618 EVENTS

Event Planner Blog Posts

Curious about what events 618 EVENTS has planned in the Champaign-Urbana area? Check out the details here.

Nicole and Nolan IHotel Wedding

Vendor Team

  • Day Of Wedding Coordinator - 618 EVENTS, Maggie

  • Ceremony- St Matthew’s

  • Reception- IHotel

  • Catering- University Catering

  • Photographer- Holly Birch Photography

  • Florist- Fancy Florals by Nancy

  • Caricaturist- Dan Wild

  • Cake- Cake Artist’s Studio

  • Rentals- Create A Scene

  • Calligraphy- Courtney Kam Design

  • Band- Howl2Go Dueling Pianos

  • Marquee Letters- Alpha Lit Central Illinois

  • Dresses- Elite Bridal

  • Tuxes- Tailored Foundation

  • Beauty- Hansen Beauty Lounge

Nicole and Nolan are easily one of the nicest couples that I’ve worked with. I don’t get the privilege of working with the groom very often so when I do I always enjoy it. Honestly, most of the time I don’t meet the groom until the rehearsal. I always feel funny introducing myself for the first time on his wedding weekend- especially when I have worked so much with the bride throughout the process. I feel like I know the groom (creepy!?) because of what his bride-to-be has told me.

Anyway, Nolan was very involved with the planning process. And he was always so encouraging and saying thank you for everything I had done. I definitely don’t expect praise or gratitude but it’s obviously appreciated when it comes. I do, though, wonder if I’m not meeting a clients’ expectations when they don’t give positive feedback.

Nicole and Nolan’s ceremony took place at St. Matt’s in Champaign. They actually live within walking distance of the church. Speaking of where they live, Nicole and Nolan share a backyard with Nolan’s parents and their current house was previously owned by Nolan’s parents. A little family neighborhood. Love it!

St. Matt’s is one of my favorite churches to plan a wedding ceremony because Susan there is VERY organized and involved. She really knows what she’s doing which helps put the couples at ease. I also love to have extra hands and support when I’m working an event. It’s definitely a team effort!

Not only is Susan the best but the sanctuary is beautiful. The ceiling of St. Matt’s is wood which is such a unique feel. Their stained glass windows are spectacular as well.

I had so many favorite things about this wedding.

  1. When the bridal party took a spin in Nolan’s dad’s vintage fire truck. It was unfortunately a rainy day however the clouds parted just in time for a few photos outside and on the firetruck. The plan was to ride to the ceremony on the firetruck but because of the rain they weren’t able to. I was so happy to hear they could take it for a quick spin when the rain stopped.

  2. Dan Wild. They hired a caricaturist for during cocktail hour and the reception. What a fun activity for guests to enjoy! I worked with Dan years ago when I was serving the Peoria area. He is so talented! I highly recommend having something fun and interactive during your cocktail hour for an added bonus. Other ideas are food appetizer stations, live music, photo booth

  3. When the reception doors opened, guests were dazzled by the XL marquee letters spelling out “Atkins” in the corner. Alpha Lit Central Illinois does a wonderful job and their light up letters are very popular! The letters and symbols add such a pop to any space and make the room feel more festive. Alpha Lit is able to stack their letters if you have two words or a longer phrase that you are wanting to spell out. I think the stack look is very cool too!

  4. Their wedding cake was BLUE. But in such a classy way. Their decor (linens, flowers, glassware) had elements of a soft blue that was incorporated into the cake. Cake Artist Studio killed it- such a beautiful hue and design.

  5. Nicole’s dad and brother built a custom arbor for behind the head table. The arbor now sits in Nicole and Nolan’s garden at their home. It took 6 guys the move so you know that arbor is built to last! How special. This double wide arbor was completely covered in beautiful blooms from Fancy Flowers by Nancy.

  6. Nancy completely out-did herself with the flowers. Stunning! I’m not a huge fan of blue flowers but like I said above, the blue was very classy and done right. Nicole added runners in a similar blue hue and rented glassware from Create A Scene to tie everything together.

  7. Howl2Go Dueling Pianos. You really cannot beat live music at any event. Dueling Pianos is SUCH a talented crew. They are musically talented and funny! Nicole and Nolan added a drummer which was a great addition.

Big congrats to this sweet couple! I hope to see you around town and work together again soon! Pictures to come soon!

Maggie Farchmin