This was the theme of Emily and Nick’s July 15th wedding at The Haight in Elgin, Illinois. I usually don’t blog about about specific weddings but I felt especially connected to this wedding since I have known a family member for many years.
Renee, Aja and I love working on this bridal party ! They were a pleasure ! The photos below by the amazing Caitlin Hazelton speak for themselves. Here are the reviews posted on Facebook, Wed Folio & Wedding Wire by the bride and by her Stepmom Jeanne:
Wendy Kimmel is the best of the best! Truly a class act!!! I treated my step-daughter (and myself) on her wedding day to a princess/movie star experience with a TRUE professional. Emily (never had experience with a professional tv makeup artist) had the opportunity to work with Wendy before her wedding day during the trial and get a sense of the experience to come and hence, one stressor of her wedding day was alleviated. She left Wendy’s initial consult elated. She was very happy. Wendy took ample time to get to know Emily and her likes and preferences. Wendy’s goal is to enhance your natural beauty. Wendy’s team allowed the bride and the bridal party to sit back, relax and enjoy the pampering and avoid the wedding day jitters/anxiety of primping oneself.
Brides, honor yourselves: Treat yourself to the exquisite pampering Wendy and her crew can offer to you.
Bento Boxes with Baby Arugula and Shaved Raw Fennel Salad, Wild Rice and Chicken Salad, Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Warm Savory Artichoke Bread Pudding
Would you love to have a truly memorable meal for your Wedding, Party or Event ? Source ingredients from your locale including your spirits and craft beers. I recently interviewed Chef Paul Lindemuth from The Art of Food about what he considers to be current & sustainable event cuisine. Here is our conversation:
Chef Paul, what do you consider current food trends and what are people asking for ?
There are three things that I see as being current in the food world. In the event world and the educational field as well. The Number One thing that I see people tapping into is trying to be aware of eating both seasonally and locally especially during the summer & fall. I’ve watched the proliferation of awareness of Farmers’ Markets here in the Chicago area & people are really jumping into that. Knowing where their food comes from is a big deal. Eating food that is in season such as tomatoes and corn in the summer when we know it’s coming from local sources instead of from a grocer when it may be coming from somewhere halfway around the world and being substandard in quality.
Number Two: People are much more interested in expanding their horizons and eating food they’re not familiar with. I’ve even seen that with my more traditional clients. They are thinking more broadly and want new foods presented to them.
Number Three: People are trying to eat more healthily and eating foods that are sustainable, organic and are good not only for themselves but for the farmer & for the producer as well.
Chef Paul Lindemuth caters social events and teaches as well at Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
WEDDING MENU DESIGNED & PREPARED BY CHEF PAUL
Lobster MAC n’ CHEESE Orzo with Butter Poached Lobster in a Mascarpone Lobster Broth
English Cucumber topped with Smoked Salmon Tartare & Chive Creme Fraiche
Indian Curried Butternut Soup
Individual Beef Tenderloin Medallions topped with Mushroom Duxelle & Boursin Cheese Wrapped in Filo Pastry
In lieu of a Wedding Cake-An Immense Lemon Tiramisu !
ADDITIONAL IMAGINATIVE CUISINE FROM CHEF PAUL
Watermelon and Feta Salad Skewers with Balsamic Reduction
Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese and Peppered Wildflower Honey
Gentlemen this blog is for You ! It will help you get through the wedding planning process and the wedding in grand style. And Ladies it will take some stress off of you by giving your beloved advice & great ideas about how to help you. I’m not going to give you this help directly. I’m going to give you the links to my Four favorite Groom websites. There’s even a site for your best man. From engagement ring buying guides to stripper free bachelor parties to choosing the venue and much, much more. A couple of the websites are UK based but most of the issues are universal anyway !
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Here are the four sites…there are more online if you feel the need to look further. the plunge.com, the bestman.com, staggered & themanregistry.com
I think you’ll find these sites really eye opening and fun to read. Enjoy and please let me know what you think in the comment section !
Jeanne, 1 Review
Engaging Wedding Tips for Every Couple 
