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Oh what a year it’s been. Between the first peonies of springtime, the balmy rooftops of summer, the cozy candlelight of autumn, and the garland-filled gatherings we are preparing as we speak, “the most wonderful time of the year” is actually quite hard for us to choose.
See, our team–much like elves in a workshop–doesn’t ever really stop. We are, in the truest sense of the word, ‘party people.’ And there is always something to celebrate.
The party might always be near, but oh what fun it is to pause and think back on all those ones that came before.
But first: To each and every member of our immensely talented team: Thank you for being immeasurably good at what you do. You should all be as proud of your work as we are to share it.
To all of our creative partners: Thank you for your aptitude and collaboration. We couldn’t do it without each other, and while we can’t include them all, we’re as proud of all of our events as we are grateful to work beside so many amazing people.
Now, without further ado, we bring you our creatives’ picks for their Top Events of 2016:
THE DRAWING ROOM, DECEMBER 2015
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Yes, of course we realize that our first entry technically did not happen this year…but this marvelously whimsical affair occurred too late to be included in last year’s lineup, so we bent the rules just a bit. We can’t think of a better way to deck the halls than literally covering them up with illustrations.
Coordination & Design: Birch Design Studio | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Fandl Photography for HMR
GOGH INTO DETAILS, FEBRUARY 2016
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
When you’re celebrating the opening of Van Gogh’s Bedrooms on a wintry Chicago evening, what else is there to do but transport guests right inside his paintings?
Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Fandl Photography for HMR Designs
HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE, APRIL 2016
THE FIELD MUSEUM
It was a family affair when one of our event designers joyfully emerged from behind the scenes to tie the knot in early spring, filling Stanley Field Hall with marsala peonies and thoughtful details at every turn.
Coordination: LOLA Event Productions | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Kent Drake Photography
CHAMPAGNE KISSES AND PEONY DREAMS, MAY 2016
HARRIS THEATER ROOFTOP
Soft golds and bursts of blush and ivory came together with perfection under an effortlessly clear spring sky.
And we haven’t stopped daydreaming about it since…
Coordination & Design: Birch Design Studio | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Carasco Photography
GOOD NATURED, JUNE 2016
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
With the thrum of a near-perfect summer day in Lincoln Park unfolding around it, this charmingly vibrant celebration fit into its surroundings like a glove, and was the epitome of summer in the city.
Coordination: Greatest Expectations | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Husar Photography
HIGH WIRE ACT, JUNE 2016
MORGAN MFG.
Hanging things from the ceiling is a lot of fun; just ask anyone at HMR Designs.
Between the vibrant lifted florals and dangling dessert tables, one thing was clear here: suspenders are IN.
Coordination: Estera Events | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Kent Drake Photography for HMR Designs
TAILOR-MADE TREASURE, JULY 2016
THE FIELD MUSEUM
This vast room never felt cozier and more intimate than it did here, and this wonderfully original affair exemplified how every choice counts, and every detail can be yours alone.
Coordination & Design: Birch Studio | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Zach Brake Photography for HMR Designs
EX-STEM-PLARY, AUGUST 2016
FOUR SEASONS
A green and white ceremony brimming with blooms gave way (by the hands of a full HMR team!) to the total transformation of a striking fuchsia reception where thousands, not hundreds, of stems treated guests to a most memorable display.
Coordination: Reva Nathan & Associates | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Ryan Calacsan Photography for HMR Designs
SHORE RAPPORT, AUGUST 2016
MICHIGAN LAKESHORE / JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY
This bride and groom couldn’t have chosen any better locales than a breezy beachfront ceremony followed by dancing the night away in a distillery. The best possible design approach for both of these gorgeous backdrops was simply letting them shine on their own.
Coordination: Events by Tess
Images courtesy of Amanda Marie Photography
PURPLE RANGE, SEPTEMBER 2016
VENUE SIX10
A soft amethyst ceremony and cocktail hour gave way to a reception peppered with fuchsias and deep violets, illustrating how simple, edited design can be wonderfully impactful.
Coordination & Design: Frank Event Design | Lighting: Sound Investment | Production: MDR Creative
Images courtesy of Kent Drake Photography for HMR Designs
POP ARTISTRY, SEPTEMBER 2016
VENUE ONE
With the words and style of Andy Warhol as your inspiration, it’s no surprise that the result would be a clean, simple and impeccably scaled affair.
Coordination: Designer Event Chicago
Images courtesy of HMR Designs
SHAPES & DRAPES, SEPTEMBER 2016
THE IVY ROOM
This Moroccan-inspired evening featured unique and colorful patterns paired with vibrant florals, draped lounges for guests and the simple elegance of candlelight in perfect harmony.
Images courtesy of ArtzLab Imaging
REPETITION ACCOMPLISHED, OCTOBER 2016
THE FIELD MUSEUM
When length and scale are incorporated into design, the repetition of individual elements can be simply superb.
Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Kent Drake Photography for HMR Designs
NO PLACE LIKE HOME, OCTOBER 2016
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Surrounded by family, falling leaves and a mild October evening, this wedding reminded us just how joyful intimacy, simplicity and of course autumn truly can be.
Images courtesy of Collin Pierson Photography
CONSUMMATE CONTRAST, OCTOBER 2016
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
When you fill a stark modern space with tall garden gorgeousness,
the result is a wonderfully warm and charming contrast.
Coordination & Design: Bliss Chicago
Images courtesy of Zach Brake Photography for HMR Designs
CARTE BRANCH, OCTOBER 2016
FOUR SEASONS
Somehow both wild and wonderfully contained, greens, branches and bunches of blooms were free to be as naturally beautiful as can be for this mid-autumn celebration.
Coordination: Reva Nathan & Associates | Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of KingenSmith
SHOW YOUR BLUE COLORS, OCTOBER 2016
THE FIELD MUSEUM
Spending an evening in the museum after hours is always a treat.
When it’s bathed in blue and all dressed up for the occasion, it’s downright dreamy.
Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images Courtesy of Kent Drake Photography for HMR Designs
AT LONG LAST, NOVEMBER 2016
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Discerning design choices yield subtle yet striking results. Simple as that.
Images courtesy of HMR Designs
FACE VALUE, NOVEMBER 2016
FOUR SEASONS
What better way to face up to cancer than decorating a room with those who work tirelessly to fight against it. Black and white photographs of survivors, doctors, researchers and fundraisers paired with mirrored tables and simple candlelight made quite the powerful statement.
Lighting/Production: Frost Chicago
Images courtesy of Fig Media
What more is there to say but WOW.
To all of our partners, clients, supporters, team members and friends:
Have the Happiest of Holidays and a truly beautiful New Year.
