What’s not to love about this wedding? Ceremony and reception in one place and a five minute drive from my house! Gorgeous fall weather and sweet fall light. Happy families, great friends and perfect couple. The colors, right up my alley…gorgeous reds, oranges and purple. Stunning all around!!
Redfield Estate at the Grove in Glenview is one of my all time favorite venues. Dress from Wolsfelts Bridal in Aurora.
LOVE this photo!!! Sara you are gorgeous!!
Taking a peek at the guests arriving 🙂
Flowers – Morning Glory Flower Shop in Glenview.
I love this outdoor reception space.
Cake – Flour Bakery in Chicago.
First dance.
DJ – Crestline Entertainment
From the Bride…
‘Venue – Redfield Estate at the Grove. Loved this facility. I was really hoping for an all-in-one experience to make the day more accessible and laid-back, and I also wanted to be outdoors with some protection from the elements if need be. I was immediately drawn to the pavilion at the Redfield Estate with the stone pillars and large fireplace. I also loved the architectural details and the historical quality to the house as a backdrop. The gazebo area was perfect for a ceremony and was super easy for a partial do-it yourself bride to decorate just enough to be festive without taking away from the natural scenery. It was really wonderful to have everything on-site: space to get ready, wonderful grounds for photos, beautiful ceremony site, and reception in the pavilion.
Dress – Wolsfelts Bridal in Aurora. The ONLY place I shopped. I had a vision for the dress and we had no trouble finding it there.
Hair – Amanda McCoy, now at Cheveaux salon in Glen Ellyn. My regular stylist was on maternity leave, and Amanda graciously and skillfully stepped in to help. I gave her some ideas and showed her a picture of my dress and she nailed it during the trial session, even though she had never done my hair before. I was so lucky to have her on my team!
Flowers – Morning Glory Flower Shop in Glenview. Barb was great, even when I scaled back my order and did my own centerpieces. I am not a flower person, and she was really helpful with suggestions. I was thrilled with the bouquets and ceremony flowers, especially since I gave her such little direction.
DJ – Crestline Entertainment. Jay was super easy to work with, had great tools to help us define our play list and kept the reception moving seamlessly.
Caterer – Hels Kitchen in Northbrook. Again, YUM! I wanted a menu that balanced late summer, early fall foods with lots of fresh ingredients and Linda at Hels did a fantastic job. Everyone raved about the quality of the food.
Photographer – I never even considered anyone else and feel Kurt and I very blessed that Hilda was able to do our wedding. We met Hilda when she shot our friend’s wedding. When we saw their pictures, I was in love with them…I didn’t know wedding pictures could go so far beyond the typical poses to be so beautiful and meaningful. This was such an amazing day for Kurt, my kids and myself and we get to re-live it every time we see one of Hilda’s gorgeous photos. (Angel Eyes Photography, Chicago)
Favorite wedding related purchase – Hilda. It’s the most enduring and meaningful way to have spent wedding budget.
So many favorite wedding memories, getting ready with my dear friends and my daughter. Photos with Kurt before the ceremony. Having my beloved Pastor Chris Winkler perform the ceremony. Kurt surprising me with TWO wedding rings. Having my brother Jeff perform the ceremony music and my very shy brother Tom agree to do a reading. And looking out upon family and friends, with my children at my side as I married the most wonderful man.
What would I have done differently? Sprung for more time with Hilda, and moved the wedding to a Saturday. It ended too quickly and I wanted the night to go on and on!
Advice for brides to be is to relax and not sweat the details. Remember its about committing your lives to one another and celebrating your love with family and friends. Give people a nice venue, good food and drinks and fill the day with love, the rest will come together.’
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