KCR_Kendall County Magazine_Weddings 012524

Weddings 2024 Bold & Beautiful

brighter blooms are trending in 2024 page 9

Love & Wanderlust take a trip for your special milestones page 12

Timeless Elegance

& Hometown Heart

Look to Ashley Family Farm & Whitetail Ridge Golf Club to celebrate your love story page 5

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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Love Is Sweet..

Your Wedding Cake & Treats Will Be Too

KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE Published by ShawMedia Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com

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Call or stop in!

801 N. Bridge St. (Rt. 47), Yorkville 630.553.7200 travelservicesofyorkville.com

on the

COVER

Rachel Watson Photography captures brides on their big day at the unique Ashley Family Farm wedding venue in Yorkville. | WEDDINGS 2024 |

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What's

Inside

5 TIMELESS ELEGANCE & HOMETOWN HEART

LET THE ASHLEY FAMILY FARM & WHITETAIL RIDGE GOLF CLUB HELP YOU CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING DAY

9 BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

BRIGHTER BLOOMS ARE TRENDING IN 2024

12 LOVE & WANDERLUST

TAKE A TRIP FOR YOUR SPECIAL MILESTONES

14 GENEVA WEDDING WALK

SPEND A DAY PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

Don’t forget to check out Chicagoland bridal expos on the back cover!

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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Timeless Elegance

& Hometown Heart

Look to Ashley Family Farm & Whitetail Ridge Golf Club to celebrate your love story

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Imagery by Rachel Watson Photography

W

hen the owners of Whitetail Ridge Golf Club purchased the historic Ashley Homestead, in Yorkville, they envisioned so much more than a barn. “We saw how popular farm weddings are and saw a need here in the area,” says Ashley Johnson, director of private event sales for both venues. “We had great success at the golf course location and figured let’s add another option.”

As a private, family-owned venue, the landmark homestead built in 1845, has 17 acres to make your dream wedding come true. “It is a family-run business and I think we can all agree that family-run businesses are just a little bit different,” says Johnson. “They get it, and they know the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it and they take pride in it.”

By the way, the Ashley name has no connection to Johnson. “The original family that owned the homestead was Ashley,” says Johnson. It’s just a coincidence that it’s also my name. We get that question a lot.”

Ashley Farm seats up to 250 and offers a full-day experience, with access to the grounds as early as 10:30 a.m. on the day of, says Johnson.

There’s a fully air-conditioned bridal suite in the farmhouse for the girls to hang out and get ready, as well as a designated barn for the guys.

>>>>> 5 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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–—Ashley Johnson

“

“

It was really important to us that we carry the rustic theme throughout the entire venue, not just the barn.

Whitetail Ridge Golf Club & Ashley Homestead

Authenticity is a major factor that sets Ashley Farm apart. The bridal suite is complete with vintage couches, the home’s original crown molding, and stained glass. “It was really important to us that we carry the rustic theme throughout the entire venue, not just the barn,” says Johnson. The barn happens to be the original barn on the property, just with a new floor and roof.

“It’s more of a destination-type experience where you have the full location for the entire day, getting ready and the ceremony all in one spot,” says Johnson. “We are a full-service venue. A lot of times with barns you rent the space but then you’re still responsible for coordinating other aspects like the food and drink, as well as linens and tables and chairs, whereas we provide that all in their package.”

According to Johnson, you get a wedding coordinator who works with you throughout the process of planning your wedding. She’s there on your wedding day to help set up any of your wedding decor.

She also greets your other vendors as they arrive on the property, keeping everybody on the same page and making sure everything goes according to your plans.

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“The event coordinator assists with running the ceremony. She assists with the ceremony portion if you choose not to have the ceremony there, all coordinated. We’re taking care of all of your food and drink so that you’re not trying to figure that out and worry if the caterer is going to show up or that you’re going to run out of food. We’re going to take care of all of that for you,” Johnson says.

With multiple ceremony locations to choose from indoors and out, couples don’t have to hold their ceremony in the same space they’re using for their reception. “They have a separate designated location for indoor ceremonies, which is nice because you don’t have to deal with moving things around,” says Johnson.

