1. Real Weddings

A Romantic Glam Wedding at Chicago Illuminating Company in Chicago, Illinois

When fashion blogger Liz Schneider (28) is planning a wedding, you just know it's going to be good. The Sequins and Stripes founder and her fiancé, Da

When fashion blogger Liz Schneider (28) is planning a wedding, you just know it's going to be good. The Sequins and Stripes founder and her fiancé, David Adams (29) worked closely with Nicole Zenner of LK Events and their florist, HMR Designs, to pull off a romantic reception at the Chicago Illuminating Company – with plenty of glam details, of course. "The venue felt old-school Chicago and was the perfect place for all of our out-of-town guests to get a taste of the city that we love," Liz explains. Despite the venue being an easy choice, Liz surprisingly had a tough time choosing the perfect gown for her September fête. "I tried on 19 dresses before I found the one!" she says of her embellished Monique Lhullier design. "When I finally tried it on, my dad started crying. That's when I knew." Set against an ivy-covered backdrop in a covered, outdoor courtyard, the couple exchanged vows before surprising guests with one very unexpected performance. "We had a trumpeter sit in our audience and stand up to play 'You Are The Best Thing' once Dave and I were announced as husband and wife!" Liz says. Distressed mirrored tables, mercury glass vases and gold sequins linens added just the right amount of glitz to the couple's indoor reception, while blush-hued blooms lent a romantic aesthetic to the space. Post-dinner, guests were treated to mini Chicago-style hotdogs, milk shakes and a swiss dot carrot cake topped with one supremely unique detail. "We used my grandmother and mother's cake topper," Liz says. "It's now engraved with three generations of wedding dates!"

Silver Manolo Blahnik Heels
After searching high and low, the bride ultimately ended up trying on 19 dresses before finding the perfect gown. "I knew I wanted something super-feminine and fitted at the top," Liz says. "Plus, it had to be lightweight so I could dance!" The final choice? A white, strapless Monique Lhullier dress that caused her dad to break down in tears.
Amsale Rhubarb Bridesmaid Dresses
Liz carried a classic, lush bouquet filled with ivory ranunculus, white garden roses, dusty miller and hydrangeas.
Wedding Dog with Green Garland
Each groomsman paired a classic black tuxedo with red ranunculus and dusty miller boutonnieres. Dave set himself apart by completing his look with a single white ranunculus on his lapel.
"I never imagined myself in something with embellishments or beading, but the dress was so beautiful on it's own and I felt amazing in it," Liz says of her Monique Lhullier wedding dress. "I knew it was the one!"
Despite an impromptu rain shower, the couple and their wedding party completed their first look and photo shoot prior to the start of the ceremony. "We didn't want to miss any of the party!" Liz explains.
Paper Plane Paperie created these unique wedding programs with all calligraphy by Holly Hollon. (The couple even made sure to include their pup, Webster, in the details!)
Liz and Dave wed in an outdoor courtyard at Chicago Illuminating Company against a lush backdrop of green ivy and flanked by two large bouquets. "I chose the venue because of the courtyard option and loved that it brought an element of the outdoor to our ceremony," the bride says. Guests watched on while seated on white, wood grain chairs.
The bride opted to wear her hair in a half up style secured on each side with vintage combs. "Since my dress was so detailed, I really wanted to keep my look simple," she says. "I knew if I went overboard with my hair an makeup that I wouldn't have felt like myself."
Modern Glam Wedding Reception
White and Ivory Low Ranunculus Centerpiece
Glam Silver and Gold Reception Decor
Clear Chiavari Chairs with White Linens
Gold Beaded Chargers
"We chose a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to really emulate the taste of fall," Liz says. "Plus, it's our favorite!" The three-tier confection sported a delicate swiss dot piped detail as well as a cake topper that once belong to the bride's mother and grandmother. "It's now engraved with three generations of wedding dates!" the bride explains.
Traditional Wedding Cake Topper
Liz and Dave's First Dance