| December 18, 2023 | Wedding Authority,
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. 312.970.1243 or collinpierson.com
It’s all about the back! Peter Langner’s Fall 2024 Collection ultimatebride.com Photo: Collin Pierson
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 gerberscarpelliweddings.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 lacourimages.com
Driving in style ritzcarlton.com Photo: Cristina G Photography Christiana Romano & AJ Ryan Wedding, Bliss Events Chicago
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 rickaguilar.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 rickaguilar.com
THE PARTY GUEST PHONE
Looking to make your special occasion truly unforgettable? The Party Guest Phone is the exciting new way to capture memories in audio form. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, or corporate event, the audio guestbook provides a unique and entertaining way to preserve heartfelt messages. You can collect all of your guests’ favorite memories from your event and cherish them for years to come. Pick up the phone. Leave a message. Hang up, that’s it! 773.478.6607 or 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 lacourimages.com
PROSPECT CINEMA
Embrace the extraordinary with Luis Andres Rivas at Prospect Cinema, the cinematographer behind Fortune 500 brand commercials. We craft exclusive, detail-oriented wedding films that embody respect and visionary insight, turning your precious moments into timeless luxury. Choose the unparalleled, choose the prestigious - choose Prospect Cinema, Chicago’s industry-leading wedding cinematographers. @luisandresfilms or prospectcinema.com
BEATMIX MUSIC
With over 20 years in the industry, BeatMix offers an eclectic roster of over 175 acts. Featuring everything from Dance Bands (BKO, Time Chicago, MixTape, TPF) to DJs, Pop Choirs to Jazz Trios, String Ensembles to Live Decor, BeatMix promises an energetic, curated live music experience. Our state of the art sound systems guarantee sound that will blow your guests away, not out of the room. BeatMix Music: Unforgettable Celebrations, Every Time. BeatMix Music. IG @beatmixchicago847.892.4150 or 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 bkobeatmix.com
BLUEWATER KINGS BAND
The Bluewater Kings are live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters. A fully customizable 3-14 piece band, they specialize in high-energy music for weddings, corporate events, and private functions – at a sensible price. They infuse every event with fun and pride themselves on filling dance floors. 810.214.0020 or bluewaterkingsband.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 goldcoasteventschicago.com
THE DJ FIRM
A case won is a dance floor package, and The DJ Firm has a perfect record. With more varied experience than you average DJ, the partners and associates at The DJ Firm strive to offer each client the best party imaginable. The DJ Firm works with you to provide highly regarded entertainment representation that fits all your unique needs including Chicago’s only mobile DJ Van with TDF Mobile to any outdoor event with ease, party starters from cold sparks and geysers to club lighting and photo booths also a 360 degree and new experiential entertainment from drummers to dancers to full service lighting and design, The DJ Firm as it all. 312.624.9358 or 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 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 chicagoarthurmurray.com
Established in 2000, @properties is the largest independent real estate brokerage firm in the state of Illinois and one of the top 12 residential brokers in the U.S. As a locally owned, independent company, they offer local home buyers and sellers the highest
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 elegantmotoring.com
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 and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age. 670 N Clark St., Ste. 2, 312.787.4412 or 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., Ste. 1020, 773.477.7173 or equalityillinois.org
Celebrating love always wins! Dennis Demarco & Michael Toyne Wedding frankeventdesign.com Photo: Tricia Koning
LLINOIS 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 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 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, floists, entertainment companies and more. 844.444.9300 or wipa.org
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 wishuponawedding.org
Photography by: At Top: Cristina G Photography