1. Real Weddings

Erica & Michael: A Fall Wedding in Chicago, IL

After falling in love at Southern Illinois University, Erica and Michael started their lives together in Chicago. Erica was completely surprised when

After falling in love at Southern Illinois University, Erica and Michael started their lives together in Chicago. Erica was completely surprised when she came home one evening and walked into an apartment full of glowing candles and rose petals. Michael greeted her at the door, dropped to one knee, and proposed. Erica dropped all of her bags and the mail she was holding before she said yes! The Bride: Erica Hyde, 27, marketing manager The Groom: Michael Strama, 28, account supervisor The Date: September 18 When Erica Hyde wed Michael Strama, her flair for fashion and entertaining made it an event full of sophisticated flourishes.

The Hair
The traditional ceremony took place at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue.
The Programs
Almond-flavored wedding cake filled with crème brulee and pears. (To wash it all down, an open bar and an espresso and cappuccino station were open for guests' enjoyment.)
The blooms Erica held on her way down the aisle were cymbidium orchids with fuchsia-speckled centers.
The tuxedoed groomsmen wore boutonnieres to match.
The six bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses and carried mini calla lilies in shades of red and dark pink.
Erica's strapless silk Liancarlo mermaid-silhouette gown featured a crystal-and-pearl fleur de lis -- a motif which found its way onto the custom wedding invitations, the wedding programs, the cocktail napkins, and the menus for dinner.
The Couple
The Couple