Multi Cultural Ceremonies

Planning a meaningful wedding ceremony that has relevance to the bride and groom and also honors the beliefs and traditions of both family's cultures can be difficult at best.  At LOLA we do a great many ceremonies that honor different religions, cultures and individuals.  A great example of this was the wedding of Jade and Raj on June 21st at Harold Washington Library.

They celebrated with a modified traditional Hindi ceremony followed by a secular ceremony that talked about their personal love story.  They exchanged personally written vows, and then finished with a traditional African American "broom jumping" ceremony.  

 Family and friends were incorporated into the ceremony in many different and personal ways - including a portion of the ceremony where everyone wrote messages on ribbons that were then collected and will later be tied into their "broom." This also served as a break between ceremonies where the bride and groom changed from their Hindi clothing to their western attire.

As a segue into their reception, drummers from Chicago-based world music band Funkadesi led them into the reception in style.  A combination of Indian, African, Reggae, and contemporary funk - this was truly the perfect band for this event! http://www.funkadesi.com/

Hurray for Iowa!

We are so excited for Gay and Lesbian couples in our neighboring state of Iowa – who can now enjoy the legal rights and social milestones previously reserved only for heterosexual couples.  We were lucky enough to help Jo and Ellen coordinate their 2007 reception in Oak Park, IL following a heartfelt ceremony that can now also be recognized as legal!  (photo by Peter Pawinski) 

For those gay couples looking to make your union legal – hop on over to Iowa to have a Civil Ceremony and then come back to Chicago to party!  Many couples that get married in Illinois may make it legal prior to the ceremony for whatever reason in another state or country.  You can still have a ceremony and reception in IL after managing the legalities over state lines!  Here is how you do it in Iowa…

Residency: Same-sex couples do not have to be residents of Iowa in order to obtain a marriage certificate. Couples should bring a photo ID and their Social Security card with them at the time of registration.

Cost: Expect to pay at least $30

Previous Marriages:
Divorce happens. If either of you have been previously married, be prepared to show your divorce papers. If the divorce is fresher than 60 days, bring a signed copy.

Waiting Period: You will have to wait up to three (3) business days for the application to process.

Blood And Other Tests: No tests are required in order to marry in Iowa.

Witnesses: You will need a witness, so plan on bringing a close friend or relative with you when you apply for the license.

Age Requirements: You both need to be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

Wedding Officiant: Even after you apply, your marriage isn't valid unless an ordained and licensed clergymen or justices of the peace officiates over your ceremony.

Many of these rules are the same in Illinois – but check with your county clerk to check the legalities of the location where you plan to legally tie the knot well in advance of the Big Day!  Here is the info for Cook County:

http://www.cookctyclerk.com/sub/marriage_licenses.asp

Unique Winter Bouquets

Elizabeth Mitchell and Jim Keating tied the knot on February 21, 2009.  We love that they processed down the aisle TOGETHER arm in arm, as a mature modern couple in their simple ceremony at Bond Chapel at the University of Chicago!

We especially loved Elizabeth’s unique bouquet – which was perfect for her vintage inspired lace sheath gown and their sophisticated cocktail reception for 60 of their closest friends and family at the Quadrangle Club (photo by Joe Gallo).

This textured bouquet for the late February wedding was designed and constructed by the LOLA Pro’s featuring winter kale, fern, succulents (sometimes called ‘hens & chicks’), mini callas, early spring lilac, dusty miller, scabosia and winter greens. The bride wanted very few actual flowers, and a concentration of cool wintery shades of green with touches of white. 

The use of succulents in bouquets and centerpieces is a huge trend for the coming season of weddings regardless of season!

For color in the cold, bold colors work and play off a palette of winter white beautifully.  Also by LOLA, this bouquet is entirely created of roses, featuring ruby red and cerise roses and spray roses collared in greens.

Good Times and Great Ideas at the LOLA Open House!

The third annual LOLA Open House on Tuesday, February 24, was fun evening at the LOLA studio space in Bucktown, with our clients and some of our favorite vendors. The event was full of fun new wedding trends and ideas for clients to be inspired by.

Guests experienced creative and interactive concepts, viewed event design vignettes and met select vendors over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and music. Local designer, Caroline DeVillo, showcased her latest bridal collection for clients to see up close and personal.

Jesse Deckard, of Botanicals, worked with LOLA to create four design vignettes, based on our favorite ideas and trends and the four seasons. Ideas included eco-friendly concepts, a late night lounge and custom designed linens. 

Kristie Wagner, owner of Anjenu, created custom designed printable pieces to fit within each of the design vignettes, including invitations, menus, place cards and a guest book.

Kelly Cavanaugh of Blue Plate Catering worked with LOLA to develop a delicious menu that fit the environment perfectly. The Ladies of The Sweet Collective (Cake by The Sugar Syndicate, Sweets by Rich Chocolates and Candies and Ruth and Phil's Gourmet Ice Cream) provided yummy sweets and bites of cake in creative flavors, combinations and presentations.

Beauty on Call gave away a great grab bag of beauty goodies to one of LOLA’s lucky brides to help her get ready for her big day.

Talent from MaryMonica Music enhanced the mood with a bluesy violin and upright bass duo.

Some of our favorite features from the event were the place cards done in calligraphy by Write by Mike and affixed to rock candy sticks that pulled double duty as garnishes for the glasses they were placed in and the new linen from BBJ Linen that is made out of recycled bottles!

Special Thanks to Michael Monar for these great photos!

Participating vendors:

·      Event Design by LOLA Event Productions 

·      Décor by Botanicals

·      Wedding Fashion by Caroline DeVillo Couture

·      Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktails by Blue Plate Catering

·      Cakes & Sweets from The Sweet Collective 

·      Live Entertainment by Talent from MaryMonica Music

·      Printables and Invitations by Anjenu

·      Photography by Michael Monar Photo

·      Linens from BBJ Linen

·      Tabletop & Rentals from Tablescapes

·      Day of Beauty Consultations from Beauty on Call

Annual LOLA Open House February 24

You are invited...

LOLA Event Productions Open House
Tuesday February 24, 2009 6pm - 9pm
1616 N Damen Avenue Suite #301 Chicago, IL 60647
(just north of the intersection of North/Damen/Milwaukee)

Meet the entire LOLA staff and select members of their vendor network over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at their yearly Open House. Experience the latest trends in décor, floral and environmentally friendly event concepts, and make connections to help in the planning of your entire wedding or event in the casual atmosphere of their Bucktown Studio. Get ideas and answers to YOUR individual questions about budgeting, design and more direct from the LOLA Pro’s. This much anticipated event will also preview the latest bridal collection by local designer, Caroline DeVillo.

Event Design by LOLA Event Productions
Decor by Botanicals
Wedding fashion by Caroline DeVillo Couture
Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails by Blue Plate Catering
Cakes & Sweets by The Sugar Syndicate
Live Entertainment by talent from MaryMonica Music
Printables and Invitations by Anjenu
Photography by Michael Monar Photo
Linens from BBJ Linen
Tabletop & Rentals from Tablescapes
Day of Beauty Consultations from Beauty on Call 

This event is complimentary - RSVP Required to 773.942.6172 or info@lolaeventproductions.com