Our day was lovely, but almost two weeks later, I can't believe it's already over.  I found everyone else's reviews very helpful and fun to read.  Hopefully I can help future brides out as well!  Page me on Chicago if there are any questions.

Church: St. John Lutheran Church, Forest Park, IL
A church, in my opinion, isn't exactly a vendor, but I do want to say that it was beautiful and despite some minor hiccups, the interim pastor and the church secretary were very helpful.  My dad used to be organist here six years ago or so, and so they allowed us the member rate.  I'm pretty sure you need to be LCMS Lutheran to get married here, and counseling, which we did with our own pastor, is mandatory.  However, we would have done that anyway.  The acoustics are amazing and the pipe organ in this church is stunning.  Grade: A

Reception Venue: Abbington Distinctive Banquets, Glen Ellyn, IL
I love the Abbington.  My sister and I both had prom there while in high school.  I didn't want our wedding to feel like prom, but I knew I loved the food and that the space was lovely.  After meeting with Tara and really understanding how much was included, I fell in love.  We used the North Ballroom with the extension and the high ceilings and windows made everything feel light and airy.  There was plenty of room for our 220 guests.  We got a discount due to our wedding being on a Sunday, so for about 50pp plus tax and gratuity, we got a premium open bar, five course meal, linens, centerpieces, hor's deourves, and a cake.  The Abbington really has its process streamlined.  Once we got there and the reception got moving, I really realized how needlessly I had worried about timelines and everything happening and people communicating.  Tara left halfway through the night, but she left us in good hands and everything went smoothly.  The hor's deourves especially were delicious and everyone I spoke to enjoyed their food.    Grade: A+

Florist: Westgate Floral and Plant Shop, Oak Park, IL
We met with Paul at Westgate just once to discuss flowers.  As the Abbington was handling the centerpieces, we just had Westgate do our bouquets, bouts, corsages, and flower girl baskets.  As the day drew nearer, I spoke with them about payments, but left everything else to them.  They delivered the flowers to the church, a friend accepted the delivery for me.  The flowers were gorgeous and better than I even could have hoped.  I wasn't too picky about flowers, but these were lovely.  I chose daisy poms, light yellow spray roses, and dark blue delphinium.  I would definitely recommend and use Westgate again.   Grade: A

Band: Fantasia
To be completed.