The best weddings are the ones that truly capture the couple’s personality and transform them into an event, don’t you think? When I first met Erin and Michael five months before their September wedding, I was drawn to their energy and their love for their families. Conveying their liveliness was goal one. I wanted the whole evening to be one that their families—including Erin’s family who traveled from Argentina to Chicago for the wedding—would recognize the couple’s personalities shining through.
Erin emphasized the importance of family in our meetings leading up to the big day. From their friends who sang at the ceremony and the cake cutting to Erin’s gorgeous veil that was in the exact same condition from when her mother wore it, little details sprung up throughout the evening to bring it back to family.
The overarching theme mixed vintage glamour with modern touches. White and gold carried through every element—like the gold mercury vase votives at the center of the tables, the white runners, and the white hydrangeas set in gold vessels.
The reception was at the Art Institute of Chicago, and guests had the opportunity to enjoy cocktails, wine, and hors d’oevres while viewing the museum galleries. Each cocktail napkin was customized to share a statement about Erin and Michael, so even while guests were mingling and enjoying the art, the spirit of the evening was never far behind.
Another unique detail: guests were invited to write letters to the couple, and we organized them by table. On Erin and Michael’s first anniversary, they’ll open the letters from table 1, and table 2 the year after that, and so on. What a perfect way to keep the memories of the wedding day paramount!
At 10:30 p.m., the “Hora Loca” began. My team and I shared masquerade masks, boas, and other props that Erin’s friend brought in straight from Argentina. An awesome dance party ensued, living up to the “crazy hour” name.
The beautiful couple left the reception with a grand exit: a horse drawn carriage took them away. The perfect ending to the perfect night! Congratulations Erin and Michael!
Wedding Details:
Date: September 7, 2013 / Event planner: Jaclyn Duffield, JDetailed Events / Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church in River Forest, IL / Cocktail hour: Griffin Court and 2nd Floor Art Galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago / Reception: Terzo Piano / Floral Designer: Avant Gardenia Florist / Dress: Ultimate Bride / Make-up: Sheri Cox / Hair: James Anthony Salon in River Forest / Invitations: Fitzgeralds Fine Stationary / DJ: Style Matters DJ Company: DJ Intel / Photographer:Stoffers Photography / Videographer: 12 Point Productions / Hotel: Hotel Palomar / Carriage:Antique Horse and Carriage Ride / Transportation: Windy City Transportation / Photo Booth:Magnolia Photo Booth / Food: Art Institute, Bon Appetite/ Art Institute Coordinator: Emily Vandenvender
