u/breakingfreegrowing

Hi all,

I’m getting married in the burbs next fall, and our engagement photos are coming up this September. We originally planned to do them at the Art Institute, with some outside in the gardens/Millennium Park. Lately though, I’ve been seeing a lot of photos from the Chicago Cultural Center, and it looks gorgeous too. It seems less stressful, it’s free to enter, and my photographer has experience shooting at both locations.

Has anyone done engagement photos at either? I’m leaning toward the Cultural Center + Grant Park afterward, but I’m wondering if I’d regret skipping the Art Institute. We’d also have to pay about $60 in admission for the two of us plus our photographer, which feels a little annoying.

Would love to hear your thoughts! If there are any other stunning (and free) spots in Chicago you’d recommend, I’m all ears.

Hi all,

I’m getting married next fall in Lemont and have been trying to find a decent florist in the area.

We have a much tighter budget than expected so this may be a long shot (especially knowing how inflated the cost of everything is for weddings nowadays), but does anyone have experience with a florist in the area that was 2K or less? I need to get in touch with English Garden in Mokena, but not sure how much they’d charge just yet.

What’s needed: Bridal bouquet, 6 bridesmaid bouquets, 6 boutonnières, and some florals for the event itself (ceremony arch, for signs, etc). Any recommendations would be lovely, thank you!!