| September 23, 2021 | Wedding Authority,
COLIN LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY
Santa Fe native Colin Lyons was raised in a family with a great appreciation for photography and film. His dynamic and artistically informed photographic style is sure to impress. Colin’s passion for making beautiful photographs of people living well and loving life has consistently attracted his clients. 73 West Monroe Street 312.285.4533 or www.colinlyonsphotography.com
COLLIN PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Collin is an internationally published wedding and editorial photographer based in Chicago, Ill. Combining more than 15 years in photojournalism, sports and fashion photography, he creates a style that is both candid and dramatic. He’s dedicated to a personalized approach for every client, reflected in the timeless and romantic images captured of their life-defining moments. www.collinpierson.com
ED & AILEEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ed & Aileen Photography aren’t your typical wedding photographers. And their kick ass couples aren’t your typical brides and grooms. This award-winning team believes you should love fearlessly and live authentically. Nothing excites them more than celebrating with couples who want to document their wedding day through candid moments. 872.829.3177 or www.edandaileen.com
GERBER + SCARPELLI
Chicago based fine art wedding photographers covering couples in love Worldwide. Gerber + Scarpelli focus on all the lovely details, tender gestures and emotional exchange that occurs between the bride and groom and their families, artfully documenting all the special elements you have so carefully chosen to make your wedding unique. 917 W. Washington (#192) 312.455.1144 or www.gerberscarpelliweddings.com
INSTANT PARTY PHOTO BOOTH
Perfect for all events the open air booth merges new technology with the traditional photo booth experience to create a social, group-loving and media-friendly experience. Instant Party Photo Booth does it all, from photo prints to GIFs and social-media sharing to green screen. You choose the experience your guests will have - a silver shimmer or gold sequined backdrop allows your guests personalities to be the stars of the shoot. 3100 N. California Ave. 773.478.6607 or www.rickaguilar.com
LACOUR IMAGES
Andre and Maria LaCour are passionate about capturing your love for each other and all the magical moments throughout your day. By combining photojournalism, fashion and fine art into a unique style that will capture not only how you looked, but how you felt. Art+Emotion. 773.485.0841 or www.lacourimages.com
RICK AGUILAR STUDIOS
Rick Aguilar’s photography acts as a visual storyteller, sharing your story from proposal to engagement to the moment you say “I Do.” Rick delivers romantic, artistic images and has associates to fit every couple’s needs. He has earned recognition from the Catering Executive’s Club of America and gained national TV exposure on programs such as Bravo’s “Flipping Out.” Rick was named photographer of the year from IIllinois Meeting and Planner magazine. Plus, the Instant Party Photo Booth is a perfect pairing to any event. 3100 N. California Ave. 773.478.6607 or www.rickaguilar.com
VIRTUAL PHOTO BOOTH
Whether you are having a digital conference, Zoom gala, or an online marketing push, our Virtual Photo Booth will help you connect with your audience anywhere in the world. Virtual Booth brings all the fun of a photo booth directly to your guests. It works in any browser and on any device whether a phone, a tablet, or a computer. Most importantly, you don’t have to download any software to run it. 3100 N California Ave 773-478-6607 or www.rickaguilar.com
LACOUR IMAGES
Andre and Maria LaCour are passionate about capturing your love for each other and all the magical moments throughout your day. By combining photojournalism, fashion and fine art into a unique style that will capture not only how you looked, but how you felt. Art+Emotion. 773.485.0841 or www.lacourimages.com
LEAP WEDDINGS
Always fresh, never cheesy. LEAP Weddings work blends a documentary approach with a cinematic edge resulting in feel-good films that are a reflection of your distinct personal style. Something you’ll (really) love for years to come. They are a bunch of down to earth folks who love what they do. The bottom line is they will make the experience of working with them enjoyable, easy and fun. And whether you’re a client or a stranger who wanders into their studio - there’s a decent chance you’re going to enjoy yourself. 400 N. Racine, Unit 107 312.600.9220 or www.leapweddings.com
MIRAR WEDDINGS
