Chicago Botanic Garden, Mariana & Joey

Mariana and Joey’s wedding weekend began after their rehearsal with a lovely Rehearsal Dinner at Skokie Country Club and then they continued the celebration with a Welcome Party at Trifecta Grill.

The morning of the wedding B. Beautiful Chicago and Kristin Ruengpinyophun made sure the ladies’ makeup and hair were picture perfect. Steven from Steven Rosenberg Photography and Will and Vadim from Imagination Designers were there to capture all the getting ready fun and special moments throughout the day. Joey and his groomsmen headed over to the Chicago Botanic Garden for some photos and then Mariana and her bridesmaids headed that way as well. Once Mariana and Joey’s first look was complete it was time for group photos.

After photos were finished it was time for the Wedding Party to head to Glencoe Union Church (which you might recognize this church from the movie Sixteen Candles). After a wonderful ceremony performed by Reverend David Wood it was time to make Mariana’s childhood dream complete as we headed back to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden for their reception.

Nicole from Fleur Couture added beautiful touches to the English Walled Garden. As guests entered the garden she hung mossy M and J Letters that were accented with fresh blooms on the garden gate doors. The large beautiful tree by the little pond was adorned with garden style arrangements in mason jars hung from navy ribbon and lanterns. The place card table had two large billowy garden style arrangements on both ends composed of hydrangea, garden roses, stock, dahlias, babies breath, curly willow and other seasonal florals in shades of ivory, blush, butter & apricot in ivory iron garden urns. The escort cards were placed atop green moss filled beveled mirrored boxes and mixed in between the boxes were votive candles and large open blooms. Guests enjoyed Crab Cakes, Goat Cheese Croquettes, Pork Tenderloin, Ratatouille Bruschetta and Roasted Scallops.

As guests entered McGinely Pavilion for the reception they took in all the beauty that surrounded them. There were tables with tall clear glass curvy vases topped with airy arrangements of ivory hydrangea, butter, yellow and ivory roses, peach and blush hypericum berries, deep blue delphinium, blush spray roses, blush dahlias, apricot stock, ivory Hawaiian orchids, ivory wax flower queen annes lace, seeded eucalyptus, trailing jasmine with votive candles hanging from curly willow branches. Other tables had low mercury glass footed vases filled with a cascading mix of similar floral in the taller arrangements including some curly willow touches.

Dan from The Indigo Band announced in our newlyweds and they cut their gorgeous cake from Three Tarts Bakery. After the cake cutting Mariana’s parents welcomed their guests and Reverend David Wood blessed the meal. The Best Man and Maid of Honor toasted the happy couple while guests enjoyed their Romaine, Radicchio and Watercress Salad. Guests dined on Filet Mignons, Roasted Salmon or Wild Mushroom Ravioli all cooked to perfection by the team from Culinary Landscape. Mariana’s Father took another moment to speak about his daughter and his new son-in-law. And then it was Mariana and Joey’s turn to honor their families and friends.

After their thank you speech Mariana and Joey had their first dance followed by the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. And now it was time for The Indigo Band to let loose and get this group on the dance floor and my goodness they kept them on the dance floor all night to the point that I wasn’t sure we were ever going to get them off of it. After the band played their final song was when some of the remaining guests broke into a capella singing and if memory serves me correctly Mariana had a part in this as well. It was such a fun night for everyone!

I was very honored to help Mariana and Joey with their wedding planning process. Throughout their wedding day I was able to see so many loving looks, genuine smiles, laughter and pure happiness. I love catching up with them and always look forward to the next time I see them.

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