1. Real Weddings

A Romantic Sage Wedding at Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza in Chicago, Illinois

Lauren Rykovich (29 and a pharmacist) and Matthew Blondell (31 and an elementary school physical education teacher) held their Downtown Chicago weddin

Lauren Rykovich (29 and a pharmacist) and Matthew Blondell (31 and an elementary school physical education teacher) held their Downtown Chicago wedding at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza that came to life with succulents thriving throughout each bouquet and floral arrangement. Lauren glowed in a formfitting Augusta Jones wedding dress with straps and lace overlay that she found just two months after getting engaged. "I found the perfect belt to match my dress from Nordstrom's bridal department and paired it with Badgley Mischka heels," says Lauren. With the color scheme of green, sage and white established through the flowers, the couple focused on the theme of Chicago, seen in the table numbers, which were gold picture frames with various Chicago landmarks. "Our wedding stationery also included our color scheme and the Chicago skyline," says Lauren. The biggest success of the day was the DJ at the reception in the Wolfe Ballroom, which had floor-to-ceiling windows that gave great views of the city. DJ Toast and Jam reflected the musical tastes of Lauren and Matthew perfectly, and to add an element of fun, the couple brought out glow sticks to give to guests so they could dance all night long. "Tied with our photographer, our DJ was the vendor that most people wanted the name of after the wedding," says Lauren. A piece of advice from the bride: "Try to be completely packed a few days before for the wedding and the honeymoon. Remember to have the gifts you are planning on giving to your parents and the people helping out in the wedding all wrapped and ready to go."

Wedding Rings Resting on a Succulent
Lauren found her wedding dress just two months after getting engaged, and added a thin belt that matched her dress at Nordstrom's bridal department.
Green and White Boutonniere
Lauren's bridemaids found their light green dresses from J.Crew in a shade called Dusty Shale to match the green succulents in the bouquets.
Wanting a navy suit, Matthew found the perfect shade for him and his groomsmen at Jim's Formal Wear in Downers Grove, Illinois.
"I really like succulents and wanted them to be incorporated in my bouquet and all the flower arrangements," says Lauren.
Lauren and Matthew tied the knot at Assumption Catholic Church Chicago, which worked perfectly since the ceremony venue was only a couple of blocks from the reception site.
"I didn't have a videographer, and looking back, I really wish I would have due to the crazy dancing occurring on our dance floor," says Lauren.
Bride and Groom Kiss Among the Greenery
Bride and Groom Smile on the Waterfront in Chicago
Gold Birdcage Card Holder
The cocktail hour and reception were held in the Wolfe Ballroom, which had floor-to-ceiling windows that gave great views of the city.
Lauren and Matthew's table numbers were ordered from Etsy and included various Chicago landmarks.
Two-Tier Wedding Cake With Buttercream and Cake Topper
Multicolored Macaroon Dessert Table
"The photo booth we rented was fun for our guests to take pictures with props, and it gave them a momento to take home," says Lauren.
"Tied with out photographer, our DJ, Toast and Jam, was the vendor that most people wanted the name of after the wedding," says Lauren.