Loyal. Patient. Loving. Witty. Friends. These are the words that I use describing Kathleen and Mike. Our journey together was one that spanned 16 months and one that bloomed into a fantastic friendship. I was truly honored to be a part of their very special day and they are a reason as to why I love my job so much!
The morning of the wedding was a beautiful day in late May with the sun shining and the getting ready suite at Hotel Palomar was just as bright. Kathleen and her bridesmaids were enjoying being pampered by Julia and Diana from Sonia Roselli Makeup Studio. Ben of Ben Elsass Photography and Tom from XO Pictures were capturing as many of the details as possible, including the exchange of bridesmaid gifts, the reading of Mike’s letter to Kathleen, and Kathleen’s gift to her mom. Once all of the ladies were ready, we boarded the trolley and made our way to Lincoln Park for the First Look.
While Kathleen was with her bridesmaids, Mike and his groomsmen were getting ready at his home. He then walked over to our photo location and waited for his bride. It was a beautiful and intimate moment for Kathleen and Mike to see each other before their ceremony and something we recommend for all of our couples. Then, Kathleen and Mike walked hand in hand to Saint Clement for their ceremony.
After a lovely faith-filled ceremony, the guests were invited to explore some of Kathleen & Mike’s favorite Lincoln Park locations while the couple and wedding party took more photos together. They all made their way to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum that evening and were greeted with passed appetizers like a Spring Pea Falafel Skewer and a Crispy Potato Basket. Guests also enjoyed the amazing display of escort cards provided by Spilled Ink Press. This was a collaborative effort with Kathleen & Mike wanting to incorporate their love for greeting cards into their wedding day, so each table was assigned a greeting card and a snippet of the card was featured on each escort card. Such a unique idea!
Guests made their way up to the South Gallery, where Allison from Stems provided a clean, modern, tailored and romantic décor theme that featured shades of green, white, cream, grey and navy. In between some special dances and toasts, guests enjoyed a dinner featuring a Mesclun and Mache Salad and a Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Scallopini or Roasted Bistro Beef Tenderloin. Dessert was a three tier wedding cake with Hazelnut Cake and Salted Caramel Buttercream filling from Alliance Bakery and Kathleen even enjoyed a special vegan cake from Chicago Diner.
The party continued with fresh beats from Emily from Toast & Jam and much laughter at the Shutterbooth. Oh what a night! Congratulations to my newest friends, Kathleen & Mike!
Planner: LK Events
Gown: Hayley Paige purchased at Nordstrom’s Wedding Suite
Shoes: Kate Spade
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Sung
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Monitor Formalwear
Ties: J. Crew
Beauty (Hair): Salon Soca
Beauty (Make-up): Sonia Roselli Studio
Florist: Stems
Bakery: Alliance Bakery
Vegan Bakery: The Chicago Diner
Food & Beverage: Limelight Catering
Rehearsal Dinner: Frontera Grill
Brunch: Hub 51
Hotel Room Block: Hotel Palomar, Club Quarters, Days Inn Chicago
Musicians (Ceremony & Cocktail Hour): Chicago Musical Connection
Musicians (Reception): Emily at Toast & Jam
Photographer: Ben Elsass Photography
Videographer: XO Pictures
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Stationery: Spilled Ink Press
Transportation: The Trolley Car & Bus Company
Ceremony Venue: Saint Clement
Reception Venue: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
