I saw a twitter post a few weeks back about this new blog called Plumage. I loved the concept of it, especially because I can relate to the rest of the big chicks out there that have a little extra curves here and there. Plumage is a blog dedicated to fashion and beauty for the plus sized bride. Woo Hoo… Finally!

The blog seems somewhat fairly new. However, there is a section for Real Brides (aka. Real Weddings with real people), a bride and bridesmaid gown directory listing all the designers along with the sizes they carry for plus-size brides. This is extremely helpful when you have bridesmaids of all sizes and of course, finding a designer that designs not only for the regular sized bride but also the plus size ladies that want to look their best on their wedding day.  They also have a forum were you can share experiences and great finds.

I wanted to add… if you are looking for a great bridal designer in Chicago for a plus sized (or a regular sized chick!) please do try Alice Padrul. Her gowns are absolutely beautiful and better yet she is located in Chicago.

As a wedding planner in Chicago, I’m always on the hunt for the newest venue, the new photographer who is the new diamond in the rough or who is providing something unique and useful. I’m happy to say I’ve found a few in the last couple of months. Better yet, all of these are local Chicago small businesses!

Room 1520 ~ Let’s start with a new venue called Room 1520. I had the pleasure of working with Haley at Room 1520 and Studio Starling last week to create a photo shoot to give brides a few ideas on colors and the endless possibilities of this amazing space. I will be sharing these pictures with all of you soon.

Room 1520 Chicago

The Lavish Bakery ~ Anyone who knows me, knows I have a weakness for cupcakes. Red Velvet to be exact. If you ever need a taste tester for cupcakes. I’m your gal. The Lavish Bakery has a fun idea of creating a larger cupcake that you can use as a centerpiece (gotta love things that have a dual purpose) or use as the top tier of a cupcake tower. It serves between 8 to 10 guests so nobody will be fighting for a piece of the cake. You can have your cupcake… and eat it too.

The Lavish Bakery ~ Red Velvet Cupcake

Wedobo ~ Their slogan is “Big Day. Big Deals” There are some great deals on this site. You can purchase services, favors, wedding party gifts, florals, invitations and many other items for your wedding at big discounts from some of Chicago’s most reputable vendors. All the deals last one week which means …get it while you can. Make sure you sign up for an account to get their weekly alert with information on upcoming deals.

One of our favorite wedding shows will be taking place on January 29th, 2011 at the Ravenswood Event Center. Indie Wed caters to not only the unconventional couple who are taking a more modern edgy and eco-friendly approach to their special day but also the more conservative couple who simply wants to add some special touches. The event highlights the work of independent designers specializing in various wedding related fields including stationery, cakes, fashion, catering, floral design, photography and more. To learn more about Indie Wed visit their website.

As luck would have it, Indie Wed is having a Black Friday sale. Use discount code “blackfriday” today (and today only!) and get a 50% off tickets. Get your tickets here.

Updated~ Did you miss it this past Friday?  It’s Cyber Monday! Use Discount Code “cyber” for a 50% discount. But don’t drag your feet again because this discount lasts until midnight today!

So many things to be thankful for but cheers to the three most important of all …. family, friends and health. To all of you Happy Thanksgiving! May you all have a great day today sharing a wonderful meal with your loved ones.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart.com

Eileen and Roland got married this past summer in California. I’ve know Eileen for a couple of years as she works for a wonderful non-for-profit in Chicago. When it was time for Eileen to get married I knew she would be going back home to California to host her wedding. This is an example of two planners working at different sides (in Chicago.. aka me, and a local planner in California) working together to make this couple happy. Although it was hard knowing I was not able to attend as I love Eileen to pieces…I’m very happy with the outcome of her wedding.

Tomorrow I get to celebrate my fifth anniversary with my best friend. Happy Anniversary to my husband who after many years together still makes my heart skip a beat every single day and always brings out the best in me.

For anyone that wants to know…. I was a destination bride. Our wedding took place at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico in front of 50 guests. I had a wonderful time and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect day with family and friends!

I always knew I wanted to get married by the ocean and I did. We had white ottomans by the beach, a no-shoe policy and lots of orchids everywhere. It was exactly what I wanted. Relaxed, casual but also elegant. I didn’t want any of our guests to wear dark colors as it does get warm in Puerto Rico in November so we asked all guests to wear white.

Since I’m from Puerto Rico we had a very portorrican infused menu consisting of suckling pig, plantains, rice with beans, skirt steaks, guava everything (the guava creme brulees were to die for) and of course, the mojitos made quite an appearance.

To my amazing husband… cheers to us and to many many many years together.