CG Bridal June 2016

VOL III

Your Wedding Resource Bridal Guide

REAL WEDDINGS Congratulations Collin & Ramona

Chicagoland’s Top Wedding Vendors

cgbridalmag.com

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REAL WEDDINGS Ramona & Collin

Hello! And Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I created CG Bridal for brides who are looking for some of the best Wedding Vendors that Chicagoland has to offer. CG Bridal gives a voice to some pretty unique and unbelievably talented wedding professionals that you should know about.

Planning your big day can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Relax, take a peek inside and have fun. You’re worth it!

~ Claudia Grace

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FEAUTURED On The Cover Leslie Del Toro

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Why Feeding Your Wedding Photographer Last

MAKES NO SENSE

10 DESIREE CHOCOLATES

hand-made chocolates and unique baked goods

16 REAL WEDDINGS Congratulations to Ramona & Collin

20 SO YOU HIRED A DJ...

NOW WHAT? 26 MARRY ME AT PINE MANOR

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30 WEDDING EXPOS 34 DIRECTORY

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Why Feeding Your Wedding Photographer Last

Makes No Sense

To Eat or Not to Eat “That Is the Question” I started my journey as a Wedding Photographer in 1997, so I feel that I have a little insight for brides on the subject of feeding your Wedding Vendors.

Particularly your Wedding Photographer and Videographer.

Of the hundreds of weddings I’ve shot, I feel like I’ve seen it all when it comes to Vendor Meals and feeding your photographer. I’ve eaten at the head table (per the bride’s request). I’ve been seated at the parents table, the kid’s table, the drunk peoples table (haha) and the bar. I’ve even been sent to a steakhouse to grab a meal … this happened once, the groom was a successful attorney and sent myself and a couple of other Wedding Vendors to an adjacent steakhouse and told us to order whatever we wanted, he had the tab.

How cool was he? Awesomeness!

I think out of all of the different eating scenarios I’ve experienced, there is one that makes absolutely no sense, and that’s when the Banquet Hall makes the executive decision to feed your photographer last. This has happened more than a few times over the years, and I won’t namecall, LOL, but the Banquet Halls know who they are and this is typically how it plays out… So the bride and groom have already eaten and wedding photographer (ME) is still waiting to eat. I’m a seasoned photographer, so I typically keep a cooler in my car stocked with a sandwich, iced coffee, 5 hour energy, water bottles and other snacks. But in the meantime, the bride paid for my meal, for which I’m truly grateful, but she’s done eating well before my meal is even presented. I’ve been with her since 11am. It’s now 6pm. It’s time to refuel, but when my meal finally does come, my bride is finished eating and is now visiting tables and I feel compelled to take more pictures.

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As a professional Wedding Vendor, I pose this question to you. What would you do? Would you (a) eat as fast as possible for 5 minutes? (b) Pretend you’re superhuman and continue to shoot without eating? (c) run to your car and eat, hoping you don’t miss the toasts or the first dance? (d) take a couple of bites of food and try to capture the bride in between bites?

If you’re a Wedding Photographer and the Banquet Hall decides to feed the “hired help” last, these are your options. Kind of sucks, huh? What I’ve learned over the years is that I do my best work when I’m not thinking about refueling.

In this scenario, I would let the DJ know that I’ll be gone for 15 minutes and hope that he remembers not to proceed with toasts until I return. If he does, (and this has happened before) I will typically try and recreate the shots I missed by staging it on the fly. Yes, I’ll miss the true emotion of the moment, but the bride will have those shots to tell her story in her album.

