Rebekah and Joshua 10.15.11

On October 15, 2011, Rebekah Stoker and Joshua Thomas celebrated their new married life with us at Refinery. Their reception boasted of beautiful shades of red, black, and white. With an oriental theme, the couple chose to highlight their dance floor with paper lanterns decorated with the pattern of cherry blossoms.

The couple also chose the "Lumen" centerpieces by Jarro, which were gorgeous lit paper lanterns that held red flowers. The room was highlighted with up-lighting by the bride's father, who also served as the DJ for the evening. Delicious food was served via buffet by Nelson's Catering. After dinner, the family and friends enjoyed a fun night of dancing and fun was had by all!

Congratulations Rebekah and Joshua! We wish you all the best!

Morrison.Marcial Reception 11.5.11

On November 5, 2011, the Marcial's celebrated their wedding by hosting their reception at Refinery. The bride chose a color palette including white, shades of purple, and black. The linens, monogram, DJ service and uplighting for this beautiful evening were provided by Elite Entertainment.  The delectable food was provided by Dish-Passionate Cuisine. The positively gorgeous centerpieces were provided by Julie at Jarro Design.  All the photography featured in this post was provided by Jamie Newell Photography. Congratulations again to the Marcial's. We wish you all the happiness in the world!

              The Groom wrote the Bride a sweet song, and sung it to her in front of their several guests.

       All the ladies lined up, ready to be the lucky woman who caught the bouquet!

The wedding party enjoyed great food and conversation throughout the course of the evening.

           

                            The guests danced it out to the Cupid Shuffle!

Special Bridal Feature: Fernanda Mendes

Going through the process of planning a wedding is something that we're used to here at Events at Refinery, and as we go through this process with all our brides, we get a chance to know them more personally. Throughout our events, we will be doing special features on some of our brides so you can get a handle on the process from the bridal point of view!

We met Fernanda last year when she came to Events at Refinery to start planning her special day. Working with her was truly a joy and we're so glad that we had the opportunity to be a part of such a lovely woman's wedding day!

How did you and your spouse meet?

We met at an internship in college.  I just went up to him and said “Hi! My name is Fernanda. What’s your name?” 

Tell us about the proposal.

The evening of October 30th, 2009 I was diligently working on our Halloween Lego costumes. I was determined to get them done before a Halloween Party we had that night. When Daniel got to my house, he went upstairs to put his stuff down and then came back down with a box of Star Wars Legos. He said he bought them so that we would have a reference for our costumes. I didn't say anything, but I thought to myself "why would he buy Legos? We have so many here at my house already." I joked around with him saying that I was NOT going to make Star Wars Lego costumes. I kind of ignored him and kept working on the costumes. He kept looking at me like "why aren't you giving me any attention?" So then he opened the box and pulled out two small bags of Legos. I grabbed one of them (the wrong one, of course). Looked in the bag and said "Man, it's going to be hard to do the back part of the lego." Then he gave me the "are you serious?" look and threw the other bag at me. When I looked inside, the ring was in there (he sealed the box and the bag so that it didn't look like he had opened it beforehand). This is when I started freaking out and screaming "omg omg omg!" He got down on one knee and said that he has liked playing with Legos ever since he was little and that he always liked building things and now he wants to build a life together with me. He said that this is our first Halloween in matching costumes and that nothing is more fitting than Lego pieces. Just like having one Lego by itself doesn't make sense, his life without me doesn't make sense either. Then he asked if I would marry him. It was so cute! I couldn't stop smiling; I was so happy! He proposed in a really cute/dorky way and I wouldn't have wanted it in any other way.

What drew you to Refinery to be your location?

The Refinery was the first reception hall we looked at.  We fell in love immediately and no other place we looked at after that seemed quite up to par.  As far as the place goes, we really liked the bar and the beautiful hardwood floors.  The staff was also amazing.  Everyone was great to work with and was super accommodating in helping make our day truly special.

How were you feeling before the wedding?

I was excited!  My husband and I had been engaged for almost 2 years so we were just so happy that the day had finally come.  I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be because we had spent so much time putting a lot of thought into everything. 

What thoughts did you have while walking down the aisle?

"OMG this is really happening!!”  And then I looked at my husband and saw his goofy smile and thought how lucky I am to be marrying him.

What was the most memorable part of your day as a couple?

The most memorable part was our first dance.  It was the first time we got to talk to each other in private and just express to each other how happy we were.  It was our little moment of the day.

What was your biggest fear about your wedding day?

I was worried about tripping down the aisle and my dress ripping since it was pretty tight.

How did Events at Refinery exceed your wedding day expectations?

I’m Brazilian and my husband is American.  We wanted to combine traditions from both cultures into our wedding.  Events at Refinery helped us make this possible by letting us bring in traditional Brazilian wedding sweets and letting us hang our own decorations. In addition, my husband and I live in Seattle and planning a long distance wedding is not easy.  Brittany was super responsive to all of our emails and was flexible to meet with us on weekends whenever we were in Champaign.

