10- More Parking! According to cbs2chicago.com traveling over the Labor Day weekend will increase 11% from 2009. About 1.92 million people will be leaving Illinois for Labor Day weekend.

9- The Allstate Arena Flea Market, find antique furniture for more than half the cost at antiques shops! They have up to 700 vendors! This will be open Sunday September 5 @ 6am to 3pm. Admission is $2 Adults, $1 Senior Citizens (62+) & children 6-12, children under 6 are free $3 Early Admission fee prior to 6am. Get there early!

9- Cheap Hotel Rates! The rates on hotels.com are amazing! Raffaelo Hotel $184 per night, Wyndham Chicago $177 per night, Sax Chicago $159 per night, Hotel Felix $144 per night, Hard Rock Hotel $189, The Palmer House $159 per night, W Chicago $182 per night. These rates are from check in Friday to check out Monday.

8- Don’t feel like barbequing? Check out these great bbq restaurants!

-         Smoque BBQ- Closed on Monday but Open Saturday and Sunday. Located at 3800 N. Pulaski Rd. For more info check their website: Smoque bbq

-         The Smoke Daddy- Known for their homemade bbq sauce!! Plus they are being featured on Check Please! Open 7 days a week. Located on 1804 W. Division St. For more info check there website: the smoke daddy.

-         Fireplace Inn- Serving BBQ ribs over 40 years!! Open 7 days a week. Located on 1448 N. Wells St. Check out their website: Fireplace Inn.

7- Enjoy the Navy Pier Fireworks! On September 4 the show is scheduled for 10:15p.m.! This is truly a show, so why not take a stroll on the pier, and enjoy the show! You can also enjoy dinner in one of the many night cruises they have available and enjoy the fireworks from the cruise!

6- The Cubs are in town!!! They are playing against the New York Mets, we are hoping that September will be start on a high note for our cubbies! So check them out on Friday September 3 @ 1:20pm, Saturday September 4 @ 12:05pm, Sunday September 5 @ 1:20pm, and Monday September 5 against Houston @ 1:20pm. For more info check out there website: Cubs

5- If you just want to relax, enjoy our wonderful lakefront! Explore these habitats, home to unusual grasses, flowering plants and birds.

These are:

• 63rd Street Beach
• Montrose Beach
• Kathy Osterman Beach
• Loyola Park / Leone Beach
• Rainbow Park
• South Shore Cultural Center / South Shore Beach

4- Boys/men’s tourney set for Labor Day weekend in Gurnee. Enjoy this family tennis tournament!

There will be three divisions:

• Boys 15-under — Play begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 and continues the next day.

• Boys 18-under — Play begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 and continues the next day.

• Men’s Open — Play begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, and continues the next day.

The tournament will be run by Warren High boys tennis coach Greg Cohen. Last year’s event drew 34 teams in the three divisions.

Cost to play is $20 per team. Teams can register in person at either Warren High or via e-mail at gcohen@wths.net.

Players will be guaranteed two matches. Proceeds will go to Warren High’s boys tennis program.

For more information, contact Cohen at (847) 548-6658.

3- Check out the Chicago Furry! They are playing games all day Saturday September 4, and Sunday September 5! For more info check out there website: Chicago Furry

2- Do something active like a bike tour! You have many choices to choose what tour you want to take, but we recommend the presidential tour, while you ride you will stop at places he has been and receive information of his journey to becoming president. For more information check the website: Bike Chicago

1- Go to the 32^nd Annual Jazz Festival! Bring the blanket, snacks and drinks and get ready to enjoy the music! Fro more info and show list visit: Jazz Festival

We hope you enjoy your wonderful holiday! And let us know if you checked out any of these places we will love to hear from you!

JW Marriott Hotel

The JW Marriott will open this fall 2010! We are truly excited to plan future events in this hotel. It is a great hotel for special events like a wedding, corporate event or just a weekend getaway in the city. The hotel is a $396 million renovation, reminiscence of architect Daniel Burnham, the urban planner who created the modern city plan for Chicago. This renovation is a fresh take on luxury providing overall travel experience.

