Upcoming Events

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May-24-2012 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Gardening Calendar Program

MAY
26

May-26-2012 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Fun Runs and Talk n' Walks

MAY
26

May-26-2012 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Auto Show and Spring Car Corral

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Editor’s Choice: 2011 Wedding Planner

Written by Erica Burke | Tuesday, February 01 2011 14:39
Editor’s Choice: 2011 Wedding Planner
From big to intimate, traditional to modern, weddings are uniquely a couple’s own. McHenry County Living’s Wedding Planner – featuring the hottest trends, styles and best local vendors – will help make planning this special day a lot easier.
Designer Dresses – Kimberly’s Bridal & Boutique carries a complete selection of top designers for all apparel, footwear and accessories, including the popular Disney Fairy Tale Weddings line by Alfred Angelo. 

Contact: 137 Rt. 120, Lakemoor, 815-363-5700, www.kimberlysbridal.com.

Custom Cakes – Sugar Hills Bakery specializes in one-of-a-kind cakes and dessert tables that make that special day a whole lot sweeter.

Contact: 644 S. Main St., Algonquin, 847-658-8765, 532 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling, 847-541-4800, www.sugarhillsbakery.com.

Delicious Catering – Tarts & Truffles … Cakes and Catering’s designers and planners work to make each wedding memorable for the food, the mood and the experience.

Contact: 124 Cass St., Ste. 4, Woodstock, 815-338-8278, www.tartsandtruffles.net.

Trendy Cupcakes – Cupcake wedding cakes have taken off in a big way and Kiera Confections offers these trendy treats, plus a variety of chocolates and dessert trays.

Contact: 2620 Schaid Ct., McHenry, 815-385-4372, www.kieraconfections.com.

Formal Wear – Laura Mac carries beautiful dresses, including the perfect styles for mothers of the bride and groom.

Contact: 66 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 815-444-6314, www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Mac-Inc-Special-Occasion-Dress-Boutique/147295395307490?v=info.

Flower Power – Countryside Flower Shop is a full-service garden center capable of meeting all floral needs of weddings from elaborate ceremony flowers to artistic bouquets.

Contact: 5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, 815-459-8130, www.countrysideflowershop.com.

Breathtaking Rings – Studio 2015 showcases breathtaking new designs in 14-karat white gold featuring artistic elements such as halos, micro prongs and elegant milgrain all with a princess or round center stone to tie them together in a masterful work of jewelry.

Contact: 11701 Catalpa Lane, Woodstock, 815-337-2015, www.studio2015.com.

Timeless Hairstyles – A soft and natural look and French twists (pictured) with a touch of bling is this year’s look for brides, according to Paul Hyland Salon and Day Spa, which offers hair, makeup and nail services for weddings.

Contact: 318 Memorial Dr., Crystal Lake, 815-455-0780, www.paulhylandsalon.com.

The Perfect Diamond – Hearts On Fire diamonds – available exclusively in McHenry County at Steffan’s Jewelers – are cut to perfect proportions so their fire – or sparkle – is much brighter and more colorful than traditionally cut stones.

Contact: 325 N. Front St., McHenry, 815-385-6070, www.steffansjewelers.com.  

Italian Honeymoon What better destination to celebrate la dolce vita than with a private gondola ride in Venice or noshing local wine, cheese and bread in Tuscany? Cary Travel Express can arrange the perfect Italian honeymoon.

Contact: 9 Jandus Rd., Cary, 847-639-3300, www.carytravelexpress.com.  

Lolita Glasses (picture these side-by-side) – Toast a lifetime of happiness in style with beautiful hand-painted Lolita wine glasses available at The Thoughtfulness Shop.

Contact: 104 Cass St., Woodstock, 815-338-5651, www.thoughtfulnessshop.com.  

Dazzling Makeup – A bride’s beautiful day begins with beautiful makeup. Paul Hyland Salon and Day Spa carries mineral-based, paraben-free makeup and offers brides professional makeup consultations, makeovers and wedding day makeup application.

Contact: 318 Memorial Dr., Crystal Lake, 815-455-0780, www.paulhylandsalon.com.

Picture Perfect  – Capture the unforgettable moments of the wedding with the exceptional imagery of renowned photographer Robin Pendergrast.

Contact: 930 Pyott Rd., Ste. 100, Crystal Lake, 815-477-3480, www.rfpphoto.com.

