Chicago based wedding & special event planning company serving the entire Chicagoland area and NW Indiana If you want to celebrate, we will make it happen!!
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SouthWind Events is an event planning and production service that started south of the Windy City (Chicago). We have since grown and now serve the entire Chicagoland area, or wherever you need us. We are here to plan, coordinate and execute all your special events - weddings, birthdays, receptions, baby showers, etc. We are also here to serve all your professional event needs in planning your conferences, retreats, or other such events. Whatever the event, we are here to serve you.
Once upon a time, a beautiful Jersey girl met a handsome midwest guy at a mutual friend’s wedding. After dating long distance for a while, he convinced her to move to Chicago. Fast forward to this day when their forever began with a stunning celebration at the Bridgeport Arts Center.
Bride:
Groom:
Planner: .events
Venue:
Photography:
Florals/Decor:
Hair:
Makeup:
Catering:
Bar:
Band: .events
Photo booth:
Officiant:
Transportation:
Cake:
Tired doing business alone? Looking for a safe place to let your hair down and vent about the challenges of the industry, clients, or even other vendors? Need a place where you can be encouraged, uplifted, challenged & inspired? Well, my hope is that you will find that with Chicago Minority Wedding Collective.
Our mission is simple. We are an association united by a shared mission to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for minority wedding professionals. Our vision is to provide a supportive space where you can show up as your authentic self.
We are hosting our inaugural meet up on Thursday, May 9th @ 6:30pm and we invite wedding and event professionals to come, hang out, and connect. This is not a business meeting. So just come as you are, and hopefully you’ll find a new place to call home.
RSVP link is in my bio. See you on May 9th!
IT’S OUR 7th ANNIVERSARY!!
Seven is the number of completion. We have walked through some challenging times, but we have made it!! We know who we are & what we stand for. We know how we operate and how we serve. We know our value and our worth. We still have goals and aspirations, but we’ve made it here today. THANK YOU GOD!! Most small businesses don’t last more than 5 years. But we have and we know God has more in store for us. Are you ready to see what happens between now and year 10? We sure are!
Day 5 - MEET THE SOUTHWIND EVENTS TEAM
1️⃣ Nikeva, Owner/Lead Planner
2️⃣ Horace, the groom whisperer
3️⃣ Jamika, the detail slayer
4️⃣ Brianna, the shape shifter
5️⃣ Thomas, the move maker
6️⃣ Ashley, the bridal sargent
We will dedicate time to each of these talented people throughout the day. Follow our story today for more!
📸 (pics 1-4)
💄 (pics 1-4)
It’s Day 3 of our countdown to our 7th Anniversary and we are flooding our story with some amazing vendors in the Chicago area. Head on over & CHECK EM ‘OUT!
DAY 1 of the w/ A BONUS
We are sharing a few little known, fun facts about SouthWind Events. Scroll through to learn more about your favorite wedding planning team. And if you saw this in our story, scroll through because there’s a bonus here for you!
Cuz sometimes that first call is a miss, but as professionals we know how to support you, build your confidence and create magic on your wedding day!
Any guesses❓❓ 😊
✨Alexandra & Alex share a bit about their experience with our team at SouthWind Events.
As a wedding planner in Chicago, our goal when working with couples is to take the burden of concern & worry for any and every detail of the wedding day off the couple. We always strive to MAKE IT EASY - the wedding planning process and especially the wedding day itself.
We create comprehensive timelines and have detailed conversations with every member of the vendor team to ensure we’re all in alignment such that everyone can execute their part of the wedding day with a clear & common goal in mind. This way, even when there is a major crisis and near catastrophic accident, we can work together, shielding the couple from the chaos & problems, and let them fully and completely enjoy their wedding. Of course, after the party is over, we tell all the tales and laugh about all the things they didn’t see or even know about.
Looking back on the beautiful day that was Alexandra & Alex’s wedding day. Their love is so pure & genuine. This is what dreams are made of.
Video by Good Moon Collective
https://vimeo.com/766411846?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=128607651&fbclid=IwAR1tp0ByneiqqnV-VvLrSS42ZuYr9z94mudSO8KvLebgr-anvqf0rKuINVI_aem_ATzaDCjOllI0MmhpWGmI0qXK-2baMhSALetlxlBP0vaJs7dynQRHakBUjzg_afrAzbY
This is "Alexandra + Alex" by Good Moon Collective on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
If you’re hiring a photography hobbyist who’s never shot a wedding before - your friend’s coworker, a college friend, or Uncle Joe - disregard everything I am about to say.
