Year In Review 2021
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- posted in: My Fave
Naturally Yours Events was honored to be a part of over 60 events this year! After the previous year, we were thankful to celebrate each and every wedding at some of our favorite venues again with our vendor friends as well as experience new spaces and meet other great wedding vendors.
Most importantly, our clients gave us a lot to look forward to this year. We went through some heartbreak in 2020 with many postponements and cancellations. With all these challenges and changes, it meant so much to us to finally celebrate with some of our couples who we had been planning with for so long. There was a little extra spark of joy amongst couples and guests as they enjoyed being together since for many it was the first time in a while. Many of our couples said their most important element of their wedding day was to have a fun, casual atmosphere for their guests to have a drink, dance, and catch up with each other.
We are TEN! Naturally Yours Events had its 10-year anniversary this April when we hosted a diamond ring giveaway with our friends at Mineralogy. We also dedicated 10% of our profits this year to Brave Space Alliance and Conservation.org as we strive to maintain and continuously improve upon our core values of being socially and environmentally responsible.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year great! Now let’s look back on our 2021 events…
DeeDee & James’ Neighborhood Nuptials at Chicago History Museum
Neighborhood Nuptials took place on a snowy day at Chicago History Museum in February. DeeDee And James said their I Do’s with some family members in person as well as on live stream ran by Cage & Aquarium. Flowers By Stem created a romantic, lush winter ceremony arch that complimented the bride’s seasonal bouquet.
Crystal & Elizabeth’s Neighborhood Nuptials at Ignite Glass Studios
Crystal and Elizabeth had a colorful wedding ceremony with Neighborhood Nuptials at Ignite Glass Studios where the brides carried rainbow bouquets and wore rainbow colored Converse!
Anne & Kyle’s Wedding at The Lytle House
This intimate wedding featured colorful spring flowers from Anemone Floral Design, custom origami table numbers, and a bubble ceremony exit!
Vaiva & Taylor’s Wedding at Galleria Marchetti
This Lithuanian wedding celebration at Galleria Marchetti featured many cultural traditions including this pictured introduction wedding party dance with juostos (colored sashes). The couple made a specialty drink (krupnikas) for the guests to toast to their new marriage with as a part of their traditions.
Callan & Henry’s Wedding at The Fairlie
This romantic wedding reception was glowing with candlelight as Callan and Henry shared their first dance. The couple had their guests write letters to active duty soldiers as a cocktail hour activity.
Lauren & Eric’s Wedding at Lacuna Lofts
This Jewish wedding ceremony had a gorgeous backdrop of a birchwood chuppah made by May Floral and the Chicago skyline at Lacuna Lofts. Then guests enjoyed a non stop dance party with Bluewater Kings Band.
Lauren & Joel’s Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory
Food was an important element for this summer wedding with a charcuterie board, family style meal from Publican, and a gourmet ice cream bar. There were even edible elements like kumquats and artichokes in the centerpieces by Flowers by Stem.
Carolyn & David’s Elopement at Lincoln Park North Pond
Carolyn and David said I Do’s in a private elopement ceremony that was sweet and personalized by officiants Liz Rae & Co. We’ll be celebrating with them again for their larger sequel wedding in 2022!
Jenna & Julian’s Wedding at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
After postponing in 2020, Jenna and Julian just wanted a big, fun party for their wedding with good music and atmosphere which was achieved on a beautiful summer evening on the terrace of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Emily & Ankur’s Wedding at The Old Post Office
Emilly & Ankur’s wedding was a non stop celebration, with a lively Baraat along Van Buren St, a traditional Indian wedding ceremony underneath a stunning mandap by Romee Willow Florals & Posh Production, and a large wedding reception in the Old Post Office Historic Lobby filled with good food and performances by the bride & groom as well as family & friends.
Dilara & Bryan’s Wedding at Greenhouse Loft
Turkish elements were incorporated into Dilara and Bryan’s wedding at Greenhouse Loft. Guests enjoyed traditional food from Reza’s Mediterranean. Decor featured lemons and silk flowers from Something Borrowed Blooms as our bride was allergic to real flowers. All these bouquets pictured are artificial!
Maggie & Dan’s Wedding at Ovation
Maggie and Dan’s sophisticated pizza party wedding at Ovation was a hit with tasty selections from Wooden Paddle and a rocking dance floor led by Style Matters DJs.
Angela & Adam’s Wedding at The Shedd Aquarium
Some otter-ly adorable special guests attended Angela & Adam’s wedding at the Shedd Aquarium. Their ceremony took place right in front of the otter exhibit, perfectly timed right before the otters’ dinner time so guests could witness that experience.
