Feb 2, 2010 | vendors, Weddings
The Wellington String Quartet
The thing that sets the tone of a party is always the music, and if you want a classy atmosphere, then you are probably thinking of hiring a string ensemble. I like to recommend the Wellington String Ensembles to my clients who want a string quartet, trio, or other combination of instruments to play classical music.
This is a group of diversely talented young musicians headed by violinist Emanuel Ban. I have worked with them on weddings and was most impressed by their professionalism and musicianship. At one wedding, they were even able to bring a trumpeter with them to play the recessional, as the bride had requested.
There are many talented musicians in this city, so what I look for is people who are reliable and professional. I want to be sure that if I recommend musicians, they will show up on time and dressed properly. With this group, I never have to worry.
Dec 7, 2009 | Parties and Special Events, vendors
Okay, you are already wondering what on earth Theatre Building Chicago has to do with events. The answer is that this three-theatre space on Chicago’s north side also has a lovely lobby available for rental to private clients. They don’t promote it much and the hours are limited, but I think it is worth a look. The decor is funky-eclectic. And the staff is wonderful. They go far out of their way to make sure you have what you need. I have never worked in a venue where the staff was as helpful. There are also three theatres available for daytime rental by the day. You do have to work around whatever show happens to be in there, but (with the staff’s excellent help), it is easy to do lectures, presentations, and other events for which theatre-style seating is preferable. I highly recommend this venue for small daytime or weekday evening events.
Oct 12, 2009 | vendors, wedding planning
A typically whimsical photo by Carasco Photography.
Every once in a while, I work with someone I just click with. Last summer, I worked with Scott and Cara of Carasco Photography for the first time and there was that click. My client had hired them before she hired me, so they were unknown to me until a week before the wedding. All I knew was that my client thought they did very nice work.
In the week before the wedding, I had a very nice phone conversation with Cara, so I had a good feeling about them. Then I met them both at the wedding and discovered just how personable and interesting they both are. We had a chance to chat for a while when we had a few minutes’ break and I discovered that I like their attitude, as well. I was also impressed by their work ethic and efficiency. They did a lot of capturing the moment but also took portraits. I enjoyed watching them take the portraits because they made it look like a lot of fun.
And then I saw the photos and was completely amazed by the results. They really captured that wedding day in all its glory. (You can see some of their photos in my photo gallery.) Those are some of my favorite photos of weddings I have worked on because they really show the beauty of the day.
There are countless photographers in Chicago but I think there are only a few who have everything going for them the way Scott and Cara do. So, take a look at what they do and I hope you’ll consider them when you are looking for a photographer.
Aug 25, 2009 | Eco-Friendly Events, Parties and Special Events, vendors, wedding planning
Today I start a new series here on vendors I know and like. I’ll do an occasional profile of a vendor I have worked with to give you an idea of whether you might like to work with them, too. Today’s special guest is Dave Esau of Dave’s Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect, IL.
Dave Esau, courtesy of his website.
When you walk into Dave’s shop on West Prospect Ave., the eclectic decor and selection of local cheeses don’t tell you that you have stumbled on a French-trained chef who takes extraordinary care to select the best ingredients and prepare them as well as it is possible to do. But when you go to a tasting there, there is no doubt that you have found one of the best chefs in the area.
Recently, I took a client to Dave’s for a tasting. She had lined up a tasting with another caterer later that same day. Dave brought out a superb, tender chicken dish with a balsamic vinegar sauce and some stunning vegetables. He followed that up with just-sweet-enough desserts. He always gives potential clients the soft sell with his trademark cheerful attitude. The next day I heard from my client: She had cancelled her later tasting and decided to hire Dave. She knew (and I can confirm) that she wouldn’t find a better fit anywhere.
The other thing I really like about Dave is his commitment to local, organic, and sustainable food. This is not just an abstraction: It really shows in the quality of the food he serves. Quality, however, does not translate to outrageous price. I am always pleasantly surprised at how much you get for the reasonable prices he charges.
So, when you’re looking for a caterer, include Dave Esau on your list. He is located in the suburbs, but he works all over the Chicago area. It’s definitely worth the trip to his little shop by the train tracks to taste his food!
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