Amanda & Chris, The Ivy Room

Amanda, Chris and I bonded over our love of food and Southern Tier’s Pumking Beer. Our planning meetings had an extra special something because we tried new restaurants, while going over all of the details for their gorgeous and playful Fall wedding last year.

Amanda and Chris chose to get ready at the Embassy Suites and to have their ‘First Look’ there. Kent, from Kent Drake Photography, continually amazes me with his talent in capturing the essence of couples and the most unique shots, like the one of Amanda and Chris in the two different elevators. Every detail, perfectly captured! After some photos with just the couple, Kent took the entire wedding party out around Chicago for additional photos.

Guests began arriving at the Ivy Room and due to the chillier weather, the indoor ceremony option was set. Amanda and Chris worked with Jessica from HMR Designs to provide this gorgeous, romantic setting for their nuptials. The gold Versailles chairs, cluster of lanterns and leaf texture from Frost Chicago, and the elevated curly willow floral arrangements were absolutely perfect. A favorite moment of mine was that Chris’ mother was their officiant – what a unique detail. Keith, from Poetic Productions, was able to capture their exchange of vows, as Amanda and Chris kept their ceremony playful, yet full of love.

After the “I Do’s”, guests made their way downstairs for the cocktail hour and noshed on Wonton Crisps with Peking Duck and Paneer Bruschetta. As I mentioned, Amanda and Chris are foodies and they worked very closely with Julie from Entertaining Company to customize a food and beverage menu that wowed their guests. While guests enjoyed the festive atmosphere downstairs, we were busy flipping the room for the reception. Entertaining Company and HMR Designs worked hand in hand to transform the room into a fall landscape with the leaf texture on the walls, beige and espresso bengaline linens, and high and low centerpieces featuring green and antique hydrangeas, purple dendrobium orchids, burnt orange calla lilies, golden roses and burgundy hanging amaranthus.

Amanda, Chris and their Wedding Party were introduced into the room to “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins. Amanda’s father gave a short welcome to all of the guests and then the first course of Roasted Corn Chowder with Frisee Salad was served. Guests enjoyed toasting Amanda and Chris with the Miller High Life little pony. I mean, it is the champagne of beers! After an entrée of either Beef Short Ribs or Zucchini Encrusted Sable Fish, guests hit the dance floor with The Party Faithful for a night of celebration! Congratulations to Amanda and Chris!!

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