July and August were very busy months! I had a baby boy at the end of July so I decided to combine these two summer months 🙂 We LOVE July and August at the estate because all of the wildflowers and greenery are fully bloomed and thriving in our prairie! ♥(Did you know, Monte Bello has the largest privately owned wildflower preserve in Illinois?!) In these two months we had 11 weddings, 2 birthday parties and 1 bridal shower.
Here are some of the trending and unique parts from July and August weddings…
♦ Noteworthy entree options:
Shrimp and Scallops with sides of asparagus and red skin potatoes
Quinoa stuffed eggplant with asparagus and an avocado cream sauce
Teriyaki ginger salmon with risotto and asparagus
Chicken champagne with a double baked potato and asparagus
Photo Courtesy of Liz Lui Photography lizlui.com
♦ Weddings in July started off with some fantastic live music including a Mariachi Band!
Photos Courtesy of Liz Lui Photography lizlui.com
♦ Beautiful flower arch
♦ This couple choose to have their ceremony in our forest (rather than the gazebo)..it turned out AMAZING! I recommend using Posh Productions for your ceremony music/mic needs if you would also like to have your ceremony in the woods.
♦ A fun Cigar Bar for guests to enjoy!
Photo Courtesy of http://www.ericgeephotography.com
♦ Different linen colors that make a bold statement 
Photo Courtesy of http://www.ericgeephotography.com
♦ Having a sweets table was a hit this summer!
♦ We ♥LOVE♥ that more brides have been wearing their veils during the reception, not just the ceremony 
Photo Courtesy of Liz Lui Photography lizlui.com
♦ A classic, elegant theme that wow’s guests
♦ Having menu cards was popular as well as adding on a choice second entree for guests to indulge in :
For every table:
For every guest:
Photo Courtesy of http://www.ericgeephotography.com
♦ Some couples put their engagement photos to good use by personalizing their card box with some great photos
♦ Greenery everywhere for summer
Photo Courtesy of http://www.ericgeephotography.com
♦ Reusing ceremony signage that double as a guest book for the reception 
Photo Courtesy of Liz Lui Photography lizlui.com
♦ S’mores are still the most popular add on for 2016! 
Photo Courtesy of http://www.ericgeephotography.com
♦ Drone Videos have also been big this summer! Check out our Facebook page for the most current drone footage from a recent wedding and STAY TUNED because we also had a drone of our own go through the estate recently! I will post that soon 🙂
Have you noticed any neat trends or unique parts of weddings you have been to this summer?
♥ Sara Sara@TheMonteBelloEstate.com
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