Chicago Wedding Planning
After the initial joy of telling the world that Jeff and I are now engaged (complete with many squeals all around), we set out to tackle the first big task—finding a wedding venue in Chicago.
We had no idea what we were in for.
After some initial research and guidance from Olivia Leigh (amazing Chicago photographer—check her out), we narrowed it down to a few venues that felt like they fit our personalities.
We were completely taken with one venue, A New Leaf, but soon found out that it was booked solid from February through November, and there were only a handful of Fridays left (I didn’t feel great about a Friday wedding, since so many guests will be coming from out of town). This threw me into a mild state of panic as it dawned on me that we may be far too late to start in the competitive world of Chicago wedding planning.
Fortunately, we hadn’t yet to exhausted our venue list. On Saturday, we visited two more and—long story short—we are officially booked in a beautiful west loop loft. It’s essentially a blank slate, so we’ll have the flexibility to do exactly what we want (once we figure out what that is). Our wedding date is officially set for July 31, 2010.
Many thanks to my wedding planning buddy, Ashley, for giving me my first wedding magazine and pushing me in the right direction. And thanks to Patricia for the lovely cupcakes (which we ate promptly).
Finding a venue was a huge relief, and I can’t wait to continue the planning…once I figure out what comes next! Recommendations for wedding blogs, sites, etc. are always welcome.
Photo from my own collection, from the Chicago Photography Center Wedding Photo Boot Camp
SO exciting! That space looks beautiful. Let me know if you need any help wedding planning!
It looks delightful! Have fun dreaming of ways to fill the space!
I have A LOT of wedding blogs saved in my Reader, if that is any help. And I know a few good photographers, too, in case Olivia Leigh isn’t yours. (I’ve seen A LOT of her work, and it’s GORGEOUS!)
I love watching & reading you guys documents this experience! I can’t wait for the next entry. And ps, I found this awhiel back for another friend of mine… Hope it gives you some ideas!
http://orangetreeweddings.wordpress.com/
And pss, what a snazzy snippet of your venue! Already you’re en route for having the jazziest joint of the year!
okay i’m sort of jealous you’ve already found your wedding venue, haha. that’s definitely the biggest step and matt and i are still looking. but hopefully we’ll find one soon. and yay for having a place to do whatever you want with it, that’ll be so fun!
that place is gorgeous! your wedding will be fantastic.
don’t forget I’m here to help out if you need it too!
Wedding planning in the city is tough! We got married in Chicago, and we were planning the wedding from down in Champaign. Luckily, we had a two year engagement which made things easier. The venue is the hardest part, and yours looks fabulous!
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you =) Can’t say I have a lot of suggestions on what’s next in the planning phase but surrounding yourself with friends & family who are patient and glad to help is a must. Ditto for bridesmaids! I’m sure your wedding will be wonderful!!!
Agh!! I’m soo behind in congratulating you. This is what i get for slacking on my Google Reader. I just found out on Facebook from my friend and fellow USF-alum Bryan, who you know! What a small world. Anyway, congrats Allie! Enjoy planning your wedding.