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RIVER EAST ART CENTER WEDDING: DIANE + ADAM

When I walked into Diane and Adam’s reception room, my jaw literally dropped.  I have done some stunning wedding through my career but this one was so unique and edgy glam.  River East Art Center is one of those locations that you can truly make you own, and they completely transformed the place.  The chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, the flowers hanging down and the fabulous lounge seating was all provided by Kehoe.  I also have to give props to their candy bar; it was the best I have ever seen.  I also must put out a disclaimer that I have a thing for candy.  I rarely eat it, however growing up I would waste all my birthday candy loading up on sweet treats, and so I am always naturally drawn to them.

Diane and Adam are so incredible sweet, warm and fun loving and everything about their wedding reflected their personal style.  They have three gorgeous children and their inclusiveness was very important to their celebration.

Planner:  Big City Bride

Church:  Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii

Reception Venue:  River East Art Center 

Ceremony Music: Gina Young

Videography:  Lexoria

Vintage Car:  Flying Lady

Cake:  Creative Cakes

Floral/Décor: Kehoe Designs

DJ:  Roberto Monastero

Catering:  Blue Plate

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GERMANIA PLACE WEDDING: ALYSSA + ISRAEL

 

I love weddings with inspiration incorporated into their styling.  Since a little girl, Alyssa has always loved the Wizard of Oz. If it was her way, Alyssa would have had her entire wedding Oz themed, however she met Israel in the middle with just some Dorothy touches.

In addition to having a specialty cocktail called the “Ruby Slipper”, Alyssa wore two pairs of shoes, one silver and Ruby.  She also walked down the aisle to her favorite song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  Being incredibly thoughtful, Alyssa didn’t want the celebration to only be themed to her favorites; so mid-dinner she surprised Israel with a Mariachi band.

Alyssa was absolutely glowing throughout the whole event and Israel couldn’t take his eyes off his darling bride.  This wedding was so beautiful and romantic for two high school sweethearts. I loved being part of every moment!

Venue: The Germania Place

Planner: Big City Bride

Florist: Bloomingfields Florist

Priest: Reverend Michael O’Connell

Videography: Delack Media

Hair: Nicci Loiacono 

Makeup: Katie Oates

Hotel: Hotel Indigo 

Food and Beverage: The Germania Place

Music: Monastero Entertainment 

Bridal Party Transportation: Windy City Trolley 

 

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ENGAGED: LIZ + JASON

This may be one of my favorite meeting stories of all time!  Liz and Jason were set up on a blind date in 2007, and although they got along fine, the timing was just not right.  Fast forward 3 years later, Liz and Jason’s paths crossed again, and Jason asked Liz out on a date.  He had a personal favorite first date of taking girls to dinner and then followed by a comedy show at Zanies.  Early on into their second courtship Jason suggested they catching a show at Zanies and Liz responded “Aww, for ole’ times sake.”  Jason stared at Liz blankly having no recollection of their previous date three years prior.  Apparently Liz’s second first impression was much more lasting because he later proposed.

 

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CAFÉ BRAUER WEDDING: KRISTA + MIKE

Krista and Mike are both New Yorkers but were born and raised in Chicago. Her entire life Krista has been fascinated by the Chicago Worlds Fair.  When looking for venues they fell in love with Café Brauer’s architecture and history.

Mike and Krista found such beautiful and unique ways to incorporate their love for art deco into their wedding.  Everything from their attire to the stunning décor was a beautiful reflection of their personalities and style.  Mike looked incredibly dapper in his suit while Krista was a belle in her gown, stunning head piece, and red lipstick.

The way that Mike looked at Krista when she walked down the aisle was beyond endearing and the love they show for each other is incredibly special.

It was so important to Mike to wait until the ceremony to see Krista, so we were able to get some incredible images before the wedding with the bridemaids and groomsman separately and some stunning night shots of Krista and Mike together.

Venue: The Great Hall of Café Brauer

Wedding Planner: The Ideal Day (Laura Patterson}

Hair/Makeup: Appease Hair and Makeup

Catering: Tigerlily

Wedding Cake: Take the Cake Chicago

Floral: Scarlet Petal

Band: Entourage

Performers: Redmoon Productions

Bride’s Dress: Pronovias

Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Bride’s Hair Piece: GildedShadows via Etsy

Bride’s Belt: Sarah Morgan via Etsy

Bridemaids’ Dresses: White by Vera Wang

Groom’s Tux: Custom design by Alexander Nash

Invitation: With GraceChicago

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ENGAGED: HEATHER + DAVID

I look at the photos from Heather and David’s engagement session and they just make me happy!  Happy because they love each other so much, happy because they have so much fun together and happy that I get to be part of their wedding day and help document all their love!  We started at the Kinzie Bridge area and then headed over to the Gardens of the Art Institute for a great balance of urban and earthy images. Photographing these two is so easy because they can’t help but to smile and laugh around each other!

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