Fleurotica is an annual event at Garfield Park Conservatory benefitting the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance  to provide nature education programs, school group visits, arts, culture and early childhood programming for their visitors and groups.  Each year they ask designers and artists to participate in the fashion show to create fashionable outfit made entirely of natural products, such as flowers, plants, leaves, and natural fibers.

Deborah’s inspiration was taken from current trends in fashion with an emphases on movement. We selected our model, Jocelyn and created the dress on how it would flow and move down the runway.  The bodice was made of natural bark to create the elongated waistline, with the top portion in moss and hand-glued floral buttons, creating a polka dot effect. We also brought the same pattern down to the shoes! The skirt bounced with each step the model took; peek-a-boo white flowers were layered at the bottom for a soft lacy look.

For brides, the back of the dress is equally as important as the front. Deborah designed the low-cut back with a peacock tail, creating a train, accenting the model’s natural beauty and body type. These features accentuated her elegance with each step.

Deborah also created a blusher hat with fully-open garden roses and bear grass that tilted on the side of Jocelyn’s head, expressing her confidence.

We couldn’t be happier to be a part of Indie Wed once again. This time our design team is working with some of the best wedding vendors in Chicago to produce a specialty lounge area, inspired by an era where Vaudeville shows and carnivals provided entertainment and glamour. Here’s a snippet right from the Indie Wed website:

Art of Imagination will magically transform the 3rd floor space with beautiful draping and lighting, utilizing the eclectic bunch of parasols from Bella Umbrella. Fab Flora* will add a touch of romance with textured florals in burgundy and blush. Vintage couches, settees, trunks, and gorgeous furniture will be provided by Shadowbox Dreams Vintage Rentals. Nimblewell* will work with Luscious Layers Bakery* in providing rustic crates and vintage platters for all their yummy baked goods to sample. What would a carnival be without cotton candy? Our friends at Spin-Spun will be whipping up their all natural cotton candy to enjoy. FIG Catering is working on a menu that is sure to dazzle and will be providing the perfect libations for this soiree. We heard a rumor of craft cocktails! Fumee Gypsy Project will be on stage and Doodle Booth* will be providing hand drawn caricatures.Vaudezilla will dazzle and delight guests with vintage inspired can can performances.  Cage and Aquarium* will put together the perfect playlist while our performers are on break. Paper Stories is designing all the signage and paper goods to pull in all the details, while Tuan H. Bui Photographer captures some amazing photos to document our fantastic lounge. Don’t forget to hop behind the kissing booth and say hello to the gal who put this all together, Carlene of Naturally Yours Events.

Be sure to get your tickets today!! And we shall see you on February 1st!

Among all Chicago bridal shows, Committed is the city’s only Green bridal show and it is not a show to miss. Last year, we attended as guests and had a blast! Unlike other bridal shows, Committed is small and intimate, giving couples a chance to talk to each vendor and ask questions directly. Even though we knew all the vendors, for brides It was a great chance to get a lot of the wedding planning out of the way – and the best part is that each involved vendor is eco-friendly, so brides could “green” your wedding without any extra work!

This year, we are excited to be a member of the alliance and to actually have a booth at the show. After the tremendous success of last year’s show, the organizers are promising a larger, more interactive show that still keeps the fun and casual atmosphere of last year, including an expanded layout on the second floor, filled with interactive activities from all of the vendors – with so much creativity under one roof, we expect the show to be a lot of fun.

Personally, we can’t wait. With more space, more activities and more vendors, this will be THE bridal event of the season to attend for all urban brides.

We’re thrilled to be taking part – here are our favorite moments from last year’s show!

Beautiful, custom and vintage gowns by Mignonnette Bridal. This year, the show takes over more space of the Green Exchange building, so expect to see a much bigger fashion show!

We’re looking forward to treats from Katherine Anne Chocolatier and on-site pampering from Head 2 Toe Mobile Spa. 

Cage and Aquarium will be on hand to provide the awesome music and Pollen will have their trademark, eco-friendly and inventive florals to admire.

Of course, the Alliance will have volunteers on hand to answer questions. To learn more about the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance – be sure to visit their website! All photos by Julia Franzosa. Get your tickets today.