When couples begin planning their wedding, one of the most common questions is: Do I need a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator? The titles are often used interchangeably, but they are very different roles—and understanding the difference can help you invest your budget where it matters most.
Read MorePassport Pro is a touring event hosted by Megan Garmers and The Wedding Masterclass. As I’ve been expanding my wedding photography business to include more international destinations, this event caught my attention! Its sister event, State of the Wedding Industry (SOTWI), also took place in Chicago on March 9th at Wildman BT.
Read MoreThis couple hosted a gorgeous wedding in some of Chicago’s iconic places and the backrop offers all of the inspiration for other couple’s planning a wedding in Chicago.
Read MorePlanning a wedding comes with a lot of moving pieces, and one of the most important details for a smooth guest experience is your wedding room block. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or simply bringing guests in from out of town, securing hotel accommodations early can make all the difference!
Read MoreLearn how much wedding invitations cost and how to budget for your stationery. A clear guide for couples planning weddings in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Read MoreYou've done some research on bouquet preservation options. Maybe you've already compared pressed frames, resin blocks, and shadow boxes or maybe you've been browsing portfolios and getting quotes. Either way, you're past the "what exists" stage and into the harder question: which option is actually right for me?
Read MoreEaster is a time of renewal, joy, and gathering with loved ones and your table setting can set the tone for the entire celebration. Whether you’re hosting a formal brunch or a casual family meal, a thoughtfully decorated Easter table adds warmth, beauty, and a festive touch.
Read MoreAfter capturing almost 300 weddings and countless Chicago engagement shoots over the past ten years, Maura has become somewhat of a local expert when it comes to where to take photographs you’ll be obsessed with forever. So if you are currently planning a wedding and in the market for an incredible backdrop for your engagement session, then read on for the scoop!
Read MoreYou’ve seen pressed frames on Instagram, resin blocks on TikTok, jewelry on Etsy. Every preservation artist offers a different mix of products, and the pricing is all over the place. It’s hard to compare options when you’re not even sure what the differences are.
Having created all of these and watched how they hold up, I’ll walk through each option honestly so you can choose what fits your life, space, and budget.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend Engage! Summits aboard the Evrima, part of the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - and it completely shifted how I think about immersive guest experiences.
This wasn’t just travel. It was a fully designed, multi-day experience that flowed effortlessly from one moment to the next.
Bridal style in 2027 is all about intention, individuality, and impact. At Grace + Ivory, more of today’s brides come in knowing exactly what they want and we love to let a bride drive her own wedding dress shopping experience!
Read MoreA packed dance floor doesn’t just happen, they are created. After years of DJing weddings, Trevor Harris of Total Harmony Entertainment tells us the key factors that make all the difference on your wedding dance floor.
Read MoreSoft, flattering lighting, lush seasonal florals, and carefully chosen décor elements worked together to create an ambiance of timeless elegance, while the surrounding landscape added a sense of serenity and grandeur. The ceremony felt intimate and heartfelt, with emotional moments shared not only between the couple but among their families and closest friends, setting the tone for a day centered around connection, gratitude, and celebration.
Read MorePaula Jimenez, co-owner of Cresco Stems shares the right questions to ask when looking to book your floral team for your wedding. Deciding on the right florist can be a tough decision and a pretty significant one so knowing the right place to start will help!
Read MoreHere’s what you need to know about creating the easiest to eat dessert table at your wedding or special event. Erin Martin with ECBG Cake Studio shares about the many options that couple’s have when creating a custom dessert bar at their wedding!
Read MoreSomewhere along the way, “natural makeup” became synonymous with bridal beauty. Brides say they want something light. Breathable. Barely there. They want to look like themselves and avoid anything that feels heavy or dramatic.
Here is the problem: wedding days are not designed for light makeup.
Hayley and Spencer got married in Chicago on the same day of the largest snowstorm of the year, but that didn't stop them from having SO much fun. And who could help having fun in a Chicago snowstorm?! We love the final edits from their wedding day and we knew that you would too!
Read MoreWhether it’s a bachelor or bachelorette getaway with friends, a mini-moon that feels a little more intentional, or the honeymoon itself, the best trips aren’t always the most obvious ones. Lindsey Gotts, author of The Life Edit, shares a curated list of the best spring travel destinations in 2026.
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