Can you give an example of an element in your day that you considered a personal touch?

We made all of the stationary for our wedding.  We wanted everything to be in Portuguese and English.  So all of the invitations, menus, programs, etc. were in both languages.

What advice can you give to other brides who are currently planning their special day?

Don’t stress out too much and try to enjoy every part of planning and the actual wedding day.  Give yourself plenty of time the day of your wedding – the last thing you want is to be rushed into doing things because you’re on a tight schedule.  In the morning I went to the salon with my bridesmaids and then we had a nice lunch before the ceremony.  It was nice to just relax with them before everything started.  After the ceremony we had 2.5 hours before the reception.  We picked one location to take pictures so that we wouldn’t miss out on our reception.  We had put so much thought into planning it that we wanted to enjoy every minute of it.

Robert and Lindsey Zum Mallen 9.24.2011

Last weekend, Events at Refinery was honored to host the wedding reception for Robert and Lindsey Zum Mallen. The guests were welcomed into the building with heart-warming pictures of the couple, as well as wedding pictures of the couple's parents. The bride and groom deviated from the normal guest book, and instead had their guests sign a photo mat surrounding a picture of Robert and Lindsey. Lindsey got a little extra creative and brought in a painted canvas with a leafless tree on it, where guests could put their thumbprint as the leaves.

The guests then entered a room filled with hues of purple, black, and white. The couple selected gorgeous centerpieces showcasing work by Jarro. To the left, a beautiful monogram with Robert and Lindsey's name covered the purple up-lit wall, which was created by the DJ and creative minds at Absolute Light and Sound from Bloomington,IL. During cocktail hour and dinner, the guests enjoyed a slide-show featuring pictures of the bride and groom, which was projected with a state-of-the-art system at the front of the ballroom. After cocktail hour, the guests were invited to have dinner, catered by Hickory River.

The towering and breathtaking cake, enjoyed by all, was created by Debi from Sweet Designs, and cheesecake was provided by a friend of the family. As a favor, the guests were offered a variety of candy from the candy bar, hosted by Refinery. The night concluded after hours of dancing, and the couple went on their way to enjoy their honeymoon!

Congratulations again, Robert and Lindsey! We wish you all the best!

Catering: Hickory River
Cake: Sweet Designs
DJ & Lighting: Absolute Light and Sound
Centerpieces: Jarro
Photographer: Images by Whitney

Stefani and Brandon Tobias 2.19.11

Stefani and Brandon Tobias wed in Jamaica on February 1st, 2011 with their closest family and friends there to witness.  The couple flew home to host a larger celebration in our Refinery ballroom on February 19th, 2011.  The guests entered the pink up-lit room as the couples wedding ceremony video in Jamaica ran on the two large projector screens flanking either end of the head table.  Everyone enjoyed being able to witness the couple exchange vows before dinner was served.  Each guest table was covered in white linens with harmony frames made of parchment hydrangea florets as the centerpieces, created by Jarro Designs.  The floral frame held four clear votives with white candles and was accented with crystals.  The head table was also beaming with votive candles and crystals to light up the room along with pink up-lighting and monogram provided by Trendsetter.  Saathoff's Catering served a delicious buffet style meal while Cakes by Lori made a white tiered cake garnished with rose petals that all the guests enjoyed.  With bellies full it was time to dance the night away.  Bob at Trendsetter played a variety of music throughout the night and the bride and groom, along with guests danced until the end!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Brandon Tobias, Events at Refinery wishes you the best!

Vendors

Photographer: Eyris Photography
Catering: Saathoff's Catering
Cake Artist: Cakes by Lori
DJ, Lighting, and Monogram: Robert Severins with Trendsetter
Centerpieces: Jarro Designs

Bricie and Jacob Troglia 11.6.10

 Bricie and Jacob Troglia had their ceremony and reception in the Refinery ballroom on November 6, 2010.  The couple had 250 guests witness the exchanging of vows in a candlelit and peacock feather decorated room.  Bricie loves peacock anything so the feathers were featured in all details that brought the whole look together.  Purple and teal were the bride's accent colors of choice.  Berry's Garden Center set the head table beaming with an abundance of votive candles, greenery and feathers that alone lit up the room, along with the glowing purple up-lighting brought in by Star Talent Events.  Lick Skillet served a delicious buffet style meal while guests were seated at tables draped in white linens and teal napkins.  Star Talent hi-lighted the dance floor with a custom made monogram that read "Jacob & Bricie" with a peacock feather, while Mike Ingram and Kayla Brown entertained the guests with their talented voices as they all danced under the hanging white lanterns on into the evening.  Bricie and Jacob were such a great couple to work with and her creative touch on the decor of the ballroom made it unique.

