Inviting Chicago's Architecture to Your Wedding

Are you hoping for a photo of you and your wedding party in front of the Wrigley Building? Is it possible to have a cake in the shape of Chicago’s skyline? Which iconic historic site can be your venue? Chicago’s architecture is an important part of so many weddings based in the Windy City. During this program, we'll explore the best spots for your iconic pictures and discuss tips and tricks for planning your event in the city of architecture. Our panel of experts includes a wedding photographer, a planner and a venue representative. After the discussion, you'll have a chance to ask the panelists about planning your upcoming event.

Presenter: Faith Barker

As a native south-sider and avid storyteller, Faith Barker loves sharing all of Chicago’s hidden gems and exploring our city. As Marketing Director for The Penthouse Hyde Park, Faith combines this passion with digital and experiential strategy to celebrate the architectural and historic significance of their rooftop venue. When she’s not working, you can find her in the front row at spin class, tending to her impressive plant collection or planning her own wedding for this July.

Presenter: Desireé Dent

Desireé established Dejanae Events LLC, an award-winning wedding & event planning company, over 21 years ago. She has since coordinated hundreds of weddings and events employing her knowledge and research to assist individuals with their special day while maintaining their specialized budget.

Additionally, Desireé is the instructor of Triton College's Wedding Planning Certification courses. She is recognized as a "wedding industry professional" and "academic leader" in the latest textbook edition of "Professional Wedding Planning - How To Start A Wedding & Event Planning Business," which is used in the Certification course.

Some of Desireé’s greatest achievements are authoring WEDology Notebook: For The Budget-Chic Bride, released March 1, 2011; creating a series of seminars and educational resources for aspiring wedding and event planners called the “WEDology toolKIT”; and being named “Best of Weddings by The Knot” for 10 consecutive years and earning a spot in their Hall of Fame of vendors.

Presenter: Collin Pierson

Collin is an international-award winning educator and wedding, bridal fashion and editorial photographer based in Chicago, Illinois. Combining his unique past in photojournalism, sports and fashion photography, he has created a style that is both candid and dramatic. When he is not shooting, he is an educator to other photographers at workshops, conventions and conferences around the world, as well as a managing partner of his wife (and wedding planner) Michelle Durpetti’s 3rd-generation steakhouse Gene & Georgetti.