Impact Tip - It's all about who you know

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a green networking event that brought together many of the city's finest green businesses. For those who missed it, you were missed! It was a huge success, the place (Pivot Boutique) was packed. I had intended on taking more pictures but with Ayla in my arms and all the fun people to talk to, I only have a few of the food...always a fav part of networking socials :)

My good friend Shannon of Pivotal Productions (who I featured on my last impact tip) planned it all with her awesome staff. I am excited to continue to find more and more resources to connect my clients, friends, and family with eco-friendly options for events and life.


Without further adieu I would like to mention all the other amazing vendors that helped put this event together.

Jessa from Pivot was our gracious and fashion expert host
City Provisions provided the delicious food
Bacardi Mojito provided the make your own margarita bar...awesome!
Consolidated Printing
Neil Dixon Smith on the guitar
Aesthetic Engineer
Distant Village Packaging
Tablescapes

And some of the great people I met or already knew there:
Elizabeth Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals & Design
Lidia Varesco of Lidia Varesco Design
Aaron and Jennifer Woodbury of Woodbury Photography
Jen Khatchatrian writer and organizer of Chicago Green Families and Eco Chic Organizer
Katherine Anne of Katherine Anne Confections (those yummy caramels I sent out)

And so many more...

Next Shannon and I will be planning a truly awesome event...stay tuned!

Kirsten and Todd

Kirsten and Todd had a picture perfect wedding with one of the best wedding surprise gifts I have ever witnessed. After talking at length about getting a dog, Todd told Kirsten that the one they wanted wasn't available and they would just have to wait...but Todd had a surprise, he did find the dog and presented a picture of their new addition to Kirsten via card before the wedding. It was so fun to see her face and true surprise.

Planning: Big City Bride
Video: Lexoria
Catering: Limelight
Hotel: Conrad
Church: St. James
Venue: Ivy Room
Make up and hair: Beauty on Call
Florist: K.LA Design
Photo booth: Photoworks
Band: Chicago Groove Collective
Wedding Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design

Molly Grace Shoots Michael & Sherri's E-Session

Michael & Sherri wanted something really fun for their engagement session. So, we headed down to Navy Pier to do everything they had to offer. I can't wait to shoot this couple's fun wedding in October.

Aaron shoots I Want to Walk the Talk's Volleyball Tournament!

As you blog followers know, we love Bria and her amazing non-profit group, I Want to Walk the Talk. Aaron had a great time shooting their Volleyball Tournament a week ago. The rain came out but didn't stay and didn't keep this great group from coming out to play. Always a blast, thanks for having us!

Aaron shoots Amanda and Chris's wedding

Amanda and Chris had a really nice intimate wedding at Bond Chapel with a lovely reception filled with family and friends. It was a pleasure to share the day with them.

Hair: Christina from It's all about You
Ceremony: Bond Chapel
Reception: Smart Museum
Gelato: Istria Cafe
Catering: Calihan's

Impact Tip - Vendor Spotlight on Pivotal Production

This week I want to feature a girl who continues to inspire and always makes me laugh...Shannon of Pivotal Production! We met last year when we were each looking for more people in the business who were trying to make an impact and educate party goers and planners how to use less without sacrificing style and fun. Shannon is an expert in this. Although she hasn't had the wedding bug just yet, she is a fabulous party planner for charities and corporate events in Chicago. She just needs a few of my fabulous brides to get her going :)

A little more about Shannon Downey. She is owner of Chicago's premier Green Event Company, Pivotal Production. After a life altering 8 month backpacking trip around the world, Shannon realized that she needed to take her skills, ideals, passion, and 8 years of experience in marketing and events and focus them into a business that she could be proud of. Two and half years later, she couldn't be happier or prouder of her business, her B Corporation status and Pivotal's ever growing team!

Shannon is committed to changing the way people celebrate and is an avid believer in the importance of collaboration. She is a faculty member at DePaul University and is elated to be a future tenant of the Green Exchange. She is committed to a true triple bottom line and is a passionate supporter of the arts. Shannon is most thankful for all of the important people in her life that helped create and shape Pivotal. To learn more visit www.pivotalchicago.com or the blog http://pivotalproductioneventplanners.blogspot.com/

Just look at her, non-stop fun...so if you are planning a party or know someone who is be sure to look her up. Check out her facebook too, hilarious...at least to me :)
We will be back in two weeks with more tips!

Kirsten and Todd

Kirsten and Todd's wedding is coming up next weekend already, can't wait!