Everyone in Events at Refinery wishes the both of you the best of luck!  Congratulations Mrs and Mr Jacob Troglia!

Vendors
Photographer: Blaine and Kelsey Wright with Studio Alive Photography
Photo Booth: Illini Photo Booth
Caterer: Lick Skillet
Lighting and Monogram: Star Talent
Cake Artist: Kathy Miller
Florist: Berry's Garden Center
Music: Mike Ingram and Kayla Brown www.mikeingram.com

Danae and Tyler Meier 12.31.10

Events at Refinery would like to Congratulate Mrs and Mr Tyler Meier, married on NYE 2010!  I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year then to tie the knot with your best friend of ten years!  

Danae and Tyler's guests filled the Refinery ballroom on December 31, 2010 to help the married couple celebrate their biggest event of 2010.  Danae picked a black and white color scheme for the decor of the room.  She put her trust in two very special ladies close to her, Nancy & Janet to create multiple centerpieces that were decked out so beautifully and lite up each guest table.  Deb's Catering supplied the buffet style dinner while one of Danae's bridesmaids made an outstanding display of different Oreo cookies, truffles and cupcakes for the guests to enjoy.  Terry with Anatime Entertainment was the Master of Ceremonies who really got the energy flowing after dinner with great music and dancing.  Champagne was poured for all the guests to toast with and as the midnight hour approached everyone gathered and counted down the seconds remaining in 2010.  All the guests had a lively and emotion filled evening has they celebrated the marriage of Tyler and Danae Meier!

Congratulations again to the happy couple, Refinery enjoyed sharing this moment with you and your guests!

Vendors
Caterer: Deb's Catering
DJ: Terry Hopper with Anatime
Photographer:  Kelly McCormick Photography

Kristin and Rich McMurray 12.4.10

Mr and Mrs McMurray had a gorgeous winter December wedding here at Refinery!  I enjoyed very much working with Kristin to plan all the details for this special day.  The lovely bride chose a red, black and white color scheme, and with her great attention to detail and classic taste the room came together beautifully.  Red rose petals and orchids surrounded by votive candles were placed on every guest table provided by Fleurish, but the roses didn't stop there!  Red was accented all around the room with rose petals on the head table, atop the three tiered white frosted cake and even tall floral arrangements on the buffet table where L.A. Gourmet served yet another delicious meal.  After dinner Elite Entertainment set the mood with warm up lighting to accent the room.  Guests enjoyed cake by Debbie at Sweet Designs while the DJ got the party started.  Kristin and Rich really knew how to throw a party for their guests, everyone celebrated and danced the night away!

Congratulations Kristin and Rich!  Refinery wishes you luck and many years of happiness!

Vendors
Linens and Lighting: Elite Entertainment
Caterer: L.A. Gourmet Catering
Cake: Debbie Johnson at Sweet Design
DJ: Todd Thomas
Florist for Centerpieces: Fleurish
Photographer: Bill Wiegnad at  Champaign Studio One

Danielle and Monte Block 11.20.10

Congratulations to the beautiful Block couple on their marriage! 

The ballroom lite up with glowing faces and fall colors on November 20th when this lovely couple wed.  Over two hundred guests filled our entire ballroom for a night of celebration with generations of happily married couples... "All Because Two People Fell In Love!"  L.A. Gourmet provided a delicious buffet meal to start off the night as guests were seated around ivory and burnt orange draped tables provided by Elite Entertainment. Fish bowls lined with willow branches and blooming  roses supplied by Fleurish filled half the guest tables and for added height, Tammie Lawson with "What We Do Best" created an assortment of flowers atop Eiffel tower vases all surrounded by beaming votive candles to complete the centerpieces.  Also provided by Elite was the orange up-lighting and fall leaf backdrop that added a unique touch to the room and really brought the look together! Guests enjoyed the beautiful white cake with orange accent ribbon and flowers made by Teresa Hokings and danced the night away to many old school jams, DJ by Elite Entertainment.

Everyone from Events at Refinery wishes the Best of Luck to both of you!  Congratulations Mr and Mrs Block!

Vendors
Linens, Lighting, and Music: Elite Entertainment
Caterer: L.A. Gourmet
Centerpieces: Fleurish and Tammie Lawson with "What We Do Best"
Cake: Teresa Hokings

Beth and Andrew Frakes 10.23.10

I cannot say enough good things about how this reception turned out! Attention to detail does pay off in the end. Beth really thought of everything, and the end result was an amazing room with delighted guests.

Elite Entertainment set the linens: white table clothes with lavender sheer overlays and chair covers to match. An elegant program sat at each place setting with a fan folded napkin just above. Centerpieces were provided by Blossom Basket, and they were gorgeous! Ivory roses in glass bowls on most of the tables, and occasional tall centerpieces pulled the table together. Jim Gould put on a delicious meal and Cakes by Lori made, yet another, stunning cake.

