Kelsey Kreiling, a.k.a. Superwoman, does it all. In addition to her role as editor-in-chief of LaundryMagazine, the Columbia College grad found time to launch Annie Jane Bridal, a small collection of whimsical, feminine gowns. Kreiling’s a pro at fabric manipulation, using draping to create ethereal, body-conscious looks that are actually comfortable. Her new collection, launching this winter, is full of gauzy fabrics, embroidery, and seasonal touches (sleeves, additional layering) to keep warm.
Professional makeup artist Nika Vaughan likens cosmetics to cooking: Recipes equal success. During a thorough preview appointment, you’ll discuss the realities of the event (you dance — and sweat — a lot). Then she’ll tailor your look (timeless vintage, modern and clean) and email you a cheat sheet with product notes so you can take it for a real-life test-drive. Day-of, Vaughan leaves you with a touch-up kit.
Chew on this: Michelin-starred Sepia recently launched its private dining room (in Maria Pinto’s former boutique) for affairs on the smaller side (the space holds 60 for seated dinner, 120 for standing cocktails, and 40 on an outdoor patio). It has the same vintage-modern aesthetic as the restaurant and chef Andrew Zimmerman at the helm. He’ll work with you to create a menu highlighting the season’s best ingredients (white anchovy crostini, buffalo ricotta agnolotti, wild mushroom bread pudding).
Floral designers Jennifer Morissette and Emily Kunaschk of Belles & Thistles love a challenge — they’ve even done a steam-punk botanical wedding. We love their eclectic taste (Kunaschk’s current obsession is scabiosa pods; Morissette’s is cymbidium orchids) and surprising details (blooms in the loo).
Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Chic Designs is a stickler for details. The dessert table guru creates sweet vignettes where collectibles (her own porcelain, a charming violin) set the stage for gourmet candy and baked goods (Ladurée macarons, Flour Cake and Pastry).
Kill two birds on the big day with Ben Mahoney and Steph Mueller of Leap Weddings. Mahoney is a kick-ass videographer who shoots documentary-style film; Mueller is a hairstylist specializing in vintage-inspired looks (read: no stuffy updos here). Meet the easygoing duo at their studio for a double-whammy consultation (there’s a salon on-site).
Melissa Miller and Phil Pomykalski met at culinary school; their love child is Cream Cake Co. The couple believes wedding cakes should taste as good as they look. Their sweet cream icing (a less sweet version of buttercream) and zero-fondant policy set this pair apart.
Photographer Nathan Michael is special. So special, in fact, we almost didn’t include him for fear of giving away the city’s best-kept secret. Michael’s new website proves that this England-born, Texas-bred Chicagoan is a true talent. He limits himself to fifteen weddings a year in order to fully get to know each couple, so book him while you can.
Greenhouse Loft opens in November, but it’s already taking names for 2012. Located in Logan Square’s Green Exchange Building (a former factory), the inviting space has reclaimed maple floors, tons of natural light, an outdoor garden, and a glasshouse that opens into the main area. Bonus: an assortment of awesome midcentury furniture. Even cooler? Owners Jamie Davis and Steve Ewert are also pro photographers (they run West Loop Studio), so they’ll gladly document your event.
For an upscale arrangement, Grace Ha-Kim of Vale of Enna tends toward clean, romantic styles (think peonies and roses) that juxtapose softness with structure.
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