is unique to the wedding blog world because we are wedding vendor run. All of our regular blog contributors (that we call “Curators”) either own businesses or work directly in the Chicago wedding industry. Below meet all of the wonderful folks that make CHI thee WED possible!
For over 12 years Michelle has owned Michelle Cox Photography, a wedding photography business in the Chicagoland area. In early 2022, she took on the role of Managing Editor for CHI thee WED and in Sept of 2023 she became the owner of CTW. Michelle manages the day to day operations, supervising the publication schedule, content calendar and all communications. Her goal when coming on board was to focus on our mission statement, and sharing advice and inspiration to all of the many couples that are in the Chicagoland area. As a wedding photographer, Michelle has a keen eye for editorial content and wedding imagery which makes this position a great fit for her.
Website: www.michellecoxphotography.com
Instagram: @michellecoxphotography
My name is Erin Martin and I am the owner of ECBG Cake Studio. At our brand new permanent cake studio in West Town, we make custom luxury wedding cakes for the best couples in Chicago. While keeping a personal, custom and modern touch in mind, our promise is to create delicious and beautiful wedding cakes made with high quality and ingredients that are worthy of your celebration. We promise to strive for excellence in our designs, recipes, and customer experience and cannot wait to work with you!
Website: www.ecbgstudio.com/
Instagram: @ecbg_studio
Tiny weddings have exploded over the last couple years, but I’ve always specialized in photographing intimate weddings.
Why? Because the focus is all about celebrating love: the love you have for each other and those closest to you. And at the end of the day, when you tell me how much fun you had, and that we created forever memories together…that’s what makes me happiest in all the world.
Website: https://lisakathan.com/wed
Instagram: @heylisakathan
Tina Wong is the Founder and CEO at Grace + Ivory, a modern, curated try-at-home brand of customizable, made-to-measure wedding dresses. After seven years working in foreign aid and business development for non-profits in DC, she took the leap to fulfill her passion for business done better and launched her social enterprise in 2017. She lived in China for four years, which is where she got to develop relationships with the talented women who would become the dressmakers for Grace + Ivory. Tina believes that social enterprise is the future of good business and is the way forward to address local community social issues, so a portion of each dress purchased supports women’s programs. Tina is a proud Chicago native (go Cubs!), dog lover, and Loyola Chicago alum who loves travel (she’s been to six continents!), hiking, wine, and finding ways to support other ambitious women in the Windy City.
Website: www.graceandivory.com
Instagram: @graceandivoryofficial
For the past 12 years Kate Johnson has owned one of Chicago’s most loved bridal beauty companies. Originally it was called Kate Johnson artistry and as she started bringing on other talent adding the words "Bridal Team" But in 2019 after many requests to work in Wisconsin Kate developed a team in Milwaukee to service the entire state and changed the name to The Bridal Beauty Team.
After Covid several of the team moved to Nashville TN and a team was formed there as well.
With a focus on developing a strong talented team who love working on weddings, Kate and her right hand Gina know that couples will look their best and feel so confident after working with the team.
Website: www.thebridalbeautyteam.com/
Instagram: @bridalartistryteam
I am the Founder & Owner of Urban Allure Events, an award-winning event planning & design firm that has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more. Additionally, I co-founded CHI thee WED and remain a curator on the blog.
With over 15 years of experience in the event planning industry, I specialize in crafting unique and memorable celebrations for my clients.
Beyond event planning, I have a strong background and interest in the veterinary field. I've worked as a technician, scheduling manager, and event manager for various veterinary emergency and specialty centers. I've also provided veterinary consulting services, managing regional conferences, company presence, visibility, and attendee experience, as well as aiding in the opening celebrations of new locations nationwide.
Known for my leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills, I am committed to continuous learning and growth in both my professional and philanthropic endeavors.