Now, if you’ve hired an experienced professional wedding photographer, most of you are wasting time creating a shot list. If your list looks like this:
- gown
- accessories
- MOB zipping dress/adjusting veil
- MOH helping with dress
- bride & groom
- bride & groom w/ bridesmaids
- bride & groom w/ groomsmen
- bride w/ parents
- groom w/ parents
- bride & groom w/ brides parents
- wedding cake
- bouquets
STOP 🛑 WASTING YOUR TIME and 💰 (with those Etsy buys).
The fact is, these shots are standard. They are common images captured at every wedding. So rather than buying a list or wasting time & energy stressing over adding 3 more “must have” shots to an album of 2,500+ images, have a conversation with your photographer to make sure these pics are part of their standard shoot. If you find there’s something they don’t normally do, then add it to your list. Otherwise, consider it common knowledge.
Bottom line, you’re paying them THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for their knowledge & experience. Don’t insult their intelligence or their professionalism by thinking you need to tell them every shot to take on your wedding day. Cuz nobody wants to be micromanaged on their job, let alone by someone who’s never done the job in the first place.
Like & follow so you don’t miss Part 2 of what SHOULD BE ON YOUR SHOT LIST!
If you agree, comment 📸.
Have other thoughts/opinions? Let’s talk about it.
📸 .photogs
B&W is about more than color. It helps you see the stunning Beauty & Wonder of a moment.
Planner: .events
Photo:
Through every moment, as friends, as lovers, and now, forever together.
Written in the stars, sealed with love. 🌟💫✨
From Chicago to Hollywood, this love story was 20yrs in the making, but couldn’t have been more perfect if this screen writer had written it herself.
Congrats L | R
Planner: .events
Venue:
Hair: ,
Makeup: ,
Barber:
Photography:
Florals & decor:
Caterer: Candlelight Group
Cake:
DJ:
It’s wedding day!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
This loving couple met during a professional networking event. Their shared love for food, music, travel & laughs was the spark for love.
N | D celebrated their marriage with a purple party on a roof top in downtown Chicago. Congrats to the newlyweds. 🥂
~~~~~
Thank you to the team:
Planner: .Events
Venue:
Photo: .photogs,
Bridal makeup:
Bridal hair: , ,
Wedding party makeup: , ,
Design & decor:
DJ:
Fresh florals:
Cake:
Photo booth:
Comedian:
Love is sweet when it's new, but sweeter when it's true.
📸:
🚨 DO NOT HANG ANYTHING, ESP YOUR DRESS FROM THE SPRINKLERS 🚨
I don’t care how great the photo will be or how crowded your room and closet are, do not use the sprinkler head as a place to hang anything!
It’s the audacity for me. ‼️‼️
WEDDING GUESTS: It is at the sole discretion of the couple if they want children, theirs or yours, at their wedding. It’s their personal choice as to how they spend their money for their day. They don’t owe you anything. So if you can’t afford a babysitter or the gas/flight to get there or the new outfit that YOU choose to buy, then simply respond with your regrets and stay home. There’s no harm in that.
This text exchange is not only inappropriate, but this potential wedding guest is both selfish and entitled.
✨ You are my miracle ✨
J | B celebrated their love with a beautiful and intimate celebration. They were intentional about so many details for their day from personal, hand-written cards for each guest at their place setting to tea cup gift boxes filled with candies that honored the bride’s culture and her youth. As different as they are, J | B are the perfect match for each other.
Planner: .events
Venue:
Photography:
Getting ready:
Bridal hair & makeup:
DJ: Gil @ djchicagogram
Florals:
Bouquets:
Cake & cupcakes:
Caterer:
Photo booth:
“Loving you is the greatest gift of my life”
The love Matt & Jackie share is one of fairy tales and childhood dreams. It’s so pure, genuine and beautiful, and it was a pleasure witness.
Happy Anniversary! May your love continue to grow in depth and breadth with each passing day. 🥂
Cheers to YOU 🥂
Take a minute to celebrate you…your wins, your misses, your growth, your lessons learned, your achievements & your opportunities for improvement. No matter how small or large, YOU DID IT! So CHEERS!!
Remember this: wedding day perfection is all about your perception. Prioritize what’s truly important & it’s guaranteed to be the perfect day for you!
