Alaina, Mike, and I all went to the same college, though we didn’t know each other very well there. My good friend Angela recommended that Alaina get in touch in early 2010. Alaina is a super “Type A” who was looking for someone to help bring together the details on her June 2011 wedding. Yes, she was WAY ahead of the game!
The day began at Alaina’s parents’ home in Mount Prospect. The bright blue house on the corner was the perfect backdrop for Alaina and Mike’s royal blue and yellow wedding. I was thrilled that the lovely Jaclyn Simpson had been selected as photographer. Wedding days are always more fun with friends around! As Jaclyn snapped away, the ladies took turns in Livia Caporale’s chair and Alaina’s cousin, Jamie, helped out with makeup. Before long it was time to zip Alaina into her gorgeous fairy tale princess-style gown. Especially appropriate given the couple’s honeymoon destination.
Meanwhile, the gentlemen had arrived at Life Community Church to get dressed. Just steps away from where the ladies were primping, we took extra care to close the blinds so that Mike couldn’t peek at his bride-to-be! Just before start time, the girls ambled across the street to line up for the ceremony.
I love this photo of Alaina and her dad just before they walked down the aisle–it captures her so perfectly: giving instruction even seconds before start time! haha.
Their lovely ceremony was officiated by Alaina’s childhood pastor. The familiarity was quite apparent and made for a very meaningful sermon. The bride and groom were absolutely glowing!
The schedule for the day was a bit tricky given their 1:30pm ceremony and 6:00pm reception start time. To help fill in some of that large gap, the bride’s family hosted a cake and punch reception in the church basement following the ceremony. It also allowed them some time to mingle friends and relatives who had traveled from near and far to witness their nuptials before the hubub of the evening activities began!
Once they’d had their fill of nibblies, the bridal party hopped on a trolley from Chicago Trolley Rentals to take photos in the area. They were able to obtain a permit from Arlington Park Racetrack to take some great group shots on their grounds. My favorites were a nod to how Alaina and Mike met: in a college course about pirates!
At Maggiano’s, guests were greeted by countless details that the bride and her mom had been working on throughout the planning process. A Wishing Tree invited family and friends to provide well-wishes to the newlyweds; Hershey’s kiss roses (made by a friend) adorned every place setting; traditional floral centerpieces created by Rolling Meadows Florist were complimented by the cute and kitschy table signs, each with a different superhero! The pièce de résistance, however, was the unbelievable candy bar filled with no less than 300 lbs. (yes, that’s THREE HUNDRED) of blue, yellow, and white candy. Wow!
The evening was filled with heart-felt speeches, delicious home-style Italian food, and lots, and lots of dancing courtesy of Style Matters DJs!
Alaina and Mike, it was such a pleasure working with you on your beautiful day–and I’m so glad we have so many mutual friends so we can stay up to date on each other’s lives! All the best for many wonderful years of wedded bliss.
Joan, I live right near that bright blue house in Mount Prospect!
Small world.
It was so great to work with Joan and Lauren on this wedding!! And Mike and Alaina are amazing clients!!
Joan and Jaclyn, you were absolutely amazing on Alaina and Mike special day. As parents we knew everything was in good hands and we were free to enjoy the day. This blog is another example of your professional and personal attention to every detail. You summed up the day with elegant words and pictures as only you can. Thanks from the parents.