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Real Weddings:

Jaimie and Daniel’s wedding at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

featuring Studio This Is

Creative couple, Jaimie and Daniel (she’s a theater producer and he’s a film producer), were married at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Befitting the couple, the celebration planned by Christine Janda provides drama abound. The moody florals and black and metallic reception details were were designed and created by HMR Designs with calligraphy by LBrown Design & Paperie and an artful cake by Alliance Bakery. Studio This Is made great use of all the art and graphic backdropsto create fabulous portraits of the couple and all the details of their day.

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Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My grandparents were founding members of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, so I always knew that was where we would get married. I didn’t want a gown that felt bridal in any way, so looked high and low for something easy, effortless, elegant, timeless, and unique. I fell in love with  the entire Valentini line at a trunk show at Dimitra’s Bridal. It was important to me that I feel like myself, so I had my good friend Azeeza design the most incredible jumpsuit for dancing.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

I’m a theatre producer and my husband is a film producer, so it was really important to us that we created a different world for each portion of the wedding with a seamless flow. Daniel walked down the aisle to the Top Gun anthem, and I walked down to Janis Joplin’s Piece of my Heart. We wanted the dinner tent to feel like the coolest pop-up fine dining experience in an unexpected way. The chef did an amazing job with a tasting menu to truly make the dinner an experience, not just a meal. Having lived in several different cities, my friends and family are spread far and wide. Walking down the aisle and seeing all of the people I consider my chosen family in one place, and the man I now call my husband waiting for me under the chuppah, provided me with so much warmth and love. There was a certain ease to the entire day which made it that much more enjoyable for all!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Daniel’s brother was the chair of the board of a nonprofit I used to work for! We’d been friends for years before we started dating. Daniel plays ice hockey, and I was a competitive figure skater as a child, so we were both really excited to see I, TANYA as soon as it came out. As the lights were going down at the movie theatre, Daniel handed me a Chinese takeout box (a nod to my love for Asian food) filled with dark chocolate covered orange peels (my family’s official favorite candy). Under the first few orange peels was a green ring pop, because Daniel knew I had wanted an emerald engagement ring but am too clumsy to ever wear something that soft. Daniel also knew I wanted a hand in designing the ring from my favorite jeweler, so the ring pop was absolutely the right way to go! Daniel suggested we leave the movie to celebrate, and I insisted we stay, as I was so excited to see it. After the movie we walked home debating and discussing different aspects of the film, as two producers would. We were almost back at the apartment when we realized we should probably get some champagne to celebrate! It all felt so natural and so right.

Photography: Nancy Beale Studio This Is // Planner: Christine Janda // Design + Florals: HMR Designs // Stationery: LBrown Design & Paperie // Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art // Bride’s Gown Designer: Valentini // Bridal Boutique: Dimitra’s Bridal // Bride’s Reception Jumpsuit: Azeeza // Hair: Colleen Mortag-Krejczyk // Makeup: Mireille Hamon // Cake: Alliance Bakery // Lighting: Frost Chicago // Entertainment: Michael Lerich Band

 

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Real Weddings:

Hannah and Tim’s North Carolina Nuptials

photography by Rylee Hitchner

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Hannah and Tim’s beautiful wedding was that it was held at the bride’s family’s home—think Father of the Bride vibes!! The ceremony was held under an open air tent just yards from the house and Hannah and her wedding party began their walk down the aisle from inside her own family’s home. After the ceremony, guests walked down a hill to a beautiful lake and a custom tent installed in a clearing in the woods for a stunning white tent reception. Planning, event and floral design  and stationery by Rebecca Rose Events with calligraphy by Calligraphy by Carole  and it’s all captured beautifully in these images by Rylee Hitchner.

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Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

The gown is by Sareh Nouri (Alessandra gown). I searched high and low (and tried on dozens of gowns) and finally discovered her at Nitsa’s, a boutique in my hometown. The owners of the store have known me and my family since I was in elementary school, so it was special that I found my dress there. One of the owners had pulled the dress with me in mind, and I instantly fell in love!

