Jolyne + Brendan were married at Park Community Church in April and celebrated their reception at Garfield Park Conservatory. This was a particularly fun challenge for me because we planned the entire wedding in 11 weeks. They knew they were going to get engaged, so they reached out to me and luckily Garfield Park Conservatory had an April Saturday open. They jumped on it, he officially proposed in Florida while they were on vacation and we were off the the races.
It was early June when Sarah + Michael had their wedding at the Quadrangle Club. Laura took charge of coordinating their day and we both agree they deserve the “chillest couple of all time” award. It was nearly unbelievable how relaxed and easygoing they were through the entire planning process and on the day of their most glorious wedding. Take for example the photo below, have you ever seen anything more stunning? I dare think not.
Beth + Eric’s wedding at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago was the quintessential Chicago wedding. It was through Beth + Eric that I met these lovebirds and was lucky enough to work at the Blackstone twice this year! Beth and Eric are both super busy lawyers and were planning their wedding from Washington DC. They both envisioned something clean, elegant, classy with maybe just a little hint of preppy. The architecture at the Blackstone is no joke and was the perfect backdrop to their white, navy and pop of pink party. Eric’s sister designed the wedding stationery, Beth’s mom scoured the town for flip-flops, ribbons and containers for months and Eric’s mom baked more cookies that I have ever seen in my entire life for their hospitality suite. It was a constant show of support for this couple and a constant parade of so many handy talents!
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This is my sister. Pretty little darlin’ isn’t she? She married her true love in August in Omaha at St. Barnabas Parish and the reception was held at Joslyn Art Museum. I don’t want to wax on too much about it just because she is my sister, but let me tell you how interesting it was to be the day-of coordinator and maid-of-honor. At most weddings when I am working, I tend to get to sit down and take a break for the first time all day during the wedding toasts. Usually I shove some food down and chug a few waters but not this time, this time I was on deck to toast the heck out of the happy couple. (#nailedit) Usually when the guests get dancing, I pack everything up and get it ready for the family. This time Jacob’s cousin was teaching me “the pretzel” as I tore up that dance floor. Usually, I only know the bride & groom and maybe their parents. This time, I knew over half of the crowd, many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was an exhausting weekend but totally worth it, though I do recommend choosing one or the other, except on the most special of occasions.
Wedding planner fail: I obviously was not specific enough about when the darling ring bearer Corbin was supposed to stop pulling the wagon. He just tried to truck that thing (Liam and all) right up the steps and onto the alter. Luckily Jacob and I both have quick reflexes.
I love you little family, thanks for including me in your big day!
*all photos by the effusive Matt of Iwen Exposures
Sarah + Jacob’s Vendors
Ceremony: St. Barnabas Parish
Reception: Joslyn Art Museum
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
Catering: Hap Abraham Catering
Photography: Iwen Exposures
Florist: Flowers for Special Occasions
Videography: The Silver Screen
Hair + Make-up: Bungalow 8
Cake: Cupcake Island
Transportation: Royal Limousine
Rentals: AAA Rentals
Missy + Tu met at University of Chicago and reunited there in March with family and friends to say their vows. Their University of Chicago wedding featured a gorgeous ceremony at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel followed by an ear-splitting party at the Quadrangle Club. They currently live in California and were the most laid-back couple about all of their planning (in other words) a total joy to work with! They made me work though: with nine bridesmaids and nine groomsmen I was prepared for a challenge! After working with them though, it was easy to see why they had 18 people stand up for them on their wedding day: they are truly loved and all of their friends and family went above and beyond to make their day fantastic (and my job a joy!) Here’s how it all went down:
You know “the sprinkler” completes any great wedding. Even better when the cutest little guy ever is making it happen. Congrats Missy + Tu: many, many more happy days to come!
*all eye-candy courtesy of: David and Cathy Photography
Missy + Tu’s Vendors
Ceremony: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Reception: Quadrangle Club
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events
DJ: DJ Kel-Win
Catering: Quadrangle Club
Photography: David and Cathy Photography
Florist: Kio Kreations
Make-up: Darbie Day Make-up
Hair: Blade Hair Skin Body
Cake: Alliance Bakery
Guest Hotel: Dana Hotel and Spa