Here’s the bottom line… Vendor meals are typically a lot cheaper than guest meals at a banquet hall, even if it’s the same meal your guests are enjoying. If you are paying for a vendor meal, have your banquet hall feed your Photographer and Videographer when you get fed. This will make for an easier flow in capturing your day. Just my two cents. xoxox Claudia Grace 9

At Desiree Chocolates we create a one-of-a-kind custom chocolate extravaganza and dessert display all in one! It’s an upscale version of a traditional sweet table but with a unique twist. We offer a stunning live presentation experience and pride ourselves on having a professional service and product that is unique, aesthetically appealing and sure to make your taste buds go wild! All of Desiree’s creations are made using only the finest quality ingredients and premium Belgian chocolate. As the expression goes, we eat with our eyes first ~ And the taste is sure to follow….

We work very closely with our brides and grooms to customize a dessert display that is not only authentic to them as a couple, but one that truly captures their personalities too. This customization allows for a lot of flexibility in themes, menu choices, display options, and, most importantly, budget considerations.

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Besides our sweet table menu packages, we also offer a variety of mix and match dessert stations which are an innovative way to serve dessert and will keep your guests coming back for more! Some trendy favorites are fruit and chocolate kebabs, popcorn stations, s’mores bars, ice cream push-pop bars, candy and cupcake stations, mousse stations, cheesecake bars and fudge ‘n milk stations.

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Desiree Chocolates

(cont.)

The most interesting and fun way to serve dessert is to make everything bite sized. We particularly love the individual mini shot glasses, mason jars or cones served with their own individual mini spoons/forks. Other favorites includeMousse Cups, Tiramisus, Panna Cottas, Cheesecakes, Key Lime Shots, Apple Pies or Ice cream push-pops. Guests love to just pop them in their mouths between dancing and conversation.

Anything on a stick is a great pick-up-on-the-go item, like cake pops, cookie dough pops, brownie pops, truffle pops or pie pops. Since our specialty is chocolate, we serve a lot of chocolate confections such as truffles, turtles, toffee, s’mores, and caramel apples. Dipped treats are also very popular right now.

Guests are loving chocolate dipped Oreos, marshmallows, Rice Krispy treats, pretzels and potato chips (we love the salty and sweet combo!).

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We take much pride in our presentations, everything is served on unique and interesting platters, tiered stands, and custom tall centerpieces. Varying levels of elevation and specialty lighting add depth and dimension to the displays. Custom floral arrangements also enhance the look and ambiance of the table.

It’s all a sweet deal‌. and a perfect ending to your special day!!!!

Desiree Engman Desiree Chocolates www.desireechocolates.com

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Ramona & Collin “…..Happily Ever After”

Collin and I bumped into each other one morning in the hallway at work – we both smiled as the feelings were mutual, it was love at first sight. When he introduced himself, I was so in awe of his charming smile and sexy accent that I didn’t hear a word he said, I just told him my name, gave him a firm handshake and walked away smiling.

We bumped into each other a few more times and he asked me out to lunch.

Since I had no interest in dating anyone at work, I just smiled to avoid saying no. Some time passed and I had not seen him around the building so I inquired about him through an old coworker of ours who used to work in his department.

After finding out more about him and assuming his absence from the office meant he no longer worked for the company, I was upset that I didn’t get to know him better. . . missed opportunity is all I could think. About a year later, I was asked to reassign a cell phone to an employee who had been out on medical leave due to a car accident. I almost fainted when I looked up at the gentleman approaching my desk – IT WAS HIM is all I could hear myself screaming in my head; the handsome guy with the charming smile and sexy accent.

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We both smiled like we did the first time we met in the hallway, except this time everyone around us saw sparks. They say some things are better the second time around. I must agree because after our second “first encounter� we have been inseparable.

photo credit: Claudia Grace Photography

location: Bryans Road, MD

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Now that you have found the right DJ, here is something he or she should be doing to make your night run as smooth as possible. First thing is meetings.

At least two meetings are required to go over the time line and to go through a checklist of needs for the wedding.

The first meeting is about how you want the night to go. Do you want music for dinner or not? Do you have a musician coming in or have a birthday that you want to celebrate? The DJ should also know if you have a theme for the night. A wedding is an organized party. Give the DJ as much information about the wedding as possible; it helps the DJ with the time management part of the night.

