Real Wedding - Chicago
ABC Member Planner: Frank J. Andonoplas, MBC™, Frank Event Design, Chicago, frank@FrankEvent
Design.com, www.FrankEventDesign.com.ABC member businesses involved: BBJ Linen.
Photographer: Rick Aguilar Studios.Non-member businesses involved: Frost, Anna Held Flower Shop, Trump Hotel and Towers Chicago, Tablescapes Party Rentals, Toast and Jam DJs, Cake.The Couple: After designing and coordinating their other daughter’s wedding in 2010, the parents asked me to do the same for their daughter Sarah’s wedding. As with any couple, I sat down with them to define their style. Sarah and Caleb are a funky, non-traditional, out-of-the-box-type couple. They wanted a wedding that incorporated cutting-edge design, Old Hollywood glam influences, and a fun New Year’s Eve Party for their guests. We were even able to use the groom’s amazing tattoos as the background for their wedding album.Wedding Date: December 31, 2011.Wedding planning/style inspiration: Old World Hollywood glam with an Art Deco twist.Color palette: Teal and black with silver and crystal accents and peacock feathers.
Budget: $280,000.Guest count: 180.Most unique design element: A custom chandelier, dripping in Swarovski crystal strands was created to hang over the ceremony/dance floor. LEDs changed color as the evening progressed.Biggest challenge: After the key vendors were hired, we started to work on the layout and how to work with a huge pillar in the room that is structural. Instead of designing around it, I used it as the focal point of the entire event. A custom, round stage and dance floor was built around the column and a custom chandelier with Swarovski crystal strands hung over the ceremony/dance floor. Draped fabric from each side of the pillar, served as a backdrop, but later, opened to reveal the bars and lounge. Ceremony seating and guest tables followed the line of the circle.Learning: Luckily, we had plenty of time for set up and started the day prior. But with this elaborate décor, you need to schedule and sometimes buy out the time to accomplish it. If other events are booked in your venue the day before, or even that day, something like this might be physically impossible.Details: At midnight, confetti showers dusted the dance floor, while fireworks filled the sky over Lake Michigan. The year 2012 appeared on the pillar. Guests danced to 12:30 a.m., and then moved to an after party where they relaxed or played games like skeeball, pinball, air hockey, and miniature golf. A soda bar, coffee bar, and New Year’s early breakfast were served.[nggallery id=26]