Winter Wedding

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There is magic in a winter wedding especially if it is held at the beautiful Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center in Utica, Illinois. This state park boasts over 2 million visitors a year and it is the #1 attraction in Illinois. I had the honor of staging a wedding at this venue the day after Christmas.

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Devyn and Brad's wedding took place in the Great Hall and it was spectacular. The rustic lodge and interior is constructed of rough hewn Indiana white pine and the massive fireplaces are built with Joliet limestone...THE perfect backdrop to share their wedding vows.

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The isle was wrapped in a garland of long winter greens accented by crystal ice flakes and tied with wine tulle. Rustic tree trunks and branches lined the fireplace. I placed two champagne colored vintage frames and an ice skate above the mantle. The groom proposed to the bride when they were skating. What a great personal touch!

Devyn's colors were wine and champaign. Table centerpieces consisted of tall pine trees wrapped in burlap and tied with sparkling champaign ribbon. I alternated the tables with custom made pine boxes that held white pillar candles and more champaign glitter and globes.

An aged white vintage trunk filled with great old plaid blankets awaited the guests if they decided to sit outside on the lodges back veranda with it's spectacular view. Believe it or not it was the perfect winter evening with unseasonably warm weather for this time of year in Illinois. Wrapping up in a blanket was all that was needed to stay warm and cozy after some time on the dance floor.

Devyn was a delight to work with and made a stunning bride don't you think? Congratulations.

Devyn and her mom on the veranda...lovely ladies

"Francie Skoflanc from A Mess of Things, the decorations were better than I could have dreamed!"