Krista & Erik’s Wedding at Blissful Barn
In Michigan, Krista and Eric’s rustic country wedding had a relaxed summer atmosphere with barbecue food, yard games, specialty mason jar cocktails, and a donut wall. The bride and groom even wore custom wedding cowboy boots!
Stephanie & Paul’s Wedding at The Monte Bello Estate
Right before Stephanie and Paul’s wedding, the weather shifted and their ceremony was quickly moved inside before the downpour. But no amount of rain could damper this wedding with a large, fun wedding party, a cocktail hour cigar roller, a live wedding painter- Wed on Canvas, and an amazing dance performance by the bride and some of her dance troupe.
Inna & Jordan’s Wedding at Oak Brook Hyatt Lodge
Inna and Jordan’s classic modern wedding featured Ukrainian traditions beginning with their wedding ceremony at Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church. The party continued at the Hyatt Lodge with sophisticated tall centerpieces from Yanni Design Studio and scrumptious Creative Cakes wedding cake.
Victoria & Xiang’s Wedding at Floating World Gallery
Floating World Gallery was the perfect intimate space for Victoria and Xiang’s guests to finally connect after their wedding was postponed from 2020. Guests enjoyed traditional Chinese cuisine and desserts and experienced an impressive Lion Dance performance!
Gina & Brett’s Wedding at Rockwell on the River
A rock star party was what Gina and Brett envisioned for their summer wedding at Rockwell on the River. Live music was very important so Midtown Strings set the ambiance for ceremony and cocktail hour with a string trio and then, Funktastic Productions brought the dance party all night!
Kristi & Brian’s Wedding at Cafe Brauer
Cafe Brauer was full of energy at Kristi & Brian’s long awaited wedding. After the couple performed a perfectly choreographed first dance, all of the wedding guests put on their dancing feet as they danced to live wedding band, Spoken Four.
Mat & Emmy’s Wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club
Mat & Emmy were all about a fun party with tasty food, extensive dessert buffet from Oak Mill Bakery, Superdawg late night bites, and mini tequila favors. There was lots of laughter throughout their personal ceremony and touching toasts.
Staci & Evan’s Neighborhood Nuptials at Artifact Events
Staci and Evan’s stylish Neighborhood Nuptials featured a unity candle ceremony in front of a bespoke backdrop by Black Candy Design, an adorable first dance, and a delicious Bittersweet Pastry wedding cake served on dishes from Vintage Place Settings.
Lauren & Tyler’s Sequel Wedding at Ignite Glass Studios
One of our own wedding planners celebrated her sequel wedding this year complete with a rooftop vow renewal, a glassblowing demonstration by Ignite Glass Studios, a sustainable Big Delicious Planet dinner with modern, garden Field & Florist centerpieces and vinyl DJ tunes by Cage & Aquarium.
Katie & Ryan’s Wedding at Bridgeport Art Center
Ryan had a sweet, emotional reaction as Katie walked down the aisle for their ceremony officiated by the bride’s uncle. Chicago played a role in their wedding day as they took Second City Trolley around for wedding party photos, enjoyed the skyline views from Bridgeport Art Center, and indulged in Portillo’s wedding cake and late night bites.
Sasvi & Peter’s Backyard Wedding
This Grateful Dead inspired wedding took backyard wedding to a new level. Atmosphere Events Group strung cafe lights and greenery along the grand tent by Marquee Events. Long farm tables with colorful floral, vintage glassware, and homemade tie-dyed napkins were set for the guests’ dinner featuring Pakistani food before they jammed out to a Grateful Dead cover band, Terrapin Flyer.
Bridgette & Tom’s Wedding at Camp Newaygo
A camping trip and a wedding weekend all in one! Bridgette and Tom celebrated in the woods of Camp Newaygo, dancing to bluegrass wedding band Gussied, and enjoying action stations for dinner & lots of rustic pie!
Samantha & Alex’s Wedding at Ignite Glass Studios
Samantha & Alex’s wedding reception took place underneath the sparkling cafe lights in the courtyard of Ignite Glass Studios with long Tablescapes farm tables and vintage multi-colored glassware. Since this party was celebrating their one year anniversary, they had two cake cuttings with one being of the saved top tier from their first wedding date! We love all the celebration photos from Angela Renee Photography!
Woodland Baby Shower at Loft Lucia
This adorable woodland themed baby shower celebrated the new mom to be with sophisticated party games, mini succulent party favors, and brunch buffet from Goat Group Catering. An impressive balloon installation by Luft Balloons was the backdrop for all mini sweet treats and Bittersweet Pastry cake.
