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Chicago Event Planners

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The Drake Hotel – Lexi and Mike

December 19, 2017

The day, September 9, 2017. The weather, 70 degrees and picture perfect.  The couple, as cute, fun, and perfect as they come.  Ed and Aileen of Ed & Aileen Photography, along with Lightfield Lewis of Lightfield Video were there to capture the day’s festivities from the start.  The ladies gathered at the Drake Hotel’s breathtaking Princess Diana suite which created the perfect environment for getting ready and capturing the beauty, energy and excitement of the day to come.

Blushing Bride and Crew at the Chicago Drake Hotel

Ed and Aileen Photography

Flowergirls and Bride strike a pose

Ed and Aileen Photography

Happy Parents with their Blushing Bride

Ed and Aileen Photography

Flower girls throwing flowers

Ed and Aileen Photography

Popping bottles with the Bride Tribe

Ed and Aileen Photography

The ladies were more than ready to put on their gorgeous mauve floor length dresses after hair and make up was done by Three One Two Bridal and Diem Angie.  The flowers were equally as breathtaking: The Foxglove Studio had created lush bouquets filled with ​pale​ ​pinks,​ ​hints of burgundy,​ ​protea,​ ​spray​ ​rose, and ​cappuccino​ ​roses.

Gorgeous long bridal dresses

Ed and Aileen Photography

Save the date with Flowers

Ed and Aileen Photography

Flower Detail Shot by Ed and Aileen Photography Chicago

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The men gathered at the Drake Hotel as well for some sliders, beverages, and the Iowa Hawkeye game. Although they kept it light and easy they were dressed to a T in their tuxes and looked dapper as ever.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Before we knew it, Chicago Trolley and Double Decker was in place to take the bridal party off to St Michael’s Old Town.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The sun was beaming on St Michael’s Old Town and the vaulted ceilings created the perfect backdrop for Lexi and Mike to say “I do”.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

The ceremony was full of love, laughter, and joy. Mike’s father’s band played beautiful music throughout the ceremony. Lexi’s parents could not help but feel a bit of nostalgia for the church where they also said their vows decades before. Many personal touches made this ceremony one to remember for everyone involved.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

After the “I do’s”, Lexi and Mike departed the church and immediately took off on a horse drawn carriage ride from Chicago Carriage, just as Lexi’s parents had following their ceremony at St. Mike’s many years before.  You couldn’t help but get wrapped up in all the beautiful memories and traditions theses two were creating.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

After their short carriage ride through the city, Lexi and Mike joined the bridal party aboard the trolley and took off for photos at Fourth Presbyterian Church as well as some other favorite locations around Chicago.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Lexi and Mike were stunned at the transformation of The Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel which was truly the perfect space to celebrate and dance the night away.  Chicago Lighting Design did a great job illuminating the space.  Lexi and Mike took time to practice their first dance one last time before they showed off for their guests. It was hard to deny the two were perfectly in sync in every way possible.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Once dinner began, the speeches and toasts were thoughtful, hysterical, personal and perfect . Each filled the room with many laughs and happy tears.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

It was a very heartfelt moment as Lexi danced with her father to “It Won’t be Like this for Long”. You could see the love and joy on both of their faces and it was hard not to be wrapped up in the dance and moment as much as they were.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Immediately after dances, the crowd danced the night away on the open dance floor. The Gold Coast All Stars kept the dance floor lively until 1am.

Ed and Aileen Photography

Ed and Aileen Photography

Check out Lexi and Mike’s wedding preview here courtesy of Lightfield Lewis.

Lexi, Mike, and their families were an absolute joy to work with.  We wish them all the very best in life, love, and happiness!

Ed and Aileen Photography

Lexi and Mike’s wedding was also featured on Lakeshore In Love.  View their feature HERE!

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Filed Under: Blog, Wedding Profile

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Ovation Wedding–Erica and Brent

July 4, 2016

Eric and Brent’s wedding celebration was one of the most joy-filled events I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of! Laughter, sighs, and cheers filled the air with a wonderful energy as these two said their “I dos” and celebrated with their closest loved ones!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Erica and Brent spent their wedding weekend at the historic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. With her family and best friends around her, Erica and the ladies spent the morning enjoying brunch, sipping champagne, and being pampered by hair stylist, Jenny Villacis, and makeup artist, Andie Cumber. Meanwhile, Brent and his groomsmen went to brunch before making their way back to the hotel to get ready.

