Areta + Ryan were married in September at Queen of All Saints Basilica and hosted their family and friends for a rocking reception at North Shore Country Club.  They had the loveliest, most classic and timeless wedding.  And let’s just take a moment to say, “DANG!” what a stunning bride Areta was. Dang.

Queen of All Saints Basilica is stunning.  Inside and out, it’s breathtaking.  And the aisle is so long which is wonderful.  Every so often, I’ll be going through photos from a wedding and find myself in one. Usually fluffing a train, bossing someone around (nicely!) or sweet talking the little ones down the aisle.  Angela Renee Photography caught me pep talking Areta + Ryan’s adorable flower girl here and I am head over heels in love with this photo.

From the venues to the dresses the flowers and the cake, everything about their wedding was sophisticated, classic and clean.  Areta’s aunt was the emcee and her parents welcomed the couple into the reception with a blessing and the korovai.  Korovai is a traditional Ukrainian wedding bread that symbolizes community. It was super cool to see how intricate it is.  It’s adorned with ornaments of baked dough: two birds to represent the couple, and other ornaments to represent family and friends. In the center of the korovai is the “tree of life,” signifying life, fertility, and the building of a new nest. The entire arrangement is surrounded with a wreath of periwinkle, a symbol of love and purity.

A High Society dance party, heartfelt toasts and bottle of hot sauce for guests to take home rounded out an incredible night.  And in my humble opinion, they are the Tapatio to each others’ Doritos.

*eye candy courtesy of my always Indie Wed neighbor, Angela Renee Photography

Areta + Ryan’s Vendors
Ceremony: Queen of All Saints Basilica
Reception: North Shore Country Club
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering: North Shore Country Club
Sweets Table: Gerhard’s Desserts
Photography: Angela Renee Photography
Videography: Blu Couture Wedding Films
Band: High Society
Florist: Kathie’s Flowers
Transportation: Second City Trolley
Rehearsal Dinner: Quartino
Make-up: Salon V Chicago
Hair: Nika Vaughan