Amazing Numbers!

As I was working late last night prepping The Auction 4 Aid prize certificates and auction forms for next week's event, I thought it would be interesting to see number values as it related to donated wedding services, and how it could effect local Chicago brides + grooms trying to plan a wedding, and how the success of the event can aid to the global community beyond our small community.

 The Auction 4 Aid — Interesting Cause + Effect Factoids

1. 10 Small Businesses have donated a combined retail value of $12,720.00 in wedding services
2. If an engaged couple were to win all 7 auctions, about 45% of their wedding would've been planned all in 1-night
3. Technically, an engaged couple can bid on all 7 auctions for just $1,055.00 — that's an unbelievable 85% discount, and these are for good, high-end services, too
4. The average wedding cost in the DuPage County, IL area ranges from $20,757 – $34,595 based on 189 to 203 guests
5. 1 Guest could cost you $127 to $155 to the overall wedding costs (food, liquor, favors, flowers, table accessories, etc.)
6. If you're looking to higher professional wedding services and unique products, you can expect to increase your budget by 50% to 100%
7. By attending The Auction 4 Aid wedding event, an engaged couple has the chance of saving almost 45% of their wedding budget
8. With that 45% savings, the couple can upgrade their wedding services and truly make it a fairy tale wedding, or take that dream honeymoon!
9. Imagine if The Auction 4 Aid auctions sold at maximum retail value — that means the American Red Cross would receive 100% of the proceeds! 
10. What could the American Red Cross do with $12,720.00 for disaster relief?
• $25 Buys five blankets
• $35 Replaces a prescription medication for a disaster victim
• $65 Feeds and shelters a person for a day and one night in a local motel
• $115 Buys groceries for a displaced family for one week
• $350 Feeds and shelters 50 disaster victims for one night
• $500 Helps pay medical expenses for an injured senior
• $1,000 Buys 50 home clean-up kits for use after a fire or flood
• $1,500 Provides disaster relief for one family
• $2,500 Supports an Emergency Response Vehicle to feed and care for people in a disaster
• $5,000 Trains 50 volunteers to assist thousands during a disaster 
• and there's still $1,630 left over to apply to other necessities

*Statistics were sourced from CostofWedding.com, ChicagoRedCross.org and my own math calculations based on vendor's donated retail services.

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So what can we learn from all these numbers? Engaged and soon-to-be engaged couples in the greater area of Chicago that attend The Auction 4 Aid wedding event on Thursday, June 2nd can feel really good about planning their wedding day by bidding on any of the 7 silent auctions. 100% of the money raised from the silent auctions goes to the American Red Cross of Chicago to disaster relief victims.

We are nearing the end, and there is only 7 DAYS left to RSVP to the The Auction 4 Aid — A Wedding Event for a Good Cause! Share this event with everyone you know that can benefit from these services + give back to the community.

Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and would be the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

The Auction 4 Aid – Thank You Vendors for Participating!

The Auction 4 Aid — A Wedding Event for a Good Cause! I've been saying this for over a month now, but I created this event specifically for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. This is not your wedding expo, but I wanted it to be intimate, casual, come after work and for it to be an attractive event for men, too, to enjoy with their fiance. It's a happy hour-like event. Have a drink, munch on gourmet appetizers, listen to live music beautifully performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee, and best of all, be able to bid on high-end wedding packages valued in the thousands, but with budget friendly bids starting around $100. Admission is FREE, but an RSVP is required so we can accommodate accordingly.

And a special "Thank You" goes out to all our featured vendors participating at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event, including myself. Without them, this event wouldn't be as fabulous. It's the services that make this event attractive and unlike any other wedding event out there in the greater Chicago area. These are just a few services up for grab on June 2, 2011 — engagement shoot, customized wedding invitation + website, event design, professional teeth whitening, florals, hair, make-up + spa treatments, menswear tailoring, travel, venue and much more...

