To Paris with Love...

Orlett and Duke created their chic wedding around a Paris theme.  Rich shades of purple and green set along a platinum backdrop created a whimsical night in Paris friends and family would not soon forget.

Bridal bouquets with custom rhinestone monograms for each bridesmaid and hand painted rhinestones on ceremony programs set the stage for the ceremony held at Naper Settlement.  Guests continued to Hotel Arista and retrieved their place cards set on Mini Eiffel Tower Place card Holders.  As guests entered the ballroom they were mesmerized by Floral Designs provided by Elizabeth Wray Designs.  The bride provided Paris Themed Table Numbers and Menu Cards were wrapped in ribbon accented with a rhinestone broach.  Floral centerpieces included green hanging amaranths, cymbidium, mokara orchids and purple hydrangea.  Purple up lighting and candle lit tables made the night truly magical.

When choosing a wedding location, the couple wanted a venue that would not only be a reflection of the personal style but would provide delicious food for their guests.  Both Orlett and Duke are well traveled and food is a passion they both share.  The menu for the wedding was designed to provide a mix of a traditional Wild Mushroom Soup and Field Greens Salad Course followed by Food Stations including a Made - To - Order Pasta Station, Hand Carved Beef Strip loin and Roasted Turkey Station paired with Polenta,  Haricot Verts and a New Orleans Favorite - Shrimp and Grits!

The dining experience continued with a beautifully adorned four-tier wedding cake provided by "The Cakery" and Coffee Station.

The couple surprised their guests with a "Booz Snow Cone Station" which included Mango Margarita Snow cones and Bride's Choice of Cherry Syrup, Citrus Vodka and Raspberry Infused Lime Aid.  The Groom's Choice...Orange Syrup, Vodka and Midori...Yummy!

Orlett and Duke's wedding day was a true reflection of their love, personal style and journey towards their most special moment of becoming husband and wife.  I wish both of them best wishes as they celebrate their honeymoon in Paris.

"My Effortless Wedding at Hotel Arista" Pinterest Contest Winner

Congratulations to Heather Holtz, winner of our “My Effortless Wedding at Hotel Arista” Pinterest Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated. Heather wins a two night "Mini-Moon" at Hotel Arista, an in-room couples' massage, brunch and dinner at SugarToad, a box of chocolates and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Click here to see Heather's pinboard! And don't forget to visit Hotel Arista on Pinterest.

Bridal Health Tips

Planning a wedding takes months of planning, preparation, and rehearsal. It's your big day, and you want everything to be absolutely perfect. Getting everything in place can be stressful and often, proper nutrition takes a back seat to running errands.

This is the perfect time to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Proper food choices will give you the energy you need to keep up with all the details. You'll feel fit and healthy, ready to handle anything that comes your way.  By combining nutrition and exercise you can feel confident, beautiful, and energetic.  You can enjoy the radiant glow of good health and on the big day when all eyes are upon you, you'll look fabulous.  Have you considered a wedding wellness coach or perhaps taking a bridal boot camp to get you ready for the big day? 

A wedding wellness coach helps you to take stock of all aspects of your health including medical history, lifestyle and diet.  They then assist with overall goals for nutrition and exercise to help you to reach your goals.

If you are interested in enrolling in our Wedding Bootcamp or desire the services of our wedding wellness coach, please contact Donna Pozdol at Olympus Executive Fitness Center.  Donna has over 20 years of group exercise, personal training and management experience,.  She is a nationally-certified personal trainer and also a Lifestyle and Wellness Coach, Zumba Instructor and Certified Yoga Teacher.

Your New Year's Eve Wedding at Hotel Arista

Recently Engaged?  Let us help to plan the wedding of your dreams and enter the new year as husband and wife!  One of the hottest dates of the year has recently become available.   Our grand ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests and is the perfect setting to bring in the new year with family and friends as we celebrate your union.  Whether you are planning a cocktail reception with midnight champagne toast or formal affair with special midnight delights, we will provide a night your guests will not soon forget!  Please contact our Wedding Specialist for more information

(630) 579-7806

Expert Wedding Advice for Planning a Perfect Wedding

Hotel Arista was recently featured in a new book by Benchmark Publishing Group.  The book features interviews with over 15 top wedding industry professionals based in Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

Everything that you need to know to plan your most perfect day is featured.  From invitations to gowns, wedding day makeup tips and choosing the right dj...all your questions are answered.  The nature of most weddings is that it's a first-time and often one-time event, where there are no second chances.  The best strategy for getting it right the first time, is to learn from the experts who have years of experience in the wedding industry.  We were so happy to be featured in the book and provide informational wedding venue tips.  It is our hope that the readers will feel confident to plan their wedding with enthusiasm and uncertainty.

Davina Arceneaux

Director of Catering / Wedding Specialist

Trend Alert: Snow Cones with a Twist

Celebrate your summer wedding with a fun and delicious treat.  When the late night portion of the reception starts, give guests the cue to party down with self serve drinks at the bar.  


A simple dessert becomes an elaborate presentation as adults help themselves at a station stocked with cups, crushed ice, and mojito, peach daiquiri, cosmo and margarita cocktail syrups.  


Late night snacks are extremely popular right now.  Boozy snow cones are a classic childhood treat with an adult twist that pairs well with savory food options.  This colorful crowd pleaser is an exciting and fun trend sure to thrill guests and make your late night festivities memorable.






Davina Arceneaux
Director of Catering / Wedding Specialist

Wedding Monogram Etiquette

Wedding monograms are hot right now and you will see them everywhere!  They provide a great way to personalize your wedding and can be used long after your special day.  Personalize every detail from your wedding programs, cocktail napkins, table numbers, wedding cake topper, dance floor lighting designs or decals, photo booth printouts & wedding favor accents.

Monograms can be as simple or extravagant as you would like.  If you are planning to use a monogram for your wedding day, keep in mind these etiquette rules on how to create and use your wedding monogram:

Generally, monograms consist of three letters or just the single initial of the couples last name. If you are creating your monogram using both of your names, the bride's initial should be used first, followed by the couples last name and lastly the grooms first name

For example, the monogram "RJM" would be used for Rachel and Michael Jones

The most appropriate time to use your wedding monogram is after you say "I Do"

Prior to making it official, wedding monograms should not be used for save the dates, invitations or thank you notes for showers. During the ceremony, it can be used for your programs, aisle runner and guest book.

After the wedding ceremony, your monogram can be used in all areas of the cocktail reception and dinner including menu cards, napkins, dance floor and favors.

Have fun incorporating your personal style, wedding colors and floral.

Davina Arceneaux

Director of Catering / Wedding Specialist