The guests truly celebrating this wonderful evening. They took the dance floor right after the ceremonies, and no one ever looked back. Dancing and celebration continued on until the very end.

Congratulations to Beth & Andrew, and Best Wishes to the both of you from Events at Refinery!

Vendors
     Jim Gould
     Elite Entertainment
     Cakes By Lori
     Blossom Basket

Bridget and Taylor Battle 10.22.10

Congratulations Bridget & Taylor on your marriage!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Battle held a beautiful intimate ceremony & reception in the ballroom. One hundred guests joined the lively couple as they said their vows below a lighted arch. Immediately following the ceremony Chef Ben served a delicious plated meal to each of the guests on tables with lavender runners that added a splash of color, stunning orchids set on mirrors and surrounded by candles, and lavender M&Ms set at each place for the guests. Everything truly pulled together nicely for a perfect finished product. The bride and groom really appeared to enjoy the night of their lives as they danced for the entire reception!

Good luck to the happy couple from everyone at Events at Refinery!

Vendors
     Chef Ben
     Complete Music DJ
     Copper Creek Photography
     Elite Entertainment

Lindsey & Jason Murphy 9.4.10

Congratulations to the New Mr. and Mrs. Jason Murphy! The lovely couple wed on September 4, 2010 and shared an astounding reception with a full room of family and friends. Pictures do not speak for the beauty of the room on their day. Elite Entertainment's cobalt blue tablecloths and matching chair sashes filled the room with a nice punch of color, and up-lighting completed the room after the lights went down. Centerpieces by Berry's Garden Center complimented the blue tablecloths and sparkled with light, while Monograms shined on the dance floor. Jim Gould's prepared a delicious buffet, and The Cake Artist's Studio had a luscious cake centered on the dancefloor. The bridal party and guests really ate up the candy buffet, and danced all night celebrating the newly married couple.

Everyone at Events at Refinery wishes you both nothing but the best! Congratulations you two!

Vendors
     Elite Entertainment
     Jim Gould
     Berry's Garden Center
     The Cake Artist's Studio

Sarah & Phil Wiese 10.2.10

A great reception for a great couple! Their elegant Fall inspired reception turned out beautifully. Gorgeous Sunflowers and Gerber Daisies helped charm the room, while Elite Entertainment filled it with warm lighting, and a striking monogram highlighting the head table and dance floor. Sarah and Phil had a delicious meal prepared by Jim Gould, with a beautiful white cake covered in stunning sugar leaves from Promise To Keep. Following dinner and ceremonies the Bride and Groom danced the night away with friends and family.

Congratulations & Best Wishes to the both of you from all of us here at Events at Refinery!

Vendors
     Jim Gould
     Elite Entertainment

May 8, 2010 - Cara and Josh

Cara and Josh were another great couple to work with!  They chose a teal and ivory color scheme and it was beautiful!  Elite Entertainment provided all of the linens and they used their new pillow case chair covers which looked awesome!  Half of the tables had tall vases with pink gerber daisies and the other half had cylinders with gold fish in them!  It was such a fun addition to the reception.  The guests even took them home with them.  Best wishes to Cara and Josh!

Vendors:
Catering: Jim Gould
Linens: Elite Entertainment
Music: Complete Music
Cake: Cakes by Lori at Hawthorn
Photographer: Holly Birch

June 19, 2010 - Amanda and Matt

Amanda and Matt were such a fun couple to work with and you can tell by the color scheme they chose bright orange and hot pink!  All of the color really popped in the room and stood out.  It was perfect for a June wedding.  They got married at Allerton and danced down the aisle!  They used the whole ballroom for 220 guests.  The tables were nicely spaced and they had a huge dance floor.  They even brought in some pink and orange lanterns for us to hang.  Amanda put together her own centerpieces and some of them had fresh sliced oranges!  

They also had pink and orange cupcakes with the letter R on them for their last name.  Matt even made the cupcake stand himself. Congratulations to Amanda and Matt!  


Vendors: 
Catering: Hickory River
Linens: Elite Entertainment
Music: Star Talent Events
Cake: Cakes by Lori at Hawthorn

July 3, 2010 - Briana and Jay

Briana was a wonderful bride to work with!  She chose an aqua and red color scheme for her 4th of July weekend wedding.  The centerpieces she chose actually were included in her wedding package with us.  She chose a red gerbera daisy in a bubble vase with aqua stones.  She also brought in the aqua runners which made the red napkins pop.  Last but not least she had a adorable candy buffet for her favors.  The multi-colored candy looked great with her theme!  Congratulations Briana and Jay!

Vendors:
Catering: Hickory River
Cake: Cakes by Lori at Hawthorn
Florist for Centerpieces: Fluersih
Photographer: Amy Scott