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Earlier this week I wrapped up a great photo shoot at beautiful Cuneo Mansion and Gardens. You’ll see the full shoot up here on the blog on Monday! Have a great weekend and stay inspired!

Mega Candy Buttons: I came across this sweet concept in my ongoing search for clever photo booth backdrops. (Also, the girl’s got enough sass to make up for lack of photo quality.)

Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up: Everything about this whispers serene. Lovely shades of grays in varying textures and prints. Yes, please!

For Dreamers and Stargazers: Turn an old wardrobe box into an intergalactic rocket ship = endless hours of play for your little one!

The. Most. Amazing. Closet. Ever. It’s beyond organized (and well-stocked with lovely designer pieces!). Haven’t you always wanted an entire closet-within-a-closet just for shoes?

Chorizo, Potato and Egg Tacos: Great for a quick lunch or dinner. Heck, why not breakfast, too?

And file this under: “Is this for real?” and “Aw, shucks!”

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The return of this dapper duo makes a comeback to Chicago! You might well remember Vikki and Derek who each live in different cities and their infinite knack for styling detail. Now their downtown edge-meets-romance style brings it to their wedding day at the InterContinental O’Hare in plush shades of royal purple, petal pink and midnight blue. Here’s a little looksie at Vikki and Derek’s awesome day from the beginning . . .

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Derek and Vikki had what I call a perfect “First Look” moment. He cried more than she did, which seemed to surprise her. Can you blame him? She’s stunning and sweet in a Monique Lhuillier dress, and her face is exactly what you picture when you hear someone say “their smile meets their eyes.”

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We did portraits in the hotel’s theater, against a mural, and in the grand foyer, each providing a strong architectural and artful backdrop for this power couple.

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Vikki and Derek’s wedding party is also looking pretty snappy, too, agree?

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Let’s talk more about Derek’s style. Derek is wearing a very smart tux with contrasting black silk trim––it is custom and hands down my favorite groom’s tux ever! And do let me point out his purple suede smoking loafers. Not just any man can pull this off, but somehow it all just works for Derek. You know?

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The stylish details in the ceremony and reception matched the stylish couple. An intimate affair amongst Vikki and Derek’s closest friends and family took over the InterContinental O’Hare.

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I can tell that friends and family are very much an important part of Derek and Vikki’s lives, both individually and together. Vikki and her mother have a tender and sweet bond that seemed to swell throughout the day. Derek’s mom was here in spirit. I cried when I learned that his handkerchief is really a piece of fabric from the dress his mom was wearing the last time he saw her before she passed away. They made a silent dedication to her and placed a long stem red rose on an empty chair during the ceremony. Tears, you too?

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Wishing this beautiful couple all the best––here’s to light and laughter!

xo, Melissa

 

Vikki and Derek’s Wedding Guide ::

Venue, InterContinental O’Hare  //  Bride’s Attire, Monique Lhuillier gown, Badgley Mischka shoes  //  Bride’s Hair, Jessi Dean Salon  //  Bride’s Makeup, Crystal-Eyez  //  Groom’s Attire, Zeglio Custom Clothiers  //  Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Jim Hjelm  //  Wedding Consultant, Sharon Gamblin  //  Officiant, Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. Phelps  //  Flowers, Yanni Design Studio  //  Videographer, Lilly Rose  //  Event Designer, Yanni Design Studio  //  Food, InterContinental O’Hare  //  Cake, Cake Chicago  //  Music, DJ Kelwin

 

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  • The MurraysApril 5, 2013 - 4:53 pm

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures. They truly seem to capture the love and closeness the two of you share. We are so happy to have been a part of your special day. May God continue to bless your union abundantly. We will continue to hold you close in prayer.

    Love,
    Jad & Raveyn

  • Daryl SatcherApril 5, 2013 - 7:17 pm

    The pictures are unreal! They are so good. We are a beautifulI people, aren’t we?

Happy Passover to my Hebes! Are you celebrating Passover, and if so, do you have any little traditions that you do with your family every year? Have a lovely weekend and stay inspired!

Braised Brisket: We’re not Jewish over here, but this dish looks delicious any time of the year. You can’t go wrong with a Martha recipe!

 

DIY Nursery Wall Art: A cool graphic piece for the nursery, don’t you think? Clean, bold typography rules here, a fresh antithesis to your usual busy nursery wall art.

Sweetest Mini Moment: I love this photo. It may not have the most amazing composition or lighting, but the sweet simplicity of this mini moment is what makes this picture magical. This could easily be me and Little G… IF he were to come with us on our trip to Maui in June! But, I’m still undecided about whether to bring him. What do you think?

All that glitters. Everything about this image inspires me to live freely and throw caution to the wind. The gold glitter, her sunkissed skin, just-bitten lips, the accompanying caption––it all makes me smile. What do you take away from this photo?

Scattered Flowers: As I mentioned before, I’m always on the lookout for photobooth backdrop inspiration. Perfect for a spring photo shoot with the kids, perhaps styled with a special prop like this or this?

Chickpea Panzanella: [pronounced pan-zuh-nel-a] Can’t you just hear me sounding like the Godfather when I say this? Kids, this is basically a Florentine salad of old bread and tomatoes. Yep, I said old, as in stale, hard. I don’t know what crazy Italian decided that old bread could be dressed up, but somehow panzanella manages to be delicious and pulled together. This recipe has a Greek twist to it, which has me dreaming of exotic beaches even more!

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