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1. Lower chances of rain & Gorgeous Temperatures: June is actually the wettest month in Chicagoland while September is better for temperatures (average temp of 76) and precipitation!
2. Less chance for bothersome bugs: Mosquitos are the enemy of the outdoor wedding - bugs are usually less bothersome in September than in June, July and August.
3. Earlier sunsets: Sunsets in June are late in the day making it difficult to utilize lighting and candles in your decor. September sunsets are around 7-7:30PM making it the perfect atmosphere for lots of candlelight in your dining centerpieces!
These are all great reasons to say "I DO" outdoors in September in the Midwest, but ALWAYS remember to have a backup plan for rain - this is the Midwest afterall! No rain plan means lots of unneccesary worry in the weeks and months leading up to the big day. Mother Nature WILL be a guest at your wedding, so plan appropriately. Nothing is worse than being a guest at an outdoor wedding standing in the beating sun, drizzle or wind!
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Jade and Raj are having a semi-formal multi-cultural affair, and want to make sure that both bride and groom guests are excited and informed as to what to expect from their ceremony. The design of the invitation as well as the wording and fonts are all reflective of this objective, and it has transformed into one of the major inspirations for the entire event. This invitation was created by Visual Affair specifically for the client.
Mary and Victor had a semi-casual affair on the Chicago Lakefront and created this invitation themselves as a DIY project. They wanted to make sure guests were aware of the location so they wouldn’t wear shoes or clothing inappropriate to the beach or their outdoor venue. We also loved that they invited their guests to wear certain colors that reflected the time of day – which inspired the decor for their event.
Lori & Bryan had married in a private ceremony previously, and wanted to host a very casual cocktail reception to kick off the 4th of July Weekend and celebrate the recent nuptuals. To make sure guests knew what to expect from the evening and keep the mood extremely casual and festive - they got creative with their invitation. They weren’t serving dinner and wanted to make sure that was reflected as well. 
The Bummer: Your hot heel is sinking into the grass and you're trying not to look like you're limping down the aisle.
The Solution: We love these great little finds, The Sole Mates!
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Colors and Lighting
Stephanie chose striking red gowns for her bridesmaids – but didn’t want to go overboard with the color red since it makes such a strong visual statement. LOLA accented Steph's chosen color with elegant texture layering of cream and gold in the linens and floral centerpieces then tied in the red with dramatic up-lighting to maximize the natural drama of the high ceilings in this modern loft-like venue.;)
Low Temperatures Outside = Max Savings Inside!
People are always asking us how we can save them money. I have one word for you… JANUARY. Real savings come when we can negotiate pricing because a vendor wants more business. Booking your event in the off-season is the #1 best way to get the most “bang” for your buck. REAC rents for about $15K in Spring, Summer and Fall on a Saturday night. We were able to negotiate the rental for a fraction of that cost and the atmosphere couldn’t have been more stunning. Candles glitter more warmly in the winter, receptions seem more cozy, and guests aren’t torn between multiple event invitations on the same night. Many event related companies (including LOLA) offer discounts for planning an event this time of year. Consider all the extra choices and perks you’ll be able to enjoy! Photos compliments of Sarah Alair Photography;)