From the moment I laid my eyes on this crazy gorgeous Chicago wedding, I knew one thing for certain: this couple is awesome.  Yep, they’re the kind of couple that throws a fun-filled party to celebrate their I do’s and leaves you talking about it for years (and years) after.  They also happen to be the kind of couple that handcrafts amazing details and chooses a wonderful group of vendors to make it all happen. Think Salvage One, Toast & Jam and City Provisions.  And the breathtaking gallery from Erica Rose Photography?  Just as fabulous as them.  Join me there to soak it all in.

 

From Erica Rose Photography… Chris and Carolyn are Chicagoans at heart. This city is where they met and where their relationship grew, so even after they were moved to Florida for work they knew that they wanted their wedding to be in Chicago. One thing that struck me about this wedding as being set apart from the pack was the intentionality with which Chris & Carolyn made every decision. The feel of their day was really created by who they are as a couple who loves the city, good food, and great dance parties…but most importantly of all their close relationships with friends and family. Thank goodness, they were celebrating a move back to the city in time for their wedding day!

Carolyn is incredibly creative and hand-designed much of their day, using a warm palette of rosy and gold tones… every detail was absolutely stunning! There was no better venue for these two than the eclectic flair of Salvage One, its not easy to get a Saturday during wedding season at this place… you’ve got to book early! One aspect of the wedding day that was really important to these two was to provide their guests with not only delicious, creative food, but also a local, green and sustainable option. City Provisions was the answer for them, and I heard several guests comment on how outstanding the meal was. I was a little taken aback by Chris’ amazing moves on the dance floor – don’t let the intimidating attorney front fool you, he’s got moves like you’ve never seen. Toast & Jam kept the dance floor packed the entire night.

Wedding Photography: Erica Rose Photography | Wedding Ceremony: St. Teresa | Wedding Reception: Salvage One | DJ: Toast & Jam | Caterer: City Provisions

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When we first spotted this lovely duo back in January (their uber-gorgeous engagement session is a definite must-see), we kind of knew their wedding would be stunning.  And by “kind of knew,” I mean we absolutely, positively did.  Because a couple this cute and this stylish?  They know how to throw a breathtaking soiree.  One complete with anemone-filled blooms from Andrew’s Garden, a fabulous tented reception and the world’s most gorgeous Rivini gown (a gown I think I need, you know… just in case). And the gallery filled to the brim with sweetly classic details captured by Jill Tiongco Photography?  All kinds of amazing.  Join me there for all of the pretty.

 

From Jill Tiongco Photography… Jackie didn’t miss a detail when planning her wedding. She figured out a way to make every single thing personal and unique and the result? a PERFECT wedding.

Something Old: A purse given to her by her Aunt Tricia that was made from her own wedding dress, worn on December 26th,1986.

Something Borrowed: A Pearl necklace that belonged to Mark’s paternal grandmother + a handkerchief that belonged to Jackie’s maternal great-grandmother. Jackie’s mom also carried this with her on her wedding day in 1980.

Something Blue: “I Do” rhinestones on the bottom of her shoes.

A few fun facts from the day… The Chalice and Patten used in the ceremony belonged to Jackie’s paternal grandparents for use in special occasions. “Ode to Joy” was also played at Jackie’s parents’ wedding. The Maid of Honor (1 of 4 sisters) had a MOH Kit made to be passed down to all the sisters when it’s their turn. The cake knife used during the reception belongs to Jackie’s maternal grandparents. The guest-book will be made from postcards that guests wrote wishes for Jackie + Mark… that Jackie’s sister will mail them throughout their first year of marriage. There were also photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents displayed at the wedding from their own wedding days.

Jackie + Mark had two signature drinks “blushing bride” and “brown-eyed groom.” Table assignments were letters that represent all Jackie + Mark’s favorites things that start with that letter. They had a “fun facts” section noted in the program as well, that included traditions passed down as well as special items and songs incorporated into their wedding.

Wedding Photography: Jill Tiongco Photography | Wedding Venue: First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst | Reception Venue: Westin Chicago Northwest | Portrait Location: Wilder Mansion | Cinematography: OJO Creative | Floral Design: Andrew’s Garden | Wedding Cake: Lovin’Oven Cakery | DJ: DJUJ | Wedding Dress: Rivini via Bella Bianca Couture | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom | Men’s Attire: Cosmo’s, Villa Park | Vocalist: Jack Miuccio | Koozies (Heart-Stitched Baseball): Etsy | Reception Chalk Sign + Picture Frames: Home Goods | Just Married Sign: Von Maur

This wedding? This Bride? These images from Evan Hunt Photography? They all completely took my breath away. And I couldn’t be happier about it. It’s the type of feature where I find myself clicking through the gallery over and over, each time finding another reason to fall head over heels in love with every moment. It’s pure wedding magic unfolding right before my very eyes, and you can see what I mean right here.

 

From the bride… We classified our wedding as “traditional with a unique twist,” because that is precisely our style and we wanted to reflect that in our wedding. Connor and I love music, art, and being creative, but at the same time we wanted to stick to a traditionally elegant wedding. Everything from the save the dates, to the ceremony music, to the reception venue was classy with a creative flair. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

From Evan Hunt Photography… Hannah and Connor were a pleasure to work with from the start. Their patience, demeanor and complete love for each other absolutely shines through their photographs and we couldn’t have been happier to be a part of their celebration. Their style was a blend of traditional with a modern and unique twist and it complimented the celebration of their love for each other perfectly.

Wedding Photography: Evan Hunt Photography | Ceremony Venue: Kenilworth Union Church, Kenilworth, Illinois | Reception Venue: Fulton’s on the River, Chicago | DJ: Toast & Jam DJ’s INC | Floral Design: Twisted Stem, Crystal Lake, Illinois | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Cake: West Town Bakery | Makeup: Beth Follert | Hair: Cherise of Namaste Salon in Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Bride’s Dress:  J Crew (Sasha) | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J Crew | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Bride’s Jewelry: J Crew + Kate Spade | Men’s Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo | Rings: Cy Fredric’s, Glenview, Illinois

Toast and Jam and Fulton's on the River are members of our Little Black Book, Love what you see? Take a look at their portfolios.

Toast and Jam

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Fulton's on the River

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