I had the absolute pleasure of helping coordinate one of my dearest friends and colleagues’ wedding this past March.  Jessica and I have been working together for several years as she is a talented senior floral designer for Heffernan Morgan.  We became fast friends and have worked on some of our most memorable weddings together.  I was honored when she asked me to help with her wedding plans.

Jessica knew when Michael proposed, that she wanted her ceremony at St. Michael’s Church in Old Town.  The reception was at her favorite venue in Chicago, The Ivy Room.  Given her event schedule, Jessica decided on having the wedding in March, which worked out perfectly, given that March is one of the best months for floral! Jessica designed her entire wedding, starting with the gorgeous bridesmaids gifts.  She made each of them custom wooden boxes with wedding inspirations and personal messages about how important each of the girls were to her.  The bridesmaids all wore variations of gold, champagne and ivory dresses that looked beautiful with the groomsmen’s grey suits.

For the reception, Jessica used bold patterns in shades of gold, ivory and grey, with an abundance of candlelight and modern lighting.  These elements created a sophisticated yet warm and intimate feel.  The floral centerpieces consisted of garden roses, white sweet pea (the bride’s favorite), ranunculus, dusty miller and camelia.  For the “dinner club” feel, banquettes were used that surrounded custom mirrored top tables.  There were custom grey patterned linens on the round and long rectangular tables.  The gold sequin linens that adorned the head table were stunning, along with the custom sputnik chandeliers that hung low over the banquettes.

Jessica created and assembled all of her own invitations, programs, menu and place cards.  Her father made the backdrop for the band, Michael’s dad made the wooden table numbers and Jessica’s mom made the late night cookies to go.  A real family affair! Jessica even baked her own wedding cake!!  Her delicious carrot and chocolate cake was THE best wedding cake I have ever had.

Jessica’s design expertise showed in creating her own magnificent wedding reception.  She had so many personal details that made her wedding day truly special and unique to her and Michael.  It was such an honor to be able to help one of my dearest friends with her wedding.

Congratulations Jessica and Michael!

Ceremony Site: St. Michael’s Church in Old Town
Reception Venue: The Ivy Room
Photographer: Kent Drake Photography
Caterer: Entertaining Company
Band: Green Light Band
Rentals: Halls Rentals
Linens: BBJ Linen & Tailored Elements
Floral and Decor: Heffernan Morgan Ronsley (HMR) Designs
Planner: LK Events
Cutting Cake: Tipsy Cake
Wedding Cake: THE BRIDE!
(Jessica baked the cakes that were served to the guests – carrot and chocolate)
Bride’s Dress: White by Vera Wang
Bride’s Shoes: BCBG
Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Groom’s Shoes: Gucci
Groomsmen’s Ties: Men’s Warehouse
Bride’s Fur: A vintage find borrowed from a colleague
Band Backdrop: Father of the Bride
Table Numbers: Father of the Groom
Guest Favors: Mother of the Bride
Programs, Invites, and Day-of Paperie: The Bride
Bridesmaid ‘s Boxes: The Bride