Mirar Productions captures the atmosphere of your wedding day so you can re-live it. The look of love in a person’s eye, the intricacies of your dress and how it flows on you, the embrace you hold when no one is looking. The goal is to capture missed moments, small details and organic emotions, and then artfully edit your film to achieve the perfect story in the way it was meant to be presented. 650.333.4227 or www.mirarweddings.com
ELEGANT MOTORING
Elegant Motoring offers stretch limos, limo buses, large coach buses and features Rolls-Royce limousines with more room and luxuries in the back seat to commemorate special occasions. Weddings are their primary service with courteous chauffeurs in first-class attire. Wedding package includes red carpet, Korbel Champagne, Grey Poupon, music and sign. Illinois; Wisconsin; Indiana 630.803.7146 or www.elegantmotoring.com
BEATMIX MUSIC
BeatMix Music is your one-stop shop for all your live entertainment and musical needs. With an eclectic roster featuring everything from Dance Bands to DJs, Bluegrass to Jazz, String Quartets to Classical Harpists, BeatMix Music works with you to provide the perfect sound for your party. Whatever the event, you only need one number, one name: BeatMix Music. 847.892.4150 or www.beatmixmusic.com
BKO
Top 40? Rock? Swing? R&B? Hip Hop? What will your party sound like? With star vocal talent, a state-of-the-art sound system and a DJ/Turntablist, BKO offers an energetic, versatile live music experience. Whatever the event or audience, they pack the dance floor. Make sure your party sounds like no other. Make sure your party sounds like you! 847.892.4150 or www.bkobeatmix.com
CAGEN MUSIC LLC
The Sounds of Celebration! The most experienced go-to source for all your music needs, Cagen Music LLC has provided spectacular entertainment for more than 7,000 events. Nationally renowned bands, such as “The Don Cagen Orchestra,” “Incognito,” “Big Beat” and DJs, will pack your dance floor performing the latest hits and party classics. Extraordinary soloists and specialty ensembles, including “The CoverGirls Violin Show,” “Chitarra,” “Arioso Strings” and “CagenJazz,” provide beautiful ceremony music and exciting cocktail and dinner entertainment. 915 Shermer Road, Northbrook 847.559.0900 or www.cagenmusic.com
DAVID ROTHSTEIN MUSIC, INC.
DRM started as one simple idea, that your wedding music should be based on what you love and what is most authentic to you. They provide each couple beautiful ceremony music, luxurious cocktail musical stylings and a jam-packed dance floor with songs played by their high-energy, award-winning band. Complimentary upgrades include a designated MC, DJ, stage lighting, thoughtful personal touches and so much more. 332 S Michigan Ave. 773.719.7610 or www.drsmusic.com
THE DON CAGEN ORCHESTRA
Your night – Your music! Lauded for their high energy, amazing versatility and superior talent, “The Don Cagen Orchestra” features soulful horns, unforgettable strings and five stellar singers that “rival the original recordings” (Chicago Tribune). Hailed as “one of the hottest bands in the nation,” they rocked President Obama’s Inaugural Ball. Customizing the music to reflect your tastes is their specialty. The success of your wedding is guaranteed when you choose “The Don Cagen Orchestra.” 915 Shermer Road, Northbrook 847.559.0900 or www.cagenmusic.com
ÉLAN ARTISTS
Élan Artists is recognized as the leading entertainment, performance and headliner production company for private events both nationally and internationally. Specializing in custom, innovative, and deeply impactful and immersive entertainment experiences, their roster includes award-winning recording artists, high-caliber musicians, handpicked Broadway, cabaret/cirque actors, singers, dancers, multi-media artists, and elite DJs. 888.800.3526 or www.elanartists.com
GOLD COAST EVENTS
Home of the wildly successful 13 to 18 piece band The Gold Coast All Stars, as well as the likeminded 12 to 14 piece band, The Chicago Players, and 11-13 piece band, The Lakeshore Encores, and the 8-13 piece Rush Street Rhythm. These groups replicate the energy and vitality of a live concert in any wedding atmosphere with tasteful song choices ranging from Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon to Jay Z and Mumford and Sons. 312.898.4073 or www.goldcoasteventschicago.com
GREEN FOURTEEN WEDDINGS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Green Fourteen Weddings, known for their big band sounds, professionals DJ’s, as well as hybrid ceremonies featuring DJ and live music has made them one of Chicago’s top bands with rave reviews. Couples love their “all inclusive 6 hour event block” making it easy to add ceremony music. Also, a complimentary professional DJ is included in all of their events. They also offer ala cart live musicians, including harpists, soloists, duos, string trios as well as vocalists. Their philosophy is “You dream it, we’ll create it. Just ask!” 708.638.1755 or www.GTE.ME
