CheekyChicago

He did it. He got down on one knee (or maybe hid the ring in your dessert) and popped the big question. We hope that you said yes, and that you’re about to plan the biggest day of your life – your wedding. It’s no secret that planning your nuptials can be overwhelming. Between all of the cake tasting and the florist phone calls, a girl could really lose herself. So for all of the Cheeky brides, here are some of our top picks.

Cake

Let’s start with dessert. Sarah Levy is not one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. Sarah’s Candies and Pastries, however, is just the best. Recently honored as one of Cheeky Chicago’s Top Ten Cheeky Chicks of the Year, Sarah Levy will work with you to create the perfect cake for your wedding. Featured in countless bridal magazines, her cakes can be traditional, silly, two- or quadruple-tiered and chocolate, almond, or even pumpkin. Set up an appointment at her small shop on Oak Street to sample cake flavors and fillings, like passionfruit or caramel crème brulee.

Or for a fun alternative to a big ol’ cake, why not try a Cupcake Truffle? Just this month, Southport Grocery and Café and truffle truffle announced their new creation. It’s a tiny taste of Southport Grocery’s famous white cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting, covered in white, dark, or milk chocolate from truffle truffle. They’re just too cute. Truffle truffle also has an entire selection of super adorable, super decadent truffles that would be perfect as party favors or dessert. Dark chocolate with rose champagne? Cheers.

Dresses and Accessories

I imagine that shopping for a wedding dress is like riding a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs – moments of hope and excitement, but also moments of disappointment when the dress isn’t just right. It takes something special to stop you in your tracks. That’s where Michelle Gertzman comes in. Gertzman is the founder of one of the West Loop’s newest bridal shops, the Michelle Rahn Bridal Salon, where brides-to-be can get creative and, well, cheeky. The dresses here are made to order. Gertzman debuted her own line of sleek, vintage-inspired gowns, but the designer encourages brides to choose their own fabric, beading, and embroidery. She’ll help you create a dress that is one-of-a-kind, whether it’s just a subtle adjustment of a Michelle Rahn design or your own vision.

To complement something “new” from Michelle Rahn, Sofia Vintage can hook you up with something “old.” I mean “old” in the most fabulous, timeless sense. At Sofia Vintage, it’s all about blending vintage pieces into your modern style. Sofia’s items are always changing as the Zisook sisters shop estate sales and auctions, but you will always find fabulous looks from decades past – gowns by Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, or a funky ‘80′s cocktail dress. Sofia is a great place to find an outfit for your rehearsal dinner or to pick up a unique piece of jewelry for your walk down the aisle. Sofia Vintage can dress the groom, too, in a vintage dinner jacket or an old school tuxedo. Ashley Zisook’s pick for spring? Bow ties.

Eats

Chicago has a seemingly endless number of caterers. But if you’re looking for a little Spanish flair – add a little Café Ba Ba Reeba! This Lincoln Park eatery is home to some of the finest tapas in Chicago, whipped up by Chef Gabino Sotelino, also the chef-owner of Cheeky-approved Mon Ami Gabi. Café Ba Ba Reeba offers several different catering packages fit for small parties of ten or big parties of a hundred or more. The packages include your choice of hot and cold tapas, like roasted dates or eggplant salad, paella, dessert tapas, and of course, sangria. Café Ba Ba Reeba will also cater to brides who want to dance the night away – with belly dancing and flamenco instruction. Ole!

Event Design

Party Favors

The wedding is about you. Why shouldn’t the party favors be, too? ForYourParty.com is a great place to design and order customized goodies like votive candles, sweet little candy tins, and matchbooks. You can also order menus, napkins, and coasters embossed with your wedding date or one of the many designs available in the site’s Idea Gallery. It’s your party – you can monogram it if you want to.