1. Real Weddings

Emily & Andrew: A Green Wedding in Peoria, IL

Having originally met at a sushi bar in Spain, Emily and Andrew didn’t actually begin their long-distance courtship until one year later when a mutual

Having originally met at a sushi bar in Spain, Emily and Andrew didn’t actually begin their long-distance courtship until one year later when a mutual friend arranged a reunion at a restaurant in Chicago. The Bride Emily Ransburg, 34 The Groom Andrew Cittadine, 33 The Date July 16 Following a proposal on the beach in Florida, Emily knew she wanted a hometown wedding. But this was no easy feat -- the couple transformed Emily’s parents’ property, situated on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River, into an exquisite event that brought the outside in -- just notice the tree bursting through the clear-top tent.

Emily and Andrew worked with local Peoria glass blower, Hiram Toraason, to create individual hand-blown glass favors. The couple wrapped each delicate flower-shaped favor and included a note thanking friends and family for sharing in their wedding.
The Reception Decor
Emily was the picture of sophistication in an unconventional three-piece wedding gown. It teamed an embroidered lace and crystal bodice with an A-line asymmetrical skirt and a ruched cummerbund at the waist. Adding to her refined style, Emily wore an heirloom necklace made of several strands of gold, pearls, and crystals passed down from her grandmother.
As guests arrived, waiters passed refreshing pink lemonade granitas. Later in the evening, guests were given another chance to cool down with tiny cones of cantaloupe, lemon, lime, and raspberry sorbet.
The Formalwear
I wanted the overall feel to be focused on simple and romantic floral designs, says Emily. The centerpieces were kept low, and took the form of two differing design schemes. One included gardenias, orchids, or roses floating in water, surrounded by candles. The other was a collection of three round glass vessels filled with orchids, hydrangeas, or roses and wrapped internally so that green stems were visible.
Several huge trees in the Ransburg’s backyard needed to be worked around and a platform had to be built to create a level ground. The fix: a custom-made transparent tent with an open-air feel decorated in a chocolate brown, green, pink, and white color scheme, exemplifying the understated elegance Emily had chosen for the day.
Inside the chandelier-adorned cocktail tent, an iridescent, beaded curtain hung against a heavy, chocolate-brown fabric. When sunlight hit the curtain, the beads appeared pink, creating a luminous glow upon the attached escort cards.
The bride and groom’s chocolate-brown chiavari chairs each received a special treat: simple flower arrangements that evoked the day’s soft, feminine, and lush feel.
Lush, green hydrangeas formed an elegant base for the white buttercream confection. Inside, a new color took over: Each tier of the genoise cake was layered with fresh raspberries.
The Centerpieces