Five Grain Events, LLC

Happy Anniversary, Aily & Matt; Arielle & Adam; and Gabby & Chad!

Five Grain Events Intern — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:00:37 +0000

Today we celebrate three Five Grain anniversaries! Last year on an unseasonably warm summer day, Aily and Matt were married at the beautiful Modern Wing, Arielle and Adam at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, and Gabby and Chad at the stunning South Shore Cultural Center. Three completely different celebrations but all absolutely perfect for the couples.

In spite of the heat, we were THRILLED to be a part of your celebrations. All the best wishes for a very happy one year anniversary!

Allori Photography

Shane Welch Photography

Ocken Photography

Congratulations!

Lauren, Joan and Sara

Happy Anniversary, Kate and Matt!

Five Grain Events Intern — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:00:24 +0000

It’s hard to believe it has been a whole year since Kate and Matt tied the knot! Every detail of their wedding was absolutely gorgeous; from Kate’s stunning dress to the fabulous table arrangements at Union Station.

Happy Anniversary!

Thompson Wedding Photography

Best Wishes,

Joan

Stacey, Matron of Honor, Lisle, IL

joan — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:36:52 +0000

“I wanted to let you know how happy we are that you were Tracey and Jim’s planner. Everything was fabulous and you did an amazing job of going above and beyond all the way to the end. I really appreciate your colleague taking the elderly couple back to the hotel as well. I would be happy to be a reference anytime you might need one. Thanks for making this a wedding to remember :)”

Five Grain Events Welcomes Intern, Michelle!

Five Grain Events Intern — Tue, 28 May 2013 19:20:53 +0000

Hi everyone! We are thrilled to introduce our new summer intern, Michelle! She has written a little about herself and what she is hoping to gain from this experience below…

My name is Michelle Gauer and I am intern for Five Grain Events for the summer of 2013. I first heard about Five Grain Events when my father and step-mother booked Lauren as their wedding coordinator in the summer of 2011. Lauren did an amazing job and it inspired me to pursue a career in the field of wedding planning. My father and step-mother both agreed that having a coordinator was one of the best investments they made for their wedding and encourage others to hire one. Five Grain Events’ skills in coordinating and planning really made me appreciate the industry more and I am so excited to be able to share all of this with you!

Currently I attend Bowling Green State University studying Event Planning and Marketing and am originally from Gurnee, Illinois (a northern suburb of Chicago). Ever since I was a child, I have always been the one to plan family parties, vacations, and organize just about everything I possibly could. Taking classes has been very beneficial for me, but I knew being able to work hands-on with Joan and her team would give me a great insight to all of the details and processes of the wedding planning industry.

During the summer, I will work closely with Joan learning all about the wedding industry and seeing how she works–both day-to-day in the office and on-site at a wedding. I will also be doing research about the biggest questions people have about planning a wedding and sharing it with you all. I am so excited to be working with Five Grain Events and their amazing owner, Joan and coordinators Lauren, Shannon, and Sara throughout the summer. While initially starting my internship with Five Grain Events, I was not sure on exactly what to expect or what kind of questions to ask, but after being here just a few weeks I have learned so much, and I can’t wait to continue this experience to share my knowledge with you all.

Happy Anniversary Brooke & John and Ashley & John!

Five Grain Events Intern — Sun, 26 May 2013 14:00:58 +0000

One year ago today, we were honored to be a part of two gorgeous weddings. No one could ever forget Brooke and John’s beautiful wedding at the Adler Planetarium and Ashley and John’s unforgettable celebration at the Harold Washington Library. It was such a great experience to be a part of both couples’ very special days!

J. Winter Photography

Amanda Hein Photography

Wishing all of you very happy anniversaries and many more to come!

Love,

Shannon, Sara, and Joan

Happy Anniversary, Catherine and Phil!

joan — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:00:28 +0000

Today marks one year since Catherine and Phil’s beautiful wedding at Holy Name Cathedral and The Ivy Room. They had a fabulous celebration with friends and family galore (and some of the best speeches I’ve ever heard!).

Tricia Koning Photography

Happiest of anniversaries to you both–hope you’ve got a fabulous celebration planned!

Joan

Happy Anniversary, Colleen & Onur and Sarah & Jeff

joan — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:00:41 +0000

Thinking back to that day last April when two beautiful couples committed themselves to one another, I can’t help but smile. It was a chilly day, but the wonderful celebrations warmed everyone’s hearts
.

Dawn E. Roscoe Photography

Michael Rastall Photography

Happiest of anniversaries, Colleen & Onur and Sarah & Jeff! Cheers to many more years of wedded bliss!

Cheers,

Joan & Lauren

Julia and Brendan’s Naturally Urban Fête at Ravenswood Event Center 11.03.12

Shannon — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:32 +0000

I loved Julia and Brendan’s fall wedding! The atmosphere was comfortable and easy, and the event was full of fun personalities, gorgeous details, great music, and true love!