Featured Vendors:
1. Design With Chon (design consultant) | donating custom invitations + event design services
2. Franc Lloyd (custom menswear)  | donating custom tailored menswear
3. Studio Verite Photography  | donating engagement shoot, album + images on disc
4. Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa | donating hair, make-up + spa services
5. My Travelscape (travel agent) | donating 5-piece luggage set + travel services
6. Natural Beauties Floral | donating floral services
7. Net Ingredients (web development) | developed TheAuction4Aid.com site + donating wedding website programming
8. Pure Dental Spa (general + cosmetic dentistry) | donating teeth whitening services
9. Orchid – Contemporary Japanese + Asian Cuisine | donating private event dining services
10. Robinlee (jazz + song vocalist) | donating live music services 

When is it? Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm

Where? At Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL 

Only a few days left to RSVP!
Visit TheAuction4Aid.com website to RSVP and to see all 7 Silent Auctions exclusive to this event and available nowhere else. A wedding event unlike any other!

Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and would be the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members + friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

Not only is the event about aiding our local brides and grooms with wedding planning, we are also using this happy time to remember those around the globe. 100% of the net proceeds raised will be donated to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to areas in need like Japan and Haiti.

Featured Vendor: Orchid Restaurant

Heather Kim, owner of Orchid – Contemporary Asian + Japanese Cuisine, has donated au gratis delectable packages that are up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Sushi Bar + Main Floor Dining Area

Orchid Restaurant has donated over $200+ worth of dining and event services in two auctions seen below. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 2: A Romantic Dinner for Two

• 5-Course Dinner for Two + Bottle of Wine courtesy of Orchid*
• 2 hours of Live Music/Vocalist courtesy of Robinlee
• Blow Dry + Hair Styling courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $50.00  |  Retail Value: $375.00
*Restrictions apply.  

 . . . . . .

Auction 6: Host your Own Event

• 10% Discount on Food Package only courtesy of Orchid*
• “Design Consultant” services for Event Design courtesy of Design With Chon
• All Floral Design Service fees waived courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• 3 hours of live Music/Vocalist courtesy of Robinlee

Starting Bid: $300.00  |  Retail Value: $3,500.00
*Restrictions apply.   
» This package would be perfect for an engagement party, shower or dinner rehearsal.

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Featured Vendor:  

Orchid
Contemporary Asian + Japanese Cuisine

About Venue:
Orchid's interior is open and spacious with 7,000 square feet of restaurant that has a contemporary uptown look, but still feels warm and inviting to dining guests. With plenty of space, they can accommodate several types of private events from parties, business functions + social events. With warming temps, outdoor seating is also available for guests to lounge and enjoy good food + drinks with family and friends. Not only can guests find fresh, beautiful sushi, but Orchid’s pan asian/fusion inspired menu offers a diverse selection of Asian flavors with tastes from Korea, Thailand, and China.

Conveniently located in the Stratford Square Mall area in Bloomingdale, IL and adjacent to JCPenney + Burlington Coat Factory. The food is first-class, friendly accommodating service, and the prices are quite reasonable, too. Open 7 days a week for lunch + dinner.

[Main Floor - Dining Area]

[Bar Area]

[Aloetini Cocktail]

[Upper Level - Dining Area]

{Images provided by Orchid}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and are the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

Featured Vendor: Franc Lloyd

The owners + founders of Franc Lloyd Inc, Custom Menswear, has donated au gratis exquisite custom tailoring services that are up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Franc Lloyd has donated $500.00 worth of men's custom tailoring services. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 7: Here Comes the Bride + Groom

• Two Custom Menswear Shirts + choice of high-end fabrics courtesy of Franc Lloyd
• 20% Discount towards a Custom-tailored Menswear Suit courtesy of Franc Lloyd
• Bridal Party Bouquet(s) + Boutonniere(s) flowers courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $125.00  |  Retail Value: $1750.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:

Franc Lloyd
Custom Menswear

Background: 
Franc Lloyd was established to rescue and reclaim today's men lost in fading fashion trends and purchases purely based on brand labels by constructing well-made clothing to fit the man. They believe that every man will look and feel truly confident when he is properly fitted with one of Franc Lloyd's expertly custom-tailored suits regardless of his physique. They celebrate the masculine art form by creating classic, timeless and innovative pieces while also embracing and reflecting the personal style of each man with the finer details.

