Eleni & Steve, Saddle & Cycle Club

Theirs is a story of meeting, losing touch with each other, and then falling in love. Eleni & Steve had been dating 6 years when Steve proposed and while both of them did not grow up in Chicago, they call this city their home and wanted to celebrate their marriage here. When I first spoke with the couple, they wanted an elegant, traditional, but unique wedding day. We were able to customize a planning timeline that worked with their busy schedules, yet made them feel informed of the decisions and purchases that had to be made.

My first thought was to introduce Eleni & Steve to averyhouse to capture their day. It was the perfect connection and Vanessa was able to get every moment of the day, and every detail that Eleni chose for the day. But this was not just Eleni’s day, I loved that Steve was so involved in the planning of their wedding day. From their joint decision to get married at Saint Clement, to going on site visits for their reception location, and leading the charge for securing the perfect band, Steve was involved and they seemed to easily agree on every decision.

Eleni & Steve had attended social events at the Saddle & Cycle Club and with new eyes, they fell in love with the venue for their wedding. The expansive green lawn, open terrace and bright ballroom were just what they had in mind for their celebration. To help set more of the theme for the wedding, we worked with Fleur to put together a Timeless Elegant look featuring cream, ivory, green and hints of raspberry. We also had some fun showcasing unique linens like the Ivory Gabriella Linen on the Escort Card Table and the Ivory Corsage Linen on the Hiboys. One of my favorite vignettes of the day was the Escort Card Table – all sorts of prettiness!!

From being introduced to Chelsea Dagger, to the last song of Sweet Home Chicago, the dance floor was packed thanks to the rockin’ tunes of Chicago Groove Collective. Eleni & Steve’s guests were treated to the culinary delights at the Saddle & Cycle Club and the couple’s favorite desserts from Sweet Mandy B’s. Eleni absolutely loves sparklers, things that sparkle, paper goods and pops of pink. All of these items were included throughout the day – bridesmaid dresses, linens, the exquisite stationery from Magnificent Milestones, and bridesmaid bouquet ribbons. While I always get a little nervous around sparklers at the end of the night, their guests enjoyed waving sparklers to congratulate Eleni & Steve and then grabbing some tacos from the Big Star Food Truck.

Congratulations Eleni & Steve! I loved working with you, getting to know you more, and to be able to call you friends!

A little note from Eleni & Steve:

As we woke up this morning, one of our first thoughts was about your absolutely flawless execution of our big day. Thank you so much. We can’t wait to get together with you soon to remember all the craziness!

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Bakery: Sweet Mandy B’s
Beauty: Pin Me Up
Ceremony: Saint Clement
Floral: Fleur
Venue, Food & Beverage: Saddle & Cycle Club
Late Night Food Truck: Big Star
Rehearsal Dinner: Spiaggia
Post Wedding Day Brunch & Room Block Hotel: The Westin Michigan Avenue
Linens: BBJ Linen
Musicians: Chicago Groove Collective
Photographer: averyhouse
Getting Ready & Room Block Hotel: The Four Seasons
Additional Room Block: Raffaello Chicago
Stationery & Signage: Magnificent Milestones
Transportation: V.I.P. Valet Services
Wedding Planner: Nicole Zenner from LK Events