April 18, 2006

Bride-ing Light

Spring 2006 Wedding Guide

Odds are someone you know is boldly stepping into the tulle-loving, tissue-paper-hoarding, poem-friendly zone otherwise known as wedding season.

So, to help you (and those you love) brave the saccharine-filled waters of almost-wedded bliss, here are our spring picks.

The Spot
The clean, modern space at The James Hotel is skylit; the meal is restaurant-style, with guests choosing their courses (55 East Ontario Street; 312-337-1000).

The Shot
The Artisan Events shooters specialize in fine art photojournalism and documentary video. Their new Northside shop has the city’s biggest selection of customizable albums (3021 North Lincoln Avenue; 773-248-9333).

The Invitation
Embellished Ink will create custom invites (from save-the-dates to showers to weddings) that suit his and her personalities (312-343-1039).

Some Salvation
Start scheduling regular facials at Mireille’s Studio a few months out for much-needed quiet time and a fresh face for the big day (49 East Oak Street; 312-587-8727).

The Flowers
The floral team Stems, which just opened a new shop, specializes in boutique-style event design that doesn’t break the bank (850 North Ashland Avenue; 312-243-4470).

The Showers
There’s no avoiding the “oooh, a fork!” ritual at showers, so register for things you love, like Juliska ceramics, Michael Aram serving pieces, and Roux-Marquiand silver plate at Wicker Park’s Porte Rouge (1911 West Division Street; 773-269-2800).

The Eats
Careful menu planning, depth of flavor, and attention to detail are what set Monogramme Events and Catering apart for everything from showers to cocktail parties to intimate weddings (773-991-1920).

The Treats
Nobody, and we mean nobody, does buttercream like Deerfields Bakery. They’ll do custom jobs both big — multilayer — and small — cupcakes (813 North Waukegan Road, Deerfield; 847-520-0068).

The Dress
FIT-trained, Chicago-based designer Michelle Gertzman wows with Michelle Rahn, her line of sophisticated, unfussy gowns. (Our pick: the textured strapless tulle number.)

The Rest
The bra experts at Intimacy will keep the girls reined in, perked up, and in place (900 North Michigan Avenue, Bloomingdale’s Mall; 312-337-8366). Have makeup and blow dryer, will travel: Robyn and Rosie of R Bombshell Beauty will make you and your maids look your very best.

Last but Not Least, the Guests
Say thank you for sharing the day with adorable, plantable seeded bookmarks with a custom message from Scents and Sensibility (4654 North Rockwell Street; 773-267-3838).

Then sit back, relax, and watch the love grow.