Do I Need a Wedding Planner? {Part I}

Posted on June 7, 2013 by ashley

Do I really need a wedding planner? I hear this all the time! Clients always say to me, “I am really on the fence about a wedding planner. I’m not really sure that I need one.”

Believe me, I understand: weddings are expensive, and the thought of one more added expense can be daunting. As a wedding planner, though, it’s my job to ensure that your wedding process goes well, and creates a beautifully-personalized wedding day.

So, what does a wedding planner really do? {Part 1: the overall} Let’s see…

First and foremost, I create a budget for you. Many clients come to me having no idea how much certain services cost, or how to go about selecting the right vendor for their wedding. A well thought out budget is key! Together, we’ll work together to create a comprehensive budget that not only stays within your means, but addresses what is most important to you on your wedding day. You’ll never see us suggesting a venue for you that would not allow you to have other key elements of your wedding day…i.e. a great photographer and videographer, florals, music and entertainment! At La Belle Fleur Events, we believe amazing weddings are a combination of great elements, and more than just a great space.

After we create a comprehensive budget for you, we work on creating a beautifully-personalized wedding day. Weddings are an incredibly personal and important day in your life, and should reflect your style, your interests, and your love. Bringing out these elements is what makes your day fun and memorable for you and your guests. After all, they are coming to celebrate two of their favorite people!

{Like these wedding wine favors from our bride Sarah’s Mother’s Winery.}

When it comes to planning a wedding, it’s nice to have someone in your corner. We always look out for your best interest, and it’s nice to know that we can alleviate so much stress for you. There are hundreds of vendors for you to choose from, and we narrow it down to a select few. We handle communication, and set up appointments which relieves the back-and-forth communication for you. After all, you’re a couple planning a wedding who still has their day-to-day lives! Of course, on the wedding day, we will handle everything with a smile on our face, so you can focus on marrying each other! And…dancing the night away! XO {Stay Tuned for Part II: The nitty-gritty!}

Photos by–

Misty Winter + Ashley Biess + Theresa Scarbrough

Looking for a Great Intern!

Posted on June 5, 2013 by ashley

If you are a creative, detail oriented individual, please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Ashley at ashley@labellefleurevents.com!

Tips for a great submission:

Applying through email with the subject line: Internship

Addressing Ashley in your email and cover letter

Telling us what interests you most about the industry!

Remember: wedding planners are always on time! Punctuality is key!

Perfect Chicago Rehearsal Dinner Venues

Posted on May 30, 2013 by ashley

Choosing the perfect Chicago rehearsal dinner venue for you and your guests can be tricky. There are quite a few aspects that you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure that it’s a fun and memorable night!

What type of event is your wedding? If you’re having a formal affair, it’s always nice to treat your guests to a more causal event the night before. Choosing a space that offers a family style dinner would work perfectly. We love the views at the JParker, and their family style dinning is perfect for a casual rehearsal dinner!

{Photo courtesy of JParker}

Are you having a lot of out-of-town guests? If so, selecting a place that is easily accessible to them is key. Try choosing a location close to their accommodations or a place they can easily drive or catch a cab too. We love how close The Gage is to quite a few hotels downtown, and their private event space is perfect for rehearsal dinners!

{Photo Courtesy of Imtex}

A fun space we love having rehearsal dinners at is Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Delicious tapas, drinks and atmosphere make this restaurant a Chicago favorite.

{Image Courtesy of PartyEarth}

A few other Chicago favorites for us include Davanti Enoteca. Located in the heart of Little Italy, their amazing rustic-Italian food pairs well with their incredible wine selection.

{Image courtesy of Yelp}

Nellcote also offers delicious food, and a beautiful space. I simply adore their chandeliers.

{Image courtesy of Chicago Reader}

With so many beautiful and fun places in Chicago, get creative and make it a great start to your wedding weekend!

Ashley

A Perfect Springtime Wedding: Kate & Greg

Posted on May 24, 2013 by ashley

A couple of weekends ago, we had the pleasure of celebrating Kate & Greg’s wedding. It was the perfect springtime wedding, and spoke to everything I love about weddings: shades of coral, decadent peonies and tender moments between family and friends.

Kate and I met while I was working with former La Belle Fleur Event’s bride: Mandy. It was over a year in the making of us working together, and it was a sad day when it was all over!

The sun was shinning bright that day, and the emotions were running high.

All the ladies looked stunning in their vibrant, coral dresses, and, oh my, are they gorgeous.

Lush peonies and gorgeous ranunculus adorned the reception.

And, this pink ombré cake was just dreamy.

