Just pinch me because I feel like one of the luckiest girls alive. Every day I wake up and am able to work with amazing couples, like Elizabeth and Jason. While we had a short time together, their love for each other and the love their families had for the two of them is something I will not soon forget.

Elizabeth was able to get ready in her mother’s home and it provided a gorgeous backdrop to her absolutely stunning Jenny Packham gown. It is like the dress was absolutely made for her! I know that Tuan Bui had fun during this Getting Ready session because the light was great and Elizabeth was radiant. Elizabeth and Jason were able to enjoy a private First Look before we put them in a car for more photos at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Guests began arriving to the museum once photos wrapped up and the ceremony was set. Elizabeth worked with Nancy Krause Floral Designs to provide four altar pieces that were faux mercury glass cylinders with arrangements of dark purple dahlias, peach garden roses, black baccarat roses, dark purple clematis, seeded eucalyptus and assorted greenery. The French Country chairs and altar pieces were the perfect compliment to the Ravine at the museum. There were so many details from the ceremony that were unique to Elizabeth and Jason…from the processional song of “Jynweythek Ylow” to the reading of “A Marriage” by Mark Twain to the handfasting and to having two of their dear friends officiate the ceremony.

After the “I Do’s”, guests made their way indoors for the cocktail hour and noshed on Wisconsin Brat Bites, Charred Shrimp Tacos and Truffled Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Cone. They were able to meander through the Wilderness Walk and the Butterfly Haven before we called them into the South Gallery for dinner. Nancy and Limelight Catering had worked in collaboration to provide an ethereal garden for the guests. The Head Table was a farm table with an heirloom lace table cloth with the ladies bouquets and white lanterns as an accent. The guest tables featured cascading asymmetrical centerpieces in various containers along with Julia China and Vintage Glassware.

Elizabeth and Jason were introduced into the room to “Little Liza Jane” by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and then cut their wedding cake from Vanille Patissiere. An heirloom handkerchief was the inspiration for the cake design and they captured that beautifully. Elizabeth’s father gave a short welcome to all of the guests and then the entrée of Local Porter-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Stone Ground Cheddar Grits was served. Style Matters had guests on the dance floor until we had to bid our farewell for the evening. Congratulations to Elizabeth & Jason!!

Bakery: Vanille Patissiere
DJ: Style Matters
Florist: Nancy Krause Floral Designs
Food & Beverage: Limelight Catering
Gelato: Black Dog Gelato
Rehearsal Dinner: Blue Door Farm Stand
Hotel Room Block: Public Chicago
Photographer: Tuan Bui Photography
Stationery: Jane Weber, ink!
Venue: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Wedding Coordinator: LK Events