Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I stayed away from using “We Have STDs” as the title for this post because I’m trying to be mature. Really. But as I typed “Wedding Packages,” I ended up laughing to myself anyway.
I tried.
Anyway! We did get some exciting wedding packages the other day, and one of them was a box full of STDs! (OK, that’s pretty funny.) I’ve already raved about how great Laurie from Lucky Bee Press is, but the sweet packaging and thoughtful extras included in her shipment really took my adoration to another level. Take a peek!
Perfectly packaged with a personal note on top! So cute. And check out the bee stamp!
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I’ve mentioned a few times already that I have yet to pick out my bridesmaids’ ensembles. This really confuses me because I thought choosing my girls’ outfits would be one of the easiest wedding tasks! I love clothes, and I’m always sharing things from my closet. Dressing my ladies would be the ultimate opportunity to share my favorite styles with everyone.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
If you live in Chicago, you know all about the amazing summers we have here. There are beaches to sit on, shows to attend, and street fairs to go to every single weekend. It’s pretty much awesome. But my favorite part of Chicago summertime is, hands down, the unbelievable music festivals that find a home here.
It just so happens that my VERY favorite, Pitchfork Music Festival, falls on my birthday weekend every year. I mean really, Pitchfork, you shouldn’t have. So last year, like every year, Sparks and I made our way over to Union Park to get down to our favorite tunes. Last year was especially great because one of my favorite college buddies was in town, and Sparks’s friend had (generously) gifted us with VIP passes! We spent the next three days jamming to Robyn, Tallest Man on Earth, and Major Lazer. Oh, and enjoying all the free beer. Score!
Left: My face for the whole weekend; Right: Killer view for Pavement
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
You would think that after nearly eight years with Sparks, I would have some idea that an engagement was coming. But I didn’t. I had NO clue. I mean, I knew we would get married one day and, to do that, Sparks would eventually have to ask me. But I just never expected it to happen when it did.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Back in September, I attended my first big bridal expo (or show, or salon, or whatever). My friend and I scored free tickets through Weddingbee (sweet!), and I was pretty excited. But oh, you guys, I was such a naïve little bride. I imagined we would show up, be treated like royalty, find the best vendors in the city, and get so many free gifts that they would have to carry the boxes to our car for us.
Well…no. No, that’s not really what happened (and yes, I can hear you all laughing at me). Here’s the breakdown of what actually occurred:
Arrive at sign-in. Wait patiently to be upgraded to VIP status. (I’m getting married, helloooo!)
Be denied VIP status. Get normal bracelet and go upstairs in search of free food and drink.
Quickly discover there isn’t much food left. Eat champagne instead.
Push through loud and overcrowded display rooms, looking for unique and interesting vendors.
Realize that it is so crowded you will not get to talk to anyone. Discover a bar in the corner serving very pretty blue beverages.
Drink many free blue beverages.
Inquire about rumored bridal gift bag.
Find out gift bags are for VIPs only.
Head downstairs and fill out comment card. Be very…ahem…honest about your experience.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I recently mentioned that my sister and I spent some time planning the details for my engagement party. And you may have found yourself thinking, “Hmm, why is Miss Sparkler having an engagement party when she and Sparks have CLEARLY been engaged for nine months??? That seems so silly!” Good question. It does seem so silly. (And have I really been engaged for NINE months? Geeeez.) While I am beyond excited to celebrate with my friends and family, I have to be honest with you all: this is a bittersweet affair.
Our original party was supposed to happen last November, when Sparks and I were (sort of) freshly engaged. I have to admit, that month was shaping up to be pretty good for the two of us. I had two marathons to run, Sparks had so many concerts to go to that he actually made a daily schedule, and my mom was throwing us a (sure to be beautiful) engagement party. I woke up almost every day feeling overly thrilled about the fun stuff coming our way.
Then, as I was pinning on my bib the morning of my second race, we got a phone call that changed everything.
