outdoor wedding at a private residence

Ilena and Jack’s outdoor wedding at Jack’s parents’ house in June was the DIY wedding of our dreams.

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 Jack’s parents spent so much time getting the house and the backyard ready. A tent was set-up and family members from all over came in to help get everything ready: from making the seating chart, to bartending for the night and DJing. The day was incredibly humid but that didn’t stop the partying from going into the wee hours of the morning.

It was a family affair, Ilena’s almost sister-in-law Heather did the flowers for them. They were simply amazing.day of coordinatorday of coordinatorday of coordinator

Jack’s step-sister made them this awesome sign for bathrooms. With a backyard wedding comes LOTS of planning that you don’t have to think about in a typical venue.

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 While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the bridal party slipped away for some glamour shots. Hot or not, it was a beautiful day!
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*Photos brought to you by Grant Legan Photography

Ilena + Jack’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: private residence
Catering: Enticing Cuisine
Photography: Grant Legan Photography
Florist: sister-in-law of the bride
DJ: friend of the couple
Cake: The Cakery
Transportation: Spare Wheels
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events

evanston wedding at hotel orrington

Melissa and Alan were married at Hotel Orrington in Evanston, Illinois in April 2010. Firstly, they planned this shindig all the way from New York. Secondly, it was fabulous. They are both so calm and down-to-earth, you would have thought they got married every weekend.

Kevin Weinstein and his team took some gorgeous shots of Melissa, Alan and their bridal party getting ready along with some beautiful and unexpected detail shots (which as a planner, I wholeheartedly love).

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They had their first look before the ceremony and were able to get some great pictures before they signed their ketubah.

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A smootch for good luck and it was down the aisle to say I do.

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Melissa and Alan made the invitations, programs and menu cards and Scarlet Petal created centerpieces for the reception and an amazing chuppah for the ceremony.

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As Melissa walked down the aisle somehow her veil was pulled right off her head. She quickly and deftly grabbed it and stuck it back on like a rock star. She was so great at going with the flow and adapting. Probably not something most brides think about beforehand right?

Back down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs. and ready to start the party!

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When we were working on their time line for the day, Melissa had written “and then Toast & Jam plays the longest hora ever for Melissa.”  I think they followed instructions well. It was the most amazing hora I have ever seen.  Proof:

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It was a total emotional overload. I had goosebumps of excitement, I was cracking up laughing and it soon turned to panic as Alan’s friends were throwing him so high and far off the chair I thought I might have to call an ambulance. He was loving every minute of it.

This post is extremely belated as I really wanted to post their wedding video from I Do Films. The edited version isn’t quite done yet so stay tuned for a follow up post with that deliciousness.

Thanks so much to Melissa and Alan for being so much fun to work with and congratulations on throwing such a fantastic party!

*All photo credits belong to the talented Kevin Weinstein Photography

Melissa + Alan’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Hotel Orrington
Catering: Hotel Orrington
Photography: Kevin Weinstein Photography
Videography: I Do Films
Florist: Scarlet Petal
DJ: Kate & Rachel with Toast & Jam
Cake: Take the Cake
Sweets Table: The Bent Fork Bakery
Makeup artist: Dana Armstrong
Hair: Livia Corporal
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events