If the name doesn’t win you over, meeting The Rev for Whatev in person will. Anne Styx is up for anything: interfaith, same sex, eloping. She’s the nonjudgmental mother you always wanted.
Lincoln Park’s new rustic Italian restaurant’s two event spaces (one overlooks Halsted; the other, underground, has a homier vibe) are ideal for small gatherings. Food/sweets from Bristol chef Chris Pandel and pastry chef Amanda Rockman are part of the package.
The space’s sun-filled upstairs (also small-party friendly) is outshone only by its insane farm-to-table fare and fantastic staff.
Every tribute needs a Cinna. Allow SAIC grad Maura Ahern Haney of Pishposhes to trick you out with veils, fascinators, headbands, sashes, cocktail hats, and more (she makes everything by hand, even the flowers) — all at a fair price. Ask her about her polka-dot netting — you won’t be sorry.
Carbo-load for battle with new-to-the-sweets-scene Cocomori (formerly Dresserts). Andrea Jia Yin Morris’s customized, pitch-perfect designs (she studied sculpture in school) taste as good as they look, in flavors like moscato, coconut, lemon, and vanilla bean. Her site relaunches at the end of the month; e-mail hello@shopcocomori.com for details.
Sure, they’ve got a little Capitol in them, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be trusted. We’re lucky enough to have our own Bhldn brick-and-mortar, stocked with dresses, accessories, bridal gifts, and more. You get the personal attention you deserve; friendly helpers abound.
Don’t let their partnership scare you. The married duo (Mandy Bell, photographer; Tom Bell, second shooter/videographer) calls Milwaukee home, globe-trotting to shoot weddings in Chicago and beyond. The self-taught couple favors organic, unposed shots that tell a story.
You may remember her from Coco Irene. Now the design maven has a gown business to call her own. Her just-launched fall line is full of drapey, feminine numbers with subtle elements of strength (layered velvet leaves to create patterned bodices, veils with beaded feathers). For spring 2012, Sheaffer plays with elastic Italian trim for comfortable, body-hugging silhouettes. She does custom, too.
Who says you can’t ask an illustrator to design your save-the-dates and invites? Turns out this design guru’s talent runs deep. In addition to working for clients like The New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post, Michael Hirshon crafts colorful, playful drawings that aptly reflect you and the one you love.
Janessa Knodt’s blooming business (she launched last season) is a reincarnation of her grandparents’ floral design company back in the ’50s. She’s got buds in her genes, creating natural, unfussy wedding arrangements from contemporary to vintage and everything in between.
Chicagoan (by way of Lexington, Kentucky) Dean Fisher’s just-launched events and interiors biz reflects her upbringing: etiquette, manners, and sass. From day-of organization to aesthetic advice, she’s your girl. She works with all brides and budgets, is up for anything, and doesn’t let you forget that getting married is supposed to be fun.
Comments