Despite the fact that you see one outdoor wedding after another on SMP (and around the web, frankly), we are always, always, always on the search for really beautiful indoor, ballroom style weddings. I had a ballroom wedding myself so I know just how tricky they can be when it comes to design. The yucky carpets, the banquet chairs…you know what I’m talkin’ about. Well this ballroom wedding is anything but yucky. It’s flat out GORGEOUS and the bride did an incredible job infusing her day with a little bit of princess, a little bit of Marie Antoinette…and a LOT of style. Photographed by the powerhouse duo, Jeffrey and Julia Woods (who we love, big time), this is definitely a keeper. And if you are dying to see more, click right here!
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With the help of my mom and our wedding coordinator Beth Maxwell, we were able to create the perfect elegant country club wedding with an outdoor feel. After falling in love with Manolo Blanhik’s “Something Blue” shoes, I knew everything about the wedding would have a touch of elegance and “blue”.
The day began early in the morning with my mom, bridesmaids, in blueberry Juicy Couture tracksuits, and myself, in a white Juicy Couture tracksuit, getting our hair and makeup done. Marissa Schmitt at Studio 110 in Chicago, Illinois and Makeup by Sabrina made my wedding “look” flawless and stunning.
Staying traditional, Nick and I decided the big reveal would be walking down the aisle. It was a moment I know we will both remember forever. My dad walked me down the aisle to the River City Quartet at Sacred Heart Church. As we left the church, man and wife, eleven doves were released as we made our way to a white Rolls Royce getaway car—with blue interior of course!
Our reception turned out absolutely beautiful. From the specially made sushi inspired from our favorite roll from Ko Fusion in Champaign, Illinois to the large outdoor tent, draped in white with crystal chandeliers hanging down the center to our amazing band and vocalist, Peter Oprisko, who kept the party going for hours. The guests were able to dance the night away, overlooking the picturesque Illinois River.
The inside of the Country Club of Peoria was draped in elegant rose-colored dupioni silk, with ruffled silk hanging at the corners. These beautiful linens were inspired from my wedding gown. The ivory chiffon ruffles hung beneath my Monique Lhuillier blue sash, similar to the ruffles from the table. To continue the theme of blue, the groom wore a blue and navy striped bowtie with his black Calvin Klein tuxedo to match the groomsmen. The bridesmaids wore beautiful navy chiffon gowns by Amsale. Barbara Evans at the Cake Connection dyed the Ron Ben-Israel inspired cake, which was trimmed in ancient architectural elements, a deeper shade of the blue in my sash.
As a special surprise to Nick, Beth helped me create “Lavin’s Pub,” a dedication to Notre Dame football and his Irish heritage. Here, wedding guests could enjoy pub food, such as sliders and potato skins. Cyd’s Sendsationals created the Notre Dame mascot in the form of a standing rice crispy treat and a red velvet cake (Nick’s favorite) adorned with the Lavin family crest.
Before leaving the reception the guests were able to collect strawberry shortcake in a jar, which were created by That’s a Cake? and inspired by Martha Stewart. After almost a full year of planning, our wedding day was exactly what we wanted it to be and more. Jeffrey and Julia Woods captured our memories of this day perfectly.”
Photography: Jeffrey and Julia Woods / Cinematography: Jeffrey and Julia Woods / Flowers, Event Design + Planning: Save the Date / Ceremony Location: Sacred Heart Church / Reception Location: Country Club of Peoria / Dress: Oscar de la Renta with Monique Lhuillier Sash / Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale / Cake: That’s a Cake? / Make-Up: Studio 101, Chicago