One of the greatest joys as a wedding planner is being a part of my closest friend’s wedding celebrations. I don’t know of a better way to start off the year!

Katie was always good at making decisions and she definitely knows what she wants. Katie and Luke chose to get married in the winter (her favorite time of year) at Old St. Pat’s with the reception at Harold Washington Library. It was a fitting venue for Katie who loves a good read.

We incorporated some personal touches that Katie designed, in the details; invitations that resembled library cards, catalogue cases for the escort cards and book ends for décor on the escort card table. Each dining table was named after Katie and Luke’s favorite book titles. Kio Kreations created a winter wonderland in the Winter Garden of Harold Washington Library . We adorned the tables with lush white hydrangea, astilble, stock, garden roses and seeded eucalyptus in mercury and silver pilsner vases.

The bridesmaids wore custom-made fur stoles (a gift from the bride) around the city to keep them warm along with their winter boots. Katie carried an all white bouquet of peonies and phaleanopsis orchids wrapped in her dress remnant with a feather trim and a vintage silver brooche. We surprised Katie and Luke with a horse drawn carriage after the mass at Old St. Pat’s. After spending a few moments together, Katie and Luke joined the bridal party and headed over to Harold Washington Library for the reception. Blue Plate Catering provided a seasonal menu, including an asparagus and goat cheese salad with butternut squash soup (the bride and groom’s favorite) as a first course. We served dessert from an all white sweets station that included mini wedding cakes from Cake Chicago, iced sugar cookies, glazed donuts and cake pops. We even served hot spiced apple cider as guests departed to keep them warm.

I was honored to be a part of Katie and Luke’s day and we had the best time planning their wedding. Congrats you two!!