We've all seen it- the overboard trends, obligatory traditions, and money spent on things that quite frankly no one cares about. At CBK we have been lucky to have fabulous couples who have chosen to shake things up one way or another and let their spirit as a couple shine through on their wedding day. Something I am very passionate about, and a large reason an extroverted person like me unconsciously chose this career, is the human connection. I am not going to get too intens

On Thursday, December 29th I got engaged to the love of my life, Amgad. On Friday, December 30th I lost one of the most important people in my life, Mary "Bubby" Schmidt (my paternal grandmother). To say this was an incredibly bewildering time is an understatement. No amount of crying, martinis, or cuddles with our dog Lexi could make this okay. I have since done my best to power through the grieving with work, "If I Can Dream" by Elvis on repeat, and plastering on a fake smi

Check out the below for great suggestions to give anyone newly engaged (June and beyond) or newly married in 2022. Our goal with this gift guide is to get away from the typical "Mr. and Mrs." gifts and provide options that are solid, thoughtful investments. NEWLY ENGAGED 1. With all the bottles they will be poppin' this one is a must buy. As much as I love champagne, without this fun tool the bubbly nature makes you feel the time to drink it is now or never. Well, not anymore

A little something from my book writing journey, XO The niche is something that has been discussed at length in terms of career objectives for as long as I remember. “Be good at one thing, specialize, and continue to grow and therefore earn a significant income” is going through my head currently. It is awesome to be super skilled and the go-to expert for a given field/subfield, but what if that something does not turn up the volume in your life? It creates financial security

It is PSL season and it feels so good! Recapping a few of our faves over at CBK when it comes to harvest season nuptials. Fall speaks to the coziness of life, and so do these six must haves! 1. A Flavorful Nod to Pumpkin Even if you do not like the taste of pumpkin, we believe that pumpkins have a calming effect on all of us. Fall weather brings on the PSL, comfy sweaters and cozy blankets, and eventually brings in the holiday season and time together with friends and family.

Kacie and CJ's day was an occasion of refined elegance. Their love beamed through a classic black tie wedding. Meet the Armbrust's... "We met our freshman year in McCormick Hall at Marquette University. My floor was very into the “open doors, open floors” concept so we always had our door wide open when we were in the room. My roommate was hanging decor on our door when CJ and his roommate walked by. They eventually came in and chatted. We were often invited to CJ’s room, nic

Linda and Michael's August 2021 wedding was a memorable affair with distinctive details. Meet the Humphrey's... True high school sweethearts, Michael and Linda started their relationship early in high school while attending different schools in different states. Yes, that's right, they lived in different states for the first four years of their relationship and thrived through it all! Michael was living in Whitefish Bay, WI and Linda in La Grange, IL. Linda's charming first

Nicole and Jonathon's June 2021 wedding was a timeless soirée layered with romantic flair. Meet the Stanley's... Nicole and Jonathon met while Jonathon was visiting Milwaukee with some friends back in 2017. Nicole is from the Milwaukee area and Jonathon grew up in northern Illinois. Day to day Nicole works as an Occupational Therapist and Jonathon works in insurance industry. The two enjoy spending time with their new pup Cooper, going for walks, watching a good movie, and e

You can't get married without your squad, so let's review some of our best tips for managing your "I Do Crew"! Among the above, here are some additional suggestions: The "Ask"- This can be whatever you want it to be. We always recommend making it personal and not something that comes off casually in passing, to show your appreciation for their friendship and involvement. The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party- However you choose to #celebrait , as we alluded to above, NOTICE is key