Liz & Dave, Chicago Illuminating Company

I am not even sure how to begin to tell about the journey I had with Liz & Dave in planning their wedding day. It was one filled with laughter, planning pretty details, and setting a foundation of a friendship. I was so honored to work with these two…and their families and amazing team of creative partners!

We started the wedding day at the Four Seasons with Liz and her ladies having hair and make-up done by Sara & Melissa from Sonia Roselli Studios. It’s not like these girls needed a lot of extra primping to look absolutely stunning! Meanwhile, Dave and his gentlemen were relaxing in another room and even spending some time with Webster, Dave & Liz’s dog. As Tim Tab Studios and Chris & Oliver arrived at the Four Seasons, we had the wedding party finalize their preparations and let Liz and Dave have some personal time to open each other’s wedding day gifts. What a very special moment!

Once Liz and Dave were dressed in their finest and ready to go, we had them arrive separately at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for their First Look. How cute are these two!?! I don’t think they ever stopped smiling all day! The Lyric Opera was a perfect location to keep Liz & Dave and their wedding party out of the rain we had that day. But it was also fun to grab some umbrella pictures at the Museum Campus. It was so amazing to have the clouds break and sun come out for the rest of their special day! These shots from Tim and Bethany are award-winning!

While photos were being captured around the city, we were also managing the set up for the ceremony and reception at Chicago Illuminating Company. Guests arrived and walked down the brick alley to the tent covered courtyard. They were able to grab some flavored water before finding a seat, all while being serenaded by musicians from the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. Jessica from HMR Designs had worked with Liz on a romantic setting with a boxwood wall backdrop with two large arrangements flanking the couple. The use of the French Country chairs in this setting was absolutely perfect!

Rev. Tom Maluga performed a lovely ceremony for Dave and Liz with a special blessing from Father FitzGerald. Then it was time to celebrate with the new Mr. & Mrs.! Guests were welcomed into Room 21, which was decorated with hiboy and cabaret tables with cameo shantung linen and white ruffle linen with gold stich. There were also large round ottomans for additional seating. Meanwhile, the staff from Entertaining Company was passing Prosecco with a fresh raspberry garnish, Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin, Pear & Smoked Gouda Quesadillas and Cucumber Yellowfin Tuna Lillipops…just to name a few.

Guests were then brought into the main event space for dinner. The room was a perfect mixture of sequins, stripes and pure elegance. From the drapery to the mixture of table sizes and textures to the gold rimmed glassware to the crystal versaille chairs and the low, lush floral arrangements – it was such a romantic picture. Liz and Dave had their parents and wedding party enter the dining room to “Bust a Move”, while they entered the room as husband and wife to “You Make My Dreams”. Guests enjoyed a lovely meal with a Wild Field Greens first course and a Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin & Seabass duet entrée.

After a lovely speech from Liz and Dave, they hit the dance floor for their first dance to “Into the Mystic.” The Becca Kaufman Orchestra performed this and the parent dances and then the dance floor was open. So was the dessert station!!! Between the beautiful and yummy carrot cake from Elysia Root Cakes and the mini desserts (like the warm doughnut holes and nutella crepes) from Entertaining Company, guests were in heaven. For those guests that needed a break from the dancing, we transformed the brick alley into a cigar bar. So many details and so many pretty things for a couple that I am honored to call my friends. Congratulations Liz & Dave!

PS – Please check out some of Liz’s thoughts on her wedding and follow her at Sequins & Stripes.

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