Modern Ballroom Wedding at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Abby Capalbo
July 22, 2014
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Ok, I just need to say it. This Bride’s Marchesa gown is absolutely incredible. I would go as far as to say it’s my all time favorite. Combine that gorgeous gown with a stunning Bride, her handsome groom, and their super chic Chicago wedding? And well, I’m in love. See all the gorgeous images from KingenSmith here.

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From The Bride…Josh and I are both very close with our families and we knew having them intimately involved with our special day, along with our closest friends, was of the utmost importance. Their participation in our journey to becoming “husband and wife” began in the summer of 2012 on the night we got engaged. Josh and I flew home to Chicago for what I thought was a birthday celebration weekend for my grandmother…little did I know so much more was in store. Unbeknownst to me Josh had also flown his family in to Chicago on an earlier flight so that they too could celebrate in the occasion with us (and also help my grandmother celebrate her 92nd birthday!). This theme of deep family involvement continued during the planning process, into the ceremony and throughout the reception. Family members joined me for wedding dress fittings, walked us down the aisle, read passages that held special meaning to Josh and me and gave old, traditional Italian toasts during the reception. It truly was a family affair.

My parents first learned of Josh during my stepfather’s birthday dinner in 2011… just weeks after Josh and I met! Josh knew they were in town for a weekend visit and knew that I was taking them out for a birthday dinner so he called the restaurant and had a bottle of champagne sent to our table as we sat down. Little did I know I’d be forced into disclosing this “relationship” to my parents so soon after it had begun…at this point Josh and I had only been out a handful of times! Needless to say, my parents were totally on board… so long as Josh promised to continue sending bottles of champagne!

Our choice for venue was primarily driven by the warm and intimate setting provided by the Waldorf’s banquet room where the ceremony and reception were to be held. Both of us immediately knew this was the place and we booked on the spot. Although the hotel is not small, per se, it is able to maintain the boutique-ish feel which we both desired. Each and every employee truly made us feel as if the hotel was ours right from the start of the planning process.

Without a doubt, I think the most poignant description of the night was summed up by one of our guests who told us “the room was filled with love and that’s something you cannot buy.”