In addition, Franc Lloyd claims to do what no other custom tailor shop's in the city of Chicago does — "Tailor high-end clothes at an unbeatable price with one-of-a-kind service." They have scoured the world to find the finest weavers, fabrics and cutters. Franc Lloyd believes itself to be in the business of service. A client who buys from them once will buy from them again. They keep their production lines lean and service process fairly decentralized which gives them an advantage unlike any of their competitors. Clients get quality clothing that looks like a million bucks, but affordable to the pocket.

Why the name Franc Lloyd?
The founders of Franc Lloyd compare dressing successfully to constructing a classically beautiful place to live. As they explain, "Clothes are like a ‘house’ in which your body makes ‘home.’ Once you lay down a solid foundation and create certain perimeters, you can then confidently add more intricate details." So it was only natural for the name to be inspired by the infamous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His philosophy in organic architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural environment.

How It Works:
Set an appointment time + pick a place of your convenience (work or office), and they'll come to you! An expert takes your precise body measurements. Then you get to feel and see hundreds of fabric samples available at your fingertips. With their fashion and styling sense, you will be guided through all the options in ways to customize each and every item to your liking. Franc Lloyd's tailors hand cut unique patterns that perfectly conform to your body, and the pieces are then hand-stitched to create your outfit. After inspection for quality, your order is conveniently delivered right back to your doorstep.

{Images provided by Franc Lloyd, Inc}

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Insider Tip: You don’t have to be engaged to bid. All these auctions are transferable and are the “Perfect Gift” for an engaged couple. Family members and friends can bid on behalf of a loved one.

Featured Vendor: Pure Dental Spa

A true teeth perfectionist, Rajul Patel, DDS from Pure Dental Spa has donated au gratis cosmetic dental services that will sure make you smile from ear to ear, and it's up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Pure Dental Spa has donated $1200 worth of Zoom teeth whitening services in two auctions seen below. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 1: Be a Celebrity for a Day 

•  2 hour Engagement Shoot, engagement album + images on disc courtesy of  Studio Verite Photography
• Zoom Teeth Whitening (in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• Hair + Make-up Makeover courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon
• Save the Date design, paper + printing is included courtesy of Design With Chon*
  

Starting Bid: $150.00  |  Retail Value: $2000.00
*Restrictions apply.  

 . . . . . .

Auction 3: Be Sure to Sparkle on Your Day

• Zoom Teeth Whitening (1 hour in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• 60 min. Elemental Nature Facial + 45 min. Men’s Facial courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $85.00  |  Retail Value: $745.00

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Featured Vendor:  

Pure Dental Spa

Background on Owner:
Rajul Patel, DDS understands that a visit to a dentist is not the most popular choice on one’s agenda; and there are some individuals who will avoid it altogether until a true dental emergency. She recognizes this issue, and her aim is to shift this perception with the opening of her practice — Pure Dental Spa. Rajul and her staff of professionals embrace a more gentle and pampering approach to dentistry. This means she takes the time to better understand patients’ lifestyles, how it affects their teeth, and their overall well-being. And in combination with the spa-influence, she hopes that everyone will look forward to his or her next dental appointment.

Pure Dental Spa is conveniently located in Bloomingdale, Illinois, near the corner of a major intersection – E Lake St and N Bloomingdale Rd. 

{Images ©2011 Pure Dental Spa}

Services:
Pure Dental Spa will provide you with the most comprehensive dentistry in a soothing and enjoyable environment. While you wait, be sure to enjoy some of their comforting luxuries listed below at no additional cost. But truly, their end goal is to give you a beautiful smile that you will want to flaunt in life.

Complimentary during visit:
- Paraffin wax treatment for hands
- Heated, aromatherapeutic neck pillow
- Hot, fresh brewed Tea or Coffee, bottled water + nourishing snacks
- Flat screen televisions
- Eye mask

Whether you are looking to restore your smile with a thorough cleaning, or need care for a dental emergency, Pure Dental Spa is there for you every step of the way. Rajul's dental office has been carefully designed and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art design, technology, and the most sterile equipments to bring you comfort and peace of mind.