From school lockers to forever lovers
Aliya & Jared met during their freshman year of high school in a suburb of Chicago. Between shared classes and neighboring lockers, a beautiful friendship formed. By junior year, they began dating, and their love continued to grow through graduation, college, med school & now the start of their professional careers. This forever love story is already 10 years in and forever has just begun 💕
Bride:
Planner: .events
Coordinator:
Makeup: ,
Hair:
DJ:
Photography: .photogs
Sip & Board decor:
Florals:
Sip & Board venue:
Ceremony venue:
Reception venue:
Transportation:
Officiant: Judge Linzey Jones
🚨 Please be aware of this. Shoving someone’s face into a cake could be DANGEROUS
A wedding is about more than vows & a great party. It’s the start of one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, tasks in life - marriage! But if you put in the work, you can make it a beautiful ride.
Chicago, IL
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The fact is, a bad reception timeline can ruin the party. - waiting too long to serve dinner- speeches that go on forever - guests standing up, sitting down repeatedly - too many “things” happening before the dance floor opens- guests have too much down time; they’re just waitingThink about your guest experience & the mood of the space. When you enter your wedding reception, all eyes are on you! Your guests are thrilled to see the newlyweds enter the room and get the party started. So while you have their attention & your photo/video team is in place, knock out the photo moments & watch the mood of the room shift…🔘Entrance ⬆️ * fist pumps *🔘 Cake cutting ➡️ * cute *🔘 First dance ➡️ * sentimental *🔘 Welcome/blessing ⬇️ * time to relax a little *🔘 First course/salad ➡️🔘 Toasts ➡️ * bring the mood up a little with short sweet toasts ‼️….if these go on forever, the mood will plummet ⬇️ ‼️….put it between courses if you want to restrict time & make good use of the time gap; more party time later🔘 Entrees ➡️ ‼️….your vendors can eat now too without missing anything; ask the caterer to serve them after serving you, your wedding party & immediate family🔘 Parent dance ↗️ * we’re trending up again *🔘 Tosses ↗️ * going up more!! *🔘 PARTY!! ⬆️⬆️ * stay here all night long *So rather than putting your guests on an emotional roller coaster of ⬆️⬇️➡️↗️➡️⬇️↗️⬇️⬆️⬆️, create a steady flow & progression throughout the night. I promise it will make for an incredible experience that will have your guests raving!! #weddingreception #weddingreceptionideas #weddingreceptiontimeline
✨Alexandra & Alex share a bit about their experience with our team at SouthWind Events. . . As a wedding planner in Chicago, our goal when working with couples is to take the burden of concern & worry for any and every detail of the wedding day off the couple. We always strive to MAKE IT EASY - the wedding planning process and especially the wedding day itself. We create comprehensive timelines and have detailed conversations with every member of the vendor team to ensure we’re all in alignment such that everyone can execute their part of the wedding day with a clear & common goal in mind. This way, even when there is a major crisis and near catastrophic accident, we can work together, shielding the couple from the chaos & problems, and let them fully and completely enjoy their wedding. Of course, after the party is over, we tell all the tales and laugh about all the things they didn’t see or even know about. #southwindeventchicago #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #clientreviews #clienttestimony #theknotbestofweddings #coupleschoiceaward
If you’re hiring a photography hobbyist who’s never shot a wedding before - your friend’s coworker, a college friend, or Uncle Joe - disregard everything I am about to say. Now, if you’ve hired an experienced professional wedding photographer, most of you are wasting time creating a shot list. If your list looks like this: - gown - accessories - MOB zipping dress/adjusting veil - MOH helping with dress - bride & groom - bride & groom w/ bridesmaids - bride & groom w/ groomsmen - bride w/ parents - groom w/ parents - bride & groom w/ brides parents - wedding cake - bouquets STOP 🛑 WASTING YOUR TIME and 💰 (with those Etsy buys). The fact is, these shots are standard. They are common images captured at every wedding. So rather than buying a list or wasting time & energy stressing over adding 3 more “must have” shots to an album of 2,500+ images, have a conversation with your photographer to make sure these pics are part of their standard shoot. If you find there’s something they don’t normally do, then add it to your list. Otherwise, consider it common knowledge. Bottom line, you’re paying them THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for their knowledge & experience. Don’t insult their intelligence or their professionalism by thinking you need to tell them every shot to take on your wedding day. Cuz nobody wants to be micromanaged on their job, let alone by someone who’s never done the job in the first place. Like & follow so you don’t miss Part 2 of what SHOULD BE ON YOUR SHOT LIST! If you agree, comment 📸. Have other thoughts/opinions? Let’s talk about it. 📸 @ab.photogs #weddingphotography #weddingplanningtips #weddingphotographytips #chicagoweddingplanner #2024bride #2025bride #shotlist #weddingplanningadvice
Love…sweet and simple
Let’s be honest here…wedding planning isn’t the most glamorous job. True, it looks great come wedding day, but the months leading up to it aren’t all roses & rainbows. Couples will complain about the cost of a professional wedding planner because they don’t truly understand our value. What we bring to the table. How essential we are to the flow & execution of your day. How calming we are to the chaos that could be your wedding day. All things that can’t truly be quantified or monetized. What can be quantified though are- the countless days of client indecision- the number of calls, emails, and texts received from a couple and their vendors- the meltdowns that happen because your MOH wants to wear a 3” heel, instead of 4” or because the only napkins available are blush pink, not bashful - the number of times we because a relationship counselor, an emotion support person, or a scapegoat (we get blamed for YOUR decisions)Not to mention- the cost to pay a team to be away from their families to support you for an 8-15hr day- the cost to run this business - cell phones, software, systems, insurance, marketing, accounting, legal support, and so much more. So when you ask why does a wedding planner cost so much, consider the fact that we are doing far more than just “planning”. And far too many of us truly aren’t charging what we are worth!
