Mackenzie & Neil, The Shedd Aquarium

There is so much to love about the Second City and I love working with couples that choose Chicago as their destination for their wedding. That was the case with Mackenzie and Neil, who live in San Francisco. We had a terrific initial consultation over the phone and the first time that we met in person was at their tasting at the Shedd Aquarium about 4 months before their wedding. So while we did not have that much face to face communication prior to their wedding day, we had an absolutely amazing time together!

As we arrived at the W Chicago Lakeshore on the wedding day, the ladies were in the midst of their beauty appointments with Pin Me Up Chicago. There was a lot of activity and stylish accessories being shown and the very artistic Colin from Colin Lyons Wedding Photography was capturing all of these moments. Before we knew it, we were all gathering together on the mini bus for photos around Chicago. Colin was able to capture not only Mackenzie & Neil’s amazing personalities and their love, but also gorgeous views of our fair city. I once again fell in love with Chicago after seeing all of these photos!

When Mackenzie and Neil could pose no more, we headed to Shedd Aquarium to prepare for their ceremony. Tulip greeted us with the incredible bouquets and sassy boutonnieres – they tied into the Shedd’s decor and Mackenzie & Neil’s vision for their day. After taking a short reprieve while guests arrived, it was time for the procession. It was a beautiful moment – happy parents and happy bridesmaids and groomsmen walking towards the Chicago skyline to Between Two Lungs from Florence + the Machine. Then, a favorite moment of mine, was Mackenzie & Neil’s Spice Ceremony that blended together different spices representing things in their lives to help sustain their marriage.

After the I Do’s, guests mingled in the tented terrace for a lively cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres like a Gazpacho Shooter and Crab Rangoon. Guests were able to check out the aquarium exhibits, like the Jellies, and then they were escorted into the Caribbean Reef for dinner. When Mackenzie and Neil were introduced to their guests, they cut their cake with the special Star Wars cake topper – adorable! Dinner included a Petite Filet with Scallops or a Trio of Duck with Alliance Bakery cupcakes for dessert. The night concluded with dancing under the charming Shedd Aquarium clock! Congratulations Mackenzie & Neil!

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Bakery: Alliance Bakery
Beauty: Pin Me Up Chicago
Florist: Tulip
Food & Beverage & Venue: Shedd Aquarium
Hotel: W Chicago Lakeshore
Musicians: Music By Design
Photographer: Colin Lyons Wedding Photography
Photo Booth: Music By Design
Rehearsal Dinner: Francesca’s on Taylor
Transportation: Chicago Motor Coach