Before even seeing photo’s of this wedding by Mandy Borvan Event Design, I instantly fell in love with this couples romantic story {read below}. Then, to top it off, the heartfelt images by Cristina G Photography 100% sealed the deal that I am obsessed with this wedding. The ring, the cake, the Catherine’s Gardens flowers . . . it’s perfect and I’m left speechless {which rarely happens}. You have to see the full gallery for more gorgeousness.
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From Mandy Borvan Event Design… Marilyn and Brad met over a decade ago while they were undergrads at the University of Chicago. Friends for a few years, they officially started dating during their junior year and were inseparable for the next few years. Following college, they both went to graduate school and due to school and their busy lives, they went their different ways. Marilyn went to Florida to start her dental practice, married another dentist and had a family. Brad pursued his career and remained in love with Marilyn. As life went on, Marilyn’s first marriage didn’t work out, and thanks to her family and friends, she and Brad reconnected. Brad had waited for her, and his patience paid off. As soon as they reconnected, they knew they were meant to be together forever, and their love and life together has been full speed ahead.
The inspiration for their wedding day came from Marilyn’s engagement ring. Brad had given Marilyn a gorgeous, blue sapphire engagement ring, so the royal blue color of the sapphire paired with a romantic pale pink were the accent colors for the wedding. Marilyn’s precious 5-year-old daughter served as her maid of honor and her sister served as the matron of honor. Marilyn’s 7-year-old son was the ring bearer and Brad’s best man, and her brother was a groomsmen. Following a beautiful and emotional ceremony, everyone loaded into a classic white stretch limo and headed to the Trump International Hotel & Tower for the cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Upon arrival at The Trump, guests were greeted with a royal blue specialty cocktail to play off the blue details in the wedding. Delectable passed hors d’oeuvres and a professional violinist kept the guest entertained and happy during the cocktail hour.
Following the cocktail hour, guest were invited into the dining room, where they had floor to ceiling views of the iconic Wrigley Building, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Once Marilyn, Brad and their guests were seated, they enjoyed an amazing five-course meal, which included deconstructed shrimp cocktail, a seasonal soup and orchard apricot sorbet. The main course was a duo of beef tenderloin and Maine lobster tail. After dinner, Marilyn and Brad cut cut their gorgeous three-tier wedding cake, made by Chicago’s famous Sarah’s Pastries & Candies. Once the cake was cut, it was wheeled out of the room just as a dessert cart was wheeled into the middle of the room for a bananas foster presentation. A drink cart, specializing in after-dinner drinks was being rolled to each guest during the bananas foster presentation to serve Grand Marnier, Disaronno, Irish coffee and dessert wines. Guests were then served bananas foster with vanilla bean ice cream and a trio of wedding cake. Each guest received a small slice of each tier of the wedding cake to take home. As guests were finishing up their dessert, Marilyn and Brad had their first dance in the middle of the room surrounded by radiant candles, flowers and all of their loved ones. Music continued to play as guests danced and drank to celebrate the happy couple. Marilyn wanted guests to feel loved and pampered as they celebrated a family coming together and the love she has for Brad. Mission Accomplished!
Wedding Photography: Cristina G Photography / Ceremony: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago, Illinois / Reception: Trump International Hotel Chicago in Chicago, Illinois / Event Planning: Mandy Borvan Event Design / Floral Design: Catherine’s Gardens / Wedding Cinematography: Bryan Racine / Wedding Cake: Sarah’s Pastries & Candies (Now Closed) / Violinist: Stitely Entertainment / Linens: BBJ Linen / Transportation: Loyalty Limo / Wedding Dress: Enzoani / Hair: Theodora Bourikas / Makeup: Mary Cerjan of Blitz & Glitz