BBCH Fall/Winter 2012 : Page 170

d e s ig n City Delights | By Elise Hofer | Photography by Anthony Tahlier | Sure, Chicago has its fair share of clean-slate warehouses and bare-bones lofts ripe for wedding receptions. But when it comes to top-of-the-line amenities and on-site wedding services beyond your wildest dreams, our city’s host of chic hotels are the way to go. Afraid your vision will get lost in the architecture? Three of our metropolis’ most innovative event designers prove that hotel affairs have endless possibilities.

City Delights

Elise Hofer

[By Elise Hofer | Photography by Anthony Tahlier | Sure, Chicago has its fair share of cleanslate warehouses and bare-bones lofts ripe for wedding receptions. But when it comes to top-of-the-line amenities and on-site wedding services beyond your wildest dreams, our city’s host of chic hotels are the way to go. Afraid your vision will get lost in the architecture? Three of our metropolis’ most innovative event designers prove that hotel affairs have endless possibilities. Public Chicago Styling by Bliss Weddings & Events No one does pretty partyscapes quite like Bliss Weddings & Events, the planning outfit that set this darling table on the Ava Terrace at Ian Scrager’s Gold Coast hotel. So did juxtaposing our skyline and the hotel’s new cutting-edge design with this precious-inpinks (and peaches) vision prove challenging? “Not at all. That’s the fun part,” says Bliss proprietor Renny Pedersen. “The classic charm from the original 1926 building still exists. Our romantic reception setting was a flawless fit.” And now, thanks to a merger earlier this year with Dettagli Weddings, couples can expect even chicer things from the creative minds at Bliss moving forward. “We’re getting ready to launch Bliss Parties, an online boutique where couples can shop for all the darling details they need for events big and small.” 312. 927.6090, blissweddingsandevents.com Florals, tabletop décor, linens, table and chairs from Event Creative. China, glassware, stemware and napkin rings from Small Masterpiece. Menu cards, invites, signage, place mats and dessert tags by Elizabeth Grace. Bar cart and bar accessories from The Painted Lady. French pastries by Vanille Pâtisserie. Monogrammed napkins by So Cute & Cozy. The Peninsula Chicago Hotel Styling by Birch Design Studio Birch Design Studio principal Marina Birch has a reputation for executing elegant fêtes that leave no detail unattended (think leather napkin tassles and picture frames repurposed as place mats). And it’s not surprising that her reception settings often end up looking like they belong in an interior design magazine—Birch’s résumé boasts an art history degree from Princeton and an interior design degree from Harrington. For this East-meets-West spread at The Peninsula, the designer was inspired by a recent trip to Morocco. “I visited Yves Saint Laurent’s Majorelle Gardens and fell in love with the colors and textures,” says Birch, who teamed up with Heffernan Morgan Designs for the exotic florals and custom furnishings. From the cerulean blue silk-upholstered chairs to the beaded chopsticks, the decadence is definitely in the details. 1117 N. Dearborn Parkway, 312.280.6811, birchdesignstudio.com Backdrop, florals and furniture by Heffernan Morgan Designs. Sconces and chandeliers from Frost Chicago. Table settings from Tablescapes. Linens from Private Label Linens. Tangerine macaron cakes and vanilla raspberry mini cakes by Executive Pastry Chef Hsing Chen at The Peninsula Chicago. Custom chopsticks, napkins and place mats sourced by Birch Design Studio. Hotel 71 Styling by Michelle Durpetti Events High above Wacker Drive, on the rooftop terrace at Hotel 71, Michelle Durpetti, founder and CEO of her eponymous company, Michelle Durpetti Events, dreamt up a stunning urban scene for a twilight affair. “We were inspired by the hotel’s sophisticated, international vibe and the breathtaking views of the nearby buildings and the river,” says Durpetti, who enlisted the help of ALD Shows for dramatic lighting and tropical florals (lobster claw heliconia, red mokara orchids, pincushion proteas and more) to soften the setting’s sleek décor. “Chicago is a city revered for its architectural splendor. So we started with more structural elements like a lighting tress we turned into a table and sturdy white stools, and then layered in details like a koi candelabra stacked with succulents and cut-crystal glassware to add an air of romanticism.” 505 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 575, 312.988.9900, durpettievents.com Florals and lighting by ALD Shows. Sweets by Sarah’s Pastries & Candies. Printed menus, escort cards and favor accessories by Erickson Design. Flatware and glassware from Classic Party Rentals. Linens, napkins and chargers from BBJ Linens. Koi candelabra from Anthropologie. Stools from Z Gallerie. French-inspired wooden artifacts from Architectural Artifacts.

Previous Page Next Page

Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here