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

With the help of her Mother and Maid of Honor, Erica slipped into her gorgeous wedding gown, hand-crafted by Mignonette Bridal, and draped an elegant strand of pearls around her neck. She was an absolutely stunning bride!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Soon it was time for Erica and Brent’s first look! With a toast, the ladies were out the door. Amy Jo Royall Photography had Brent outside waiting for Erica under the iconic awning of the Palmer House Hilton. Despite being on a busy street, the moment they locked eyes it was as if they were the only ones there. They were brought back to reality when a sweet couple passing by offered their congratulations!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Soon the family and wedding party joined in for a photo shoot outside of the hotel. Amy Jo Royall Photography was able to capture the joy and enthusiasm for this marriage! Even those who were far away were still able to a part of the celebration. It was so special to see this couple completely surrounded by so much love!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

It was time for the bride and groom to make their way the exquisite event space, Ovation, for their wedding celebration. Along with being a beautiful locale, Ovation includes a ride to the event in a classic Rolls Royce! Erica and Brent looked fantastic (and so excited) to be on their way to their wedding!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Emotions were high as the wedding party lined up and made their way down the aisle. Officiated by Erica’s uncle, Erica and Brent’s ceremony was personal and moving with a poignant reading, personal vows, lots of laughter, and a few happy tears!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

It was now time to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.! Hugs were all around for the bride and groom at their cocktail hour.

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Erica and Brent also utilized the gorgeous sunshine and beautiful day, to get some photos around Ovation after their ceremony. Amy Jo Royall Photography captured some amazing photos of this sweet couple!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Meanwhile, as guests enjoyed delicious cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Erica and Brent’s vendor team was hard at work setting up for the dinner reception, which turned out beautifully. Ovation’s handsome rustic long tables along with Field & Florist’s vibrant and fresh florals created a stunning ambiance that was both elegant and cozy. Carol’s Staffing helped to ensure all the service needs for the reception were taken care of expertly.

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

When it was time for dinner, guests cheered and clapped as the wedding party made their way to the head table, and the bride and groom were announced into the room!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Their night continued with much jubilation! Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet provided by Big Star Catering, while heartfelt and endearing toasts were made in honor of the bride and groom! Style Matters DJs kept the energy high with great music to accompany the evening, and Amy Jo Royall Photography was able to capture the pure joy and emotion of the night!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

 

Erica and Brent got the dance floor going with special dances with their parents, followed by their first dance as husband and wife. Before long the dance floor was full as Style Matters got the party rockin’!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Together, Erica and Brent had a quiet cupcake exchange, opening the dessert table created by Sweet Mandy B’s to guests.

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Boogying down was the theme for the rest of the night. Style Matters DJs had guests of all ages got out on the dance floor! Guests who wanted a break from the dance floor enjoyed popping in and out of Ovation’s photo booth or even grooving from the lounge furniture! Love and jubilation was overflowing for the happy couple making it a truly memorable and special evening!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Erica and Brent, thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of such a fun and special celebration! It was truly a joy and honor to play a role in your big day, and I wish you both many blessings in your future together!

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Amy Jo Royall Photography

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized, Wedding Profile

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Wedding Dread: Seating Assignments

August 8, 2013

I have heard countless times about how much everyone DREADS the process of doing seating assignments for their wedding.  So much so that some brides even plan their day so that they don’t have to do this!  In some situations it can be unnecessary:  if you’re having a very small and intimate reception, for instance; or a dessert and cocktails soirée where guests will spend the evening milling around.

wedding_layout02

However, I’m here to say that if you are having any kind of seated dinner (buffet or plated) PLEASE do a seating chart!  It will make your guests feel uncomfortable if they have to figure out how to find a seat on their own, especially your best friend from summer camp or second grade teacher who will not know any other guests in attendance.  It will also upset your carefully planned timelines when it takes 20 minutes longer than expected for your friends and relatives to take their seats.

I know it can be stressful to think that you are responsible for where everyone spends their dinner, but Lisa from Anderson Green Events made some great points in her post here, so read that first before going on.

So, now that you agree with Lisa, me, and countless other experienced wedding professionals that assigned seating is the way to go, I’m going to give you some tips on how to go about this, so hopefully you won’t feel as overwhelmed!  If you still don’t want to tackle it, hire a wedding planner like Five Grain Events to help you out!  If you’re going to attempt on your own, plan to take an afternoon to churn this out with snacks and vino if you so choose 🙂

1) Purchase 2 posterboards and post-its of 2 different colors (use your wedding colors if that’ll make the process more enjoyable for you!).

