modern chicago wedding at the dalcy

Meaghan and JR got married in a city that loves to show off, and they let it. Skyline, river, marble staircase, and a reception room full of greenery. Not a bad backdrop.

hi, we’re the lattas

First stop: the welcome sign. Big, bold “the Lattas” lettering, with a tiny hand-drawn skyline tucked underneath. Right next to it was a gold-framed mirror with Meaghan’s name in swirly script. Fancy? Yes. Fun? Also yes.

don’t peek (okay, peek)

Here’s the moment we were waiting for. JR stood on that marble staircase eagerly awaiting to see the first peek of his soon-to-be bride. If you only look at one set of photos in this post, make it this one. After that came the hand-holding, the laughing, and a few minutes just for the two of them.

blooms, a river, and one very cooperative veil

Next up: portraits! A garden bursting with flowers, then the riverwalk, and a quick stop by Fulton Market. At one point, her veil blew in the air perfectly, making the picture look straight out of a fairytale. Did anyone plan that? No. Are we obsessed? Absolutely.

Then the bridal party jumped in, with dresses ranging from soft sage to deep emerald. They screamed, cheered, and rode a trolley with the whole city as their backdrop.

the little things (we notice them all)

Okay, we have to talk about the details, because this is where the planning really shows. The color palette stayed soft, with white and green everywhere and candlelight doing the rest. Place cards were written in calligraphy on torn-edge paper, and the table numbers got the same script treatment. Centerpieces were overflowing with white blooms and greenery, and each place setting came with a menu card. Guests also took home little green matchbooks printed with the couple’s names, and the cake was topped with a tiny couple figurine.

the part where everyone got teary

The ceremony happened in The Dalcy’s event space, under hanging florals and paper lanterns that just floated there. Meaghan walked in with her dad, JR couldn’t take his eyes off her, and somewhere around the vows the room got misty. And the kiss? The groomsmen were clapping before it even ended.

toasts, hugs, and a lot of happy crying

The speeches came next. The newlyweds and their loved ones raised a glass, and then came the hugs.

cake, then came the dancing

Meaghan + JR were both all smiles throughout the cake cutting, which tells you everything about this couple. Then it was time for the first dance, where they showed their big moves. After dancing with their loved ones, the band cranked it up until everyone was on their feet. (Look at JR showing off his new ring!)

cheers to Meaghan + JR!

*eye candy courtesy of Brittney Zivcsak Photography*