The JW Marriott has, not only top of the line accommodations with marble bathrooms, but also a spa and wellness center that is 20,000 square feet located on two levels. That has 14 treatment rooms and express treatments to full service treatments. It also has a five star restaurant with excellent upscale bar.

Now check out these amazing event spaces they have available:

The Grand Ballroom: 8,453 Sq. Ft.

The Junior Ballroom: 6,096 Sq. Ft.

They have wireless high speed internet and video conferencing. This is a great feature for a slideshow, or maybe use the video conferencing for a family member that cannot be there and they can make a toast!

They have 34 break-out rooms and with customized menus. Also green meeting packages.

Check out the pictures below!

As you can see this is going to be one of the hottest hotels opening this fall in downtown Chicago. We are excited and anxious to do our next event at the JW Marriott Hotel.

We have seen ladies being proposed in many public events like a NBA basketball game, or an NFL football game. Well that is old news! More and More men are looking for special and unique ways to surprise their girlfriends with a creative and memorable engagement. Meet Roshan and Nick, these men went above and beyond for their lucky ladies.

Dinner And A Special Movie

Meet Roshan, when he started to plan the engagement he started small. He wanted to create the fairytale that Neeta deserved. So he started to collect home VHS movies of her and decided to make a story of her life. He transferred all of the footage to a DVD and made a movie on his Macbook (in which he bought for this purpose). Now where to show it? He decided to raise the bar and have it play in a movie theater. So he contacted many places until he found one. At this point since if he wanted to show a movie he needed to “rent out” the theater. So he bought all 150 seats! He thought, since he is doing all of this might as well capture her reaction on camera too! So he hired a photographer that hid in the movie theater, he also had a microphone in the cup holder to capture audio! WOW! But check this out! He had to make fake tickets so she won’t find out, plus staff from the theater and even people that were off came in to participate with their friends! After the “fake” movie started people started to leave the theater and then suddenly the movie stopped. Neeta was confused, then Roshan’s movie started to play. Then she figured out what was going on. At the end of the movie it said: “ A lifetime of happiness… Together”. Then he got down on one knee and proposed, and of course she said YES!

A Moment Frozen In Time

Meet Nick, he had planned weekend getaway in downtown Chicago for his lucky lady. He first booked the Elysian Hotel to her surprise, had the front desk give her a gift certificate to the Elysian Spa. Then he made reservation at the Spiaggia restaurant ( Where president Obama, had taken Michelle for their anniversary last year) after they were seated they were presented a signed cookbook from the executive chef and partner of Spiaggia, Tony Mantuano. Plus enjoyed complimentary appetizers and dessert. After dinner, they went to the Buckingham Fountain where the show started at 8pm.  Here’s the kicker; it took him two months to organize a “Flash Mob”. He created a fake facebook account to accomplish this, he wanted to propose to Amy and have this moment in time freeze just for her. So what is a flashmob? It is the newest form of performance art. This is created by a social media page or a viral email. People will show up to a specific place and do some type of performance art and then disperse.

As the show began they walked towards the fountain, as well as about 70 other people did to and froze, except Nick and Amy. That’s when he said to her: “I would do absolutely anything for you in life, and I have frozen time at this instant so that you would remember it forever”. Then he got down on one knee and she said yes! There are photos of the proposal and video!

Picture Perfect in Paris

Meet Steve, he planned a trip to Paris to propose to his girlfriend Emily. But he wanted to document this memorable moment, so how to do this? Hire a photographer! But one in Paris! So he contacted Haig, which Steve contacted three weeks before the trip. Haig suggested the perfect location, helped with timing, and even suggested to bring wine and cheese after the proposal. When they arrived at the Eifel tower Emily wanted to go straight to the top, but the line was very long and time was running out, so they got to a little altercation. But Steve pulled a fast one and said: “ We’re in Paris, do we have to argue?” and after that they went to the park in front of the Eifel tower and he got down on one knee and Emily said yes!

Our very own Chrissy Magliano will be on WCIU on You & Me This Morning

with Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman at 8am!

I’m sure you have heard of great marriage proposals, but the men featured on this segment went above and beyond of what their lucky ladies would have imagined!

