We are lucky to be a part of so many share-worthy wedding moments and have compiled an exclusive list of our ‘Best of 2015!’ Enjoy our look back as we revisit a wonderful year, and fill yourself with wedding inspiration for upcoming I-Do’s – both in design, and exposure to some great wedding vendors!
Best Dressed Bridal Party
Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography (left two photos), Durling Photography
Katie + Brian’s whole crew
Dress Designer:Â Bill Levkoff in petal pink
Suits: JoS A. Banks
Blush for the girls and gunmetal for the guys. We love the way all of the girls wore floor-length gowns but with different necklines. This timeless look painted a gorgeous wedding on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Bride Allison’s Maids
Why we love it:Â A design that is different for each girl and shows off their own personality and style is something we love to see! Bride Allison gave her maids just two restrictions- that their dress should be long dress and the base color needed to be black. From there, the girls collaborated to buy dresses that all worked together, even though they were slightly mismatched. Bride Allison’s friend, who ownsÂ
The Heartshape Hotel in NYC, also made custom floral headpieces for each of the girls. They worked together to choose specific faux flowers that would work with each dress and added a perfect bit of drama to the style.
Bride Rachael’s Maids
Designer: Allure Bridal
Why we love it: Bride Rachael wanted to find bridesmaids dresses that were unique and added some color to the otherwise natural outdoors backdrop of their venue. We love how vibrant they are and the amount of color they added to the decor, floral design, and bride’s dress!
Most Creative Dessert
Kit + Ryan
Photo Credit:Â Studio Finch Photography
Vendor: Uptown Cakery, Michigan City, IN
Why we love it: It’s a no-brainer. Have you ever seen a wedding cake push up? An old-school treat with a super fun, entertaining twist for guests to enjoy! We overheard guests talking about Kit and Ryan’s cake display from the moment they walked into the reception. That moment is exactly what it’s all about – creating a talking piece that’s memorable AND delicious – a perfect combination.
Sharon + Jim
Photo Credit: Amy Carroll Photography
Vendor: Love’s Ice Cream
Why we love it: Sharon and Jim thought out-of-the-box for their wedding dessert in order to offer guests vegan and organic options. This adorable cart came from Grand Rapids and was a fabulous addition to to their wedding reception with vegan gelato and grass-fed dairy ice cream.
Most Adorable Cake
Madison + Kevin
Photo Credit: Lexie Williams Photography
Vendor: Collab with Martin’s Supermarkets and one very creative family friend!
Why we love it: Madison and Kevin took the simplicity of a tiered white wedding cake completed with adorned fresh flowers and added in a big punch of sparkle to make that cake shine even brighter! The bottom three layers were ordered from Martin’s and the gold glitter tier (along with flowers) were the additions made by friends! Our team is still chatting about how super fun this cake was.
Most Original Tables Numbers
Grace + Dave
Photo Credit:Â Camille Lydia Photography
Why we love it: Grace and Dave were so creative in designing their table number displays! They took a soft watercolor scheme and paired it with beautiful sea urchin shells and groovy straws to create a stand for their table numbers!
Best Wedding Favors
Ashley + Brad
Why we love it: Ashley and Brad took miniature wine bottles and added in a personalized wine label – complete with their names, wedding date, a sweet little Thank You tag, and location of the I Do’s! The bottles matched the theme so nicely, they looked like part of the decor – a fabulous way to incorporate wedding favors!
Best Escort Card Display
Kate + Andy
Why we love it: With groom Andy being a super passionate soccer player himself, it was natural to incorporate a dash of masculinity and such a personal element into their wedding design. This display knocked our socks off – complete with a soccer field, referees, flags, and soccer balls, each guest represented a soccer player on the field. For more ideas on how to infuse a masculine touch into your wedding design, check out this blog post!
