One of my favorites things is the rush I get when I feel inspired!  I like to consider myself a creative, passionate person and LOVE finding inspiration any and everywhere I can… often in my very own every day life!  I have been a horse lover since I was a child and I spend an exorbitant amount of time out at the farm where I board my horses.  It is a really beautiful facility with acres of lush green fields that I often get lost in for hours with just my horses, my thoughts and myself.  So, it is only natural that something would pique my interest, get the wheels turning and my creative thoughts churning!

As I was riding the other day, I noticed a cool breeze that I hadn’t felt in quite a while.  And I remembered that every year at around this time, when the hot, lazy days of summer slowly ease into the cool, crisp days of fall I love seeing all of the equestrian inspired fashion hit the fall runways.  It seems to permeate the entire season, bringing tall shiny black boots and fitted pants back into vogue paired with gorgeous sweaters, beautiful models and, of course, horses in photo shoots!  For the most part, riding really does not allow for me to be fashionable as much as it demands practicality but I love the mix of deep colors and textures and seeing the chic, fashion forward women pulling this look off effortlessly as the walk through the city on gorgeous fall days.

So, I started thinking about doing a bridal photo shoot at the farm, maybe to use for our next series of ads for the company and as one thought lead to another I started thinking about actually creating a wedding in a barn.  I began dreaming of utilizing the unique charm and rustic atmosphere that these kinds of venues can offer a bride and groom (and their team of wedding professionals!).  And, coincidentally, two things happened.  The first was that my life long friend (and fellow rider) became engaged and the second was a dear friend, fellow colleague and amazingly talented floral designer had a wedding just like this over the weekend in Michigan.

Brannon & Michael (Photo by Carasco Photography)

Although my friend Brannon is not getting married in a barn setting, she and her fiancé Michael chose to have their engagement session done out at the farm where she rides in Battavia, IL, and I LOVED the way Chicago-based Carasco Photography captured the character of the farm, the love between these two people, and the spirit and personality of Brannon’s two horses!

Exquisite Designs Chicago brought her client’s Michigan barn wedding I referred to earlier to life with a beautiful, relaxed rustic feel, utilizing tons of votive candles wrapped in vintage lace to give the place a warm, intimate glow, along with mason jars containing wild flowers including queen anne’s lace, astrantia, dahlias and geranium leaves.  For the ceremony, she even hung small mason jars filled with chamomile flowers at the altar!  I just loved soaking up every detail and visual as she gave them to me and dreamt of one day having a similar opportunity!

White Dhalias Privet Berries Olive Leaf & Astrantia (Photo by Exquisite Designs Chicago)

If you’re looking to create an intimate and romantic wedding then why not consider holding your event at a place like this?  Initially, it may not sound like a perfect venue but when you consider the unique atmosphere, charm and possibility for a truly intimate, memorable evening for your guests, the possibilities are endless!  And, if rustic barns are not your thing, consider alternative venues that stem from passions, past times and elements of the life that you and your fiancé have!

I have provided a list of places that offer just this kind of venue in Illinois.  I hope you find your own inspiration from them!

Arabian Knights Farm in Willowbrook, IL is a ten acre equestrian educational and training facility and has a banquet room that can accommodate over 500 country wedding guests.  Contact Michael Vena at (630) 325-3482.

The Barn of Barrington in Barrington, IL can accommodates 20-225 guests and they have 30 years experience.  Contact (847) 381-8585.

The Big Red Barn in Maple Park, IL is a picturesque 32-acre horse farm that can accommodate up to 300 guests.  Contact Ginna Frantz at (312) 593-4466.

The Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, IL is a restored 1885 barn that accommodates 175+. Contact Stan Rosenberg at (847) 489-5077.

Carpenter‘s Country Barn in Illinois City, IL (Quad City area) is a newly renovated barn which is heated, has a kitchen, bar and restrooms. Contact (309) 791-9712.

The Concorde Centre in Woodstock, IL has dining and accommodations on 800 acres.  Contact (815) 337-3500.

The Hoosier Grove Barn in Streamwood Park, IL is set on 19 acres.  The Barn dates back to 1888 and has been completely restored to accommodate up to 130 guests for weddings and other special events.  Contact Louisa Walsh at (630) 483-3092.

The Illinois Centennial Farm at Deer Creek in Lake County, IL features the 19th century restored Vehe Barn surrounded by 14 acres of prairie, wetlands, a butterfly garden and walking paths.  The timber frame barn has been transformed into a stunning setting for such events as weddings, corporate functions, private parties and outdoor celebrations.  Contact Yvoone Keith at (847) 438-0764,

Historic Walnut Grove Farm in Knox County, IL was first homesteaded in 1835 and the farm features a National Register restored barn dating back to 1860. Contact Janis King at (309) 289-4770.

Michelle Durpetti is Owner of Michelle Durpetti Events.  To read more about what Michelle has to say, read her blog or follow her on twitter or friend her on facebook or give her a call at (312) 988-9900.