On December 12, 2009, Beth and Philip hosted a contemporary, classic and elegant affair that celebrated the place where they met and fell in love, the University of Notre Dame. Their winter wedding day dawned bright and clear, after a few nail biting days of blustery wind, snow and freezing temps The ceremony was held in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame – the reception was at the Gillespie Center at the Hilton Garden Inn. Woven throughout the day were details that told the story of their love for each other, and their love of Notre Dame.  We have posted just a few images from their day, courtesy of our fabulous photographer, Todd Pellowe (www.tpellowe.com).  Much more about Beth and Philip’s wedding is to come – check back in the featured weddings area of our website. We will share all of the details, both big and small, that combined to delight and surprise guests the entire day!

+I went to Chicago on August 20, 2009 to attend BizBash Expo & Awards at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.  The image above was actually the shade on an oversized lamp that they put their logo on – cool! Fun branding idea!!  This show is the largest gathering of the event and planning community in the Midwest.  With information from the conference program and ideas found on the show floor and by networking with my peers, I left with ideas that will help my events bash the expected and the ordinary!  It was great to meet up with some of my colleagues for a day of inspiration!

This is my colleague and dear friend Frank, of Frank Event Design, receiving his award for Best Corporate or Association Event Concept (Under $50K) !!  He won for the meeting he produced for the Association of Bridal Consultants, Illinois Chapter March ‘09 meeting, titled ‘Frank’s Favorite Things’.  I attended the meeting and posted images from the event that you can find in my blog archives. He walked around all day before the awards ceremony confident that he wouldn’t win – well guess what……..! And I, of course, stood up front to get the money shot!

This is from inside Botanicals booth! It had everything I love – crystal chandeliers, disco balls, orchids, use of hot pinks and purples – I was in heaven! I was introduced and chatted with Kara Hillier Superfine who is a senior design consultant specializing in weddings. Botanicals is a branch of HM Designs. More can be fouond at www.botanicalschicago.com.

Frank with Justin Snodgrass of Berghoff Catering and Restaurant Group,  just outside of their booth.

A ‘niche’ inside the Botanicals booth. How can you not look at this arrangement and just smile??!! The color is amazing, love the orchids and nerine lilies!

The ‘design’ that is under the glass top of this table is actually made up of button mums – again in the Botanicals booth. Maybe I got a bit carried away with images from this booth, but it really inspired me!

Me with Jamey Welling Harding of Kehoe Designs! Jamey and I worked together on many weddings when she was at MichaelAngelos here in South Bend. Kehoe is lucky to have her creative and joyful spirit! I miss collaborating with her, but its so fun to see her when attending industry meetings!

HM Designs Chicago created lounge areas that bordered the general education session area.  To create texture and interest beneath the glass top of the tables, they placed shredded paper, that complimented the color theme they were using – genius and eco-friendly!   Blue Plate Catering, in conjunction with the John Handcock Observatory were serving a cocktail dubbed ‘Kiss the Sky’ – it was sky blue and trust me, if I’d had just one more, I WOULD have been ‘kissing the sky!’