Multiple one-of-a-kind features exist throughout Ashley Farm’s 17 acres, like the outdoor bar built between two silos. “It’s a unique design the owners tied in with the existing landscape,” says Johnson. “People are coming there for a barn wedding so why not play that up? One of the main areas that people visit throughout the night is the bar.”

An old truck here; a wagon there; and a gazebo on the expansive home’s front porch, all make for great photo ops. Please note there are no portable potties here. There’s a separate barn with fully functional bathrooms.

A landscaped outdoor area, with overhead Edison-style lights, is used primarily for cocktail hour and hanging out throughout the evening.

“In the colder months we do put patio heaters out there to keep it comfortable,” says Johnson. “We also have fire pits out there and s’mores that come with some of our packages.”

Johnson explains that all of Ashley Farm’s wedding packages are customizable. “I think, more than anything, people are always trying to find unique venues. For so many years it was ballrooms or the VFW. That was all you had,” Johnson says. “Now there are new, exciting things popping up, which is nice. It lends itself to opportunities to be different. And I think that’s what a lot of people are looking for. They just want to be different from their best friend or their sister who just had their wedding. They don’t want to be like everybody else.”

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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REGISTER NOW FOR OUR

Bridal Expo 2024 February 4th • 11am-2pm

9111 Ashley Road, Yorkville

7671 Clubhouse Drive, Yorkville

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www.AshleyFarmWeddings.com 8 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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www.whitetailridgegolfclub.com | WEDDINGS 2024 |

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Bold & Beautiful Brides are seeking brighter colors for blooms in 2024

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Imagery by Kim Kedinger

B

rides are seeking bright and bold colors in their bouquets and floral displays in 2024, says Megan Dell’Aringa, owner and manager of Floral Expressions and Gifts in downtown Oswego. She and her mother, Terri Platt, opened the flower business 23 years ago and they say helping brides craft their floral looks for the big day is one of the best parts of the business.

While the new year is still young, Dell’Aringa says brides planning their weddings this year are gravitating to bold, bright colors, which can really make their flowers pop in photos.

“We are seeing brides select flowers in hot pink, magenta, lime green, and lots of vibrant colors like coral red, and raspberry,” Dell’Aringa says.

The bold colors represent a transition from the prior trend of flowers that were white, champagne, or ivory. Dell’Aringa says, at first, she saw more blush and light pink tones mixing with the whites and now brides have really embraced the bold color palette. As a floral designer, it’s exciting to work with these colors.

“With vibrant colors, we have a lot of options, and we can work with what is in season and what will hold up best for the wedding day, whether it’s a warm summer or cool spring day,” she says.

According to Nicole Hiller and her mom, Susan Parker, who operate Yorkville Flower Shoppe, brides want large, bright floral pieces, including bouquets that cascade like a waterfall.

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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“They’re going back to an oldschool trend,” Hiller says, referring to the bouquet style that was popular in the nineties.

Understanding trends, working with budgets, and helping to navigate what’s in season are some of the reasons to turn to a professional florist. Dell’Aringa says some brides may think it can be a do-it-yourself chore, but they underestimate the amount of time it can take to produce bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral centerpieces.

Dell’Aringa says her team at the Oswego shop can easily spend 30 to 40 hours during the week before preparing pieces for a wedding.

Small, family businesses typically take on a few weddings each weekend, so it’s best to reserve 10 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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— Megan Dell’Aringa Floral Expressions, Oswego

your favorite florist at least nine months or a year in advance.

Dell’Aringa says their shop is already booked for October 2024, a popular month for fall weddings.

Selecting blooms and styles is something that can be done after choosing dresses and themes. Rustic weddings and bohemian style are popular themes, Hiller says.

Another flower look is the just-picked look, incorporating wildflowers, Dell’Aringa says.

Brides are embracing flowers as a focal point in their wedding with larger floral designs in arches that can be used in the ceremony and brought to the reception venue.

