Organizing a Wedding Myths

Since last September my extra time has been spent planning a wedding for 200 of our closest friends and family.  Unlike other brides I wanted to be honest about what I've discovered about this planning process. Keep in mind these are my personal findings, and you might have a totally different experience

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard Bridal showers tend to be awkward and usually turn into a sober afternoon of playing weird shower games with your Great Aunt.

FALSE:  My bridal shower was absolutely lovely! 

The decor was sweet, the food was delightful, the wine flowed, and the gifts were great. 

I spent my afternoon really enjoying hanging with my best girlfriends and family.

WEDDING MYTH:
I heard Wedding dress was a magical time to be a princess and find your princess dress.

FALSE! I personally hated every minute of 'finding the dress'.  A few things:  One, what they don't tell you is these muffin tank dresses are so large one cannot put the dress on themselves. I wish I knew a sales person was going to be in the room with me before I showed up in barely-there thong and band-aid size nipple covers I happened to wear on the 100 degree day I went. Two, Sample sizes are not petite friendly and are all size 8-10. You will be clamped into a dirty make-up ridden 'sample dress'.  Three, Finding a white dress that you would want to wear under $1000.00 is nearly impossible.  It's best to sack up and start at Ultimate Bride on Oak street.  If you cut corners here you will fail.

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard a bride should have her makeup done professionally to get the best results. 

FALSE: I went to Benefit on Armitage st. in Chicago full of hope and cheer, but walked out a drag queen.  I know I am not a model and would never expect to have miracles, but the false lashes and shadow totally did not match my 'Jenny Woo' Ethereal, dewy- fresh face theme I was going for.  I could barely keep my eyes open because the lashes were so heavy.  Sorry Benefit. I think I will be doing my own makeup.

Next week is the big day will finally arrive! I will keep you posted on the final decisions and outcome.

Get the Look: Parisian Modern

I just adore this this photo of  a Parisian Chic Interior.  Check out some of these local pieces you can find in Chicago to get the look. Clockwise from the top left, Table: West Elm, Chair: Jayson Home and Garden, Pillow: WestElm, Faux Horns: Jayson Home and Garden, Lighting: Jayson Home and Garden, and Farm PIllow: One Kings Lane.

July 4th:Part 3 ALL HANDS ON DECK Weekend

So here is the boat we actually got... NOT TOO SHABBY!

 

 

It came with a really cute captain named Conway. Thank you to captain Conway for putting up with us. 

As the night progressed and our wine turned into vodka night caps I can imagine we were a lot to deal with!

 

 

Apparently sparklers are off limits on wood boats.  Ooops!

But hey,It was our Nation's Birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and I forgot to mention these fun bracelets we found on Etsy....

They came in the cutest package!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/partyarmor

She makes all kinds of (cheap) party favors

Here are a few more things we had :)

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/136842059?ref=fb2_tnx_title

Also found on Etsy!

 

Chicago always looks so great from the Lake!!

 

Then night should have ended there, but instead we hit the town until 5 am. OOPPS!

It ended more like this at the Hang Uppe

YIKES

 

 

THEN THE SECOND NIGHT....

We had a lovely dinner a Red Door cafe in Bucktown.

 

If you haven't been I would go and sit under the stars on their awesome patio!!

 

 

 

 

BRAVO TO LYDIA WORKMAN who brought all the fancy flowers and table clothes :)

I LOVE YOU

THEN WE HEADED TO LYDIA'S FOR EVEN MORE FUN SURPRISES :)

 

Sticking with our anchor theme... my new monogram :)

Treats fit for a queen.

 

Thanks so much to all my girlfriends for making this such a wonderful time. xoxox kiki kane

 

 

 

 



July 4th: Part 2 Winding up for South West Winds

Day one of fun with the fun girls and the bachelorette party!!

 

Getting outfits together..

 

Thinking these guys might appear...

 

An  I am hoping the boat looks like tomorrow...

 

 

 

 

July 4th: Part 1 I'm On a Boat.....

I am getting married this August and my besties and I have been planning a girls night out in the city filled with sailing, wine, and fireworks!!

 

I can't help, but over do it on the 'boat themed' party favors and accessories. :)

 

http://pinkpineappleshop.com/

 

Although I don't live any where near the east coast I do enjoy pretending I will be boating in rhode Island! Maybe I will just online shop there instead (check out Pink Pineapple Shop)

 

Can't wait to see the girls on the boat :)





I love Golllllllllllllllllllllld!!

Everyone knows Glitter and Leopard are my favorite colors, but I also love goooooooooooold!!

I found this really great shaped mirror at a garage sale for $20.00!  

I was going for one of those gilt gold looking mirrors like this one from Jayson:

http://www.jaysonhome.com/flea/mirrors-and-wall-decor/antique-gilt-mirror-1.html

What I wound up with is pretty great!!

If you ever do a gold leaf project I would recommend painting the frame first with a craft gold then adding the gold leaf sheets so there is min. contrast incase it flakes off.  (the leafing can be messy)

Moral of the story: I <3 GooooooooooLLLD!

Randolph Antique Fair

Last Weekend Olive Juice participated in the Randolph Street Festival.  We had great success and wanted to say thank you to everyone who came and was involved.

Custom Pillows

Peacock Chair!

Dining set

Olive Juice Booth

Cool Prints by Caitlin Conaway

Madmen drink set

Pair of coral wingback chairs

Chippendales desk chair

Day two after a few things sold... looking a little bare

Chrome Chairs and greek key side table