Chicago - October 29, 2004

Fully Engaged In Chicago

The Wedding Guide: Part One

Getting married is sort of like blasting off into outer space.

A journey beyond the limits of anything you’ve known before. Crossing into uncharted territory. Braving new worlds.

And the preparations can be pretty harrowing. But if there’s one way to keep your feet on the ground and your head from spinning into orbit, it’s to plan ahead and be aware of your time line. So here it is: DailyCandy’s countdown to your big day.

T Minus 12 Months

The Informal Thank-You: Good news travels fast. Before you know it, the calls and gifts start pouring in. Order informal thank-you cards, monogrammed with the happy couple’s (that’s you, FYI) first names. For a quick, no-fuss approach, design your own letterpress flat cards at paper-source.com.

The Planner: Marina Birch has her eye on more than just table linens and centerpieces (maybe because her background is in interior design, architecture, and art history). Best part: She doesn’t work on commission, which means she works for you, not vendors who give her a li’l sumfin in return.

The Venue: Cafe Brauer is booked eighteen months in advance, and you’ve sworn off the hotels — what to do? Check out the Chicago Illuminating Company. (19 East 21st Street, at Wabash Street; 773-216-5700). Chicago restaurateur/guy-about-town Jerry Kleiner recently renovated the 20,000-square-foot former power station as only the creative mind behind Opera and Marche could. Lofty ceilings, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows make it the new hot spot for urban bashes.

The Registry: Okay, for the gifts, the no-brainers — Weddingchannel.com and theknot.com — are stocked with everything from china to the priciest fork. If you’re looking for something more boutiquey, look no further than Lincoln Park’s Tabula Tua. Their registry has gone online, which means your guests can shop your picks no matter where they live (1015 West Armitage Avenue, between Sheffield and Kenmore Avenues; 773-525-3500). You’ll never use the complete set of pots and pans from your monster-in-law? At the Chopping Block, you don’t have to register for the whole lot. Their chefs help you decide what you need (1324 West Webster Avenue, at Wayne Avenue; 773-472-6700). Also, check out Distinctive Honeymoons, where you can set up a honeymoon fund. And most important, if you’d rather give something back (other than a toaster), justgive.org allows you to pledge to the charity of your choice on behalf of your wedding.

T Minus 10 Months

The Photographer: Girl power! Jessica Tampas and her team of all-female photogs treat every wedding as if it were one of their own — with care and a gentle touch. In other words, they get sweet shots without getting in your way (312-942-1905). Another up-and-comer, Ryan Robinson, has an eye for detail and a fine-art background, so you’ll end up with great shots you didn’t expect. Plus, he has camera and will travel for those of you thinking about a destination wedding (312-961-1026).

The Videographer: Let’s be honest, no one besides you will ever watch the video — all six hours of it! Why not have Moving Pictures, an offshoot of Smith-Wright Photography, edit you a romantic three-to-five minute video set to the music of your choice (312-842-2846). Or if you’ve always dreamed of being chased by the paparazzi, have RDR productions shoot your wedding or create a rehearsal dinner video à la E! True Hollywood Story, complete with interviews and B-roll footage (847-272-7666).

T Minus 9 Months

The Entertainment: Give a shout out to Brother John (known for his gigs at Buddy Guy’s Legends). He’ll play the requisite wedding instrumentals (Sinatra) during dinner, but once the crowd hits the floor, prepare for a rousing rendition of “Sweet Home Chicago” (708-927-5172). If all you want to do is dance, dance, dance, Indigo will keep you on the floor until you just can’t boogie-oogie no more (847-869-8826).

T Minus 8 Months

The Caterer: Aside from stellar presentation and fantastic eats, Calihan Catering is known for its seemingly bottomless wedding knowledge. Most of Calihan’s function directors have been working the circuit for ten years and are quick on recs for the band, the baker, and the photographer (312-587-3553). New kids on the block Chive Catering are spicing things up with their individualized approach to weddings (773-252-0825).

T Minus 7 Months

The Decor: Blumen has blossomed into quite the word-of-mouth secret among the city’s wedding elite. Which is not surprising considering that head designer and owner, Amy Crum, worked at both A New Leaf and Heffernan Morgan. But we think it’s her formal training as an artist that sets her apart — so let your wedding be her canvas (312-666-7304).

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. (You haven’t got time for that.) Take a deep breath. Meditate. Medicate. Because this is only the beginning. We’ll tell you all about the final steps next week.