Cosmetic Dentistry:
- Zoom
- Veneers
- Bonding
- Invisalign

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa

The all around place to go for quality service for hair, make-up and pampering. Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa cares about their clients' happiness, and they care about the community, too. So it's no surprise they have donated several au gratis salon services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. These are the "Perfect Gifts" for an engaged couple. Featured auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa has donated over $500 worth of valued services. These services are packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors. See Silent Auctions to discover what is all available in each auction package.

• Auction 1 - Be a Celebrity for a Day  |  Hair + Make-up Makeover
• Auction 2 - A Romantic Dinner for Two  |  Blow Dry + Hair Styling
• Auction 3 - Be Sure to Sparkle on Your Day  |  60 min. Elemental Nature Facial and 45 min. Men’s Facial
• Auction 5 - The Best Way to Travel  |  Manicure + Pedicure for a Couple
• Auction 7 - Here Comes the Bride + Groom  |  Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom

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Featured Vendor:  

Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa

Background on Owner:
Christy Christopher, the owner, is an experienced stylist herself and has been in business for over 30 years. She named the salon after her beloved daughter, Morgan, and it is located in Bartlett, Illinois at Rt. 59 & Army Trail Rd. The salon is celebrating its 11 year anniversary this month. Christy and her team pride themselves on great customer service and full knowledge of the wedding, beauty and spa industry. They don't skip a beat when it comes to expanding their knowledge in all their services. Christy makes sure her staff is current with the latest hair trends, cutting techniques and products while also embracing the Aveda philosophy of making "their clients not only look beautiful, but feel beautiful". Morgan Christopher uses Aveda's extensive line of hair, body and make-up products.

Client care isn't their only priority; they go out of their way to care for the environment, too. The Morgan Christopher team practices "greener" methods which makes the salon more efficient while also preserving nature. It's all about harmony and tranquility, and that's how you should feel when you step out of Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa.

Wedding Services:
They can accommodate any size group or wedding party. Their bridal consultant can assist you in planning your event, and she will ensure that your day goes as smooth as possible with you + your bridal party looking and feeling great. For brides-to-be, your chosen stylist can give you advice on updo, hairstyling and make-up that is on trend. And don't forget with Morgan Christopher, your bridal party and family members have access to pre-wedding spa services along with nail care treatment, too. Everyone can relax and enjoy themselves as the bride makes her transformation in the care of the Morgan Christopher team.

Other Services:
Morgan Christopher is a full-service hair salon for cuts, hairstyling, color, highlights, perms and relaxers; and they offer relaxing spa services as well — manicures, pedicures, full body waxing, massages and facials.

A Personal Experience:
Once a former bride back in 2009, I had my firsthand experience with this salon. Morgan Christopher was the first and last consultation for my bridal hair + make-up. Basically, they impressed me so much with their services that I didn't have to go looking for another stylist. Not only do they get my support for wedding services, I have since gone to Morgan Christopher for my everyday hair care needs. Their salon is personable, friendly and ever-so accommodating. As soon as you step into their doors, you are greeted, and will be asked if you want some hot tea or a cold beverage that suits your needs. They even offered getting me a drink from Starbucks since it's conveniently located next door. Now that's a top notch salon in my book.

Also, all of these wonderful images shown in this post are from my actual wedding day preparations, and professionally shot by my wedding photographer, Marcin Harla. The day couldn't have gone any better.

 

{Images ©2011 Marcin Harla Photography}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: My Travelscape

A travel agent and practically a world traveler! Nisha from My Travelscape has donated a high end luggage travel set along with au gratis honeymoon + destination travel services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Shallow Waters, Bora Bora - South Pacific

Auction 5: The Best Way to Travel

• $500 trip credit towards your booking + a customized itinerary tailored to you courtesy of My Travelscape*
•  5-piece Samsonite Luggage travel set courtesy of My Travelscape
  
• Manicure + Pedicure for a couple courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $95.00  |  Retail Value: $1150.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:  

My Travelscape

Background on Owner:
Nisha, a driven career-oriented woman, decided to put her work life on hold so she could start a loving family. With her two children independent and soon to enter school, Nisha felt it was her time to get back on track and pursue her other passion — travel. From her own experiences and many trips planned by her around the world, Nisha felt she had absorbed the best "ins + outs" of travel. Rather than re-entering the workforce, she felt it was time to open a boutique, home-based travel agency. My Travelscape allows her to balance both loves — being a mom/wife and a travel consultant. Nisha's services place emphasis on quality rather than quantity. She will personally take the time to customize your destination and itinerary to reflect your choice of lifestyle in terms of activity, cuisine and sights.