Check out these incredible stories! Today At 8 am on WCIU the U!

Get to see Chrissy! Tomorrow on WCIU You & Me this morning at 8am!

She will be talking about amazing engagement stories!!!!

Also Check us out on Facebook!!!!

Many of us love our pets dearly; we take them outside for a daily walk, feed them, pet them and bathe them! They are a huge part of our lives, and when you are ready to day “I do” why not include them in one of the biggest moments of your life, your wedding. Many people have used their pets in their wedding, because their pets become part of their family. Even celebrities used their pooch in their wedding such as, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone, and Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell, just to name a few. Having a pet in your wedding brings a unique twist and personality to your special event. Make sure you know your pet’s behavioral habits and with a little faith, including your pet should be a bark in the park.

Here are a few tips to help you incorporate your pet in your big day:

- First thing first, please inform your guest before hand. That way they can expect it. People may be afraid of pets, or even allergic!

- Make sure that your pet knows basic commands such as; “come”, “sit”, “stay”.

- Ask yourself, “Is your pet easily distracted?” “Will it stay still, or bark the hole time?”

- Your pet may only be comfortable with people he knows and that is the bride and groom, include toys or your pets bed next to you that way your pet knows where to go after it walks down the aisle and knows something that is familiar to them.

- Take your pet to the rehearsal, practice makes perfect!

- Avoid too much water or treats before the ceremony. You don’t want any mistakes during your vows.

- Make sure that while your attending your guests that your pet is taken care of. Have a family member, friend or professional take care of it, and prepare them a basket full of water, treats, poop bags and napkins.

- Please check with the church or venue to see what kind of potential hazards that may cause harm to your pet. Such as; hazardous plants, chocolate, alcohol, or meat with bones.

Some people may feel uncomfortable working with a pet or the venue does not allow pets. Here are some ways to still include your pet in your big day:

- Include them in your save the dates. They make a great memory.

- Have it while you are getting ready, and have the photographer take pictures.

- After the ceremony and before the reception take pictures outside.

Another option is doing what Pink and Carry Heart did, unfortunately they did not include their four dogs in the wedding but they did take them in their honeymoon.

As you can see including your pet is easy, if you prepare for it correctly. So go head and include your pet in your wedding and make things unique and memorable.

Looking for a great and fun way to entertain your guest at your next event? Look no further; we have some ideas for you to choose from.

Too White Crew

Is the world’s first & only old skool hip hop tribute band. They perform hip hop anthems from the late 80’s to early 90’s 100% live! Which makes them the only band in the world to perform the music they cover. They also have backup dancers, In Living Color style.  They are from Chicago and have traveled all over the U.S., for example, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City.

To receive more information about them visit them at: http://www.toowhitecrew.com/index.htm

The Breakfast Club

“The Breakfast Club” has quickly become one of Chicago’s top 80’s party bands. For starters, it’s one of those rare bands where the name alone can help attract an audience since it clearly states what they do. In newspaper listings, bar calendars, etc where only the band name may get listed, there is little doubt what kind of music can be expected. The Breakfast Club is a very high-energy band that keeps your crowd partying by performing creative medleys of popular hits from the 80’s. They’re also affordable, professional and they have a great playlist that will keep people singing, dancing and partying all night long. For more information visit them at: http://www.breakfastclublive.com/

Redmoon Theater

Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of performance committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical forms, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. Creating extraordinary visual effects that will amaze your guests. For more information visit them at: http://redmoon.org/

Drum Circle

If you are looking to do something different for your event, hire drum circle. They offer different varieties of music such as: African drummers and dancers, Belly dancers, Brazilian dancers and musicians, Fire spinners, Hawaiian musicians and dancers, Korean musicians and dancers, Latin/ Afro-Cuban, Native American musicians and dancers, Middle Eastern musicians and Taiko drummers. These offer a more cultural twist to your event and makes it even more special.

For more information visit: http://www.drummingcircle.com/rhythm_revolution.htm

These are some of the options in making your special day even better. So go ahead explore your options and check out these great entertainers!

With fabulous gardens and halls that hold many people for an affordable price!