2) On one of one poster boards, draw the number of circles/squares/rectangles you think you’ll need for your number of guests plus a few extra just in case.  Put a number inside each table (1 through whatever).  These don’t have to look like a seating chart just yet.

3) On the other poster board make some categories.  Easy ones are Bridal Party, Bride’s friends, Groom’s friends, Bride’s Family, Groom’s Family, but feel free to break it down into further catergories (family, work friends, college friends, etc.) if needed.

4) Now, start writing down all the guests’ names on the post-its.  On one color post-it (for these purposes we’ll call it pink) write couples and on the other color (say, green) write down single guests.  As you write each guest or couple’s name, stick it on the poster board under the category that guest belongs to.

5) Once you’ve got all your guests categorized, start with the easy ones.  Put the bridal party post-its on the head table(s), and you may have also decided with whom you want your parents to be seated.  Then move on to others in any order.  It’ll be easy to count how many you’ve put at each table because the pinks are 2 and the greens are 1.  Since the post-its are categorized you won’t feel like you’re wracking your brain to figure out who should sit with whom!

6) Once you’ve moved all the post-its over, you’ll probably have some switching around to do but it’s much easier to do when it’s all laid out in front of you!  And with the post-its you have a physical THING to move so you don’t have to worry that if you erase them from one table you’ll forget to assign them to another.

7) On the back side of the category poster make the circles/squares/rectangles again, but this time lay them out as you’d like them to be set up in your reception hall.  Whether you’ve decided to do groom’s side on one half of the room and bride’s side on the other or another layout, you can move the already seated tables to their appropriate location within the room (younger folks closer to the band, and older relatives at a quieter part of the room where they can converse, immediate family nearby the head table, etc.).

8) The final step is to re-number the tables so you don’t have table 15 next to table 4.  It’ll make it easier for the servers and the guests to find their places.  Now that you have everything the way you’d like it to be laid out, input all the table numbers into your excel attendance sheet.

VOILA!  You’ve finished seating 🙂

Make sure to wait until as long as possible to actually write the table numbers on your escort cards.  It’s likely that in the final days a few guests will cancel or be added on, and you want to make sure you have as much flexibility as possible to do that.

Do you have any other ideas on how to make the seating process simpler?

Filed Under: Blog, Helpful Advice Leave a Comment

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Happy Birthday Five Grain Events!

January 7, 2011

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Five Grain Events becoming an official business (or so says the State of Illinois).

It’s hard to believe that one year ago I wrote this blog entry. Since then so much has happened! Here’s a brief list of Five Grain Events’ accomplishments this year:

-Got a dedicated phone number {773-359-3106}, email address {joan at fivegrainevents dot com}, website, facebook page, and twitter handle for FGE

-Brought on an associate planner, Sara

-Blogged 16 “cool people” posts and met about a gazillion more that are still on my list to write about

–Left my full-time job (whoah!)

-Hosted a Tweet-Up for other vendors in the industry

-Was featured on Simply Jessie Photography‘s blog about business owners

-Was published on Style Me Pretty for Megan and Aaron’s wedding (thanks to the gorgeous work of Fleur and Laura Witherow)

-Wrote an article on how to select the perfect venue for ChicagoWeddingVenues.com.

-Successfully planned/coordinated 11 events in 2010 (and blogged about many of them–still two more to come) and booked over 20 weddings for 2010/11/12

I could never have done all this without the support and love I got from all of you! I can’t thank you enough for helping me make my dreams come true.

Here’s to an even more exciting 2011!

Love, love, love,

Joan

Filed Under: Blog

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A Leap of Faith…

May 16, 2010

When I started Five Grain Events I thought maybe someday I’d have enough work to go full time. Then a couple months ago I began thinking it would be more like a year. Believe it or not, last Monday I gave notice at work.

As of May 26th, I will be working full time on Five Grain Events!

It was a difficult decision, but one that I realized was meant-to-be. I haven’t become overwhelmed by doing Five Grain plus working full time yet…but I could see that coming down the horizon thanks to all the wonderful referrals I’ve been getting.  I just felt like, “what am I waiting for?”

It’s hard to believe that this moment has come so soon–WELL before I thought it would. I’m a little nervous but mostly SO EXCITED about everything there is to look forward to. I’m going to be able to put all my energy now into building Five Grain Events into the business I want it to be.

Thank you to all my family, friends, blog readers, facebook friends, and twitter followers for helping me make my dreams a reality.

If you feel so inclined and know of anyone who is in need of a wedding or event planner/coordinator I’d be so grateful if you’d pass along my name!

So much love to you all,

Joan

Filed Under: Blog

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