It was important to Julia and Brendan that they host an event that truly represented them. As foodies, they really wanted to treat their guests to a fine dining experience that still felt comfortable and homey. They chose the perfect combination by deciding to host their event at the rustically chic Ravenswood Event Center and having City Provision Catering to provide a unique dining experience. The result was spectacular and an event I will not soon forget!

Katie Kett Photography

Wanting to keep the day easy-going and fun, Julia and her bridesmaids got ready in a suite at the InterContinental Hotel downtown, while the talented stylists, Carol, Jen, and Debra from Nika Vaughn Makeup & Hair, worked their magic.

Julia started her day with a sweet letter from her husband-to-be, bringing a tear to her eye and a smile to her face. It was so sweet! (Meanwhile, Mr. Perfect was relaxing at his apartment, watching football with his Dad and buddies!)

Katie Kett Photography

Katie Kett arrived at the hotel to capture the girls’ preparations and some awesome details of Julia’s dress and accessories!

Katie Kett Photography

With the help of her Maid of Honor, Claire, Julia slipped into her beautifully beaded gown and gorgeous shoes. She was a stunning Bride, and her girlfriends all agreed as they looked on admiringly.

Katie Kett Photography

It was time for the ladies to head to Ravenswood Event Center for their photo shoot around the space. Brendan met her there and Katie Kett set the stage for the first look at a spot nearby.

Katie Kett Photography

They did a quick photo shoot of the couple and their wedding party and, although it was chilly, you can see all the joy and energy that surround Julia and Brendan on their big day. It was so special!

Katie Kett Photography

The gorgeous bouquets and floral arrangements were provided by the talented Lynn with Pollen Floral Design. I love the combination of succulents and flowers to create a unique and fresh look!

Katie Kett Photography

Guests began to arrive and made their way up to the third floor for the ceremony. Brendan waited patiently for his Bride as she was escorted down the aisle by her Mother and Brother. Their ceremony was short and sweet, as they recited their vows and said their “I dos!”

Katie Kett Photography

It was now time for the fun and revelry to begin! DJ, Kristen, with Toast & Jam DJs had the music going as guests made their way down to the second floor for the cocktail hour. Greeting them when they arrived was their beautifully printed escort cards, a unique wine bottle “guest book”, and some delicious nosh and drinks.

Katie Kett Photography

The doors opened up for dinner, and guests were welcomed into a warm and cozy environment of long farm tables, strands of globe lights, gorgeous flowers by Pollen Floral Design and scrumptious food. Katie Kett Photography captured the ambiance of the room perfectly!

Katie Kett Photography

As the new “Mr. & Mrs.” were announced into the room, they were met with cheers and high fives! Everyone was so thrilled to be celebrating these two!

Katie Kett Photography

Brendan’s Father, Bill, welcomed the guests and encouraged everyone to enjoy the amazing meal planned by Chef Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions Catering. The guests feasted on house-made charcuterie, and family style dishes of sautéed greens, mushroom risotto, roasted pork loin, and herb-roasted beef. It was absolutely delicious, and I’m kicking myself for not getting a photo of the food! Throughout dinner, toasts to honor Julia and Brendan were given by Best Man, Garrett, and Maid of Honor, Claire. They spoke with delight at their friends finding such happiness, and toasted to a long and blissful life together.

Katie Kett Photography

After an amazing meal, it was time for the guests to make their way back up to the third floor for dessert and dancing. Before heading upstairs, Brendan and Julia took a moment to take it all in. Dinner was a huge success, they were married, and happy.

Katie Kett Photography

To help welcome the guest to the next phase of the reception, Julia’s Mother, Sharon, made a toast in honor of the happy couple. Brendan and Julia thanked everyone for coming to be a part of their special day, then made their way to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife to the tune “Easy Silence” by the Dixie Chicks.

Katie Kett Photography

For dessert, Julia and Brendan served delicious pies by Hoosier Mama Pie Co. I just love their “pie cutting” photos, and how delicious do these pies look?!

Katie Kett Photography

Kristen with Toast and Jam DJs kept the dance floor busy with her great mix of tunes, and everyone had a blast kicking their shoes off and getting down for the rest of the night.

Katie Kett Photography

Julia and Brendan, it was a honor and a blast to help you two have the wedding of your dreams. I loved every moment I spent with you, and wish you tons of happiness and blessings in the future.

Julia and Brendan’s Wedding

joan — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:29 +0000

November 3rd

Ravenswood Event Center

Photography by Katie Kett Photography

Modern Chicago Greenhouse Loft Wedding by Christy Tyler Photography + Five Grain Events

joan — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:39:45 +0000

Crisp, clean loft weddings get me every.single.time. I just adore them. So this Greenhouse Loft wedding captured by Christy Tyler Photography? SO up my alley. It’s understated yet perfectly refined, letting the couple in the middle of it all truly shine. Five Grain Events was on hand to make sure the entire day was beyond perfect, and one peek at the gallery and you’ll see that they succeeded and then some.

To view the rest of the feature, click here to go to Style Me Pretty Illinois.