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

How can we pick just one moment? The entire day was incredible. But, if we have to pick one, the most memorable part of the day for us was the first look. Having a moment together to breathe and kiss and laugh (and maybe cry a little bit, too) was a great way to keep us grounded and focused on the purpose of the day — to marry the love of your life. It was just a tiny piece of “us time” to cherish.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We are complete homebodies, so a low-key engagement is our style. I was folding laundry and Tim asked me to come into the kitchen to help with dinner. He pulled the ring box down from a shelf and got down on one knee in the middle of our apartment. We celebrated with a dinner of tiramisu and champagne. I was in pajamas and our dear puppy was with us — it was perfect!

North Carolina Wedding by Heart Stone Films | Hannah and Tim from Heart Stone Films on Vimeo.

Planning, Event & Floral Design, and Production: Rebecca Rose Events // Photography: Rylee Hitchner // Stationery & Welcome Gifts: Rebecca Rose Events // Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carole // Venue: The bride’s family’s private estate // Videography: Heart Stone Films // Gown: Sareh Nouri // Salon: Nitsa’s Bridal Salon // Linens: Nuage Designs // Hair & Makeup: Makeup For Your Day // Wedding Cake: Cakes by Chloe // Catering: Holly Tate Fine Catering // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Tent Structures: Hauser Rental // Tables & Chair Rentals: Cottage Luxe // Flatware, China, Glassware, Chandeliers & Bars: Professional Party Rentals // AV, Power, Lighting, Air Conditioning & Rigging: Sound Illusions // Ceremony Musicians: Allegro Music Events // Reception Band: The A-Town A-List // Transportation: Holiday Tours

Real Weddings:

Annmarie and Taylor’s Nashville Wedding

Annmarie and Taylor’s friends and family travelled from both coasts—and everywhere in between—to celebrate the couple’s Nashville nuptials. With personalized details abound, the celebration at The Hermitage was planned and designed (including florals!) by Honeybee Events and included custom stationery design by Authentic by Frank, a stunning cake by Nashville Sweets, Bar Magnolia‘s retro mobile bar and a gorgeous vintage teal getaway car. The details made for some pretty gorgeous images, but as you can see in these gorgeous images from Sarah Nichole Photography, it’s the couple’s joy that really shines.

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What made your wedding special & unique?

It was so amazing to have our friends and family travel from all over the country to celebrate our big day with us. We had guests from the west coast, east coast, and everywhere in between! It was so special to have all of our people in one place.

 

Tell us about the gown and where / how you found it!

I found my gown at The Dress Theory in Nashville. I wanted something unique, modest, and most importantly – I could dance in it! I decided on Julia by Flora. I really fell in love with the lace cap sleeves, and the long train and deep-v back were the icing on the cake and it was perfect for the dance floor!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I come from a Filipino family, so we opted to include the Filipino veil, cord, and coin traditions after our vows. The cord and veil were the same ones my parents used in their wedding 31 years ago, and my mom bought the coin set for us when she last visited the Philippines. I think it was a really special moment for everyone. Another favorite part of our wedding was choosing the vendors we admired the most. It was such an honor to share their work with our guests. We were part of every step and all the details felt very true to our personalities.

 

Real Weddings:

Molly and Ross’ Southern Wedding in Napa Valley

featuring Janine Licare Photography

Molly and Ross’ wedding took place amongst the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley, California, but at heart, it was a southern affair. The bride—originally from Bunkie, Louisiana—aimed to make sure to honor southern traditions throughout and kicked off the theme with a Second Line, with a brass band leading the choir and guests from the Mont La Salle Chapel into the reception space at Christian Brothers Retreat to kick off the celebration. Classic details planned by Cole Drake Events like romantic florals in white by Jeanne Eckard, a 28-person elegant bridal party and a beautiful family-style dinner under bistro lights added to the Southern-meets-Napa vibe. Lucky for us, Janine Licare Photography was on hand to capture it all in these stunning, sun-strewn images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

As Molly said, we wanted the wedding to be “a mix between of our two lives so everyone could see a little of Louisiana while in Napa.”