Overwater Bungalow Sunset, Bora Bora - South Pacific

Where has Nisha traveled?
Within the North American continent, she has been in at least 25 states and visited over 50 cities, big and small, including the prime tourist areas — Hawaii, California, New York, Florida and Canada. For travels abroad, she has explored Mexico, the Caribbean islands, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. She has experienced some of the hottest honeymoon destinations — Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rome, Bahamas, Hawaii and Mexico. Her travel list is continually expanding, and Maine, Anguilla, Thailand and Bali are soon to be added.

Type of Travel Services:

My Travelscape can be your "one-stop shop" for all your travels. It includes, but not limited to, a personal one-on-one experience, tailored travel + tour packages, last minute travel, deal finders, destination/wedding travel arrangements, honeymoon packages, group packages, and best of all, you get her recommendations to the latest trends in travel destinations + cuisine. Nisha invites you to explore her services and inquire about your next customized escape to the world!

Venice, Italy

Jaipur, India

  

Cabos San Lucas, Mexico

{Images courtesy of World Wide Web}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: Studio Verite Photography

Award-winning photojournalistic photographer, Justin Runquist from Studio Verite Photography has donated au gratis wedding services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Auction 1: Be a Celebrity for a Day 

•  2 hour Engagement Shoot, engagement album + images on disc courtesy of  Studio Verite Photography
• Zoom Teeth Whitening (in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• Hair + Make-up Makeover courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon
• Save the Date design, paper + printing is included courtesy of Design With Chon*
  

Starting Bid: $150.00  |  Retail Value: $2000.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:  

Studio Verite Photography

Why the name Studio Verite?
"Verite" in Studio Verite Photography is of French origin meaning "truth", "candid realism" and is phonetically pronounced "ve-ra-tay". I learned this great piece of knowledge from Justin in my first meeting with him as we were getting to know each other.

Words from Justin on Photography: 
As a photojournalist, I bring my passion for moment-driven candid photography to weddings. Gone are the stiff, contrived photos associated with traditional wedding photography.  I strive to make documentary pictures that are truthful, emotional and authentic. I want to have minimal interference with my subjects on their wedding day. I photograph unobtrusively in a way that lets the moments, emotion, happiness and joy flow without photographer interruption.

Accolades + Awards: 
Justin has received numerous professional awards for his documentary photography and wedding photojournalism, including nine international photography awards on behalf of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA).

He has also been featured in the pages of InStyle Weddings and Brides magazine.

  {Images provided by Studio Verite Photography}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

 

Featured Vendor: Natural Beauties Floral

Jan + Jillian Yuhas are talented twin sisters from Natural Beauties Floral, and they have donated au gratis wedding services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event + are not available anywhere else.

Auction 7: Here Comes the Bride + Groom

• Bridal Party Bouquet(s) + Boutonniere(s) flowers courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $100.00  |  Retail Value: $1200.00
*Restrictions apply.

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Featured Vendor:  

Natural Beauties Floral

Natural Beauties Floral is located in the heart of Chicago IL’s West Loop & Fulton Market district, and they pride themselves on exceptional service and an unwavering dedication to their clients.  Whether you’re seeking wedding flowers, corporate flowers, birthday gift bouquets or floral decor for a private party/event, Natural Beauties’ experience and commitment to creativity is sure to enhance any room or celebration. They will make your space as beautiful as it can naturally be.