A good DJ is a time manager and has to know all of the aspects of the wedding.

The second meeting is to tighten up the timeline and to listen to all of your special songs, as well as going over how to say names and a walk-though of the night. A DJ may also come to the rehearsal to provide music for the walk though of the wedding itself.

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You should have the DJ’s phone number in case you need something changed the day of the wedding. The DJ should arrive at the venue approximately two hours before the start of the wedding or reception to allow them enough time to set up and be ready for the arrival of your guests.

Your guests should come into a music filled event and feel welcomed on your special day. The DJ should check with you to see if the sound level is good and if you are enjoying the music that is being played. You should always know where they are and they should communicate if they step away from their booth. If you are providing a meal for the DJ at your wedding, you should seat them as close to the booth as possible. You also may want to sit younger people close to the DJ booth and older people farther away, if possible. During dinner, the music should not be loud but you want your guests to hear it.

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So You Hired A DJ (Cont.)

If your DJ is doing up lighting or a photo booth, they should be set up and ready to go as soon as your guests arrive. They may make various announcements throughout the night, e.g. the photo booth is open or a last call announcement for the night. If you do not want announcements or want to change what is said, ask your DJ to do so. They are there to help make your night a night to remember for a life time.

Buddy and Tracy Mueller T.B.M. Productions www.tbmproductionsdj.com info@tbmproductionsdj.com 773-888-DJ4U (3548)

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Marry Me at Pine Manor To find the Best small wedding packages in Chicagoland check out Small Weddings Elope Chicago with Rev Pam and Pine Manor. Compare and save on EVERYTHING from buffet and live music to a last minute quick “I DO” elopement ceremony. 5 star & award winning, this wedding officiant coined the phrase “YOUR Wedding YOUR Way” and then opened up her private home for small weddings and elopements. Since then, she has married hundreds of couples, all five star reviews.

Proudly interfaith, LGBTQ and Pagan friendly, Rev Pam’s weddings are an experience like no other, however, many try to copy her all-inclusive idea, only to fall short in price, services and personalization.

Pine Manor couple’s and their guests are awed with the intimate home elegance and suburban hospitality the small wedding venue brings. You can read how they all rave about their warm and welcoming experience on MyWeddingReview.com.

Romantic, affordable, the perfect Chicago elopement and small wedding for up to 30 guests. Last minute, late night or planned years in advance, Rev Pam will work with you personally to plan, write, perform, and record your dream day with money saving options for couples planning a no stress small Chicago wedding.

Call 8-8pm and reserve your date with just $75 Go to ChicagoWeddingPackages.com 847-873-7463 MarryMe@PineManorChicago.com Pine Manor also offers overnight accommodations and wedding invitations.

Historic record of the manor can be found at PineManorHistory.com

Pine Manor

MarryMe@PineManorChicago.com 847-873-7463

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Upcoming Expos Complete Wedding Expo www.thecompleteweddingexpo.com June 5 - Holiday Inn - Schaumburg Aug 28 - Pheasant Run Resort - St. Charles Sept 18 - Pinstripes - Oakbrook Oct 2 - Paramount’s Meyer Ballroom - Aurora Nov 6 - Holiday Inn - Schaumburg Nov 13 - Bobak’s Signature Events - Woodridge Mad City Bridal Expos www.madcitybridalexpo.com July 10- The Brink, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI Sept 11- Forest Ridge, 11189 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park Nov 6- The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI Orchard Valley Golf Course- Bridal Expo 2017 www.orchardvalleygolf.com Orchard Valley Golf Course , Aurora March 2017 Geneva Wedding Walk - Bridal Expo 2017 genevabride.com downtown Geneva Wedding Walk, March 2017 Kuipers Family Farm Bridal Expo 2017 www.KuipersFamilyFarm.com Sunday, April 2017 Sauk Valley Bridal Fair www.saukvalley.com Sunday, February 2017 31

