I’ve been able to step on the fine streets of Chicago in my day, so it doesn’t surprise me a bit when a couple as cute as this one couldn’t imagine saying I do anywhere else on the planet. It’s charming and cozy, yet big city chic and makes the perfect host for such a party – and the proof is in the pictures from Imagination Photography. It doesn’t hurt that every detail was thougth of thanks to Bliss Weddings & Events, and it all makes for one fabulous gallery to devour. See it all here.
From the Bride…After growing up in our respective suburbs of Chicago, Matt and I ventured south to Vanderbilt University where we both developed our love for country and found the love of our lives. On our 6 year anniversary, after having just moved away to Dallas, Matt proposed with a beautiful ring and we immediately began planning the big day, which we knew would be held where all our loved ones and hearts still were – in Chicago.
The ceremony was extremely important to us so we planned our day around it. Growing up, I always dreamed of getting married at the church where my parents were married 40 years ago, St. Mary of the Angels. The building’s architecture and details are gorgeous and are made even more special by the many life events that occurred there among my family. Being able to continue the tradition at the church made our day that much more personal and meaningful.
Planning a wedding in Chicago while living in Dallas proved to be trickier than anticipated; however, our parents were a tremendous help with much of the planning, and we also enlisted the help of a great family friend and an amazing wedding consultant, Kara Superfine of Bliss Weddings and Events. With her impeccable style and expertise in both wedding design and planning, we knew we would be in good hands and our vision for the day would come to fruition.
For the reception venue we needed to find somewhere large enough to hold our 350 guests, but that still felt intimate. Matt and I decided on the historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, which was the perfect mix of a blank slate with an open and elegant feel, breathtaking views, outdoor space, and old-world charm. With the help of the visionary Jesse Deckard from Event Creative, we were able to create a beautiful and warm space in the ballroom using gorgeous soft blush garden roses, endless candlelight glowing through depression and mercury glass, and lush flowing fabric hung from the 80 foot ceiling. My bouquet included white, ivory and blush garden roses with white lisianthus, and the boutonnieres were ivory spray roses with seeded eucalyptus berries.
On our wedding day, it rained throughout the entire morning of preparations, but as soon as we pulled up to the church to become man and wife, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and we were blessed to have a beautiful day. As we had hoped and dreamed and planned, and with the help of our loved ones and creative geniuses turned loved ones, our wedding had a romantic vintage feel with a modern touch, and left everyone feeling the warmth of a summer night in Chicago and the love shared between Matt and me.
Photography: Imagination Photography / Wedding Consultant: Bliss Weddings & Events / Ceremony Site: St. Mary of the Angels / Reception Site: Navy Pier – Grand Ballroom / Hotel Accommodations: The Drake Hotel / Florist & Lighting: Event Creative / Linens: BBJ Linens / Entertainment: Colby Beserra & The Party Faithful / Transportation: Chicago Motor Coach / Hair & Makeup: Erin Graham, Rachel Reiman / Invitations: Clementine Ink / Dress: Alice Padrul / Shoes: Badgley Mischka
