Warm, romantic, elegant and most of all – personal. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Anna and Chris’ downtown Chicago wedding at Spiaggia, executed flawlessly by Katie Kozlowski of Bliss Weddings & Events.

I was lucky to work with Anna (and Katie) on all of the paper details for her November wedding – each marked with a personal touch by the bride and groom and with their guests ever at mind.

From the first moment guests arrived in the hotel, they were greeted with a custom tote adorned with a personalized map of Chicago noting their favorite spots and wedding event locations. The totes were filled with a variety of goodies and a movie that was filmed in Chicago (the bride collected these over her engagement). Plus, a list of restaurants, coffee shops and even a place to get your nails done.

The invitations and menu were designed by calligrapher, Babuk Ink, and then I printed letterpress and digitally. Although I wish I could write as beautifully, I am left-handed and therefore leave that up to a professional calligrapher.

Menus backed in a pearl cocoa stock had a touch of shimmer on this stunning place setting. The florals were created by the wonderfully-talented Fleur.

Wedding programs were also backed in the same pearl cocoa stock with a simple, elegant design.

And when guests departed for the evening, they received a jar of rosemary tied with a quote from Shakespeare and a personal note from the couple.

All of these stunning photos are from Pen Carlson.

Tote, Program and Favor Design: Courtney Callahan Paper | Printing: Courtney Callahan Paper | Event Styling and Planning: Katie Kozlowski of Bliss Weddings & Events | Calligraphy: Babuk Ink | Florals: Fleur | Photography: Pen Carlson| Venue: Spiaggia