A little BTS of the epic #KOExperience2023This gorgeous wedding celebrated the beauty of love, family & legacy at the iconic JW Marriott hotel in downtown Chicago. Thank you to the PHENOMENAL TEAM who helped make this day possible! Planner: @southwind.events Venue: @jwmarriottchiPhotography: @Jlaurynphotography Videography: @thischarmingheart Florals & decor: @siblanaevents Bridal Hair: @quinceebooker, @nickirougebridalteamBridal Makeup: @daniellerochonmakeupParty Makeup: @beautybybeshara, @cmitchellartistry, @nickirougebridalteamParty Hair: @polishedcrownstudio, @beautypowerhouse, @iprotecttresses, @nickirougebridalteamBarber: String quartet: @divisistrings DJ: @djmatrix Sound: @yaboidiggsBallerina: @msb_dance_Choreographer: @_shaesaladyCake: @alliancebakeryPhoto booth: @lavish_exposure
“Loving you is the greatest gift of my life” The love Matt & Jackie share is one of fairy tales and childhood dreams. It’s so pure, genuine and beautiful, and it was a pleasure witness. Happy Anniversary! May your love continue to grow in depth and breadth with each passing day. 🥂 #chicagoweddingplanner #chicagowedding #chicagocubsnation #southwindevents #southwindeventschicago #happyanniversary
Quick tips for making your wedding day just a little easier #southwindevents #southwindeventschicago #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #chicagoweddingplanner
We have teamed up with Malcolm Maholmes (Canva$) to share 3 questions couples should ask DJs before they hire them! #weddingplanningtips #ihearcanvas #southwindevents #weddingdj #chicagoweddingplanner #chicagoweddingdj #justgotsaved
Wedding morning beauty tips - get up early, have hair clean & fully dry, get some rest, & drink plenty of water! #weddingdaybeauty #weddingdaaybeautytips #bridalmakeup #bridalhair #bridalmakeuptips #bridalhairtips #bridesmaidbeautytips #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Seal it with a KISS 💋 One of the most iconic pics from any wedding is the first kiss as a married couple. But how do you create the perfect moment? Here are a few quick tips: 💋Hide the officiant – have the officiant take a step or two to the side as they pronounce you married. This way, when the photographer captures the photo, their face isn’t in the background. 💋Keep it natural – do what feels comfortable and natural for the two of you, but save the “extras” for your private time later. 💋Hold your kiss – skip the quick peck! Hold that kiss for 3-5 seconds to give your photographer a chance to get a good shot. 💋Have fun – if you two have special handshake, dance or something, incorporate that into your kiss moment. This is yet another way to make sure your wedding is not only memorable, but unique & special to the two of you! #weddingdaymoments #firstmarriedkiss #weddingkissphoto #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #perfectweddingkissphoto #perfectweddingkiss #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Seal it with a KISS 💋One of the most iconic pics from any wedding is the first kiss as a married couple. But how do you create the perfect moment? Here are a few quick tips:💋Hide the officiant – have the officiant take a step or two to the side as they pronounce you married. This way, when the photographer captures the photo, their face isn’t in the background. 💋Keep it natural – do what feels comfortable and natural for the two of you, but save the “extras” for your private time later. 💋Hold your kiss – skip the quick peck! Hold that kiss for 3-5 seconds to give your photographer a chance to get a good shot. 💋Have fun – if you two have special handshake, dance or something, incorporate that into your kiss moment. This is yet another way to make sure your wedding is not only memorable, but unique & special to the two of you!#weddingdaymoments #firstmarriedkiss #weddingkissphoto #weddingplanningtips #weddingtips #weddingphotographytips #perfectweddingkissphoto #perfectweddingkiss #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #yourfavoriteweddingplanner
