chicago History Museum, catering provided by Blue Plate catering, www.blueplatechicago.com  Music was provided by the awesome Toast and Jam, DJ Dustin Drase, www.toastandjamdjs.com 

Flowers for the entire event were provided by Kloeckner's, www.kloecknerevents.com 

Another cute idea the couple had, was their table number's were actually pictures of them around the city, so table 5 was Brookfield Zoo, and a cute picture of Erica and Adam at Brookfield Zoo. This is a great idea to personalize your table numbers.

Instead of a cake the couple chose Molly's Cupcakes, www.mollyscupcakes.com  which of course was a hit! Photo Booth was provided by Photo Booth Express, www.photoboothexpress.com 

Congratulations Erica and Adam, and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Alicia and Joe's Video Trailer

Alicia and Joe's wedding was on April 9th. Here is a Video Trailer from their wonderful videographer Patrick Kramford , www.kramford.com  Enjoy!


http://www.vimeo.com/22923991

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Now Selling Carlson Craft Save the Dates, Invitations and Wedding Accessories!

We're so excited to announce that Weddings by Karolina is now selling Save the Dates, Invitations, and Wedding Accessories by Carlson Craft.  If you're still looking for that perfect stationary please contact us today and we'd be happy to help you pick out your perfect invitation! 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Katie and Jeremy April 2, 2011

Katie had contacted me about a week and a half before her wedding, as she realized she needed a Day of Coordinator.  I was up for the challenge to get to know about her and Jeremy, and all their wedding details in that amount of time.  They only requested help at their reception. They married at Queen of All Saints Church Basilica, http://www.qasbasilica.org/ and their reception was at Misericordia's Jean Ryan Center, http://www.misericordia.com/ 

They used Prime Food Catering, http://primefoodcaterers.com/  They had provided all the linens, hors d'ouveres, cocktails, and food for the evening. 

Katie and Jeremy's florist was Judi who is actually a next door neighbor to Katie's mom and a retired floral designer.

Entertainment was provided by The Elite Band, http://www.eliteband.com/home.htm and also The Shannon Rover's Irish Pipe Band, http://www.shannonrovers.com/ which Katie's dad was also a part of. It was such a fun thing to see and hear!

The 8' round cake and cupcakes were provided by Gerhard's Desserts, http://gerhardsdesserts.com/ 

Also, wonderful pictures which are provided below are courtesy of the Photographer, Laura Witherow, http://laurawitherow.com/








Thanks to Katie and Jeremy for choosing Weddings By Karolina to help make your wedding day be stress free.  Congratulations!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Allison and Jordan's Wedding Pictures are here!






Take a look at some of Allison and Jordan's wedding pictures. The beautiful wedding was on February 12, 2011.  Pictures done by Timothy Whaley and Associates.  www.twaphoto.com Here are some of my favorites.  Enjoy!

Monday, March 21, 2011

One Dress, One Woman, One World

As I watching the channel 5 news today, they had a story on "One Dress, One Woman, One World", it's about One Woman who takes pictures with her wedding dress everywhere, and doing everything! Follow this link to learn more http://www.onedressonewoman.com/OD/default.asp  Below are some pictures of where she took her "wedding dress photo's".





More pictures on the website: http://www.onedressonewoman.com/OD/default.asp 

I just wonder how many times this dress has been dry cleaned, it looks perfect in each shot!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Would you buy your Wedding Dress at Costco??

Wedding Dresses by Kirstie Kelly, http://www.kirstiekelly.com/  are due to hit Costco stores this season in time for June weddings. How do you feel about buying a dress at Costco?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Kristin and Gene's wedding Photo's have arrived!

I was the Day of Coordinator for Kristin and Gene back on December 18th. The ceremony was at St. Gregory the Great Parish, and the reception was at Seven Bridges Golf Club. It was a beautiful winter wedding, and here are some professional pics from, Timothy Whaley and Associates.




Other vendors included in this beautiful wedding were, Kristen from Kio Kreations, DJ Carrie from Toast and Jam, Photo booth also from Timothy Whaley and Associates. 

Friday, February 18, 2011

Debi and Andy's wedding February 13th

I met Debi around October for a sit down consultation to talk about her wedding details. Debi is a very DIY Bride, and I was very excited to help her execute her visions.  Her colors were Blue and Silver, and guest count was around 140.  The ceremony and reception were at the Bristol Court, in Mt. Prospect.

As guests walked into the Bristol Court, they walked up to the place card table with a chandelier votive holder which also held a vase filled with delphiniums. It was gorgeous in front of the waterfall backdrop that the Bristol Court has. 

The guestbook/scrapbook table was all Debi's idea, and a great one at that. Being a scrapbooker myself, I loved this idea.  She wanted the scrapbook pages spread out on the table with different color markers so guests could sign their favorite page and write down their well wishes. 

   It was a Brunch wedding, with ceremony starting at 11a.m.  Rev. Tom Maluga performed the beautiful ceremony.  Since it was a second wedding for both Debi and Andy, they were each escorted down the aisle by their parents, a very sweet and special touch.  The song they walked down to was "Marry Me" by Train, played by Jeff, from The Pro's.  Another special touch was having Debi and Andy's sons' light the unity candle.

