One of the big trends that I’ve seen over the past few years has been wedding parasols. But unlike some trends feel completely dated five years from now, parasols have that perpetually classic look, evoking romance and style regardless of the decade. Megan had parasols for her guests at her outdoor Morton Arboretum wedding, and we also took a few photographs with it after the ceremony.

Below are some great resources for beautiful parasols of all different types!

Bella Umbrella has the most amazing selection of vintage umbrellas. They are very pricey to buy, the site actually allows you to rent them. Sounds a little crazy, but a great option if you know you aren’t going to be carrying a ruffled pink parasol around downtown again anytime soon.

For traditional paper parasols, Pearl River and Asian Imports have great deals. You can pick up a range of lovely parasols for your bridesmaids for less than $50 in many cases

eBay is also a great resource for vintage-inspired parasols. I have always loved battenburg-style parasols for their romantic and mysterious potential in photos. eBay has great deals in a selection of colours, including soft pastels for a sweet vintage look, or even black for a crisp, modern style.

And if you want something completely unique, I have always loved these handpainted parasols from I Do Originals. They are just so lovely and make for beautiful photographs; particularly great for a thank you or post-wedding card.

(Photos by Elizabeth Messina and Gwyne Mark Photography)

If you know of any other great umbrella/parasols outlets, leave a note in the comments. I always like to keep my list current!

The photography is one of the most important parts of the day to my couples, and many of them also love the “getting ready” photos as much as I do. This is always one of my favourite times to shoot during the day — there is a wonderful sense of anticipation, things are still a little calm, and it is generally a wonderful opportunity to take beautiful images of the bride and her details. That said, the room where she is getting ready can really make or break these images!

I always recommend that brides consider getting ready in a room that has, primarily, great windows! Natural lighting will really make you look beautiful and also provides great options for creative detail shots without the use of flash. Another reason to maybe think about your getting ready hotel is because a wonderful lobby or restaurant can also serve as a nice location backup should it be a rainy day (as can happen in Chicago).

Here are some of my favourite hotels and suites in Chicago for getting ready. All pictures via their site unless mentioned:

The Trump (401 n wabash // 312-558-8000)

The new trump tower has beautiful rooms with great modern textures and colours, wonderful lighting, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the river.

The Elyisan (11 e walton // 312-646-1300)

This is a brand new hotel and it is just so stunning. Inspired by the designs of Coco Chanel, the rooms all have a lovely, feminine, European flair to them, and the lobby and grounds are absolutely breathtaking. The spaces here would be a stunning backdrop for romantic and modern photographs, rain or not!

Hotel Monaco (225 n wabash // 312-960-8500)

While many of the rooms here are a little overstylized for my tastes (simple is often better!), the “Tranquility Suite” here is just gorgeous and one of my favourites in Chicago. The corner suite is bathed in shades of white, ivory and champagne with window seats a plenty, and is the perfect location for a bride and her girls to get ready (so much prettier than the photo below)!

Four Seasons (160 e pearson, 312-280-8800)

If you want beautiful views, it is hard to beat the bridal suite at the Four Seasons.  Julie got ready here in June and the pictures were wonderful!

Hotel Sax (333 n dearborn // 312-245-0333)

The Hotel Sax is an old favourite of mine in Chicago. The suites in particular have wonderful light, and all have visually interesting rooms with lots of texture, and a sexy baroque feel (no pictures available unfortunately!). It is also home to the sexy Crimson Lounge and right outside Marina City, both great settings for romantic and urban images.

With that said, you certainly don’t have to get ready in a luxe hotel. I’ve seen girls get ready from everywhere from a small room in a church to the basement in a wine bar, and whatever you choose, the anticipation and the emotion are always the most important facets. But if you do opt to get a hotel room and will already be spending the money, as so many brides or couples do, consider looking into an option like those above, as a beautifully styled room with ample lighting will generally lead to better photos than  a dark corporatey room!

Feb 19-22: Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ
Feb 27-March 2: New York
April 9-11: Kentucky
May: Savannah/Charleston
June 26-27: Michigan

I will also possibly be in Vegas in early March.

If you are in any of these locations and want to do a unique connection session, family session or boudoir session, feel free to contact me, and we can discuss (olivia at olivialeighweddings dot com).