Wedding Toasts 🥂 Wedding speeches/toasts too often fall into one of 3 categories…the marathon (too many speakers), the song that never ends (speakers talk waaayyy too long), or rapid fire (a series of insanely quick speeches). But how do you create the perfect speech/toast moment at your wedding? Here are 2 simple tips: 🥂 Limit the number of speakers to 2-4 people. Who they are isn’t as important as the nature of their relationship to you. Make sure they’re people who love you and know you & your relationship. 🥂 Limit the time to 2min per speaker. You would be surprised just how long 2 mins actually is when talking. This video is less than one minute. However, if you give most folks a time limit of 2 mins, they often talk for 3-5mins, which is a very reasonable and appropriate timeframe. The point here is that folks talk longer than you ask them to. So tell them 2 mins & you’ll get a great speech in under 5min. #weddingplanningtips #weddingspeeches #weddingtoasts #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingadvice #yourfavoriteweddingplanner #weddingplanning #2024wedding #2023wedding
Wedding Toasts 🥂Wedding speeches/toasts too often fall into one of 3 categories…the marathon (too many speakers), the song that never ends (speakers talk waaayyy too long), or rapid fire (a series of insanely quick speeches). But how do you create the perfect speech/toast moment at your wedding? Here are 2 simple tips:🥂 Limit the number of speakers to 2-4 people. Who they are isn’t as important as the nature of their relationship to you. Make sure they’re people who love you and know you & your relationship.🥂 Limit the time to 2min per speaker. You would be surprised just how long 2 mins actually is when talking. This video is less than one minute. However, if you give most folks a time limit of 2 mins, they often talk for 3-5mins, which is a very reasonable and appropriate timeframe. The point here is that folks talk longer than you ask them to. So tell them 2 mins & you’ll get a great speech in under 5min. #weddingplanningtips #weddingspeeches #weddingtoasts #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingadvice #yourfavoriteweddingplanner #weddingplanning #2024wedding #2023wedding
Honoring those present in body & in spirit #weddingplanningtips #memorytable #placecards #placecardtable #escortcardtable #escortcards
A bride's beauty radiates from within, but flawless skin sets the perfect canvas for stunning bridal portraits. ✨. Here are 6 tips for beautiful skin:🌟Keep your skin clean🌟Stay hydrated (water, not soda or alcohol)🌟Eat healthy🌟Avoid excess sun🌟Reduce your stress🌟Get plenty of restWedding planning tips beautiful brides skin care #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #weddingplanningtips #bridalbeautytips #bridalskin #bridalportraits #weddingpics
Wedding Gifts 🎁 Far too often these days, guests come to weddings empty handed. The hard truth is that many of those guests aren’t financially unable. They are simply selfish & cheap, because most anyone can give SOMETHING to the couple. However, for those who do recognize & practice the etiquette of gifting and are unsure just what they should actually give, here are a few tips based solely on your relationship to the couple:🎁 Coworker or distant relatives: $50-$100🎁 Good friend or family member: $100-$125🎁 Close family or bestie: $150+These dollar amounts can be reflected in cash or gift value. Now, if you honestly can’t afford to give based on your relationship, don’t feel obligated, BUT you ought to bring something that adequately reflects your love for the couple & your support for them as they enter this new phase of life together. #weddinggifts #weddinggifting #weddinggiftideas #weddingwishingwell #honeymoonfund #weddingguest #weddingguests #weddingguestetiquette #weddinggiftregistry #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #nwiweddingplanner #nwieventplanner
Wedding Guest Etiquette – Part 2More tips for being a great wedding guest. ⭐️ RSVP…on time! ⭐️ Don’t try to bring your kids to the adult only wedding⭐️ Don’t try to coordinate your outfit with the wedding colors, unless the couple asks⭐️ No wearing any shade of white or ivory#weddingwednesday #weddingguests #weddingadvice #weddingtips #southwindevents #chicagoweddingplanner #nwindianaweddingplanner #2023wedding #2024wedding #2025wedding
ge**er + scarpelli Photography
N Peoria
