Festive, fun or formal — this year’s weddings can be as personal as the couple’s imagination. Local experts share this year’s trends. Regan Duffy offers wedding planning and day-of coordinating. Often, brides have already made their selections by the time they hire Duffy to make sure their special day goes according to plan. So, Duffy […]
Special Issues
Posted inCapital City Wedding
Bring out the beauty within
Though I was married in the aughts, I have a few vivid memories of my wedding weekend. In particular, I remember being in a salon in Philadelphia with my mom, my bridesmaids, my future mother-in-law, and my partner’s sister, grandmother and cousins. We had joined together early in the day for mimosas and bagels, and […]
Posted inCapital City Wedding
Intentionality, not tradition
The defining theme of weddings in 2026 isn’t centered around opulent decor or celebrity-inspired fashion. This season, intentionality is at the forefront. Couples are disregarding traditional expectations and taking the reins to craft ceremonies that are deeply personal, authentic and true to them. “It’s all about minimalism these days,” said Renee Rothschild, an event […]
Posted inCapital City Wedding
Find the perfect place to get married
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The ALPLM offers venues for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, including the three-story atrium in the library. The museum plaza, the building’s magnificent rotunda, makes a spectacular backdrop for receptions, with a replica White House and a log cabin. Couples can even be introduced from the White House. Couples […]
Posted inCapital City Wedding
Wedding caterers
Arena Food Service, Inc. Since 1985, Arena Food Service has provided chef-driven catering services for events of more than 25 guests. Arena catering offers a wide range of menu options and styles to fulfill the needs of your unique event. With a wide range of ancillary services such as linen and china rental, table, chair […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Wedding Issue 2026
More than 40% of engagements in the U.S. occur between Thanksgiving andValentine’s Day, so this is the time of year many couples are startingto plan their weddings. We talked to area business owners involved inthe wedding industry to find out the latest trends. Couples are focusingon more personalized details and experiences to engage their guests,rather […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
Family event calendar
FEBRUARY Funshop: Little Creators Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through Feb. 26. Get a little messy in this four-week, hands-on art program designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Young children will explore colors, textures, and materials through painting, sculpting and more. Caregivers can join in. All classes blended ages 3 to 5 years of age. Activity #150971. Register […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
A center for STEAM education
In 2025, Kidzeum was voted the Best Family Fun Spot in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield competition. Kidzeum is that and so much more. It is a place where children explore new skills, think critically and engage in hands-on learning. Kidzeum recently received a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Science Foundation to […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
Firefighter Explorers Program
Do you know a young person interested in the fire service? Springfield’s Fire Explorer Post 300 is a program open to youth between the ages of 14 and 20 that provides a unique opportunity to experience the life of a firefighter firsthand. In partnership with Scouting America (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America), this […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
Dealing with sibling rivalry
Imagine coming home from a long day of work or errands and meeting your partner at the door. Your partner gestures for you to take off your coat and sit down at the table. Would you like a snack or a glass of water? There is some big news to share with you! Would you […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The many benefits of reading to young children are well-documented. The 1000 Books Foundation promotes reading to newborns, infants and toddlers and encourages parent and child bonding through reading. Its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple way to do this. Many local libraries promote this initiative and create incentives to participate as part […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
A parent’s guide to gaming
Growing up, my brother had a Game Boy that he let me use on long car rides. It simply wasn’t my thing. I remember not having any patience for leveling up in Zelda, often choosing to stare out of a window rather than take a turn on the device. As an adult, I am thus […]