H.Y.P.E. PRODUCTIONS
Your wedding is a once in a lifetime chance to inspire perfection, whether you want a DJ, live band or an extraordinary combination, H.Y.P.E. Productions’ goal is to find out how you prefer entertainment. 888.497.4973 or www.HypeProductionsInc.com
THE DJ FIRM
A case won is a dance floor packed, and The DJ Firm has a perfect record. With more varied experience than your average DJ, the partners and associates at The DJ Firm strive to offer each client the best party imaginable. No matter the case, The DJ Firm works with you to provide highly regarded entertainment representation that fits all your unique needs. 2901 N. Pulaski Road 312.624.9358 or www.thedjfirm.com
THE GOLD COAST ALL STARS
The Gold Coast All Stars have unmistakably changed the game in wedding music. Led by Danny Chaimson (who’s performed/recorded with OAR, Solange, Mike Posner, Tyga), the band is a true all star group comprised of the best original artists in Chicago. Their expertise, star power, cool factor and artistry bring your wedding/event to the next level in a way that is unmatched nationwide (they are regularly flown cross country for events). The band is a creative force, radiating an undeniable energy that have made their performances truly legendary. 312.898.4073 or www.thegoldcoastallstars.com; goldcoasteventschicago.com
ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE CENTERS
Arthur Murray has been teaching the world to dance for more than 100 years! Whether you’re learning for exercise, confidence, your special day or just more excitement in your life, their professional instructors are eager to help you achieve your dream dance. Call today and be dancing tonight. 312.644.7554 or www.chicagoarthurmurray.com
BRIDAL EXPO CHICAGO LUXURY EVENTS
Bridal Expo Chicago features luxurious bridal events throughout Chicago and the suburbs including the best in couture bridal fashion shows, bakeries, florists, photographers, invitations, entertainment, honeymoons, registry experts and more. Mention Modern Luxury Brides Chicago for four complimentary VIP ticket passes. 400 River Ridge Drive, Elgin 847.428.3320 or www.bridalexpochicago.com/luxury
BRIGHT PINK
Bright Pink is the only national non-profit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. They're on a mission to save women's lives from breast & ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age. 670 N. Clark Street, Suite 2 312.787.4412 or www.brightpink.org
EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ community. 17 N. State St., Suite 1020 773.477.7173 or www.equalityillinois.org
ILLINOIS EVENTS COALITION
The Illinois Events Coalition is made up of dedicated, career event professionals. As Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the world, it impacted the hundreds of thousands of engaged couples, weddings, conferences, galas, concerts, and expos. It has impacted every event, and it has impacted the entire events industry. To join their efforts, please sign up at www.ileventscoalition.com
NORTON & ELAINE SARNOFF CENTER FOR JEWISH GENETICS
Planning for a family extends beyond the wedding day. Thankfully, the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics provides genetic disorder education, counseling and screening for Jewish and interfaith couples. While most people with recessive disorders show no symptoms, the Sarnoff Center helps prepare potential carriers who are planning a family. 30 S. Wells St. 312.357.4718 or www.jewishgenetics.org
WEDDING INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION
Dedicated to educating and inspiring the wedding industry by achieving the highest standards, WIPA is a non-profit association represents a multitude of wedding disciplines like cake designers, caterers, DJs, florists, entertainment companies and more. 844.444.9300 or www.wipa.org
WEDDING SALON
Wedding Salon is the nation's best luxury showcase and the ultimate resource for couples planning a wedding. Founded by celebrity wedding planner Tatiana Byron, Wedding Salon is a fabulous one-night event featuring luxury wedding vendors, must-have products and the latest trends in the industry. 535 8th Ave., 3rd Floor South, New York, NY 212.631.7777 or www.weddingsalon.com
WISH UPON A WEDDING
Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit organization granting weddings and vow renewals for couples facing serious illness or a life-altering circumstance. Wish Upon a Wedding was created to celebrate the love between couples who are engaged or want to celebrate their marriage in an intimate setting with their closest family and friends. With help from wedding and event industry professionals, Wish Upon a Wedding grants wedding "wishes" to couples in need. 877.305.9474 or www.wishuponawedding.org
Photography by: Top photo by Linas Dambrauskas