chicago local Archives - Michelle Durpetti

Shop local this holiday! Gift Guide Part 1

Shop local this holiday! Gift Guide Part 1

Nov 19, 2020 | Hospitality, Personal

Gift Guide season is upon us! Along with the most wonderful time of the year! And who can believe that the holidays are actually coming?It is amazing how fast, yet how slow this year went. I have pulled together a list of vendors and companies that I love to give a...

@mdurpettievents

Intimate moments, incredible views, and a day fill

Intimate moments, incredible views, and a day filled with love 💫 Just 15 of our couple’s closest gathered at a stunning Tuscan-inspired castle in Wisconsin. From the breathtaking gowns to the lifelong friendships, every detail was unforgettable. Imagine celebrating with just the people you love most, surrounded by gorgeous floral decor and the elegance of a private chef-crafted meal 🍽️. A fairytale come true for two really lovely humans. 🤍

At the heart of it all—beautiful gowns, a dream venue, and perfect memories 📸💒. Who’s ready to say “I do” in a destination wedding just like this? Because I will never stop obsessing over this wedding✨

Vendors who brought this to life:
Invitations: @smittenboutiqueshop
Hair & Makeup: @theartistmonet
Photo: @emilypradaphoto
Film: @whitesprucefilms
Floral & Decor: @xodesign_co
Location: @thecastlevineyard
Private Chef: @comauthe
Bride’s gown: @galialahav
Officiant: @dgotiear
Dresser: @dress_byformalglow
Entertainment: Sheboygan DJ

Weddings like this one? Totally next level 💕. #WeddingPlanner #EventDesign #DestinationWeddings #WeddingGoals #BridalParty #LuxuryEvents #CreatingUnforgettableWeddings #WeddingDayEssentials #FlawlessExecution #IntimateWedding #WeddingInspo

Ok friends, before we dive back into wedding conte

Ok friends, before we dive back into wedding content, I’m interrupting the feed with some major fall carb vibes! 🍝

What does that mean? Well, it’s @chimarathon weekend here in Chicago, and I’m all about any celebration that encourages carbs 🤣. (Even though I don’t even run - like ever. Like not even when I’m being chased 😵‍💫🤣🫠💃🏼).

In addition to planning weddings and celebrations in amazing countries like Italy, Mexico (throughout Europe) Puerto Rico and across the U.S., I’m a proud third-generation restaurateur, entrepreneur, and second-generation Italian-American. (Fun fact: My grandfather Gene, of @gene_georgetti, was born in Italy 🇮🇹). So yeah, this is one of THE best weekends of the year for me, and here’s why:

1. Halloween season is my FAVE 🎃
2. I live for pasta (and yes, we make ALL of ours in-house at the restaurant, with love) 🍝🤩. So any weekend celebrating carbs is a MAJOR YES in my book.
3. The Chicago Marathon welcomes runners from all over the world – including Italy! Over 700 runners are here from Italia. How cool is that?! 🇮🇹🏃‍♂️

Swipe to check out our weekend specials, including Gnocchi con Zucca with @marinellotartufi truffles, squash + parm 😍. We’ve also got risotto with truffles, and a twice-baked potato topped with @sterlingcaviar that’s SO good, I ordered it twice this week!

Tomorrow, we’ll be cheering on the runners with the @chisistercities Milan Committee at our cheering station! Sending love to all runners, especially our Italian friends! 🏃‍♀️✨

Who’s with me? Best. Weekend. Ever. Amirite?!

Buona Maratona, amici miei! 🥰🥰

📸 @spoongypsy

Salve amici miei, and happy Friday! 🍂 Just popp

Salve amici miei, and happy Friday! 🍂 Just popping in today with this photo perfectly capturing me in my favorite place - a gorgeous event brought to life by the MDE team. I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for the kindness you’ve shown me these past few weeks. Truly, it’s been felt. 🤍 I want to openly share that I’m doing okay. Actually, I’m doing well. Everybody processes things differently and I think it’s important to remind ourselves that how someone goes through grief or trauma or even joy is not for us to comment on. 🤍 We all have the right to process in our own way in my most humble opinion.