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Molly and Ross’ wedding took place amongst the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley, California, but at heart, this wedding was as Southern as can be. Molly is originally from Bunkie, Louisiana, so it was important to her that southern traditions make into their wedding day. Between their unique take on a Second Line, the church choir, the large bridal party (28 including the bride and groom!), and Molly’s bridals, this wedding was full of Southern touches.

Another special touch was their Signature Cocktail – The Salty Butter Dog (an homage to their dog, Butter, who couldn’t be there). At the reception, instead of table numbers, the tables were named after cities that were meaningful to Molly and Ross, including Bunkie (where she’s from), San Francisco, Cottonport, and Rome, to name a few. The buttons on their cake mimicked the buttons on the back of her Antonio Gual wedding gown.

Because of fire hazards, sparklers typically aren’t allowed in Napa. Molly and Ross still wanted a Grand Exit from their reception, so they improvised and chose silver streamers as their alternative, which ended up being even more fun because they got so tangled in the streamers by the time they reached the middle of their exit, they couldn’t go any farther!

How Molly and Ross met (from Molly):

Ross and I met in Austin, Texas, in June eight years ago. In the summer it is so hot that the only place you can be is on Lake Austin on a boat with friends. As we were heading back in after a long day, I saw some of my friends on another boat waving at me to join them. So I hopped out and swam to their boat (disclaimer: I am not a strong swimmer). When I got to my friends’ boat as we were docking, I noticed a nice looking man driving the truck to pick us up. We then all went to Maudie’s on the Lake and that nice looking man named Ross was sitting right next to me. We hit it off immediately and a few days later he asked me on our first official date at The Grove.

 

 

Photography: Janine Licare Photography // Planner: Cole Drake Events // Florals: Jeanne Eckard // Stationery: Paper N’ Things // Wedding Venue: Christian Brothers Retreat and Mont La Salle Chapel // Getting ready location: Silverado Resort // Cake: Elegant Cheesecakes // Hair and Makeup: Flower and Gold // Dress: Antonio Gual // Bridal Salon: I Do Bridal Couture // Shoes: Viajiyu // Grooms Attire: Dolce and Gabanna // Linens: La Tavola // Bridesmaids dresses: Monique Lhuillier // Band: Wine Country Entertainment

 

 

Real Weddings:

Patricia and Rick’s wedding at The Armour House

featuring Maria Harte Photography

Patricia and Rick’s wedding is classic in the hue of light blue. The Chicago wed at The Armour House just days before moving their very Windy-City-rooted-lives to North Carolina . The bride describes the day as “a beautiful send-off for our adventures ahead as newlyweds.” Classic white rose-centric florals by Life in Bloom adorn the outdoor ceremony and are especially gorgeous climbing the steps of the venue’s grand staircase leading to the traditional ballroom reception. The white rose theme is carried into the piece de resistance—a spectacular three-tiered cake that mimics rose petals opening up. Lucky for us, Maria Harte Photography was on hand to capture the cake, the roses and the gorgeous couple and all their joy.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Rick and I made the decision to live together before we got married, so we often wondered “would our lives really change that much when we get married?” We put a lot of effort to make our wedding special and unique, but I think what made our wedding most special was the timing. We got married two days before we picked up our entire lives in Chicago and moved 800 miles away to North Carolina. I lived in Illinois my entire life, and Rick’s only time out of state was the 4 years he spent in Baltimore for college – this was a big change for us. Our wedding was truly a celebration of not just getting married, but it was a beautiful send-off for our adventures ahead as newlyweds.

Tell us more about the gown and where/how you found it.