They offer:

• Outdoor space
• Serene Gardens
• Lakefront views
• Grand Ballrooms and much more!

More and more people are choosing Chicago Park District to host their special event, check out these great locations!

63^rd St. Beach House: Created by the famed designers of New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Jackson Park plays host to this jewel that sits on Chicago’s South Lakefront. Located directly on the sands of Lake Michigan this open-air facility features grand porticos overlooking the bluest of waters. Choose the covered Promenade with sun-drenched balconies on the second floor or either of the majestic courtyards on the ground level.

Northerly Island: A true gem located on a 91-acre peninsular piece of land surrounded by Lake Michigan to the south and east and Burnham Harbor to the west, Northerly Island is sure to amaze your guests. Just southwest of the Museum Campus and directly east of Soldier Field, this venue offers both the city skyline and Lake Michigan as backdrops that are perfect for a formal black tie gala or a lakeside cocktail reception.

Promotory Point: This quaint building provides crystal clear skyline views and is surrounded by heavenly meadows. The magnificent French doors open onto stone verandas just steps from Lake Michigan. The exposed brick interior along with the historic architecture make this cozy castle-like site a must see.

Waveland Clock Tower: Beautiful Location in Lincoln Park, using the Front lawn of the tower for your next event. It is great space for ceremony, cocktail, or reception. This place is in front of Lake Michigan and has beautiful views of the city.

As you can see these are beautiful and unique locations to host your next event. From fairly tale castle wedding to a beach wedding the Chicago Park District can offer different venues at affordable prices for you to choose from.

For more information and more venues to choose from, go to:

http://www.cpdit01.com/resources/permits.special-event-venues/

Flying High! Brides around the city of Chicago look to the sky on the largest and longest running Air and Water Show in the country. The weekend of August 14-15, 2010 marks the 52^nd annual Chicago Air and Water Show.  The show started as a part of Chicago’s “Family Day” celebration and had a budget of just eighty-eight dollars. Slowly it has grown to be one of the city’s greatest summer events. It now brings in over two million spectators and despite the added visitors, brides still push through to get married on such an eventful weekend. All events are done on the beautiful coast and waves of Lake Michigan.  The official start time is 10:00am and will go on throughout each day until 4:00pm.  The air portion of the show provides viewers with air entertainment from the U. S. Navy Blue Angels, Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue Tem, Aero Shell Aerobatic Team, and several other talents. This year Chicago has the privilege of witnessing actor Vince Vaughn tandem jump with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The water entertainment is provided by some of the world’s finest wave riders and it is a show that is sure to please. The show will give all out of town wedding guests yet another thing to see in Chicago, but be warned getting around the city will prove to be even more difficult. To avoid the extra traffic, it might be best to stick to the public transportation system. There is no missing the sound of the jets overhead, so hats off to our brides who welcome in the rumble and the roar, and pledge “I DO” during a high flying weekend!

Honey, I Don’t Want to Watch The Kids!

When making your guest list, it’s very common to come across a
couple
who has children you also want to invite to the wedding. They could
either be your relatives or a close friend’s newborn whom they simply
cannot leave at home! While this may propose a problem to the flow and
fun of your wedding day (we agree, we wouldn’t want crying babies
during our reception either!) there are many ways to keep these
children occupied so that your wedding day is enjoyable for all!
Make kid-friendly gift bags! Make a bag or decorative box full of
things that will entertain young children. These small goodie bag
items include crayons, a small coloring book, glow sticks, colored
bracelets, figurines, small beanie animals, etc. Remember that these
bags don’t have to be extravagant or cost a lot of money, they just
need to keep the children at your wedding busy.
Hire babysitters! This option may seem obvious, but bringing
babysitters to your wedding could save not only you, but the parents
of the children as well. Instead of having to call and check up on the
kids constantly, the parents and come and go as they please to a
special kids room that you would set up. That way, the children will
be close enough to their parents without having to bother the rest of
the guests.
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your
life.
It’s imperative to have as many family members and friends there as
possible, both physically and mentally! Take the time to keep the
children at your wedding busy, and it will more than pay off!