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Directory ALCOHOL Alcohol Party Catering alcoholpartycatering.com 815-873-0405

Beauty Meghana Prasad meghanaprasad.com 763.486.7531

Body Sculpting VLECS vlecs.com 847.717.3265

Ceremony/Reception Venues Cantigny Weddings cantignygolf.com 630.260.8145 Chapel in the Pines chapelinthepines.com 815/895-4797 Comfort Inn & Suites, Geneva

comfortinngeneva.com 630.208.8811

Great Hall at Union Station chicagounionstation.com 312-655-2481 Hilton Orrington/Evanston hotelorrington.com 847.866.8700

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Marquette Park Gary Pavilion marquetteparkgary.com 219/938-7362

DJ’s

National Hellenic Museum nationalhellenicmuseum.org (312) 655-1234

Keith Christopher Ent. Group keithchristopher.com 847-278-1050

Pine Manor pinemanorchicago.com 847-873-7463

Premier Entertainment premier-dj.net (630) 450-7106

Prairie Street Brewhouse psbrewhouse.com (815) 277-9427

Prestige Sound & Lighting

Radisson Hotel- Rockford radisson.com/rockford (815) 226-2100

T.B.M. Productions tbmproductionsdj.com 773-888-3548

Royal Gardens Banquets GardenBanquets.com 773-736-1131 White Eagle Golf Club www.whiteeaglegc.com (630) 983-0012

Cakes & Desserts Amy Beck Cake Design, LLC amybeckcakedesign.com 3125453655 BON MACARON bonmacaronchicago.com 312.228.4325 Cakes xo www.cakesxo.com 815-838-4145 Desiree Chocolates desireechocolates.com (847) 444-1263

prestigesoundandlighting.com

219-262-2925

Florists Aberdeen’s Wedding Florists aberdeens.com 773-282-8272 Of Course ‘Aisle’ Marry You chicagoplanners.com (312) 952-0033

Honeymoon Sand Castle On The Beach sandcastleonthebeach.com

800.524.2018

Limo Aries Charter ariescharter.com 773.826.2000

Musicians David Rothstein Music drsmusic.com 773.244.1239 Fretless Strings fretless.webs.com 262.488.2363 Potts & Pans Steelband pottsandpans.org (815) 245-3624 Tristan String Quartet tristanstringquartet.com (815)793-4901

Officiants Gay Wedding Chicago Site gayweddingchicagosite.com 847-873-7463

Rent a Rev

Jenny Taylor Boudoir Photography jennytaylorboudoirs.com (630) 605-0990 Jolie Images jolieimages.com (847) 850-7052

Specialty Services

Videographer Our Wedding Movie ourweddingmovie.com 630-344-9668 WM Films wmfilms.net 773-972-0902

Memorial Videos memorialbooklets.com Miss Fit Britt 815-293-7398 Share Your Love drmusic.com/sharelove 773-244-1239

Tattoo Removal

VLECS vlecs.com 847.717.3265

Wedding Expos Windy City Wedding Show windycityweddingshow.com (847) 278-1050 The Complete Wedding Expo thecompleteweddingexpo.com 847-254-0621

www.rentarev.com/ 847.854.1230

Photographers Brett Paul Photography brettpaulphotography.com (815) 762-2390

Wedding Planners Backyard Soiree backyardsoiree.com (815) 703-0006

888-520-0920

Divine Elegance Things divineelegancethings.com (773) 505-3470

Ell Adele Photography elladelephoto.com 815.721.6391

Toopes Events toopesevents.com

Claudia Grace Photography ClaudiaGracePhotography.com

Fred Fox Studios fredfox.com 847-882-3366

Sharon Ringier Events sharonringier.com 847.219.1080

To advertise with us visit cgbridalmag.com or call us at 888.287.8220

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