Rachel and Matt are not only a beautiful couple, but two of the most genuine, kind hearted people we’ve ever met. Working with them and their families throughout the wedding planning process was an absolute joy, and their big day was as charming and fun as they are. Though they lived in New York at the time, Rachel and Matt decided to get married in Chicago, where Rachel’s parents reside. Their wedding announcement was posted in the New York Times – read it here! 

Rachel and Matt got married on Sunday, July 1st, at Bridgeport Art Center. The bridesmaids started the morning gathered at Rachel’s parents’ condo downtown, where they got their hair and makeup done by Livia Caporale and Andie Cumber.

The groomsmen started off at the Westin, and then headed over to Rachel’s parents’ building, where they continued casually hanging out in the recreation room for the rest of the morning. Matt then put on his tux from The Black Tux and got ready with a little help from his friends.

Rachel put on her stunning Isabelle Armstrong dress and then headed over to the building’s terrace for her First Look with Matt. 

The wedding party departed via Windy City Limo for the Art Institute Gardens, where they took photos with Rebecca Marie Photography and video with SocialArt Cinema.

While the wedding party took photos, the Five Grain team headed over to Bridgeport Art Center to get everything ready. In addition to the lovely floral arrangements that Life in Bloom displayed throughout the loft, they also suspended an elegant floral structure below the sky light that added even more life to the space. 

Before the ceremony began, Rachel and Matt had their Ketubah Signing, led by Rabbi Ari Moffic.

Their ceremony was short but oh so meaningful. Rachel and Matt recited their own vows to one another, and the love for the couple radiated through the room of happy tears.

During cocktail hour, everyone was in for a big surprise: One of the “guests” turned out to be magician Sean Masterson! Everyone who encountered Sean was both shocked and delighted with his close-up magic. In lieu of a guest book, Rachel and Matt’s friends and family were encouraged to sign a jenga piece. They also got to enjoy His and Hers Drinks provided by Venue Logic, and a spread of Rachel and Matt’s favorite foods, such as reuben sandwiches and pretzels, provided by Blue Plate.

After cocktail hour, the 200+ guests headed into the dining room for dinner. The space was absolutely stunning with the beautiful flowers, warm glow of the candles, and colorful table numbers and menus by Sarah Drake Design.

Between the delicious meals by Blue Plate, guests enjoyed thoughtful speeches from the bride’s parents and best man.

During their thank you speech, Rachel surprised Matt with a gift: a baseball cap with a bowtie on it (an homage to his love of wearing backwards caps), which Matt would go on to wear for the second half of the evening. After everyone had a few good laughs, the couple went into their cake cutting, followed by their first dance.

In addition to the wedding cake, there were ample yummy desserts that had everyone going back for seconds and thirds!

The party got kicked into high gear when open dancing began. Everyone immediately flooded the dance floor and The Gold Coast All Stars were absolutely phenomenal.

There was a short break from open dancing for the parent dances. In keeping with the laid back nature of the latter part of the evening, both Rachel’s dad and Matt wore backwards caps during their dances.

The newlyweds, Rachel’s parents, and Matt’s mom all went up for the hora, which was a blast as always!

Towards the end of the night, the guests were given glow sticks to crank up the party even more! The night ended with the song “Country Roads,” which was fitting given Matt’s West Virginia roots. Everyone joined together and belted the song, and it was a powerful and euphoric way to end the night.

Thank you, Rachel and Matt, for including us during this important time in your life! We loved working with you and wish you a lifetime of laughter and adventures together.

Being a part of someone’s wedding is always such an amazing feeling — knowing that this is a day they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives, makes our job SO special! When Carla and Liam asked us to be a part of their big day we were too excited (especially since she is Joan’s first cousin-in-law)!