“We’ve done chandelier floral installations that make the space look very grand,” Dell’Aringa says.

These days, brides bring their inspiration and favorite styles saved through Instagram and the app Pinterest, and this can serve as a great starting point when trying to convey a look or theme with the florist.

“I love it when they have an inspiration board,” Dell’Aringa says. “I recommend bringing their ideas in a board and keeping an open mind.”

Florists can work with a lot more than just petals and greens. Hiller says she often takes requests for incorporating sentimental pieces and family heirlooms into their floral designs.

“The requests are all so different.

We’ve had family charms like a grandmother’s necklace or bracelet incorporated into a

“

“

Small, family businesses typically take on a few weddings each weekend, so it’s best to reserve your favorite florist at least nine months or a year in advance.

bouquet. I’ve added a brother’s necklace too.”

Dell’Aringa says her team has found creative ways to bring a father’s favorite shirt into a boutonniere design or a locket with photos added to a bouquet.

Beyond floral designs, it’s worth checking with a preferred florist about assisting with other aspects of the design and the look of a wedding.

“We have a large inventory of rental items, with vessels, containers, risers,” Dell’Aringa explains. “Before you go out and buy 400 candles, check with your florist and they may be able to rent them for a fraction of the price.”

| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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Love and Wanderlust

Take a trip to celebrate your special milestones

By Patricia MacMillan | Imagery by Collette Vacations and Abigail Merrell

M

arriage is a journey. Of the big moments and the small.

And when a marriage reaches a milestone year, be that 25, 30 or 50 years, celebrating with an actual journey is often just the ticket.

Owner of Travel Services of Yorkville, Cara Behrens, has spent nearly 40 years in the travel business, working with countless couples who want to mark the occasion with a vacation that marries style with ease.

“Italy is on everyone’s minds,” said Behrens, adding that the most popular cities within the country tend to be Rome, Florence and Venice. “We do a lot of the Amalfi Coast as well.”

Other sought-after spots include scenic islands off Greece as well as English-speaking nations such as Ireland and England, whereas Hawaii and Alaska prove themselves top domestic destinations.

While most people come in with a preconceived idea of where they want to visit, others will consult with Behrens or her staff of three on places suitable to their tastes and timelines.

“There are people who have been busy working and haven’t traveled a lot in their lives, and they just want to see the United States,” said Behrens, who prides her business on taking the 12 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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guesswork out of planning a big trip for clients. “We might organize something like a tour of national parks and incorporate train travel.”

It’s also not unusual for the media to play a role when people find themselves captivated by beautiful filming locations in the U.S. and elsewhere.

“Sometimes they don’t even know where the show or movie was shot,” said Behrens with a chuckle.

Sicily, for instance, prompted considerable interest when the second season of The White Lotus aired, she remarked.

Ravi Vaghani, founder and owner of Montgomery-based Hi5 Vacations, also sees the impact of media with his clientele.

“Social media influencers are big,” Vaghani said. “It might be that a client saw something interesting and off-the-beaten path and they want to explore that.”

Among the more exotic trending locales is Cappadocia in central Turkey. Almost otherworldly in its topography, the region is known for an activity that features on many’s bucket lists. Namely an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. | WEDDINGS 2024 |

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For those couples who long to enjoy a once-a-lifetime experience with their feet planted firmly on the ground there is Iceland or Canada, where they can witness the Aurora Borealis light the night sky. Also favored are paradises both near like Turks and Caicos as well as far-off islands of Bora Bora and Fiji.

But while once-in-a-lifetime experiences are always a worthy venture, Vaghani recommends entrusting the logistics of such a trip with an expert.

“When it comes to travel professionals, we invest,” said Vaghani, recounting a recent conference in which he took part. “There were more than 3,000 professionals. We went to training and shared our experiences. We have resources that are unbeatable compared to anything found online.”

Like others in the field, Vaghani works with enterprises known as destination management companies, which serve as onestop shops that aid in facilitating transportation, arranging for knowledgeable guides and brokering deals with hotels.