Honorable Mentions
Photo Credit: Cassandra Eldridge Photography (1), 430 Studios (2)
Jacki + Chris
Why we love it: Jacki and Chris said “I love you” to each other for the first time at a winery in Michigan and have made many dear memories in Michigan ever since. Their escort cards were placed into wine corks and glued to beach stones they had found on the beach the summer of the wedding. It was a super meaningful touch and was perfectly displayed.
Jenn + Ben
Why we love it: We always fear about paper escort cards blowing away in the wind at outdoor venues. Both having careers in the events industry, Jenn and Ben took in every last detail – including the weather! They sourced an old mahogany door and strung their escort cards on display. It was easy for guests to grab their seating assignment, and the display was a unique feature to the cocktail space.
Erin + Jeff
Why we loved it: Erin and Jeff took a unique approach to using a door for escort cards. We loved how they placed their menu at the bottom with the chalkboard/chickenwire combination. The door was put at the entrance at Mill Creek Barn, where guests knew what they are eating as soon as they arrive!
Guestbook Display
Melissa + Jed
Why we love it: Melissa and Jed displayed vintage postcards from across the world on unique racks for their escort cards. Not only was this an adorable display that gave the table some height, but it was also full of meaning. Melissa and Jed enjoy traveling. And by that we mean they LOVE to travel – they took a two month honeymoon to travel the world, from Italy to Indonesia and everywhere in between!
Best Floral Design
Colleen + Jeff
Photo Credit:Â Ben Pancoast Photography
Vendor:Â Foraged Floral
Why we love it: The floral design of mixed colors and greenery across the room felt so organic and natural inside Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn. We also love when varying heights are utilized in floral design (not every table should look the same!) It wasn’t your cookie cutter, perfectly placed arrangement – which is what we love! Colleen and Jeff’s floral designer, Tiffany, with Foraged Floral, describes the style as fresh, natural, even a little unruly. She use a generous mix of big, bold blooms, smaller textural elements, and rich, vibrant greens to create a look that is styled, yet effortless. Job well done!
Honorable Mentions
Photo Credit: Erica Freeman Photography (1) ,Durling Photography (2) Studio 6.23 (3)
Brian + Amber
Vendor:Â Rhinestones and Roses
Why we love it:Â Brian and Amber got married at The Vineyard at 12 Corners and wanted to incorporate the winery piece into their florals. We love the boutonnieres that Rhinestones and Roses created as an incorporation with that theme. The dark succulents in Amber’s bouquet match the gray-blue hues throughout their wedding theme. We love seeing new colors!
Rachael + Brian
Vendor: New Creations Flower Co.
Why we love it: With our popular twig ceremony arbor up for rent, many couple choose to doll it up with fabric, florals, or garland. What makes Rachael and Brian’s arch design a stand out piece were the bright colors set against the ceremony backdrop of woods, apple trees and the bright summer sky.Â
Jennifer + Harold
Vendor: Sugar Field Flowers
Why we love it: Nix the itchy corsage and make it a ring! Need we say more?
Best Centerpieces
Rachael + Brian
Photo Credit:Â Durling Photography
Vendor: New Creations Flower Co.
Why we love it: Their reception venue, the beautiful Vineyard at 12 Corners, is surrounded by vines, apple trees, and a wooded perimeter. So, bride Rachael was inspired to put color into the mix and bring in something that screamed romance. Statement-making dahlias in a mix of dark pink, light pink and pops of red = the epitome of romance. Rachael and Brian outsourced all of their candle holders from over 15 thrift stores in Chicago and collected about 100 candle holders. You can never have enough candles on tables! Accents of gold tones adorned the tables, adding the perfect pop of dimension in the tablescape.
Honorable Mentions
Photo Credit: Camille Lydia Photography (1 & 3), Cassandra Eldridge Photography (2),Â
Erica + David
Vendor: Stella Event Design (floral design)
Why we love it: This wedding was the definition of classic! White linens, white florals, large pillar candles in glass vases, and mahogany chiavari chairs to top it off!
