Ever since Vera Wang unveiled her all-pink bridal collection this Fall I’ve been waiting on pins and needles to see how real brides would rock it. And when Three Nails Photography sent us this Chicago Botanic Gardens wedding featuring one chic bride doing just that, audible squeals and gasps weren’t far behind. Clementine Custom Events planned the whole shebang, and it’s all waiting for you here!
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From the Bride… My bridesmaids, sisters and mom and I all got ready at my house and enjoyed a fun and relaxing afternoon together for hair and makeup. For most of them, that afternoon was the first time they saw my dress. The priceless expressions (some tears!) on their faces when they saw the blush colored gown and details of the petal train confirmed that I had made the right decision for our English garden wedding.
From the minute I laid eyes on the Vera Wang dress, I knew it had to be mine. There was something so romantic and unique about the color that I had to go for the untraditional color scheme. The dress undoubtedly set the stage in terms of all of our styling, floral and décor choices for the wedding. We wanted the evening to be a formal occasion, but one that properly represented the two of us and our families. The combinations of the black tie dress code, old English garden, crystal chandeliers, exposed farm tables and lucite chairs all helped bring our vision of ‘Old Hollywood glamour meets rustic charm’ to life.
There were so many incredible moments for us at the wedding, but one that stands out most for me was our first kiss. That ‘you can kiss the bride’ moment is always special and symbolic, but usually only lasts a short while. Truly, my groom could not let go. His emotions were so raw and sweet. He planted not one, not two or three, but four big kisses on me to the point where the applause from the crowd turned into giggles and an uproar of cheers. We had just come off two and a half years of long distance as my groom finished business school in Chicago while I was working and living in NY so this was truly a tender and triumphant moment for the two of us. I could literally feel his love and pride through the strength of his big embrace. We did it!
The other incredible moment for me was my father-daughter dance. My dad and I danced to one of our family favorites, a classic Neapolitan song, ‘O Sole Mio’—in English, My Sunshine. We had dance lessons every day for a week leading up to the wedding to perfect every dip and spin of our choreographed routine to surprise our guests with a little bit of Italian drama and a whole lot of sweet and sincere fun between a father and daughter. The entire experience and time spent with my father was incredibly special and something that I will cherish forever.
Some advice for brides: know that all the time and effort of planning is going to be all worth it. The day of your wedding is unlike any other — everyone you love and who loves you are all in the same place at the same time, celebrating you, your marriage, and the coming together of your two families. It’s really a beautiful moment. Enjoy it!
Photography: Three Nails Photography | Videographer: Fig Weddings | Planner: Clementine Custom Events | Floral Design: Chicago Botanic Garden | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Sweet Mandy B's | Shoes: Ralph Lauren | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Culinary Landscape | Band: Gold Coast All Stars | Tuxedos: Ralph Lauren | Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden | Bridesmaids' Dress Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Flower Girl Dress: Ralph Lauren | Planning + Styling: Born And Bread (The Bride)