Professionals are also skilled at handling coordination for vacations with multiple locations. River cruises, Vaghani noted, are frequently a popular option for couples celebrating lifelong love.

“River cruises are mainly in Europe and travel the Rhine or Danube rivers,” he said. “Lately, the Douro River in Portugal is getting a lot of buzz with wineries and great culinary experiences along the way.”

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| WEDDINGS 2024 |

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GENEVA WEDDING WALK 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 Downtown Geneva

Geneva

WEDDING W Spend a day planning your wedding

By Vicki Martinka Petersen • Photos courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

N

o matter how big or small of an event a happy couple envisions, planning a wedding can be stressful. For the third year, Geneva Chamber of Commerce strives to help ease some of that stress for couples by bringing a variety of wedding vendors together in one place.

The Geneva Wedding Walk will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, in downtown Geneva. Attendees will check in at The Herrington Inn & Spa, 15 S. River Lane, before heading off to meet with wedding vendors and to gather ideas for their big day.

“The wedding walk is such a fun way to get 14 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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excited about your big day and the preparations,” says Kelli Rogers, sponsorships director for Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “We have everything from hair salons and makeup artists to florists and photographers.”

Other participating vendors include stores with bridal gowns, bakeries, reception venues and travel agents.

The wedding walk kicks off from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a self-guided stroll throughout downtown Geneva’s wedding-related businesses.

“Every storefront does something to highlight their business and showcase what they can offer | WEDDINGS 2024 |

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to couples planning their wedding,” says Rogers.

Storefronts also will have their own giveaways such as candles or a free bridal shower, she adds.

Then, from 1 to 4 p.m., the festivities move to Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane. Participants can sip cocktails and nibble on appetizers while getting inspiration from more wedding-related vendors who don’t have storefronts in downtown Geneva. At the end of the event, organizers will announce the winners of giveaways.

New this year will be a fashion show at Riverside Receptions in the afternoon.

The fashion show will feature attire for the big day including dresses for the bride, bridesmaids and mother of the bride.

Overall, people will be able to meet with about 45 vendors at the wedding walk between the storefronts in downtown Geneva and the vendor booths at Riverside Receptions.

“The event has grown every year. After 15 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

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visiting storefronts in the morning, you can stop for lunch in Geneva before checking out the vendors and fashion show in the afternoon,” Rogers says.

A complimentary shuttle will be available courtesy of Comfort Inn and Suites.

The cost is $30 for one person, which includes the ability to bring one guest of your choice. Additional guests will cost $5 each. A complimentary swag bag for celebrants is included with registration.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day of the wedding walk.

“The wedding walk is a great opportunity to highlight Geneva as a one-stop shop for wedding planning. Even if a couple is getting married outside of Geneva, these vendors will travel to other areas,” Rogers says.

They’ve even had a vendor from Michigan participate in the wedding walk, she adds.

To register or for more information, visit www.genevachamber.com/events/ wedding-walk. | WEDDINGS 2024 |

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se e h t s s i m t ’ n o D

Bridal Expos

A bridal show can be a great way to meet a variety of wedding professionals in a single location. Check out styles and trends at these events - some even include a fashion show and a chance to shop designer gowns! Many shows do require tickets, so be sure to check the event website or ticketing site for ticket discounts.

Wedding Expo 2024

This event is hosted by Sauk Valley Media, a part of Shaw Media with its event at Northland Mall in Sterling Sunday, Feb. 4. from 12 to 3 p.m.

Bridal Extravaganza

Don’t miss this event on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. The event is hosted by the Wheaton Park District. Tickets available through website. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/bridal-extravaganza

Windy City Wedding Show

This show is hosted at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare boasts more than 100 wedding professionals and designer gowns for sale in its two-day show on Saturday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11.

National Bridal Market Chicago

Join in and experience The Merchandise Mart, open March 17 through March 19.

See website for tickets. danieladimarino.com/event/the-national-bridal-market-chicago

A Pop-up Bridal Show

This wedding show will be featured at Water Tower Place Sunday, March 17, from 12 - 6 p.m.

Tickets available on Eventbrite.

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