The ceremony was in the Windsor room and most of the ceremony decor was provided by the Bristol Court. A white chuppah like arch with pedestals down the aisle looked very elegant.  Delphiniums were placed on the altar with vases with blue food coloring, which also had floating candles off on the side pedastals. 

The reception was in the Crown room, which Debi wanted the ambiance of the room to be dark and lit mostly by candles.  The centerpieces were tall vases on top of mirror bases with water and added blue food coloring and silver floating candles.  The tables also had blue marbles, and silver rings spread around the tables, and votives around.  The tables also had a frame with a beautiful poem in it.

The food was great and included an omelette station, for dessert a crepe station and Chocolate Fountain.  There were two cakes, one for their main cake cutting and a grooms' cake that Debi surprised Andy with. Since he plays hockey, the grooms' cake was hockey sticks with a puck, very cute!

The Photographer, Palo, was also from The Pro's, and the Videographer was Adrian, from Logi Productions. 

Another great and beautiful wedding, thanks for letting me be a part of your day Debi and Andy, and hopefully I made your vision come true!

Allison and Jordan's wedding February 12th

I had the pleasure of meeting Allison and Jordan last December for a consultation and they booked me for their 02/12/11 Wedding.  I was so excited!

The ceremony was at Immaculate Conception Church, which had a special meaning to them since many family members had already gotten married at this church so they kept on with that tradition. It was a beautiful ceremony and beautiful church which didn't need too much decor, but since Allison's dad is very crafty, and so is Jordan's mom they helped with the church decor.  Allison's dad had made garland to go down both sides of the aisle, and Jordan's mom had made beautiful pew bows to go on every other pew. Phillip's Florist provided the altar arrangements, 2 vases with red roses filled with water and a white rose pomander on top. Simple yet so elegant for a church that is already so beautiful. 

Pictures after the ceremony of the new Mr. and Mrs. with Bridal Party,  were at Immaculate Conceptions' bowling alley, which was part of the school. Can't wait to see those fun pictures!

The Reception was held at the Embassy Suites O'hare, which was my second wedding there so I was very familiar with the venue. Their staff and head coordinator Audrey, is so great to work with.  Their cocktail hour was held upstairs in the atrium, and the main reception was held in the Grand Ballroom.  Great Music was provided by Damien, from Admit One DJ's, which I've also worked with before.  Allison and Jordan's photographer was Gokhan, from Timothy Whaley and Associates as well as their photobooth.

The cakes, yes cakes, were provided from the Coco Bean.  Allison and Jordan decided to do a main cake for their cake cutting, and a mini cake station at the end of the night which had different cakes and flavors, what a great idea!

The centerpieces were also Jordan's mom's idea. It was a mirror base with a short vase on top filled with cranberries, water, and a floating candle, with votive candle holders around. The burgandy table runner was provided by B&B Linens, as well as the backdrop behind the head table.  

Water Bottles were provided at the end of the night with Allison and Jordan's damask label, for all the dancers of the night.

Great and Beautiful wedding, I will post some professional pictures when they are ready!
Thank you Allison and Jordan for letting me be a part of your special day. 

Friday, February 4, 2011

S'mores Bar......

As I was browsing around the web today, I found this on http://www.weddingbee.com/  A S'mores Bar for your wedding reception. Yes, I said S'mores! Who ever came up with this clever and yummy idea is fantastic!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Weddings By Karolina is the Wedding Wire 2011 Bride's Choice Awards Winner!

Chicago,IL – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Weddings by Karolina has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Planning!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Weddings By Karolina stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Weddings by Karolina for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Weddings by Karolina is among the very best Wedding Planning within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingsbykarolina.com/ For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

So excited!!!!

Bride/Groom featured on Style Unveiled

I'm so excited for Stephanie and Dave who are featured on Style Unveiled! You can see this adorable couple here: 
http://styleunveiled.com/blog/2011/1/22/chicago-bride-in-the-city-stephanie-bacino.html

Can't wait for their wedding on September 23, 2011!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Thinking about offering Invitations to my Brides

I was recently researching Wedding Invitations, and thought why not offer Inviations to my Brides/Grooms? Why not be a one stop shop and not only help my Brides/Grooms plan their special day, but also help them pick out one of the most important pieces of their wedding, their Invitation.  I think it will be a great idea. Stay tuned to see when we will start offering great invitations from http://www.softcreekhills.com/ 

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Candy Buffet


Last November I had the pleasure of doing a Candy Buffet for a friend's wedding.  It was my first Candy Buffet, and it sure was a hit among all the guests!  This is a great addition to any wedding reception. It can be used as your wedding favor to guests as well.

Pictures taken by James Currie, http://www.jamescurriephotography.com/

Monday, January 3, 2011

My First Blog! Happy 2011!

Welcome everyone to my first ever blog! 2010 Was a great year for Weddings by Karolina with 17 weddings done for 2010 bringing our grand total to 23 weddings, not bad for being in business for a year and a half! 
 
For 2011 we have 11 Weddings booked so far, and with that some great Venues!  Cantigny Park, The Armour House, Victoria in the Park, and Marcello's just to name a few.  I'm so excited for my 2011 Brides/Grooms. It will be a great year for Weddings!
 
Thanks for stopping by my website and reading my blog, check back for future blogs. Happy 2011!