Ashley + Brad
Vendor: Tara Florist
Why we love it: Height! We rarely see centerpieces with such height – and was a great change of pace! (Tip: Make sure tall vases are always weighted heavily or risk having wind whisk them off the table!) The arrangements were floral balls filled of lush two-toned hydrangeas, roses and succulents the size of our hands!
Jacki + Chris
Vendor: En Gedi Floral (floral design)
Why we love it: We adored seeing the mixture of natural elements and lush flowers on the tablescapes. Jacki and Chris paired their color scheme of blush, gold, and navy with candles and lace runners to complete the look, all atop 1928’s Farmhouse Napa Tables. The flowers were individually selected and grown by a dahlia farm in Hamilton and made an unbelievably gorgeous statement on the tables with their bright color and large size.
Best Wedding Dress
Bride Allison
Photo Credit:Â Stoffer Photography
Designer:Â Karen Willis Holmes, called Lina.
Boutique: Soho NYC
Why we love it: Bride Allison looked like perfection in this classic, slim fit gown. The dress was made of two pieces – the main dress plus a detachable train, which added the drama they wanted for the first part of the night yet was comfortable once the dancing began!
Honorable Mentions:
Photo Credit: Ryan Bakerink Photography (1), Jennifer Mayo Studios (2),Cassandra Eldridge Photography (3),  Durling Photography (4)
Bride Meghan
Designer: Theia
Boutique: BHLDN
Why we love it: Meghan looked like a goddess in this exquisitely beaded sheath dress. We loved that the tulle skirt could come off and double as a different dress! (Photo #1)
Bride Mattie
Designer: Waters Toos
Boutique: A Joyful Occasion in Naperville, IL.
Why we love it: Bride Mattie put it best, “this gown is elegant, ethereal, and classy while still having a little va-va-voom!” Not only was the look perfection, but Mattie said the gown was more comfortable than she could have ever imagined. Comfort is key – don’t buy a dress you can’t dance in! (Photo #2)
Bride Jacki
Designer:Â Ines Di Santo
Boutique: Dimitras Bridal Couture in Chicago, IL
Why we love it: This bombshell lace strapless gown had a blush pink underlay that gave the dress so much texture! It took a traditional strapless gown and added in countless layers of detail and design! The back of the dress was just as much beauty as the front! (Photo #3)
Bride Rachael
Designer: Enzoani Isla
Boutique:Â The Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL
Why we love it: So outside of the box and a different look than what most brides pick! Bride Rachel looked so elegant in this deep sweetheart, lace illusion neckline and back. So simply perfect.(Photo #4)
Best Bridal Hair/Makeup
Bride Melissa
Photo Credit: Lauren Sherman Photography
Vendor: Shawn Frandsen, owner at Restorations Hair Salon
Why we love it:Â Melissa looked flawless in her Sottero and Midgley pink ruched and ruffled gown. We loved her low side-swept hairstyle and her makeup to match her elegant yet fun look!
Best Beach Wedding
It’s a toss-up!
Amy + Erick
Photo Credit: Jacquelyn James Photography
Location: Tiscornia Park Beach
Why we love it: These two knew how to think outside the box! This was one of the most original wedding days we have ever experienced. Amy and Erick started their wedding celebration with cocktail hour and dinner. Then, they bused everyone to the beach for their sunset wedding ceremony. This was followed by a sparkler entrance back into their reception for dessert and dancing. What a fun night! Guests seemed to love the mix up of things – and they went to a ceremony with a full stomach (not to mention a cocktail or two)!
Brittany + Jesse
Photo Credit: True Photography
Location: Jean Klock Beach
Why we loved it: Brittany and Jesse had scoped out their wedding location several months before the big day. When they revisited their beach spot the week of their wedding, the beach was much smaller than it was months before. But! – there was a small alcove of sandy beach that was the perfect spot for an intimate ceremony. The day ended up being gorgeous and the couple had awesome props!