Lovely Lingerie – La Bellissima offers the gorgeous Kensington bridal collection from PrimaDonna, which comes in a range of sizes and colors.

Contact: 10 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, 815-477-3404, www.labellissima-online.com.  

Party Gifts – Don’t forget wedding party gifts – Lulu’s Wiggin Out has a variety to choose from. And bridesmaids – stock up on fun bachelorette goodies!   

Contact: 63 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 815-356-9900; 128 S. Main St., Algonquin, 847-854-9611, www.luluswigginout.com.

Fabulous Florals – Twisted Stem Floral is totally committed to bringing clients exceptional creativity, quality and service, providing full attention to their ideas.

Contact: 407 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, 815-459-9770, www.twistedstemfloral.com.

Beautiful Blooms – Apple Creek Flowers offers a gorgeous selection of bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, wedding ceremony flowers and centerpieces to fit any budget. 

Contact: 207 N Throop St., Woodstock, 800-227-7534, www.applecreekflowers.com.

RECEPTION HALLS  ...

D'Andrea Banquets & Conference Center – For more than 35 years, D’Andrea has offered exceptional banquet services for weddings. Food and beverage packages are available for all budgets, as well as and rooms for nearly any size ceremony and reception.

Contact: 4419 Rt. 14, Crystal Lake, 815-459-7234, www.dandreabanquets.com.

Geneva National Golf Club – Geneva National specializes in creating elegant and custom weddings for 30 to 350 guests. An on-site wedding coordinators assist brides through the planning process with affordable packages. Guests can lodge at the adjacent The Inns of Geneva National (www.innsofgenevanational.com).

Contact: 1221 Geneva National Ave. S., Lake Geneva, Wis., 262-245-7046, www.lakegenevaweddings.com.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Complete with breathtaking surroundings, elegant reception space, outstanding cuisine and attentive service, Grand Geneva is a great place to say “I do” for nuptials large or intimate. Guests can stay overnight at the resort.

Contact: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wis., 800-558-3417, www.grandgeneva.com.

McHenry Country Club – With a one-of-a-kind setting overlooking the Fox River, McHenry Country Club provides an ideal setting for weddings and receptions with 10 to 250 guests.

Contact: 820 N. John St., McHenry, 815-385-1072, www.mchenrycc.net.

The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms – This 130-acre private estate boasts beautiful gardens perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Located in tranquil, rural Rockton, Ill., The Pavilion is a unique location with the ability to comfortably hold more than 400 guests.

Contact: 6786 Yale Bridge Rd., Rockton, 815-629-2220, www.orchardridgefarms.com.

The Gardens of Woodstock – Walk down the aisle or an inviting brick path at the Gardens of Woodstock, which can accommodate up to 100 guests and plans to add capacity in the near future. Start with an engagement party and finish with the wedding reception – it’s all possible at the Gardens of Woodstock.

Contact: 5211 Swanson Rd., Woodstock, 815-337-2509, www.gardensofwoodstock.com.

31 North Banquet and Conference Center – When it opens this spring, 31 North will make weddings as wonderful and memorable as the newlyweds dreamed it would be. Experienced planners guide clients through the food and beverage menus and recommend the best vendors in the area.

Contact: 217 N. Front St. in McHenry, 815-344-0330, www.31northbanquets.com.

Erica Burke

Erica Burke

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Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

dole-lakeside-legacy-arts

Here at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park you can step back to a simpler time to explore the craftsmanship and unexpected brilliance of a Civil War era architectural masterpiece - the historic Dole Mansion. The Dole guarantees to stop you in your tracks with its intricate wood carvings, dazzling parquet floors and stunningly beautiful grand staircase.

Today, the Arts Park is in its infancy. Officially opened on July 4, 2005, it is owned and operated by a the non-profit Lakeside Legacy Foundation, formed for the purpose of preservation, protection, and enhancement of the property. The vision: become a world-class arts education center.

MC Historical Society

MCHS

McHenry County Historical Society - With a mission of providing the methods and means of presenting McHenry County history to enrich life. The comprehensive collection includes several preserved buildings, an 1847 log cabin, an 1885 town hall, an 1895 one-room schoolhouse, and a 20th century modern tourist cabin. Visit the museum in Union, Illinois to learn more about area history!

MC Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District - Over 22,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Trails and other recreational amenities have been added within 27 conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. Discover your District today!