I had the absolute pleasure of planning Samantha’s brother’s wedding in May of 2012. When her mother called to tell me her daughter was engaged, I was thrilled!! I adore this family and was so excited to begin the planning for Samantha and Stephen’s wedding.
Samantha and Stephen reside in Michigan but getting married in Chicago was very important to her, as this was where she grew up. The Art Institute held a very special place in their hearts, due to Stephen being an artist. They fell in love with the Modern Wing and decided to have their ceremony on Bluhm Terrace and the reception in Griffin Court.
The weekend began with a Welcome Party at Café Ba Ba Reeba, a favorite restaurant of the bride’s family. The next day, the bridesmaids enjoyed a morning of manicures, while the groom and groomsmen enjoyed hot shaves. After the rehearsal on Friday, guests were invited to a Shabbat Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel.
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful fall day for Samantha and Stephen’s Wedding. Samantha and Stephen spent the day taking photos around Chicago prior to the ceremony. Guests arrived just as the sun was setting, and we began the beautiful ceremony on Bluhm Terrace.
Renee Price, Senior Designer with Kehoe Designs, designed the wedding décor for Samantha and Stephen. Samantha carried a single arching stem of white phalaenopsis orchid blooms while her bridesmaids carries a single calla lilies finished with a navy ribbon to match their dresses. The ceremony aisle was adorned with white boxes that held square glass vases with submerged calla lilies and accented succulents. The rustic wood chuppah had soft sheer fabric embellishments on the sides and the families’ tallit hung from the top. Magnificent Milestones created a perfect entrance statement sign that read, “Pick a Seat, Not a Side.”
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvre on Bluhm Terrace and in Terzo Piano before making their way downstairs to Griffin Court for dinner and dancing. Samantha and Stephen danced to “Something Beautiful”. After cutting their wedding cake, guests enjoyed a seasonal apple salad for their first course. Filet and chicken were served for dinner followed by CAKE Chicago‘s Wedding Cake and a selection of petite sweets from Bon Appetit. The Party Faithful kept the dance floor packed all night while Vrai Photography and Smiling Toad captured every moment. Samantha and Stephen are two of the sweetest people, and I am lucky to call them friends of mine today. Congrats you two!
Venue: The Art Institute
Photographer: Vrai Photography
Videographer: Smiling Toad Productions
Floral, Décor and Lighting: Kehoe Designs, Renee Price
Save the Dates, Invitations and Day of Items: Magnificent Milestones
Ceremony: Cantor Deborah Bard
Entertainment: The Party Faithful
Linens: BBJ Linens
Hair: Lauren Logan
Make Up: Brian Sutherby, Muse Beauty
Sunday Brunch: Fairmont Hotel
Shabbat Dinner: Fairmont Hotel
Welcome Reception: Café Ba Ba Reeba
Transportation: VIP Valet Services
Wedding Cake: CAKE Chicago
Wedding Dress: Reem Acra
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bridesmaids Choice of Navy Dresses
