Welcome to the place where my heart and soul reside! This is where I come to write about and showcase ALL things that make a mark on me – things that are chic, beautiful, inspiring, and totally unique in the Luxury Wedding and Event Planning industries! This is also the place to find inspiration and tips from our Creative Partners. Often, the wedding and fashion worlds intertwine. So occasionally, I’ll include my favorite fashion finds, trends, and current obsessions. My desire is to give you a peek into a world that has always fascinated me and continues to excite me! Welcome to The Bridal Circle blog.
Hope Wasserman Weis on Chicago Weddings
According to Chicago wedding planner, Hope Wasserman Weis of Hope Weis Consulting, every wedding tells a story. With more than 25 years in event management, Hope knows a well-orchestrated event is the result of a focused and creative vision, combined with extensive pre-planning and careful attention to detail in a collaborative environment. Events should flow smoothly, and feel effortless, with every need anticipated so that guests are at ease and delighted. As evidenced by these stunning images of her weddings, Hope works closely with her clients to create an experience where they can be guests at their own event. No one knows Chicago weddings like Hope does, so without further adieu, we’d like to introduce Hope Wasserman Weis…
{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A WEDDING PLANNER?
{HOPE WEIS}: My absolute favorite thing about being a wedding planner is that I have the opportunity to work closely with my couples & their families to create one of the most important days of their lives. It’s an honorand a huge thrill to watch their faces light up as their visions come to life!
WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 CHICAGO WEDDING VENUES LUXURY BRIDES SHOULD CONSIDER, AND WHY?
The top 5 Chicago wedding venues are those that really understand and cater to the luxury client. Those that anticipate the couples and families’ needs, and make the guests’ experience and the wedding day itself the biggest priority. Venues such as: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, The Peninsula Chicago, The Trump Hotel Chicago and The Standard Club. Additionally Chicago offers many wonderful non-hotel venues that offer a unique environment for the bridal couple looking for a different type of experience.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO BRIDES OUTSIDE OF THE CHICAGO AREA? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PLACES YOU HAVE WORKED?
Of course! I’ve done destination weddings at the famous Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, as well as in North Carolina, Michigan and Wisconsin.
WHAT IS THE ONE ELEMENT OF THE WEDDING THAT A BRIDE CANNOT SKIMP ON OR OVERLOOK IN IMPORTANCE?
It’s hard to choose one element, because all of the elements come together to create a total experience. Never overlook the importance of photography, those images capture an incredibly special day. When that day is over, you have each other and those gorgeous photos to cherish for a lifetime! Additionally, a great band will make the party, you want your guests to leave wanting more!!!
HOW INVOLVED ARE GROOMS TODAY IN THE PLANNING? AND DOES THAT MAKE IT EASIER OR MORE CHALLENGING FOR YOU AS A PLANNER?
More and more grooms are involved in the planning than ever before. It’s their day too and it is important that we put the signature of the “couple” on the day, not just the bride. I like when a groom is invested in the process and really cares about the party planning elements.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CEREMONY READING THAT JUST MAKES YOU MELT WHEN YOU HEAR IT AT A WEDDING?
Poetry is always a beautiful choice. The three pieces that come to mind are:
“I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E.E. Cummings;
“It’s All I Have to Bring Today” by Emily Dickinson; and
“The Apache Wedding Prayer” is also lovely.
WHAT’S YOUR POSITION ON TAKING FORMAL PHOTOS, BEFORE THE CEREMONY OR AFTER?
I certainly respect the couple that wants to stay traditional and not see each other prior to the ceremony. That being said, there is nothing like the “first look”! To be able to orchestrate the couple seeing each other for the first time as a very private moment is so moving. Also, the photo catches both of them in one frame rather than walking down the aisle which is more of an action/reaction shot. I have had many couples that I have convinced to see each other before the ceremony and they are so thankful that they did. The photos are fresher (you haven’t cried, been kissed & hugged too much yet). You have your fiancé with you, the most important person in the world to lean on and calm you down on a day that can be stressful. And, you will get a ton of photos of the two of you, your wedding party and families out of the way so that you can enjoy your cocktail hour and not be pulled away or rushed!!!
WHAT BRIDAL GOWN DESIGNERS ARE YOUR BRIDES INSPIRED BY THESE DAYS?
I would say Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier and Ines DiSanto are speaking to my brides the most.
IF WE PEEKED IN YOUR EMERGENCY KIT WHAT ITEM WOULD SURPRISE US?
Maybe white-out for blood stains from shaving mishaps by the groom or groomsmen!
IF YOU COULD PLAN A WEDDING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Italy seems incredibly romantic to me. Ciao Bella!
For more information on Hope Wasserman Weis and Hope Weis Consulting services, we invite you visit her website as well as her Creative Partner profile here on The Bridal Circle.