My favorite moment of the night goes to Kate’s dad, though. He had me in tears after his toast, and I have to say, that doesn’t happen often for me!

Thank you Kate & Greg for letting me celebrate with you! To many years of happiness! xo

Special thanks to Kina Wicks for the incredible photos! You rock, doll!

Mother’s Day with TipsyCake

Posted on May 21, 2013 by ashley

This year, we celebrated Mother’s Day with TipsyCake Chicago. It was such a lovely day, and we loved being apart of it. It’s especially nice when my family can come to an event that I’m hosting!

The team at TipsyCake created a lovely formal tea for all the guests. The amazing mothers enjoyed decadent treats like mini-sandwiches, scones and, decadent desserts. Of course, I ate all the macaroons.

Ashley Biess was there to capture all the fun, and even took some lovelies of me and Mama La Fleur! Thanks doll!

For the event, I picked up some small vases at the thrift store, and spray painted them with glittery gold. The floral arrangements were created with the most gorgeous peonies and rananculas.

We had such a nice time, and cannot wait to have an event with TipsyCake again!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by ashley

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! How will you say, “Happy Mother’s Day?” Come celebrate with us and TipsyCake Chicago! Your mother will love a formal tea for you and the family. There will be plenty of treats from mimosas, tea, coffee, mini-sandwiches, scones and, of course, plenty of delicious dessert! There will even be a delightful candy bar, so you can bring some treats home with you.

The wonderful Ashley Biess Photography will be there to take some gorgeous photos of you and the family. How often does your mama say, “We have no photos together!!” I know Mama La Fleur says that a lot! Can you say, “Future Christmas Card?”

I hope you and the family will join us. I am so excited to tell my mama how much I adore her!

Ashley

The Perfect Spring Palette

Posted on April 25, 2013 by ashley

It’s finally starting to warm up here in Chicago, and while the last few days have been filled with rain, I’m getting all sorts of excited because so many designers have launched their spring collections with my favorite wedding colors. They all contain the perfect spring palette: hues of blues, sea foam green, lavender and, oh my fave, coral…

{Chanel Cruise 2013}

{Elie Saab 2013}

{Kate Spade New York Spring 2013}

Ash

Francesca’s Collections a Night of Bridal Fun

Posted on April 24, 2013 by ashley

Next week we will be teaming up with Francesca’s Collections for a Night of Bridal Fun!

I absolutely love shopping at this store, and the ladies there always know how to pick out the right outfits for me.

They have plenty of dresses for all occasions. Whether you’re the bride or a bridesmaid, you can always find the perfect dress from engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party to rehearsal dinner. Of course, if you’re looking for a gift for your fave gal-pal, they have plenty in store. I personally love their purses.

I hope you’ll join a next week! We’ll be putting out some of our favorite dresses for every occasion, and I’ll be there to answer all your bridal questions.

Ash

Sage Wedding Pros Workshop | Recap

Posted on April 13, 2013 by ashley

This week, I had the pleasure to attend the Sage Wedding Pros Workshop. It was such an amazing experience not only personally but for the growth of La Belle Fleur Events. I met so many amazing people, (Hey Lindsey, Lynzie and Emily!) and am so thankful for everyone to be so honest with their personal experiences. Pure dolls!

The Simple Plan is designed to help wedding professionals create their business plans, and run a smarter and more efficient wedding business. Michelle and Kelly make it so simple that I wanted to shout from the rooftops. Everything from mission statements, marketing plans and financial statements…phew. You’d think that would be overwhelming, but our group kept it fun and exciting.

Two of my favorite parts of the shop…

I absolutely loved getting to meet so many different wedding professionals. It was amazing to meet not only so many talented Chicago professionals, but creative professional throughout North America.

The most impact, though, was in how much more confident I became in myself. I am so excited that La Belle Fleur Events will be undergoing a makeover in the next few months, and will be launching all bright and shiny in 2014. You’re going to love it. Promise!

Photo above by the amazing Ashley Biess!

Southern Weddings: Peach & Coral

Posted on April 11, 2013 by ashley

In early January, I had the idea to explore my current favorite wedding colors: coral and peach. As a Chicago wedding planner, I was dreaming of somewhere warmer to design and plan a wedding…and then it hit me: southern weddings!

After visiting Charleston in March, I was in love. I was surrounded by the ocean, exploring gorgeous plantations, and surrounded by beautiful camellias. I was in heaven.

I had an amazing team who helped bring my vision to life, and I could not be happier with how everything turned out. It had my heart feeling warm on such a chilly March day! There are even some photos of yours truly, and a promo video that will be released soon. xoxo.