Most Adorable Kid’s Corner
Melissa + Jed
Why we love it: We just had to create a category for this kid’s corner! Groom Jed made a smaller version of the 1928 Napa Farmhouse tables and cut wood logs for seats. Bride Melissa added all of the little details: every snack a kid could dream of, toys, stickers, and a disposable camera for each little one to play i-Spy. Looking for other unique ways to keep the kids having fun at the reception? Look here!
Best Use of 1928’s Rental Collection
Jordyn + Rick
Item: Specialty Linens and Farmhouse Napa Tables
Why we love it: Bride Jordyn loved the look of our wide Farmhouse Napa Tables, but with reaching near max capacity at her reception venue, had to opt to using narrower tables for the majority of guest seating. To give the banquet tables some jazz, Jordyn and Rick chose a navy blue table linen that really transformed the entire look of the space. They accented it with a handful of our Napa’s to feature the head table. We think it was the perfect pairing and space compromise, but still added a lot of dimension!
Brooke + Nate
Item: Farmhouse Napa Table
Why we loved it: What a great first impression for guests! A refreshing beverage station, complete with lemonade and iced tea for guests to enjoy as they enter into your venue on a hot summer day! Our friends at CK Catering do this setup often and  guests will be thankful for the thought!
Katie + Brian
Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography
Item: 1928 Ceremony Arch and Chalkboard
Why we loved it: Maybe we just love having a stunning couple stand under our beach ceremony arch 🙂 The day was gorgeous all around! With the mix of white chairs, white arch, and white chalkboard – there was something so pure and classic about this wedding. We loved being a part of it!
Best Overall Themed Wedding
Allison + Paul – Music-Themed Wedding
Photo Credit:Â Stoffer Photography
Why we love it: Both being music lovers from NYC, Allison and Paul knew they wanted to tie music elements into the design process to make guests feel like they were attending a music festival! They coined the celebration as Demyanowinkelfest – a fusion of both of their families coming together as one in a festival inspired environment. Battered and once-lifeless instruments (banjos, violin bodies, trumpets, brass pieces, gutted piano and a tambourine from the early 1900’s!) were transformed into awe-inspiring tablescapes that appeared to have flowers naturally growing in and around them (phenomenal work of floral designer, Marco Alexzondra). The theme was done right and to a tee – and looked so perfect in the Blue Dress Barn venue!
Honorable Mentions
Leslie + Andi – Most Enchanted Wedding
Photo Credit: Caressa Rogers Photography
Why we love it: June 7th took our breath away when we transformed The Veranda at The Whitcomb into a fairytale wedding. Bride Leslie dreamed up all of the elements: the blush colors from floor to ceiling, the mixed metals with vases and lanterns, and her princess gown with a bodice covered in jewels. And she created her vision for it all while living 10 hours away! Schades of Light did amazing work with all of the fabric draping, making Leslie’s vision come to life!
Grace + Dave – Beach Themed Wedding
Photo Credit:Â Allie Siarto Photography
Why we love it: With Lake Michigan drawing in large numbers of engaged couples to the area each year, we see our fair share of beach-wedding themes. There was such sophistication with this design. A watercolor scheme, soft florals, accents of unique beach elements everywhere (without going traditional with sand and shells)! The celebration began with an intimate ceremony on Jean Klock Beach. With fear of rain all day, we’re proud that Grace and Dave stayed patient. It turned out to be one of the best summer days we could have had! Check out the rest of their beautiful day on Allie Siarto’s Knot Feature!
Brittany + Jesse – Most Romantic Wedding
Photo Credit: True Photography
Why we love it: We love seeing couples step outside of the trends for the year. Bride Brittany created an incredibly sophisticated wedding with just a hint of gothic when she brought together the vision for her wedding reception at Shadowland Ballroom. Think lush pink blooms, a candlelight reception at (complete with  3ft. candelabras!) and black sequins and blush silks that will take your breath away.
Such a remarkable year for 1928 Planning and looking so forward with what 2016 holds for our team! Hope you’ve enjoyed a recap of our favorite memories of 2015 and have found some inspiration of your own!
Cheers!
 