B & Lindsey’s Wedding at Salvage One
Dried flower petals were tossed in celebration after B & Lindsey said I do in an outdoor ceremony at Salvage One. Lindsey wore an embroidered pantsuit with crystal crown and B wore a tailored suit with vintage lace blouse accented by a floral sash before both changing into sequined jackets for a dance floor led by Toast & Jam.
Nikki & Drew’s Wedding at Chicago Botanic Gardens
This late summer wedding in full bloom at the Chicago Botanic Gardens with boldly colored blooms by Becca Blue Flowers. Nikki & Drew’s Jewish wedding ceremony took place in the English Garden before their tented wedding reception with lounge furniture from Elements Preserved, MagBooth photo booth, and dancing under the stars with the band Gussied.
G&J Vow Renewal at Winnetka Community House
During this couple’s sweet vow renewal, they performed a tree planting unity ceremony underneath their Chuppah decorated with prairie pampas grass. Local midwest wildflowers bursted with color on the dining tables for their outdoor courtyard wedding reception at Winnetka Community House.
Jen & Andrew’s Wedding Reception at The Lytle House
Jen and Andrew’s cool style was abundantly shown at their wedding celebration at Lytle House. Guests enjoyed an intimate Amazing Edibles dinner with colorful centerpieces by Petals + Ink. After dinner they cocktailed under the stars with Dipsy Desserts and took photos in a converted vintage VW Photobooth Bus.
Ashley & Eric’s Wedding at Chikaming Country Club
Ashley and Eric had fun driving around on golf carts as they made their entrance to their garden wedding ceremony. Guests cocktailed at golden hour with signature drinks named after the couple’s two pups and then danced the night away with sparklers and Bluewater Kings Band.
Kirsten & Andrew’s Wedding at The Joinery
The Joinery was the perfect venue for Kirsten and Andrew’s elegantly earthy September wedding. Bridesmaids wore mismatched dusty rose dresses and carried bouquets constructed by the bride herself. Frontier served up a dinner buffet of upscale comfort food like short ribs, cauliflower steak, and mac & cheese.
Alice & Erik’s Wedding at Lacuna Lofts
Alice and Erik got married in 2020 but postponed their reception. So they decided to have a vow renewal on the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts where they sealed letters in a wine box to read together on their next anniversary. Guests felt like kids again when Spin Spun cotton candy started spinning at their reception.
Gwen & Brandon’s Wedding at The Joinery
Gwen and Brandon’s wedding was painted in shades of blue from the monochromatic bridesmaids dresses & navy velvet groom’s tux, to the ombre wedding cake, and the accents in the floral installation by Flowers for Dreams hanging from the Joinery‘s skylight.
Elizabeth & Mike’s Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory
After their ceremony at Unity Temple in Oak Park, Elizabeth and Mike hopped on the CTA and rode the train to Garfield Park Conservatory for their wedding reception. In lieu of favors, each table featured a different charitable organization that the couple made donations to in the names of the guests sitting at that table, such as the Anti-Cruelty Society, Planned Parenthood, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Allison & David’s Wedding at Chicago Cultural Center
The historic Chicago Cultural Center set the scene for Allison and David’s wedding reception. Ring of Music played live as the couple performed their choreographed first dance under the stunning Tiffany dome. For their guestbook, the couple had family and friends sign large wine bottles that they will open at different milestone anniversaries.
Ravi & Tim’s Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory was transformed for a modern boho hybrid ceremony of the grooms’ Hindu and Western cultures. AEG created a unique open structure Mandap with potted plants, ferns and a cozy rug. Mantra cooked a fully vegetarian, Indian dinner buffet and instead of dancing, Ravi & Tim created an activity center for their guests that included going on a scavenger hunt around the conversatory looking for photos of their cat, Hobbs!
Neighborhood Nuptials at Chicago History Museum
Our October Neighborhood Nuptials at Chicago History Museum was busy, with four couples tying the knot in intimate ceremonies.
Jaimie and Robert said I do in an offbeat ceremony and then cut their cake by Flourish Cake Design! They are so glad they swiped right!
April & Jared utilized professional officiating services with Jarrod Gaither of Rev It Up and enjoyed taking photos on the steps of the museum.
Layci & Ryan jumped the broom at the end of their ceremony and then shared a first dance and sweet parent dances which virtual guests could witness on Cage & Aquarium‘s live stream.
Shea & Tony were all smiles when they were able to share their vows underneath a fall inspired moon arch by Flowers By Stem.
Janee & Matt’s Wedding at South Shore Cultural Center
Janee and Matt had a large wedding party support them on their wedding day and they enjoyed exploring the city for photos on an Aries Charter trolley before making their way to their elegant, romantic wedding at South Shore Cultural Center.
