1. Real Weddings

An Elegant Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Bannockburn, Illinois

A shared love of clean lines and contemporary art led Whitney (28 and an event planner) and Matt (27 and works in hotel development) to plan a chic, f

A shared love of clean lines and contemporary art led Whitney (28 and an event planner) and Matt (27 and works in hotel development) to plan a chic, flower-filled day at the bride's childhood home in Bannockburn, Illinois. "It was always a dream of mine to get married where I grew up," Whitney says of their tented wedding. The couple said "I do" under a chuppah made from Lucite columns and adorned with a halo of white hydrangeas, roses and sheer fabric. Cocktail hour took place around the pool, where a custom, rose-covered logo bearing the couple's initials floated in the water. All-white arrangements of hydrangeas and phalaenopsis orchids served as centerpieces, while the same blooms were used to cover the couple's cake pedestal. In addition to a coconut and fudge wedding cake, dessert included a gelato cart and chocolate-covered graham crackers branded with the letters W and M. A mirrored bar—and a "centerpiece" of white roses suspended from the ceiling with ribbon—gave the reception a modern edge. Before their first dance, Whitney and Matt surprised guests with music from a 24-person gospel choir and an 18-piece orchestra. "The energy in the room was electric," Whitney says. —Rachel Sylvester

Whitney's rose gold diamond ring and band mirrored the rose gold, foil-stamped invitations.
"I tried on over 100 dresses all over the country," Whitney says of searching Miami, Chicago and New York for her dream gown. "I knew I didn't want a ball gown, but I ended up selecting one." Her ivory, silk, charmeuse halter ball gown featured a rushed, tulle skirt and Chantilly lace applique accents for a look that was classic and glamorous.
Invitations included two cards, with one that read "I woke up wanting to kiss you," in rose gold lettering. "It's our favorite quote," Whitney says. The couple also created a custom neon sign of the same quote that served as the focal point of their tented reception in Bannockburn, Illinois.
"I wanted to look like myself, so I wore my hair down in waves," Whitney says of skipping an undo for an unfussy hairstyle.
Flower girls wore simple green and white flower crowns made with baby's breath and a single ranunculus bloom.
"Every time I tried on my dress, I fell more and more in love with it," Whitney says of her Vera Wang ball gown.
Simple pushpins with a pearl-like finish added a sense of elegance to Whitney and Matt's classic escort card display.
As a nod to Whitney's new surname, a laser-cut "L" was used to decorate the save-the-dates and ceremony programs.
Since Whitney and Matt wed in a traditional Jewish ceremony, guests were given custom white yarmulkes before the nuptials.
"It was a dream of mine to get married where I grew up," Whitney says of exchanging vows in her in Bannockburn, Illinois, backyard under a clear tent draped with greenery.
In addition to lime scallop ceviche, empanadas and Gouda quesadillas, a Mexican station included speciality margaritas served in mini tequila bottles. "All the food and drinks were inspired by our favorite dishes from local restaurants," Whitney says.
Fresh white roses were arranged to create a custom "M" and "W" wedding logo that floated in the pool during cocktail hour.
Hundreds of sheer, white ribbons and white roses were suspended from the tent's roof to create a one-of-a-kind ceiling centerpiece over the dance floor.
Mirrored bars gave Whitney and Matt's sophisticated tented reception in Bannockburn, Illinois, a glam yet elegant feel.
All-white arrangements of hydrangeas and phalaenopsis orchids served as centerpieces, while the same blooms were used to cover Whitney and Matt's cake pedestal.
Tables were topped with silver-rimmed dinner plates, glass votives and arrangements of white orchids.
Guests indulged in a tiered, fondant-covered confection made from coconut, yellow butter and chocolate fudge cakes. A yellow sugar flower topped the glam dessert, while the entire cake was displayed on a pedestal adorned with fresh white roses.
As friends and family entered the tented reception space, a 24-person gospel choir and 18-piece orchestra surprised guests with a performance of Bruno Mars's "Just the Way You Are." "The energy in the room was electric," Whitney says.