My grandfather had collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital where he was now on life support. I tried to process the information, but it was impossible. I just kept telling myself that it would be OK, that it HAD to be OK. I had never lost a grandparent. All four were strong and healthy…I was in no way mentally prepared for something like this.
Sibs the morning of the race. Shamelessly wearing my Chicago shirt.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
So you’ve seen our save the dates, I’ve talked about how we want a “minimalistic” style wedding, and I’ve revealed the venue…but what does it all mean? What will the Sparkler wedding actually look like? Let me try and paint you a picture.
Our wedding vision (really…did I just say “wedding vision”?) started coming to life when we fell in love with bold combinations of black, white, and charcoal gray, with punches of bright plum mixed in. Ohhhh look:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I love paper. Love it. After Sparks popped the question, one of the first things I got excited about was designing my own paper products for the wedding. I had secretly been thinking about it for a pretty long time, and I had already collected some inspiration pics. (Don’t freak out Sparks—you know I’m not crazy.) So when the time came to start thinking about our save the dates, I was prepared. I had a slew of ideas swimming around in my head and a lot of them looked like this:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I’ve become obsessed with having a confetti toss as Sparks and I walk back down the aisle. It would definitely have to be biodegradable tissue confetti. In our wedding colors. No big deal. They make a lot of that stuff, right? Well, until I can find some, feast your eyes on some confetti porn. Sigh.
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Sister Sparkler (my maid of honor) was in Chicago recently, and we were MEGA productive in all things wedding related. OK, there was one major fail, but we’ll talk about that later. Let’s talk about the things we did accomplish first:
1. Cheese please
On Friday night, we met up with our photographers at their (insanely adorable) studio in Evanston, where we had a chance to check out…the Smilebooth! If you haven’t heard of Smilebooth, you have to, have to, HAVE TO check out their website. It’s a pretty simple idea: Step in front of the camera, grab the clicker, and—“Cheese!”—capture your own photo booth images in front of adorable backdrops. Here’s a taste of what you can end up with:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
The other day Sparks and I were catching up on a Biggest Loser episode (love it) in which the contestants had to complete a temptation challenge. Basically, each team had to spend three minutes in a room that was filled (I’m talking floor to ceiling) with their absolute favorite foods. The team that ate the most calories would “win.” Yeesh. Talk about torture.
Later, Sparks asked me what the room would be filled with if I were a contestant:
“Easy. Chick-fil-A sandwiches. And I would eat every single one of them. Crawlin’ up and down the walls like Spiderman.”
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
(I promise I will explain that title. Really, there is a point to it. I swear.)
When I last left you, I was feeling pretty anxious about finding a place for our ceremony and reception. My anxiety only increased as we went from appointment to appointment, touring each prospective venue. Nothing seemed to fit quite right. Prairie Productions and Ravenswood Event Center ended up being too small, Architectural Artifacts had no AC (risky for an early September wedding), and River East Art Center was waaay expensive. It eventually came down to Gallery 1028 and Chicago Illuminating Company (CIC).
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Hmmmm…that title doesn’t really work. In my head, I was imagining all of our potential venues battling for our business, Olympics-style. But that’s not really how it happened.
It was actually more like this: “Yay, we are Chicago venues! We don’t have to fight for clients because we book up a year in advance!
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
This is the post in which I get to introduce you to our marvelous, amazing, super talented, super adorable, effortlessly cool photographers. I could go on and on with the compliments. I mean, look at them:
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
If anyone can guess that reference, we should talk…or have a sing-a-long.
This post actually has nothing to do with the mall (sorry for being so deceitful). But it does have to do with shopping! Close enough?
Anyway.
About a month after getting engaged, I planned a trip home to visit my mom and youngest sister. This was the first time they had seen me since Sparks put a ring on it, and they were excited. Really excited. So even though I had only been engaged for a few weeks, I decided to go ahead and make an appointment to try on a few dresses. I mean, why the heck not?
With the littlest sis and Mom—my shopping buddies for the day!
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Unique Wedding Favors