Alexa & Jake’s Wedding at Union League Club of Chicago
After a beautiful ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church, Alexa and Jake danced the night away with the large live band Rendezvous at the historic Union League Club of Chicago. Their gorgeous photos are by Angela Renee Photography!
Kristin & Scott’s Wedding at Galleria Marchetti
This ruby red fall wedding featured gorgeous monochromatic bouquets and low compote centerpieces by Thistle and Plume. During cocktail hour, the couple offered guests a specialty Mai Tai named after their cat as well as a collection of craft beers from their favorite brewery, Alarmist Brewing.
Jillian & Patrick’s Wedding at The Joinery
Guests traveled the world at Jillian and Patrick’s wedding with luggage tag escort cards, ‘sign our globe’ guestbook, vintage suitcase card box, and a dinner of worldly cuisine created by Hearty Boys.
Leslie & Ken’s Wedding at Joliet Union Station Grand Ballroom
Leslie and Ken were one of our first couples to postpone in April 2020 so when October 2021 came around we were so grateful to finally celebrate their wedding with them at Joliet Union Station! At Your Request Entertainment provided fun activites for guests during dinner like Reverse Wedding Kiss and The Newlywed Game.
Sam & Joe’s Wedding at Greenhouse Loft
Sam & Joe’s cocktail style wedding reception allowed guests to mix and mingle with heavy passed hors d’oeuvres from Food For Thought and late night Jeni’s Ice Cream for dessert.
JC & Kelsey’s Wedding at Bridgeport Art Center
JC and Kelsey welcomed their wedding guests with an escort card champagne wall to get the party started at Bridgeport Art Center. Their black & white modern wedding had minimalist baby’s breath arrangements from EcoWilde and vintage chandeliers & drapery from Art of Imagination hanging over their dance floor.
Meghan & Devin’s Wedding at Ravenswood Event Center
Meghan and Devin turned spooky into stylish for their Halloween Eve wedding at Ravenswood Event Center. Mini pumpkin escort card holders, black candelabras with seasonal fall foliage, and ‘pick your poison’ specialty drinks were all boo-tacularly on theme.
Jill & Jacob’s Wedding at Loft Lucia
Jill and Jacob got ready for their wedding day at the stylish Publishing House B&B before their rooftop ceremony at Loft Lucia. The bride’s ‘something blue’ were buttons sewn into the back of her dress taken from her grandmother’s wedding gown.
Stephanie & Ethan’s Wedding at The Fairlie
You could feel the love at Stephanie and Ethan’s cozy fall wedding. They incorporated a few Jewish elements in their ceremony including a birch wood Chuppah constructed by Flowers By Stem. After dinner, guests had fun dancing with Toast & Jam DJs and taking photos with the vintage style open air photo booth, Fotio.
Amy & Brent’s Wedding at Library 190
We Only Do Pretty created the bride’s signature old Hollywood glam look for their vintage wedding in the stacks of Library 190. Guests sipped on custom signature cocktails while they wrote well wishes for the couple on library cards ‘guestbook’.
Kaylee & Ariel’s Wedding at Ovation
This fall wedding was filled with bright colorful florals from Thistle & Plume inspired by the bride’s own paintings and featured custom metal centerpieces constructed by the groom.
Meghan & Mike’s Sequel Wedding at Library 190
Meghan and Mike had to postpone their larger wedding reception until 2021 so were looking forward to having a fun party with their family and friends. They enjoyed Nothing Bundt Cakes for dessert and late night hotdogs & cheese curds from Food For Thought. The bride made an attire change before tearing up the dance floor with Cage & Aquarium.
Carl & Julianna’s Wedding at The Joinery
This perfectly plum wedding was filled with lush colorful lavender florals from Flowers By Stem. Rather than encouraging a large dance floor, Carl and Julianna opted for a live string band, Brooklyn Britches & Whispers, to create lounge-y, after dinner cocktail atmosphere with activities & good conversation.
Let It Snow 1st Birthday Party
This 1-year old’s birthday party was a ‘Winter One-derland’ with custom homemade snowflake cookies and a hot chocolate bar.
Leyla & Kyle’s Wedding at Pazzo’s
Our last wedding of the year was certainly not least with one of our largest wedding parties, all in deep navy blue attire. Leyla and Kyle had a big party atmosphere at Pazzo’s. They played Arabic music with DJ Chicago to honor the bride’s culture and had their new married name spelled out in a large marquee sign from Alpha Lit Chicago.
What a wonderful, crazy, busy, and fulfilling year! Now let’s pop the champagne and cheers to 2022!
From our NYE family to yours- Happy New Year!
Carlene, Kristen, Lauren, Evelyn, Liz, Tempris, Sarah, Samantha, and Caitlyn