Background of Owners:
Jan + Jillian are a talented duo. Their passion for flowers first emerged at the tender age of eight when these identical twins were tasked by their grandmother, a Master Gardener and Designer, to design floral arrangements for her friends. It didn’t take long for the two to develop their natural talents at design. The sisters spent their high-school years working within local flower shops in order to learn different aspects of the floral business as well as broaden their knowledge and fine tune their mastery of floral design. After several years, the twins enrolled at the Chicago School of Floral Design. Upon graduation, Jan + Jillian decided that the only way to explore their uninhibited sense of artistic freedom and creativity was to open their very own flower boutique for those in search of a more unique and exceptional floral experience. They founded Natural Beauties Floral, Inc. in 2007 and opened their design studio within Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Through their years of experience as artists and designers, they have developed a keen eye for detail. This can be seen throughout their designs with their diverse use of color palettes, textures, and styles.

Why They Love What They Do:
Jan + Jillian’s passion for designing flowers was something they were naturally born to do. They love having the ability to express their artistic talents through the use of beautiful flowers, and details. The twins are always up for a good challenge, and they aspire to create one-of-a-kind designs for every gathering.

Reception @ The Trump Hotel

Type of Work + Personal Style:
The twins enjoy designing weddings, galas, and festive fetes. They truly love transforming any space with floral decor, bringing the room to life. All events are designed to reflect each client’s style and personality.

The style that they gravitate towards more are chic and vintage. Chic bouquets are created using a monochromatic color scheme. A chic bouquet is visually striking through the use of one particular flower, or a variety of blooms in the same color palette. This style provides a classic and luxe atmosphere. Vintage arrangements are created using an abundance of blooms. This style is arranged using lots of petite flowers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to create an eclectic appeal. Vintage arrangements give a romantic-boho ambiance to the room.

Accolades + Awards: 
Best of 2010 and 2011 weddings on theKnot.com, Bride’s Choice Award for 2011 on WeddingWire.com, DailyCandy Chicago’s 2011 Spring Wedding Guide and Chicago Social Brides The Luxe List

{Images provided by Natural Beauties Floral}

Natural Beauties Floral is also featured in Auction #6 Host your Own Event which is still in development. Don't miss out on your opportunity to bid on their top notch floral services. Any questions about The Auction 4 Aid event, email me at designwithchon[at]gmail.com

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

The Auction 4 Aid - A Wedding Fundraiser Event

Today, I wanted to highlight a featured Auction that is being featured on The Auction 4 Aid event on June 2, 2011 that is only less than two months away! This one happens to feature my company's service in customized wedding invitations. I am personally donating a high end invitation package that is retail valued at $1500.00 to the The Auction 4 Aid.

Auction 4: The Royal Wedding Announcement

• Full wedding invitation set + match website design courtesy of Design With Chon*
• Website programming courtesy of Net Ingredients

Starting Bid: $250.00  |  Retail Value: $3200.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:  

Design With Chon

My custom invitations are truly tailored to my clients, and each design that I create reflect the personal taste and style of the client's wedding. No invitation design that I do is alike; each invite takes on its own life and are definitely one of a kind. For the winning bidder, you will get top notch service even though it's a steal of a deal with this auction, starting bid is only $250.00. This full wedding invitation set includes a customized design with your chosen wedding color palette, wedding information card, RSVP, a map, and the main envelope to house all of the components. However, it does not include printing and paper of the final product. There are several routes for printing that is from economical to specialty papers to the fun "bells + whistles" of printing that will take the design to a whole other level.

A Modern, Vintage Mexico Invite

Not only does the winning bidder get access to a customized invitation set, but a matching Wedding Website is available with The Royal Wedding Announcement auction package. This programmer has developed the The Auction 4 Aid website after my templated design, and he is currently working on the programming of my business website, too. I have worked with a few programmers, and I must say from personal experience, he is one of the best in the business. For Auction #4, Design With Chon and Net Ingredients are a great team to be bidding for if you are looking for the best of the best in wedding invitation and website design.

If any potential bidder has questions with any of the auctions and featured sponsors, please do not hesitate to ask. We are very open and friendly to any questions. Click here to view other designs and more pictures of the invites shown in this post.

Classic, Bold Victorian Inspired Invite

A Golden, Rustic Summer Invite

{Invitations © 2011 Design With Chon, LLC}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.