Wedding planning should be an Olympic event. Think about it — it’s got all the criteria: challenges, scoring, competition, nervous sweating, rings. People laugh; people cry. And someone always takes the cake.
You’re Goin’ Gown 
One step inside Caroline DeVillo’s sun-filled studio and you won’t want to leave. Well, not without a dress. DeVillo designs timeless couture looks — elegant, simple silhouettes with architectural lines made from the highest-quality Italian silk. Throw in shoes from Filippa Scott and jewelry from Haute Bride and Betsy Tanner Designs, and you’ve got a veritable one-stop shop. You’ll win best dressed, bar none.
She Shoots, She Scores
Or in this case, he shoots, you score. For impeccable photos with the perfect amount of tongue in cheek, hit up local fave Jeremy Lawson. His eye for detail and penchant for in-the-moment shots give him an edge above the rest. Not a fan of posing? Neither is he.
Apply Yourself
Enough with all this talk about bronzing. Go for the gold at Sonia Roselli, Esthetique, a brand new storefront in Rogers Park. Roselli offers airbrushing, eyelash extensions, and custom color mixing for the blushing bride and her party. Stop in for a trial application and you’ll be hooked.
Sweet Victory
Chicago native Jeremie Lappe is a real winner. After whetting her palate at Cheryl Kleinman in New York, she returned home and started Batter Up Cake Bar, whipping cakes that’ll knock you out of the park. Lappe meets with her clients to discuss flavors (chocolate, red velvet, vanilla), fillings (citrus curd, chocolate ganache), icings (lavender, pistachio, coconut), and decorations (she specializes in sugar flowers). Tastes like a grand slam to us.
Step Up to the Plate
Winner takes all with Black Rooster Catering. Headed by the folks behind Jerry’s, the reputable group dishes modern comfort food to the masses. Options include a whole poached salmon; beef tenderloin with ancho-coffee rub; tomato tapenade and goat cheese bruschetta; marinated shrimp, basil, and prosciutto skewers; and much more. Liquor and spirits are also available, guaranteeing you’ll beat ’em to the punch.
There Will Be Buds
Simply Flowers wins first prize in our eyes. Owner Toni Lenzi sticks to the cream of the crop (premium Dutch buds; Ecuadordian roses). She picks her blooms according to season — this fall she’s loving vine maple, safflower, bright dahlias, chocolate cosmos, and kale — and pulls it all together with fragrant geranium leaves. Not a bloom expert? Not to worry. Lenzi is on-site the day of, pinning boutonnieres and making sure your bouquet is picture perfect.
The Invitational
Win your guests’ hearts with invites from Greenstar Creative. During a personal consultation with fun-loving owner Lynda Junge, you’ll pick a design that fits your fancy, from the traditional (cursive, bows) to the cheeky (Eat, Drink, Marry). Even better? Junge can create a stamp to match the invite (not that we don’t love liberty bells). Post-celebration, thank those who made it happen with a letterpressed Wedding Expert Appreciation Kit from Cardiology Cards. For your jeweler: We’re thrilled and delighted with the bling you provided. For the caterer: You’re swell, you fed us well.
Go get ’em, Champ.
Need more inspiration? We’ve published Wedding Guides in every edition today, so check them all out.
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