Once we got engaged (and let’s be serious, before the proposal as well), I was on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. I envisioned a timeless dress that I, and any potential future daughters, could look back on years later and continue to say “wow this is stunning.” My buzzwords for the perfect dress were lace, sweetheart neckline, and mermaid style. I was absolutely willing to try on different styles for some fun, but I was pretty set on what I wanted.  I looked online to try to narrow down the dresses I loved, then called stores in the area to see if they carried it. I first tried on a dress I had been absolutely obsessing over but when I put it on, I thought “oh yikes, not how I thought it would be.” I went back to the drawing board to find another dress that met my criteria, and again called the shop. I went to The Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL to try on a different dress that I had fallen in love with online. However, I again put it on and thought “oh gosh, is this not the style I really want?” My posse wouldn’t let me feel defeated, and they hit the floors looking for my dress. This shop had so many amazing gowns so I was feeling pretty good about it. Sure enough, the next dress that I tried on was THE dress. What made it even more special to me was that my sister, Annie, picked it out! My dress was the Moriah gown by Soterro & Midgley, and I absolutely love it!

What were some touches made to your wedding to make it personal?

There were so many subtle touches to our wedding that made it personal to us but not too obvious to our guests. Chicago holds such a special place in our hearts. We both grew up in the suburbs, but our entire lives as Rick and Patti was in the city. Our relationship started there, our first place together was there, we got engaged there, the list goes on as to why this place is so dear to us.  Rick would be starting residency in North Carolina, and our big move was happening just two days after our wedding. To signify our transition from our lives in Chicago to our new married life in North Carolina, Rick got me a pearl necklace and earrings because “every southern belle needs her pearls.” We also always said we would get a dog once we are settled and in a good place to have a fur child, so I got Rick french bulldog cuff links as a promise for Rick’s dream dog – and now we are proud parents of our frenchie, Kevin. Another subtle touch that was so special to us but may not have been too obvious to guests was that I walked down the aisle with my mom to a harpist playing my dad’s favorite song. My dad passed away 7 years ago, and it was so important for me to feel his presence there as I walked down the aisle.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Without a doubt, the most memorable part of the day was walking down the grand staircase with my brand new husband to all of our guests as we were announced as Mr. and Mrs! It was truly overwhelming to see all of the love and support we had from our family and friends, and it was so incredibly special to look into a room full of all of the people that we hold so dear to our hearts.

Tell us how you met and how you became engaged.

I was attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana when Rick made a special trip from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to watch his brother, George, play football against U of I. His family set up camp at the stadium parking lot to tailgate before the game started; I had plans for my usual pre-game shenanigans at my sorority-fraternity block party until my friend (and Rick’s longtime friend) Casey suggested a switch-up in the plan to attend some tailgate instead. Surprise! I  was on my way to meeting my future husband, but that’s not to say “the rest is history” quite yet. We exchanged pleasantries, played some games, and socialized with everyone else at the tailgate. We went to different areas of the stadium to our assigned seats to watch the game, and that was the end of that – what a blunt and disappointing ending to the day they first met… Luckily the story turns around. Several years later, we were lucky enough to get a second chance. We re-met again at a mutual friend’s surprise birthday party. And now THIS time, the rest officially became history. Everything came full circle when Rick’s mom later found a photo from the day they first met at that tailgate. It wasn’t until that photo reappeared that we realized it was actually love at *second* sight.

For a LITTLE while, I would drop some not-so-subtle hints that I would be pretty happy to be engaged. We got plenty of save-the-dates in the mail, and I’d “jokingly” say how I can’t wait to send ours out. The day we got engaged, we had our annual plans to go to the Auto Show for his brother’s birthday. It was completely normal for our family to be there at our place before we headed out, so I didn’t think anything of us being together. Rick pulled me aside to show me yet another save the date that came in the mail. As I pulled it out of the envelope, I realized it’s OURS! He created a save-the-date with all of his favorite pictures of us. I turned around to find him down on one knee, with our family surrounding us. I expressed the ugliest cry and managed to say “yes!”

Photography: Maria Harte Photography // Floral: Life in Bloom // Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations // Venue: The Armour House // Dress: Sottero and Midgley // Hair: Three One Two Bridal // Makeup: Joey Claeyssen // Video: Delack Media Group // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box