Carla and her ladies began their day on the sixth floor of University Club of Chicago in the Millennium North room featuring beautiful panoramic view of Millennium Park. Jennifer and Megan from Cattura Weddings were there to begin capturing each precious moment. The ladies took turns having their hair and make-up perfected by the very talented Marjia Puljic and Melanie Welsh, while enjoying delicious brunch items provided by The Club. Meanwhile, one floor up, the groom and his gents were enjoying a very relaxed morning before they got dressed and ready for the excitement of the day.

Carla slipped into her gown and we were all in awe! She looked absolutely radiant — her contagious smile kept us all in such a joyful mood. Upstairs the guys tying their bow ties (thank goodness for YouTube!). After everyone was ready, the charter bus from Signature Transportation Group arrived to bring the wedding party and immediate family over to the church.

Everyone made their way to Assumption Catholic Church and found their seats to watch the union of Carla and Liam. As three o’clock struck, the wedding party made their way down the aisle, and the happy couple enjoyed their beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. After the ceremony the wedding party headed around the city to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather and snap photos at various Chicago locations.

As the wedding party enjoyed photos, set-up was well underway at the University Club of Chicago. The Michigan Room is already so beautiful with unique architectural design, tall ceilings, and a grand fireplace — but with the help of each vendor the space became absolutely breathtaking. Steve’s Flower Market filled each tabletop with lush floral arrangements, vibrant greenery, and elegant decor. The tables were finished off with gold chiavari chairs from Chicago Chair Rental Collection adding an extra pop of glamour to the room.

Guests arrived and were invited up the The Gallery on the 12th floor — to enjoy cocktail hour with a scenic view of the city. Everyone enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres before the evening continued in the Michigan Room for dinner service.

As soon as Carla, Liam, and their parents were announced into the room we all watched as the couple cut their delicious cake and shared their first dance as a married couple. Their meal service by University Club of Chicago‘s catering team started and guests enjoyed mouth watering meals. Heartfelt and hilarious speeches in honor of the bride and groom where shared their by loved ones.

Speeches were followed by adorable parent dances, that ended with open dancing for all! The very talented Dan Hayes Band kept guest of all ages enjoying the music at night long.

Carla and Liam, congratulations on your new marriage, we are so grateful to have been a part of your special day! Best of luck in your new adventures in London!

We have the pleasure of meeting so many couples, each with their own unique love story. Jessica and Steve’s story of ‘on and off’ long distance is one that truly warmed our hearts. When Jessica initially reached out to us about a year ago, we knew this process would be a journey — and we were so excited to begin!

To our surprise and delight, despite unseasonably warm weather this June, the weather was absolutely perfect that Saturday morning — sunny and 75 degrees! We arrived at ACME Hotel to find the bride and her ladies getting all dolled up, with hair by the very talented Livia Caporale and make-up perfected by Deanna Lewis. Each bridesmaid then took turns putting on their mismatched dresses, that each seemed to reflect their personality perfectly. The guys were taking their time getting ready a few floors up awaiting the first look.

It was finally time for the bride to slip on her gorgeous dress. She blew us all away, so we knew Steve was going to melt when he saw his beautiful bride.

The first look took place without a hitch, and AJ Abelman from Artisan Events Photography was there to capture this sweet moment for the couple. Shortly after, it was time to load up the bus provided by Windy City Limousine and the wedding party was off to take photos all over the city of Chicago.

As we arrived at Artifact Events to assist with the set-up process, Fleur was hard at work crafting their creative escort card board. The ceremony and reception areas took our breath away! Artifact Events‘ unique space was the perfect backdrop with high ceilings and exposed brick walls.

Soon it was time to get the wedding party lined up and ready to walk the aisle. The happy couple stood up in front of their loved ones for a sweet and intimate ceremony. After the ceremony guests were welcomed into the Ravenswood Room for cocktail hour and delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Cocktail hour flew by, and before long it was time to invite guests upstairs for dinner and dancing. After Jessica and Steve were announced in, their loved ones took turns with a few heartfelt speeches. The best man, maid of honor, and both fathers all attested to the true love Jessica and Steve share with one another. Hearty Boys then invited the guests to partake in a full buffet filled with mouth-watering Chicago style food!

