Dayna Malow & Scott Burns- May 30, 2009 The Abbey Resort
The gown selection was simple: Romona Keveza, the third dress Dayna tried on made her father tear up. The reception music selection easy; Colby Beserra & the Party Faithful were close friends. Florist: Lisa Paul’s Color & Company. Invitations: Getaway Brides Stationary by Angela Cole. Videographer: Evolution Video Production.
The only thing missing? A venue. As well-known Chicagoland event musicians – Dayna the lead vocalist for Maggie Speaks and Scott a saxophonist for Colby Beserra & the Party Faithful – both had worked hundreds of weddings and had visited nearly every major site in the surrounding area. Neither wanted their own wedding to feel like another job, one where they’d loaded their equipment in through the kitchen and set up for guests during the reception dinner. What Dayna and Scott needed was a fresh destination feel, but close enough to Chicago so their 300 guests they’d planned on inviting could attend. The two returned to Union Pier in Michigan where Scott had proposed, hoping to find a quaint, charming site. Instead they were met with disappointment when the town had not one venue that could accommodate such a large number of people. The couple searched further north, and upon setting foot on the Abbey Resort grounds in Lake Geneva, they knew they’d found their wedding spot. The location is surrounded by the lake and dotted with colorful umbrellas, boats in the harbor and outdoor cabanas. The resort also features a picturesque pier, perfect for black-and-white stills of Dayna and Scott. To accent the nature-inspired reception, centerpiece florals were made from moss and green orchids, while Bridal Cakes by Ann designed a cake that mimicked an earthy quality with curled chocolate frosting.
Paulinho Garcia treated the couple to Brazilian guitar music during the ceremony, followed by Scott’s band Colby Beserra & the Party Faithful. In attendants were so many accomplished musicians that the reception featured a constant rotation of famous talent. But neither Dayna nor Scott took the stage to showcase their musical abilities; they were content to watch the night play out from their wedding chairs and “enjoy their night off,” Dayna says.
Lisa Adelman & Gordon Taylor- June 27, 2009 Trump International Hotel
Lisa and Gordon’s magenta-hued summer event treated guests to the ultimate eye candy; their June 27th date is the first in Trump International Hotel’s history to gain access to the new outdoor terrace, featuring views of Chicago’s skyline and Navy Pier’s display of fireworks.
Keeping in mind the themes of the evening were grandeur, extravagance and magenta with floral accents, the couple had K. La Designs feature a feet-tall white lily centerpiece, BBJ Linen create magenta tinted table covers, Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures bring in a custom designed ice-carved globe, and Take the Cake construct a five-tiered square wedding cake with crystallized edges and cascading white lilies. The Stitely Orchestra even performed for the reception, playing “Sunrise, Sunset” as a symbol of the couple’s future together, as well as both the bride and groom’s parents celebrating milestone anniversaries. As the night wound to a close, guests feasted on an “afterglow station” which featured the Trump Hotel’s bite-size pizzas and sliders.
As for the bride’s details, Lisa chose her asymmetrical Carolina Herrera gown from Saks Fifth Avenue, coupling it with a white pointed-toe pair of bridal shoes from James Ciccotti. Topping her cream-colored ensemble was an array of flowers culled together in a magenta bouquet. To give the ceremony an intimate and personal feel, Lisa attached a locket filled with photos of her loved ones to her bouquet.
For more information on either wedding, please visit the CS Brides website.