For me, grief is a companion that will stay with me, moving alongside me as I journey through it. I believe that the depth of grief is simply a testament to the depth of love. So I’m ok with this knowledge. In fact, I embrace it. My dad was an amazing man and carrying grief over his loss is my privilege in a way.

I find gratitude in every day. I laugh and celebrate beauty and great food. I smile and enjoy working. And when I need to, I allow my grief to wash over me and sometimes require that I just be in it and feel what I need to. I’m writing this for anybody carrying grief with them on their life’s journey and sending love, compassion and a hug. 🙏🏻

I also want to just say that I am so touched by each of you who has been present in some way—whether through a kind word or a gesture at this time. You know who you are, you are appreciated beyond measure. Mille grazie, from the bottom of my heart. 🙏✨

📸 @collinpierson

New York Bridal Fashion Week brought all the trend

New York Bridal Fashion Week brought all the trends, and we are obsessed! 💍✨ From 90’s drop waists and chokers to statement gloves, texture, and volume – brides are walking their own runway and we’re here for it! 🕊️👗 Don’t even get us started on the mini dresses! 😍 ✨

Designers:
@inesdisanto
@wona_concept
@badgleymischkabride
@galialahav
@annebarge
@mariafarbinni

Dreaming of planning your wedding in style? We’ve got you covered. Let’s elevate your wedding day to iconic status! 💫

📸 Photo credit: @collinpierson
Content creation: @k.lafleurfilms

New York Bridal Fashion Week is a must every year

New York Bridal Fashion Week is a must every year for me —it’s that moment when designers reveal their latest collections, setting the trends for the next bridal season. Seeing old friends, experiencing the pulse of the newest bridal fashion, and being in the heart of New York City is something I always look forward to ✨

While I can’t attend this year, my talented friend @sarahbradshawphoto is on the ground, capturing all the magic, and I’m thrilled to share her beautiful work. ✨

One standout this season is Sareh Nouri, renowned for her signature romantic, ethereal designs that embody timeless elegance. Her collections are consistently a go-to for the discerning bride to be seeking something classic yet unforgettable.

As a destination wedding planner, I make it my mission to stay connected to the best and brightest in the bridal industry, from designers to creative partners to venues worldwide. It’s all about crafting a flawless wedding experience with expertise, insight, and style—no matter where in the world your love story takes you. 💍✨

Photos: @sarahbradshawphoto
Designer: @sarehnouri
In Chicago you can find this designer at: @bellabiancabridalcouture

One month of wedded bliss! ✨ Cheers to Ernesto &

One month of wedded bliss! ✨ Cheers to Ernesto & Heather, two of my absolute favorite humans, who filled their day (and these behind-the-scenes shots) with endless smiles. 😊 Your wedding was full of love, laughter, and incredible energy—and that’s what happens when you surround yourself with a team that just gets it. From planning to the big day, it’s all about good vibes, trust, and people who’ve got your back every step of the way. 💫 Happy 1-month anniversary, you two! Can’t wait to keep celebrating all the milestone moments ahead! ❤️

Vendor Dream Team:
💒 Planning: @mdurpettievents
📸 Photo: @francescorimmaudo.fotografo @swp_photographer_sicily
🎥 Film: @vincenzostagnitta @salvoromano_videographer
💐 Floral, lighting, entertainment: @starsluxuryevents
📜 Printed items: @smittenboutiqueshop
🎁 Guest welcome gift: @shinery
📲 Social content: @andreacastagna
📍 Location: @unahotels_capotaormina @erreg27
📷 Photo Booth: @phodat.booths
💄 Bridal Glam: @hsalvaggio @becca.merola
👗 Bride’s gown: @townandcountrybridal
🤵 Groom’s suit: @harperandjones

#TaorminaWeddings #SicilianDream #weddingplanneritaly #LaDolceVita #ItalianWeddings #DestinationWeddingPlanner #MichelleDurpettiEvents #SicilyLove #LuxuryWeddings #WeddingInspiration #BrideAndGroom #WeddingMagic #becauseofengage #sicilywedding #destinationweddingitaly #chicagoweddingplanner #planweddingsinitaly #italywedding #sicilia #taormina #datingaround #datingaroundnetflix #netflix #netflixseries

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