The groom’s sister was kind enough to bake a lovely and delicious cutting cake for Jessica and Steve–it looked just like the inspiration photo!  It is so nice to have generous and talented friends and family.

After dinner service finished the bride and groom thanked all of their guests for making it out to celebrate with them just before sharing their first dance.  Then, it was time to party!  Zach from Green Line Talent kept the dance floor filled all night long.  Guests were able to take a break from all the dancing to enjoy a delicious donut display provided by Do-Rite Donuts or snap fun photos to remember the evening in the ShutterBooth photo booth.

As the end of the evening inevitably approached and Jessica and Steve’s limo whisked them away, we took a moment to reflect on such a perfect day. Thank you both for sharing your wedding day with us! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Every now and again you meet a person for the first time and you immediately wish you were friends with them. Let me tell you — after coordinating Libby and Kelly’s big day, we are all wishing we could be a part of their family!

All week leading up to this Memorial Day weekend wedding, we watched as the weather forecast switched back and forth from rain to sunshine. The day finally arrived and the sunny, 85-degree weather certainly set an exciting mood for the wedding party. We arrived at Renaissance Chicago Downtown as the ladies finished up their wedding day looks. With Blohaute stying hair and Shannon O’Brien MUA doing make-up they each looked absolutely stunning.

A few floors up, Kelly and his groomsmen were slowly starting to pull themselves together as they relaxed and enjoyed brunch items from Corner Bakery. Their photographer from Todd James Photography and the videographer from Cling and Peck soon arrived. They were just in time to capture the sweet story behind the brides ‘something blue’ given to her by her, soon-to-be, mother-in-law!

Libby and her wedding party were then picked up by a trolley from Empire Limousine, and taken to Lincoln Park for a quick photo shoot. Meanwhile, the gentlemen stayed back for some photos in the lobby of Renaissance Chicago Downtown.  Before long it was time to hide the bride and groom away on separate sides of St. Alphonsus Church while their guests arrived on charter buses provided by M&M Limousine.

St. Alphonsus played host to a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony in its breathtaking cathedral. After the two committed their love to one another, family photos were captured outside of the church.

While the guests were shuttled back to the hotel to freshen up before cocktail hour, the wedding party headed off to get a few photos around the city. Meanwhile, the Five Grain team arrived at Chicago Cultural Center for set-up. This already perfect reception venue was somehow becoming even more stunning! Tables and chairs by Hall’s Rentals were combined with floral and decor by Flowers For Dreams. Together they gave each table elegant and simple final touches!

As guests arrived for cocktail hour in GAR Hall we knew we were in for an epic night. Libby and Kelly’s loved ones gathered to celebrate were just as amazing as the couple! Drinks were served as guests began to chat and laugh. Immediately following cocktail hour, it was time for the guests to make their way into Preston Bradley Hall to get the celebration started!

As soon as everyone was seated, Bluewater Kings Band began to rock the house! The wedding party and parents of the bride and groom were then announced into the room and the bride and groom followed behind — immediately jumping into their first dance as a married couple!

Not long after that it was time to start dinner. Limelight Catering served the most delicious meal, as always. Throughout dining service we listened in on the heartfelt toasts and blessings given to the bride and groom. The best man even managed to bring his audience straight from laughter to tears in one short speech! After the bride and groom thanked all of their guest, it was time for open dancing.

It’s not often that you see an entire room of guests on the dance floor, but Bluewater Kings Band‘s music choices brought guests of all ages out on the floor! In the middle of all the celebrating, Libby and her college dance team were announce onto the floor where they preformed an adorable routine. Just as we thought things couldn’t get any better the guests all continued to dance the night away.

We loved seeing this video short that Cling & Peck put together:

Libby and Kelly, thank you so much for letting us be a part of your big day. You two were an absolute pleasure to work with. Cheers to a lifetime of fabulous memories just like your wedding!