How This Couple Transformed a Winter Wedding into a Colorful, Garden-Inspired Dream
Lily & TJ’s Chicago Wedding Day
Okay, who says winter weddings have to be all white and greenery? Because Lily and TJ? They threw that rulebook out the window—and I am so here for it. Their wedding at Old St. Pat’s and The Hyatt Lodge was proof that winter weddings can be colorful, romantic, and totally dreamy.
Reception Goals: A Garden-Inspired Dream at The Hyatt Lodge
Walking into the reception space at The Hyatt Lodge felt like stepping into a secret garden—just one that happened to have a killer dance floor. We played with height and texture, mixing dreamy, floating centerpieces with dainty ikebana designs, all tied together with blue and lavender taper candles (because mood lighting matters, friends!).
Bridesmaid Bouquets with a Personal Touch
But let’s talk about my favorite floral detail: the bridesmaid bouquets. Each bridesmaid carried a mono-variety bouquet—meaning each girl held a bouquet of just one flower type pulled from Lily’s bouquet. Some had fluffy white roses, others held delicate lavender blooms, and the effect? Completely unique but totally cohesive.
Here’s a peek of the day by captured by Kerri Carquist Photography:
Real Life Reviews…
“Lucky me to have come across the absolute light that is Michaela Mantarian Floral Design – I’ve worked with Michaela in three very different ways.
-Kerri Carquist | Photographer
1. As a wedding photographer, I have captured her florals at the wedding. The EXPERIENCE she gives is unparalleled to any other in the industry. While I don’t see the communication up close between Michaela and her couples pre-wedding day, I’m confident it is punctual, honest, authentic, and just so lovely – enough that a bride will hop out of the hair and makeup chair to hug her upon her arrival to drop bouquets.
2. Second, I have gotten to be a CLIENT of Michaela’s – hiring her on multiple occasions to decorate my studio space for studio sessions, to re-do my own personal branding, and even just for some house parties. Her florals breathe life and color into my world time and time again.
3. I believed in Michaela’s art so much (not just the florals, but her art of making people feel so dang good in their experience) that I brought her on my team to lead entrepreneurial workshops – to be a light in the room that continues to build other people up. Working alongside her truly is such a gift.
Simply put, any opportunity to work with Michaela is an absolute must. The investment? Worth it. No flower food in the world can make florals last a lifetime, but Michaela’s life-lasting impact comes from the experience that she gives, the soul that she serves with, and the way she really, just really, loves what she does.
Thank you Michaela for all you do and continue to do for me, my clients, and the people you impact!”
To put a bow on it…
Lily and TJ’s wedding was a testament to the beauty of embracing color, even in the winter months. Their willingness to infuse their celebration with personal touches and vibrant hues made for an unforgettable day. It’s weddings like theirs that remind me why I love what I do—crafting floral designs that tell a couple’s unique love story.
If you’re already swooning over the idea of a colorful, garden-inspired wedding, let’s make it happen! I’d love to dream up something magical for your big day. Head to my contact page, spill all the details, and let’s create some floral magic together.
Vendor Team:
- Wedding Coordinator: Shannon Gail
- Ceremony Venue: Old St. Patrick’s Church
- Ceremony Music: OSP Music Director
- Reception Venue: The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
- Photographer: Kerri Carlquist Photography
- Hair & Makeup: Tamara Hair and Makeup Artistry
- Florist: Michaela Mantarian Floral Design Co.
- DJ: Toast & Jam
- Getting Ready Hotel: Nobu
- Transportation: Absolute Dream Limo
- Cake: Creative Cake Bakery
- Rehearsal Dinner: Ranalli’s
